Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Improving veterinary care for organic livestock producers

Project ID: M2010-05

Abstract

Organic producers and Iowa veterinarians were questioned about the existing veterinary systems and care available to organic livestock producers.

Key Question: How well does the current system of veterinary care fit the needs of organic livestock producers in Iowa, and how might the fit be improved?

Findings: The answers to those questions varied from one stakeholder group to the next. Most producers were satisfied with the availability of veterinary services and reported a large degree of independence in dealing with herd health challenges. In contrast, the veterinarians pointed out a variety of health concerns possible on organic farms and stressed the importance of veterinary involvement in those systems. They also indicated overwhelmingly that suitable information was either unavailable or difficult to access.

Lead investigator: Betty L. Wells, ISU Sociology

Co-Investigator(s):

Jennifer O'Neill, Viroqua, Wisconsin

Year of grant completion: 2011

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Niche meat, dairy and poultry, Organic production practices and comparisons