How to identify poisonous plants
Poison hemlock is not the only plant that you should be on the lookout for. Jimsonweed, pokeweed and black locust are potentially poisonous to livestock.
How I use watergates on my cattle farm
In the ideal world, they need to be able to hold in or deter livestock, but be able to allow water and debris to pass during periods of high water.
Fertilizing forages, pastures improves growth
If hay is harvested year after year and not fertilized, production will decrease substantially.
How to divide pastures for better performance
The essential principles are to avoid overgrazing the grass plant and to provide a rest period that allows the plant to regrow to a target grazing height.
Diversity on the farm: My cows are prejudiced
What should you consider when trying to accomplish diversity and inclusiveness on the farm? Columnist Ed Brown lays out the benefits and concerns.
Plant chemicals don’t always benefit livestock
Many times livestock show a preference for forbs, legumes or one type of grass over another. This preference can be species dependent or an animal's custom.
Grazing behavior depends on species, location
Each livestock species has a tool or set of tools that help it gather food, grind and swallow.
Winter feeding, nutrient management
Sacrifice areas may limit damage to our total pasture acreages, but the damage done to these areas can be significant.
Trade-offs in management of endophyte-infected tall fescue
Livestock that consume endophyte-infected fescue may experience symptoms associated with ergot alkaloid toxicity. Long-term exposure to tall grass fescue containing toxic endophytes may lead to fescue foot and fat necrosis.
How to hay test for efficient winter feeding
How do you know how much hay, grain, and pasture your animals need? A hay test is a great place to start.
