A handy tool for mixed-species grazing and how to use it.
Tag: Exotic Livestock
8 Ideas for an Elk Business
Often it is the novelty that first attracts people to the idea of raising elk. But those who do their research have the potential to cash in on a profitable enterprise. While starting an elk ranch will require attention to legalities, fencing, safe handling facilities, and the like, one of the first questions begged is—what…
8 Ideas for a Bison Business
Want to do something a little different with your family farm or ranch? How about raising bison? From a land stewardship perspective, there are some major advantages to raising bison. Despite their size, these animals are far easier on pastures than most types of domestic livestock, fostering a healthy grassland ecosystem. Furthermore, they are hardy…
Buffalo Jones
There are many reasons why Charles Jesse Jones could be an interesting person to read about. He grew up on the Illinois frontier when Abraham Lincoln was still a backwoods lawyer. He became a pioneer, a cowboy, and a rancher, but still lived a remarkably clean life, never touching caffeine, let alone spirits. He was…
6 Unique Types of Exotic Poultry
Looking for something a little different than the typical barnyard chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese? You may be surprised at the usefulness and marketing potential of some of these unusual birds. Guineas Guineas are the watchdogs of the poultry world. Their loud shrieks and repetitive calls can serve to warn less alert chickens or…
Breeds of Livestock
The varied livestock breeds of the world have fascinating histories and characteristics. Many country living enthusiasts have spent enjoyable hours researching their favorite breeds. One good source of information is the Breeds of Livestock site put together by Oklahoma State University. This is a handy online encyclopedia-type reference packed with facts about both popular and…
Waterers and Watering Systems
Thinking about raising livestock this year? Do you have a watering system planned? If not, or if you want to improve an existing system, this is one book you must read: Waterers and Watering Systems: A Handbook for Livestock Producers and Landowners from K-State. This free PDF download is packed with pros, cons, and design…
7 Unique Fiber Animals
We all know that sheep are raised for wool. But sheep are not the limit when it comes to producing fiber. Some of the alternative fibers you have probably heard of, such as cashmere and angora wool. Others may come as a bit of a surprise…. Bison Bison hair can be difficult to work with,…
Silkville: A Utopian Experiment
More than one utopian dreamer has chosen Kansas as the place to found his grand experiment. A list of state ghost towns would be full of communities founded on some form of idealism—Victoria, the Vegetarian Colony, Silkville…. Silkville? Yes. One of those little towns started out with silk farming as its principal industry. This experiment…
What is the Difference Between a Llama and an Alpaca?
Llamas and alpacas look strikingly similar. Perhaps that’s why they are classified in the same family: camelids, a group of camel-like mammals. Furthermore, they can both be raised for fiber and they both come from South America. They can even breed with each other and produce fertile offspring. So how do you tell the difference…
