The economics of large, mechanized farms don't necessarily apply to smaller farms, and especially hobby operations, where pasture can provide these advantages:
* excellent low-cost feed,
* savings in hay and manure handling,
* reduced use of chemicals and fertilizer,
* a healthier environment than the barnyard or feedlot,
* less storage of feed and manure,
* extra-clean wool or grass-fed lamb or beef for specialty markets,
* long-term benefits to the land,
* retention of nutrients in the soil compared with haying,
* reduction of water pollution problems from nitrate and manure run-off,
* high productivity on aggressively rotated pastures, and
* the pleasures of watching foals or lambs gambol on a grass field.

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