The Department of Agriculture says, in 2007 there were about 3,350 organic livestock farms in the United States, a relatively small number overall. Because of a lack of chemicals used in organic production, organic farmers face a challenge.  Finding a veterinarian trained to treat livestock without antibiotics or other modern drugs.

Gatz Riddell, a veterinarian and executive vice president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, says – only a minority of members have the mindset to work with organic producers. Riddell, says most vets probably encounter only one or two organic farms and – it’s asking a lot of them to know actually two different ways of treating something.

It’s also difficult to get subjects added to “already overflowing” veterinary curriculums. Jim McKean, a veterinary professor at Iowa State University, says – some schools now offer courses on alternative therapies, but the focus tends to be more on herbal and Chinese therapies, not necessarily organics. There’s also an issue of money. Few veterinarians focus on organic medicine because it’s seen as being a difficult area for earning a living.