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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #327404
Title: Organic dairy production systems

Author
item DALEY, CYNTHIA - California State University
item HEINS, BRADLEY - University Of Minnesota
item Soder, Kathy

Submitted to: American Dairy Science Association Abstracts
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/10/2017
Publication Date: 6/10/2017
Citation: Daley, C. A., Heins, B. J., Soder, K.J., Sorge, U., Brito, A. F., Mullen, K., A. E., Washburn, S. P. 2017. Organic dairy production systems. In: Beede D. K. Large Dairy Herd Management. 3rd edition. Champaign, IL: American Dairy Science Association. 115-126.

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive Summary not required.

Technical Abstract: Organic dairy production is a system of farming that relies upon specific management practices that enhance the chemical, biological, and physical properties of soil as the primary method for improving pasture and crop productivity. Organic milk production has been one of the fastest growing segments of production agriculture in the United States, created by consumer demand for organic dairy products. Among all nations involved in organic, the United States is the largest, with organic sales reaching $29 billion in 2013. Organic dairy products are listed as the second leading food category (after fresh fruits and vegetables) for U.S. sales of organic food. To meet this need, the organic dairy industry has grown to 6% of the national fluid milk sales. The organic dairy industry is growing, but has a number of challenges ahead including unregulated imports of organic milk products, shortages of organic feed grains, and competition from other “value-added” dairy products and beverages. Organic dairy production is not for everyone, it requires heavy oversight, a significant commitment to additional paperwork, and a willingness to embrace a more biological approach to milk production. The future is not without challenges, but the industry continues to be a viable alternative for farmers capable of embracing change.