How to become an organic dairy farmer

How to become an Organic Dairy Farmer

There are generally no strict educational requirements for organic dairy farmers, as a passion for agriculture, hands-on experience, and practical skills are often considered more important in this field. However, obtaining education in relevant areas can be beneficial for aspiring dairy farmers. Here’s an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning. Key courses for students considering a career in organic dairy farming include biology, chemistry, and business.

Experience
Start by gaining hands-on experience. Look for opportunities to work as a farmhand, intern, or apprentice on a dairy farm, ideally an organic farm, to learn about the daily operations and responsibilities involved in dairy farming. Develop practical skills related to animal care, sustainable crop and pasture management, and equipment operation and maintenance. Familiarize yourself with milking procedures, feeding practices, breeding techniques, and basic veterinary care for dairy cattle.

Formal Education
Consider earning a degree or certificate in dairy science, agriculture, animal sciences, or agribusiness.

Certificate and associate degree programs tend to cover topics such as livestock management, forage production, farm equipment operation, and basic business principles.

At the bachelor’s level, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of dairy farming principles, practices, and management strategies. Coursework typically encompasses dairy nutrition, reproduction, genetics, farm management, and agricultural economics. Aspiring organic dairy farmers may also seek out classes in soil science.

Secure Financing
Dairy farming requires significant upfront investment in land, equipment, livestock, and infrastructure. Explore financing options such as loans, grants, or government agricultural programs to help fund your startup costs. Consider leasing land or partnering with established farmers to reduce initial costs.

Start Small and Grow
Consider starting small and gradually expanding your operation as you gain experience and confidence as an organic dairy farmer. Begin with a manageable herd size and focus on building a strong foundation for your farm before taking on additional challenges.

Networking and Mentorship
Connect with other dairy farmers, agricultural organizations, extension services, and industry professionals for advice, guidance, and support as you embark on establishing yourself in the organic dairy farming business.

Continuing Education
Even after starting their careers, it’s important for organic dairy farmers to continue learning and to stay informed about new technologies, research findings, industry trends, and regulations. This can be achieved by attending workshops, seminars, conferences, and extension programs, and taking online courses offered by agricultural organizations, universities, and industry associations.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
There are several certifications and credentials that organic dairy farmers can earn to demonstrate their expertise, commitment to best practices, and adherence to industry standards. Here’s a sampling:

• Organic Certification – To earn organic certification from the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) or other regional certifying organizations, farmers must undergo an initial inspection and follow certain principles and practices, such as: using organic feed and forage for dairy cows, free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs); providing access to pasture for grazing, with a minimum percentage of the cow's diet coming from grazing during the grazing season; avoiding the use of synthetic hormones, antibiotics, and other prohibited substances in animal health management; implementing sustainable farming practices to promote soil health, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Following certification, organic dairy farms are subject to regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with organic standards.
• Dairy Quality Assurance Programs – Many dairy farmers participate in dairy quality assurance programs offered by industry organizations and dairy cooperatives. These programs focus on animal welfare, food safety, and environmental stewardship, providing farmers with guidelines and best practices to ensure the production of high-quality, safe dairy products. Examples include the National Dairy FARM Program (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) in the United States and the Canadian Quality Milk Program (CQM) in Canada.
• Animal Welfare Certification – Some dairy farmers choose to pursue animal welfare certifications to demonstrate their commitment to providing humane and ethical care for their livestock. Certifications such as the American Humane Certified or Certified Humane enforce specific standards and criteria related to animal housing, handling, nutrition, healthcare, and overall wellbeing.
• Grass-fed Certification – Dairy farmers who specialize in grass-fed dairy production can pursue grass-fed certification for their products. Grass-fed certification, awarded by bodies like the American Grassfed Association (AGA), verifies that cattle are raised on pasture and receive a significant portion of their nutrition from grass and forage. Certification standards may vary depending on the certifying organization or program.
• Environmental Certification – Organic dairy farmers committed to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship may seek certification or recognition from environmental organizations or government agencies. These certifications may focus on criteria such as soil conservation, water management, biodiversity, and energy efficiency.
• Food Safety Certification – Organic dairy farmers may also pursue food safety certifications, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification or Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, to ensure the safety and quality of their dairy products. These certifications typically involve implementing food safety management systems and undergoing audits by accredited certifying bodies.
• Specialty Cheese Certifications – Organic dairy farmers who produce artisanal or specialty cheeses may seek certifications such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), or Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) to protect the authenticity and quality of their products and promote regional food traditions.

In addition to these certifying bodies, the following organizations support dairy farm sustainability and profitability. They advocate for dairy policy and provide farmers with access to research, resources for dairy promotion and marketing, supply chain services, and platforms for networking, information exchange, and continuing education.

• National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
• Dairy Farmers of America (DFA)
• Holstein Association USA, Inc.
• American Dairy Association
• American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)
• Organic Trade Association (OTA)
• National Farmers Union (NFU)
• Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA)
• Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW)
• Dairy Farmers of Canada