by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
If you think that growing a good pasture is all about the plants, Sarah Flack would disagree. A grazing consultant and an author of books on grazing, Flack presented “Grazing Management: Livestock Perspective” as a recent webinar hosted by Food Animal Concerns Trust. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Solar power is one of the fastest-growing segments of renewable energy – it’s hard to find an area that hasn’t had some degree of solar development. While interest in solar is growing, there’s limited space for roof-mounted solar systems. Such systems provide ample kW production for one farm, but there is a growing need for large-scale ground-mounted solar systems. Preparation for ground-mounted systems is a costly segment of the overall project, and usually results in some level of disturbance to the existing ecosystem. (more…)
by Michael Wren
COOPERSTOWN, NY – On March 10, dairy farmers gathered to learn the latest trends in the industry. The annual Central New York Dairy Day conference and trade show are sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension. This year’s conference showed that with current market increases in the price of butterfat and protein content there may be opportunities for farmers to boost revenue – and how pathogen-based treatment might lower your overall expenditure. David Balbian, dairy management specialist, introduced the speakers. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Spring is a very busy time for farmers of all kinds, but especially those focused on growing crops. Land needs to be prepped and tilled; seeds need to be started; transplants need to be planted. With borders closed and travel essentially off-limits, many in the agricultural industry may see a shortage of seasonal workers this spring. (more…)
by George Looby
For more than a decade states with strong agricultural bases have put in place laws intended to protect animal owners from groups whose primary focus is the “wellbeing” of animals. Oftentimes these groups have no interest in the overall management of the farms whose level of animal care does not meet their standards. It is not by choice that some livestock owners allow their animals’ level of care to become lax. Unforeseen circumstances can alter best practices and compromises must be made that are less than ideal. They may not be the best but better alternatives may not be possible. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Laura Holtzinger grew up on a dairy farm in south-central Pennsylvania, and Matt Linehan was raised on a Jersey farm in Wisconsin. Both of their parents strived for outstanding herd genetics, and both Laura and Matt picked up on that aspect of purebred dairy cattle when they were showing as youth. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Nutrition during the transition period of lactating cows can make a big difference in animal health. Jonas de Souza, Ph.D., of Perdue Agribusiness Animal Nutrition, presented “Fatty Acid Nutrition During the Transition Period” as a recent webinar. (more…)
by George Looby
Outbreaks of new and emerging diseases are forever lurking in the shadows. The target of the ongoing viral disease caused by a coronavirus is the human population. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Any person who has worked with animals knows coronaviruses are not new to livestock and poultry. In humans and birds, the viruses can cause respiratory tract infections; in cows and pigs, they can cause diarrhea. (more…)
by Sally Colby
The sight of triplet lambs is a thrill for some, but most seasoned shepherds aren’t impressed when one ewe gives birth to more than two lambs. Although some ewes successfully raise more than two, most can’t do it efficiently and lose significant body condition by the time lambs are weaned. (more…)
by Karl H. Kazaks
EAST BEND, NC – In 2012, after 18 years of raising commercial cattle, Tim Goforth switched to raising registered Angus.
Today, Goforth Angus provides seedstock to producers in North Carolina, Virginia and other states in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, as well as nationally.
Having been a commercial producer and being a registered breeder, Goforth knows the needs of both sides of the industry, and breeds accordingly. (more…)
by Tamara Scully
Whether you’re grazing animals on perennial pastures or baling your alfalfa for hay, keeping your stands healthy and high-yielding takes management. Some factors can be controlled, while others, such as damage from winter kill, are contributed to Mother Nature. While farmers can’t control the weather, there are some manageable factors which impact the winter hardiness of forage stands. (more…)
