As someone involved in the agriculture industry, you’ll undoubtedly be aware of the many changing trends in farming. These days, more consumers prefer to buy produce grown or reared using organic farming methods.

Although organic products cost a little more than their conventional counterparts, they offer a whole host of benefits to both consumers and farmers. You’re likely reading this because you own a farm and have been considering switching to organic farming.

And even if you don’t yet have a farm but are considering starting a business in agriculture, organic farming makes sense. And with that, there comes the importance of knowing the nitty-gritty of the domain, such as the type of tractors and other farming equipment, organic manure, fertilizers, etc. In the case that you would want to start off by knowing more about the various types of farming equipment (especially tractors) you could visit website here to gather more information about it. Similarly, there are multiple online resources that you could visit to gain more information about the ways of organic farming.

Before you begin on your organic farming venture, you have to make sure you know all the tips and tricks before you start your new venture; knowing things like tractor safety and animal welfare are all vital when you’re taking on a farm, especially if you’re going organic. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or just starting out, here are five reasons why you need to put serious thought into organic farming this year, especially for business continuity:

1. You aren’t using toxic chemicals

The trouble with artificial pesticides and fertilizers is they create a more toxic environment for all living things. They get easily washed into the soil and will pollute any body of water such as a river or lake.

As you can imagine, toxic chemicals will make their way into the food chain and cause health problems for anything or anyone that consumes them. When you become an organic farmer, you don’t use any of those toxic chemicals in your farming methods.

2. Food tastes better

When you compare fruit, vegetables, and meat produced from a non-organic and an organic one, you’ll immediately notice a difference. The organic versions appear to taste better and have a truer flavor!

There is scientific evidence to back that claim. Plus, when you look at Natura feed ingredients, for example, they don’t contain any synthetic ingredients. What that means is the animals that consume such feed get more nutrients.

3. Your soil is healthier

Another advantage of banning artificial pesticides and fertilizers from your farm is your soil has a better nutritional balance. Feeding your soil with organic matter also helps build up a better resistance to pests and disease.

What’s more, feeding your soil with organic matter also makes plants grow easier in areas that are notoriously difficult. That’s a claim few chemical fertilizers can make!

4. Organic farms are on the rise in America

Some “old-school” farmers feel that organic farming is a passing trend or “fad” and that its popularity will soon fizzle out. The truth is, organic farming is on the rise in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

In 2016, there were over 14,000 certified organic farms across the country. That’s an astonishing 56% increased compared to numbers from 2011! The state of California has the highest number of organic farms at 2,713 or 21% of all certified organic farmland in the U.S.

5. Organic farming is a lucrative enterprise

The nutritional benefits of organic farming for both consumers and farmers are obvious. But, another obvious fact about organic farming is that it’s a lucrative enterprise. In 2016, the organic farming industry was worth almost $7.6 billion compared to $3.5 billion in 2011.

Organic Farming is not LImited to Vegetables

If you always thought that organic farming was just limited to vegetables, then you may have been mistaken! While vegetables are commonly associated with organic farming due to their high demand and suitability for organic cultivation methods, organic farming encompasses a wide range of agricultural practices, including the production of fruits, grains, legumes, herbs, nuts, and even livestock products. In organic farming, the emphasis is on utilizing natural and sustainable methods to promote soil health, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship while avoiding synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These principles can be applied to various types of crops and livestock production systems. For example, organic fruit orchards focus on growing fruits such as apples, berries, citrus, and stone fruits using organic practices such as composting, crop rotation, and natural pest control methods. Organic grain and legume farming involve cultivating crops like wheat, corn, soybeans, and lentils without synthetic inputs, relying instead on practices like cover cropping, weed management, and biological pest control. Organic livestock farming encompasses the raising of various animals, including chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs, and cows, utilizing organic feed and ensuring access to outdoor areas. This approach also prioritizes animal welfare standards, including providing appropriate shelter. This may involve structures such as chicken coops (click here to explore available options), duck houses, or large barns, which offer protection from the elements while allowing animals the space and comfort they need to thrive organically. Additionally, organic farming principles can be applied to specialty crops like herbs, spices, and medicinal plants, as well as niche products like organic honey, maple syrup, and mushrooms. Overall, organic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that encompasses diverse farming systems and products, emphasizing sustainability, natural resource conservation, and the production of high-quality, nutritious food in harmony with nature.