Organic pasture versus conventional dairying – is there a difference in sustainability

Abstract Text: Organic is a production system that is managed to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. The number of organic dairy producers in the Upper Midwest continues to grow. Over an eight-year period from 2000 to 2008, the number of organic farms grew by 42 percent.  Despite the slow-moving economy over the past several years, consumers continue to purchase organic dairy products. Organic milk can cost considerably more than conventional milk.  Disease frequencies were examined on organic and conventional herds in Minnesota. Lameness prevalence, Johne’s disease presence on farm between similar sized organic and conventional farms or bulk tank bacteria count, were not substantially different among farm types.  Furthermore, organic farms had higher GI parasite egg counts than conventional dairy farms.  For Minnesota, organic dairy herds in 2014 had 4,881 kg less production than conventional dairy herds; however, the lower production was a result of lower inputs for cows (i.e. feeding less grain). Additionally, organic herds in Minnesota had less feed cost and less total costs per cow than conventional herds. Organic herds had less feed costs because they fed less grain whereas conventional herds had high grain prices and high prices on protein and vitamins and minerals. Organic herds in Minnesota also had less veterinary costs ($78.94 less per cow) than conventional herds. Bottom line, organic dairy herds in Minnesota during the last 5 years had more net income per cow (+$13.65) than conventional herds.  Some challenges of organic dairy production include fewer health products allowed, higher costs of feed, less research information available on organic dairy production, high costs of certification, and the extensive paperwork and records that must be maintained on all aspects of the farm. Despite the challenges, organic dairy production may be more profitable that conventional dairy production. Regardless of organic or conventional, dairy producers must have the best management practices that will positively impact the profitability of their dairy operations.

Keywords: organic dairy, conventional dairy, sustainability