Webinars in November highlight steps to transition livestock operations to organic

Spanish interpretation available for free series organized by CAFF and UC

A free lunchtime webinar series featuring experienced organic livestock producers, certifiers and University of California scientists will guide farmers and ranchers seeking to transition their cattle, poultry and other livestock. 

The “Transition to Organic: Livestock Webinar Series,” every Thursday from Nov. 5 to Nov. 19, includes panel discussions, expert presentations and Q&A. The series will cover the organic certification process, organic livestock economics, market and processing considerations, and tips from experienced organic beef, dairy and poultry producers. 

Learn more and register; real-time Spanish interpretation will be available for each session.

The series is organized and sponsored by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, UC Cooperative Extension and the UC Organic Agriculture Institute (an institute of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources).

California leads the nation in the number of certified organic operations, certified acreage and organic sales. A study by UC scientists found that, in 2022, 1.3 million organic acres were used for animal production and that increases in total organic acreage at that time were predominately due to changes in organic animal production acreage. As more livestock producers transition to organic, support of those producers is paramount to move California closer to the statewide goal of 20% organic cropland by 2045.  

“We are excited to partner with UC ANR to bring more organic transition resources to livestock producers in California; farmers and ranchers want to hear from their peers and trusted advisors before deciding whether organic is right for their operation,” said Grace Jackson, a webinar co-organizer with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. “Building on the success of our crop series, these webinars bring together ranchers, farmers and UC Cooperative Extension specialists for practical, real-world learning.”

Organizers designed the series with California livestock farmers and ranchers in mind, directly addressing issues that a variety of agricultural operations face.

“California has a long history of organic production and there are many successful and innovative organic farmers and ranchers in the state,” said Katharina Ullmann, a series co-organizer with the UC Organic Agriculture Institute. “This webinar will include tips from experienced producers and clear guidance on how to become certified organic as a livestock operation.” 

Registration and information on the “Transition to Organic: Livestock Webinar Series” can be found on the UC OAI website: ucanr.edu/program/uc-organic-agriculture-institute/event/livestock-transition-organic-webinar-series.

The series is made possible through funding from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) State Organic Program and the CDFA Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability.