Organic milk producers usually begin as operators of conventional dairies that go through what can be a challenging and costly transition process. Many changes in such areas as animal husbandry, land and crop management, sourcing new and different inputs, and initiation of the certification process, among others, are required during transition. For example, the pasture and cropland providing feed for organic dairies must be managed organically for a minimum of 36 months before it can be certified. Standards require 12 months of organic health care before the dairy herd can be certified. Grazing is required for.
