Organic production is beginning to grow more popular in the current era of agriculture.  People want to know the when, what, where, why, and who of the food they consume more and more.  This past December, the Russell County ANR Agent and UK Extension Associate with Extension Ag Programs were contacted by an organic egg production company to help a new producer, who purchased an existing operation, to become certified and compliant with organic production on the farm.  Without the organic certification, the producer was not able to sell his product to the company and was losing money on a farming operation that had just been purchased.

Upon initial visit to the farm, the agent and associate were tasked with multiple items that the company wanted address to received the organic certification for the farm.  After the initial visit and gathering ideas and information from the farmer and company, a plan of action was put into place for the farm.  The plan required specialist from the plant plant and soil sciences department, as well as specialist in water quality and nutrient management, along with the agent and associate.  The plan involved reseeding of a hill side that was washing into the side of the egg house, as well as management and collection of a spring that was located at the top of the hill side to prevent erosion of the bank.

After the development of the plan of action, and providing the plan to the company, the plan was approved by the company.  The farmer has since had the organic production certification reinstated and was able to begin selling egg once again.  All extension persons involved were highly commended for their work and expertise by the farmer and company, and helping to secure a safe and compliant production system for the animals, company and farmer.