How to Make Your Farm More Sustainable

Photo by Frances Gunn on Unsplash

Farming is one of the world’s oldest professions, with historical artifacts proving that farmers were around some 12,000 years ago. Over time, the practices and techniques used have undoubtedly changed immeasurably - but one thing has never changed - and that is the love that farmers hold for their land and the planet at large.

As a result, in order to secure a brighter future for both the planet and your farm, it's important that you find as many ways as possible to make your farm more sustainable. Here are some simple ways to get started!

Innovate

Many of the practices you use within your farm are tried and tested - whether they relate to caring for animals or growing crops. However, it's important to note that these practices do not have to be set in stone, especially if they are standing in the way of you becoming more sustainable. For example, you could look into the opportunities associated with regenerative farming, which Dax Cooke believes can contribute significantly to a better world in more ways than one. For example, it can help you to protect your soil from erosion, which in addition to protecting the environment, will make your land more fertile and better for growing all manner of crops. Furthemore, investing in innovative farming practices will help you stand out from the crowd and prove to your customers that you are a brand or company worth supporting. 

Save

Another way in which you can make positive changes for the planet is by reducing waste and lowering your overall consumption levels on site. For example, you can save water on your farm by investing in drip irrigation systems and scheduling irrigation. Additionally, you should work to re-use products where possible before throwing them away. For example, there are plenty of alternative uses for excess hay on your farms - such as reselling some of the hay as feed for smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs (it’s not just for horses). Alternatively, it can even be used as insulation during the winter months.  Finally, you can reduce your energy usage on your farm (and beyond)  by looking into alternative power sources that can take your farm off the grid. Not only can this help to save the planet, but it can also save you money, which means it's a definite win-win.

Train

Another way in which you can make your farm more sustainable is by investing in training opportunities for yourself, alongside anyone who may work at your farm in the future. This way, you’ll be able to learn the latest cutting-edge trends in farming that will help you to shape more sustainable practices - for example, these courses may teach you how to better handle waste or supply chain issues. Ongoing training is also a great way to improve efficiency on your farm, which can save you a great deal of time, effort, and money - all of which can ensure your farm is still up and running in ten years (and beyond).