Crop Livestock Integration with John Bitter
In OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common concern about the lack of technical assistance and educational resources available for Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS). Integrating crops and livestock results in numerous benefits, however the process can also lead to increased complexity, especially for farmers who must adhere to National Organic Program rules and regulations.
This series of resources focused on Crop-Livestock Integration is informed by interviews with four highly-experienced organic producers that shared their challenges, successes, and advice for others interested in integrating livestock and crops on their organic farms.
This video features John Bitter, Production Manager and co-owner of Frog Song Organics. Frog Song is a diversified organic farm producing vegetables, orchard crops, herbs, flowers, pork, and eggs. Operating on 62 acres in north Florida, Frog Song employs about 30 full-time workers, supplies direct and wholesale markets in several nearby cities, and runs an online, customizable CSA program. In this video, John talks about integration of crop and animal production systems at this thriving organic farm.
