Many farmers are aware of the benefits of organic farming, but the transition from a conventional dairy to a certified organic dairy operation can seem like an insurmountable mountain, especially for a farmer contemplating the move for the first time. At Kalona Farms, we want to help make this decision and subsequent transition as easy as possible for you. We have many resources to offer the first-time certified organic producer. We are here for you!

1. The first step is very simple: contact us!  We have three experienced farm liaisons to help you get started. 
2. Contact a USDA-certified organic certifier. You may use any certifier you like. See the bottom of this blog for a list of USDA Certified Organic agents that are frequently used by the farms that supply milk to us.
3. The land being certified must be free from any prohibited pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers for three years. Check here for information on USDA organic regulations.
4. Your cows need one year of transition, which is usually the last year of the three year land transition. This is a one-time per farm event (you can’t transition cows back and forth). If you grow your own feed, you can feed your cows during their year of transition with crops grown on your farm in the third year of the land’s transition (this can help with feed costs).
5. All feed sources outside of crops grown on the farm in the third year of transition need to be USDA certified organic. You must keep all receipts and organic certificates of these purchases as documentation.
6. If your farm abuts conventionally-farmed land, you must have a buffer strip between the conventional farm and your farm. Check with your certifier about how wide this strip needs to be.
7. There is a pasture requirement for certified organic cows. During the growing season, milking cows and replacement heifers need 30% of the total ration fed to come from pasture on a dry matter basis for 120 days minimum. Our farm liaisons can help you calculate pasture requirements.

These are some of the highlights of what certified organic dairy farming entails. Contact us for more information!  We are here to help!

Certifying Agents

Below are organic certifiers that are frequently used by the farmers we work with. Check here for the complete list:

1. Ecocert: 888-337-8246 www.indianacertifiedorganic.com
2. GOA: 937-593-1232 www.goa-online.org
3. IDALS: 515-281-5783 www.iowaagriculture.gov/AgDiversification/organicCertification.asp
4. MOSA: 608-637-2526 www.mosaorganic.org
5. OEFFA: 614-262-2022 www.mosaorganic.org
6. OneCert: 402-420-6080 www.onecert.com
7. Oregon Tilth: 503-378-0690 www.tilth.org
8. QCS: 352-377-0133 www.qcsinfo.org