As the weather gets warmer and the grass gets taller, we feed less hay and rely on our pastures a little more. With that comes essential management strategies to ensure pastures aren’t overgrazed and minimize potential risks to our livestock’s health. Two types of grazing systems are commonly practiced: continuous grazing, where livestock graze for … Read more

One of the greatest challenges for producers can be marketing and promoting their products. It might be difficult to differentiate your products from similar ones and find your consumer base. Unlike large brands, you have a limited budget, fewer distribution channels, and a smaller workforce. Using unique strategies, organic and alternative farmers can build strong … Read more

We all started in agriculture by the influence of someone, whether our parents, grandparents, or friends. Most of us can tie that connection and love back to a specific person or group, such as 4-H, FFA, or agricultural group. As the percentage of the population in agriculture decreases and our global population increases, we must … Read more

The calving season comes with many unknowns, including weather, timing, and much more. Livestock producers also know you can rarely predict when cows will calve – though it usually seems to coincide with poor weather. Being prepared can make the difference in having a live or a dead calf. It is also important to know … Read more

For many farms, effective reproduction is crucial for success. Keeping your animals healthy and able to reproduce increases productivity and improves the herd’s overall health. Good reproduction management results in higher birth rates, healthier young animals, and a more efficient herd. Open livestock, which are females that are not pregnant, are common on farms. While … Read more

The Center for Food Security and Public Health would like to hear from you, with your participation assisting with guiding resource creation about ticks, mosquitos, mites, and other arthropods of veterinary health concern. Take this short, 5-minute survey here.   No matter the time of year, insects can be challenging on farms. Ticks, flies, mites, and … Read more

Especially during the summer heat, your livestock can be easily stressed and more prone to illness. Supportive therapies, such as electrolytes and fluid therapy, can assist with keeping animals healthy. Electrolytes can be crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of livestock, especially those with weakened immune systems or dehydration.   Electrolytes can be used for … Read more

No matter the type of farm, lameness in livestock can happen at any time without any warning. Lameness can be a significant concern and one of the costliest diseases farmers can deal with. Organic and alternative farms prioritize animal welfare, natural living conditions, and minimize the use of chemicals and antibiotics, which can present unique … Read more

The United States is almost two months past the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on dairy farms. The disease was first detected in the Texas Panhandle and has now spread to eight more states. Since then, there have also been two cases of HPAI in humans, most likely spread from contact on … Read more

Over the past ten years, A2A2 milk has continued gaining popularity with consumers, dairy cattle farms, and producers. A2A2 milk is marketed differently in stores, claiming it is easier to digest and improves health. Some dairy cattle farms select genetics that include the A2A2 gene to develop a completely A2A2 herd. Understanding what the A2 … Read more