ORGANIC SYSTEM PLAN
NON-DAIRY – RUMINANT LIVESTOCK
.....................................................................................................................................
1900 Hendon Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 ~ tel 612-625-7766 ~ fax 612-625-3748 ~ mncia@mncia.org ~ www.mncia.org
Please fill out this questionnaire if you are requesting organic certification for non-dairy, ruminant livestock. Submit farm, pasture,
and livestock facility maps as well as other supporting documents (documentation for pastures owned or rented for less than three
years, feed and supplement product labels, etc.) outlined in this questionnaire. Use additional sheets as necessary.
SECTION 1: General Information
NOP Rule §205.401
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Applicant (Name/Company):
Applicant No:
Check #:
Contact Person:
Amount:
Address:
DR #:
Initials:
City:
State:
Phone:
Cell:
Late Fees:
Fax:
Email:
Other:
Legal Status
S-Corporation
Limited Liability Corporation
Zip code:
Legal partnership
Trust or non-profit
Sole proprietorship
Other (specify):
Are you currently certified organic by an agency other than Minnesota Crop Improvement Association?
If yes, list the name of the agency:
Yes
No
Do we have permission to contact the agency regarding your previous certification?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Year first certified organic:
Has certification ever been denied, suspended or revoked?
If yes, describe the circumstance & attach documentation:
If transferring from another agency, attach a list of all noncompliance issues from last year’s certification and state how they have
been addressed. (Please submit a copy of your last year’s certification letter.)
No noncompliance issues
Do you have access to a current copy of MCIA’s Organic Handbook?
Yes
No
Do you have access to a current copy of the NOP standards?
Yes
No
Preferred time for inspection:
AM
PM
Give directions to farm:
Type of Livestock Operation?
Beef
Bison
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Goats
Organic
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Sheep
Other:
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
NOP Rule §205.201(a)(5)
§205.236(a)(2§205.236§205.236
NOP §205.201(a)(5) An organic production system plan must include a description of the management
practices and physical
SECTION 2: Split Operation
barriers established to prevent commingling of organic and nonorganic products on a split operation and to prevent contact of
organic production and handling operations and products with prohibited substances.
NOT APPLICABLE, all livestock are organically managed.
2.1 What conventional livestock and livestock products do you raise/produce?
2.2 Explain what measures are taken to ensure segregation of non-organic from organic animals. (e.g. separate housing,
outdoor access areas, different ID system, etc.)
2.3 How is equipment cleaned that is used for both organic and non-organic animals/animal products?
2.4 Please explain how organic and non-organic feeds are kept separate?
2.5 If you have any non-organic animals on your farm (including home use or work animals) that are not fed 100% organic feed,
and/or that are given medical treatments, feed additives or supplements prohibited in organic production, please complete
the table below to describe your practices and materials use. This will facilitate inspection measures and explain/justify the
presence of non-organic materials that you currently have on your farm/ranch.
FEED OR MATERIAL (PRODUCT NAME/
FORMULATION AND MANUFACTURER
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TYPE OF LIVESTOCK AND REASON FOR USE
Organic
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LOCATION WHERE STORED/USED OR FED
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© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 3: Livestock Operation Profile/Origin of Livestock
NOP Rule §205.236
NOP §206.236 The NOP requires that livestock products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be from animals
under continuous organic management from the last third of gestation. Livestock used as breeder stock may be brought from a
nonorganic operation onto an organic operation at any time: Provided That, if such livestock are gestating and the offspring are to
be raised as organic livestock, the breeder stock must be brought onto the facility no later than the last third of gestation. Once an
organic animal is removed from an organic system, the animal or edible livestock product is no longer eligible to be sold, labeled or
represented as organically produced. Breeder stock that has not been under continuous organic management since the last third
of gestation may not be sold, labeled, or represented as organic slaughter stock. Records must be maintained sufficient to
preserve the identity of all organically managed animals and edible and nonedible animal products produced on the operation.
Classes of Livestock - A group of livestock that shares a similar stage of life or production. The classes of animals are those that are
commonly listed on feed labels. Examples of classes used for the following types of livestock are:
Beef – Cows, Calves (birth to weaning), Stockers, Feeders, Replacement heifers, Finishing cattle, Bulls
Bison – Cows, Calves (birth to weaning), Feeders, Yearlings, Replacement heifers, Finishing, Bulls
Goats – Does, Kids, Finishers, Wethers, Bucks
Sheep – Ewes, Feeder lambs, Finishing lambs, Rams
You may define your own classes of livestock.
3.1 In the table below, list the classes of livestock in your current herd for which you are requesting organic certification.
Attach a current animal list with the number of animals in each class of livestock (cows, heifers, breeding stock, etc.), source
and start date of organic management.
Please have all animal purchase and/or breeding/birth records available at inspection, including copies of certificates for animals
purchased organic.
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK
NUMBER OF
ANIMALS
SPECIES AND BREED
Total in Herd/Flock
3.2 Because animal numbers are dynamic, please provide a description of changes in animal numbers you anticipate over the
next year. Specifically address cull rates, mortality rates, slaughter, sales and maturation into another class of livestock.
3.3 Do you plan to purchase, within the next year, any animals for which certification is being requested?
Yes
No
If yes, please indicate the type of livestock and, if known, the source from which they will be purchased and certifier.
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Organic
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3.4 Describe your plan for organic livestock replacement/sourcing:
Breed/raise own stock with continuous organic management
Organic management during the last third of gestation
Purchase certified organic animals
Other (describe):
3.5 Do you raise all your replacement animals on-farm?
Yes
No
If someone is raising replacement animals for you, they must be certified organic. Submit a copy of their organic certificate(s)
with this application. Please list their name(s) and address(es):
Name
Address
Phone
Name
Address
Phone
3.6 Check which animal identification system you use.
Ear tags
Tattoos
Branding
Ear notches
Other (specify):
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
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Collars with tags
Neck chains
Organic
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Photos or Drawings
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 4: Living Conditions
NOP Rule §205.239
NOP §205.239 The producer must establish and maintain year-round livestock living conditions which accommodate the health
and natural behavior of the animals including; 1) Year-round access for all animals to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas,
fresh air, clean water for drinking, and direct sunlight, suitable to the species, its stage of life, the climate, and the environment:
Except, that, animals may be temporarily denied access to the outdoors in accordance with §§205.239(b) and (c). Yards, feeding
pads, and feedlots may be used to provide ruminants with access to the outdoors during the non-grazing season and
supplemental feeding during the grazing season. Yards, feeding pads, and feedlots shall be large enough to allow all ruminant
livestock occupying the yard, feeding pad, or feedlot to feed simultaneously without crowding and without competition for food.
Continuous confinement of any animal indoors is prohibited. Continuous total confinement of ruminants in yards, feeding pads,
and feedlots is prohibited; 2) management on pasture and daily grazing throughout the grazing season(s) to meet the
requirements of §205.237, except as provided for in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section; 3) Appropriate clean, dry bedding.
When roughages are used as bedding, they shall have been organically produced in accordance with this part by an operation
certified under this part, except as provided in §205.236(a)(2)(i), and if applicable, organically handled by operations certified to
the NOP; 4) Shelter designed to allow for: a) natural maintenance, comfort behaviors, and opportunity to exercise; b) temperature
level, ventilation, and air circulation suitable to the species; and c) reduction of potential for livestock injury; 5) The use of yards,
feeding pads, feedlots and laneways that shall be well-drained, kept in good condition (including frequent removal of wastes), and
managed to prevent runoff of waste and contaminated waters to adjoining or nearby surface water and across property
boundaries.
A producer may provide temporary confinement or shelter for an animal because of; 1) inclement weather; 2) animals’ stage of
life; 3) conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the animal could be in jeopardized; 4) risk to soil and water
quality; 5) Preventative healthcare procedures or for the treatment of illness or injury; 6) Sorting and shipping animals and
livestock sales: Provided, that, the animals shall be maintained under continuous organic management, including organic feed,
throughout the extent of their allowed confinement; 7) Breeding: Except, that, bred animals shall not be denied access to the
outdoors and, once bred, shall not be denied access to pasture during the grazing season; or 8) 4-H, FFA and other youth projects,
for no more than one week prior to a fair or other demonstration, through the event and up to 24 hours after the animals have
arrived home at the conclusion of the event. These animals must have been maintained under continuous organic management,
including organic feed, during the extent of their allowed confinement for the event. The producer may temporarily deny an
animal pasture or outdoor access one week at the end of a lactation for dry off (for denial of pasture only), three weeks prior to
parturition (birthing), parturition, and up to one week after parturition.
4.1 Describe the locations and living conditions for each class of organic livestock, including pastures or range, outdoor and
indoor feeding yard, feeding pads, feedlots, housing and/or shelter.
4.2 What type of shelter is used for each animal group in summer and winter? List more than one if necessary. Include the type
of housing (Stanchion barn, tie stall barn, free stall, bedded pack housing, run-in shed, trees, hutches, etc.), a description of
the floor type (concrete, ½ slatted, fully slatted, etc.), and the size of the shelter (length X width).
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK
SUMMER SHELTER
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WINTER SHELTER
Organic
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WINTER OUTDOOR
ACCESS?
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© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
4.3 Describe how the housing or shelter you provide for each class of livestock is designed to allow for natural maintenance,
comfort behaviors and opportunity to exercise; temperature control, ventilation, air circulation; and reduction of potential for
injury.
4.4 How often are shelters cleaned out? Describe the process and any products used (i.e. barn lime, disinfectants, sanitizers,
cleaning products, etc.). Provide brand names, labels and ingredient lists for all products that are not OMRI listed. (All input
products must be approved prior to use.)
4.5 What type of bedding materials are used for each class of livestock? Indicate whether they are produced on-farm or
purchased, the source (if purchased), and the certifier (if applicable). If purchased, submit a copy of the suppliers(s) organic
certificate(s) with this application. Agricultural products that are edible (i.e. not sawdust or sand) must be certified organic.
Off-farm wood-based bedding materials must be free of glues, treatments, and synthetic finishes (e.g. wood chips from
window manufacturers or pallet companies).
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK
TYPE OF BEDDING
PRODUCED ON-FARM
OR PURCHASED
SOURCE, IF PURCHASED
(another farm, etc.)
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
BY WHOM?
4.6 Describe the locations (should be noted on maps supplied for question 6.1) and sources of shade within outdoor access
areas.
4.7 What drinking water sources are used (location of water sources should be noted on maps supplied for question 6.1)?
Check all that apply.
On-site well
Farm ponds
Water tubs in pastures
Other:
Water tubs in barn and barnyard
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4.8 If you add anything to livestock water, please list each additive or material(s), indicate its acceptability for use in organic
production (allowed or restricted), the amount or concentration, and frequency of use.
N/A; no materials used in water
ADDITIVE/MATERIAL
ALLOWED (A)
RESTRICTED (R)
AMOUNT OR CONCENTRATION
FREQUENCY OF USE
4.9 Identify all water sources within or adjacent to the property (should be identified on maps supplied for question 6.1).
Describe how you prevent erosion around water sources, damage to natural wetlands and riparian areas, and risks of
contamination of water.
4.10 Describe how you manage yards, feeding areas and lanes to keep them well-drained and clean, and to prevent runoff of
wastes and contamination of water, or drainage across property boundaries.
4.11 Lumber treated with arsenate or other prohibited materials: Identify any locations with existing (previously installed)
treated lumber and its approximate age. Also, list locations where you have used treated lumber in new installations or for
replacement purposes, and describe how you prevent contact with soil, livestock, crops and livestock feed.
4.12 Outdoor access to pasture. All livestock are expected to have daily access to the outdoors, all year round. On average how
many hours per day are animals outdoors?
(If it varies among different age groups and times of year, please list separately in the table below):
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
SPRING
Organic
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SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
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© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
4.13 Temporary Confinement is defined as denying access to the outdoors, “occurring for a limited time only, (e.g. overnight,
throughout a storm, during a period of illness), not permanent or lasting. NOP§205.239.
(a) Describe the record-keeping system you use to track temporary confinement of animals. (Have records of temporary
confinement with time periods and reasons available at inspection.)
(b) For each class of livestock, describe the circumstances under which you plan to temporarily confine animals. Indicate
which animals are confined, duration and place of confinement
REASON FOR TEMPORARY CONFINEMENT
CIRCUMSTANCES/LOCATION OF TEMPORARY
CONFINEMENT FROM THE OUTDOORS
TYPICAL DURATION OF TEMPORARY
CONFINEMENT (DAYS/HOURS)
Inclement weather (that could cause
hardship to livestock)
Stage of life
Describe:
To protect the health, safety, or wellbeing
Risk to soil or water quality
To administer healthcare procedures
Sorting, Shipping or Sales
Breeding purposes (until bred)
4-H or other youth projects
Dry off
Birthing
Other:
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© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 5: Manure Management
NOP Rule §205.239(e)
NOP §205.239(e) The producer must manage manure in a manner that does not contribute to the contamination of crops, soil, or
water by plant nutrients, heavy metals, or pathogenic organisms and optimizes recycling of nutrients and must manage pastures
and other outdoor access areas in a manner that does not put soil or water quality at risk.
5.1 What forms of manure are generated?
Liquid
Semi-solid/piled
Fully composted
5.2 How often do you clean cow yards/feed lots?
5.3 Estimated quantity of manure generated per year:
5.4 List any additives/ingredients added to manure:
5.5 If manure is not used immediately, how and where is it stored?
5.6 Do you apply manure on your farm?
If no, how is it managed?
Yes
No
5.7 During what months do you apply manure/compost?
5.8 If manure is composted, describe your composting method:
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© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 6: Pasture Plan and Grazing Management
NOP Rule §205.240
NOP §205.240 The producer of an organic livestock operation must, for all ruminant livestock on the operation, demonstrate
through auditable records in the organic system plan, a functioning management plan for pasture. Pasture must be managed as a
crop in full compliance with §§205.202, 205.203(d) and (e), 205.204, and 205.206(b) through (f). Land used for the production of
annual crops for ruminant grazing must be managed in full compliance with §§205.202 through 205.206. Irrigation shall be used,
as needed, to promote pasture growth when the operation has irrigation available for use on pasture.
Producers must provide pasture in compliance with §205.239(a)(2) and manage pasture to comply with the requirements of:
§205.237(c)(2), to annually provide a minimum of 30 percent of a ruminant’s dry matter intake (DMI) on average, over the course
of the grazing season(s); §205.238(a)(3), to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites; and §205.239(e) to
refrain from putting soil or water quality at risk.
6.1 Please complete a FIELD HISTORY SHEET and provide a map for each pasture. The map should clearly illustrate the
following:
 Grazing Locations (Pasture/Paddock/Range ID, location and size of each pasture/paddock/range in acres)
 Buffers and adjoining land use(s)
 Locations and types of permanent fences
 Laneways and outdoor access areas
 Access to shade
 Location and source of drinking water
 Location of waterways, ponds, lakeshore or areas where runoff collects
 Protected environmental resources, if applicable
6.2 What is the length of the grazing season at your farm’s location?
Please describe a typical grazing season for each class of livestock.
(a)
Grazing Season: Dates
(begin), through
(end)
Grazing Season: Dates
(begin), through
(end)
Grazing Season: Dates
(begin), through
(end)
Grazing Season: Dates
(begin), through
(end)
Grazing Season: Dates
(begin), through
(end)
Grazing Season: Dates
(begin), through
(end)
(b) Do you have any breaks in a typical grazing season (times when animals are not on pasture):
Dates
(begin), through
(end) Reason:
Dates
(begin), through
(end) Reason:
Dates
(begin), through
(end) Reason:
6.3 Grazing Methods Used in Your Pasture System
(a) Permanent Pasture – Please put the correct acreage for each type of management and add up your TOTAL PERMANENT
PASTURE ACREAGE at the bottom of the chart. This chart is for your land that is used only for grazing.
TYPE OF MANAGEMENT
EXAMPLE:
Continuous grazing/one open pasture
ACRES
38
SPECIES COMPOSITION
Native grass-clover mix, brush,
hardwoods
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK
Cows, bred heifers
# HEAD/
GROUP
26
Management-intensive grazing
Rotational grazing
Occasional grazing
Continuous grazing/one open pasture
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Day & Night pastures
Strip grazing
Annual pasture season
Other:
Other:
TOTAL ACRES:
(All your permanent pasture land)
(b) How long are animals in a pasture/paddock before moving them to fresh pasture/paddock?
(c) What is the rest period for pasture/paddock between grazings? Include seasonal variations.
(d) What kinds of conventional animals share the organic pasture described here?
(e) How many conventional animals?
(f) Other comments about your pasture system:
(g) Grazing cropland. Please fill out this chart with acres you would use in a typical grazing season (not an extreme year).
TYPE OF CROP LAND
NUMBER OF ACRES
APPROXIMATE DATES
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK
Early season grazing hay
land after 1st cut
Late season grazing hay
land after 2nd or 3rd cut
Grazing crop residue
Crop:
Other:
(h) How many additional acres of cropland could you potentially graze, if needed, to bring up the % DMI from pasture?
(i) Do you graze or board animals on another producer’s farm (custom boarding/grazing)?
Producer’s name:
Yes
No
Name of Farm:
Class of livestock grazing there:
# of Head:
Is this farm included in your OSP?
Yes
No
If not, the producer’s farm must be certified organic. Submit a copy of their organic certificate(s) with this application.
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6.4(a) What cultural and management practices do you use to increase pasture productivity, improve pasture quality, and
extend the grazing season? Please check all that apply:
Pasture soil testing
Fertility inputs/spreading manure
pH adjustments
Clipping weeds
Controlled access/avoiding overgrazing
Stockpiling fall pasture
Irrigation
Annual grazing season extension crops (warm season grasses, brassicas, etc)
Other:
(b) Describe your pasture management/monitoring strategies to minimize diseases and parasites.
(c) Is irrigation available for use on any of your pastures?
Describe irrigation use and/or limitations:
Yes
No
(d) Describe your soil fertility management and methods for pasture.
(e) Describe your approach to seeding your pasture and seed bed preparation.
6.5 Seed and Seed Treatments. NOP §205.204 requires the use of organically grown seeds, unless an equivalent organically produced
variety is not commercially available. If using non-organically produced seeds, you must have records of your attempts to source organic
seed. Synthetic seed treatments including fungicides and inoculants are prohibited unless included on the National List. Genetically
engineered/modified (GMO) seeds and inoculants are prohibited in organic production. NOP Rule uses the phrase "excluded methods" to
refer to GMO products. NOTE: A prohibited substance may be used if such treatment is a requirement of Federal or State phytosanitary
regulations.
Check all that describes what you use or plan to use:
(a) Seeds
Not Applicable; no seeds used or planned for use
Certified organic seed, saved on farm (records required)
(b) Seed Treatments and Inoculants (Seek MCIA approval prior to use).
Not Applicable; none used
Coating
Fungicide or insecticide
Inoculant
Certified organic seed, purchased
Non-organic, untreated seed
Disinfection
Pelletization
Other:
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SECTION 7: Livestock Feed
NOP Rule §205.237
NOP §205.237 The producer of an organic operation must provide livestock with a total feed ration composed of agricultural
products, including pasture and forage, that are organically produced and handled by operations certified to the NOP, except,
that, synthetic substances allowed under §205.603 and nonsynthetic substances not prohibited under §205.604 may be used as
feed additives and feed supplements, Provided, That, all agricultural ingredients included in the ingredients list, for such additives
and feed supplements, shall have been produced and handled organically.
The producer must not a) use animal drugs including hormones to promote growth, b) provide feed supplements or additives in
amounts above those needed for adequate nutrition and health maintenance for the species at its specific stage of life, c) feed
plastic pellets for roughage, d) feed formulas containing urea or manure, e) feed mammalian or poultry slaughter by-products to
mammals or poultry, f) use feed, feed additives, and feed supplements in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, g)
provide feed or forage to which any antibiotic including ionophores has been added, and h) prevent, withhold, restrain, or
otherwise restrict ruminant animals from actively obtaining feed grazed from pasture during the grazing season, except for
conditions as described under §205.239(b) and (c).
During the grazing season, producers shall: 1) Provide not more than an average of 70 percent of a ruminant’s dry matter
demand from dry matter fed (dry matter fed does not include dry matter grazed from residual forage or vegetation rooted in
pasture). This shall be calculated as an average over the entire grazing season for each type and class of animal. Ruminant
animals must be grazed throughout the entire grazing season for the geographical region, which shall be not less than 120 days
per calendar year. Due to weather, season, and/or climate, the grazing season may or may not be continuous, 2) Provide pasture
of a sufficient quality and quantity to graze throughout the grazing season and to provide all ruminant animals with an average of
not less than 30 percent of their dry matter intake (DMI) from grazing throughout the grazing season: Except, That, a) ruminant
animals denied pasture in accordance with §205.239(b)(1) through (8), and §205.239(c)(1) through (3), shall be provided with an
average of not less than 30 percent of their dry matter intake from grazing throughout the periods that they are on pasture during
the grazing season; b) Breeding bulls shall be exempt from the 30 percent DMI from grazing requirement and management on
pasture requirement of §205.239(c)(2); Provided, That, any animal maintained under this exemption shall not be sold, labeled,
used, or represented as organic slaughter stock.
Feeding records must be available for the inspector.
7.1 Itemize below the total of each ORGANIC FEED PRODUCED ON YOUR OWN FARM over the past 12 months. Please attach
additional sheet(s) if necessary. These crops must be listed on your crop producer organic system plan. Contact MCIA if you
do not have a producer application.
CROP
(Corn silage, grain, dry hay, baleage,
grass silage)
ACREAGE
NUMBER OF
HARVESTS
TOTAL NUMBER
AND/OR WEIGHT
(i.e: 200 round bales at 500 lb
each OR 276 tons, OR 5,000 lbs)
7.2 Do you process (mix, grind, roast, extrude, etc.) any feed on-farm?
Is the equipment also used to process conventional products?
Yes
No
Yes
No
ESTIMATED DRY MATTER (DM)
CONTENT
(Your forage test results, MCIA
values or your own best estimate)
If yes, how is the equipment cleaned prior to processing organic feed?
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7.3 If feed is processed at a location other than your farm, the facility must be certified organic. Submit a copy of their organic
certificate(s) with this application. List below the ORGANIC FEEDS PURCHASED over the past 12 months. Attach additional
sheet(s) if necessary. (Have receipts and clean transport documents available at inspection.)
TOTAL NUMBER AND/OR
TYPE OF FORAGE OR GRAIN CROP
SOURCE (name of feed mill,
CERTIFIED ORGANIC BY WHOM?
another farm, etc.)
WEIGHT
(i.e: 200 round bales at 500 lb each
OR 276 tons, OR 5,000 lbs)
7.4 What is your plan for obtaining emergency feed supplies?
7.5 Describe your feed storage locations:
TYPE OF FEED
TYPE OF STORAGE
CAPACITY
LOCATION
ORG (O) CONV (C)
7.6 How do you control rodents/pests in organic feed storage? Provide brand name, label and ingredient list for all products
that are not OMRI listed.
7.7 List all feed supplements, salt, minerals and feed additives, including silage inoculants and preservatives. Provide brand
name, label and ingredient list for all products that are not OMRI listed. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary.
FEED SUPPLEMENT/ADDITIVE
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MANUFACTURER
Organic
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TYPE OF MATERIAL/ REASON
FOR USE
ON NATIONAL
LIST? Y/N
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© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
Producers of organic ruminant livestock are required to provide a full description of feed rations and calculations of how much of
the ration is provided by pasture during the grazing season. The charts below can be used to provide this information. You may
use an alternative method, such as the forms and resources on the NOP website, but you must specify the source.
In the reference tables below you will find 1) dry matter demand for beef cattle, goats and sheep and 2) dry matter contents for
most feeds. Using the information in the tables below, complete the Ration and Pasture Calculation charts for each class of
livestock (listed in Section 3.1) on your farm that is fed a separate ration. If you have %DM from feed testing, or another source,
use those numbers in your calculations and submit the supporting documentation. Make as many copies of the worksheets as you
need.
TABLE 1
TABLE 2
Ruminant Groups: Dry Matter Demand as a
percentage of body weight
Percentage Dry Matter (%DM)
of common feeds
Beef cattle (more than 1 year old)
2.25%
Hay (dry, both legume and grass)= 89%
Beef cattle (weaned, less than 1 year
old)
2.75%
Green Chop (any green chopped forage)= 20%
Sheep
(brood or milking animals)
3.65%
Sheep (weaned, slaughter or
replacement stock)
3.3%
Haylage (any chopped forage except corn)= 35%
Baleage (any baled and wrapped forage)= 60%
Corn silage= 35%
Goats
(brood or milking animals)
4%
Goats (weaned, slaughter or
replacement stock)
High moisture corn= 76%
2.25%
Grain (dry corn, beans, small grains)= 89%
For additional Dry Matter Demand Tables for Beef refer to the National Organic Program Dry Matter Demand Tables for Classes of
Beef Cattle (available on the NOP website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5087125.
RATIONS AND PASTURE CALCULATION
I. DRY MATTER DEMAND (DMD)
Find the DMD as % of average body weight. Average weight x % (move decimal to the left two digits) = Dry Matter Demand
Number of Animals in
this Group
Which Group?
Average Weight
Per Animal
DMD as % of Body Weight From
Ruminant Groups Chart
Dry Matter
Demand
(A)
II. WINTER NON-GRAZING SEASON FEED RATION
III. SUMMER GRAZING SEASON FEED RATION
Feed Types – List All
Feed Types – List All
Example: Corn silage
% DM
35% (.35)
Lbs fed
x
10 #
DMI fed
=
3.5#
% DM
Example: Dry corn
89% (.89)
Lbs fed
x
15 #
DMI fed
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
TOTAL DM FED
(B)
13.35#
TOTAL DM FED
(C)
x 100 =
%
IV. PASTURE CALCULATION
minus
DMD
(from A)
=
Total DM Fed
(from C)
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
divided by
Pasture DM
Fed
=
DMD
(from A)
Organic
Page 15 of 26
DM % from
pasture
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
RATIONS AND PASTURE CALCULATION
I.
DRY MATTER DEMAND (DMD)
Find the DMD as % of average body weight. Average weight x % (move decimal to the left two digits) = Dry Matter Demand
Number of Animals in
this Group
Which Group?
Average Weight
Per Animal
DMD as % of Body Weight From
Ruminant Groups Chart
Dry Matter
Demand
(A)
II. WINTER NON-GRAZING SEASON FEED RATION
III. SUMMER GRAZING SEASON FEED RATION
Feed Types – List All
Feed Types – List All
% DM
Lbs fed
DMI fed
% DM
Lbs fed
DMI fed
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
TOTAL DM FED
(B)
TOTAL DM FED
(C)
x 100 =
%
IV. PASTURE CALCULATION
minus
DMD
(from A)
=
Total DM Fed
(from C)
divided by
Pasture DM
Fed
=
DMD
(from A)
DM % from
pasture
RATIONS AND PASTURE CALCULATION
I.
DRY MATTER DEMAND (DMD)
Find the DMD as % of average body weight. Average weight x % (move decimal to the left two digits) = Dry Matter Demand
Number of Animals in
this Group
Which Group?
Average Weight
Per Animal
DMD as % of Body Weight From
Ruminant Groups Chart
Dry Matter
Demand
(A)
II. WINTER NON-GRAZING SEASON FEED RATION
III. SUMMER GRAZING SEASON FEED RATION
Feed Types – List All
Feed Types – List All
% DM
Lbs fed
DMI fed
% DM
Lbs fed
DMI fed
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
x
=
TOTAL DM FED
(B)
TOTAL DM FED
(C)
x 100 =
%
IV. PASTURE CALCULATION
minus
DMD
(from A)
=
Total DM Fed
(from C)
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
divided by
Pasture DM
Fed
=
DMD
(from A)
Organic
Page 16 of 26
DM % from
pasture
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
7.11 Ruminant slaughter stock (NOP §205.239(d)) typically grain finished, shall be maintained on pasture for each day that the
finishing period corresponds with the grazing season for the geographical location: Except, that, yards, feeding pads, or
feedlots may be used to provide finish feeding rations. During the finishing period, ruminant slaughter stock shall be exempt
from the minimum 30% DMI requirement from grazing. Yards, feeding pads, or feedlots used to provide finish feeding rations
shall be large enough to allow all ruminant slaughter stock occupying the yard, feeding pad, or feedlot to feed simultaneously
without crowding and without competition for food. The finishing period shall not exceed one-fifth (1/5) of the animal’s total
life or 120 days, whichever is shorter.
(a) If you finish slaughter stock, include their rations on a DMI calculation worksheet.
(b) Describe the age of animals at slaughter and the length of the finishing period:
(c) When does the finishing period typically occur?
(d) Describe whether finishing stock have daily access to pasture during the grazing season:
(e) Describe housing, and how feeding locations allow for simultaneous feeding of all stock without crowding and
competition for food:
Producers should document the amount of each type of feed actually fed to each type and class of animal. Your records should
show changes in rations fed in response to seasonal changes. Please have these records available at inspection.
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Organic
Page 17 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 8: Health Care Practices
NOP Rule §205.238
NOP §205.238 Producers must establish and maintain preventative livestock health care practices including: 1) Selection of
species and types of livestock with regard to suitability for site-specific conditions and resistance to prevalent diseases and
parasites; 2) Provision of a feed ration sufficient to meet nutritional requirements, including vitamins, minerals, protein and/or
amino acids, fatty acids, energy sources, and fiber; 3) Establishment of appropriate housing, pasture conditions, and sanitation
practices to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites; 4) Provision of conditions which allow for exercise,
freedom of movement, and reductions of stress appropriate to the species; 5) Performance of physical alterations as needed to
promote the animal’s welfare and in a manner that minimizes pain and stress; 6) Administration of vaccines and other veterinary
biologics.
When preventative and veterinary biologics are inadequate to prevent sickness, synthetic medications may be administered
provided they are allowed under §205.603. Parasiticides allowed under §205.603 may be used on breeder stock , when used prior
to the last third of gestation but not during lactation for progeny that are to be sold, labeled, or represented as organically
produced.
The producer of an organic livestock operation must not: 1) Sell, label, or represent as organic any animal or edible product
derived from any animal treated with antibiotics, any substance that contains a synthetic substance not allowed under §205.603,
or any substance that contains a nonsynthetic prohibited in §205.604; 2) Administer any animal drug, other than vaccinations, in
the absence of illness; 3) Administer hormones for growth promotion; 4) Administer synthetic parasiticides on a routine basis; 5)
Administer synthetic parasiticides to slaughter stock; 6) Administer animal drugs in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act; or 7) Withhold medical treatment from a sick animal in an effort to preserve its organic status. All appropriate
medications must be used to restore an animal to health when methods acceptable to organic production fail. Livestock treated
with a prohibited substance must be clearly identified and shall not be sold, labeled, or represented as organic.
All medical records and vet records (dosages, dates, etc.) must be available at inspection.
8.1 Many practices contribute to the health, well-being and productivity of your herd. Check all that apply to your operation
and add any other practices that you use which are not listed.
Choose well-adapted species/breeds, resistant to health problems
Perform physical alterations for the animal’s welfare
Selective breeding
Control vectors or intermediate hosts
Raise own replacements (closed herd)
Exclude or manage pests/parasites
Isolation for sick or new animals
Protect against injury/predation; monitor animal health
Provide good quality feed rations; adequate nutrition
Rotate pastures/paddocks/yards, houses, feeding or watering areas
Nutritional supplements or probiotics
Use grazing management
Prevent endemic diseases with vaccines or biologics
Biological control parasite/parasitoid/predator releases
Provide freedom of movement/opportunity for exercise
Encourage natural predators/recyclers (e.g. poultry, dung beetles)
Provide appropriate shelter or housing
Monitor for pests, diseases, and injuries
Maintain appropriate, clean, dry bedding
Other:
Maintain cleanliness/good sanitation; remove/manage manure
Other:
Additional comments about your approach to herd management:
8.2 What are the traits of your livestock breed(s) that make them suitable to your environment and production system?
8.3 How do you monitor livestock health (methods, frequency)?
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Organic
Page 18 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
8.4 Describe problem pests that may affect your livestock? (flies, internal parasites, external parasites, predators, etc.) Describe
monitoring frequency and methods (observe body condition, signs of anemia, fecal analysis, etc), and
prevention/management strategies for each type of pest.
PEST TYPE/SPECIES
MONITORING METHODS AND FREQUENCY
PREVENTION/MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
8.5 Parasiticides are prohibited in slaughter stock. The parasiticide, Ivermectin, is only allowed for emergency treatment for
breeder stock when organic system plan approved preventative management does not prevent infestation. In breeder stock,
treatment cannot occur during the last third of gestation if the progeny will be sold as organic and must not be used during
the lactation period of breeding stock. NOP§205.603(a)(18).
Describe any use of parasiticides. Provide brand name, label and ingredient list for all products that are not OMRI listed.
Have purchase documents available at inspection.
8.6 List all physical alterations (dehorning, castration, hoof trimming, ear tagging, branding, etc) which are performed or will be
performed on a regular basis.
PHYSICAL ALTERATION
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK
AND AGE
PROTOCOL AND PRODUCTS OR
IMPLEMENTS USED
REASON/PURPOSE OF ALTERATION
8.7 If alterations are made, what methods are used to minimize suffering (e.g. anesthetics)?
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Organic
Page 19 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
List all materials used or planned for use (in inventory or accessible). Materials must be Natural or on the National List of
synthetic materials allowed for use in organic livestock production (§205.603). For annotated or restricted materials, provide the
following documentation: circumstances and timing of use and documentation (i.e. parasite monitoring, no use in last third of
gestation or lactation). For prohibited materials used to restore an animal to health and resulting in the loss of organic status,
documentation of how treated animals are identified and segregated must be maintained. All records must be available at
inspection.
8.8 List of materials you use or plan to use (in inventory or accessible). Add additional sheets if needed.
TYPE OF MATERIAL*
PRODUCT NAME AND
MANUFACTURER
DISEASE OR HEALTH PROBLEM TO BE
PREVENTED OR TREATED/IN WHAT
CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK/LOCATION
RECORDS KEPT**
*Type of Material: Vaccine, biologic, disinfectant, sanitizer, topical medication, anesthetic, homeopathic remedy, parasiticide,
etc.
**Records Kept: Age and timing of use; compliance with any annotation or restriction; disposition of non-organic animals if
prohibited materials used.
8.9 If individuals are treated with prohibited or restricted materials, how are they identified, segregated, and/or removed from
the organic system?
PROHIBITED OR
RESTRICTED MATERIAL
PROHIBITED (P)
RESTRICTED (R)
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
ANIMAL
IDENTIFIED BY
Organic
Page 20 of 26
ANIMAL SEGREGATED BY
ANIMAL IS REMOVED
FROM SYSTEM
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
8.10 How do you prevent the use of prohibited medications in your livestock operation?
8.11 Please provide the name, phone, and address of your regular veterinarian.
Name:
Phone:
Address:
City/State:
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Zip:
Organic
Page 21 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 9: Transportation and Slaughter
NOP Rule §205.201
NOP §205.201 NOP standards require that humane methods of handling be used for loading, unloading, holding at slaughter.
Slaughter facilities must be certified.
9.1 Livestock Transportation
Not Applicable
(a) How are animals transported?
(b) Do you arrange livestock transportation?
Yes
No
(c) Is there at least one person responsible for the well being of livestock at each step of the transport process?
Yes
No
If yes, who?
Buyer
Self
Other (specify)
(d) Do you have an animal identification method in place during transportation?
If yes, please describe
Yes
No
(e) How are organic and non-organic animals kept separate before slaughter?
(f) Is clean transportation provided?
Yes
No
(g) Are transport units used to carry prohibited materials?
Yes
No
(h) How do you ensure that outgoing transport units are clean prior to loading livestock?
(i) Is an inspection/cleaning process documented?
Yes
No
(j) Have transport companies been notified of organic handling requirements?
Yes
No
(k) How are animals loaded?
(l) Is the loading area and means of transportation free of protrusions that could cause bruising and/or injury?
Yes
No
(m) Do the methods of transportation provide adequate ventilation and comfortable head space so that the animal is able
to stand in a natural position?
Yes
No
(n) Do you use any tranquilizers or stimulants during loading, transport or unloading?
If yes, please describe.
Yes
No
(o) How long does transport take?
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Organic
Page 22 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
Organic Slaughter:
IF YOU ARE SELLING ORGANIC MEAT from animals please complete this section.
(a) Do you butcher and process meat on your farm?
Yes
No
If yes, you need to complete a Processor/Handler Organic System Plan. Contact MCIA if you do not have a handler
application.
(b) How do your records and system of identification track organic slaughter eligibility?
(c) Is your slaughterhouse or butcher shop certified organic? (Provide a copy of their organic certificate.)
Yes
No
(d) Do you let the slaughterhouse know that your livestock is certified organic?
Yes
No
Provide us with the name, address and phone number of facility where your animals are slaughtered.
Name:
Address:
Phone:
(e) How do you market your livestock products?
Direct to Retailer
Farmers Market
Wholesaler
Contract to Buyer
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
On Farm Retail
Direct to
Other (specify)
Organic
Page 23 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 10: Recordkeeping, Labeling and Audit Trail
NOP Rule §205.103, §205.201, §205.300-311
NOP §205.103, §205.201, §205.300-311 Organic livestock producers must maintain records sufficient to preserve and track the
identity of all organic animals and animal products produced in the operation. Records must disclose all activities and transactions
in a manner that can be readily understood and audited. They must be sufficient to demonstrate compliance, kept for at least 5
years, and available at inspection.
If you produce both organic and non-organic crops and/or livestock, then you have a split operation. If you raise the same crops
or livestock as both organic and non-organic, then you also have parallel production. If you have a split operation of any type,
please be prepared to show all production, harvest, storage and sales records at your inspection that allow for tracking and
production verification of non-organic crops as well as organic crops (crop lists and acreages, input application records, equipment
use and cleaning, harvest and sales records, etc.) Such records are necessary to facilitate production verification audits, and are
especially important if the crops are visually indistinguishable (parallel production).
10.1 Indicate all the records you keep by checking boxes for general categories and describing your records, as needed. Please be
prepared to show all records and audit trail documents you have checked and described below at your inspection.
Origin of Livestock
Livestock purchase records
Proof of Certification of purchased animals
Animal Reproduction: Breeding and birth records
Animal Identification Records
Livestock Living Conditions and Natural Resource Management
Records to show separation of non-organic livestock
Outdoor access / temporary confinement records
Bedding material source(s) documentation
Housing maintenance or construction
Yard / Lane maintenance
Erosion prevention and/or control
Manure management records (composting, etc.)
Documentation of Previous Land Use for Rented and/or Newly Purchased Land
Activity and observation records (field logs, notes on calendar or maps, etc.)
Monitoring records (soil/tissue/water tests, pest/parasite monitoring, observation logs)
Natural resource restoration, Invasive species management, Native plant/wildlife monitoring
Livestock Feed/Feed Supplements and Additives/Pasture Management and Grazing Practices
Feed purchase records (receipts, feed tags, labels, delivery/weigh tags, etc.)
Feed production records (harvest, baling, etc.)
Feed additive and/or supplement records (labels, purchase receipts, use, etc.)
Feed storage/inventory records (location of facility, post-harvest activities, pest control, etc.)
Feed ration descriptions for each type and class of animal
Feeding records: actual quantities of feed fed to each type and class of animal
Pasture improvement
Pasture/Grazing management records
Dry matter content analysis of feed
Livestock Health Care Practice Standard
Health care substance/material purchase records and labels
Monitoring records (pest/parasite monitoring or observation log)
Individual animal health care records (vaccinations, biologics, anesthetics, topicals, parasiticides use, vet slips, etc.)
Parasiticide use (parasite monitoring, treatment date in relation to gestation and lactation)
Breeding, gestation, pregnancy check/birth records
Mortality and cull records
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Organic
Page 24 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
Production and Sales/Transfer of Ownership Records
Clean Transport Records
Live animal sales (purchase order, contract, invoice, cash receipts, cash receipt journal, sales journal, etc.)
Shipping Records (bill of lading, etc.)
Slaughter records
Custom processing
Other (describe):
Livestock Product Handling and Storage (requires a submission of a Livestock Handling OSP)
On-farm handling records (i.e. feed preparation, grinding, equipment cleaning, slaughter)
Contracted handler certificates (slaugher/processing facilities, feed processors, etc.)
Processing and/or storage records
Shipping and/or sales records
Other records not listed above:
10.2 NOP regulation require that your recordkeeping system be adapted to your business, and fully disclose all activities and
transactions of your operation. Please describe any plans you have to change or improve your recordkeeping system.
10.3 Do you keep production, harvesting, and handling records pertaining to organic agricultural products for at least five years
after their creation?
Yes
No
10.4 Do you use or plan to use the USDA organic seal on product labels or market information?
10.5 Do you use or plan to use the MCIA logo on product labels or market information?
Yes
Yes
No
No
If yes to either question 10.4 or 10.5, attach a clear color copy of your proposed label(s) and submit to MCIA for approval.
CANADIAN EQUIVALENCY AGREEMENT
Chilean/Sodium Nitrate is not allowed in production or handling of organic products which will be exported to Canada. Sodium
Nitrate is a natural fertilizer that is also known as Chilean Nitrate, Nitrate of Soda, and Chilean Saltpetre and is commonly found as
an ingredient in fertilizer products.
Do you use Chilean/Sodium Nitrate?
Yes
If yes, describe when and where it is used:
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
No
Organic
Page 25 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
SECTION 11: Affirmation
I affirm that all statements made in this application are true, correct, and complete. No prohibited products have been applied to
any of my organically managed grazing areas and/or used in the production of my organic livestock. I understand that the
operation may be subject to unannounced inspection and/or sampling for residues at any time as deemed appropriate. I
understand that acceptance of this questionnaire in no way implies granting of certification by MCIA. I agree to abide by MCIA
Guidelines and the certification standards and/or certification requirements applicable to my operation. I agree to notify MCIA in
writing of changes in any of the following: farm contact information, applicant contact information, legal status, ownership or
control of operation. I agree to pay all fees assessed by MCIA.
Signature _____________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________
I have attached the following documents:
* REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
*Current animal list
*Field History Sheets and Maps of all pastures (showing adjoining land use and field identification)
*Maps of all livestock facilities
* Agreement Annual Organic Crop and/or Livestock Producer
*Payment of Base Fee (See the Fee Schedule and Scale of Sanctions)
Documentation for pastures owned or rented for less than three years (if applicable)
Water test (if applicable)
Feed and supplement product brand names, labels and ingredient lists (*required for all off-farm inputs)
Brand names, labels and ingredient lists for any health treatment materials used (*if applicable)
Organic product labels (*applicable when packaging organic product)
I have made copes of this questionnaire and other supporting documents for my own records:
Yes
No
Submit completed form, supporting documents, Agreement Annual Organic Crop and/or Livestock Producer , and fees to:
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
1900 Hendon Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
Organic System Plan – Non-Dairy – Ruminant Livestock
Controlled Version – 1/7/15
Organic
Page 26 of 26
Print Date: 2/7/2016
© 2015 Minnesota Crop Improvement Association