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Organic Dairy Transition

Joni Pinter, Dale Nordquist, Meg Moynihan and, Robert Craven (2007)

Summary

There is considerable evidence that the transition from conventional to certified organic milk production is financially challenging. Yet little is known about actual costs and returns during the transition period. This study identified four Minnesota certified organic milk producers who participated in Farm Business Management (FBM) education programs before, during the transition, and after attaining organic certification. For each farm, financial and production information was available to identify its financial position before, during, and after the transition. In addition, the producers completed a survey to provide background information on their decision to transition to organic production and the challenges they faced.