How to Raise Organic Beef Cattle

Organic cattle often feed primarily on grass and enjoy plenty of pasture.

Revelations continue to accrue about the health, economic and environmental benefits of organically produced food, causing more and more consumers to turn to organic foods. Many organic farmers are also local farmers and the support of local, organic farmers helps reduce potentially detrimental factory-farming practices. If you are interested in raising your own organic beef cattle for market, you must follow the standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA.

Instructions

1. Acquire any new cattle only from USDA-certified, organic farms. Qualify your meat at the time of butchering as officially organic by breeding and raising cattle organically from at least the final third of gestation. Do not give growth hormones to calves or cows.

2. Establish an area to keep the cows. Many organic farmers prefer giving their livestock as much room to roam as possible, maintaining that this contributes to the health and well-being of the animals and the quality of the meat.

3. Determine a feeding routine. Different farmers have different methods. Many farmers raise cattle that are grass-fed only. Plant all organic vegetation for grass and grazing. Plant only organic seeds. Never use chemically made fertilizers, insecticides or pesticides. If you feed grains to the cow, they must be USDA-certified organic. Give vitamin and mineral supplements, if desired.

4. Find a veterinarian who knows how to work with organic livestock. Veterinarians cannot give antibiotics or synthetic medicines to organic livestock, but vaccines are acceptable. An experienced doctor will know options for treating your organic cattle in case of sickness. If the only option to treat a sick animal is a synthetic medicine, you cannot sell the animal as organic.

5. Get in touch with your nearest USDA office to schedule an inspection of your established farm. The USDA offers certification if your farm, facilities and cattle pass inspection.

Tips & Warnings

• For detailed information about what products you can and cannot use in organic farming, consult the USDA's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (see Resources).

References

• University of Arkansas Extension: Natural and Organic Beef
• Good Earth Farms: Certified Organic and All Natural Grass Fed Beef
• Organic Trade Association: Antibiotics in Agriculture

Resources

• USDA: Organic Certification
• USDA: National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances