Dairy and Livestock Transition

Information, Services and Support for Vermont's Organic Dairy & Livestock Community

How to Transition to Organic or Purchase an Organic Herd

If you are considering transitioning your existing dairy herd to organic, read the transition guidelines, then call the office to request a transition packet. The transition packet contains additional information as well as the forms to fill out once you decide to begin your herd transition. You can also request a visit from one of the livestock advisors. This visit will help answer any questions you may have and ensure you are taking the right steps. We will also provide you with additional resources to help you transition. The visit costs $50, which is a subsidized price made possible by funding from supporting organizations and individuals listed at the bottom of this page. Visit the Organic Dairy and Livestock Program Webpage for information on other resources, loans, financial information and management information.

If you are considering buying a herd of dairy cows which are already certified organic, you must be sure to certify your farm before the cows arrive. Call the office to request the application forms to certify your farm organic. You can also request a visit from one of the livestock advisors. You can also request a visit from one of the livestock advisors. This visit will help answer any questions you may have and ensure you are taking the right steps. We will also provide you with additional resources to help you transition. The visit costs $50, which is a subsidized price made possible by funding from supporting organizations and individuals listed at the bottom of this page. You may also want to read Preparing for the VOF Organic Inspector or visit the VOF web page to learn more about organic certification.

Make sure you find a market for your milk! Certification doesn't guarantee you an organic milk market.

If you want to produce organic meat: in order to qualify as organic slaughter stock, an animal must have been managed organically for the last third of its gestation. This means that its mother needs to have been organically managed for at least the last third of her pregnancy. You will also need to find a certified organic slaughterhouse if you plan to use the word "organic" on your meat label. Call the office to request the application forms to certify your farm and your livestock. You may also request an informational visit.

If you want to produce organic fiber (wool): In order to meet the organic fiber production standards, an animal must meet the same requirements for meat.

Funding sources for the NOFA Vermont Dairy and Livestock Technical Assistance Program include:

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture
The University of Vermont
The USDA Risk Management Agency
The John Merck Fund
The Freeman Foundation
The USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
Vermont Farm Viability Enhancement Program