Organic Dairy Research Project with 

University of Kentucky and University of Tennessee

The long-term goal of this project is to develop and distribute practical, research-based recommendations for organic forage and dairy cow management in the southeastern U.S. This project has carried out a series of UK and UT research station trials and on-farm experiments in KY and TN. The experiments have measured the production, quality, and profitability of a range of forage mixtures and the productivity, health, fertility, and efficiency of dairy cows in the southeast on organic pasture systems. The project is also developing decision making tools and educational materials to farmers and professionals involved with the organic dairy industry. This project will develop practical recommendations for organic forage management to maximize herd productivity, health, and profitability across the southeastern U.S. Field days and educational sessions were conducted during 2018/2019 in KY to educate the existing organic dairy producers and those interested in organic production on the best forage systems for their operations.