The use of pesticides and fertilizers has come under scrutiny over the past few years as documentary filmmakers, conservationists, and environmentalists have questioned the safety of using these toxins on the plants consumers buy every day. Soil erosion is another concern. There has been movement toward sustainable farming practices, especially among those with smaller operations, although corporations are considering practical applications for farming sustainability using goats and other ruminants.
While there is certainly a cost associated with keeping livestock, it can be a good source of income as well. A goat may produce milk and cheese or be slaughtered for meat. There is a growing market for all these products although most Americans will not find goat milk or meat in their local grocery stores. Coats can be sheared and the wool gathered and sold to fabric manufacturers and specialty weavers.
Although they may have a reputation for being aggressive and ill tempered, most of these ruminants co-exist peacefully with sheep and cattle. Overcrowding can cause problems, but if there is enough room to eat and plenty of fresh water, most of the livestock get along with one another. These animals tend to roam however, so strong fences and cross fences must be erected and 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.
Ruminant animals have unique digestive systems that allow them to eat crop remains, like seeds, that are indigestible to other animals. Leaving goat herds in harvested fields reduces the cost of feed and saves money when it is time to discard the by-products left in the fields.
Organic and sustainable farming is a growing industry and an important agricultural trend. Responsible and creative use of livestock is a good alternative to chemicals and poisonous sprays. The crops produced are healthier for consumers, and the methods used are better for the planet.
While there is certainly a cost associated with keeping livestock, it can be a good source of income as well. A goat may produce milk and cheese or be slaughtered for meat. There is a growing market for all these products although most Americans will not find goat milk or meat in their local grocery stores. Coats can be sheared and the wool gathered and sold to fabric manufacturers and specialty weavers.
Although they may have a reputation for being aggressive and ill tempered, most of these ruminants co-exist peacefully with sheep and cattle. Overcrowding can cause problems, but if there is enough room to eat and plenty of fresh water, most of the livestock get along with one another. These animals tend to roam however, so strong fences and cross fences must be erected and 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.
Ruminant animals have unique digestive systems that allow them to eat crop remains, like seeds, that are indigestible to other animals. Leaving goat herds in harvested fields reduces the cost of feed and saves money when it is time to discard the by-products left in the fields.
Organic and sustainable farming is a growing industry and an important agricultural trend. Responsible and creative use of livestock is a good alternative to chemicals and poisonous sprays. The crops produced are healthier for consumers, and the methods used are better for the planet.
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