Building Resilience to Food Shortages
Raising animals for food is a great way to provide your family with healthy, nutritious meat. Every prepper should have this skill, as you never know when access to mass-produced foods may be comprised. That said, raising animals for food is not without its challenges. It requires a lot of time, effort, and knowledge.
If you are thinking about raising animals for food, there are a few things you need to do to get started. First, you need to decide what kind of animals you want to raise. There are many different types of animals that can be raised for food, including chickens, pigs, cows, goats, and rabbits. Each type of animal has its own unique needs, so it is important to do your research before you choose.
Once you have decided what kind of animals you want to raise, you need to find a place to raise them. If you have a large property, you may be able to raise your animals on your own land. However, if you do not have a lot of space, you may need to find a local farm or ranch that will allow you to raise your animals on their property.
Once you have found a place to raise your animals, you need to get the necessary supplies. This includes food, water, shelter, and bedding. You also need to get the necessary equipment, such as a coop for chickens, a pen for pigs, or a barn for cows.
After you have gotten the necessary supplies, you need to learn how to care for your animals. This includes feeding them, providing them with water, cleaning their shelters, and providing them with medical care. You also need to learn how to handle and slaughter your animals humanely.
Raising animals for food can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to remember that it is also a lot of work. If you are not prepared to put in the time and effort, then raising animals for food may not be the right choice for you.
The Benefits of Raising Animals for Food
There are many benefits to raising animals for food. One of the biggest benefits is that you can be sure that the meat you eat is healthy and without additives. Animals that are raised on pasture have access to fresh air and sunshine, and they eat a diet of grass, hay, and other natural foods. This results in meat that is high in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
Lastly, by raising animals for food, you can better guarantee your continued ability to sustain yourself following a SHTF event. Self-reliance is incredibly important. By being able to reduce your reliance on external sources of food, you and your family will be able survive without having to drastically reduce caloric consumption.
It is, however, incredibly important that you protect your animals from others. These animals will be targeted by hungry outsiders. So, ensure animal safety is part of your SHTF plan.
The Challenges of Raising Animals for Food
While there are many benefits to raising animals for food, there are also some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the time commitment. Raising animals requires a lot of time and effort, especially during the early stages when they are young and need to be fed and cared for more often.
Another challenge is the cost. Raising animals can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase feed, equipment, and other supplies. You also need to factor in the cost of veterinary care, which can be significant if your animals get sick.
Finally, raising animals for food can be emotionally challenging. When it comes time to slaughter your animals, it can be difficult to say goodbye. However, it is important to remember that you are providing your animals with a humane death. Also, as mentioned above, your animals may be targeted if the rule of law dissolves. It’s important to ensure the continued protection of your animals.
Get Started Now
Raising animals for food can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide if it is right for you. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, then raising animals for food can be a great way to provide your family with healthy, nutritious meat. It also results greater self-reliance and resiliency, should SHTF.
Have other suggestions about raising animals for food? Leave a comment below or contact me directly.
