Who is feeding organically?

[horseymama2]

Good morning? I see there is very little activity on this organic goat forum. Why is that? I would like to be purely GMO free, but it is very difficult where I live. I would love to hear what organics/ gmo free products others are using and where you are finding them. Thanks everyone.

 

[greybeard]

I would like to be purely GMO free, but it is very difficult where I live.

This guy is, and look at the quality he has in the 'ready for the processor' animals.
https://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/grd/d/grass-fed-beef/6580078382.html

 

[Southern by choice]

What kind of livestock? Cattle, goats, sheep?

We revisit this often, unfortunately many of the feeds we find (for goats) are so out of balance that it is not worth the risk. Calcium phosphorus ratios badly out of balance, little copper etc and lack of consistent quality ...add to that over pricing just hasn't been worth it.

 

[horseymama2]

I am specifically looking for goat food. I can get organic chicken feed easily, but nothing else. My chickens free range, so they don't go through to much feed. I have nice pasture with a variety of legumes, grasses and weeds. But does in milk often need more, especially during winter. I was hoping someone out there would of sources in the Midwest.

 

[Alaskan]

I can't afford fancy organic feed... and there is none available where I live anyway.

My goats have done alright on minimal store bought feed, even with milking.

They get good local hay. Most hay fields around here don't use any herbicides. .. some use fertilizers and some don't. The fertilized hay is better quality, but I have never asked what kinds they use.

Anyway. ... the hay is my base feed.

Then mid summer I gather and dry as much fireweed and aspen as possible. Those act as suppliments all winter and are great nutrition.

I gather all of the pumpkins possible at the pumpkin smash after Halloween (yeah, store bought pumpkins... so I am sure chemicals... but no GMOs) That all freezes and is fed throughout the winter.

I do give minerals... not sure how to make those organic.

And then they actually only get a little locally (well... locally as in Alaska) made milk goat pellets. The pellets are almost all Alaska products... and no corn since that can't grow in state.

Sooooooo

I am pretty sure mine are GMO free, and low chemical, but not no chemical.

 

[BoboFarm]

Look to see what mill your chicken feed comes from and ask if they have organic goat feed. You can either ask the feed store or try to contact the mill directly.

 

[bethh]

I see its been quite awhile since there have been any posts here. I would love to feed my goats organic but I don't have any idea where to start. I would like to feed organic so that when we start milking, we can have organic goat milk. I buy organic chicken feed. The few times I find organic goat feed its extremely expensive. Then its the whole organic hay side. I assume I'd have to find someone who grows their own hay. I don't live in a rural area. Just looking for ideas if anyone has some.