In the Midwest, raising livestock on pasture has long been rooted in tradition—but today’s successful grazers are combining those traditions with modern, regenerative approaches that improve both the land and ecosystem.
Resources Category: Organic Livestock Production
Gain insights into organic livestock production practices. Learn about animal welfare standards, organic feeding protocols, and pasture management to raise healthy, certified organic animals.
North Carolina Farmers’ Road Trip
A group of small-scale farmers interested in sustainable and organic farming got expert advice from operators of eight successful farms in southeast North Carolina on Sept. 8-9, 2025. The tour was organized by the N.C. Cooperative Extension and the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The tour featured produce, flower and… Continue reading North Carolina Farmers’ Road Trip
Crop-Livestock Integration Panel with Organic Farmers
Hear from three farmers in this Seeds of Success networking session who have built resilient and dynamic organic systems by integrating livestock in their crop rotations.
Organic Transition Journey: Hoffner Organic Dairy
In this video, Chris Hoffner of Hoffner Organic Dairy in Mount Olive, North Carolina, shares his multigenerational family farm’s journey toward organic certification. Established in 1956, Hoffner Organic Dairy transitioned to organic production in 2007. Chris reflects on the challenges and rewards of organic dairy farming and discusses the importance of community learning and the… Continue reading Organic Transition Journey: Hoffner Organic Dairy
Growing Organically: Organic Opportunities and Requirements for Meat and Poultry Processors
Demand for organic meat and poultry is growing, with sales up more than 14% last year alone. Organic certification opens the doors to access this growing market and to connect with ranchers producing certified organic livestock. Moderated by former NOSB-chair Dave Carter, Flower Hill Institute’s USDA Meat and Poultry Processing team, the roundtable brought together a… Continue reading Growing Organically: Organic Opportunities and Requirements for Meat and Poultry Processors
Organic Resource Database
The UC OAI Organic Resource Database is a tool for you to connect with organizations or individuals in your region and across the state that offer a range of activities – from technical, financial and other forms of assistance to applied research for organic agriculture.
Organic Livestock and Poultry Standard Handbook (Strengthening Organic Systems)
This guide provides quick reference tools for inspectors and reviewers relating to changes under OLPS for the implementation date of January 2, 2025.
Engaging with Organic Dairy Buyers Resource Guide
This guide provides insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, key factors that influence buyer decisions, and tips on how to build strong, collaborative relationships with buyers. It is based on a webinar series hosted in April 2025.
Calculating Dry Matter Intake from Pasture
This training guides producers through the National Organic Program definitions and regulations surrounding ruminant grazing on pasture. This training also explains how to calculate dry matter intake from pasture to ensure compliance with regulations.
Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Organic Dairy Sourcing
Join us for an engaging follow-up to the previous webinar, “Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Dairy Farmers,” where we dive deeper into the perspectives of buyers in the organic dairy market. Attendees will gather insights from multiple buyers across the U.S. on their sourcing needs, learn about key factors that influence buyer decisions, and… Continue reading Webinar: Buyer Perspectives on Organic Dairy Sourcing