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With the help of 23 employees we milk about 1,200 cows and farm 1450 acres which consist of 850 acres organic crop land and 600 acres organic pasture. Along with our organic acres and cattle, we have five children, Leanne, 15, Mieke, 13, Eric, 11, Benji, 8, and Michael, 6. Off the farm I serve on the OMRI board. Transitioning to organic was a natural fit for us, since we try to lead a healthy lifestyle. We thought our cows should also live in a healthy environment without antibiotics or pesticides. Organic practices seemed the best way to go. Horizon OrganicŪ came to our area when organic farming was still in the pioneer stages. Since we were already thinking about transitioning to organic, it seemed like a wise choice to work with Horizon. We began transitioning in late 1999. We knew we could produce enough forages to support our cows independently, so it made good sense to transition the land completely before transitioning the livestock. We took our time with the transition because we wanted to fully understand organic practices and management, and be truly comfortable with organic. Once the land transition was complete, it was so exciting to provide our cows with newly organic feed from our own farm and pastures. After one year of transition for the cows, Bonanza View Dairy shipped its first organic milk to Horizon Organic in July 2004. We clicked from day one with Horizon Organic. Generally, when we are happy with a company, we stay with them. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to work with a number of different people at Horizon. Today, I can call any one of those people, depending on the issue, and always get the help I am looking for. The years of working together have allowed us to get to know each other. Horizon Organic has been loyal to us and we are loyal to them. We get along great, and know we are working on a common goal. |  |
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