News

California organic dairy requirements reduced slightly

USDA has reduced the required grazing for organic dairy producers in 53 of California’s 58 counties. Due to the drought, organic dairy producers with grazing plans in those counties will not be required to graze or provide dry matter intake from pastures in February and March. Organic producers will be allowed to reduce their 2014 grazing season by the number of days which correspond to February and March in their grazing plan.

The U.S. weighted average advertised price for a half-gallon of organic milk was $3.80 last week, up 21 cents from two-weeks ago.  A year ago it was $3.49.  The weighted average for a half gallon of conventional milk was $1.98 putting the organic-to-conventional spread at $1.82 per half-gallon.