If you’re planning on starting or expanding your farming operation, there’s one animal that you can’t do without: cows. Cows are the foundation of many kinds of farming and are used to help grow vegetables and fruits as well as to raise and harvest beef, dairy products and more. Here are 10 reasons why you need cows in your farm to ensure successful farming operations.
1) Fresh Milk
Cows produce milk which is a staple in many people’s diets. It’s also used to make cheese, yogurt, and butter. Milk is an important resource for the dairy industry. The dairy cows provide a lot of milk every day. The average cow produces 12 gallons of milk per day!
A cow needs to be pregnant or nursing before she can give milk so there are always new cows coming on board.
To get fresh milk, you need cows on your farm!
2) Baby Calf Rearing
Calf rearing is the process of raising baby cows to be strong and healthy adults. Calves are generally separated from their mothers after birth and hand-fed, but sometimes you may need to give a cow a calf she has just given birth to if there’s no other source of milk. Once the calf is taken away, its mother will produce more milk for her next offspring.
3) Land Management
Cattle are often used for grazing and land management purposes. For example, cattle can be left to graze on a particular area of land to help keep the grass short, or they might be used to control invasive species like brush. The cows’ digestive systems help break down vegetation that would otherwise take much longer to decompose naturally. In some cases, the cow will eat the vegetation and excrete it as manure which then acts as fertilizer for surrounding crops.
4) Agronomic Benefits
Cows are an important asset to a farm and provide a variety of agronomic benefits. They produce milk, which is used to make cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream. Some cows are milked for meat like ground beef or hamburger patties. Cattle also provide soil fertility by spreading manure on the fields where they feed. Manure releases nutrients into the soil that can be absorbed by crops grown there after the manure decomposes.
5) Pest Control
Cows are a great form of pest control. They can eat just about anything and they enjoy eating the plants that most other animals would not touch. This means that by having cows on your farm, you will be able to control pests and keep the rest of your crops safe from harm.
6) Manure Fertilizer
Manure is an inexpensive, natural fertilizer that is rich in nutrients and minerals. It creates a fertile soil that improves plant growth and assists with soil erosion. Manure can also be used to create compost which can then be added back to the land to increase the organic content of the soil. Composting provides natural fertilization by breaking down organic matter into a nutrient-rich material that can be used as a substitute for chemical fertilizers.
7) Dung for Cooking Fuel
Cows are a valuable resource to any farm. Not only do they provide milk, cheese and other dairy products, but they also produce manure that can be used as fuel for cooking. Since cow manure doesn’t need to be dried out before burning like wood or straw does, it is an excellent way of heating up the family’s dinner without having to go outside and chop down a tree.
8) Waste for Biogas Generation
Biogas is a renewable energy produced from the natural decay of organic materials. This includes food and plant waste, animal manure, and household garbage. Biogas can be used for cooking, heating, electricity generation and more!
9) Landscape Features
Cows are an important part of a sustainable farm. They provide the land with fertilizer through their manure, and by grazing on grass, they help to increase biodiversity. Cows also produce milk and other dairy products for humans to consume. The cow’s dung provides a source of fuel for cooking fires, and the hide can be used for making leather goods.
10) Health Benefits
Cows provide milk, butter, and cheese, which are a great source of calcium. They also produce manure for fertilizer. One cow can produce up to 50 pounds of manure per day! Dairy cows can also be used as an organic way to control pests such as flies and mosquitos. Plus, cows give us a lot of amusement with their antics. If you are looking for an animal who will keep you company through the tough times and make you laugh on the good days, look no further than a cow!