Tom Wencl, of Blooming Prairie, looks out onto a meadow, in which 30-some cows chew on grass and weeds.

The land was just seeded, but ragweed has dominated the field. By next year, though, the grass should be up, he said.

"Before, this was cropped," Wencl said.

Because of new United State Department of Agriculture standards for organic products, Wencl has to graze his livestock -- weather permitting -- to keep his certification as an organic livestock producer.

Organic farmers use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of nature, according to the Organic Trade Association. Organic products are not always completely free of chemicals, but those raising organic products try to minimize air, soil and water pollution, according to the OTA.

September also is Organic Harvest Month in Minnesota. Gov. Jesse Ventura proclaimed it to recognize the organic producers.

The USDA will implement new regulations and guidelines for organic products beginning Oct. 21. Products labeled organic will have had to meet accredited standards to be labeled so, according to the OTA.

The regulations:

n prohibit the use of irradiation, sewage sludge or genetically modified organisms.

n reflect National Organic Standards Board recommendations concerning items on the national list of allowed synthetic and prohibited natural substances.

n require 100 percent organic feed for organic livestock.

Because of these new standards, Wencl has converted some of his fields to graze the 70 cattle he raises to produce organic milk.

The Wencl farm also produces organic alfalfa, rye, corn, soy beans and oats. Most of what he grows he feeds to the cattle, but he sells soy beans to Sunrich in Hope, which makes soy milk.

He sells the milk from his cattle to a co-op in La Farge, Wis.

Wencl, a farmer for 25 years, began considering organic farming about seven years ago. In the last four, he has converted all crops and livestock to organic methods.

"I was interested in the organic markets because they're growing all the time, while the rest of ag -- there's too much of it," Wencl said.

He also noticed his animals have been healthier and costs have gone down by not using chemicals.

He has won an award from the Riverland Farm Management Group for having the lowest cost per acre. Two years ago he won for his soy bean production costs. He said none of the other farms in the group are organic.

He has noticed interest in organic products grow in the last few years. Just down the road from him, two other farmers grow organic products, he said.

"A lot of grocery stores have got an organic section in them. A lot more people are interested in what we're doing. There's more curiosity than there was a few years ago," Wencl said.

At Hy-Vee in Austin, the popularity of organic products depends on the department. Julie Maloney, a Hy-Vee employee, said some people have requested certain organic items.

"I think it's getting more popular," she said.

Assistant produce manager Darren Dieterich said organic produce does not sell as well because of the cost and it doesn't stay ripe as long because the fruits and vegetables do not have preservatives. People are more willing to buy organic fruits and vegetables when they're on sale.

When Hy-Vee redesigned its store a few years ago, they put in a large organic section, but it was not popular.

"We really downsized it," he said.

The interest in the product could also depend on the location. The Rochester Hy-Vee tends to sell more organic produce, Dieterich said.

"There's a lot more diverse clientele," he said.

Good Earth Natural Foods, in Austin, sells organic products ranging from pasta to flowers. Caron Jagodzinski has owned it for 10 years, but the store had been a co-op since the 1970s. No single type of product is popular, but Jagodzinski has seen more interest in organic products.

"We've quadrupled business in 10 years," Jagodzinski said.

A growing interest coupled with the store's goal to meet customers needs has increased sales.

"We try to get (products) in so that they don't have to go to another town to get it," Jagodzinski said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com