Transitioning Livestock to Organic
Transitioning Livestock to Organic: What You Need To Know
TLDR: You can transition a conventional dairy herd to organic one time only, with 365 days of continuous organic management. Poultry must be raised organically from day two of life. Slaughter stock and previously organic animals cannot be re-transitioned if organic status is lost.
Your feed, pasture, and records must meet all organic standards. Carefully plan your livestock and pasture timelines to align with certification.
Can I Convert My Livestock to Organic?
Yes — but only in very specific situations.
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) allows you to transition a distinct herd of dairy animals to organic one time only, if:
- Your operation is not already certified for organic livestock, and
- You have never transitioned dairy animals to organic before.
This one-time transition applies to dairy animals only (like cows, goats, and sheep). You must manage the animals organically for a full year (365 days) before they can be certified.
Operations may not transition additional animals, or source transitioned animals from other operations unless it is approved under a temporary variance, after the one-time transition is complete.
⚠️ Note: Once transitioned, animals lose their organic status permanently if treated with prohibited substances (e.g., antibiotics, non-organic feed).
How Long Does Livestock Transition Take?
One full year (365 days).
During this time, animals must be raised with full organic management:
- Certified organic feed and supplements
- Access to organic pasture
- Approved animal health care practices
- Organic-compliant living conditions
If any noncompliance is found, the transition must restart.
Livestock Eligibility for Organic Transition
✅ Livestock Eligible For Organic Transition
Dairy Animals (Cattle, Goats, Sheep):
- May be transitioned to organic over 12 months.
- One-time transition per operation.
- Only if your operation is not currently certified for organic livestock.
Poultry (Eggs and Meat):
- Must be raised organically from the second day of life (e.g., day-old chicks).
- Conventional poultry cannot be transitioned.
❌ Livestock Not Eligible for Organic Transition
Slaughter Stock:
- Cannot be transitioned from conventional to organic.
- Animals transitioned for dairy cannot later be sold as organic meat.
- To qualify as organic slaughter stock, animals must be managed organically starting from the last third of gestation.
Older Poultry:
- May only be used as conventional breeder stock.
- Their eggs or meat cannot be sold as organic.
Previously Organic Livestock:
- Animals that lost their organic status cannot be re-transitioned.
Feed and Pasture During Transition
What Can I Feed Milking Animals During Transition?
- Certified organic feed and pasture, or
- Third-year transitional crops (from your own land only)
Important: If a milking animal in its last third of gestation eats third-year transitional feed, the offspring is also considered transitioned — not eligible for organic slaughter.
Do I Need to Transition All My Pasture First?
No, but it must be in its third year of organic transition and meet organic standards (except land history). Once the livestock completes the transition, transitional feed can no longer be used.
Plan your pasture and livestock transitions to finish at the same time for best results.
Transitioning Breeding Stock
You can bring in conventional breeding stock without a full transition, but:
- The animal must be managed organically starting from the last third of gestation for the offspring to be certified organic.
Transitioning Pasture: The Three-Year Rule
Land becomes eligible for organic certification three years after the last use of a prohibited substance (like synthetic pesticides or fertilizers).
Learn more: Transitioning Cropland to Organic
Planning Tips for a Successful Transition
Timing is Key
Apply for organic certification before you start transitioning livestock. This ensures:
- You meet organic standards before investing in feed, pasture, or animals.
- You can align pasture readiness with animal transition timelines.
Know Your Market
- Confirm your sales outlets and organic-certified processor in advance.
- A strong business plan and realistic timelines can improve your chances of success.
- Oregon Tilth is here to support your planning — reach out any time.