The Krusenbaums are tireless advocates for organic farming, which they see as a way to preserve family farms.

“Where is a cow supposed to be? On grass,’’ said Sue Krusenbaum, a third-generation organic farmer.

Organic farming is still a niche, but with large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Whole Foods clamoring for organic products, farmers here see it as a way to compete with larger dairy operations in California and other western states.

Wisconsin had 659 certified organic farms in 2003 and one-third of the nation’s organic milk cows. The state is also home to Organic Valley, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers.

Source: The Associated Press