Mixed farming is an agricultural practice that involves rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together on the same farm. It is characterized by the integration of crop production with livestock farming, where the animals and crops are managed in a complementary manner. The crops provide feed for the animals, while the animals provide manure for the crops. This system is often practiced in areas where landholding sizes are small and farmers need to maximize the use of their resources.

Mixed farming has several advantages. Firstly, it promotes biodiversity, as it involves the growing of a variety of crops and the rearing of different types of animals. This helps to maintain the health of the soil and the ecosystem, as well as the sustainability of the farm. Secondly, it reduces the risk of crop failure, as the farmer is not dependent on a single crop. Thirdly, it increases the productivity of the land, as the animals help to keep the soil fertile and the crops help to feed the animals. Finally, mixed farming is a sustainable way of farming that promotes self-sufficiency and reduces the need for external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.

In contrast to mixed farming, other types of farming practices involve either cultivation of cash crops or food crops, or rearing of animals exclusively. Therefore, the chief characteristic of mixed farming is the integration of both crop production and animal rearing on the same farm.