Please fill out this questionnaire if you are requesting organic certification for non-ruminant livestock. Submit farm, pasture, and livestock facility maps as well as other supporting documents (documentation for pastures owned or rented for less than three years, feed and supplement product labels, etc.) outlined in this questionnaire. Use additional sheets as necessary.
SECTION 1: General InformationNOP Rule §205.401Applicant (Name/Company): / FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Applicant No: / Contact Person: / Check #:
Mailing Address: / Amount:
DR #:
City: / State: / Zip code: / Mem/Appl Fee:
Farm Address: / Base Fee:
Final Fee:
City: / State: / Zip code: / Inspection Fee:
Phone: / Cell: / Livestock Fee:
Fax: / E-Mail:
Legal Status: / Corporation / Limited Liability Company / Limited Liability Partnership / Limited Partnership
Sole proprietorship / Trust or non-profit / Other (specify):
State company is registered in:
Preferred time for inspection: AM PM
Give directions to farm:
NEW APPLICANTS
Has certification ever been denied, suspended or revoked? Yes No
If yes, describe the circumstance & attach documentation:
Are you switching from another certifier? Yes No
Year first certified organic: / List current certifier:
If switching from another certifier, submit previous year’s inspection report, certification letter and certificate.
RENEWING APPLICANTS / Year first certified with MCIA Organic:
Have you applied to another certifier since your last inspection? Yes No
If yes, were you denied, suspended or revoked? Yes No
List issues from last year's certification decision letter and state how they have been addressed. Not applicable
(Add additional sheets if necessary)
Do you have access to a current copy of MCIA’s Organic Handbook? Yes NoIs access online? Yes No
Do you have access to a current copy of the NOP Standards? Yes No Is access online? Yes No
Do you do any off-farm or on-farm processing (grinding, mixing, etc.)? Yes No
If yes, you may need to complete an Organic System Plan for Handlers and submit it with your Organic System Plan - Producer. Please call MCIA with questions, to request an Organic System Plan for Handlers, or download the form online at
Do you plan to ship any organic product to: Canada European Union Japan Switzerland Taiwan
Type of Livestock Operation?
Hogs Rabbit Other:
SECTION 2: Split Operation / NOP Rule §205.201(a)(5) §205.236(a)(2§205.236§205.236
NOP §205.201(a)(5) An organic production system plan must include a description of the management practices and physical barriers established to prevent commingling of organic and nonorganic products on a split operation and to prevent contact of organic production and handling operations and products with prohibited substances.
NOT APPLICABLE, all livestock are organically managed.
2.1What conventional livestock and livestock products do you raise/produce?
2.2Explain what measures are taken to ensure segregation of non-organic from organic animals. (e.g. separate housing, outdoor access areas, different ID system, etc.)
2.3How is equipment cleaned that is used for both organic and non-organic animals/animal products?
2.4Please explain how organic and non-organic feeds are kept separate?
2.5If you have any non-organic animals on your farm (including home use or work animals) that are not fed 100% organic feed, and/or that are given medical treatments, feed additives or supplements prohibited in organic production, please complete the table below to describe your practices and materials use. This will facilitate inspection measures and explain/justify the presence of non-organic materials that you currently have on your farm/ranch.
Feed or Material (Product Name/ Formulation and Manufacturer / Type of Livestock and Reason For Use / Location Where Stored/Used or FedSECTION 3: Livestock Operation Profile/Origin of Livestock / NOP Rule §205.236
NOP §206.236 The NOP requires that livestock products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be from animals under continuous organic management from the last third of gestation. Livestock used as breeder stock may be brought from a nonorganic operation onto an organic operation at any time: Provided That, if such livestock are gestating and the offspring are to be raised as organic livestock, the breeder stock must be brought onto the facility no later than the last third of gestation. Once an organic animal is removed from an organic system, the animal or edible livestock product is no longer eligible to be sold, labeled or represented as organically produced. Breeder stock that has not been under continuous organic management since the last third of gestation may not be sold, labeled, or represented as organic slaughter stock. Records must be maintained sufficient to preserve the identity of all organically managed animals and edible and nonedible animal products produced on the operation.
Classes of Livestock -A group of livestock that shares a similar stage of life or production. The classes of animals are those that are commonly listed on feed labels. Examples of classes used for the following types of livestock are:
Hogs – Sows, piglets (birth to weaning), Shoats, Stockers, Feeders, Gilts, Finishing hogs, Boars
Rabbits – Does, Bucks, Finishing
You may define your own classes of livestock.
3.1 In the table below, list the classes of livestock for which you are requesting organic certification. Attach a current animal list with the number of animals in each class of livestock (breeding stock, feeders, etc.), source and start date of organic management.
Please have all animal purchase and/or breeding/birth records available at inspection, including copies of certificates for animals purchased organic.
Classes Of Livestock / Species and Breed / Number of AnimalsTotal
3.2Because animal numbers are dynamic, please provide a description of changes in animal numbers you anticipate over the next year. Specifically address cull rates, mortality rates, slaughter, sales and maturation into another class of livestock.
3.3Do you plan to purchase, within the next year, any animals for which certification is being requested? Yes No
If yes, please indicate the type of livestock and, if known, the source from which they will be purchased and certifier.
3.4Describe your plan for organic livestock replacement/sourcing:
Breed/raise own stock with continuous organic management
Organic management during the last third of gestation
Purchase certified organic animals
Other (describe):
3.5Do you raise all your replacement animals on-farm? Yes No
If someone is raising replacement animals for you, they must be certified organic. Submit a copy of their organic certificate(s) with this application. Please list their name(s) and address(es):
NameAddress Phone
Name Address Phone
3.6Check which animal identification system you use.
Ear tags Tattoos Collars with tags Photos or Drawings
Branding Ear notches Neck chains
Other (specify):
SECTION 4: Living Conditions / NOP Rule §205.239NOP §205.239 The producer must establish and maintain year-round livestock living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of the animals including; 1) Year-round access for all animals to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air, clean water for drinking, and direct sunlight, suitable to the species, its stage of life, the climate, and the environment: Except, that, animals may be temporarily denied access to the outdoors in accordance with §§205.239(b) and (c). Yards, feeding pads, and feedlots shall be large enough to allow all livestock occupying the yard, feeding pad, or feedlot to feed simultaneously without crowding and without competition for food. Continuous confinement of any animal indoors is prohibited. 2) Appropriate clean, dry bedding. When roughages are used as bedding, they shall have been organically produced in accordance with this part by an operation certified under this part, except as provided in §205.236(a)(2)(i), and if applicable, organically handled by operations certified to the NOP; 3) Shelter designed to allow for: a) natural maintenance, comfort behaviors, and opportunity to exercise; b) temperature level, ventilation, and air circulation suitable to the species; and c) reduction of potential for livestock injury; 4) The use of yards, feeding pads, feedlots and laneways that shall be well-drained, kept in good condition (including frequent removal of wastes), and managed to prevent runoff of waste and contaminated waters to adjoining or nearby surface water and across property boundaries.
A producer may provide temporary confinement or shelter for an animal because of; 1) inclement weather; 2) animals’ stage of life; 3) conditions under which the health, safety, or well-being of the animal could be in jeopardized; 4) risk to soil and water quality; 5) Preventative healthcare procedures or for the treatment of illness or injury; 6) Sorting and shipping animals and livestock sales: Provided, that, the animals shall be maintained under continuous organic management, including organic feed, throughout the extent of their allowed confinement; 7) Breeding: Except, that, bred animals shall not be denied access to the outdoors and, once bred, shall not be denied access to pasture during the grazing season; or 8) 4-H, FFA and other youth projects, for no more than one week prior to a fair or other demonstration, through the event and up to 24 hours after the animals have arrived home at the conclusion of the event. These animals must have been maintained under continuous organic management, including organic feed, during the extent of their allowed confinement for the event. The producer may temporarily deny an animal outdoor access one week at the end of a lactation for dry off, three weeks prior to parturition (birthing), parturition, and up to one week after parturition.
4.1Describe the locations and living conditions for each class of organic livestock, including pastures or range, outdoor and indoor feeding yard, feeding pads, feedlots, housing and/or shelter.
4.2What type of shelter is used for each animal group in summer and winter? List more than one if necessary. Include the type of housing (free stall, bedded pack housing, run-in shed, trees, hutches, etc.), a description of the floor type (concrete, ½ slatted, fully slatted, etc.), and the size of the shelter (length X width).
Classes Of Livestock / Summer Shelter / Winter Shelter / Winter Outdoor Access?4.3 Describe how the housing or shelter you provide for each class of livestock is designed to allow for natural maintenance, comfort behaviors and opportunity to exercise; temperature control, ventilation, air circulation; and reduction of potential for injury.
4.4How often are shelters cleaned out? Describe the process and any products used (i.e. barn lime, disinfectants, sanitizers, cleaning products, etc.). Provide brand names, labels and ingredient lists for all products that are not OMRI listed. (All input products must be approved prior to use.)
4.5What type of bedding materials are used for each class of livestock? Indicate whether they are produced on-farm or purchased, the source (if purchased), and the certifier (if applicable). If purchased, submit a copy of the suppliers(s) organic certificate(s) with this application. Agricultural products that are edible (i.e. not sawdust or sand) must be certified organic. Off-farm wood-based bedding materials must be free of glues, treatments, and synthetic finishes (e.g. wood chips from window manufacturers or pallet companies).
Classes Of Livestock / Type of Bedding / Produced On-Farm or Purchased / Source, If Purchased(another farm, etc.) / Certified Organic
By Whom?
4.6Describe the locations (should be noted on maps supplied for question 6.1) and sources of shade within outdoor access areas.
4.7What drinking water sources are used (location of water sources should be noted on maps supplied for question 6.1)? Check all that apply.
On-site well Farm ponds
Water tubs in pastures Water tubs in barn and barnyard
Other:
4.8If you add anything to livestock water, please list each additive or material(s), indicate its acceptability for use in organic production (allowed or restricted), the amount or concentration, and frequency of use. N/A; no materials used in water
Additive/Material / Allowed (A)Restricted (R) / Amount or Concentration / Frequency of Use
4.9Identify all water sources within or adjacent to the property (should be identified on maps supplied for question 6.1). Describe how you prevent erosion around water sources, damage to natural wetlands and riparian areas, and risks of contamination of water.
4.10Describe how you manage yards, feeding areas and lanes to keep them well-drained and clean, and to prevent runoff of wastes and contamination of water, or drainage across property boundaries.
4.11Lumber treated with arsenate or other prohibited materials: Identify any locations with existing (previously installed) treated lumber and its approximate age. Also, list locations where you have used treated lumber in new installations or for replacement purposes, and describe how you prevent contact with soil, livestock, crops and livestock feed.
4.12Outdoor access to pasture. All livestock are expected to have daily access to the outdoors, all year round. On average, how many hours per day are animals outdoors?
(If it varies among different age groups and times of year, please list separately in the table below):
Classes Of Livestock / Spring / Summer / Fall / Winter4.13Temporary Confinement is defined as denying access to the outdoors, “occurring for a limited time only, (e.g. overnight, throughout a storm, during a period of illness), not permanent or lasting. NOP§205.239.
(a)Describe the record-keeping system you use to track temporary confinement of animals. (Have records of temporary confinement with time periods and reasons available at inspection.)
(b)For each class of livestock, describe the circumstances under which you plan to temporarily confine animals. Indicate which animals are confined, duration and place of confinement
Reason For Temporary Confinement / Circumstances/Location of Temporary Confinement From the Outdoors / Typical Duration of Temporary Confinement (days/hours)Inclement weather (that could cause hardship to livestock)
Stage of life
Describe:
To protect the health, safety, or well-being
Risk to soil or water quality
To administer healthcare procedures
Sorting, Shipping or Sales
Breeding purposes (until bred)
4-H or other youth projects
Dry off
Birthing
Other:
SECTION 5: Manure Management / NOP Rule §205.239(e)
NOP §205.239(e) The producer must manage manure in a manner that does not contribute to the contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, heavy metals, or pathogenic organisms and optimizes recycling of nutrients and must manage pastures and other outdoor access areas in a manner that does not put soil or water quality at risk.
5.1What forms of manure are generated? Liquid Semi-solid/piled Fully composted
5.2How often do you clean yards/feed lots?
5.3Estimated quantity of manure generated per year:
5.4List any additives/ingredients added to manure:
5.5If manure is not used immediately, how and where is it stored?
5.6Do you apply manure on your farm? Yes No
If no, how is it managed?
5.7During what months do you apply manure/compost?
5.8If manure is composted, describe your composting method:
6.1If no crop application is submitted, please complete a FIELD HISTORY SHEET for any new area and/or a PLANTING PLAN for newly planted land. Provide a map for each area used for outdoor access and pasture. The map should clearly illustrate the following:
- Grazing Locations (Pasture/Paddock/Range ID, location and size of each pasture/paddock/range in acres)
- Buffers and adjoining land use(s)
- Locations and types of permanent fences
- Laneways and outdoor access areas
- Access to shade
- Location and source of drinking water
- Location of waterways, ponds, lakeshore or areas where runoff collects
- Protected environmental resources, if applicable
(a)What kinds of conventional animals share the organic pasture/outdoor access area described here?
(b)How many conventional animals?
(c)Other comments about your pasture system:
(d) Do you graze or board animals on another producer’s farm (custom boarding/grazing)? Yes No
Producer’s name:
Name of Farm:
Class of livestock grazing there: # of Head:
If this farm is rented or leased, is this farm included in your OSP? Yes No
If not, the producer’s farm must be certified organic. Submit a copy of their organic certificate(s) with this application.
(e)Describe your pasture management/monitoring strategies to minimize diseases and parasites.
(f) Describe your soil fertility management and methods for pasture.
(g) Describe your approach to seeding your pasture and seed bed preparation.
6.2Seed and Seed Treatments. NOP §205.204 requires the use of organically grown seeds, unless an equivalent organically produced variety is not commercially available. If using non-organically produced seeds, you must have records of your attempts to source organic seed. Synthetic seed treatments including fungicides and inoculants are prohibited unless included on the National List. Genetically engineered/modified (GMO) seeds and inoculants are prohibited in organic production. NOP Rule uses the phrase "excluded methods" to refer to GMO products. NOTE: A prohibited substance may be used if such treatment is a requirement of Federal or State phytosanitary regulations.
Check all that describes what you use or plan to use:
(a)Seeds
Not Applicable; no seeds used or planned for use Certified organic seed, purchased
Certified organic seed, saved on farm (records required) Non-organic, untreated seed
(b)Seed Treatments and Inoculants (Seek MCIA approval prior to use).
Not Applicable; none used Coating Disinfection
Fungicide or insecticide Inoculant Pelletization
Other:
SECTION 7: Livestock Feed / NOP Rule §205.237NOP §205.237 The producer of an organic operation must provide livestock with a total feed ration composed of agricultural products, including pasture and forage, that are organically produced and handled by operations certified to the NOP, except, that, synthetic substances allowed under §205.603 and nonsynthetic substances not prohibited under §205.604 may be used as feed additives and feed supplements, Provided, That, all agricultural ingredients included in the ingredients list, for such additives and feed supplements, shall have been produced and handled organically.
The producer must not a) use animal drugs including hormones to promote growth, b) provide feed supplements or additives in amounts above those needed for adequate nutrition and health maintenance for the species at its specific stage of life, c) feed plastic pellets for roughage, d) feed formulas containing urea or manure, e) feed mammalian or poultry slaughter by-products to mammals or poultry, f) use feed, feed additives, and feed supplements in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and g) provide feed or forage to which any antibiotic including ionophores has been added.
Feeding records must be available for the inspector.
7.1Itemize below the total of each ORGANIC FEED PRODUCED ON YOUR OWN FARM over the past 12 months. Please attach additional sheet(s) if necessary. These crops must be listed on your crop producer organic system plan. Contact MCIA if you do not have a producer application.