Introducing…Local Organic Milk!

by Shelly Juurlink, M.Sc., P.Ag.

The organic movement is growing quickly. Second only to Toronto, the Halifax region is the largest market for organic milk in the country. With no certified organic dairy farmers in Nova Scotia, the demand is currently being filled by milk traveling thousands of kilometers from dairy farms all over Ontario. This “niche” market is rapidly growing into a mainstream market and is waiting to be filled by local farmers interested in adopting a new (old) way of dairy farming.

The Nova Scotian dairy farming community has several farmers who have already entered transition. Having decreased their dependency on chemical fertilizers, genetically modified seeds, and antibiotics they are discovering the advantages of low-input, organic farming. To facilitate the transition of these farmers and other farmers interested in transitioning, the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) and Organic Meadow Farmers Co-operative have collaborated to provide support and resources to farmers.

OACC, Organic Meadows and Nova Scotia dairy farmers are working together with the services of an extension specialist / research coordinator. The aim of this position is to provide support, resources and research to interested Nova Scotian dairy farmers to build capacity to supply organic milk locally. My name is Shelly Juurlink, and I’m happy to be working with OACC and Organic Meadows to help farmers through their transition. I was born and raised on a family operated dairy farm in Nova Scotia and later earned an M.Sc. in Animal Sciences from NSAC in Truro. I have been dedicated to farming my entire life. Professionally, I have experience with organic systems in Quebec, Ontario and West Africa.

OACC facilitates research and education for organic producers and consumers to build sustainable communities. The centre’s interests range from soil nutrients to the nutritional value of the food on our plates. Our vision is “to strengthen the science and practice of organic agriculture in Canada”. OACC will be providing on-farm research into issues that are of concern to organic dairy producers in Nova Scotia. The research will address limitations of farmers facing transition with emphasis on nutrient management and how soil phosphorus levels affect biological fixation of nitrogen. Soil fertility will also be related to forage quality. Forage as a significant proportion of a monitored diet will be assessed for its effect on milk quality and quantity.

Organic Meadow originated in 1989 after local farmers, sitting around a kitchen table, realized that commercialized farming practices were not sustainable for them. They all agreed that it was time to give back to the land and produce food the way that their grandparents had; without any synthetically produced chemicals, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. With this thought in mind, they created what is now one of Canada’s most successful farmers’ co-operatives.

Since working with OACC and Organic Meadows, I have had the opportunity to visit many farmers around Nova Scotia and Ontario to discuss the challenges and limitations that both transitioning and long-term organic dairy production systems face. By overcoming these hurdles through the cooperation of a combination of specialized research, extension services, and participatory farmer meetings, the local organic dairy industry has the potential to grow exponentially. There is a broad range of support and resources for farmers in the areas of soil science, cropping, ration balancing and alternative livestock treatments available for farmers to access.

Should you want to learn more, but don’t know where to start, let me suggest “Organic Dairy Farming by: Jody Padgham” it is very comprehensive and can be ordered online at www.acresusa.com under the book section. There are also several helpful articles on the OACC website under the Research and Extension buttons.

 

Shelly Juurlink is an extension specialist / research coordinator for OACC. Please send comments or questions by phone to 902-896-2467 or by email to sjuurlink@nsac.ca.

Posted April 2007