Mixed farming

NACE code 01.50, 'Mixed farming', encompasses a diverse range of agricultural activities that combine the cultivation of crops and the rearing of livestock on the same farm. This integrated approach is a crucial component of the broader agricultural sector, contributing to food security, sustainable resource management, and the preservation of rural communities. Mixed farming operations play a vital role in the global economy, providing a wide array of agricultural products and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.

Mixed farming operations typically involve a combination of crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Farmers may grow a variety of crops, such as cereals, vegetables, and fruits, while also raising livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, or poultry. The integration of these activities allows for the efficient use of resources, such as land, water, and labor, as well as the recycling of waste products from one enterprise to benefit another. Farmers often employ traditional and modern techniques, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of advanced technologies, to optimize productivity and sustainability.

The main inputs required for mixed farming operations include land, water, seeds or seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, animal feed, and livestock. Farmers may also rely on specialized machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, and milking equipment, as well as labor, both skilled and unskilled. Access to financial resources, such as loans and subsidies, can also be crucial for the successful operation of mixed farming enterprises.

Mixed farming operations produce a diverse range of agricultural products, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products, and eggs. These outputs can be consumed directly or used as inputs for other industries, such as 10.11 Processing and preserving of meat, 10.51 Operation of dairies and cheese making, and 10.61 Manufacture of grain mill products. The integration of crop and livestock production also allows for the generation of by-products, such as manure, which can be used as a natural fertilizer, contributing to the overall sustainability of the farming system.