Mixed Crop and Livestock Ranching
Jenna Song, Anna Sneed, John Kalu, Helen Fanta
Definition
- Livestock ranching is the commercial grazing of livestock over an extensive area.
- Mixed crop and livestock ranching is when livestock ranching and crop farming are found on the same farm.
- In mixed crop and livestock ranching, crops are grown to feed livestock that is also kept on the farm.
- The livestock produces manure that can be used to fertilize more crops to be grown and other products from the animal can be sold for a profit.
It is more likely to be found in an More Developing Country (MDC) such as the United States.
Why is Mixed Crop and Livestock Ranching found in MDCs?
- The products of mixed crop and livestock ranching is used for sale off the farm.
- The products are not used for the consumption of the farmers.
- MDC's has a more stable economy of food production sales.
Geographical Distribution
- Common in the U.S. west of the Appalachians and in Europe from France to Russia.
Two characteristics of this agricultural practice are...
The integration of crops and livestock
- Plants and livestock are found together on one farm.
- A cycle: the livestock produces dung which fertilizes the plants, and the plants feed the animals, so they can produce more dung.
- Sometimes the livestock is bred on the farm, and sometimes it is imported.
Distribution of even workload annually
- Fields require care in the spring and fall.
- Livestock require year-long care.
- Mix crop and livestock ranching reduce seasonal variations of income.
- Lots of income come from spring and fall, but can come year-long.
Also Crop Rotation!
- Crops change annually.
- Maintains fertility of land.
- Corn is often used in the United States; soybeans are often used in Asian countries.
What are some future challenges?
Challenges
- The use of chemicals can affect the crops, which would then affect the livestock.
- The livestock might consume too much crops for a balanced cycle to occur.
- Climate can affect the growth of crops, which would then affect livestock.
Visual Representation
Anna and Jenna is feeding the llamas. Helen is watering the flower. John is holding the pig for food.