Organic Production

Organic forage crops production is a system that integrates cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Use Penn State Extension’s resources to find information on organic farming of forage crops including advice on certification, choosing the right seeds, organic transplant production, and using organic insecticides.

Forage Production in Organic Farming

Organic farming systems rely on practices such as cultural and biological pest management and virtually prohibit synthetic chemicals in crop production. This makes forage production very challenging and it requires a higher level of management and commitment. An integrated approach is required for organic pest management, as the list of organic pesticides is a very limited one.

Enterprise budgets are a useful tool for any farmers who are interested in transitioning to organic grain production. Penn State Extension’s Organic Study Circles provide growers with an opportunity to discuss experiences and ideas in relation to improving field crop operations. Soil testing can be very informative for conventional production methods; however, for organic farming, recommendations for crop nutrients need special translation because of the variable nature of organic forage crops.

Forage Producers Organic Certification

In 2001, Congress established the National Organic Program (NOP). The aim of this federal regulatory program is to develop and enforce uniform national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the United States. This includes the production of organic forage crops. Very strict organic certification also helps to eliminate fraud.

The NOP also accredits private companies and helps train their inspectors to certify that farms and businesses meet the national organic standards. Together with the USDA, these accredited certifiers work together to enforce the standards.

Creating a weed management plan is crucial for any producers who want to control weeds effectively. Transitioning from traditional farming methods to organic farming can be particularly demanding. For corn producers, there must be a three-year period from the time they applied the last prohibited material to the land until the time it can be certified as organic.

Organic Weeds and Pest Management for Forage Crops

Pests and weeds can have a huge impact on the production of forage crops and can be the cause of low crop yield and lost profits. Traditionally crop producers would turn to herbicides and insecticides to manage weeds and pests. Organic producers have to use more environmentally sustainable methods such as terminating cover crops with a roller crimper. Organic insecticides are available, but should only be used as a tool of last resort.