Uncategorized – Page 11 – Texas A&M AgriLife Organic

Organic Dairy Feeding Trial

Dr. Sushil Paudyal is Assistant Professor of Dairy Science at Texas A&M and an outstanding dairy researcher. Dr. Paudyal has a great interest in both nutrition and health issues in dairy cows, but he also likes to study these kinds of interactions in organic dairy cows. Sushil and I have been teaming up over the past couple of years on a few projects and we are starting one this fall (October 2024) that is very interesting.

In partnership with Kent Nutrition Group, we’re conducting a feeding trial involving a Humic Acid Substance, specifically Menefeed MFG 150, with pens of lactating organic dairy cows. We’ll compare a group that receives Menefeed MFG 150 to a non-fed group and then switch the groups for another phase of the study. This “crossover” design will help us better understand how the supplement impacts these animals.

Our focus will be on three main areas:

Milk Yield and Composition: We’ll monitor how Menefeed MFG 150 affects both the quantity of milk produced and its quality, including components like fat and protein content.
Health Status: By analyzing blood serum tests, we aim to understand how this humic acid substance might influence cow health—looking at factors like immune function and overall vitality.
Rumination and Milk Conductivity: Using sensors, we plan to track rumination time and milk conductivity, which can give insights into digestive efficiency and udder health.

Menefeed MFG 150 is OMRI-listed, meaning it meets the requirements for use in organic systems, which is crucial for our organic dairy trial. The humic substances used in Menefeed MFG 150 are derived from Freshwater Reed-Sedge Peat, a mined product that undergoes mechanical processing to become suitable for animal feeding.

What are humic substances?

Humic substances are organic compounds that come from the decomposition of plant and microbial materials. You may already be familiar with humic and fulvic acids from their use in improving soil health or as foliar plant sprays (link to humic and fulvic acid info for crops). These substances have been shown to have many beneficial properties, although their exact mechanisms can sometimes be mysterious. Research has shown mixed results—sometimes they provide a clear benefit, and other times they don’t—but the potential benefits keep us intrigued.

In dairy cows, recent studies suggest that humic substances like Menefeed MFG 150 may improve rumen fermentation, enhance nutrient utilization, and even support the immune system. If these effects prove true, and if we see an increase in milk production, this trial could lead to a win-win situation for organic dairy farmers, helping them achieve greater production while maintaining cow health.

New to Texas Organic?

In case you didn’t know: Texas has impressive diversity in its organic agricultural production. The organic crops grown in Texas encompass staple commodities such as peanuts, cotton, corn, wheat, sorghum, alfalfa, rice, hay, grass, and soybeans. Beyond these staples, Texas farmers cultivate a wide array of vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, onions, tomatoes, peppers, kale, radishes, garlic, and microgreens. The state’s organic fruit production features watermelons, strawberries, blueberries, and various citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges. Additionally, a variety of herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, and other spices are grown organically. Texas also supports the cultivation of flowers, transplants, and specialty crops like mushrooms, aloe vera, and cacti.

Complementing its crop production, Texas’s organic agriculture sector includes a growing livestock industry. Organic farmers in the state produce milk and from milk lots of other dairy products like butter and cheese. There is a growing demand for dairy products nationwide and Texas leads in organic dairy.

Texans also raise organic chickens, turkeys, and cattle, supplying organic beef, poultry, and eggs to consumers. Moreover, Texas organic producers’ market organic beef and dairy replacement livestock, which are sold to organic operations both within the state and across the country. This extensive range of organic crops and livestock products demonstrates Texas’s rich and diverse organic agriculture sector, solidifying its position as a leader in organic farming.

So, what does a typical organic producer in Texas look like? Well this producer is probably located in one of 5 organic “hot spots” in Texas – the High Plains from Amarillo north and doing dairy, grain or silage crops; or maybe the South Plains from Lubbock south to Andrews growing peanuts, cotton or wheat; or possibly in the Central Texas area bounded by Comanche and Waco south to Austin, and growing forage crops for more dairy producers or small acreage vegetables; or maybe in the Gulf Coast area from Beaumont to El Campo growing organic rice; or this organic producer is possibly in the Rio Grande Valley right up against the Mexico border growing citrus and vegetables. With over 576,000 acres certified organic they are scattered across a big state. And they aren’t small either with the average sized organic farm being 1,249 acres. Even the median (right in the middle of the list) acreage at 370 acres is considered large for most states’ organic programs – everything is bigger in Texas!

Who Grows Organic Peanuts in the World

Ever wondered where organic peanuts are produced? Examining the global map of certified organic peanut farms reveals some interesting patterns. Countries like China, India, Brazil, Argentina, and Togo are major players in organic peanut production, and the United States also makes significant contributions.

Here’s a breakdown of the acreage dedicated to organic production with an emphasis on peanuts in some important countries:

China: Approximately 152,860 acres, with companies like Jilin Jinya Nut Processing Co., Ltd. contributing significantly.
India: Various Organic Grower Groups collectively manage over 103,686 acres of organic peanut farms, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperative farming.
Brazil: Around 60,592 acres, with Sambazon do Brasil Agroindustrial Ltda contributing a substantial 60,573 acres.
Argentina: About 36,636 acres, with companies like Campos Verdes Argentinos SA and Conosur Foods Argentina SA being key contributors.
Togo: 53,325 acres managed by SOYCAIN TRADING SARL U, making it a significant player in West Africa.
United States: Numerous family-owned farms collectively contribute over 100,000 acres to organic peanut production, with notable producers one in West Texas managing 9,355 acres.

China’s Contribution

China leads with over 152,000 acres dedicated to organic peanut farming. Companies such as Jilin Jinya Nut Processing Co., Ltd. and Wuqiang County Jiyuan Oil Crop Planting Professional Cooperative are significant contributors. Different regions within China add to this market, but China consumes most of what it produces.

India’s Cooperative Farming

In India, numerous Organic Grower Groups (which have group certification) collectively manage over 103,000 acres. These groups demonstrate how small farmers work together to make a significant impact, collaborating to drive success in organic agriculture while keeping costs down.

Brazil’s Organic Production

In Brazil, Sambazon do Brasil Agroindustrial Ltda has 60,573 acres dedicated to organic production, including a substantial amount of peanuts. This company is not only a leader in Brazil but also one of the largest certified organic producers in the world.

Argentina’s Key Players

Companies like Campos Verdes Argentinos SA and Conosur Foods Argentina SA are significant contributors in Argentina, with combined acreage reaching around 36,000 acres. These farms focus on cotton and peanuts, concentrating in regions suitable for these crops.

Togo’s Role in West Africa

In Togo, SOYCAIN TRADING SARL U manages 53,325 acres, contributing significantly to the global peanut supply from West Africa. It raises questions about how much they export!

Family Farms in the USA

Now, let’s consider the United States. While we may not have single operations as large as those in China or Brazil, the U.S. has a network of family-owned farms that collectively contribute over 100,000 acres to organic production. For example, one Texas farmer manages 9,355 acres, making him one of the prominent certified organic peanut producers in the country.

These farms often represent family legacies in organic agriculture, with names appearing across multiple farms in Texas and elsewhere. This reflects the enduring nature of family farming traditions contributing to the organic peanut industry.

Acknowledging Other Contributors

We might have missed highlighting some of the smaller but important players in the organic peanut industry:

Paraguay: Companies like Indugrapa SA and Alemán Paraguayo Canadiense S.A. contribute over 10,760 acres to global organic peanut production.
Bolivia: Finca San Carlos manages 3,118 acres, adding to South America’s contribution.
Vietnam: Companies like FG Products Company Limited and Hebes Company Limited collectively manage over 8,600 acres.

These contributions, while smaller, are vital to the diversity and resilience of the global organic peanut supply chain.

Bringing It All Together

These peanut producers are essential links in the chain that brings organic products from the farm to your table. Organic begins on the farm and remains so until it is packaged.

Most people don’t consider where their peanuts come from or the journey they take. The majority of these farms are committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that organic integrity is maintained every step of the way. With the recent implementation of Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rules, the entire value chain—including brokers and even transporters—is now certified to ensure accountability.

Organic Triticale Resources

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Triticale: The Versatile Hybrid for Grain, Grazing, and Silage

Triticale, a hybrid of wheat and rye, offers the benefits of both parent crops, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and high forage quality. In organic farming, triticale is valued for its role in enhancing crop diversity and resilience, which helps manage pest populations and reduces reliance on chemical controls. Organic triticale is commonly used for forage, silage, and grain, providing high-quality feed for livestock without the environmental impact associated with synthetic inputs. By integrating triticale into organic rotations, farmers can diversify their cropping systems, improve soil health, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural landscape.

Food Use: Triticale is a hybrid of wheat and rye, developed to combine the high yield potential of wheat with the disease resistance and hardiness of rye. It can be used in bread, cereals, and other baked goods. However, its use in human food is less widespread than wheat due to differences in gluten quality.
Animal Feed: Triticale is often used in animal feed due to its higher protein content and improved amino acid profile compared to wheat. It is particularly valuable for swine and poultry diets and is appreciated for its balance of energy and protein.

Advantages of Growing Triticale as Grain

While triticale is not widely used as a grain for human consumption, there are still some benefits when it is grown for this purpose:

High Protein Content: Triticale grain typically has a higher protein content compared to wheat and rye, making it a potentially valuable grain for animal feed where protein is a key nutritional component.
Disease Resistance: Triticale combines the disease resistance of rye with the productivity of wheat, offering improved resilience against common wheat diseases like rusts and ergot. This can reduce the need for fungicide applications, lowering production costs.
Adaptability to Marginal Soils: Triticale performs well in a wide range of soil conditions, including poor or sandy soils where wheat might not thrive. This makes it a versatile option in challenging growing environments.
Potential for Niche Markets: There is potential for niche markets, particularly in specialty animal feeds and occasionally in health foods, due to its favorable amino acid profile and digestibility.

Advantages of Growing Triticale for Grazing

High Forage Quality: Triticale provides high-quality forage that is rich in protein and digestible energy, making it an excellent option for grazing livestock. It has comparable or superior forage quality to wheat and rye, especially when grazed in the vegetative stages.
Extended Grazing Period: Triticale can be planted in the fall and grazed in early spring, extending the grazing period when other forages might be limited. It provides an early feed source before other pastures become available.
Vigorous Growth and Regrowth: Triticale exhibits rapid growth and good regrowth potential after grazing, allowing multiple grazing events in rotational grazing systems. Its robust growth habit helps sustain forage availability under grazing pressure.
Tolerance to Adverse Conditions: Triticale is more tolerant of drought, acidic soils, and cold temperatures than wheat, providing reliable forage even in less-than-ideal growing conditions.

Many times, triticale or any small grain for silage is “wilted” first instead of direct cut by a silage chopper.

Advantages of Growing Triticale for Silage

High Yield Potential: Triticale produces high biomass yields, which translates into significant silage volume per acre. This is advantageous for livestock operations needing large quantities of silage.
Balanced Nutritional Profile: Triticale silage offers a good balance of energy, protein, and fiber, making it suitable for ruminant diets. Its higher protein content compared to some other silage crops can reduce the need for protein supplements.
Early Harvest and Double-Cropping Opportunities: Similar to rye, triticale can be harvested for silage in the spring, freeing up fields for a subsequent crop. This double-cropping ability increases land use efficiency and overall farm productivity.
Resilience Against Diseases: By growing triticale for silage, farmers can avoid many of the grain-specific diseases, such as fusarium head blight, that could reduce the quality of grain crops.

Overall Benefits

Versatility in Use: Triticale’s flexibility to be used for grazing, silage, or grain (even if limited) makes it a highly adaptable crop that can meet various farm needs, from livestock feed to soil health management.
Improved Soil Health: Like rye, triticale helps improve soil structure and reduces erosion, particularly when used as a cover crop or for grazing, enhancing soil organic matter and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Cost-Effective: Triticale typically requires fewer inputs in terms of fertilizers and pesticides compared to wheat, especially in marginal environments. This can lower production costs and improve farm profitability.
Reduced Pest and Disease Pressure: The inherent disease resistance traits from rye make triticale a robust choice against many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical controls.

Triticale Seed Count and Weight

Seeds per Pound: Triticale typically has around 10,000 to 12,000 seeds per pound, depending on the variety and seed size. This is slightly larger than wheat and barley seeds.

Planting Rate

Typical Planting Rate: For triticale, the standard seeding rate is usually 60 to 80 pounds per acre, translating to roughly 600,000 to 960,000 seeds per acre, based on average seed counts.
Range of Planting Rates:
- Grain Production: The typical range is 50 to 80 pounds per acre. The exact rate will depend on factors like soil fertility, moisture conditions, and the specific variety used.
- Forage or Cover Crop Use: Higher rates, ranging from 80 to 100 pounds per acre, are used to ensure dense stands for forage production or effective ground cover.
- Poor Soil or Dry Conditions: Lower seeding rates, such as 50 to 60 pounds per acre, may be used to reduce competition among plants for limited moisture or nutrients.

Planting Depth

Optimal Depth: Triticale should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. The ideal planting depth depends on soil type and moisture conditions:
- 1 to 1.5 inches is generally sufficient in well-moisturized, lighter soils.
- 2 inches may be necessary in drier conditions or in heavier soils to ensure adequate seed-to-soil contact and access to moisture.
Depth Considerations: Planting too shallow can expose the seeds to adverse weather conditions, while planting too deep can slow down emergence and reduce seedling vigor.

Additional Considerations

Soil Temperature: Triticale is fairly cold-tolerant, with an optimal germination range between 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C). It can be planted in early spring or fall, depending on the desired use.
Row Spacing: Common row spacing for triticale is 6 to 8 inches. Narrower rows can help with weed suppression and efficient light use, especially in forage or cover crop situations.
Uses: Triticale is valued for its versatility, being used for grain, forage, and cover cropping. It combines the quality traits of wheat with the hardiness of rye, making it suitable for a range of environments. It performs well in poorer soils and can be used to improve soil health, provide forage, or as a green manure.

Seed Companies

Organic farmers are required to purchase organic seed when it is available, but for many crops, organic seed options are limited or unavailable. Many seed companies offer both organic and non-organic seed, and it’s essential for farmers to understand that non-organic seed can be used on certified organic farms as long as it is non-GMO and untreated. Farmers should always verify seed sourcing requirements with their organic certifier to ensure compliance while balancing the need for high-quality planting seed.

Turner Seed Company

211 County Road 151
Breckenridge, TX 76424-8165
800-722-8616
Website: www.TurnerSeed.com
J. Mercer – Sales
j@turnerseed.com
Jesse Speer – Sales
jesse@turnerseed.com
Blair Vick – Sales
blair@turnerseed.com
Luke Turner – Sales
luke@turnerseed.com
Darcy Turner – Agronomist
darcy@turnerseed.com

Limagrain Cereal Seeds

Dan Dall
Regional Commercial Manager, Central Plains
316-452-3505
Daniel.Dall@limagrain.com
https://limagraincerealseeds.com/central-plains/

Albert Lea Seeds (Organic Varieties)

1414 West Main Street
Albert Lea, MN 56007
1 (800) 352-5247
seedhouse@alseed.com
https://alseed.com/

Trical Superior Forage

701 Dewey Blvd #4248
Butte, MT 59701
406-498-0790
Drew Morano
Central US Senior Commercial Lead
970-214-3642
dmorano@tricalforage.com

Warner Seeds, Inc.

Cheb Krueger
P.O. Box 1877120
South Lawton Ave
Hereford, Texas 79045
TollFree: 1-866-927-6371
Office: 806-364-4470, ext. 111
Cell: 806-683-2067
Email: ckrueger@warnerseeds.com
Website: www.warnerseeds.com

Organic Small Grain (wheat, oats, triticale, barley, and rye) Traders

Here is a list of potential organic commodity buyers (based on organic certification) who have historically engaged in the organic grain market. While these companies have shown interest in organic commodities, it’s important to note that their purchasing activities can vary based on market conditions, demand, and availability. I encourage you to contact them directly to inquire about their current buying needs and contract opportunities, as their purchasing intentions may change over time.

Barton Springs Mill, Inc.

James A. Brown
16604 Fitzhugh Rd., Unit B
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
512-554-5981
james@bartonspringsmill.com
https://bartonspringsmill.com/

Pink Rose Organix

John Conboy
180 Railroad Ave
Slaton, TX 79364
916-941-9288
209-275-3002
john@americanriverag.com
https://www.pinkroseorganix.com/

Caprock Enterprises LLC

Beau Brown
1301 E 5th
Plainview, Texas 79072
PO Box 53538, Lubbock, Texas 79453
806-798-8900
beau@lonestarcom.org

Commodity Brokerage Services LLC

Blake Stringer
149 South Shore
Amarillo, Texas 79118
(806) 676-4888
cbsllc2019@gmail.com

Coyote Creek Organic Feed Mill & Farm

Jenny Myers
13817 Klaus Lane
Elgin, Texas 78621
512-285-2556
jenny@coyotecreekfarm.com
https://www.coyotecreekfarm.com/

Deaf Smith County Grain

Dan Bornemeier
PO Box 1729
Dalhart, Texas 79022
806-384-3377
d.bornemeier@cottonwoodcattle.com

Enger Farms, LLC

Jerod Crawford
3056 County Rd 902
Joshua, Texas 76058
(817) 790-2368
engerfarms@gmail.com

Lone Star Commodities, Ltd.

Beau Brown
PO Box 53538
Lubbock, Texas 79453
806-798-8900
beau@lonestarcom.org

McDowell Feed Source

Linda McDowell
508 S ELM ST
Hico, Texas 76457
707-695-7805
mcdowellfeedsource@gmail.com

Muleshoe Specialty Grain, LLC

Jimmy Black
810 FM 3269
Muleshoe 79347
806-965-2447
boehninggroup@gmail.com

New Deal Grain Inc

Seth Fortenberry
Peter Poff
501 East Main Street
New Deal, Texas 79350
P O Box 265
New Deal, Texas 79350
806-784-2750
peter@newdealgraininc.com
https://newdealgraininc.com/

TIERRA MANNA TRADING

Michael Ethan Black
PO Box 51991
Amarillo, Texas 79159
(806) 471-7826
mebtrading.organics@gmail.com

Triple Nickel, Inc.

Kayla Nickels
808 W 19th St
Muleshoe, Texas 79347
Triple Nickel East
413 East American Blvd.
Muleshoe, TX 79347
(806) 272-7500
Triple Nickel West
1680 CR 1044
Muleshoe, Texas 79347
(806) 272-5589
kayla@cknickels.com
https://cknickels.com/

Other Resources

Organic Barley Resources

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Organic Barley Production: Nutrient Efficiency and Market Opportunities

Organic barley is known for its versatility and nutrient efficiency, performing well under organic management without the need for synthetic inputs. Barley’s ability to improve soil nitrogen levels and its relatively short growing season make it an excellent rotation crop that enhances soil fertility and breaks disease cycles. In organic systems, barley is cultivated for food, feed, and brewing, with organic malt barley commanding a premium price in the craft beer industry. Growing organic barley not only supports sustainable agriculture but also meets the increasing consumer demand for organic beverages and whole grains, providing farmers with profitable market opportunities.

Food Use: Barley is used in soups, stews, and health foods like barley water and malt products. It is rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucans, which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Barley can also be used in the production of malt for brewing beer and distilling spirits.
Animal Feed: Barley is a major grain in animal feed, especially for cattle and horses. It provides energy and moderate protein content, with a favorable balance of fiber that supports digestive health in ruminants. Barley’s high fiber content makes it less ideal for swine and poultry unless processed appropriately.

Advantages of Growing Organic Barley as Grain

High Nutritional Value: Barley grain is rich in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucans, which have health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels. It is used in human foods like soups, stews, and health cereals, and is also a key ingredient in the malting industry for brewing beer.
Versatile Market Demand: Barley has a diverse market, including human food, animal feed, and malt production for brewing and distilling. Its versatility makes it a valuable crop with multiple potential income streams.
Adaptability to Various Climates: Barley is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, including cooler and drier climates where other grains might not perform well. This makes it a suitable choice for areas with variable weather patterns.
Short Growing Season: Barley has a relatively short growing season compared to other cereal crops, allowing for earlier harvests and the possibility of double-cropping. This can be advantageous in regions with shorter growing periods.
Soil Improvement: Barley’s extensive root system helps improve soil structure, enhances water infiltration, and reduces soil erosion. It can also be an effective crop in rotation systems to manage pests and diseases.

Advantages of Growing Organic Barley for Grazing

High-Quality Forage: Barley provides high-quality forage with good levels of protein and energy, making it suitable for grazing livestock, particularly in the early vegetative stages when the foliage is tender and nutrient-rich.
Early Grazing Option: Barley can be planted in the fall or early spring and used for grazing earlier than many other forage crops, helping to extend the grazing season and reduce feed costs.
Rapid Growth and Regrowth: Barley’s rapid growth rate allows for multiple grazing cycles when managed properly, supporting continuous forage availability for livestock. It can be an excellent part of rotational grazing systems.
Tolerance to Salinity: Barley is relatively tolerant to saline soils, which can make it a preferred option for grazing in areas where soil salinity might limit other forage choices.

Advantages of Growing Organic Barley for Silage

Balanced Nutritional Profile: Barley silage offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers, making it a valuable feed for dairy cattle, beef cattle, and other ruminants. Its high energy content supports milk production and animal growth.
High Biomass Yield: Barley produces significant biomass, making it a productive silage crop. The high yield per acre helps meet the forage needs of livestock operations efficiently.
Improved Digestibility: Barley silage is highly digestible, which enhances nutrient uptake and feed efficiency in livestock. This makes it particularly valuable for high-performance animals such as dairy cows.
Early Harvest and Flexibility: Harvesting barley for silage can occur earlier in the growing season, freeing up fields for subsequent planting or cover cropping. This flexibility supports diverse cropping systems and maximizes land use.

Overall Benefits

Weed Suppression and Soil Health: Barley’s vigorous growth can suppress weeds effectively, reducing the need for herbicides. Its role in crop rotations helps manage soil health by breaking pest cycles and improving organic matter content.
Disease and Pest Management: Barley is generally less susceptible to certain diseases and pests compared to wheat, reducing reliance on chemical controls and supporting integrated pest management strategies.
Cost-Effective Production: Barley typically requires fewer inputs like fertilizers and water compared to some other grains, particularly in drought-prone or low-fertility soils. This can make it a more economical choice for growers.