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Transition to Organic Farming
Organic farming is more than just farming without chemicals. It involves
changes to many parts of the crop and livestock production system.
It involves enhanced use of integrated pest, weed and nutrient management
techniques. Crop rotations, cover crops, improved genetics, optimum
populations, stress management and sanitation are all examples of
this. These preventative measures to enhance plant and herd health
are essential since many of the chemical tools for pest and disease
control are not used in organic production. Organic farmers chose
not to use synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and antibiotics. Producers should consider their transition to organic carefully and plan their options. Making the transition too quickly can create financial hardship. During the first years of the transition there are few premiums for transitional organic product and yields will be decreased initially, and then with good management will improve to profitable levels. Profits in organic may also depend on the availability of market premiums. The transition to organic will take several years depending on commodity and on your approach to make various challenges. The requirements for organic certification must also be considered throughout the process of transition. One should also evaluate their reasons for making changes. What are your goals - hobby or a profitable business? There are many assets that you will require to become a successful organic farmer. Here are a few. 10 Assets for organic farmingEach of the following assets needs to be evaluated before you decide to make the transition to organic farming.
| Top of Page | Ownership or tenancy of landWhat is your ownership status? How many acres do you have management control over? If you do not own this land, what is your long term status for tenancy - organic farming is a long term choice and not one that is easy to switch back and forth. What are your financial obligations on the property? Organic farming is a long term proposition and for this to be a financially viable farm you must have control of sufficient assets to produce an economically viable quantity of product. A small parcel of several acres may not be adequate for the production of field crops such as grains or soybeans due to the economies of scale when using equipment or marketing. You must have an appropriate area of land to support your livestock operations as required by your nutrient management plan. Your financial situation must be solid enough that your ownership and other non-farm assets are not jeopardized by financial risk during the transition period. Characteristics and limitations of the soil on your farmSoil type (sand, loam or clay?), stoniness, slopes, drainage, fertility levels all influence what types of crops that can be grown on the property. Some vegetable crops are well suited to sandy or high organic matter soils but these crops are less suited to heavier clay type soils. Similarly some sandy soils are prone to summer drought and not well suited to some field crops. Field stone or bedrock near the surface can limit the abilities of some tillage and planting equipment and make the ground less suited for some crops but may still be appropriate for other crops such as pasture. Slopes greater than 2% (2 metres of vertical fall per 100 metres across the field) will make the soil more prone to erosion and some conservation management strategies will be needed. Slopes greater than 6% will make the fields challenging for good crop production. Poor drainage can be amended by the installation of subsurface drainage but this can be costly ($300-$600 per acre), and assumes that suitable water outlets are available into surface water courses. Low pH soils can be corrected with lime. Low organic matter soils can be built up with improved cropping practices but this is a long term strategy with soil organic matter levels increasing only 0.1-0.2% per year. Nitrogen is largely managed with the use of legumes on organic farms. Other nutrients can be managed with improved cropping practices but if levels of nutrients such as phosphorous or potassium are very low this can present some challenges in organic farming. Manure management will change on most farms to include on-farm composting. Availability of suitable livestock manure enhances the farm's ability to maintain nutrient levels. Healthy soils and farming practices that enhance the soil flora and
fauna are considered essential on organic farms. Crop rotations should
include both grass crops and broadleaf crops especially legume crops
to build up soil nitrogen. When planning the crop sequence consider
how the needs and residues of one crop will affect the next. Pest
and nutrient management issues have to be considered when planning
the crop rotation. Cover crops should be maintained between crops
to reduce soil erosion and to build up soil organic matter. Soil organic
matter is a key component to feeding soil bacteria, fungi, earthworms,
and other soil flora and fauna essential for recycling nutrients and
building good soil structure. | Top of Page | Climate limitations for your locationIn general, the areas of Ontario that are southwest of London, the counties adjacent to Lake Erie and in Prince Edward County have the warmest climate. Climate generally gets cooler as you proceed northward and away from the lower Great Lakes. In cooler climate areas there are fewer heat units available and some warm season crops may not have suitable varieties. Warm season crops (examples tomatoes, tender tree fruits) prefer the climate of the warmer areas of the province, while cooler season crops (examples: spring grains, crucifer crops) grow better in the cooler parts of southern Ontario. Cold winter temperatures are factors for winterhardiness and will influence the survival of perennial fruit crops as well as winter cereals and forages. The summer frost free period is influenced by the timing of spring and fall frosts which are mainly influenced by location within the province but local soil type, slopes and some crop management practices can provide microclimates that may alter your personal situation. See the Climate of Ontario links below for more information. Capital ($$$) available for enterprise changesHow much money do you have available? You need to finance the property ownership. Equipment must be owned or leased and maintained. Expansion into new crops or livestock may necessitate new equipment or handling facilities. Current assets can be used to leverage larger loans. On smaller operations it is often more economical to custom hire some fieldwork done. This may also involve a trade or barter with a neighbour for other services that you can provide for their farm. Money is an issue both to startup and to grow the business. Part
of the startup is to manage cash flow during the transition period
when crop yields will usually decline, and for some commodities this
decline will be substantial. Product quality may also decline, especially
for fresh fruits and vegetables where the percentage of grade out
will usually increase. Some of this "cull" or number 2 quality
product can be utilized in other value added markets such as processed
product, but these markets may need development. During the transition
you will not be able to get the full premium for organic and in many
commodities there are no premiums for transitional product. Therefore
both price and yield are reduced and this can decrease gross revenue
by 50% or more in some cases during the transition. Most farmers find that planning a staged transition to organic is
advisable to lessen the financial impacts. Most certification agencies
will allow at least a five-year transition period to bring the farm
into organic. In some cases you wish to move part of the farm into
organic production and maintain some commodities or enterprises as
non-organic. This can complicate certification but may be an option,
especially during the transition period. | Top of Page | Personal knowledge base for management of the organic farmKnowledge is key to understanding the growth of plants, animals and pests on the farm. It is also key to developing markets. Farmers need a strong knowledge of each of the crops and livestock types they will be growing to be able to recognize problems, and they need to know how to get the information to solve the daily challenges on the farm. During the transition to organic most growers comment that their attitude and mind set changes. One aspect is that you need to understand production problems so that you can try to prevent the problem before it occurs, since there are not as many tools to control the problem afterwards. What is the true cause of the problem? One also needs to be willing to learn. Initially you need to do some
research on various crop/livestock species to determine enterprises
requirements throughout the season. Reading books, searching the internet,
going to meetings, listening to others are key ingredients to expanding
one's knowledge. It has been said that when managing pests and nutrients
on the organic farms we are using knowledge to replace chemicals.
The OMAFRA website (this site) has many excellent pages and reference
to publications that
you may find useful for information on particular species. Experience growing and marketing crops and/or livestockHaving experience in using your knowledge to work with crops and
livestock is a great asset. This is what is sometimes referred to
as the "art" of farming. Knowing how and when to do something
comes with experience. Being able to recognize disease and insect
problems, to identify weeds early, and to instinctively know when
an animal is having difficulties. New crops or animal species will
require new techniques. Experience with one group of crops may help
with different crops but each species has its own unique challenges.
The art of operating farm equipment and to adjusting equipment to
achieve optimum performance is acquired through experience and working
with experienced farmers. Marketing can likewise be a challenge. Your market may be to sell
direct to consumers, to wholesaler to stores or processors or to set
on farm processing or any combination. Local regulations (zoning,
health and safety), market accessibility and your own skills will
all influence your market directions. Organic markets require more
effort than conventional markets. In many cases the markets are less
developed and there is less support from other marketing agencies.
Learning the requirements and nuances of these new markets can be
challenging, especially for growers who have no prior experience marketing
direct to this level of consumer or processor. | Top of Page | Time management and time availabilityHow much time do you have available to manage and operate the farm?
Each crop and livestock enterprise has unique timelines for each operation
in the production and marketing cycle. When selecting which crop or
livestock species to include in the farm operation care must be taken
to select complementary enterprises. Each week has only 7x24 hours.
Too many activities scheduled for the same week means that something
will be delayed and delays may compromise yield and/or quality and
therefore income. Weather must also be factored in since rain or temperature
will make some days unsuitable for some activities, therefore more
delays. Is this a part-time time commitment or full-time? If you have a full
time career off the farm you must pick crops or livestock that are
less demanding of your time and complementary to your other work and
personal schedules. If you plan to include other partners or labourers
in the farm operation, what is your collective ability to manage the
labour and individual time availability. Equipment and building assets available for the farm operationWhat are your current equipment and building assets? Are they adequate
to grow the farm commodities you plan to produce? What new purchases,
repairs or expansion of assets is required? Are you able to repair,
operate and maintain the equipment and handling facilities. Farmers require many sets of knowledge to operate a farm. The ability
to make minor repairs and to make the appropriate adjustments to machinery
without delay is a key factor to success. Any new piece of equipment
will take some time to become familiar with but daily adjustments
and the preventative maintenance procedures that are critical to the
performance of farm equipment. | Top of Page | Business plan detailing future directions for the farm, including new crop and livestock enterprisesIt is critical to have a plan for the farm. This will require you to have discussions with family and other experts before you start the journey to organic farming. What are your goals:
Which crop/livestock products do you plan to start with and what
are some of the potential areas for future expansion? What are your
strengths and weaknesses in the farm operation? See the Farm
Business Development links for more info. Contacts and support networkJoining organic organizations and attending meetings has given strength to many organic producers. Knowledge gained and the people you meet will be of great help. Other farmers from your own region who are producing similar products can share their experiences and be a source of inputs or potential markets. The internet and various newsletters can also give you daily contacts to enhance your farm. A key conference in Ontario is the annual Organic Conference at Guelph in late January. Two Ontario associations that I find helpful are: | Top of Page | Resources
| Top of Page | For more information:Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300 Local: (519) 826-4047 E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca |
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