When PEDv, or porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, first made the news, industry officials were quick to act. However, since experts had almost no experience in dealing with the disease, there was a lot of groundwork to cover before organizations could provide sound information to producers. PEDv was fi...

This account from an anonymous New York dairy farmer about his experience of being mauled by a bull within inches of his life is a startling reminder of the dangers of working with bulls and other livestock. “I awoke to the sounds of beeps and sterile smell of an unfamiliar setting. This was not my ...

In 1966, when I was an Army Reservist, I had a two-week summer camp in Fort Shelby, MS. Not far from there was Gulfport, a resort town on the Gulf of Mexico, where I swore I would live one day. A bit north of Gulfport is a town called Prentiss, where five years ago John Logan, a chicken farmer, conc...

Now the snow is gone, and most of us are waiting impatiently for spring to arrive. The first harbingers of the season have blossomed, but for every group of early bloomers there are a few plants that pose potential threats to livestock and pets. After a winter on dry forage and silage, the natural i...

The predator approaches his prey quickly, then slows down and calculates his next move. He crouches and waits until the prey settle down. The predator is patient, but is quick to act as soon there’s an opportunity for a capture. As the prey start to move, the predator moves too; in perfect harmony w...

BENEDICT, MD — Maryland farmers held their Seasons on the Farm dinner the evening of Saturday, April 12 at Serenity Farm in Benedict. Hosting a crowd of 67 area residents and farmers with a five-course dinner, proceeds from the purchase of plates and tables and a silent auction raised $3,995 for the...

It’s a given that manure application has the potential to cause conflict with neighbors, but it can also cause conflicts between the farm’s nutrient management plan and its conservation plan. Doug Beegle, who conducted manure research at Penn State University, says nutrient management plans often re...

Competing in market lamb and showmanship classes is hard work, but that work pays off. Proper fitting of a market lamb for the show ring involves a sound feed and exercise program as well as grooming preparation before the show. Start the season with a calendar — mark down the dates of every show yo...

There’s no doubt that miniature horses are growing in popularity, and for good reason: they require less space than full-sized horses, and can keep the average horse owner busy with both serious competition and leisure activities. Carla DuRand, who raises miniature horses with her mother Linda Palme...