Acland

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose creating a comprehensive risk reduction tool for conventional dairy farmers transitioning to organic dairy production. The essential components of organic dairy farm management will be integrated into an easy-to-use transition management tool that will 1) assess a farm's readiness for transition and identify management areas that need to be addressed, 2) provide record keeping programs to track farm progress, 3) present multiple options for troubleshooting frequently encountered problems, and 4) provide resource information tools that are either recommended by successful farmers or created as a part of the project. The risk management tool will be based on information derived from an expert panel of organic dairy farmers and developed with the assistance of an advisory committee of dairy experts, financial planners, the dairy industry and educational institutions. The project will also create two information components for transition that are currently lacking. The first is a herd health assessment and herd health management product, which will provide both proven management practices for reducing specific health problems often encountered in conventional herds and an overall management strategy for maintenance of herd health. The second information component created by the project will develop the links between alternative organic dairy feeding regimens, herd health, milk production levels and net annual income.