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New to Organic World/ Looking to raise Organic cattle
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Author:  organic dreamer [ Fri Jul 16, 2004 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  New to Organic World/ Looking to raise Organic cattle

I am new to the world of organics but I have discovered through minimal research that the cattle that my grandfather owns maybe only a few steps away from becoming certified organic. I am interested in purchasing his cattle and raising them here close to the metroplex. Through my reasearch I have discovered many questions. I would love to inherit a mentor of sorts that has been down this road that might be willing to lend me a hand. I am 27 years old and full of excitement and energy to make this happen. This is where my user name comes from. I have a dream to continue my Grandfather's operation but only make it stronger and better to capitilize on what he has already done. SO if someone can help me that would be most appreciated.
1. The only thing I can find at this moment that makes his cattle non-organic is that he has been applying nitrogen fertilizer to his pastures. No growth hormones or antibiotics. So where do I go from here. How long do I have to wait after this has been stopped for the cattle to be technically organic.
2. I am searching endlessly for about 150 acres around the metroplex. Must I find organic pastures or could I begin to convert whatever I find to organic? If I must convert, how long do I have to wait before my cattle could graze it as organic pastures?
3. Who do I contact for help to begin the process of certifying my cattle as organic?
4. Finally, how do I enter the market? Should I just enter as "natural" beef until I am certified organic? I believe I would already qualify for this.
I really appreciate any help I can get! I believe God is calling me to do this. This is my love and my passion. I have searched, ever since I was a child and my dad farmed, to become a farmer or rancher myself. Could this be the way?
Thank you.

Author:  Robert D Bard [ Sun Jul 18, 2004 7:31 am ]
Post subject:  organic cows

Don't worry about being organic at first. I don't think i want to fool with it because as the gobernment got involved they tried to water it down to hurt us and support the industrial farming concerns.
Find land and if you don't have to be in a hurry moving cows, start using humates (cheap) to restore land. Develope garsses if you have mostly weeds, use bacteria to break down any chemicals that might have been used on the land. Add trace minerals to improve quality - I prefer sea water as it is complete and inexpensive. They also get from way off shore - out where there is no pollution in the ocean. www.oceangrown.com
www.enviromateinc.com
www.emtechnologynetwork.org
This will get you started on learning.
Robert D Bard

Author:  user_48634 [ Sat Jul 31, 2004 9:59 am ]
Post subject: 

I believe three years is what you need to have. That means three years in the program. Just claiming to be clean for three years won't cut it. You have to document everything you use for three years.

In the mean time, you might look at holistic resource management of livestock. Do an Internet search. Look for "managing wholes," and for "holistic resource management."

Also go to Amazon.com and search on the authors, Joel Salatin and Greg Judy. You can find their books in the library to get you started, but more importantly, look at Amazon.com for other books bought by people who were buying Salatin's and Judy's books. Greg Judy is not organic but his methods for starting a livestock operation are very interesting.

Joel Salatin has a 500 acre farm in Virginia of which he has about 150 acres in pasture. The rest is timber. On that 150 acres he manages to gross about $300,000 per year and maybe $200,000 net. I believe his techniques are organic but I am not aware that he is certified. His forte is in marketing. He also raises, cattle, hogs, chickens, eggs, pheasant, grapes, rabbits, corn, and a little firewood, so it's not just chickens. He also gets 40 inches plus of rain per year.

Have fun with this adventure!

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