Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance

A Dairy Legacy Thrives: Walter Organic Family Farm, Villard, Minnesota Owned and operated by Nate and Angie Walter

By Tamara Scully, NODPA Contributing Writer

Nate and Angie Walter, of Walter Organic Family Farm in Villard, Minnesota, along with their two children, Laureen, 18, and Levi, 14, are the newest generation continuing the Walter family legacy of dairy farming. Nate’s grandparents established the farm in 1935. Nate grew up working on the dairy with his father, and in 2002, he and Angie purchased the farm. Since then, the farm has continued to evolve. It has grown both in herd size and acreage; they’ve invested in a new parlor and manure management system; they are participating in the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program - both Nate and Angie are Mentor Dairy Graziers; and they’ve become certified organic.

posted to Featured Farms on Tue, Sep 20, 2022

The 22nd Annual NODPA Field Days Organic Dairy: What’s Next?

VFW Post 7823, 530 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT 05753

For the first time in ten years, NODPA Field Days returns to Vermont. Have you made your travel plans yet? You don’t want to miss out on two farm tours, 7 different workshops especially pertinent to organic dairy farmers at this time of great change, a dynamic trade show, excellent food, and plenty of time to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. Even with COVID’s newest variant always in the background, we are planning a safe, healthy event and welcome you all.

posted to Field Days on Tue, Sep 20, 2022

Publication of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) Proposed Rule

By Ed Maltby, Executive Director, NODPA

The Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Proposed Rule (OLPS) was published on August 9, 2022. According to the proposed rule language, it “will provide clarity for the production of organic livestock and poultry, consistent with recommendations provided by USDA’s Office of Inspector General and nine separate recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board, (NOSB).” A recent history of this Proposed Rule is that it is based on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule (OLPP Rule) published on January 19, 2017. The USDA decided to delay implementation of the Final Rule to allow the new administration to review the Rule.

posted to Policy on Tue, Sep 20, 2022

Message from the NODPA Co-President

By Kirk Arnold NODPA Board Co-President

For much of the season, most of my neighbors thought my cornfield next to the road was either a soybean field or that I had intentionally planted a companion crop of mustard with the corn. (Who am I to tell them any different). Oddly, my seed dealer has never asked me to put up signage....My spring hay seedings seem to have failed for the most part, if you don't count the nut grass (and crabgrass) that is going gangbusters. This particular nut grass also caught on fire in the form of big round bales of bedding that ended up being put up just a touch too wet. But looking at the whole of the season to date, though, it's been a challenge. However, the barn didn't burn, the rain came just in time for the pastures to not totally burn up in the drought, and our 4th cutting looks like it will be a good one and will save us from having to chop corn for silage.

posted to Industry News on Tue, Sep 20, 2022

Message from the NODPA Co-President

By Liz Bawden, NODPA Board Co-President

The days have shortened and the dews heavier at night. And while the cows are enjoying the lush regrowth in the pastures, it takes me a minute to take it in that the season has turned to autumn. For it seems that we work non-stop over the summer only to find ourselves surprised that it is at its end! This has been a season of challenges from excess rain and drought to the higher operating costs. More organic neighbors have exited the industry, and more barns are dark and silent. In these uncertain days of tight margins, it takes a lot of careful planning, some creative solutions, and a bit of good fortune to guide us through the year.

posted to Industry News on Tue, Sep 20, 2022

Northeast DBIC Grants Available To Organic Dairy Farms with Terminated Contracts

If you were one of the farms that lost a contract with Horizon/Danone or Maple Hill Creamery, you may be eligible for a grant from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (DBIC). Each eligible farm can receive reimbursements of up to $5,000 for infrastructure and equipment purchases or upgrades needed to make the farm shipment-ready for a new market or to improve milk quality. These funds may be used for improvements like chart recorders, milk house equipment replacement, sanitation supplies, stanchion and tie-stall improvements (i.e. mattresses), technical assistance (to address milk quality issues, improve components), and barn, housing, or other farmstead improvements (excluding construction costs) that are critical to ensuring you have a buyer. This grant is being administered by NOFA-NY in New York, NOFA-VT in Vermont, and MOFGA in Maine. You don’t have to be certified with these organizations to apply for the grant, so call your state’s certifier today. In NY, call Liana Hoodes, NOFA-NY, 914-443-5759; in Vermont, Jen Miller, NOFA-VT, 802-434-7159; in Maine, call Jacki Perkins, MOFGA, 802-595-9866.

posted to Industry News on Tue, Sep 20, 2022

Free Mental Health First Aid Trainings for Ag Communities of New York State

Did you know that farmers are more likely than the general population to die by suicide? NY FarmNet is collaborating with county Cornell Cooperative Extension offices between now and May to offer free, full day, in person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. Farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community in NY is encouraged to attend. Trainings run from 8am to 5pm, and lunch will be provided from a local eatery with a one hour break.

posted to Industry News on Tue, Sep 20, 2022