Organic feed supply not meeting demand of dairy farmers

Many dairy farmers are making the switch to organic. Consumer demand for organic dairy products has grown 20% each year and the trend is expected to continue. Organic feed for dairy cows is more expensive for the farmers. To encourage more dairy farmers to make the switch, the US government eased certification requirements. Under the relaxed rule, dairy farmers could feed their cows 20% conventional feed (non-organic) during their first 9 months of operation. The 20% rule expired on June 9th so dairy farmers must move to 100% organic feed.

The switch is easier said than done. With the demand for ethanol (biofuel made from corn), many corn farmers have switched from growing feed corn to "fuel corn" for the higher profitability. This leaves organic dairy farmers a bit in the lurch. Some feed grain is being imported from China and other countries, but the recent quality issues with supplies from China (think pet food-bound wheat gluten and toothpaste) purity and safety is a concern.