This is what we do to be organic in England. Other counties may slightly differ.
We have been organic since 2000. So we have been doing it for a while now.
Every year along side our Red Tractor inspection, we have our organic inspection too. They check all of our paperwork documenting each cow over the year and what the feed the farm has brought in. Along with a lot more paperwork, this usually takes most of the day.
Farming organically means we farm not using any pesticides, insecticide or antibiotics. Organic farms in England can use a very low dose of antibiotics. Our co operative, Organic Herd makes cheese in the uk which is transported to America. Their regulations are no antibiotics are to be used so nor do we.
The cows are only allowed to be fed an organic diet and have to be allowed outside for the a minimum of 235 days.
We are only able to trim the hedge rows every 3 years to maintain the wildlife living in them.
Being organic means we have 50% more bees, butterflies and other pollinators compared to a conventional farm.
We capture more CO2 in the soil compares to regular farming.
Being an organic farm is so much more than the name. We help all the animals, plants and soil living on and around the farm as well as the cows.