Part 3: Non-chemical options Those who raise sheep and goats are in a constant battle against internal parasites. The most effective parasite control approach for small ruminants is to use a combination of chemical and non-chemical management tools. Dr. Dahlia O’Brien, Virginia State University, sai...

Those who feed their cows on pasture want to do right by their animals. They want to make sure they’re eating a healthy mix of greens and getting all the proper nutrition to grow big and become profitable. But sometimes finding the right combination of forages and supplements is like trying to solve...

One of the most exciting occurrences in keeping horses is the arrival of a new foal, especially after waiting almost a full year! The average gestation is 335 to 342 days, but mares can vary; a foal that is delivered before 320 days is considered premature, and a pregnancy that lasts more than 360 d...

Often on farms, we get so busy in the day-to-day management we don’t get the time to step back and evaluate our operations from a 30,000-foot view. As the calendar turns the page on spring, I encouraged many of my farmer clients to prioritize the time to zoom out and look at their big picture. Fundi...

At the annual CattleCon event earlier this year in San Antonio, one of the more well-attended sessions was the Checkoff Highlights. Representatives from different organizations talk about where the $1/head fee producers pay is utilized. U.S. Meat Export Federation A nonprofit organization that’s bee...

Managing an efficient meat animal operation involves not only running a farm but also selling each part of the animal. Tanya Cauthen, owner of Belmont Butchery in Richmond, VA, presented “Selling Lesser-Known Cuts: Tips & Techniques from Belmont Butchery” as a FACT webinar recently. Cauthen worked a...

With May designated National Beef Month, let’s discuss why farmers sell beef as custom cut bulk animals directly to customers. This is a great option for farms that raise multiple species. Farms that are raising beef animals to supplement other income streams often focus on faster turnaround with an...

Manure isn’t always just manure. It’s often loaded with pathogens that can cause serious illness in livestock and people. Al Dam, a poultry specialist, said there’s a real risk of spreading disease through manure. Livestock often harbor mycobacteria, Listeria , E. coli , Salmonella and Campylobacter...

Agrivoltaics – overlaying solar arrays with agriculture – is a newer method of farming being tested for such operations as animal farms, crops, greenhouses and parks. Research gaps exist, according to Crops in Solar Agrivoltaics Project Manager Caroline Marschner, and large-scale agrivoltaics need f...

Take heed, farmers and ag workers: May marks National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month . Farmers are among the most sun-exposed professionals, often working outdoors during peak sunlight hours. According to Dr. Vinh Chung , a dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment...

The price of eggs has prompted many to consider raising chickens at home, but before starting a flock, would-be poultry owners should understand basic chicken first aid. Dr. Jonathan Moyle, University of Maryland poultry specialist, encourages new chicken owners to establish a relationship with a ve...

Raising livestock means dealing with parasites. Although parasites cannot be completely eliminated, good treatment protocols keep them at bay. “We know parasite burdens have a large impact on production,” said veterinarian Dr. Carling Matejka . “They truly are silent profit thieves. Having a large p...

Snakes aren’t at the top of most people’s “favorite animal” list. But they have a purpose and can be useful in rodent control on farms. Anna Wiker, outreach coordinator with the Kentucky Master Naturalist Volunteer Program , is aware that many people aren’t fond of snakes. “Snakes can be an environm...

SCHAGHTICOKE, NY – There’s an iconic phrase that says “Tell me and I forget; teach me and I remember; involve me and I learn.” It aptly describes the connection farmers had with the New York Beef Council ’s two-day “Pasture to Profit: Maximizing Beef Sales in 2025” farm tours and beef producer works...

Organic agriculture is a vital aspect of the ag sector’s bottom line, and the industry is working to ensure continued efficiency. Scott Rice, senior director of regulatory affairs for the Organic Trade Association (OTA), described updates to the organic rule at the recent USDA Ag Outlook Forum. “ St...