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.
These ruminants normally co-exist peacefully with other livestock. As long as the fields are large enough to accommodate several different breeds of animals comfortably, there is rarely confrontation. This is especially true if the livestock consists of other ruminants like cattle and sheep. It is important to maintain fencing and cross-fencing so the animals will not be able to get out of the pasture and onto roads or into timber tracts.
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.
Fertilizers are another source of concern. Many consumers believe eating produce sprayed with chemicals can have long term negative effects and cause serious health issues. Goat herds are a natural source of fertilizer. Their manure may not be sufficient to completely eliminate the need for sprays, but it can reduce the use of it significantly.
Soil that is worked year after year loses vital nutrients which in turn decreases yield, plant hardiness, and fosters disease. Farmers rotate crops, allowing certain fields to lie fallow while planting others. Rather than just let land lie empty, some farmers create pastures for livestock to feed. Not only does this reduce the cost of plowing up the land in the spring, it also creates a revenue source.
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.
These ruminants normally co-exist peacefully with other livestock. As long as the fields are large enough to accommodate several different breeds of animals comfortably, there is rarely confrontation. This is especially true if the livestock consists of other ruminants like cattle and sheep. It is important to maintain fencing and cross-fencing so the animals will not be able to get out of the pasture and onto roads or into timber tracts.
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.
Fertilizers are another source of concern. Many consumers believe eating produce sprayed with chemicals can have long term negative effects and cause serious health issues. Goat herds are a natural source of fertilizer. Their manure may not be sufficient to completely eliminate the need for sprays, but it can reduce the use of it significantly.
Soil that is worked year after year loses vital nutrients which in turn decreases yield, plant hardiness, and fosters disease. Farmers rotate crops, allowing certain fields to lie fallow while planting others. Rather than just let land lie empty, some farmers create pastures for livestock to feed. Not only does this reduce the cost of plowing up the land in the spring, it also creates a revenue source.
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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