There has been a movement in recent years away from the traditional farming methods that rely heavily on pesticides, fertilizers, and often cause depletion of vital nutrients in the soil. Even large operations are becoming more responsible stewards of the land. There several different techniques and methods that are being utilized, but even gentlemen farmers and hobbyists can practice agricultural sustainability using goats.
Traditionalists argue that livestock is expensive to feed and time consuming to take care of. Others point out that these animals can be stable sources of income. Milk and cheese are produced from the dairy herds and meat herds are sold at markets for profit. The meat and milk are not common items in most grocery stores, but can be purchased in organic and specialty shops. Goat herds are sources of wool, when sheared, that can be sold to material and clothing manufacturers to create cashmere garments.
Sheep, cattle and goat herds usually co-exist harmoniously if they have plenty of room to roam. They need pastureland for grazing and water sources to keep them well nourished. Fencing and cross-fencing is necessary with livestock who will find a hole in a fence and go through even a small rupture. Whole herds may end up on the road or in neighboring fields if fences are not well maintained.
Having a goat herd is a good way to control weeds and brush. They reduce the need for pesticides. Pesticides are growing concerns for health conscious individuals and parents of young children. Even the controlled poisons approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, and Food and Drug Administration are looked upon with reservations by conservationists and proponents of organic farming.
Some fertilizers, that were used for many years, have been banned recently. Proponents of organic and sustainable farming argue that the amount of fertilizer needed to produce a healthy crop can be substantially reduced with the effective use of the manure produced by a goat herd. Livestock may never totally end the use of chemical fertilizers, but it can vastly reduce it.
Crops have to be rotated in order to let fields rest and rejuvenate. When fields are used repeatedly, the nutrients in the soil diminish and the plants grown are more prone to disease. Some farmers choose to allow fields to lie fallow while others turn valuable land into pastures for livestock. In this way, the acreage is not overrun with weeds and debris, and the farmer has an extra source of income.
A goat herd will forage on the remains of crops, like seeds, that other types of animals can't digest. This saves the farmer money that would have been used to discard these by-products. They also save in feed costs because the animals are grazing on materials that were left as excess in the fields.
There are many positive reasons to promote sustainable farming methods, including the effective use of livestock. These animals create natural fertilizers, reduce the need for harsh pesticides, and provide an extra source of income for the farm family. Consumers are more satisfied, and the environment benefits.
Traditionalists argue that livestock is expensive to feed and time consuming to take care of. Others point out that these animals can be stable sources of income. Milk and cheese are produced from the dairy herds and meat herds are sold at markets for profit. The meat and milk are not common items in most grocery stores, but can be purchased in organic and specialty shops. Goat herds are sources of wool, when sheared, that can be sold to material and clothing manufacturers to create cashmere garments.
Sheep, cattle and goat herds usually co-exist harmoniously if they have plenty of room to roam. They need pastureland for grazing and water sources to keep them well nourished. Fencing and cross-fencing is necessary with livestock who will find a hole in a fence and go through even a small rupture. Whole herds may end up on the road or in neighboring fields if fences are not well maintained.
Having a goat herd is a good way to control weeds and brush. They reduce the need for pesticides. Pesticides are growing concerns for health conscious individuals and parents of young children. Even the controlled poisons approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, and Food and Drug Administration are looked upon with reservations by conservationists and proponents of organic farming.
Some fertilizers, that were used for many years, have been banned recently. Proponents of organic and sustainable farming argue that the amount of fertilizer needed to produce a healthy crop can be substantially reduced with the effective use of the manure produced by a goat herd. Livestock may never totally end the use of chemical fertilizers, but it can vastly reduce it.
Crops have to be rotated in order to let fields rest and rejuvenate. When fields are used repeatedly, the nutrients in the soil diminish and the plants grown are more prone to disease. Some farmers choose to allow fields to lie fallow while others turn valuable land into pastures for livestock. In this way, the acreage is not overrun with weeds and debris, and the farmer has an extra source of income.
A goat herd will forage on the remains of crops, like seeds, that other types of animals can't digest. This saves the farmer money that would have been used to discard these by-products. They also save in feed costs because the animals are grazing on materials that were left as excess in the fields.
There are many positive reasons to promote sustainable farming methods, including the effective use of livestock. These animals create natural fertilizers, reduce the need for harsh pesticides, and provide an extra source of income for the farm family. Consumers are more satisfied, and the environment benefits.
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