The National Organic Program has released it's proposed pasture regulation. NOP has posted several support documents referenced in the Access to Pasture proposed rule. Check out draft on the NOP site

These proposed changes, if adopted, would affect every organic livestock producer, regardless of size, livestock species, or region.  There is a 60 day comment period.  Comments on this proposal are due by December 23rd, 2008.

According to Oregon Tilth, a major change is that there is no exception for inclement weather for confinement of ruminants, they must be managed  year-round on pasture.  Pasture has to provide 30% DMI during the growing season. Sacrificial pasture must be supplied when soils are too wet. Beef may not be finished in feedlots/dry lots. Very specific requirements have been added for record keeping and living conditions.