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.
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.
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.
With their unique digestive system, a goat herd can dispose of the excess byproducts of harvesting, like seeds. They can ingest what other animals cannot. This is another cost saving measure as the livestock grazing reduces the time necessary to eliminate excess materials in the fields, and the by-products serve as feed for the goat herds.
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.
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.
With their unique digestive system, a goat herd can dispose of the excess byproducts of harvesting, like seeds. They can ingest what other animals cannot. This is another cost saving measure as the livestock grazing reduces the time necessary to eliminate excess materials in the fields, and the by-products serve as feed for the goat herds.
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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