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Diversification is one of this “big words” when it comes to the small-scale farming community. On our farm we raise pigs, chickens, cattle, sheep, and rabbits on the pastures and in the woodlots. Part of the reason we raise such a diverse amount of livestock is because it is just plain fun, but it also because there are benefits for our farm and land by being diversified. The animals work together and compliment each other in a way that build organic matter in the soil, helps with parasite control in the livestock, helps increase the fertility of our pastures and woodlots, and they even help us manage our woodlots and control erosion! That is not the only type of diversification on our farm … lately I have been thinking a lot about diversifying our marketing in order to help the farm grow and protect our farm from little hiccups that may occur along the way.
Right now the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market and our whole/half hog sale are absolutely the top of our marketing outlets, but as we slowly grow our farm we are finding and researching different places and ways to sell our pork, poultry, and lamb. Of course we have a new Meat CSA that will begin in January, but there are also a couple of other ideas that may become part of our marketing toolbox.
Links Mentioned in This Episode …
- Niman Ranch
- Raising Pigs for Niman Ranch (Protocols)
- A Video About Paul Willis (one of the Niman Ranch founders)
If you have an input on the topic be sure to leave a comment below or send us an e-mail.
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How has your experience with rabbits been?
How is the market for rabbits?
Does your son manage the rabbit business? How much time do you spend on that?
—
George