Livestock

Frequently asked questions for livestock certification

What is organic livestock?

Organic livestock production requires that animals be fed 100% organic feed, have access to pasture or the outdoors, and prohibits the use of antibiotics and hormones. Organic livestock must be under organic management for a specific period of time. Organic livestock operators must maintain or improve soil and water quality and provide living conditions and health care practices that meet organic standards. 

What is organic feed?

Organic feed must be produced in compliance with the organic crop production standards. Feed includes pasture, forages, hay, silage, grain and any other material consumed by livestock. The National Organic Program approves the use of some synthetic feed additives including vitamins and minerals. Approved feed additives are listed in NOP 205.603(d).

What kind of living arrangements are required for organic livestock?

Organic livestock and poultry must have living conditions with access to the outdoors, shade, shelter and direct sunlight. Ruminants must have access to organic pasture. Temporary confinement is allowed only under specific circumstances, including inclement weather, stage of production, well being of the animal, or to protect soil or water quality. (NOP 205.239)

What kind of health care medicine can I give to my livestock?

A herd health program must include strategies and documentation for disease prevention, parasite control, and disease treatment as outlined in NOP 205.238. Vaccinations and veterinary biologics for endemic disease are approved. When preventive practices are inadequate to prevent sickness, synthetic medications may be administered only if approved under NOP 205.603. Organic producers of livestock products must not withhold disease treatment in order to represent the livestock product as organic.

What kind of records do I need to maintain?

In order to verify compliance with organic standards, the following records must be maintained in sufficient detail as to be readily audited:

1) All medications administered;

2) All feed bought or raised, and fed;

3) All feed supplements used;

4) The weight of slaughter animals at slaughter or hanging carcass weight;

5) Purchase and sales records for livestock and livestock products; and

6) All materials used in the on-site production of crops for feed.

7) All alterations done to the animal.

All organic stock must be individually identified, with the exception of poultry, which may be identified by flock.

Does the slaughterhouse or custom slaughter operator need to be certified?

Yes. All processors of organic products must be certified to process organic product. If your slaughter facility wishes to apply for certification, they should contact ICS at least three months prior to the slaughter of your animals.