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.
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.
Burning brush and weeds to clear fields can create smoke hazards and killing them off with chemicals has its own set of problems. Goat herds will devour weeds and brush and reduce the use of pesticides, which are concerns for many. Over the years the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration have published conflicting reports on the safety of the toxic chemicals used.
The use of certain fertilizers is also a subject of controversy among many adults who don't feel comfortable feeding their families fruits and vegetables that were sprayed with chemicals or injected to promote larger produce. A goat herd may not eliminate the entire need for fertilizer, but the manure they produce will significantly reduce the amount used. As the demand for organic produce increases, more and more farmers will be turning to natural means of fertilizing.
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.
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.
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.
Burning brush and weeds to clear fields can create smoke hazards and killing them off with chemicals has its own set of problems. Goat herds will devour weeds and brush and reduce the use of pesticides, which are concerns for many. Over the years the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration have published conflicting reports on the safety of the toxic chemicals used.
The use of certain fertilizers is also a subject of controversy among many adults who don't feel comfortable feeding their families fruits and vegetables that were sprayed with chemicals or injected to promote larger produce. A goat herd may not eliminate the entire need for fertilizer, but the manure they produce will significantly reduce the amount used. As the demand for organic produce increases, more and more farmers will be turning to natural means of fertilizing.
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.
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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