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livestock breed information
The mere mention of hobby farming brings to mind barns full of horses and pastures dense with chickens and cattle. While the idea of raising livestock on your farm sounds ideal, it will require a lot of know-how, and here you’ll find the information needed to get started.
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Equine
As tried-and-true farm workers, equine livestock are synonymous with the hobby-farm way of life. Horses, donkeys and mules, whether used for riding, show or work purposes, can add a touch of history and beauty to your farm menagerie.
HorsesWhen selecting a horse, decide on its purpose. If you're after a riding horse, consider a Tennessee Walking horse, but if want draft horses, consider a Belgian horse. You can also use horses to maintain productive pastures through grazing and manure as guardian animals, or as companions for yourself or other farm animals. Read more »
MulesA mule is a cross between a donkey and a horse (usually a male donkey to a mare). Developed for farm use as a packing, riding and driving animal, they’re dependable and can be trained to do almost anything a horse might do, from draft work to trail riding. Read more » |
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Poultry
Whether you’re new to hobby farming or looking to grow your agriculture operation, poultry are must-have livestock that offer a lot to your farm and are fairly easy to keep, too.
ChickensChickens work hard for your farm. Depending on the breed, they can bring you delicious meats, tasty eggs or both. Even kept simply as pets, they add bucolic charm to you farm like no other livestock species can. Many chicken keepers start their flocks with popular breeds, like Plymouth Rocks, while others use their land to protect threatened heritage breeds, like Buckeyes or Dominiques. Read more »
DucksMuch like chickens, ducks can be raised for meat or eggs, but you can also use them around the farm to eat unwanted bugs. Whether you choose the exotic-looking Muscovy duck or the pristine Pekin duck, you’ll find this species is fun to have around and will add endless enjoyment to your farm. Read more »
GeeseThis poultry species is easy to keep and will earn its keep on your hobby farm. Geese not only offer tangible farm products, like meat, eggs and down feathers, they serve your farm in a multitude of ways. Keep them on pasture to trim back weeds with their hungry appetites or to announce farm predators with their loud honks. Choose from Africans, Embdens or other goose breeds. Read more »
TurkeysThink beyond Thanksgiving when considering adding turkeys to your hobby farm. This poultry species, from the striking Slate turkey to the prolific Narragansett turkey, originates in North America and can offer your farm a heritage touch. Read more » |
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