Organic Dairy Co-op (Conttnuad from Pago A 1) and string Italian cheeses; cream and Neufchatel cheeses; and Feta cheese. It also markets organic brown eggs, apples and apple cider sea sonally, and vegetables. It promotes the fact that it uses non-homogenized organic milk and microbial enzymes instead of rennet, and salt without flowing agents. What this follows ate dietary beliefs that may or may not be sup ported by scientific research, but in general hold that the human body and its digestive system was not made to be sustained on a food chemistry that includes man-made chemicals or advanced processing technology. Non-homogenized milk is regarded as more healthy by some who follow these dietary beliefs, because it is argued that the homogenization process alters the size of fat and protein molecules or globules suspended in milk, and that the human system is designed to digest milk in its natural state, even though non-homogenized milk may separate and not be as constant in texture. In general, organic fanning fol- Farmer Boy Ag Systems Inc. The Purafire heater provides a consistent, cleanbummg and fuel efficient source of warmth for all types of poultry and swine houses. With near 100% efficiency, it uses less energy to yield greater BTUs for your money. Choose from two models- the CBOM variable output (40,000-80,000 BTUH) and the C 225 (225,000 BTUH) Each is LP or natural gas compatible and can be mounted inside or outside your confinement house. These fiberglass electrically heated mats provide a warm bed for baby pigs and help increase the „ t number of pigs per litter neater Sizts iviiiabfc Fan Motors Singlet: 12"x36” - 12”x48” - 12”x60" Doublet: 24"x36” - 24”x45" - 24”x60" Trintgltt: 27”x27”x40” Electronic JkJSt Ignitors Thermocouple Brooder Heat Units [5l Brooder Sockets ! DEODORIZERS Pit and Lagoon Treatment .hmh Virtually odors • Speeds suspension of solids for faster, easier and more complete pump-out • Enhances fertilizer value of waste by reducing nitrogen loss • Guaranteed results. Woven wire Is generally used for hog floonng but is not limited to this use Elevator fencing, fork truck safety cages, wire truck tailgates, etc can also be made from the same construction Call for your specific )Ob needs * Excellent for farrowmg/nursery pigs ■ Does not retain bactena •No extra charge for'custom size • Easy cleaning \* Surface Is non-porous • Low cost flooring HOG and POULTRY CONTRACTS AVAILABLE Contact Us Today! 4 Hours: Mon-Frl 7 to 5:36 Sat 7:30 to Noon ~ Farmer Boy Ag Systems’ 410 East Lincoln Avenue, Myerstown, PA 17067 mmm 12/28 717-866-7566 • 1-800-845-3374 WE SHIP UPS lows a no-man-made chemistry regime. However, the term “organic” is currently undefined for most regu latory applications. Thus there are a number of differing definitions and “organic” practices. The U.S. Department of Agri culture was to have created a work ing definition, this past year and a certification process, but because of the different independently started “organic” organizations making up their own versions of a definition, the desire to be estab lished as first in a new market, and the delays that arc implied in trans itioning a farm from current com mercial practices to “organic” practices, that definition is now expected sometime in coming months. In the meantime, while most states are awaiting a federal defini tion (so that interstate commerce won’t be a problem for instate pro ducers), some states, such as Cali fornia, have created their own standards. Other than states, producer organizations and even individual farm-markets have developed their own standards for production of crop to which the label, “organic” is applied COLD WEATHER IS HERE See us about Servicing Your Heaters, Curtains and other equipment. KPNE<S Heat Par Heat Lamps SCALES 500 Animal Scale This rust resistant steel scale is used for weighing up to the largest hog. The entire unit serves as the weighing area so that an animal leaning on the sides won’t prevent an accurate reading. 4 I .km^Smrn The CROPP cooperative is one which adopted its own standards, but since its standards are more strict, they are also approved under the standards of the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA). Steve Fiscus, of Flinstone, Maryland, is working on behalf of CROPP, sort of as an advance man. His job is to seek out producers in the Mid-Atlantic region who may be willing to adopt the cooperative’s organic standards in producing milk, become a member of the cooperative, and then be included on hauling routes to deliver the organic milk to an appropriate processor. Currently, he’s seeking produc ers interested in working in this niche. The niche is real, but its strength as a market uncertain. CROPP started in the Midwest, where dairy production had been leading the nation until California production skyrocketted. However, as more urbanites and rural people have become skepti cal of modem agricultural produc tion practices, the “organic” name has become more and more accepted by mainstream consum ers. These primarily niche con sumers will pay a premium. PAR Heat Lamps Think of them as “Life Bulbs" WayPig^n Litter Scale An entire litter can be placed in the portable Way Pig at one time. The new oversize scale gives a clear readout of the weight in pounds and kilograms. The compact design allows it to glide easily through aisles and around tight comers. According to Fiscus, he fully expects that OCIA standards will be within the standards adopted by the USDA and the majority of states. In working to line-up potential producers to supply the minimum 40,000 pounds milk per day pro duction that has been projected as needed to establish a dependable organic market, Fiscus has been holding meetings to talk to produc ers about the cooperative and the successes it has found in the Mid west and more recently in Washington state. According to some literature distributed by Fiscus, “CROPP Cooperative is presently consider ing organizing a regional pool in your area. We are seeking produc ers who are interested in joining our cooperative as member/ producer/owner. We need to find a minimum of 300-400 cows who (sic) qualify to start a new pool of organic dairy production. We also are considering regional egg pools, as we have an organic egg program in our cooperative.” Though restrictions to observe in producing milk for CROPP are more specific, there are 11 basic qualifications a new member would need to join: * The bulk tank should hold five milkings in flush, with a minimum lOO'OOOStrong * i —-— 1 $249'239-229-2i9flw Did You Know? University tests and tens ot I,ooos of satisfied dairy producers have proven isolation calf housing, hutches, are absolutely the best way to raise healthy calves Progressive dairy producers do not sacnflce calf health for personal convenience Calf-tel is the only thermofonned hutch Thermofonrung is a process that imparts strength to the polymer like forging does to steel Rotocastmg, a process used by all other plastic hutch manufacturers, creates a weaker, less durable product that is prone to cracking Calf-tel is the only hutch manufactured with completely opaque matenal to effectively eliminate the green house effect This heat trapping effect overheats calves when temperatures climb above 80° F and also causes uncontrollable temperature swings daily when temperatures drop below freezing Over 100,000 Calf-tels are helping raise healthier, growthier calves worldwide from Florida through the sunbelt to California. Lancaster Farming, Saturday, December 21, 1996-All To celebrate this achievement Lance Hampel, Hampel Corp President is pleased to announce -.“The mold is paid tor SPECIAL PRICE Washington across the dairy belt to New . England and in 20 foreign countries Calf-tel is the only hutch made of high molecular weight polyethylene plastic with a high load UV blocking pigment This quality matenal enables Hampel Corp to warranty Calf-tel for ten years, the longest in the calf hutch industry Long after competitive hutches are discarded, used Calf-tels sell from $125 to $2OO each-even after ten years of use Such a high residual value decreases cost per hutch to as low as $l2 per year When operator comfort is a concern, creative dairy producers have provided covered service alleys or placed Calf-tels in two or three sided shelters during inclement times Watch this space for future calf reanng tips. storage capacity of four milkings required. • The operation has to be certi fied organic by an approved certi fication agent • Membership in CROPP and abiding by membership require ments is required • Membership with the cooper ating milk handler and abiding by its requirements is necessary. • Average somatic cell counts for the year have to average less than 400.000. • The product has to be Grade A, IMS milk with the farmer having a history of producing good quality milk. • There is an equity requirement that is equal to $ll per hundred weight of average monthly hun dredweight production. • The producer must be willing to not use antibiotics and hormones. * Must be willing to accept that the CROPP dairy pool policy is that, in extreme cases of oversupp ly. the last producer joined would be the first dropped. • A Bang’s vaccination, or a blood test proof, is required. The requirements also extend to feeds. The cows have to eat certi fied organically raised forages and grains for at least a year prior to the (Turn to Page A3l)
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers