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.
There are costs associated with maintaining livestock, but these animals can be income producers as well. A goat herd will produce milk and cheese. They can be purchased for their meat, although the meat and milk are found mostly in specialty and butcher shops throughout the country. Goat wool can be turned into cashmere and sold to clothing manufacturers. Some farmers breed their herds and sell the offspring to the public.
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.
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.
There are costs associated with maintaining livestock, but these animals can be income producers as well. A goat herd will produce milk and cheese. They can be purchased for their meat, although the meat and milk are found mostly in specialty and butcher shops throughout the country. Goat wool can be turned into cashmere and sold to clothing manufacturers. Some farmers breed their herds and sell the offspring to the public.
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.
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.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about sustainability using goats, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://browsinggreengoats.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment