I am an organic dairy producer and would like to purchase a few replacement cows. Must they be certified organic, or can I transition cows into my existing herd?

I am an organic dairy producer and would like to purchase a few replacement cows. Must they be certified organic, or can I transition cows into my existing herd?

Non-organic dairy cattle may be brought onto an organic operation as long as they are neither in gestation nor lactating. Once on-farm, they must be managed organically for at least 12 months before their milk can be considered organic.  NOTE: it is important to keep accurate records so a Verification Officer can verify that milk from animals in transition is not being sold as organic.