Division: ASA Section: Agronomic Production Systems

Title: Organic Production Systems Using Pasture (Includes COSA Graduate Student Poster Competition)

Lead Community Sponsor: Organic Management Systems Community
Cosponsor:
Community Cosponsor:
Format: Poster Topical Session
Keywords: Organic livestockOrganic pasture

Session Description: This topical session will review the science of organic production systems that use pasture. In organic farming, dairy, beef, swine, and poultry commonly use pasture to provide a portion of the livestock feed. In the case of organic dairy, the USDA-NOP standards now require that dairy cows obtain at least 30% of their dry matter intake from pasture. Organic dairy products makes up a major portion of the organic foods market and demand continues to increase. Furthermore, consumer awareness of food quality benefits and environmental consequences of raising animals outside on green pasture is creating new demand for organic pasture-fed meat, milk, and eggs. Thus it is time for agronomist to review the latest research on pasture management and how inclusion of pasture in an organic farm plan impacts crop rotation, soil fertility and quality, food quality, and overall farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

Reviewer's Comments: