by Sally Colby
Dairy producers who use pasture-based systems want to see healthy animals with good growth from the start. One aspect of managing cattle on pasture is managing their internal parasites.
Penn State extension veterinarian Dr. Robert Van Saun says that although internal parasites haven’t been a problem for most dairy herds in the past, they’re becoming more of an issue. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to parasite management. [Read more…]
by Tamara Scully
The dairy industry has been selectively breeding for specific traits for many years. Yet even today, it finds itself in need of new genetics, such as those for polled animals, or for producing milk on pasture. Some traits which selective dairy breeding has focused on have included: birthing ease; ketosis; mastitis and lameness.
“We can’t lose that to get new genetics,” Jen Burton, Veterinarian for Organic Valley CROPP Cooperative, speaking at the recent NOFA-NY Organic Dairy and Field Crop Conference, said. [Read more…]
by Tamara Scully
Beginning farmers can range from those just embarking on their passion after years of work outside of agriculture to younger adults choosing to farm for a living; those who happen to own enough land to qualify for reduced taxes or other incentives. No matter where on the spectrum a producer fits, keeping land in active agriculture is a benefit to everyone. [Read more…]
by Sally Colby
Ten years ago, a tick was a tick. They crawled onto a dog, perhaps hitched a ride on your pants leg and then latched onto your scalp. Moms became experts at finding and removing ticks after kids played outside.
“The tick climbed up to the top of your head, and you’d feel the bump,” said Dr. Tom Mather. “Your mom would remove it because she had pointy fingernails. And no one got sick.” [Read more…]
by Sally Colby
Ben Weikert has seen nearly every side of beef production possible. He started with beef projects as a young 4-Her, and he competed on a collegiate livestock judging team as he pursued a degree in animal science. He and his brother Owen have developed an elite herd of show cattle and have served as judges at numerous livestock shows. After receiving a master’s degree and serving as an extension agent, Ben is now working toward a PhD in agricultural leadership, and has some tips for youth who plan to show cattle this season. [Read more…]
by Sally Colby
Managing manure on a dairy farm can be challenging, especially with ever-changing regulations about when, how and where to put it.
Dr. Robert Graves, Penn State professor emeritus of Ag and Biological Engineering, says that methane digesters are a good option for handling manure on some dairy farms, but producers should be well informed about what a digester does, the cost of establishment and upkeep, and how to keep a digester healthy. Graves added that having an on-farm digester means that the farmer must acquire skills in wastewater treatment, electric power and organic materials management. [Read more…]
by Katie Navarra
Spring has arrived at farm supply stores. Peeping young chicks serenade visiting customers.
Whether you’re looking to add farm raised eggs to your market offerings or are simply interested in having fresh eggs for your family, chickens are relatively easy to integrate on any farm. [Read more…]
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — As Pennsylvania renews efforts to clean the state’s waterways and the Chesapeake Bay, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is helping to craft a strategy in which farmers spearhead clean-water initiatives.
Agriculture has high standards for conservation, with roots in a culture of stewardship, and farmers are ready to lead and be the solution for clean water, according to Matthew Royer, director of the college’s Agriculture and Environment Center. [Read more…]