Many people have lots of land that they’re often unsure what to do with when they get it. Some hire landscapers to enhance the overall look, but don’t do much to put it to good use other than a few areas. Those who want to do something useful with their property can turn it into a pasture fit for livestock. Raising your own livestock for meat, eggs, or dairy can be incredibly beneficial.
Get the Correct Pasture Seed
Not just any type of pasture seed will do. Each property owner will require a different kind, depending on the region in which they live, their soil conditions, and how well the area tolerates the sun and shade. It’s best to purchase this seed from an expert seller who understands these differences and has various seed types based on specific regional needs.
The seed also depends on the type of animals a person intends on having in their pasture. Cattle pastures are different from horse pastures, and horse pastures are different than sheep pastures. Chickens would also require a different kind. Those who want to include several different types of livestock in their pasture will need to have separate sections with the correct seed type to make it a healthy environment for every animal on the property.
Clear the Land
Land used for a farm needs to be cleared. There should not be any brush or debris left over, as this could interfere with the seeding and land conversion process. The area should also be flat without many bumps or ditches throughout. This may require using an excavator for the job if there is too much to handle or too large of ditches that need to be filled.
Build a Barn
Livestock cannot be kept outside all day. Animals will need a barn to go into at night and during cold or stormy times. Even a three-sided shed will suffice if a full barn is not possible. Just one item on a horse care guideline list involves ensuring there is an adequate shelter. The horse may need to get away when it’s too sunny and they require shade or it’s raining and they want to stay warm. Maintaining this area is also highly important. Whoever is responsible for maintaining the land and animals will have to remove manure from the premises every day to keep the space clean and free from bacteria for the animals who have to sleep there.
Add a Garden
If a property owner wants to add a pasture for the purpose of raising livestock for food purposes, then having a garden in the vicinity as well will be a huge help. People just need to be sure they place this garden away from any animals so it does not get eaten or trampled. Keep it in a separate space that can be maintained efficiently. Creating a garden is a cheap way to improve the landscape.
With a lot of land available, property owners are able to turn their open spaces into something useful. Don’t just add some landscape designs and call it good. A well-landscaped area may be nice to look at, but it won’t do a person much good if it’s not being put to use. Creating a pasture and garden will bring many benefits, including home-grown food free from the pesticides and hormones many companies now use. Start out small with just one pastured area for one type of livestock and see how much growth you can handle down the road.
