Going into organic livestock production requires careful consideration of different aspects of the farm business.
By considering the changes needed you can manage a smooth transition. On Chapter 5 of
the Australian Certified Organic Standard
you will find all the specific requirements for Organic Livestock certification.
There are many farm businesses in Australia that successfully raise organic livestock. Products on the market include
meat and wool as well as dairy products. Organic livestock production can be found in most of the same regions as
conventionally managed livestock, with the majority of production taking place in the rangelands. In all cases
successful conversion to organic production requires a clear farm and family goal to go organic. It also requires
thinking through the management challenges that your climate and environment may bring.
Organic livestock production has a lot in common with good conventional practices. Choosing good breeding stock,
looking after your country for the long term (no overstocking, caring for ground cover and soil), good nutrition,
whole farm planning and running your business with good bookkeeping, business and financial planning.
Under the requirements of a number of organic standards ruminant livestock must be managed in accordance with the
organic standards from the last trimester of gestation for the progeny to be sold for slaughter as organic. It is
often common for livestock operators to have a breeding herd that is managed organically but cannot be sold for
slaughter as organic because they were not born on certified land or were on farm before the farm became certified.
