farmandrancher

[farmandrancher]

KittyCats.co

Welcome world of kitty cat lovers and friends to kittycats.co. Online community, social club and place to list, locate and discover listings your seeking or post your own kitty cat listing, service, or social site. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

R&R Cultivation

Minnesota Mushroom Grower - R&R Cultivation is a local grower in the Twin Cities that specializes in growing fresh, gourmet mushrooms. We believe that wholesome, fresh, nutritious food should be accessible to everyone and know that local growers are the key to making that mission a reality. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Flying Angus Ranch - Herdshares Available

At Flying Angus Ranch, We Raise High Altitude, Grass Fed, Colorado Prime Black Angus Steers Which Come Directly From Our Cattle Herd. Our Cattle Are Born On Our Ranch, Then Roam Freely in The Summer With Their Mothers On Over 3,000 Acres in High Southwestern Colorado Country, Enjoy Fresh Water From Running Live Streams, Lakes And Ponds With Abundant Lush Feed Throughout The Property. During The Winter, They Feed On a Premium Mixture of 4 Types of Ground Hay And Roam Freely On Our Ranch, And Get Plenty Of Exercise. Upon The Arrival of Spring To Mid-Spring, They Are Relocated To a Beautiful Heritage Ranch In Pagosa Springs For The Summer Where They Are Well Taken Care Of. At this time, they weigh around 800 lbs And More. When They Come Off of The Pasture in Fall, They will Weigh over 1,200 to 1,400 Pounds. We Are Accepting Herdshares on these Steer at $2.00 per pound of live weight cattle. Processing fees are paid directly to the butcher, which you select. We offer transportation to Your Processor within Montezuma, Dolores and La Plata Counties or further depending on the area. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Blackwater Bee Ranch

Queen Bees For Sale. Available NOW. Mated Italians and Carniolans are available marking and clipping optional. We ship nationwide. Fourth generation beekeepers and proud Christians. Nucs and Packages ALSO available but for local pickup only (South Georgia) www.blackwaterbee.com or 912.290-6630. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Max Armstrong Midwest Digest

Max Armstrong talks about hot topics daily on Midwest Digest at Beef Magazine and Farm Progress. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

The Happy Chicken Coop

Raising chickens can be many things: therapeutic, rewarding, fun and for beginners maybe a bit nerve wracking! WE offer Coop Plans - Breeds- Goats- Quail Education, Resources and Information There is literally tons of information about raising chicks and chickens and it is hard to sort through it all to determine what is right, what is not and what is just plain weird. In this definitive guide, we have put together everything you need to know to care for your birds – from chick to chicken to help you along the way. Believe me when I say that you will never stop learning or smiling once you have chickens. We have tried to distill it down to basics so that it won’t become confusing for you. You are encouraged to read and ask questions… The Happy Chicken Coop is an online publication devoted to helping ALL backyard chicken keepers. Whether you’ve been raising chickens all yo Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

The Future of Livestock Farming

A cow lazily swishes its tail at a persistent buzzing, but the drone maintains its station hovering above the herd. The images it collects are analyzed with data from the animals and an array of sensors around the farm. A few miles away, the farmer acts on the information and decides to move the herd. Virtual gates open in an invisible fence and the drone emits a signal that stirs the animals into movement. Such futuristic cattle farming is not so far away. Farming animals for food raises complex questions. Livestock’s versatility makes them central to the survival of millions of people in marginal areas. Meat and dairy are excellent sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and when managed correctly livestock contribute to important ecosystem functions such as soil fertility. But there are concerns over the industry’s sustainability. Meat is a relatively inefficient way to produce calories. Livestock use up about 40% of global arable land to deliver 20% of human calorific intake: the ratio is 12 calories of chicken for every 100 calories of grain; beef is 3 to 100. However, while livestock consume around one third of all cereal production, 86% of their plant diet comes from grass, leaves, and other foods humans cannot eat. In this way, it’s argued, livestock positively contribute to food security by making the inedible, edible. As the debate continues, so does demand. Over the last thirty years, meat and dairy consumption has tripled in low and middle-income countries, largely driven by rising prosperity and urbanization. This growth is on top of already enormous demand in developed nations: the average American consumes 222lbs of meat per year. With global demand forecast to increase a further 80% by 2030, this could place a severe strain on our ability to feed a growing population with earth’s limited agricultural land. The world’s 1.4 billion cattle, plus billions of pigs and chickens, already occupy two billion hectares of grasslands, of which some 700 million hectares could arguably be used more effectively to grow crops that can be eaten directly by humans. One potential solution, unless we all become vegetarians, is to make farmed animals more productive. The average farm animals may not be meeting their genetic potential when it comes to production; but techniques and technologies are being developed and deployed to close that gap and keep meat on the menu.

Farmers have always striven for efficiency. For millennia they have selectively bred animals to increase their inherent resilience and productivity: in the USA, dairy cows produce four times more milk than 75 years ago. With genome sequencing, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer, science could soon bring some animals to peak productivity. Supporting this is better nutrition, improving an animal’s conversion of feed into protein. Adding natural enzymes and organic acids increases the digestibility of feeds, enabling animals to draw more nutrition from a greater variety of poorer plants. It also supports a healthier gut making them less susceptible to disease. A growing understanding of animals’ precise nutritional needs is producing feeds tailored to optimize their energy, protein, and vitamins while improving overall wellbeing—better yields and healthier herds.

At the heart of most people’s vision of future farming is technology, and the drones, sensors, and wearables of precision farming all contribute to greater efficiency. Drones are increasingly used to monitor the health and productivity of both animals and the land they graze. Able to operate over vast swathes of difficult terrain, a drone fitted with infrared sensors and multi-spectrum, high-definition cameras can send real-time images of herds and flocks. This helps farmers to quickly and easily find lost animals, identify newborns, and diagnose sickness in herds and individual animals. Equally, drones show the condition of pasture, informing decisions on moving animals for food, water, or safety. It may even be possible to teach livestock to follow a drone like a high-tech, long-distance sheepdog.

Drones will be just one of many digital inputs feeding information back to the farmer. 3D cameras at water troughs can accurately assess an animal’s weight and carcass grade for optimum yield, while also identifying possible illness. Thermal imaging cameras in the cow shed can detect the inflammatory condition mastitis that reduces milk production, and camera systems in chicken sheds can monitor thousands of individual birds to spot the behavior changes associated with many poultry problems. Smart collars and wearables could one day monitor everything from fertility to health, with E-tags clipped to the ear constantly measuring body temperature while Bluetooth-enabled sweat strips send reports on sodium, potassium, and glucose levels. Even a cow’s breath can be analyzed for signs of nutritional problems. Armed with the ubiquitous smartphone, a farmer can use apps for on-the-spot diagnoses such as detecting metabolic diseases in cows and pigs from just a few snapshots.

Livestock farmers have been early adopters of robotics, and rapid advances are being made in everything from automatic feeders to herder bots. This technology is more than labor saving: automated milking robots enable cows to be milked according to their individual biorhythms, improving their health and yield. At the same time, robots are capturing vast amounts of information. All this digital data will synchronize with farm management software to provide the farmer with an overview of the health of a whole herd as well as specific actions for individual animals. An extension of this is cybernetic grazing that uses GPS and animal-mounted collars to measure the height of grass and move the herd to fresh pastures by opening and closing virtual fences defined by stimuli based on sight, sound, or shock. Not all improvements are high-tech. Silvopastoral systems, where animals graze among shrubs and trees with edible leaves or fruits, produce more milk and meat as well as being better for the animals and environment. In Colombia, planting the shrub Leucaena with pasture grass increased protein by 64%, while elsewhere it is credited with higher milk production. One of the most radical possibilities for meeting our future needs is cellular agriculture – growing animal-based protein products from cells instead of animals. Growing meat in factories resembling breweries would cut out the need for feed, water, and medicines while freeing up valuable agricultural land. The science and the economics are still being worked out, but it could make a valuable contribution to meeting the challenge, since it seems that the desire for meat growing, not going away.   BY JON HEGGIE Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Organic Prairie - Farmer Owned Coop

Mission Driven, in Harmony with Nature Organic Prairie meats are produced by our independent cooperative of organic family farms. We are pioneers of the organic meat industry. We began producing our delicious meats—without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or pesticides—back in 1996. We insisted on third-party organic meat certification long before federal organic standards were established. We were the first in the industry to ban animal by-products from our cattle’s diet. And we played a vital role in shaping federal organic meat certification standards—the strictest in the industry. Our Mission Organic Prairie farmers are committed to providing your family with the healthiest, most wholesome meat, raised humanely in accordance with organic principles and practices—respecting the dignity and interdependence of human, animal, plant, soil and global life. We know that meat produced organically is the safest, best choice for our families, and we’re proud to make it available for yours to enjoy! To learn more about our cooperative, please visit www.farmers.coop. About Our Cooperative Organic 101We are an independent cooperative of organic family farms, and true pioneers of organic meat production. We began producing our delicious meats—without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or pesticides—back in 1996. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

NRDC.org - Natural Resources Defense Council

Natural Resources Defense Council The Earth's Best Defense NRDC works to safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. We combine the power of more than three million members and online activists with the expertise of some 700 scientists, lawyers, and policy advocates across the globe to ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water, and the wild. Join us. Our Leaders NRDC was founded in 1970 by a group of law students and attorneys at the forefront of the environmental movement. Today's leadership team and board of trustees makes sure the organization continues to work to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. Areas Of Work We believe the world’s children should inherit a planet that will sustain them as it has sustained us. NRDC works to ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water and the wild, and to prevent special interests from undermining public interests. NRDC provides an exemplary workplace that fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, ensures the health of our staff and the resiliency of our spaces, and executes leading sustainability practices. NRDC is committed to leading the green building industry through action. https://www.youtube.com/user/NRDCflix Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Gabe Brown - Regenerating Landscapes for a Sustainable Future

Regenerating Landscapes for a Sustainable Future” Gabe and Paul Brown We believe that faith, family and working with the natural resources that God has provided allows us a meaningful life. We enjoy using these resources to regenerate landscapes for a sustainable future. Our ranch is located just east of Bismarck, ND. Shelly and I purchased the ranch from Shelly’s parents in 1991 and have grown the operation to 5000 acres of owned and leased land. Son, Paul, returned to the ranch after graduation from North Dakota State University and became a partner in the operation. Daughter, Kelly, lives and works in Fargo, ND and returns home to help whenever possible. We believe in and practice Holistic Management, a part of which is farming and ranching in nature’s image. We strive to solve problems in a natural and sustainable way. Improving soil health is a priority and no-till farming has been practiced since 1993. A diverse cropping strategy, which includes cover and companion crops are used. We have now elimnated the use of synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides. We use minimal herbicide and are striving to eliminate it. We do not use GMOs or glyphosate. Our ever evolving grazing strategy allows most of our pastures a recovery period of over 360 days. These strategies have allowed the health of the soil, the mineral and water cycles to greatly improve. In other words, the natural resources have benefited. This results in increased production, profit and a higher quality of life for us. We are moving towards sustainability for not only ours but future generations as well. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

USDA NATIONAL DIRECTORIES-Farmers Markets-CSA-Local Food Hub-On Farm

NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET DIRECTORY NATIONAL CSA DIRECTORY LOCAL FOOD HUB DIRECTORY   ON FARM MARKET DIRECTORY  

Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Dale Brisby - Super Puncher - Youtube Channel

  Dale Brisby, Legend Here's the thing; Dale Brisby lives a simple life- ridin' bulls and punchin' fools. I ain't on your time. I don't even really care about time. Theres only one time that matters to Dale Brisby- Rodeo Time! I'm a lone ranger, a lone wolf. When life hands you lemons, put a bull rope on 'em. POW POW YOUTUBE CHANNEL (184,000 Subscribers)

    Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Slow Money- Four Corners

Community Driven Lending Club for Local Food Investment

The Slow Money movement is built around local groups, which catalyze local food investing in a variety of ways—peer-to-peer lending, public meetings, pitch fests, and on-farm events. Local Slow Money groups are organized as informal networks and/or investment clubs. There are currently 27 groups globally, and have invested $73 million in 752 food enterprises. FOUR CORNER'S SLOW MONEY'S GOAL IS TO BUILD A ROBUST LOCAL FOOD ECONOMY BY GIVING COMMUNITY FARMERS, GROWERS AND LOCAL FOOD ENTERPRISES A LEG UP IN THE FOUR CORNERS REGION. We foresee: Making 0% interest loans to community growers and local food entrepreneurs. Loan funds circulate. So when a loan is paid back, it goes back into our fund for future loans! Loans are selected based on loanee's potential to make the greatest positive impact on our local food economy and a set of ethics established by loan selection committee. All loans are voted upon by members annually, and anyone that makes a donation to the club ($250 minimum /year, $150 for grower/food entrepreneur) becomes a member and can vote on loans. NO-INTEREST LOANS AIM TO DEVELOP AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY: GRANTS WILL BE MADE TO SMALL-SCALE FARMERS, FOOD-FOCUSED ENTREPRENEURS October 1, 2019, by Mary Shinn, in the Durango Herald “A new regional nonprofit, Four Corners Slow Money, wants to help develop the regional agricultural economy by providing small-scale farmers and food-focused entrepreneurs with no-interest loans. Small growers can have trouble qualifying for traditional loans if they don’t have credit, if they require a small dollar amount or if they need flexible terms, said Sandhya Tillotson, a member of the steering committee. “With this local loan, we can support just about anything a farmer wants to do on their farm,” she said.” Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Wanted - Cattle Grazing Land in SW Colorado

Herd expansion in 2019 and hoping to locate some good grazing land with water in SW Colorado or near the Four Corners area for 2020 and longer if possible.   Can split the herd up depending on how much land you have to lease.   Gentle cows, home raised yearling cows with calves. 16 head of these gentle black angus babies and one yearling bull in one bunch. or 20 head of Black Angus Steer weighing about 800 lb average in one bunch.   or 60-75 pair of mostly black angus mother cows and calves with several bulls in one bunch or can split depending on your land size, water and pasture. For roundup, we use horses,working dog,  portable OK Corral and/or Polaris Rangers, ATV or whatever is needed. Contact us soon if You have an land available. Thank You Long time Cattlemen and local from Cortez.   Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Slow Money HQ

Slow Money Institute

Our mission Slow Money Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to catalyzing the flow of capital to local food systems, connecting investors to the places where they live and promoting new principles of fiduciary responsibility that “bring money back down to earth.”  

How We Work

And our progress to date The Slow Money Institute catalyzes the formation of self-organizing local groups, which use a diversity of approaches: public meetings, on-farm events, pitch fests, peer-to-peer loans, investment clubs and, most recently, nonprofit clubs making 0% loans. Since 2010, more than $73 million has flowed, via dozens of local groups, to 752 food enterprises, in deals large and small.  

Events and Principles

Slow Money events have attracted thousands of people from 46 states and 7 countries. Over 31,000 people have signed the Slow Money Principles.   https://youtu.be/nlqFi88LNo8 Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Colorado Open Lands

Colorado Open Lands is one of Colorado's most impactful non-profit land conservation organizations. We are committed to protecting land and water forever. OUR MISSION To preserve the significant open lands and natural heritage of Colorado through private and public partnerships, innovative land conservation techniques and strategic leadership. Colorado Open Lands is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land trust that exists to protect Colorado’s land and water resources. We work primarily with private landowners to place voluntary agreements called conservation easements on their property. Their ranch stays their ranch, their farm stays their farm. The process is driven by the wishes of the landowner with the goal of protecting open space, water, and wildlife habitat – forever. We believe that the unmatched quality of life that Colorado offers is directly tied to our natural resources. With projected growth of over 2.3 million new residents by 2040,* we believe we can preserve that quality of life by protecting the most special places in Colorado while we still have the chance. How does our work benefit you, if you don’t own land? We value the same things you value. We love fresh water, healthy local food, places to play outside, breathtaking views, thriving wildlife, and the healthy economy that all these things bring to Colorado. Protecting land protects the things you value – forever. Read the full article

[farmandrancher]

Guidestone and Farm Hands

Farm Hands Education

Farmhands at Moonstone Farm during Farm Camp. Farm Hands is the education component of our work and serves youth, families, the community and emerging farmers and ranchers through the following education opportunities: Summer Day Camps for Youth Field Trips Family Programs Community/ Adult Education Programs Apprenticeships Internships Farm Hands curricula focuses on the art and skill of growing and raising food through the lens of both cultural history and current farming and ranching practices. All of our programs are grounded in hands-on learning opportunities and cultivate exploration, inquiry, direct experience and fun!  Program offerings are designed to meet participants’ interest and skill level, no matter what age, and collectively provide the awareness, understanding and agricultural skills to grow healthy, local food for a bountiful agricultural future. Bring Farmhands to your community! In addition to providing education programs at one of our partner sites in Chaffee County, Guidestone would love to bring our education programming to your school or community.  We have a variety of topics we can offer relating to farm, garden and ranch education through engaging, hands-on activities and lessons.  If you would like to learn more and bring US to YOU, please contact andrea@guidestonecolorado.org or call 719.239.0955 Become a Farm or Ranch Education Site! Guidestone partners with a number of different farms and ranches to provide our unique blend of agriculture education programming.  If you have a farm or ranch and would be interested in becoming a program site for Guidestone’s Education Programs, we would love to talk with you further! Colorado Land Link Colorado Land Link serves as a catalyst for convening conversations and resource development around the issues of land access and farm succession.  Through fostering meaningful and long-lasting connections, we strive to support the vision and goals of the next generation of farmers and ranchers together with those of current or retiring producers and landowners. Support FamHand and Guidestone Lifetime guarantee Removable felt base 90lb tear strength Reinforced, padded and snapping handles Two carry choices: hand or shoulder. The hand version has an oversized opening for forearm carry and the shoulder is adjustable for cross body use.

EQPD estimates one LastBag, when used weekly for groceries, can eliminate 600 single-use bags per year. For every 10 years when you say “no thank you” to single-use bags, you can save a 42 gallon barrel of oil (plastic), a dozen 20 year old tress and 5000 gallons of water (paper). Your purchase of a Guidestone’s LastBag provides 100% of retail profit directly to supporting Guidestone’s programs. Thank you for making a difference for a healthy community and a vibrant agricultural future!     Read the full article