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NODPA Needs YOU
NODPA depends on the memberships of farmers, consumers and businesses for support of all its efforts--regionally and in Washington--on behalf of the organic dairy farmers.
If you're an organic dairy farmer, consider one of the following: a milk check-off membership or an annual newsletter membership or choose your own level of annual dues to support NODPA. Learn more >
If you're a business, consider our high-value business membership.
If you're an interested consumer or educator, look into our associate membership.
You can now make easy, secure online credit card payments.
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NODPA’s Mission:
To enable organic dairy family farmers, situated across an extensive area, to have informed discussion about matters critical to the well being of the organic dairy industry as a whole.
Payprice Summary Chart:
2006 to 2013
Download a copy of our summary chart comparing payprice for Organic Valley and Horizon over time.
Feed and Pay Price Updates
Feed and Pay Price
Added July 28, 2014. Organic milk supply is tight, consumption of organic fluid milk is increasing, feed costs are starting to rise as supply tightens and purchased hay is expensive, if you can find any of good quality. BUT the pay price only increases by $1. Organic leader and founder of Stonyfield Farms Gary Hirschberg recently told a group of investors that now is the time to buy into organics and it seems there is a positive future for everyone in the organic business world except for producers who are being undercut by imports. Learn more about the current trends in milk pay price, feed and the retail price for organic milk by going here >
Check Out All The Businesses Supporting NODPA's Work
Over 20 businesses have signed up for our business membership directory, helping support our newsletter, web site, advocacy work, and more. Check them out.
Added in June & July 2014
Want to submit your own farmer classified? Click here >
Farm Link
Experienced farm family (husband wife and two sons) seeking opportunity to work with retiring farmer and his wife. (Added June 18, 2014.) We would like to work towards possible ownership of the farm and cattle and machinery. My son has started his own herd of 10 organic jersey Holstein crosses and 28 head of pure bred Boer meat goats. He is currently expanding his cow numbers with certified organic heifers we bought from a local farmer but we need to move to an organic dairy so we have room to grow more heifers. Our goal is to bring in our knowledge and our muscle. The heifers when freshening will help pay our way and not be such a financial burden to you. We are open to any suggestions and will work towards a common goal. Our goal right now is to have an opportunity to get back in farming because we love working with animals and the land. There is no greater reward in life. We also have some well used and maintained machinery that we would bring with us. We have four tractors (one) being completely overhauled right now one recently overhauled at Broome Tioga BOCES in Binghamton New York by my son. I am very proud of him because it’s like new again!! We can discuss the rest later.
You can contact us at:
Frank 607-321-5062
Tom 607-321-5694
Minelle 607-321-3684
Dairy farm for lease in Londonderry - 200 acres with approximately 60 acres of pasture & cropland. Tie-stall barn, sheds, garage, 3 bdrm house. Vermont Land Trust seeks dairy farmers who will farm commercially and are interested in a long-term lease. Contact Jon Ramsay at (802) 533-7705 or jramsay@vlt.org
Experienced farm family seeking opportunity to work with retiring farmer and his wife. We would like to work towards possible ownership of the farm and cattle and machinery. Our goal right now is to have an opportunity to get back in farming because we love working with animals and the land. We also have some well used and maintained machinery that we would bring with us. Our family has grown up on farms and been around the farming industry all our lives. We currently reside in Newark Valley, New York, which is just west of Binghamton. We would like to stay in the Northeast but we are willing to go elsewhere if the appropriate opportunity was too good to resist. You can contact us at: Frank 607-321-5062, Tom 607-321-5694, Minelle 607-321-3684.
Added July 28, 2014.
Animals
Wanted: We’re looking to buy around 6 certified organic milking cows (prefer Jersey) for our farm in Georgia, VT. SCC under 200 (prefer under 150). Please email ron@bedrockfarmvt.com. We also have for sale/trade some farm equipment including a KM Vicon 281 hay mower. Added July 28, 2014.
Contact: Ronnie Sweet, Email: ron@bedrockfarmvt.com, Phone: 802-7828-833Location: Georgia, VT
Wanted: 6 started heifer calves, prefer 1-3 months old and prefer crossbreds. Email is most convenient means of contact. Added July 16, 2014.
Name: John Amey
Email: johnamey.isf@gmail.com
Phone: 603-538-7734
Location: Pittsburg,NH
Nine splendid animals from a down-sizing raw milk dairy available. Mainly Brown Swiss, plus two Jerseys and a Canadienne. Three cows (1 mid lactation and 2 freshening), four bred heifers, and two yearling heifers. Call or email for more information.
Added July 16, 2014.
Name: Sarah Fournier-Scanlon
Email: taprootcommons@gmail.com
Phone: 413-634-5452
Location: Cummington, MA
Black jersey heifer fresh today for sale sired by genex 1ho8632 holman. Bull calf by alta young jersey sire 11je938 bw tempo. Calf looks like holstein. Holly is very gentle and used to tie stall and grazing. Easy birth. She caught on first service. NYSCHAP herd neg to Johnes and Staph. Located in central ny near cortland. Can deliver for fee. $ 1250
Added June 24, 2014.
Contact: Jim Ball
cell # 607.793.1912
home # 315.497.3740
For sale: Two certified organic bred heifers, AI sired. One due in July the other due in August. Asking $2000 each. Added June 9, 2014.
Contact: Tracey Lamoureux
Email: tracey_48@ymail.com
Phone: (802) 895-4202
Location: West Charleston VT
For Sale: 8 cows from no-grain dairy. Due in June. Friesan crosses, Jersey crosses, Normande crosses. New Zealand genetics. Certified organic for dairy & beef. $1,800 each. Rob Moore, Nichols NY 607-699-7968 cowpoke2@verizon.net Added June 9, 2014.
I have a hostein x Norwegian red bull for sale. 1 1/2 years old, good temperment. Nice for
heifers. 1200$. Lyons, NY 315-879-7779. Hurry because he's going for beef. Added June 9, 2014.
Wanted, 30 milking organic cows, prefer Jerseys, call 802-253-8222, or email kaiserfarmvt@gmail.com. Added June 9, 2014.
Forage, Bedding & Grains
For Sale: NOFA-NY Certified Organic 2014 Crops. Dry Hay (Timothy/grass mix) and Bedding Hay. Both 4 1/2 X 4 Round bales. Also Baleage (Clover/grass mix, Alfalfa/grass mix, and Oatlage). Also have 2013 Clover and Timothy Seed still available. Contact Jeff @ Mitchell Farm, Avoca, NY -
607-566-8477 or Mitchellorganics@Hotmail.com
Added July 28, 2014.
Looking for: certified organic large square bale dry hay preferable located in MA,Eastern NY,Eastern PA, VT, NH, Conn. I am needing both dairy quality as well as dry cow quality hay. I can arrange trucking if you don’t haul. Please e-mail or phone if you have anything available. Michael Barnes, Email: michael@thegreybarnandfarm.com, Phone: 317-531-3405, Location: Chilmark. MA. Added July 28, 2014.
Wanted: I am are looking for certified organic large square bale dry hay preferable located in MA,Eastern NY,Eastern PA, VT, NH, Conn. I am needing both dairy quality as well as dry cow quality hay. I can arrange trucking if you don't haul. Please e-mail or phone if you have anything available. Thanks. Added June 24, 2014.
Name: Michael Barnes
Email: michael@thegreybarnandfarm.com
Phone: 317-531-3405
Location: Chilmark. MA.
This is Wesley Price, Co-owner of Nantucket Mushrooms LLC in South Chatham, Mass. We're trying to source wheat straw - organic wheat straw or conventional wheat straw - first cut of this year. My number is 774-212- 5383 . Please call if you have any for sale or know where I can source some. Added June 9, 2014.
4x5 (1200+ pound) bales certified organic mixed grasses. Baled June 1 ,2014. Call for prices. 40 available at the moment. Added June 9, 2014.
Contact: Joey Blackston
Email: Shadevalleyfarms@windstream.net
Phone: 740-416-3728
Location: Chester, OH
Employment:
Job Posting: Quality Systems and Information Technology Manager
Pennsylvania Certified Organic announces a job opening for a Quality Systems and Information Technology (IT) Manager. The ideal candidate will have education and experience in quality systems, information or business management, including but not limited to: auditing, document control, and quality and IT systems. We are looking for a well-organized and self-motivated person to join our team-oriented environment in Spring Mills, Pennsylvania. This is a full-time, exempt position.
Salary range: $41,000 to $51,000, depending on experience.
Benefits: health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; Simple IRA, generous holiday, vacation and paid time off.
Position will remain open until filled. A full job description is available on our website at http://www.paorganic.org/jobs. Please send resume and cover letter to Lia@paorganic.org. Added July 16, 2014.
Job Title: Herd Manager
Location: Poland New York
Salary: DOE
Benefits: Housing + 3 days of Continuing Education + 2 Weeks Vacation after one year
Added July 16, 2014.
Qualifications: MUST HAVE CURRENT DAIRY EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS
POSITION - Biological Farming/Organic dairy and rotational grazing experience - Strong focus on quality milk production - Strong operational management experience with basic computer skills - Strong herd health experience including dry cow & calf management - Strong milking employee management experience - Field work experience preferred
Job Description: An upstart high quality 80 expanding to 200 cow, 900 acre Biological Dairy Farm that will carry an organic certification is searching for a Herd Manager to supervise, coordinate, and run the day-to-day operations that include all aspects of high-low group TMR, rotational grazing, herd health, and breeding. AI breeding preferred and experience with bulls a plus.
RESEARCH PROGRAM DIRECTOR, OFRF
Position Description * Added July 16, 2014
Santa Cruz, CA
POSITION OVERVIEW
Organic Farming Research Foundation is currently seeking a Research Program Director to lead the research grants initiatives, the development of analytical products, and overall educational efforts.
This new, senior level position provides an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to build on OFRF’s body of work, to develop programs that encourage more farmers to adopt organic practices and grow the sector, and strategically help guide the organization through its next phase of growth.
Equipment
Raw milk cooler available. Set up for beverage cans or bottles as well as produce & gallon milk jugs on bottom. New Tecumseh compressor w/ fresh charge of 404 refrigerant. Doors open outward. Came from school district and never outside. $825. Can deliver and install for a fee. Added June 18, 2014.
Jim Ball
cell # 607.793.1912
home # 315.497.3740
For additional information on the events below, click here.
July 21, 2014
Organic Dairy High Quality Forage Production
Stine Farm, Redwood, NY
July 17-19, 2014
Grasstravaganza: Pasture Soil Health Creates Wealth
Morrisville State College, Morrisville, NY
July 18-20, 2014
Seed Savers Exchange Annual Conference
Heritage Farm, Decorah, Iowa
July 24-25, 2014
Maine Grain Alliance’s 2014 Kneading Conference
Skowhegan, Maine
July 30, 2014
K-Line Pasture Irrigation, Horning Farm, Penn Yan, NY
July 30-August 1, 2014
Grassfed Rising 2014: Polishing the Soil-Grass-Consumer Connection
Columbia, Missouri
August 8-10, 2014
NOFA Summer Conference, UMass, Amherst, MA
August 14, 2014
Practical Soil Management for New Lands and New Farmers
The Farm at Locusts, Staatsburg, NY
August 27, 2014
Fodder Production Workshop, B-A-Blessing Farm, Whitesville, NY
September 25-26, 2014
14th Annual NODPA Field Days, Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
Feature Farm -Sheen Dairy farm
Located in Gouverneur, NY, this small farm has managed to keep their farming enterprise manageable for a team of two, while paying attention to important details, winning them National Milk Quality awards in 2011 and 2013. Learn more about their farm and what they do to produce such a high quality product.
Added July 28, 2014
Organic Dairy: Getting Down to Business - Don't miss the 2014 NODPA Field Days!
We will gather in Keene, New Hampshire at Stonewall Farm for the 14th annual NODPA Field Days taking place September 25 & 26, 2014. The event will offer a rich array of National and regional leaders, including USDA National Organic Program administrator Miles McEvoy and Chair of the National Organic Standard Board, Jean Richardson. We will cover topics on farm diversification, generational transfer, marketing milk from the farm, trends and opportunities for Grass Based dairies, the future of organic certification, and our ever-popular 'Ask the Vet' session with Dr. Hubert Karreman and Dr. Cindy Lankenau. The final session on Friday will be Hue and Cindy with a hands-on cow care workshop using chiropractics, acupuncture, and more using the cows in the cow barn at Stonewall Farm! In and around all of these topics there will be excellent food, time to mingle and network, and a fantastic trade show with vendors and resource people available to talk and answer questions. To learn more about the field days, or to register, go here, or contact Nora Owens, NODPA Field Days Coordinator, 413-427-7166 or noraowens@comcast.net
Johne's Disease
Dr. Susan Beal continues to learn about Johne's disease and though there is lots of information out there reflecting conventional thoughts and research, Susan would like to push the envelope a little and share some case stories and thoughts around this disease. Read more here.
Cover Crops as Forage Crops ...
A Look at Winter Rye and Triticale
As more and more farmers in the Northeast are starting to look at cover crops as part of their crop rotation, 'double cropping' has become a very viable option to evaluate. In this article, Kirsten Workman, Agronomy Outreach Professional for UVM Extension, will compare the performance of Winter Rye and Winter Triticale by sharing yields and feed value of these two crops. Samples were collected from three different farms on five fields. Read more here.
Feed and Pay Price
Organic milk supply is tight, consumption of organic fluid milk is increasing, feed costs are starting to rise as supply tightens and purchased hay is expensive, if you can find any of good quality. BUT the pay price only increases by $1. Organic leader and founder of Stonyfield Farms Gary Hirschberg recently told a group of investors that now is the time to buy into organics and it seems there is a positive future for everyone in the organic business world except for producers who are being undercut by imports. Learn more about the current trends in milk pay price, feed and the retail price for organic milk by going here >
Farmer Groups meet in DC to discuss
how to give farmers more clout in
national policy
Building an effective political voice for organic farmers and ranchers in the United States was the subject of a multi-organization meeting in Washington DC in mid-June. Representatives from organic farming and supporting associations from the East, Midwest, Northwest, South, Upper Great Plains and mountain regions representing approximately 1/3 of organic farmers nationwide attended this exploratory meeting. While many organic farmers belong to organizations that already engage in valuable policy focused coalitions, or that do this work on their own, this group came to the conclusion that there is a need for a national organization representing all organic farmers and ranchers. This organization would be a forum where organic farmers can debate and formulate national organic farm policy reflecting the needs and concerns of organic farmers, plus represent organic farmers’ interests and concerns in broader issues where the voice of the organic farmer is needed or desired. Having a place where the media, elected officials, and regulatory agencies can find the undiluted voice of the organic farming community would provide the clout and influence that organic farmers lack at this time. It was not the goal of the exploratory meeting to design a fully develop program, network or organization but it did discuss many ideas and concepts. This group wants to hear from as many farmers or farmer based organizations, as possible from all over the country and to know if they would be willing to participate in the development of a confederation, network or organization to provide for a strong and effective organic farmer voice in the United States. Please get in touch with me by email, emaltby@comcast.net, if you have an interest in moving the process forward. And click here for more details of the meeting and who attended.
Added June 10, 2014
The USDA Organic Check-Off
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is continuing its self-styled ‘discussion’ of establishing a federally mandated, USDA administered, Organic Check-off. In looking at different definitions of discussion they generally follow this idea ‘the action or process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.’
The one-sided propaganda campaign now being waged by OTA, which includes a mass mailing of brochures and robo-calls to individual producers, is not a discussion at all. It presents one side of a campaign to establish a USDA Organic Check-off program without asking the basic question of whether we want or need a federal government program to promote the organic label and assist with funding of organic research. This initiative was decided solely by the OTA Board, advised by Washington DC based lobbyists. With the authorization of the Farm Bill, OTA now has the choice of following the USDA process of establishing an organic check-off program under the administrative guidance of USDA AMS. While there are several times within that process when those that will be assessed have an opportunity to voice their opinions, it will be a protracted procedure that will last over 2-3 years and will require a well-financed and politically connected opposition in the face of OTA’s existing campaign. If the process for advancing an application for a check-off program continues under its present management by a trade organization using emotive language and a well-financed promotion program, it will divide the organic community. This will be counter-productive at a time when the community needs to be united in the face of many marketplace and USDA threats to undermine both the integrity and uniqueness of organic certification.
With this Farm Bill, organic producers and small businesses have the opportunity to opt out completely from paying into any organic check-off program which meant that farmers and ranchers can decide for themselves what to do with their money. If OTA is successful in establishing a USDA organic check-off organic program producers will lose that opportunity to opt out and be forced to pay into either a conventional or organic check-off program, something they may have voted against. There are many half-truths and sound bites now being used by OTA to describe the benefits of a USDA Organic Check-off program that are misleading at best.
There was never a community wide discussion of whether we needed an organic check-off or could be better served with other ways to promote organic production and research. Now is the time for a pause in the propaganda and hard sell and the launch of a community wide discussion of how to promote organic production and sales. We all want to promote organic and provide more money for organic on-farm research. When you get your robo call just reply that you are not in favor of any check-off and ask that they make a note of that on their call record.
When asked about what to do with check-off monies your reply could be ‘give the producers back their money and trust them to use it in ways that will benefit organic.’ Farmers and ranchers have always led organic research with their on-farm production practices and their lifestyles are the greatest promotion of the benefits of organic.
Unfortunately the process of establishing a USDA Organic Check-off will be all about numbers and getting out the vote against a heavily financed campaign (sound familiar to our deadlocked federal system of democracy?). NODPA has established an online petition to start to accumulate the numbers to oppose a move to establish a USDA Organic Check-off. Please consider signing on to the petition if you have not done so already:
https://nofa.wufoo.com/forms/online-petition-organic-checkoff-program/
For more information on the USDA Organic Check-Off please go to: http://www.nodpa.com/checkoff_opposition.shtml
Organic Dairy Production
with the End in Mind
Arden J. Nelson, DVM, and Diplomate, ABVP-Dairy has been a dairy cattle veterinary nutrition consultant for over 34 years, and, not surprisingly, believes that “Nutrition is Everything to Dairy Cows”. Nutrition is one of the largest expense on the farm as are veterinary costs and Arden rightly believes that by managing the one (nutrition) organic dairy farmers will control diseases, prevent premature culling and promote a healthy immune systems. Well balanced nutrition will directly impact the dairy producers’ bottom line and not unexpectedly affect the composition of the milk that consumers drink. For more on how what we eat now will affect the future genes of our grandchildren and find out what ‘Epigenetics’ is please go to:
production_health_human_health_06-06-14.shtml
Crossbreeding with Norwegian Reds
The advantages of crossbreeding have long been evident and many organic producers have developed their own preferences for cross bred animals that will suit their system. The aim of any breeding program is to improve production, health and fertility traits that benefit the goals of the individual family farm. While there are many choices out there the Norwegian Reds are one that may be most suited to organic production being moderate in size with calves that are hardy and fast growing and clearly adapted to grazing systems. The Norwegian Reds draw on the genetics of the Ayrshire breed, one of my favorites from many years milking then in England and Wales (United Kingdom). For more on the breed and their characteristics please go to:
production_genetics_norwegian-red_060614.shtml
5 Ways You Can Support NODPA
Ten years ago NODPA was formed in response to a threat of a drop in milk price. In 2014 NODPA is the only organization whose mission is to represent the interest of organic dairy producers no matter who they sell their milk to.
Click here for a summary of the many ways you can support NODPA and the farmers it represents.
Check out the 20 new entries in our business directory ...
... and consider adding your own business. MORE
The work of NODPA is supported by the John Merck Fund.
