Farmer

Do you think current U.S. farm laws do enough to ensure the humane treatment of farm animals?

Asked by Dan79 almost 12 years ago

The way I see it, there are two vastly different farming models in the U.S. There is Big Ag, often receiving subsidies from the government, whose goal is to produce mass quantities of cheap food, by any means necessary. Their animals are pumped full of hormones and antibiotics, and live sad, short lives in cramped and dirty quarters. I don't think that the laws do enough to protect these animals, and are actually part of the problem, not the solution, since the government gives financial aid to this model. On the other hand, there are smaller, more sustainable, often family run homestead farms. These farms, like ours, consider their impact on the earth and the health of the animals that they raise. For us, it's more personal and. As a result, I think the small farm model is treating animals very humanely. Recently, in California, there has been a number of times when a homesteader has been reported to animal services because they were harvesting rabbits or chickens. Investigations are made and one never knows how that will go. In this case, I think that the government is overstepping. Our animals have really good lives, until that one day. It's unfortunate that big business can't come to small farm's way of thinking without a bunch of laws, dictating common decency.

You said that farming is rarely profitable, but are there any areas of farming that are exceptions to that?

Asked by Jimbeau almost 12 years ago

Don't get me wrong, I know lots of farmers who make their living on the farm. But I know even more who have at least one person working off the farm to make ends meet. It's not a get rich type of endeavor. That said, I think that people with a specialty do better than, say, someone growing your run of the mill tomatoes and carrots. Heirloom and organic vegetables are in demand. If a farmer can find a restaurant that wants to buy their specialty produce, that can be a money maker. Other profitable options are farm stays, hosting seasonal events or private events (weddings or parties) or, like we do, farm camps. It definitely takes some creativity to make money, in my experience.

What time do you have to wake up / go to bed?

Asked by Trish almost 12 years ago

I've found that the animals will adapt to my schedule, which is perfect! I get up between 6-7AM, mostly because I have to get my kids off to school. I do that, have coffee, check email, then tend the animals about 9. They're used to it, so they wait. During warm weather, I'll get out there earlier to be sure the watering is done and they have plenty of water before it gets too hot. I go to bed between 11-12 at night. zzzzz

Do you hope that your kids will eventually take over and run the farm when they're of age?

Asked by Jameson almost 12 years ago

Unfortunately my kids (like many farmer's kids) have no interest in farming. A lot of family farms are just closing when the parents are too old to work, and the kids want a different lifestyle. It's sad.

My brother and I are trying to raise sheep we have about eleven. What I'de like to know if one is born and is not moving should you throghg water on it to bring it around and if so should it be cold water or warm ? thank you.

Asked by Da Eagle about 11 years ago

Do farmers still use scarecrows?

Asked by Alisa over 11 years ago

How do farmers markets work? Are they profitable for you, or is the point just to increase your farm's profile in the community?

Asked by Talia over 11 years ago