 There are about 700,000 beef cattle in Wyoming. If you're a beef producer, that means there is a lot of competition. What are some ways you can get the edge? Well, if you mentioned going organic to most ranchers, they may scuff and call you crazy, but there is a growing market for organic beef and consumers are willing to pay the price. The process of getting certified as an organic beef producer requires tremendous time, effort, and documentation. There are 12 USDA certified organic farms in ranches in Wyoming that raise livestock. Some of the requirements for certification include, animals have to be produced and processed by USDA certified organic farm and processor, animals must be free of antibiotics or growth hormones, and producers must feed livestock agricultural feed products that are 100% organic, including not being exposed to pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or bioengineering for three years prior to harvest. If these and many other requirements are met, the beef product can carry the USDA organic seal. The organic section in your local grocery store now extends beyond just the produce aisle. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Wendy Kelly, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.