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November 13, 2008

Fruit pulp can be used to feed livestock, but if it is high in sugar, like apple pulp, it needs to be fed quickly, or ensiled with plenty of extra fiber to minimize ethanol production. Mixing apple pulp with 15 percent to 30 percent straw works fairly well. If pulp is going to be a large component of a feeding program, some nutritional analysis should be made, and it really needs to be ensiled for ruminants. Freezing might work on a small scale … it might be a big hassle too.

Chickens, hogs and ruminants would all likely consume the materials fresh, some with more relish than others. There is no problem throwing pumpkins, squash, apples, pulp, etc. into a feeder for your home flock or herd, but it should only be used as a supplement to good pasture, hay or other balanced feed.

One more thing … dried apple pulp can be pelletized and stored/fed pretty conveniently.

April 24, 2008

Finding the perfect land (and the funding for it) is not an easy undertaking, but thankfully there are many helpful resources to assist you. For those wishing to delve into the wonderful world of organic farming, the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) is an excellent place to start. Their Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunities page has just what you’re looking for, including advice on how to locate land that suits your purpose, how to obtain financing, and how to specialize your e…

April 7, 2008

Prairie ecosystems evolved along with great herds of grazers until each came to depend on the other for existence. Animals like bison and cattle, when managed so they graze an area hard for a short time then move on, will do wonders to enhance the soil and the prairie matrix (even though when they are moved off the area, it looks torn up). The seemingly violent event causes plant roots to die back (because their photosynthesizing tops have been mowed off), which deposits organic mat…

March 24, 2008

I’m glad you got some goats. They’re great. They do, however, like to get out and go on adventures.

Are you sure your goats are jumping out? They do jump, of course, but most goat owners discover that their animals are more likely to go under the fence than over it.

Either way, the goat owner’s friend is electric netting. Electric netting is relatively affordable and can be charged either from a battery at the outlet or from a solar unit. Best of all, it’s…

March 10, 2008

Basically, all you have to do is raise them as free-range or pastured poultry, so they can enjoy a varied diet of insects and green plants, in addition to grains.

When chickens (as well as cattle, pigs and other livestock) are allowed to eat their natural diet, numerous studies have shown that their eggs, milk and meat tends to be richer is several important nutrients (see www.eatwild.com for lots of details). Tests conducted by Mother Earth News found that, compared to the standard…

What is organic anyway? That is the topic for another day, but requires excellent record keeping, soil improvement, and doesn’t allow farmers to use genetically modified seeds, sewage sludge, soluble commercial fertilizers or synthetic pesticides.

To get certified organic, first become familiar with the new organic guidelines. Beginning in 2002, everyone must follow the new national guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture if they use the word organic, or be subject to a $10,000 fine.…

Most farm supply stores carry chicks in the spring, and sometimes they can even special order whatever breed you want. Or for a much wider selection (available in summer and fall too), you can order chicks from a mail-order hatchery. When chicks hatch, they have enough food reserves left from the egg that they do not have to eat or drink for several days. This makes it possible for hatcheries to ship day-old chicks in the mail. When the chicks arrive at the post office, someone there will call y…