Expanding Grass-based Organic Dairy Enterprises among Southeastern Iowa Farmers

Five years ago, the Amish population in southeastern Iowa had no outlet for their quality organic milk because a market had not yet developed in the area and transportation costs were deemed too high by industry buyers. Today, there are not enough organic dairy producers to meet consumer demand. This project addresses the shortage of organic/grass-based dairy farmers by increasing market options and technical assistance available for them, and documenting the challenges in establishing and growing dairy grazing networks.

Over the past year, the Iowa Valley RC&D has worked with Farmers All Natural Creamery, Kalona, in promoting the development of grass-based dairies and the grass-based dairy market. A survey of 500 eastern Iowa dairy farmers found widespread interest in transitioning to organic dairy. Survey respondents also identified barriers and challenges to the transitioning process. Five field days, and two winter meetings, involving Iowa State University Extension and NRCS staff, were held to educate producers about grass-based dairying. Testing of milk samples, documenting levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from area producers was conducted through Iowa State University. CLA has antioxidant properties and is appealing to health-minded consumers. This data will be used to promote the utilization of grass-based systems in the region and as a future marketing tool.

This project has educated farmers about transitioning to and marketing of organic dairy products, identified barriers and opportunities to this process, and provided the basis for an on-going farmer grazing network.

Contacts:
Christine Taliga
Iowa Valley RC&D
920 48th Avenue
Amana, IA 52203
christine.taliga@ia.usda.gov
319-929-4483

Peter Hoehnle
Iowa Valley RC&D
920 48th Avenue
Amana, IA 52203
peter.hoehnle@ia.nacdnet.net
319-668-8110