What feed grains do organic dairy, livestock, and poultry producers want?
As dairy farmers convert to organic, generally they will begin with a production system based on corn and soybeans because they are familiar with it, stimulating demand for organic corn and soybeans in the local market. As producers gain experience and see the effects of the organic production on their herds, they may switch to different grain and grass mixes that are easier for the cows to digest, resulting in better herd health and increased longevity (Miller 2006). This change is particularly true for those farmers who adopt the philosophy underlying the historic organic movement, for which sustainability and animal welfare are central.This potential evolution in dairy production systems means that demand for alternative grains such as barley, oats, triticale, sunflower seed and meal, and field peas is likely to emerge, in addition to the continuing demand for corn and soybeans. Establishing rotations that include these alternative grains can help organic feed-grain producers enhanc
