ALTERNATIVEAGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
Alternative
agriculture/livestock has come into its own in the last few years. Farmers have
found the need to diversify as a buffer against traditional crops/livestock
having a downturn. They already have land and facilities, so they look for new
options for their use. The ratite (flightless birds, such as ostrich, emu, rhea) industry filled
this niche several years ago.
Those who enter the breeder's market when demand is high and supply
scarce get premium prices for their breeding stock. As the animals become
more available the market changes often making owing the animals more
affordable. When investing in animals it is a good idea to educate
yourself by reading breed specific material (excellent books and 
magazines are
available *seebelow), searching the internet, talking
to experienced breeders, joining local breed organizations, and visiting
several farms. This will help you know if the market is stable, if your
facilities are adequate, and if indeed you are interested in every aspect of
raising these animals including personality, upkeep, facility and fencing
needs, veterinary care, etc.
Breeds such as deer, reindeer, meat goats (Boer, Kiko,Myotonic), and other rare or primitive breeds offer
avenues of diversifying.
The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork. She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand, unmindful that a foot may crush them, that some wild animals may trample them. She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers; she cares not that her labor was in vain, for God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense. Yet when she spreads her feathers to run, she laughs at horse and rider. Job 39:13-18
Contact Heartsong Triple D Farm for Registered alpacas & miniature donkeys! ddtarr@usit.net
Hobby Farms can be purchased at Barnes & Noble or Borders bookstores or ordered by calling 888-738-2665 Hobby Farms Magazine Link or http://www.hobbyfarmsmagazine.com
Scenes of the changing face of agriculture!!!
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds, and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:25