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.
Many farmers use goat herds to effectively manage brush and weeds. Fewer pesticides are needed where goat herds graze, which is important to consumers concerned about the safety of chemically sprayed produce. Many believe even vigorous washing will not totally remove chemical residue from treated fruits and vegetables.
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.
Fields that are worked year after year eventually become nutrient starved, and the soil wears out. When this happens crop yields are reduced and the crops raised will not be as robust as others. Instead of continuously fertilizing, many farmers rotate their fields letting some rest while seeding the remaining ones. They may let the resting fields remain fallow, or turn them into pastures for livestock.
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.
Many farmers use goat herds to effectively manage brush and weeds. Fewer pesticides are needed where goat herds graze, which is important to consumers concerned about the safety of chemically sprayed produce. Many believe even vigorous washing will not totally remove chemical residue from treated fruits and vegetables.
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.
Fields that are worked year after year eventually become nutrient starved, and the soil wears out. When this happens crop yields are reduced and the crops raised will not be as robust as others. Instead of continuously fertilizing, many farmers rotate their fields letting some rest while seeding the remaining ones. They may let the resting fields remain fallow, or turn them into pastures for livestock.
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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