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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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