The Complete Guide to Organic Livestock Farming Everything You Need to Know about Natural Farming on a Small Scale (Back to Basics Farming) - Softcover

Small-scale, organic farming has grown greatly in popularity during the last two decades, with a greater turn in public awareness toward locally grown, organic, grass-fed products that have not been modified or chemically altered and that are from animals that were treated humanely. For that reason, those looking to start a small-scale, organic farm and raise livestock have a greater chance than ever before to take advantage of the new market for organic goods

This book will show any potential farmer how to start raising livestock and marketing it to the organic, natural lifestyle community that so fervently seeks out these products. You will learn how to start the basic outline for your new small farm, including which livestock to raise, how to build their pens and habitat, and what you will be feeding them to maintain a healthy, organic farm. Read about the basics of animal husbandry, from genetics and breeding to feeding, building locations, and proper health and reproductive care. You will discover how to find yourself the right niche for selling your products and what legalities you must see to, as well as get valuable information about the butchering and processing phase of raising animals for food

Hundreds of hours of in-depth interviews have been conducted for this book with top experts in farm management to provide you with details about farm planning, financial planning, and proper livestock planning. A complete appendix will detail the various breeds and needs of cattle, chickens, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep to help you select the right livestock for your farm. In addition, you will learn the basic composition of most feeds, discover different grasses and legumes to feed your animals, and find a plethora of outside resources to use. For anyone with dreams of a small farm and raising livestock, this is a book for you

Terri is living on five rural acres and slowly building it into a thriving organic farm. Although she grew up in the city, today she prefers a natural country life with her significant other and young daughter. By managing a freelance writing career from home, she can spend most of her time outdoors tending to both garden and livestock, which has given her a great deal of hands-on experience that she treasures. Not only has she gleaned her knowledge from experience, but also she has learned from the numerous helpful neighbors who seem to constantly have tips and suggestions to offer. Eventually, Terri hopes to be more self-sufficient and produce most of her own food. When not in the garden or barnyard, she studies genealogy and collects antique typewriters."