Organic Chicken Feed

[RichZ]

I finally got my shed that I,m going to use as a hen house. I,m ordering my chicks from Murray McMurray...I would like to sell ORGANIC eggs. Does anyone know a source of organic chicken feed, either in upstate New York (or Vermont) or by mail order? Thanks for all the help from you guys on the chickens. Maybe, now you can help me with this one.
Thanks!!
Rich

 

[BobT]

Try this contact. I am not sure if the info is current, but they might be able to give you some leads.

Renee Dolfinger
NY State Natural Food Assoc.
1 Cobey Terrace
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
914-454-7807

There are some fairly strict requirements for using the "organic" label. Among them in NY state, I believe, is going back a fairly long time, around 10 years, with provable non-pesticide and non-chemical use on your land.

You might also call Natural Health magazine in Boston and talk to one of the editors who knows about organic growing and standards. They have a terrific Rolodex, and will likely have plenty of contacts for you.

I am ALL FOR what you are doing. But I think some regulation has crept in.

BobT.
A Indiana Boy

 

[BobT]

P.S. Heck, call Rodale Press (Organic Gardening Mgazine) in Emmaus, PA. They started it all.

BobT.
A Indiana Boy

 

[Boondox]

Bugs, sprouts and seeds on my own property keep my hens pretty happy. In Japanese beetle season the hens look like popcorn out there in the field jumping up to get the morsels! Instead of going organic with all the rules and regs, consider going as organic as possible and calling them range-fed birds. Lot less fuss and bother, with just as many marketing opportunities.

Chickens are a blast! The entire flock follows me around like little fluffballs.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[BobT]

Here's another contact I found:

Pat Kane, Administrator
NOFA-NY
Organic Farm Certification
RD #1, Box 134A
Port Crane, NY 13833
607-648-5557

BobT.
A Indiana Boy

 

[RichZ]

Thanks for all the info, Bob! I'm checking them all out. For an Indiana boy, you sure came up with a lot of resources in New York! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Rich

 

[RichZ]

Thanks, Pete! As you said, we're going to go as organic as possible. As usual, I agree with you! Sometimes you really scare me, I'm not used to having someone that I'm in agreement with so often! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
Rich

 

[Boondox]

No problem, Rich. Funny how we think alike, live in the same part of the country, and even chose similar professions! (I'm an epidemiologist by training.)

You ever get up this way, be sure to look us up.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[BobT]

No problem Rich. I did a fair share of organic farming over the past 20 years or so, and have added names to my contact database as I came across them in variuouys publications, shows & fairs, etc. I haven't updated those NY names, so can't vouch for them. But hopefully you'll be able to get on the track of the info & tools you need. Best of luck.

BobT.
A Indiana Boy

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Natural Chicken Feed Website

{Our chickens are so mean... they eat anything!}

Rich,

When is Salem Farm Supply’s next auction up there?

 

[BobT]

Thanks for the post John. Interesting site, and lots of good feed info. I also read there about the fight in Texas for an exemption for small poultry processors (the legaislature was going to make it illegal to process less than 10,000 at a time).

BobT.
A Indiana Boy

 

[RichZ]

John, thanks for the great website!! I'm sure going to get use out of that.
Salem Farm Supply already had their spring auction. I was there, and everything went for surprisingly high prices!/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif I go to farm and tractor auctions all the time, if you like I'll keep you posted of all of them in my area. Lately there have been very few bargins, but you never know! Are you looking for something specific, or do you just like to go, "just in case" (that's what I do).
Rich

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Rich,

This spring, I was @ Salem on Friday for open house and to preview the "stuff" and of course "eat the food", socialize, "eat the food", kick some tires, and did I mention "eat the food".../w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Unfortunately, MacFadden's auction was the same day {Saturday} and I chose that one to attend.

A few weeks ago, I went up to Saratoga County {Wilton, maybe?} and it was "advertised" to be bigger and better than Salem & MacFadden's!...............It was JUNK, over 200 push lawn mowers someone was on the way to the dump with and decided to consign @ the auction...etc.etc.

Of course <font color=blue>"just in case" </font color=blue>, I go to all the auctions...cause you just never know where a bargain may be lurking.../w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

 

[RichZ]

John, I know the auction you're talking about. It was in Argyle, in Washington County. It was a bunch of junk. So far I've been to five auctions this spring, and all I've bought has been a decorative windmill, a sledgehammer and a hoe. Nothing for my tractor!/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
I'll keep you posted on whatever auctions I hear about. I live in Cambridge, in Washington County on County Route 74. You must live somewhat near me! Maybe we'll meet at one of these auctions!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Rich

 

[RichZ]

John, there are a couple of auctions my way this weekend. Let me know if you want info!
Rich

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Absolutely... names & numbers..../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

or you can call me @ work (518) 463-6215 (East Greenbush, NY)

Thanks.