National Organic Program (NOP) standards state that producers must use management practices for pest control.
When our inspector asked us how we plan to control pests, Bill and I asked, "are barn cats allowed?" She said absolutely.
We don't have an issue with an overload of barn pests - although we don't have any feed supplied in our barn to draw them yet - when our neighbor's cat (who is a skilled mouser) had a litter we thought it would be a good time to get some kittens. We took the whole litter: 3 males, 1 female. We had them neutered/spayed and vaccinated under the "barn cat sterilization program" at the local animal hospital.
Clockwise from upper left hand corner
Sylvia
Mr. White (we are watching Breaking Bad right now.
This cat has professor-like patches on his elbows.)
Thomas
Oscar
Sylvia and Oscar both see a barn swallow swooping by
Mr. White - paws crossed, doesn't care
Thomas - well (can you tell ?) he's the alpha
They are 7 months old, friendly, and enjoyable to have around. 3 Flat Acres first official animals!
