How do I find out if our muck heap is certified organic?

[R2R]

Random I know. We have been trying to find a cost effective solution for our muck heap removal, and I think we have, however need to pick peoples brains.

The farmer next door is certified organic - arable. He has said we can deposit our muck in his fields once a month...which is very nice of him, however, do our horses have to be fed 'organically' in order for him to keep his organic status? What about if we have a horse on bute or other not exactly organic drug?

Plan is to hire skip and have skip company dump muck on farmers land, farmer then uses tractor to spread muck etc....as and when he needs it. How on earth do I certify my horses 'output' as organic?

 

[cptrayes]

Interesting question! You could have a big problem with chemical wormers. And GM modified food hidden in your bagged horse feeds. I think you need to read his agreement/terms and conditions that certified him organic in the first place - and let us know what you found please!

 

[jrp204]

No wormers, i was chatting to someone who told me they were organic but still used ivermectin wormers! Obviously they weren't organic at all.

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

Good question-

I am 99% sure your feed need not be organic, you will have to stop using Ivermectin (and Avermectin based) wormers.
If he askes you to feed organically your feed costs will shoot up. Thia includes Hay as well as concentrates and supplements, you may need to change your grazing regime. All spraying of weeds will be restricted on your paddocks. Also the medicines you can use and be prescribed are very restricted and have long withdrawl periods.

This is because all of these things will end up in the muck.

Your farmer will be allowed to store your muck before it is used to allow the residual/ approved chemicals and non organic feed bits to degrade away. (this is why organic is such a rip off! Same processes- just a longer wearing off period!- Don't get me started on it!)

For chapter and verse contact the Soil Association. They manage the Organic Status of farm land in the UK.

In january the muck regulations in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones are tightening (see www.magic.gov.uk for a map of your area), his nitrogen loadings must be below 20kg/ha. Also he can only store farm yard manure in designated areas on fields. He could ask you to stop with the muck if the Environment Agency or Natural England can prove he is not complying with the new regs.

Personally for the potential costs involved of increased feed costs and potential welfare issues I would pay for my muck to be taken away.

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

I'm pretty sure that you don't have to feed organic, but you do have be non-GM - I've been through this recently for a customer with an organic farm, and have confirmed that Baileys and D&H are all non-GM. The drugs will be a problem though - Verm-x or Multi Worma are options.