Beneficial Microorganisms on the Farm: What You Need to Know

Microorganisms might be miniscule, but their impact on farming is massive. Fermentation, powered by these beneficial bacteria and yeasts, produces amino acids, organic acids, and antioxidants – all essential for animal health, soil quality, and plant growth.

Farmers are waking up to the power of fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, and apple cider vinegar as natural inputs to support immune function, especially in youngstock. These probiotic-rich feeds help build resilience from the inside out.

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Bokashi composting is another way microbes get to work, by speedily turning kitchen scraps (even meat and dairy) into a rich and potent compost tea. It’s an anaerobic process using inoculated bran and it’s gaining ground in growing circles.

Effective Microorganisms (EM) is a ready-to-use liquid mix of probiotics like lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. It promotes healthy fermentation, breaks down organic matter quickly, and balances microbial life in soil and animals. It can even be used for tick prevention.

Read CAM4animals blog on ticks and EM.

In Ireland, farmer Thomas Stack has introduced Korean Natural Farming (KNF) to his dairy farm, spraying his land with fermented indigenous microorganism tea. He is reporting more grass, healthier cows, and a minimal carbon footprint.

Read Thomas Stack’s KNF journey in the Irish Farmers Journal.