Lifestyle

Sustainable Animal Management Practices for Small Farms: Minimizing Environmental Impact and Maximizing Profits

Published

2 years ago

March 6, 2023

Small farms play a vital role in our food system, providing locally-grown produce and meat to communities across the country. However, these farms face challenges in terms of sustainable animal management, as they may lack the resources and infrastructure of larger operations. In this article, we will discuss some sustainable animal management practices that small farms can adopt to minimize their environmental impact and maximize their profits.

Implementing a Rotational Grazing System

One issue that small farms may face is managing the waste produced by their livestock. Manure and other by-products can contribute to air and water pollution if not properly managed. One strategy for addressing this issue is to implement a rotational grazing system. This involves dividing a pasture into several smaller sections and rotating the livestock between them. This allows the animals to graze on fresh grass while also allowing the grass to recover and reducing the amount of manure in any one area. The benefits of this system include improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and reduced need for chemical fertilizers.

Using Natural Remedies and Preventative Measures

Another sustainable animal management practice for small farms is to use natural remedies and preventative measures to reduce the need for antibiotics and other medications. For example, probiotics and essential oils can be used to promote gut health in livestock, while natural fly repellents can help keep pests at bay. This not only reduces the use of antibiotics and other chemicals but can also improve the overall health and well-being of the animals. Moreover, animals that are raised naturally and without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones may fetch higher prices in the market.

Investing in Efficient Infrastructure

In terms of infrastructure, small farms can benefit from investing in equipment and facilities that are designed to be efficient and low impact. For example, a cattle gate system can be used to manage the movement of livestock between pastures without the need for manual labor. This system involves a series of gates and fences that can be opened and closed remotely, allowing the farmer to easily move the animals to different areas of the farm. This reduces the amount of time and energy required to manage the livestock, while also minimizing the risk of injury to both the animals and the farmer. Similarly, investing in solar-powered water pumps, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly insulation can help reduce the farm’s energy costs and carbon footprint.

Collaborating with Other Farmers

Small farmers can also benefit from networking with other farmers and industry professionals to share knowledge and resources. This can include attending workshops and conferences, joining farmer networks and associations, and connecting with other farmers online. By working together and sharing ideas, small farmers can learn from each other and develop sustainable animal management practices that are tailored to their specific needs and resources. Moreover, collaborating with other farmers can help small farms gain access to new markets, shared resources such as equipment, and increased bargaining power with suppliers and buyers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sustainable animal management practices are crucial for small farms to minimize their environmental impact and maximize their profits. By implementing strategies such as rotational grazing, natural remedies, efficient infrastructure, and networking with other farmers, small farms can thrive while also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system. And with tools like the cattle gate system, small farmers can manage their livestock with ease and efficiency, allowing them to focus on what really matters: growing healthy, happy animals and producing high-quality, locally grown food.

Lifestyle

Worrying About Your Tattoo Design? PRIC’D, The New Pre-Visualization Technology Got You Covered

Published

7 days ago

July 31, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of PRIC’D

By: Georgette Virgo

Sarah Mitchell stood nervously in front of the mirror contemplating the tattoo design she’d dreamed of wearing for years. Like many first-time tattoo clients, her excitement was tempered by uncertainty: would the design complement her shoulder as she imagined? Before she could further doubt, she decided to give PRIC’D a try, and to her surprise, this decision changed her uncertainty into confidence through the platform’s innovative pre-visualization technology.

Introducing a New Tattoo Experience

Many people find that getting a tattoo that doesn’t meet their expectations can be a devastating experience, both emotionally and financially. Many individuals spend months, sometimes years, planning their perfect design, only to be left with permanent artwork that fails to capture their vision. Clients often feel disappointed due to misaligned placement, poor consultation, or designs that don’t translate well from paper to skin.

Entrepreneur Kayhan Kiani saw this challenge and hopes to change this experience. Under his leadership, Kiani introduced PRIC’D, a platform streamlining the traditional tattoo consultation process by eliminating design uncertainty and lengthy waiting times through advanced technology.

Photo courtesy of PRIC’D

Clients can easily upload their tattoo designs, visualize them directly on a digital 3D model that matches their unique skin tone, and preview exactly how the artwork will appear on their body.

With this interactive 3D tattoo preview, clients have the flexibility to proceed, request specific adjustments, or explore entirely new design options. Once the final design is chosen, they receive an instant, accurate quote and can immediately book their appointment—all within the same seamless platform.

Photo courtesy of PRIC’D

“Many clients come to us with beautiful ideas but are hesitant about committing to permanent body art without seeing how it will look on their specific body type and placement,” explains Kiani. “PRIC’D’s pre-visualization technology eliminates this uncertainty, giving clients the confidence to proceed with their dream tattoos.”

Kiani believes that when the tattoo industry combines advanced technology with artistic excellence and unwavering professional standards, it creates an experience that transforms how people approach body art.

A Personalized Approach to Body Art

PRIC’D’s pre-visualization service is part of Kiani’s comprehensive consultation process under its premier tattoo company, INK’D London. The studio balances technological innovation with artistic proficiency. Its specialized artists, including experts in realism, portraits, blackwork, fine line work, and even Japanese Neo-Trad, use this technology to help clients refine their design choices and placement options.

When clients visit INK’D London, they work closely with dedicated consultants who guide them through the design process. With PRIC’D’s real-time size, placement, and orientation adjustments, clients can confirm that each tattoo suits the client’s body and vision. Because of this, high-profile clients have made INK’D London their home, and different artist collaborations have been featured there.

Kiani mentions, “Getting a tattoo should be a fun and seamless experience. We at INK’D, London, with our new platform, PRIC’D, eliminate all the what-ifs so our clients leave the shop satisfied with their new tattoos.”

Expanding the Best Tattoo Excellence Globally

This new pre-visualization tattoo technology represents Kiani’s commitment to establishing INK’D London as a global leader in body art. Allowing clients to preview their tattoo designs directly on their skin before any permanent ink is applied addresses a common concern among tattoo enthusiasts and first-timers. This technology enhances client confidence and showcases how INK’D London and PRIC’D merge unconventional solutions with traditional artistry.

Kiani mentions, “INK’D London with PRIC’D aim to redefine the perception of tattoos as part of self-expression and fashion globally by setting consistent quality standards in all of our procedures and introducing professional tattoo services to regions where they were previously unavailable.”

Please visit the PRIC’D website to learn more about the 3D tattoo preview.