Farm animals have been a key factor in human survival for centuries, serving as food resources, working as machinery assistants, and even managing the land. While modern farming has greatly evolved, many of the farm animals we know today serve similar purposes to their predecessors or have even taken on new roles in today’s world.

Cattle- The Major Haulers

Oxen essentially played the role of tractors in the past and were used to help plow fields and haul heavy loads. They were also utilized in the westward expansion to pull families to new locations.

Dairy cows have been a steady supplier of milk long before grocery stores existed. You’ve heard of a milkman delivering glasses of milk weekly, and these cows were his source.

Beef cattle have, and still do, play a large role in pasture management and soil health, helping to regenerate grasslands through rotational grazing. They are also used, as their name implies, as a source of food. Beef cows provide a staple source of meat to the US yearly.

Horses- The Multi-tools of Early Agriculture

Similar to cattle, horses were utilized for plowing fields and pulling carts, but they played an even more important role in transportation. Horses were used to round up livestock before ATVs and trucks came on the scene. Horses were essential for long-distance trips and mail delivery. 

In ranching culture, horses played a major role in hunting and herding. In many cultures, hunting was done on horseback, allowing hunters to chase prey more effectively. For example, in North America, mounted hunters on horseback were critical in hunting bison. In Europe, horse-mounted hunters pursued wild game like deer and boar. Horses helped their owners track their prey over long distances, helping them cover more ground than hunters could on foot, which was especially useful for smaller game like foxes.

Today, horses remain an essential tool on many ranches, particularly for working cattle. They are fast, agile, and able to make it to places ATVs or trucks may not.

Chickens- Egg Layers and Natural Pest Control

Chickens may be small, but their impact on farms has always been mighty. Originally domesticated thousands of years ago in Southeast Asia, they were first valued for their eggs rather than their meat. A steady source of protein, eggs gave early farmers a renewable food supply without needing to butcher livestock.

Beyond food production, chickens were a natural form of pest control. Before modern treatments, they roamed barns and pastures, eating insects, larvae, and even small rodents. Their foraging instincts helped protect crops and livestock from pests that carried disease or damaged feed supplies.

Chickens also help improve soil health by scratching, pecking, and fertilizing as they move across the land. Many modern farmers still use “chicken tractors” to let hens graze and enrich fresh ground, a practice that allows them to still help the land like they did centuries ago.

Goats- Agricultural Vacuums

Goats have been part of human agriculture for thousands of years, prized for their milk, meat, and fiber. Their hardiness and ability to thrive where other livestock struggle made them especially valuable in rocky or arid regions. Farmers used to rely on goats not only for food and clothing materials like cashmere and mohair, but also for their adaptability and ease of care.

Goats are natural foragers and can clear overgrown land better than most machines. They eat brush, weeds, and invasive plants that cattle or sheep often avoid, making them excellent partners for land management. Many landowners today still use goats to control vegetation, and there are even companies that rent out goats to help with land clearing.

From providing milk and meat to improving the landscape, goats continue to earn their place on farms and ranches. Their resilience and usefulness make them one of the most efficient and versatile animals a landowner can keep.

Pigs- Recyclers

Pigs were among the first animals domesticated for food, valued for their meat and fat. Pork fat was essential for cooking, preserving food, making soap, and even fueling lamps. Beyond food, pigs efficiently consumed scraps and spoiled crops, turning waste into nutrition.

Their natural rooting behavior makes them effective land tillers. As they dig for roots and insects, they turn over soil, clear brush, and prepare fields for new growth. Many landowners still use pigs to clear overgrown areas and improve pasture health.

Sheep- Meat and Cheese

Sheep have been raised for thousands of years for their wool, meat, and milk. Wool was especially valuable for clothing and blankets, while lamb and mutton provided an important food source for early farmers.

Sheep are similar to goats in that they are natural grazers and can help manage land. Their grazing habits make them effective for maintaining pastures, controlling weeds, and improving soil fertility. Many landowners still use sheep to manage vegetation while producing wool and meat.

Farm animals have shaped agriculture for centuries, providing food, fiber, labor, and even helping manage the land itself. From chickens controlling pests to goats and sheep maintaining pastures, each animal brings unique value to a property. Understanding their historic and practical roles can help landowners make the most of their land today.

At National Land Realty, we specialize in helping clients find properties that fit their goals. Whether you’re looking to expand your livestock operations, improve your pasture, or invest in productive land, our team can guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about available properties and how we can help you maximize your land’s potential.