As pinkeye season approaches, it’s time for beef and dairy producers to take preventive steps to control this contagious, costly disease. Pinkeye can negatively impact the production and overall health of your animals. Norm Stewart, D.V.M., M.S., Manager of Dairy Technical Services for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, offers best management practices for preventing pinkeye.

Tobacco is no longer quite the king of revenue for farmers but still makes a pretty good prince; export markets have surged in the last few years and it is still possible to achieve a reasonable income from a comparatively small farm. You will need the right soil, the right equipment, and know what obstacles you are facing and how to overcome them to maximize your returns.

Research trials indicate efficacy of popular deworming drugs are declining. Are parasites becoming resistant to dewormers? Two articles that touch base on these questions are now available.

• Southern Bull and Replacement Heifer Test Parasite Study - WVU Extension Service.pdf
• NCSU Research Uncovers Site-Specific Parasite Resistance in Beef Cattle

Haymaking is so much more than just cutting and baling. Cutting at the right time can make a huge difference in the protein levels of the hay. Your equipment needs to be right for the job and you also need to monitor the moisture levels of the hay. Taking a strategic approach to your haymaking can save you time and money.

Monday, March 15th on RFD-TV LIVE
Starting Time: 7 PM EST

Famers are always looking for new and better ways to nourish their crops. That’s why it’s time to break new ground with Wolf Trax^® DDP^® Fertilizer Coating Micronutrients.

Tune into RFD-TV Monday Night Live at 7pm EST for your chance to ask questions directly, and find out why Wolf Trax^® DDP^® Micronutrient technology is the bright idea that can light up your production and spark your profits.

While many horses are boarded, others live contentedly in their owner’s backyard. It’s easy to create a safe environment for your new horse with some forethought and effort.

Frost seeding, sometimes referred to as overseeding, is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to establish legumes in existing grass pastures. Frost seeding is simply broadcasting legume or grass seed on existing grass pastures in late winter or very early spring when the ground is still frozen. The best time to frost seed is usually from mid-February to the end of March.

Moving from the city to a small farm is the right choice for many families. Is farming life new to you? Some families mistakenly romanticize life in the country. Farming the land is hard work and involves financial risk. Smart novices consider not only their agriculture interests, but also their financial resources, attributes of their property and benefits of the crops they choose to plant.

TO MEMBERS AND PATRONS OF SOUTHERN STATES COOPERATIVE, INC.

Southern States Cooperative, Inc. requires Members and Patrons maintain a valid mailing address with the Cooperative at all times. Please view our Stock Records pages for more information.

Chances are you're growing a vegetable garden for the first time this year, or are expanding the varieties of vegetables you're planting in your existing garden. If so, we have the seeds and other things you need to get started and be successful from planning to canning. New this year are pages on our potato and onion varieties. There are also many heirloom variety vegetables listed throughout the guide.

$50 Off per ton or $1.25 Off per bag plus No-Payments/No-Interest* until June 30, 2010 on 40 Bags or More! See details.

Apples are good for you and the health benefits are numerous and include anything from lowering bad cholesterol to reducing the risk of cancer. An orchard is a lovely way to grow this tasty and healthy fruit, but it will take planning and time before you’re harvesting.

On January 20th, Mike Peacock and Dr. Jody Wade from Southern States Cooperative conducted a Cattle Care Webinar. It provided insightful information on beef health and nutrition during winter calving. If you missed the webinar, you can catch it again right here!

It’s a big decision to purchase a horse. With some research and thoughtful consideration, the experience can be a positive one for your family and the horse.

For the second time in the last three years, a Southern States feed mill has been named best in the nation. Barber Feed Mill, in Cleveland, North Carolina was designated Feed Mill of the Year for 2009 by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA). The Barber mill also won the award in 1998. This year’s honor marks only the second time in the 25-year history of the competition that a single mill has received the top award more than once.

On December 9th, Mike Nash and Dr. Lance Minnear from Southern States Cooperative conducted a Poultry Nutrition Webinar. It provided insightful information on the nutritional requirements of chickens in backyard conditions, as well as some management aspects of raising and caring for birds in the backyard environment. If you missed the webinar, you can catch it again right here!

Chickens are a fresh, nutritious source of home grown meat and eggs. The birds also provide teens and children with exhibition animals for county fairs. Chickens can be raised in rural, suburban and urban settings. However, check your local laws and zoning ordinances to see if keeping chickens is allowed, and if so, under what rules.