by Sally Colby
There’s more to feeding pregnant beef cows than adjusting the quantity and nutrients of a ration. Dr. Katie Wood, assistant professor of ruminant nutrition and physiology at University of Guelph, said feeding pregnant cows has a significant impact on both the offspring and the future performance of that offspring. (more…)
by Laura Rodley
Thanksgiving doesn’t happen just one day a year for dairy farmer Victor Ziemba of Broadlawn Farm in Adams, MA. “We’ve been doing that ever since the fire started. The community helped in every possible way.” (more…)
It was a dark, cold Sunday evening just a couple weeks ago and the horses were late coming home from their pasture to the barn for the night. I had their feed, water and hay all ready and was just getting a spare lead rope and flashlight to head out and see where they were when they appeared in the back paddock and headed into the barn. My relief was momentary, as I immediately noticed that Sabrina, my elder mare, seemed to be bleeding profusely from above her eye. I called my husband to come into the barn to help and was prepared to call the veterinarian if necessary, but decided first to calm down, take a deep breath and assess the situation. I put Morgan, our other mare, in her stall where she was happily occupied with eating and didn’t mind being closed in so I could attend to Sabrina. (more…)
by Enrico Villamaino
As a workday, eight hours is pretty average. When standing in line at the DMV, it’s an eternity. But for milking a cow, processing and packaging the milk, and then having it on the shelf and available for sale, eight hours is actually pretty darn fast. (more…)
by Troy Bishopp
Thurso, Québec, is the birthplace of legendary hockey player Guy Lafleur, who was named one of the 100 greatest NHL Players in history. It’s also the home of the century-old Maloney Homestead Farm, now known in the French-speaking province as Ferme Brylee. Most folks who visit gladly trade their poutine for a chance to savor grass-fed meat barbecued over the fourth-generation farm’s open-air Argentine-style parrilla. “It’s our farm’s expression to the people and planet,” said Brian Maloney. (more…)
by Edith Tucker
GREENLAND, NH – The highlight for most of the 80 farmers who attended the New Hampshire Direct Marketing Conference – “Agritourism: Building Connection Between Farmers, Customers and Community” – at the Portsmouth Country Club on Nov. 4 was the frank and open discussion by those who have taken the plunge into this new world. (more…)
by Edith Tucker
GREENLAND, NH – Based on many years of experience, insurance agent Andy Robertson, senior advisor, NFP Property & Casualty in Bedford, NH, offered a wealth of tips and warnings for those considering opening their farms up to agritourism at the 11th annual New Hampshire Direct Marketing Conference sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension on Nov. 4. (more…)
by Edith Tucker
GREENLAND, NH – Agriculture Commissioner Shawn Jasper kicked off New Hampshire’s 11th Direct Marketing Conference on Monday, Nov. 4 at the Portsmouth Country Club, co-sponsored by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and the Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. He was introduced by moderator Nada Haddad, Agricultural Business Management Field Specialist for UNH Extension in Rockingham County. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Most consumers know that milk products are a good source of calcium in their diets. What many may not know (but farmers do) is that dairy cows also need calcium added to their diets, especially before calving and during the transition to lactation. A new study led by Dr. Phil Cardoso found that calcium added to acidified prepartum diets for dairy cows can improve several postpartum issues including lower rates of uterine infection and a quicker return to ovulation. (more…)
by Troy Bishopp
On Nov. 12, media outlets from around the globe sent a shockwave throughout the countryside in reporting that the largest dairy processor in America, Dean Foods Company (and substantially all of its subsidiaries), had filed for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings in the Southern District of Texas. Dairy industry watchdog Pete Hardin, editor and publisher of the Wisconsin-based Milkweed dairy newspaper, said, “The news is jaw-dropping and is the biggest bankruptcy in dairy history.” (more…)
by Sally Colby
There are almost no legitimate excuses for bruised cattle, but despite educational efforts and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) programs, it’s still happening. (more…)
by Tamara Scully
Whether you’re already grazing cattle and have marginal land or pastures needing improvement, or are seeking to graze smaller parcels of land and considering cattle, Ken Andries, small ruminant specialist at the University of Kentucky, encourages you to think about adding sheep and goats to your operation. (more…)
