RAISING ANIMALS
What you need to know before you raise animals
Making the leap to raising animals involves a big jump in complexity, especially for people who did not grow up on a farm. In addition to the legal and ethical responsibilities of raising animals, there are economic risks, ranging from food costs and veterinary bills to liability. Also of concern are the health risks that animals pose to each other and sometimes to people.
They key, of course, is learning proper management skills. Dr. R. J. (Ron) Erskine, a dairy specialist and veterinarian at Michigan State University, offers a framework for understanding the challenges, as well as advice about how to learn what you need to know. Please also sign up to join our forum, where you can ask questions of experienced producers and experts (and share tips that you learn).
| Dr. Ron Erskine tells you what you need to know about . . . | |
| (3:36) | Starting small (in size and numbers) - If you have little or no experience, Dr. Erskine suggests you start with small animals - a few chickens, rabbits or a dairy goat. As someone who muscles dairy cows on a regular basis, he notes small animals are easier to deal with, especially if you may find yourself handling the animal alone. Starting with just a few animals can also keeps costs low as you learn. |
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Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMP) - States with right-to-farm laws typically spell out "generally accepted agricultural and managements practices." As the Institute for Local Self-Reliance explains, the laws were designed to protect farmers from lawsuits. However, that also means farmers must follow those practices or risk lawsuits or complaints. |
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The economic realities - Food costs, veterinarian bills, even the costs of disposing of dead animals, all pose threats to profitability. Newcomers need to consider the economic costs of raising animals, including the expected costs that can occur. |
| (2:37) | Biosecurity - Highlighting the danger, Michigan recently suffered an outbreak of pseudorabies, which was found in infected swine at a hunting preserve. Michigan is also the only state with recent outbreaks of bovine TB, spread by deer in the wild. Dr. Erskine talks about the importance of keeping animals contained and healthy. |
| (3:42) | Dealing with exotics - Dr. Erskine recounts a sad story about an alpaca that died of malnutrition, which highlights the challenge in finding reliable information on what it takes to raise exotic animals. It can be hard for an animal that is not native to the United States to adapt to a new climate and new foodstuffs. Finding veterinarians with specific experience in treating the animals can be difficult as well. |
| (7:45) | Finding reliable information and advice - Dr. Erskine offers a comprehensive list of places that offer practical information and advice (see the links at the right). He also urges newcomers to consider apprenticing themselves to experienced producers. You should also considering registering for our Sustainable Farmer Forum. We want the forum to become a place where experienced producers and experts can mentor newcomers to the field. |
| (6:15) | Typical "newbie" mistakes - Dr. Ron lists common errors that newcomers make. Problems range from failing to recognize the potential pitfalls of the "reproduction game" to ignorance about the dynamics of animal behavior - the aptly named "pecking order." |
| Dr. Ron Erskine has also written about "The Other Energy Crisis" - Are we making the best use of our best farmland? Are we making the right choices to ensure sustainable food at affordable prices? . . . more | |