Ag Resources > Livestock
A Gentler Way - Sows on Pasture: Reports from Sustainable Farmers from Minnesota and Iowa
This is a collection of farm profiles from Minnesota and Iowa. Compiled by Dwight Ault, who farms near Austin, Minn., this booklet presents information and perspectives from a variety of pasture hog operations. Mark Honeyman, director of outlying experiment farms at Iowa State University, explains in this book that pasture farrowing can be a competitive alternative to confinement facilities. Copies of the book are available for $4 from Dwight Ault, RR1, Box 230, Austin, MN 55912.
A Conservation Breeding Handbook
The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy's book describes livestock and poultry breeds as genetic resources and explains how individual breeders can aid in their conservation. Although the handbook was written primarily for people interested in rare breeds, it addresses subjects of interest to all animal breeders. Among these are developing a philosophy; a comparison of conservation and improvement breeding; and the uses of breeding systems, such as inbreeding, linebreeding and crossbreeding. To order, contact the ALBC, PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or phone 919-542-5704.
From the Carcass to the Kitchen: Competition and the Wholesale Meat Market
This offers a hard-hitting look at the components of meat marketing and what they mean for farmers. To request this publication, contact the Center for Rural Affairs at www.cfra.org
Udder $ense: A Search for Low-Cost/Sustainable Strategies of Resourceful Dairy Farmers
This book by Larry Krcil and Shawn Gralla is available from the Center for Rural Affairs. Udder $ense is a collection of farmer interviews and on-farm research results that explore low-cost, sustainable dairy farming alternatives. Sections on grass-based dairying, manure management, low-cost facilities, alternatives for fly control, and renewable energy are included. The results of experiments with walk-through horn fly traps for pastured dairy cows are reported as well. A comprehensive list of resources is provided at the end of each section. Contact the Center at www.cfra.org
Quality Pasture: How to Create It, Manage It, and Profit From It
Today, North American milk costs six times as much to produce as New Zealand milk. Grain-finished North American beef costs three times as much as grass-finished beef from Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Can North American beef and dairy producers compete internationally with a production cost triple that of the world? Allan Nation unmasks the myth of cheap grain in this book. Backing his argument with facts, figures and examples of successful producers, Nation details how one pound of dry matter from quality pasture can replace one pound of dry matter from grain at one-fourth to one-fifth the cost. Distributed through the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine, PO Box 9607, Jackson, MS 39286-9607. Call 1-800-748-9808 for orders and information.
Corporate Hog Operations Videos
Throughout the Midwest, Plains states and the South, intensive corporate hog operations are being planned or constructed despite opposition from local community members. Churches are affected by corporate hog production and may be one of the few organizations in small towns that can assist community members in reflection, education and organizing on such issues. In order for pastors and church workers to address these issues, it is imperative that they understand the industry, its effects on their communities, and ways of translating faith teachings on this issue into community action.
The Church Land Project has a series of four videotapes addressing anti-corporate hog farming: Part 1: Changes in Hog Production and the Effects on Rural Communities Part 2: Addressing Large-Scale Hog Production at the Grassroots Level Part 3: Theology of Large-Scale Hog Production Part 4: Roles of the Rural Church as a Mediator and Advocate. To order, please contact: Church Land Project, 4625 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310; phone: (515) 270-2634; fax: (515) 270-9447.
Sustainable hog production on a diversified farm can be profitable and good for the environment. An Agriculture that Makes Sense: Making Money on Hogs describes the 50-sow hog enterprise of one Minnesota crop and livestock operation. By minimizing production costs and focusing on increasing profits, the farm described in this study is able to produce hogs about 12-15 cents per pound lower than the industry standard. Order from the Land Stewardship Project, 2200 4th St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
American Pastured Poultry Producers Association
Pastured poultry producers will be excited to learn of the organization of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA). For more information: 715-723-2293; dkaufman@discover-net.net or www.apppa.org
Fit for a Pig
Describes low-cost, low-investment, sustainable strategies for raising hog . Contact Center for Rural Affairs at www.cfra.org