February 22, 2010
US announces rules for organic livestock raising
The USDA has released the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations, in order to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants.
The rule provides certainty to consumers that organic livestock production is a pasture-based system in which animals are actively grazing pasture during the grazing season.
The main components of the rule include:
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Animals must graze pasture during a 120 day season of which 30% must be dry matter;
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Producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the feed requirements; and,
- Livestock are exempt from the 30% dry matter intake requirements during the finish feeding period, not to exceed 120 days.
