Managing the Organic Dairy

Abstract

Management of cows in certified organic dairies requires an understanding of organic protocols and regulations for veterinarians and producers. If a dairyman chooses to manage his or her cows under organic guidelines, specific principles of management that are unique to organic production must be coupled with best-known traditional management practices used in non-organic herds. Management systems and protocols are reviewed for a 600-cow operation in Maryland producing certified organic milk since 1998.