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Organic Farming Operations are Catching On
By Scott Fitzgerald
Staff writer
Enid newspaper
FAIRVIEW - It was a neighbor who tilted the wind cock in John Gosney's
farming career more than eight years earlier.
Having traditionally farmed for many years and steadily becoming
overwhelmed like most farmers with rising costs of soil applicants and
cattle supplements and making quotas on tight time constraints, Gosney had
reached a stalemate both emotionally and productively.
The neighbor told Gosney and his wife, Kris, that the neighbor's family
land that stretched back generations was what one might call "virgin."
No chemicals or pesticides had ever been applied.
"He wanted me to rent his land. I kind of fell into organic farming. I
didn't think I'd ever do it. I've enjoyed the challenge," Gosney said.
Working with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture that has certified
their products, the Gosneys have developed their organic farming methods
to raise cattle, which in turn become natural beef products named and
labeled Cattle Tracks.
Those products are making their way through a narrow channel of retail
outlets, but when someone dines on Cattle Tracks sirloin, T-bone, hamburger
and roast, they will know the difference in quality and taste.
"I think it has a clean flavor. It's more tender," Gosney said.
The United States Department of Agriculture's definition of a natural
product means it does not contain artificial flavoring, coloring, chemical
preservatives or other artificial ingredients.
"Our definition includes that and the cattle feed. Our grains are raised on
the farm with no pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers," Gosney said.
Organic farming is a more labor intensive process involving frequent crop
rotations, consistent management and planning.
"Bug and pest control are very difficult. Insects attack the poorest plant
first so the trick is to keep it all healthy. We grow our own microbes that
becomes the life of the soil," Gosney said.
Yields are not currently as great as traditional farming, but with time,
those cycles should become equal, Gosney said.
Gosney's calves are raised on pastures, native grasses and certified fields
of wheat, supplemented with a small quantity of grain.
Beef calves take a little longer to fatten, but they do not receive
antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
Gosney is the largest organic farmer in Oklahoma and first one certified
under new standards the state's agriculture department has adopted from the
USDA.
"We're getting all kinds of interest in organic farming," said Chad Goss,
organic coordinator for the ODA.
Oklahoma is one of 16 states that has it's own organic certifying agency
within the agriculture department.
Goss said the main challenge of organic farming is getting the product on
retail shelves, but more and more consumers are getting acquainted with
local farmers markets.
Organic farmers like the Gosney's invite consumers to visit the farm and
meet the family.
More information about Cattle Tracks can be obtained from the
www.johnsfarm.com web site or calling (580) 227-3452.
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