5 farming myths to debunk

Although agriculture has been feeding people for many centuries, more and more new myths continue to appear around it. In fact, there are probably more than a hundred of them, but in this article we will consider only 5.

Animal farming is not profitable

Any business does not make a profit only from those who do it wrong. In capable hands, farms bring a good income. This statement applies to any agricultural sector: animal husbandry, dairy production, agriculture.

Compound feed is “chemistry” that harms animals

The basis of compound feed consists of the same as cows are usually fed: wheat, corn, barley and more. In addition, vitamins and premixes are added there, which improve the digestibility and digestion of animals.

Compound feed contributes to the growth and health of the herd, but their use is, of course, much more expensive than conventional feed.

That is why some farmers prefer to abandon compound feeds or combine them with traditional ones: hay, straw, haylage, green fodder. Often this is done out of conservatism (the desire to continue the same style that was previously) or for the sake of cost savings.

Music increases milk yield

Surprisingly, this is not entirely a myth. Although the music itself does not affect the milk yield. But the presence of a calm background melody reduces stress, since then the cows are not frightened by loud sounds. Less or no stress – more milk.

For the same purpose, many farms remove items of bright colors that can stress the animals.

Rural industry harms the enviroment

Over the past century, most dairy operations have increased their efficiency. According to one study, the carbon footprint of British milk is lower than that of fruit or vegetable production. The same applies to many other rural industries.

In addition, many different factors need to be taken into account in order to track the harms of farming. Research in this area is still ongoing.

Animals need to be fed only as grandfathers did

This is the usual conservatism, which does not reflect reality. Moreover, over the past few decades, some animal species have been artificially bred and have special nutritional needs.

In addition, feeding animals only leavings and scraps, as was often the case in the past, can lead to disease and even death. Quality feed = healthy livestock = profitable business.

That’s why you should be concerned about properly packing your hay and straw into high-quality bale net wrap to retain maximum nutritional value until the next mowing.