118 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group Organic farmers looking to share knowledge Kim Bowden Farmer-to-farmer support is becoming increasingly important as more dairy and pastoral farmers explore organic systems, the chair of the Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group (ODPG) says. Founded by organic dairy farmers looking to share knowledge and solve practical problems together, ODPG has expanded from its Waikato roots into a nationwide network supporting both certified organic and transitioning dairy, sheep and beef farmers. Chair Carla Perrett says the organisation operates less like a formal advisory service and more like a peer network built around practical experience. “We’re more on-the-ground farmer conversations,” Carla says. “Most of the time we’re all dealing with the same issues.” The group connects farmers through regional field days, online discussion groups and direct networking, helping producers navigate everything from certification timing to sourcing feed and grazing during difficult seasons. Carla says rebuilding those face-to-face connections has been a focus since the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted regular field days and discussion groups. “There’s a lot of people out there that just don’t leave their farms,” she says. “It’s getting them motivated to go and see the neighbour, see what they’re doing.” One of the organisation’s key roles is helping farmers understand the practical side of organic certification, where timing decisions can have longterm consequences. Carla says experienced members often share lessons learned from their own conversion process. The group connects farmers through regional field days, online discussion groups and direct networking. “If you certify in spring and you’re making silage, you’re best to certify before you make the silage,” she says. “There’s those little tricks that experienced farmers know once they’ve done it before.” Interest in organic systems is growing as new market opportunities emerge. Fonterra recently announced plans to expand organic milk collection into the South Island for the first time, targeting farms across Otago, Southland and Canterbury to supply its Stirling plant from the 2028-29 season. Fonterra said earlier this year the expansion was supported by strong organic milk premiums, with organic suppliers historically receiving $2/kg MS above conventional milk prices. At the same time, Carla says proposed changes to New Zealand’s genetic engineering legislation are creating concern within the organic sector. “Being certified and having genetically modified products right next door to you is quite an issue,” she says. She says the organisation has been lobbying the government to reconsider the proposed legislation, arguing it could create risks for certified farms and export markets seeking non-GE products. Beyond certification and policy, Carla says organic farming changes the way farmers observe and manage their farms. “You look after the soil health first, which in turn looks after the plant, which looks after the animal,” she says. “It all works hand in hand.” Carla says organic farming is often misunderstood as being more expensive, but she argues lower-input systems can reduce costs over time. “You look at things differently, so your inputs are less because you’re looking after the soil,” she says. After nearly two decades of farming organically in the North Island, she says going organic can sharpen a farmer’s awareness of stock behaviour and environmental signals. “Like looking at the cows - are they chewing their cud, are they shiny, are they at the back of the herd,” Carla says. “There’s different things that you just wake up to.” Carla says the group encourages discussion across both regenerative and organic farming systems, arguing many farmers are working toward similar goals around soil health and biological management. “The goal is to produce nutrient-dense food for consumers,” she says. 07 858 4233 farmservices.nz 2 Depot Street, TIRAU. info@farmservices.nz @homeopathicfarmservices Like us on instagram and facebook YOUR PARTNER IN NATURAL ANIMAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS Proud Supporters of the ODPG
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