Sustainable Husbandry

Sustainable animal husbandry represents one of the strongest growth areas in agriculture today as consumer demand for organic meat, milk and eggs continues to increase. Having animals on the farm also fosters an integrated system in which nutrients are cycled through the animals and manures are returned to pastures and fields to maintain soil fertility. In this section of New Farm you’ll learn about intensive rotational grazing, humane handling guidelines, holistic range management, natural animal care, optimizing traditional breeds and what the federal Organic Rule says about raising animals.

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  • Alternative cows find their dairy niche
    They look different than the ubiquitous big-boned black-and-whites, and produce less milk per animal, but dairy breeds cherished for centuries have survived because they do a number of things well. As feed grains become more expensive and less available, depending more on grass makes more sense. Maine dairyman John O'Meara is trying his hand, and reports on the strategic considerations to see if alternate breeds could help you.
  • When It Comes to Animal Health and Welfare
    Organic standards must continue to focus farmer attention on wellness, prevention and stress-reduction, but organic farmers need to consider a definable but rare use of an antibiotic when it's the humane thing to do.
  • National Livestock ID Plan Shifts
    Resistance to NAIS as integrated mega-database continues as smaller farmers question its cost, benefits and risks compared to improving livestock health at the farm level.
  • Pasture Paving the Path to the Future
    The European-style farming American settlers brought with them was a method from which the VanDerPols needed to depart. Instead, they are striking a critical balance between animal health, human health and environmental health.
  • Customers Seeking Taste, Type, Integrity and Terroir Drive Traditional Pork Revival
    For heritage breeds--and the small farmers who cherish their genes--the resurgence in show hogs and premium pork demand comes not a decade too soon.