April 10th Recognizing Farm Animals

 

Growing up in rural Illinois has many bonuses for sure. It was a lot of fun and good green space to get out and have fun but a good way to learn work skills as well. Both of my grandparents were farmers in Greene County Illinois where corn and soybeans were king and along side many raised livestock as well. Likewise, the area is still teaming with many family farms and looks like this will continue just as it has for many generations. 

Corn and soybeans are popular crops in the area. Farms in this area also raise livestock animals of cows, pigs, chickens and others. Farmers in this area should not feel alone as there are community organizations like the Greene County Farm Bureau supporting farmers in the area as well. Offering tips and ideas to help promote the farmers safety by offering training to those who need experience and those that have been in the farming business for years as well\

The National farm animal day has been created to demonstrate care of farm animals and what the great need is. The day also was created to help draw awareness to the abandoned and abused animals and the need for good safe homes. While farm animals give the world eggs, milk, cheese, meat, wool, leather and more the farmers and those responsible for caring for the animals in return offer the animals food, shelter and care. 

One way to get involved is to find out how farm animals live. Visiting a farm is a great way to do this., There are many farms that are set up in southern Illinois to do just this. In addition, visit the farmers extension service and check out 4H this is a great way for kids to learn about farming and caring for animals. Perhaps you will find out many things others will not know about. 

Take for instance knowing how much land you need to raise animals, what animal is the friendliest to raise, what animal is the easiest and etc....

• chickens are raised easily on farms with little room. Maintenance is low as well. In addition, the chicken offers both eggs and meat
• Goats are often considered the most friendliest animals to raise on the farm. In addition many find goats are comical as well.
• Did you know that one farm animal that looks the dirtiest is actually the cleanest animal. Most pigs wallow in the dirt and mud but when it comes to going to the bathroom they will not do it in the same area as they like to live. They often go aside to use the bathroom so that the waste is not in the area that they live, breathe and sleep. 

As a final point animals have rights of their own and here is a list to help keep those in mind

Animals have the right to sufficient food and water for their own health
Animals should be able to live in comfort and appropriate living area. 

Animals should be helped and kept out of pain, injury and disease. This should be done through  proper care

Animals should be able to live as they normally would in nature. 

Animals should not live in fear of their handlers. Likewise they should be able to live their life without fear of abuse, neglect or cruelty. 

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