Mixed Crop and Livestock
By: Eric Krautkramer
What and Where
Mixed crop and Livestock farming is a system in which animals are raised with the farming of crops. The crops are used to feed the livestock and the waste from the animals helps fertilize the crops. This type of farming is prominent in eastern America, Europe, and parts of Africa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh03-bX2MTw
Subsistence and Commercial
Various farmers in Africa have been forced through poverty to use mixed crop and livestock farming systems due to many livestock deaths each year. To help compensate for loss due to disease farmers are forced to grow mixed crops as well. In eastern America and Europe mixed crop and Livestock farming is widely commercial. Often the farms are massive and produce plenty of food that can be distributed throughout the country.
Used in MDC's and LDC's
More developed countries like America and western Europe use this method of farming to produce large amounts of livestock. Less developed countries such as sub-Sahara Africa use this farming method to cope for livestock deaths.
Production and Exports
Frequently export crops and livestock. More than three-fourths of the farms income comes from the livestock. The livestock raised is usually cows and the crops range from corn and soybeans to wheat and barley.
Importance
This type of farming produces ninety percent of all milk and fifty five percent of all pork found in the world. Also produces a fourth of poultry and a third of beef in the world. Also allows for farmers to save money and labor through efficient systems that intertwine production of both crops and livestock.
Environmental
Waste is minimized through the two aspects of farming. Any crop that doesn't meet human consumption requirements can be fed to the livestock. In turn, the waste from the livestock can be used to fertilize the soil and produce more crop. Reduces the need of inorganic fertilizers.
Interesting facts
- processes of mixed crops and livestock farming have evolved over many years, many systems today are optimized
- largest CAFO had 125,000 chickens at one point
- 97% of farms are family owned or operated
Personal Connection
Many farms in Wisconsin utilize the process of mixed crop and livestock farming. Most of our local food comes from these farms and accounts for a big part of the state's economy.