Sources of Soil Amendments, Crop Inputs, and Livestock Supplies
Introduction
All materials used on organic crops or livestock must be natural (and not
otherwise prohibited), or they must be synthetics but listed as approved
on the USDA-NOP National List for crops and livestock (7CFR 205.600-
604), which lists the approved synthetics and prohibited natural products.
Some natural materials, such as tobacco dust, are prohibited, whereas
some synthetic materials, such as certain horticultural oils, are allowed
for specific uses. (See USDA-NOP regulatory text for exact regulations.)
The final responsibility for determining the suitability of products lies
with the producer. Producers should always amend their Organic System
Plans and seek approval from their certifying agents before using
any materials. USDA-NOP organic labeling laws do not address fertilizer
products, so the use of the term “organic” on these materials can be
confusing. “If in doubt, go without” is a good rule of thumb. Producers
in transition to organics often seek to substitute purchased, organically
acceptable inputs to replace non-approved inputs and are especially at
risk. Using a prohibited input, whether intentionally or innocently, will
cause organic producers to go through another three-year transition process
prior to becoming recertified.
Livestock manures may be used without restriction on crops not for human
consumption. Sewage sludge is prohibited in any form. Unless composted
manure meets the definition of the USDA-NOP, (7CFR 205.203 (c)(2),
it is considered to be “raw or aged manure” and must be applied and
incorporated according to restrictions in 7CFR 205.203(c)(1) for crops
for human consumption. These restrictions require 120 days between
application and harvest, for crops where the edible portion has contact
with the ground, and a 90 day interval when the edible portion of the
crop is not in contact with the ground. Currently, dehydrated or pelleted
manures must be applied according to the raw or aged manure regulations.
Uncomposted plant materials are allowed (205.203(c)(3), and can
be applied to the field at any time in the growing season. (See USDANOP
regulatory text for exact regulations.)
Generic and brand-name lists from the Organic Materials Review Institute
(OMRI) can be helpful in assessing a product’s compliance. OMRI
reviews materials for crop and livestock production and processing to
assess compliance with National Organic Program standards. However,
OMRI has no regulatory authority. The OMRI Brand Names Material List is available on-line and free of charge to the public. Many of the products
listed below are OMRI approved. The OMRI Brand Names Material
List is not comprehensive for all materials, however. Instead, it is limited
to those companies that have paid to have their materials reviewed
by OMRI. Lack of a brand-name listing does not mean that a product is
not approved. It is simply an indicator for greater diligence. OMRI also
publishes a Generic Materials List that is available to subscribing certifying
agents and individuals. Growers can generally get inexpensive or free
copies of the lists from their certifying agents, if the certifier is an OMRI
subscriber.
Seven in 10 Americans express some concerns about the health risks of
pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals used in food production,
according to a national consumer opinion poll conducted by
Roper Public Affairs on behalf of Organic Valley Family of Farms. The survey
found consumers felt smaller-scale family farms were more likely to care
about food safety than large-scale industrial farms, and that it was important
to know whether food is grown or produced locally or regionally.
(Organic Valley Family of Farms, Food and Farming 2004, www.organicvalley.coop) |
Growers interviewed in the southern states during the development of this guide reported using relatively few purchased inputs. They often cited lime, off-farm manure sources, mulches, garlic, biological pest control agents, and beneficial insects as products they sometimes purchase. Some mentioned that they consider the input catalogs to be a primary source of information about pests and diseases, even though they rarely purchase products.(IOIA verbal interviews, 2005)
Soil Amendments, Crop Inputs, and Livestock Supplies: Source List
The Southern Organic Resource Guide does not endorse any supply companies. We have included this list as a sample of potential suppliers, with the intent to assist organic producers. Organic farmers in the South suggested the companies listed. Inclusion or omission on this list is neither an endorsement nor an implied criticism. Listings are in alphabetical order.
- Agreaux Organics, Inc.
Gary Canton
P.O. Box 30
Monticello, MS 39654
601-587-0027
877-387-5407
www.agreauxorganics.com
Products: OMRI listed fertilizer products—Agreaux Organic All Natural 3-3-3 Organic Fertilizer; Agreaux Organic All Natural Organic 3-3-3 Slow Release Plugs; Agreaux Organics All Natural Organic 5-5-5; Agreaux Organics All Natural Organic 6-2-4 Slow Release Plugs; Agreaux Organics All Natural Organic 6-2-4 Fertilizer
- AgriGulf
52 Cable Bridge Rd.
Perkinston, MS 39573
601-928-5837
Agrigulf@bellsouth.net
www.agrigulf.com/
Products: All natural fertilizer made from shrimp and crab shells
- Agro-K Corp
Gerd Oppenheim, Dealer
P.O. Box 267
Norwood, LA 70761
504-866-6551
trudyo@gs.net
Products: OMRI listed fertilizer products–Zinc Dextro- Lac, Magnesium Dextro-Lac; Manganese Dextro-Lac Symbex (Organic) and Symbex 4X; Vigor-Cal and Cal–Mag D.L. Ag Unlimited 4-1-1Liquid Fertilizer; Symspray (Organic), Symspray 10X; Potassium D.L. 0-0-6; Hytec Foliar 5-2-2 Liquefied Fish Fertilizer; Symcoat 221 Liquid; Symbooster 10X
- Bradfield Natural
Fertilizers
Bob Scott
610A E. Battlefield #203
Springfield, MO 65807
417-882-1442
775-310-6654 FAX
bscott6500@sbcglobal.net
www.bradfieldind.com/
Products: OMRI listed fertilizers— alfalfa meal, poultry protein, humate, moloassas, soluble seaweed extract, sulfate of potash, corn gluten fertilizer, horticultural vinegar
- Bourbon Limestone Co.
2470 Fords Mill Rd.
Paris, KY 40361
869-987-4425
Products: Mined limestone
- Calcium Silicate Corp.
Donald Beatty
P.O. Box 2058
Columbia, TN 38402-2058
931-381-1859
931-380-1364 FAX
debco@bellsouth.net
Products: Tennessee Brown Rock; OMRI listed
- Circle One International,
Inc.
16209 Flight Path Drive
Brooksville, FL 34609
800-430-2467
352-544-0202
352-544-0230 FAX
circle-one@circle-one.com
www.circle-one.com/
Products: Liquid organic fertilizers and fertility products
- Continental Sulfur Company,
LLC
Warren W. Boone
5100 Poplar Ave, Suite 2704
Memphis, TN 38137
901-763-4017
901-763-4028 FAX
Products: OMRI listed pest control products—CSC 80% Thiosperse, CSC DS-90, CSC Dusting Sulfur
- EcoSMART Technologies,
Inc.
Judy Hight
318 Seaboard Lane, Ste. 201
Franklin, TN 37067
615-261-7300 or
888-326-7233
615-261-7301 FAX
www.bioganic.com
Products: OMRI listed pest control products— MatranTM2; EcoTrolT; Hexacide; Sporan; EcoExempt ® IC
- Farmers Lime Company
Hwy 45 E
South Fulton, TN 38257
731-479-3827
Products: Mined limestone
- Fertrell Co.
P.O. Box 265
Bainbridge, PA 17502
717-367-1566
800-347-1566 (outlets throughout the US. please call for a dealer near you)
www.fertrell.com
Products: Feed supplements, fertilizers; OMRI listed
Fertrell Dealers
ALABAMA:
Coosa Valley Milling
205-669-6605
www.coosavalleymilling.com
ARKANSAS:
Bison Meadows
Donna Mayhue
18940 Skyline Dr.
Sulphur Springs, AR 72768
479-298-3004
Troque Farms
816-650-9307
Troquefarms@aol.com
COLORADO:
Peach Valley Dairy
970-234-3951
www.peachvalleydairy.com
FLORIDA:
Farm & Garden Supply
941-366-4954
info@hibbsfarmandgarden.com
Green & Growing
352-624-3131
GEORGIA:
Country Gardens Nursery
770-251-2673
Woodland Gardens
706-227-1944
tucker@woodlandgardens.org
INDIANA:
Gordon Dotson
765-742-5111
Jerry's Organic Suppies
574-825-3787 x 3
Long Lane Farm, Feed & Supplies
765-847-2864
Martinlind8@aol.com
KANSAS:
Troque Farms
816-650-9307
Troquefarms@aol.com
KENTUCKY:
Henry Hoover
7270 US 68E
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
Philoman Martin
840 Dandur Road
Eubank, KY 42567
606-379-0274
LOUISIANA:
Gotreaux Family Farm
337-873-0383
NORTH CAROLINA:
Mt. Harvest Garden Center
828-298-9000
Jane Biggers
704-279-5859
OKLAHOMA:
Troque Farms
816-650-9307
Troquefarms@aol.com
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Good Earth Organics
864-836-0625
Swansea Milling Com
803-568-3906
scfeedman@pbtcomm.net
Oakland Plantation
843-395-0793
thewhites@freerangechicken.com
TENNESSEE:
Beaty Fertilizer
3697 Michigan Ave. Road
Cleveland, TN 37323
423-472-7122
Ralph Cole
155 Shekinah Way
Deer Lodge, TN 37726,
423-965-3334
Dicken’s Supply
814 Cherokee Ave.
Nashville, TN 37207
615-227-1111
Blue Marrow
189 Rye Branch Rd.
Butler, TN 37640
423-768-3433
Whispering Spirit Farm
383 Massy Cove
Atoka, TN 38004
901-837-1796
TEXAS:
Hickory Hollow Welding
903-498-5333
VIRGINIA:
Country Side Natural Products
888-699-7089
www.countrysidenatural.com
Seven Springs Farm
800-540-9181
7springs@swva.net
- First Fruits, LLC
RD 1, Box 156
Triadelphia, WV 26059
304-547-5553;
888-489-0162
Products: VAM Fungi; OMRI Listed
- Franklin Limestone
Quarry
211 Old Nashville Rd.
Woodburn, KY 42170
800-342-2191
Products: Bagged lime
- Griffin Industries/Nature
Safe Fertilizers
4221 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
859-572-2548
800-252-4727
859-572-2583 FAX
bdeckert@griffinind.com
Products: Fertilizers, feather meal; OMRI listed
- Helfter Feeds, Inc.
135 N. Railroad St.
P.O. Box 266
Osco, Illinois 61274-0266
www.HelfterFeeds.com
Products: Feeds and feed supplements; OMRI listed
- Honey Crest Farms
Lee Harris
8868 Lee Lane
Bentonville, AR
479-795-2113
Products: 4-2-2 poultry litter- based fertilizer
- Lakeside Feed
Harold Bryant
7703 Highway 412
Huntsville, AR 72740
479-738-5145
Products: Complete organic rations for livestock, including poultry
- Mathis Farm Supply
5799 Shane Rd
Melber, KY 42069
270-674-5600
Products: Mined limestone
- Micro Flo Company
Julie Mills
P.O. Box 772099
Memphis, TN 38117-2099
901-432-5000
901-432-5031 FAX
Products: Kumulus DF sulfur; OMRI listed
- Mid-States Supply, Inc.
1716 Guinette Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64120
816-842-4290
816-842-3630 FAX
www.midcoonline.com
Products: Composts, manures, guano, blended fertilizers, cover crop seeds, humates, humic acids, marine products, micronutrients, rock minerals, phosphates
- Midwest Bio-Systems
Route 1, Box 121
Tampico, IL 61283
815-438-7200
815-542-6470 FAX
www.aeromasterequipment.com/index.html
Products: Compost production microbial inoculants, Aeromaster composting equipment, soil and compost analyses, compost production workshops, and consulting services
- Nature Safe Natural and
Organic Fertilizers
4221 Alexandria O’Pike
Cold Spring KY 41076
859-781-2010
800-353-4727
859-572-2574 FAX
Products: Fertilizers
- Nitron
P.O. Box 1447
Fayetteville, AR 72702-1447
Orders: 800-835-0123
Customer service: 479-587- 1777
www.nitron.com/
Products: Compost, limestone, fertilizers, humic acid, diatomaceous earth, milky spore, hydroponic fertilizers
- N-Viro Products, Inc.
Ferguson Mill Rd.,
P.O. Box 30
Monticello, MS 39654
601-587-0027
601-587-0420 FAX
Products: Pelletized 3.5- 3.5-3.5 organic fertilizer; pelletized 6-2-4, 5-2-4 organic fertilizer; pelletized 2-10-10 organic fertilizers
- Regenerated Resources,
LLC
Buddy Black
Cave Springs, AR
479-248-4607
www.organic-gro.com
Products: 8-2-4 feathermeal- based fertilizer
- Rose Acre Farms
6874 N. Base Rd
Seymour IN 47274
Products: Manure and composted manure; OMRI listed
- Royster Clark Farmarket
www.roysterclark.com/
(for directory of locations)
- Thoroughbred Compost
Heraldry Court
Lexington, KY 40513
859-255-6315
800-227-5125
Local Plant Location:
3380 Paris Pike
Lexington, KY 40511
859-293-6658
859-293-6397 FAX
qualityhay@creechhay.com
Products: Fertilizers, compost
- Thorvin Inc.
P.O. BX 458
New Castle, VA 24127
540-864-5108
800-464-0417
540-864-5161
www.Thorvin.com
Products: Kelp fertilizer and feed supplement; OMRI listed
- Universal Agriculture
Products, Inc.
1775 Cedar Ridge Way
Reeds Spring, MO 65737
417-336-6666 or
800-336-6681
417-336-6630 FAX
michelle@universalagri.com
www.universalagri.com
Products: Compost, manure, guano, blended fertilizers
- Valley Fertilize and Seed
4907 Smithville Highway
McMinnville, TN 37110
931-668-4101
Products: Lime; farm equipment & supplies dealer
- Wesley’s Fertilizer Plant,
Inc.
111 West Doyle Street
Poplarville, MS 39470
Products: Lime and fertilizer
- Westway Feed Products
Paul Mosty
365 Canal St. Suite 2900
New Orleans, LA 70130
281-351-4420
800-654-9668
281-351-4975 FAX
www.westway.com
Products: Wes Las 79.5 Brix Soil Amendment