Organic systems rely on nutrient cycling and soil health, with strict rules around permitted inputs. All inputs must be approved and recorded.
Soil
Key focus areas
- Soil fertility and structure
- Input approval processes
- Record keeping for all applications and placement
- Managing nutrient loss and environmental risk
Pastures
Pasture is the foundation of organic dairy systems. Diverse, resilient pastures support animal health, soil function and seasonal reliability.
Key focus areas
- Increasing pasture species diversity
- Grazing management to maintain pasture quality
- Weed management
- Seed requirements, including non GMO certification and the use of non-treated seed
Animals
Animal health in organic systems is based on planned prevention, supported by nutrition, genetics and management rather than treatment after the fact.
Key focus areas
- Nutrition and feed quality
- Appropriate stocking rates and grazing management
- Breeding and genetics suited to organic systems
- Animal wellbeing remains a priority
Milk quality
Milk quality remains critical in organic supply. Quality outcomes are influenced by animal health, nutrition, hygiene and management practices.
Key focus areas
- Preventative mastitis management
- Hygiene and milking routines
- Managing animal treatments and milk status
- Clear separation of organic and non-organic milk
Stocking rates
Organic farms generally operate at lower stocking rates, typically 2 cows per hectare. This approach is shaped by:
- A reliance on pasture grown without synthetic fertilisers
- Minimal to no use of imported supplements
- A strong emphasis on animal health, body condition, and feed resilience
