What are flight zones? Most small farmers know about the flight zone—an animal’s personal space that causes it to move away when someone gets too close. But knowing how to use the flight zone can make moving livestock easier, safer, and less stressful for both you and your livestock. Animal behavior expert Temple Grandin has … Read more
Sometimes a newborn livestock baby just won’t nurse, and suddenly you’re the one on bottle duty! Whether a mom rejected her little one or a twin needs an extra boost, raising these bottle babies is a unique adventure full of wagging tails and 2:00 AM feedings. It might seem overwhelming at first, but with the … Read more
As spring quickly approaches, you may be wondering how to protect your newborn livestock from diseases. This post might help you better understand how immunity works and what you can do to help your newborns thrive. The Importance of Colostrum and Passive Immunity Unlike human babies, livestock are born with little to no immunity to … Read more
Lice in animals can be a common problem during winter. Many farmers deal with heavyinfestations that can cause unthriftiness, reduce weight gain, and lead to economic losses.Lice affect many livestock species, including cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, and goats.Different types of lice infect humans. Animals do not carry or spread human lice. What are lice? Lice … Read more
Small farms matter! Over the coming year, The Livestock Conservancy and the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University will develop practical animal health information made for YOU. Together, we hope to create better tools for small farmers and especially breeders, to help keep animals healthy, and to know what to … Read more
As an organic farmer, you know the benefits of raising livestock organically. In this post, we celebrate and hope to raise awareness of the benefits of organic agriculture for everyone! What does “organic” mean? The National Organic Program (NOP) describes organic ag as an approach that seeks to understand how all parts of the system … 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
As many may have heard, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been found in dairy cattle in multiple states around the United States. Dairy cattle on a farm in Texas first showed unusual symptoms, including an unexpected drop in milk production, thick colostrum-like milk, and changes in manure consistency. On March 25, 2024, the United … Read more