Managing the conversion process successfully

Pat Barry & Brendan Swan

Need for conversion planningComponents of a conversion planFuture Management Practises

Provision of quality forageMaintenance of soil fertilityAnimal health plan

Problems encountered during conversion

Need for conversion planning

Satisfy organic certification body Detail changes on farm to become

compliant with organic standards Roadmap through the conversion

process

Components of Conversion Plan

Current management practises

Organic Vision

Future management practises

Future Management Practises - Forage

Maximum use of grazed grass

Introduction of clover into pastures

Produce good quality silage

Regular topping

Future Management Practises – Soil Fertility

Balance inputs and off-takes

Efficient nutrient recycling

Regular soil analysis to identify deficiencies

Role of short term leys & legumes

Future Management PractisesAnimal Health

Not simply an absence of disease but a high level of vigour & vitality

Positive approach to livestock husbandry

The ideal situation: mixed farm based on ley/arable rotations

Preventative health strategies

Problems encountered during conversion period

Insufficient fodderAnimal disease issuesPoor manure management

Failure to seek permission from OCB for restricted practises

Inadequate record keeping

REMEMBER

If you fail to plan – you plan to fail!!!!

THANK YOU