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As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, it’s a reminder that colder weather is on its way. For farmers and animal caretakers, this season brings unique challenges and opportunities to ensure their animals remain healthy and thriving. Here are some essential tips to keep your livestock in top condition as temperatures drop. 1. Adjust Feed Rations With the onset of cooler weather, animals require more energy to maintain their body temperature. This means adjusting their feed rations to include more energy-dense foods. Consider incorporating grains like corn and barley, which provide the necessary calories to...

Do you know the fiber level in your current feeding program? If you don’t, you are not alone. Few horse owners can answer that question, and even fewer understand why it might be important or where fiber comes from. The first and foremost source of fiber in a horses’ diet is their roughage, or hay, source. Secondary to that is what is present in any supplemental grain sources. First of all, let’s define what fiber is: Fiber is a measure of the plant cell wall, or the structural portions that give the plant support. Main components of fiber are the...

You’ve all heard the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.” With maximizing antler size being the main concern for many whitetail deer herd managers, there is a nutritional practice that is becoming more common every day. Managers will take a complete ration and then blend or cut that ration with commodities perceived as nutritionally dense or top dresses that are often deemed as miracle pills for increasing antler size. Some pay insane amounts for rations that are simply over-priced because they believe the social media hype that your average antler size will be...

As the vibrant days of summer give way to the cool, crisp air of fall, it's an important time for farmers and livestock managers to focus on pasture health. Effective pasture management during the fall can set the stage for a productive spring. This blog will explore two key components of fall pasture care: rotational grazing and soil care. Understanding Rotational Grazing What is Rotational Grazing? Rotational grazing is a livestock management practice where animals are moved between different pasture sections (or paddocks) to allow forage plants time to recover and regrow. This method contrasts with continuous grazing, where livestock...

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, but the warmer weather can pose challenges for backyard chickens. As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to ensure your feathered friends stay cool, hydrated, and healthy. In this blog, we’ll explore essential tips for caring for chickens during the summer months to keep them comfortable and thriving. 1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water Hydration is Key: Ensure that your chickens always have access to clean, cool water. During hot days, water evaporates quickly, and chickens can become dehydrated. Check water levels multiple times a day and refill as needed. Consider using multiple...