Organic Dairy FarmingDoing it Without AntibioticsDoing it Without Antibiotics

(or Nitrogen)

What you need to know

General structure of the industry and role ofGeneral structure of the industry and role of certifying agenciesG l i i l i t lli titiGeneral principles in controlling mastitis without the use of antibioticsRearing young stock without anthelminticsWhere to get informationWhere to get information

C tif i A iCertifying Agencies (TPAs*)

Anyone can call themselves organic but if you wantAnyone can call themselves organic, but if you want credibility (and supply Fonterra), you need to be certified.

Soil Association – BiogroSoil Association – BiogroAsureQuality – (formerly Certenz)(Biodynamic Association Demeter)(Biodynamic Association - Demeter)

Each conduct annual audits, offer a phone/email service and host informative websiteshost informative websites

Conversion from conventional to full organic statusConversion from conventional to full organic status takes 2 years (EU compliant), but an additional year is required to meet USDA standards**Third Party Agency

The current situation

Fonterra has moved all organic suppliers to theFonterra has moved all organic suppliers to the internationally recognised USDA standard (aka NOP –National Organic Program) as from the start of the National Organic Program) as from the start of the 2006/07 season. This effectively means no antibiotics:

- In conversion: first 2 years, apply twice WTIn conversion: first 2 years, apply twice WT - From third year of conversion onwards: permanent

loss of organic status of any animal treatedloss of organic status of any animal treated Note Demeter is not a TPA for USDA purposes, ie biodynamic farmers had to recertify with Biogro or Certenz y y gThe TPA’s are in turn audited by NZFSAFor standards see the NZFSA website (organics) currently:For standards see the NZFSA website (organics) currently:http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/organics/framework/NZFSATEchRulesOAP050818v6.pdf

The current situationThe current situation

P i 20% l t 4% t t h fPremium now 20%, less up to 4% transport charge for those farms outside the Waikato. 7% premium during conversion. This is changing with a cap on the g g ppremium ($1.05/kg MS) and revision of the transport chargeSince introduction of the premium, the number of organic farmers has more than doubled. The situation is somewhat fluid! 20 farmers have since broken withis somewhat fluid! 20 farmers have since broken with Fonterra and set up their own companyFonterra is only offering the premium for 3 years (forFonterra is only offering the premium for 3 years (for farms already converted) or 6 years (for those starting conversion). 100,000 cows (producing 30,000 tonnes MS) will be enough to supply contracted customersMS) will be enough to supply contracted customers (currently approx 25,000 certified or in conversion)

The current situationThe current situation

So: At this stage Fonterra’s premium offer will onlySo: At this stage Fonterra s premium offer will only apply to new and existing conversions until a production ceiling is reached. The offer is not open t SI fto SI farmers.Fonterra says it has a long-term commitment to

i b t t t ti l f liti l i t forganics but note potential for political interferenceNote: all standards, allowed substances and

ithh ldi ti ti d i thi t tiwithholding times mentioned in this presentation are consistent with USDA/NOP. However, standards may change with little notice plus they may not y g p y ynecessarily be compliant with standards set by one or more certifying agencies. If in doubt…always check with the certifier!always check with the certifier!

N t f th d t k t d th h F tNote, none of these products are marketed through Fonterra

Role of VeterinariansOrganic sector currently poorly served, sometimes due to social prejudices but mostly due to unfamiliarity with certifying requirements and organic remediescertifying requirements and organic remedies.Most organic farmers are not refugee hippies! BUT i f i d d diff t i d tBUT organic farming does need a different mindsetAND organic farmers do attract cranks and pushers of quack products (henceforth referred to as “Out on the edge”)quack products (henceforth referred to as Out on the edge ) which they may be tempted to tryWe have the skills in preventative medicine and theWe have the skills in preventative medicine and the ability to properly evaluate product claims – we need to put those skills forward

Philosophyp yAlthough there are many different methods, all organic farms have the same basic objective:organic farms have the same basic objective:

The promotion of biological activity in the soil which inThe promotion of biological activity in the soil which in turn will feed plants and animals to produce healthy, high quality food for humans on a sustainable basis.

The soil is the key!

Note the differences in approach –Conventional farming: Look after the nutrients and theConventional farming: Look after the nutrients and the

biology will look after itselfOrganic farming: Look after the biology and the nutrients

will look after themselves

Conversion

The 3 big questions asked by farmersThe 3 big questions asked by farmers considering organics:

How do I control mastitis?

How do I control parasites?

How do I control weeds?

Conversion

A Farm Management Plan is required by TPA’sA Farm Management Plan is required by TPA s as a first step – very detailed – good to refer to if in doubt about proceduresR fRefs:Best on Farm Practice (BOFP) Organics –FonterraFonterra(everything you need to know about the rules and regulations, well presented, easy to follow)Converting to Organic Dairy Production MasseyConverting to Organic Dairy Production – Massey University(basic practical advice)Organic Pastoral Resource Guide – Soil & Health Assoc, Earthwise, Biodynamic Assoc(written by farmers with some input from vets/consultants(written by farmers with some input from vets/consultants available at www.biodynamic.org.nz/guides/intro_ch1.pdf)

Allowed inputsAllowed inputs3 categories of inputs: - Permitted: unrestricted use eg homeopathics- Restricted: need written permission from certifier

b f i PAR’ tl t i t d D ’t it tilbefore using. PAR’s are mostly restricted. Don’t wait until you need it! Get it written into the management plan. NOTE: apply twice the US witholding (available from pp y g (FDA website). Certifier must also be notified after use.

- Prohibited: everything that’s not specifically permitted t i t dor restricted

USDA periodically revises its list of “Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production”allowed for use in organic livestock production . www.ams.usda.govNote “allowed” simply means it’s not prohibited –p y pit may be either permitted or restricted (varies with certifier)

FertilisersFertilisersIn general, salts are prohibited unless there is a demonstrable need and no practical alternati e Effl entdemonstrable need and no practical alternative. Effluent return is required.

M t i tMacronutrients:P – rock phosphate (RPR) – sometimes mixed with p p ( )

‘Vermicast’ – Cd must be < 2.5mg/kg

S – elemental sulphurS e e e ta su p uK – rock minerals eg glaucanite, crude extract of K

sulphate – check with fert companiessulphate – check with fert companies

Ca, Mg – lime, dolomite, natural gypsumN – ‘Osflo’ (must be composted to a certain temp –

Biogro certified – expensive if used for N only)

FertilisersFertilisers

Micronutrients:Protein chelates (as pasture sprays or direct to animals)Protein chelates (as pasture sprays or direct to animals)Seaweed/fish preparations

Composts (eg ‘Osflo’, ‘Vermicast’) – expensive to buy on a nutrient basis – can be homemade (calf shed bedding, feed pad scrapings etc)scrapings etc)

Soil microorganism enhancers (eg biodynamic preparations, t t ) ti i i t t id i t i bi lcompost tea) – timing important – idea is to use a microbial soup

to enhance processing of organic detritus and speed release of nutrients bound in the soil organic fraction.

Rock dusts (grinding speeds weathering - watch for heavy metals)

Out on the edge – paramagnetic materials, ‘Probitas’

Management Implications

Lack of artificial N inputs limits total pasture growth and changes the characteristics of the seasonaland changes the characteristics of the seasonal growth curve.To a degree, this can be improved by good clover g , p y gmanagement, (easier on organic farms) but N fixation still temperature dependentEarly spring growth poor, late autumn growth can be above average.Si il t t i t th “B f Nit ”Similar strategies to the “Before Nitrogen” years are required ie pre about 1990, but note organics is a lot more than just farming without nitrogen!lot more than just farming without nitrogen!

DCRU Monthly Pasture Growth

70

50

60

70

30

40

50

M/h

a/da

y

10

20

30

kgD

M

0

10

July September November January March May

Conventional Organic

Figure 1: DCRU Comparative Pasture Growth, 01/07/03 – 27/05/04

Management Implications

Stocking rates will need to be at the lower end of the scale (DCRU runs at about 2.2) ( )“a cow to the acre”Calving date may need adjustmentg y jMany organic farmers have a substantial run-off due to difficulty in sourcing good qualityoff due to difficulty in sourcing good quality certified organic supplements and grazing.May need extra cows (later calvers) inMay need extra cows (later calvers) in reserve.

Management ImplicationsManagement Implications

A variety of pasture species are encouraged y p p g(eg chicory, plantain, timothy, herbal lea) –animal health benefit (chicory and plantain are ( y pcopper accumulators) – careful grazing required otherwise persistence is low.Some farmers regularly measure soluable solids in pasture (brix) using a refractometerSoils on organic farms tend to run at a higher pH (6.0 +) – emphasise importance of Ca for soil structure and earthwormsMinimal cultivation will minimise destruction of

f f ( )soil fauna and flora (ie direct drill), but…

Management Implications….weeds can be a problem, especially during

i P t l ( t i )conversion. Pasture renewal – crop (eg turnips) or shallow ploughing followed 10 days later by power harrows or roto-tilling may be the only way to get rid of g y y y gpoor paddocks – careful trade-off, follow up with soil enhancer. Good pasture management essential!Good pasture management essential! There are certified organic herbicides eg “Interceptor” (a pine resin derivative) – contact, not systemic.(a pine resin derivative) contact, not systemic. Expensive Some weeds will be eaten by cows if mowed first (eg C lif i thi tl t ll hi h lit f d)Californian thistle – actually a high quality feed)“Peppering” – a biodynamic method of reducing weed vigour and persistence by applying ash produced fromvigour and persistence by applying ash produced from the same species.

Feed and Supplements

Under USDA/NOP, hay and silage are defined , y gas “feed”, not “supplements”ie maize is a feed, molasses is a supplement. The rulesie maize is a feed, molasses is a supplement. The rules on molasses changed in April 08. From Jan 09, only certified can be used

“Feed additives” are minerals and micronutrients.

Feed and SupplementsFeed and Supplements

During conversion: the old 20% rule (that allowed farmers to feed hay/silage made the year before) has gone. During years C2 and C3, cannot use feed conserved prior to roll-over day, unless an emergency - ie farmers must be sure of feed supply through spring, so best to start conversion no earlier than Balance Daystart conversion no earlier than Balance Day. External sources of organic feed may be unreliable and expensive (because there are so few organic farmers)expensive (because there are so few organic farmers). Non-organic feed may be used in an emergency but certifier must be notified first

Animal Health on Organic FarmsAnimal Health on Organic Farms

Welfare is paramount, especially in an acute situation.Conversion period is likely to be the most difficultAnimals adjust – those that don’t, get culled, usually

ti h i hi h SCCas empties or chronic high SCCGood monitoring is essentialB d f di i t ( b i thBreed for disease resistance (may be easier than generally considered in some circumstances)Note all animal treatments must be adequatelyNote all animal treatments must be adequately documented

Animal Health

It is essential to develop an holistic approach to animal health with the emphasis on:to animal health with the emphasis on:

fgood feeding levels a quality environmenta quality environment minimal stress a high standard of welfare

Good Feeding LevelsMeans not just quantity.

Balanced diet (dung consistency a rough indicator –Balanced diet (dung consistency a rough indicator can make up a scoring system)Good transition management (certified molasses isGood transition management (certified molasses is available, certified maize may be difficult to source –GE contamination may make it permanently unavailable. PKE may be considered organic if it was heat-treated rather than fumigated on import)Att ti t i l d t l tAttention to minerals and trace elements (especially during conversion)

A Quality Environment

Means particular attention to:

Shelter and shade (see separate presentation)DrainageRaces yards stand off and loafing areas calfRaces, yards, stand-off and loafing areas, calf shedsAdequate space

Because this means:

Minimal stress (ie minimal immune suppression)Minimal exposure to infectious organisms (andMinimal exposure to infectious organisms (and parasites in young stock)

Remember: adrenocorticoids and B-OHB are potent suppressors of the immune systemmany diseases (infectious and non-infectious) have a stress component.p

Minimising StressF d d i tFeed and environmentGentle handling (see Australian work)g ( )Having regard to socialisation (herd size, aggressive interactions mobbing calvesaggressive interactions, mobbing calves, introducing heifers)

Implementing strategies to address theseImplementing strategies to address these points will result in a high standard of welfarewelfare

Gentle Handling

Australian Study on Human/CowAustralian Study on Human/Cow Interactions – 6 year project

Fear of humans accounted for up to 20% of the variation in milk yield between farms andthe variation in milk yield between farms and was associated with lower productivityFarmers put through a training courseFarmers put through a training course reported a marked improvement in cow behaviour and a change in their own beliefsbehaviour and a change in their own beliefs about how much force is needed. Significant ( p to 10%) prod ction increase atSignificant (up to 10%) production increase at zero cost

IT PAYS TO BE NICE TO YOUR COWS !

Once an organic system is fully up and i t f th l i l h lthrunning, most of the usual animal health

problems largely disappear, except…..p g y pp , p

MastitisMastitisThe usual suspects – staphs and strep uberisPrevention:

The standard SAMM Plan strategies. A staph outbreak can be challenging. Self-cure rate low once established in the udder. T t diti i t t! ( DCV di )Teat condition very important! (see DCV proceedings)Iodine teat sprays allowed. Can use chlorhexidine if iodine “ineffective”iodine ineffectiveAlthough heritability for resistance is low, can make rapid progress if selection pressure high enoughrapid progress if selection pressure high enough. Note every herd has a solid core of cows that don’t get mastitis – it’s a matter of expanding that core. LIC now offering “low SCC” bulls

Mastitis

Some organic farmers can control mastitis at least as well as good conventional farmerswell as good conventional farmers

These farmers do not have to rely heavily on culling (although may have done so in the past)

Staphs are potentially the major problem due to the likelihood of slow spread through the herdthe likelihood of slow spread through the herd over a couple of seasons if prevention is inadequateinadequate.

Mastitis

Principles of Control

Prevent infectionPrevent infection

If infected, mitigate effect on SCC

Cull prudently

Breed for resistance

Percentage of quarters with growth of S. uberisSpring 2003 – May 2007

No significant difference between herds over time

10

7

8

9

10

Organic

Conventional

3

4

5

6Conventional

0

1

2

3

1/12/2

0031/0

3/2004

1/06/2

0041/0

9/2004

1/12/2

0041/0

3/2005

1/06/2

0051/0

9/2005

1/12/2

0051/0

3/2006

1/06/2

0061/0

9/2006

1/12/2

0061/0

3/2007

D a t e o f S a mple

Percentage of cows with growth of S. aureus Dec 2003 – May 2007y

Significant difference between the herds

30

35

40organic

conventional

20

25

5

10

15

0

Dec-03

Feb-04

Apr-04

Jun-04

Aug-04Oct-

04Dec-0

4Feb

-05Apr-0

5Ju

n-05Aug-05Oct-

05Dec-0

5Feb

-06Apr-0

6Ju

n-06Aug-06Oct-

06Dec-0

6Feb-07Apr-0

7

D F A D F A D F A D F

Mastitis

Although S. uberis is relatively less of a problem, control of both staphs anda problem, control of both staphs and streps requires an integrated strategy

Sources of streps and staphs:- gut (S. uberis)- skin- infections (mastitis, RFMs, wounds)

wet

Environment Bacteriacontamination

faeces transmission

stress infection

Cow

So: Reduce exposure to organismEnhance the cow’s defences

Cow/environmentCow/environmentFaeces - effluent disposal, managing stand-off areas, racesStress - shelter (trees) - feed (transition management, trace l t t t i l t h it l dd k?)elements, strategic supplements, hospital paddock?)

Cow/bacteriaCow/bacteriaTransmission - the usual stuff - teat spray, plant checks, ID, separation etc- minimising udder contamination (strategic hay attention to RFMs and wounds trim tail switches)hay, attention to RFMs and wounds, trim tail switches) Infection - teat condition (emollient, teat grease, monitoring, pre-calving spraying, plant maintenance)

Environment/bacteriaWet – drainage (races, gateways, troughs)Wet drainage (races, gateways, troughs)Contamination - minimise mud, spread cows out, stand off

Mastitis

Treatment options

Vigilance is vital. In particular, high SCC cows need to be closely monitoredEveryone’s got their favourite remedies (just y g (jlike with antibiotics)Bacteriological cure rates for staph are notBacteriological cure rates for staph are not good (just like with antibiotics)E f i diff t if t t iEvery farm is different – if a strategy is successful, stick with it.

Mastitis

Treatment optionsStripping/massage important especially to limit the cellStripping/massage – important, especially to limit the cell count of chronically infected 1/4s (can maybe use calves –consider welfare)

Homeopathics. Some favourites are:- SSC (sulphur, silica, carbo veg)

h t l- phytolacca- PBS (mastitis mix - pulsatilla, bryonia, silica)

The idea is to assist the cow to get rid of the infection herselfThe idea is to assist the cow to get rid of the infection herself.

Unfortunately, a cow’s immune system, no matter how well functioning is not particularly effective at eliminating bacteriafunctioning, is not particularly effective at eliminating bacteria once well established in the udder. With some strains this may already have occurred by the y y ytime the cell count goes up and the milk changes.

Treatment Options - mastitis

Manuka honey (intramammary):- good in vitro activity against streps and staphs (including ß lactamase). h ld di l d (UMF 10 ) i (i f th- should use medical grade (UMF 10+) organic (ie from the

South Is - until Varroa gets there) Some farmers just use supermarket honey but if no UMF claim prob not activesupermarket honey but if no UMF claim, prob not active.

- dose 5ml. Will need to warm it up to get it to flow (use a waterproof plastic bag or microwave). Massage well in. Maywaterproof plastic bag or microwave). Massage well in. May be irritant to some cows (acidic) - milk clots, mild teat swelling

- Dexel trials indicate good cure rates for non invasive streps. g pFor tissue invaders (ie most S aureus isolates), cure rates somewhere between self-cure and antibiotics. Does not work

DCTas a DCT

Treatment Options - mastitis

Nosodes - the homeopathic equivalent of passive antibodies, made up from infected material. Usually generic but can also be specially made up for a specific herd (using a milk sample). Whole herd trough treatment during risk periodsduring risk periods.

S ti thSupportive therapy eg: Flunixin, aspirin, apple cider vinegar, garlic, tonic mixes (by the litre…)

Out on the edge: colloidal silver

Mastitis

Culling

Many farmers may not be able to cull as many as they should at the end of the seasonIn deciding which cows to keep, need to assess chances of a cure over the dry period – depends on age, length of time infected etcChances are better for cows that are fed well and under minimal stressIt’s good to know the species involved - higher cure g p grate with streps but big variation between strains

LamenessThe usual preventative stuffReally important to treat earlyReally important to treat early Footrot can be a challenge if infection becomes well established Even if caught early bid Txwell established. Even if caught early, bid Tx for several days may be necessary

treatment options:- treatment options:• plantain or aloe vera (bandaged on as a poultice)• (Australian) tea tree oil• (Australian) tea tree oil• zinc or copper sulphate• ± homeopathicsp

Routine StuffVaccinations

- theoretically there should be a “demonstrable need”y- OSH regulations effectively provide that, ie should be lepto vaccinatedie should be lepto vaccinated

- most also use 5 in 1 (there’s usually a history of Blackleg sometime in the past)p )

- vaccine must not be manufactured using GE organisms (may need to get it in writing from manufacturer)Dehorning/disbuddingNeed to use local on welfare grounds. WT: 7 days milk, eed to use oca o e a e g ou ds days ,90 days meat

Routine StuffRoutine Stuff

Mg s pplementationMg supplementationAllowed (since pastures in most areas are Mg deficient in spring) although less, or maybe none, will be needed as conversion progresses (due to later calving, reduced N inputs etc). Monitor! Ca and Na will still be needed with maize.

Zn for FEZn for FEAllowed during risk period

Routine Stuff

Trace elementsMonitoring programmeMonitoring programmeFish-based proteinates - pasture spray, include with fertiliser, drench or trough treat. Chicory and plantain are C l t O l N l t d C SO ll dCu accumulaters. Oral Na selenate and CuSO4 allowed. Certified ‘Selenium Chip’ with fert.BloatBloatOrange Roughy oil (12 – 40ml per cow per day) – may not be particularly sustainable! Emergency treatment: Fish oil 100 - 150ml, suspended in warm water (helps dispersion in rumen) ± bicarbPoloxalene (a pluronic/teric) is now allowed by USDA forPoloxalene (a pluronic/teric) is now allowed by USDA for emergencies, but no NZ products currently conform Organic pastures may be high in clover but generally bloat

t h bl B f l d i i ! Othnot a huge problem. Be careful during conversion! Other strategies – timing, hay/straw etc Prep 501?

Rearing Young StockCalf rearing:Calves fed milk much longer (12 weeks, although

f )somewhat reduced after 8 weeks), meal generally not used much (although certified meal now available). Feed hay to develop rumen. Facilities used for longerFeed hay to develop rumen. Facilities used for longer so must be absolutely up to scratch. Can use Na hypochlorite as disinfectant (but not while calves are in the pen!) Steam clean at end of season if coccidiain the pen!). Steam clean at end of season if coccidia or crypto have been present. A small number of farmers are rearing calves on cows (in the herd)

Scour remedies: The usual fluids, homeopathics.

Rearing Young Stock

From weaning to first calving:No ro tine orm drenching allo ed De elop strateg to minimiseNo routine worm drenching allowed. Develop strategy to minimise exposure to larvae. Eg:- rotate in front of the cows at least until December- allow large area when moved to run-off. Clean up with older

animals. Graze high tannin species. Paddocks cut for supplements are low risk for worms but high risk for FEsupplements are low risk for worms but high risk for FE…

- do not electric fence during maximum risk period for ostertagia- monitor in autumn! (pepsinogen better indicator than FEC). (p p g )

Jerseys and crosses more of a problem than friesians.Emergency treatment: Ivermectin (loses NOP organic meat status) and need to immediately notify certifierand need to immediately notify certifier.

Bulls for mating heifers do not have to be organic – important to check for BVD and EBL drench and vax for lepto before they arrivecheck for BVD and EBL, drench and vax for lepto before they arrive

Socialise heifers to herd well before calving.

Other things allowedOxytocin (WT: nil)Flunixin (WT: 3 days milk, 8 days meat )Xylazine/Tolazine (emergency only, WT: 4 days milk, 8 days meat)Most metabolicsAspirin Dose: 20 mg/kg (pre-ruminant)

50 100 /k (h if / )50 – 100 mg/kg (heifer/cow)WT ? (rapidly metabolises)

Atropine Butorphanol (!)Atropine, Butorphanol (!)Furosemide (WT: 4 days milk and meat)

H thHomeopathyA huge topic frontline remedies for many organicA huge topic – frontline remedies for many organic farmers – currently exempt from ACVM regulationsBased on “like cures like”Based on like cures likeSerial dilution of substances which cause similar symptoms to the disease being treatedsymptoms to the disease being treatedDilutions are extreme eg most animal remedies are designated “30c” which means a 1 in100 dilution grepeated 30 times. Between each dilution, the remedy is “succussed” (vigorously shaken)The farmers bible is “Homeopathic Handbook for Dairy Farming” by Tineke Verkade available from www farmsupport co nz Tineke will also do phonewww.farmsupport.co.nz Tineke will also do phone consultations.

Homeopathy – choosing a remedyHomeopathy choosing a remedy

Strong emphasis on addressing symptomsStrong emphasis on addressing symptoms. Examination is wide ranging Choose the (one) remedy from a Materia MedicaChoose the (one) remedy from a Materia Medica which most closely resembles a treatment for the totality of the symptoms. Don’t mix remedies unless you know what you’re doing!Th i fi d l th f St hThere is no fixed length of a course. Stop when you’ve fixed the problemReassess when:Reassess when: - symptoms change

there is no improvement- there is no improvement

Homeopathy - administrationHomeopathy - administrationRoutes: oral or spray on any mucous membrane p y y(nose and vagina often easiest)Acute conditions: 1 spray at 10 minute intervals for 4 times only. Check at 24 hours. If progressing, continue 1 spray b.i.d for up to 3 days, then review if necessarynecessary.Chronic conditions: 1 spray b.i.d for 3 days, then reviewreview. Whole herd: 1 capfull in trough b.i.d for 3 days. If longer term needed (eg nosodes), follow up with 1 g ( g ), pcapfull, twice a day, once a week.

Do not rely purely on homeopathy to fix a problem y p y p y p– you still need an integrated approach

Biodynamic FarmingOriginates from the ideas of Rudolf SteinerParticularly emphasises:Particularly emphasises:- the use of a planting/activity calendarthe application of various preparations- the application of various preparations (numbered 500 – 507)

Comparative surveys have concluded biodynamic farms tend to have superior y pphysical soil characteristics while maintaining profitability at production rates lower than p y pconventional farms.

Biodynamic FarmingBiodynamic Farming

Preparations:500: the classic and most important, designed to ti l t il i bi l ti it C bili ti dstimulate soil microbial activity, Ca mobilisation and

root growth501: follows application of 500 - a plant stimulator501: follows application of 500 - a plant stimulator supporting P activity and CHO synthesis502 – 7: these are all compost or fertiliser additives designed to regularise compost formation and enhance mineral availability.

Some farmers make their own but also available from the Biodynamic Associationy

Ecosystem ManagementSuccessful organic farming needs a good knowledge of natural cycles and how to work within

i t l t i tenvironmental constraintsFarm Management Plan requires farmers pay attention to effluent management water quality andattention to effluent management, water quality and usage, biodiversityOrganic farmers tend to be more environmentallyOrganic farmers tend to be more environmentally aware anyway – trees for shelter, shade, erosion control, prevention of faecal contamination of waterways.Nutrient budgets can be helpful (eg ‘Overseer’ –

il bl f f th MAF b it )available free from the MAF website)

Organic farms tend to have:

Reduced leaching of nutrients (especially N)- more efficient use of N by the cow?y

Improvements in soil structure (?) related to:- lower stocking rate- management (pugging)- pasture spp and root systems- earthworms and soil biota (need good Ca levels ( gwhich is why organic farms tend to run at a higher pH)