Innovative livestock farmers all across the world are driving change as they move away from conventional livestock farming. Instead of committing to raising animals in systems that are confined, the livestock farmers are providing the animals with accessibility to facilities and outdoor settings where the animals get to express their natural behavior.
Pigs get exposure to an environment where they can root, cows to settings where they can freely graze, and chickens with an ideal environment where they can peck. Pasture-based farming makes it possible for the animals to be raised on grassland all year round with the paddocks put in place that helps with preventing overgrazing. By raising livestock on grassland, the animals get to eat that which they are entitled to eat their entire life and that’s quite ideal for soil health and benefits the consumers of the healthy grass-fed beef, pork, and chicken.
Industrial livestock farming systems have led to the cheap production of animal foods and that has in turn raised a lot of environmental issues alongside health concerns of the consumers. Factory farms where the majority of livestock farming is undertaken have contributed to tremendous amounts of animal wastes that contain contaminants such as chemicals, antibiotics, pathogens, and plant nutrients. It’s vital that livestock farmers consider embracing innovative farm management practices that are focused on regeneratively raised pork, chicken, and beef.
Here are some of the innovative farm management ideas to consider;
Regenerative farming practices
Regenerative livestock farming helps with reversing the effects of industrial farming that has to a great extent impacted the environment negatively. Rotational pig or cattle grazing allow the grassland to not only grow but also rest. It creates an environment where other organisms that depend on the soil also get to grow and thrive in the process. The process also helps with accelerating the storage of atmospheric carbon into the soil and for the plants as well.
Sustainability
Industrial livestock farming can be quite costly considering the use of animal feeds, pesticides, and chemicals for livestock growth. Innovative livestock farming can be undertaken in a way that enhances sustainability. Systems can be put in place that promotes animal welfare, environmental protection, and increased income. Education is vital for farmers considering embracing some of the innovating farming practices that they can adopt in their farms. Organizations such as Ecolonomic Action Team helps farmers by providing access to a community setting where farmers can gain insight from other farmers on the innovative farming practices that they can embrace.
Positive Impact to the Community
Apart from the part of the food produced in the farm catering for the needs of the local community, the animal manure and byproducts also get utilized in growing vegetables and for making fertilizers alongside other farming needs. Other wastes such as forage also get converted into useful material. The farmers who are successful with such innovative livestock farming practices also help in empowering other farmers, consumers, and community members as well.
Apart from sustainability, factors such as value addition are key for the livestock farmers looking for ways to increase productivity and profitability. Consider joining the Ecolonomic Action Team and gain access to a community of farmers that are like-minded and ready to share diverse insight on innovative farm management practices that you can consider adopting for enhanced productivity and profitability.
P.S: For more FREE online learning opportunities, Join the EAT FREE Community! Where you can make a little money, making the planet better!
Related Articles and Resources:
A Sustainable Livestock Nutrition Program for Maximum Benefits
Small Farming Benefits – Easily Grow Food & Feed Your Family
Recent Comments