Welcome to the world of draft animals! We are pleased to announce the release of a new book: Draft Animals: 100 Answers for Harnessing Animal Power by Michelle Lindsey. Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to choose and purchase a draft team, and then learn to work them in the field, woodlot, or market garden. […]
Exotic Livestock
Top 10 Farming Resources
Check out some of our readers’ favorite farming posts to learn about popular country living topics and find links to more information.
5 Unconventional Draft Animals
In the United States, oxen, horses, and mules are the traditional draft animals of choice. Donkeys are also common. But all of these animals tend to be rather large. What if you have a smaller farm to work? One option is to consider a miniature horse or donkey. Another is to try something completely outside […]
Getting Started with Livestock Part 2: Fencing & Facilities
There really is no one right way to fence and shelter your animals. It’s a subject that will largely depend on your individual circumstances. But it’s also a subject that must be addressed, so here goes. Fencing What type of fencing and where to put it is going to depend a great deal on what […]
Getting Started With Livestock Part 1: Water
When it comes to keeping livestock, the water supply of your land base can be a major limiting factor. Therefore, before you invest any money in farm animals, it is crucial that you take stock of your water situation first. Supply Let’s start by examining the water resources you have available: What water sources do […]
What are Animal Units?
When extension centers and other information sources discuss stocking rates, they usually make their recommendations in acres per animal (or animals per acre, depending on the climate and the type of animal). For instance, you might read a factsheet that advocates 5 cow-calf pairs to the acre. There’s one problem with this method of calculating […]
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
Before buying any bison, you will want to evaluate these enterprise ideas carefully to locate sales channels and to estimate demand.
Buffalo Jones
Charles “Buffalo” Jones has the distinction of being one of the first and most dedicated to save the bison from extinction.
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 even […]