Why the switch over to organic farming

The move to organic began in the 1980s over concerns about animal health. Animal health issues were compounded at the time by severe droughts and very tight financial constraints. Alternative preventative methods of animal health were studied, with the organic movement the only source of information. Change in emphasis: to slow release fertilizers, balanced with trace elements; Liquid seaweed and fish fertilizer used to enhance soil biological activity; balanced diet introduced for cows, with energy supplements used to complement the high protein grass; trace elements and cider vinegar/garlic drenches used with the above programme to fulfil move to prevention of animal health problems. Full Bio-Gro (New Zealand Certification) in 1991 with milk sold to a commercial company for cultured milk products on the local market. 1999: milking 350 cows on 308 ha with ability to increase with expanded irrigation. Because of New Zealand's all year-round clover dominated pasture system organic farming can be achieved in a cost effective and sustainable manner. Very worthwhile conversion to organics.