Clik here to view.
Forage Mixtures: Soil Types
The main essential of a mixture for thin soils, soils overlying and close to the rock, and in excessively dry countries, is that it should contain a predominance of the deepest-rooting varieties...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Forage Mixtures: Poultry and Pigs
Chicory and Plantain are two of the herbs which pigs will choose before all other ingredients of the ley. They are also probably the two most productive of the herbs included in these mixtures.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cocksfoot Grass as Forage
Of the pedigree pasture strains of Cocksfoot I have always found a combination of Aberystwyth S.26 and Aberystwyth S.143 gives the best results and, especially where separate mixtures are used for...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cow Care Tips for Leading Up to Calving & Freshening
One of the most sensitive times in a cow’s life is in the last couple weeks leading up to calving, when the body’s natural hormones are rapidly changing in preparation to deliver the newborn. Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
More Grasses as Forage
Meadow Fescue is becoming increasingly popular as an ingredient of the simpler mixtures because, where choice is limited to one or two grasses, it is one of the most nutritious. It is a slow starter,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Choosing Seeds for Your Forage
The percentage of grass in legume-grass mixtures should generally be less than 25 – 40%, up to 50% in pastures, because too much grass will lower the protein content of the hay and may require more...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Seedbed Preparation for Forage
It is impossible to give definite recommendations regarding fertilizers without knowing what your soil needs, but the soil should have a high level of available calcium and phosphorus. If your soil...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Planting Density for Forage
Whether you want to use broadcast, drill, or band seeding methods may depend mainly on your situation and available equipment. With good soil conditions, any seeding method can give good results.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Forage: When to Harvest
The first cutting of a new stand should be delayed until the plants are strong and vigorous and have a good root system, generally 70 to 90 days after germination for a spring seeding.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Brix Measurement Standards
Thus, the total advantage of high-quality alfalfa goes beyond that indicated by digestible nutrient content and is compounded by a potential for being consumed at higher levels, a faster rate of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Prepare a Calving Area
In early spring the weather and ground can be very cold and damp, so consideration must be given to what is in the best interest of both cow and calf if you are making your living as a dairy farmer.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Troubleshooting Problems During Calving
Never hesitate to call a veterinarian when it comes to calving questions.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Common Forage Pests and Problems
If your soil is not yet in good condition, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, and your plants are under stress and are attacked by a disease or pest, all the Utopian theories in the world will not...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cattle Grazing Tips for Hot Weather
By keeping the grass and pasture height no less than three inches, there will be enough plant mass available for rapid regrowth when moisture comes along during the hot spell.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Total-Mixed-Ration & Individuality in Feeding Animals
Allowing animals themselves to select pasture plants and freely choose various minerals provided allow them to satisfy their own unique set of dietary needs.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Look Inside a Farm Veterinarian’s Medicine Bag
With these items ready in the medicine cabinet, you will be prepared for many situations that can befall organic dairy cows and calves.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Treating Grass Tetany in Cattle
Grass tetany is caused by pastures with low magnesium and/or high potassium.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Treating Rumen Acidosis in Cattle
When the rumen pH drops much below 6.0, Rumen acidosis begins to occur, burning the walls of the rumen.Source
View ArticleClik here to view.
Heritage Breed Chickens
There is, of course, nothing in the world like the taste of your own farm fresh, organic eggs and meat. Chickens are an easy way to begin food production on the homestead and work a little closer to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cockerel or Pullet? Sexing Chicks
There are a number of visual clues that many use to sex their own birds. These are oftentimes little more than folklore and you certainly won’t use them to guarantee chick sexes to buyers. Still they...
View Article