How-to
How-To Library
Preventing Grass Tetany In Cattle
Livestock
Unfortunately sometimes the first sign of a grass tetany is finding dead cows in your pasture. Grass Tetany can strike quickly, leaving the animal dead within hours of the onset of symptoms, making detection and treatment that much more difficult. In the battle against grass tetany it’s best to try to prevent it rather than treat it.
10 Tips for Pasture Management
Livestock
As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop it’s time to take a moment and evaluate your pastures. While proper pasture management is a yearlong endeavor, fall is an excellent time to give your pastures some extra TLC in an effort to maximize their productivity come spring. Here are 10 things you can do right now to get your pastures ready for cold weather and improve spring growth.
Fall Pasture Management Checklist
Livestock
If desired grasses and legumes have perished due to drought or thinned as a result of normal summer use consider overseeding. Overseeding replenishes the stand of grass and legumes within an existing pasture area.
Rotational Grazing
Livestock
Rotational grazing allows you to provide fresh pasture to your livestock at all times. Large pastures are sectioned off into smaller parcels using either permanent or temporary fencing. These new smaller pastures are grazed intensively for a short period of time. Animals are then moved to the next pasture that is ready for grazing and the pasture they were moved from is given time off to allow grass to regrow.
Fertilizing Pasture in the Fall
Livestock
Fall is a great time to evaluate the condition of your cool-season pastures and apply fertilizer as needed. Fall fertilization will increase tillering, shoot branching, winter survival and overall plant density per square foot. First, test your soil and determine its pH.
Preparing Your Livestock Farm For Winter
Livestock
Now is the time to prepare your farm and livestock for the cold, winter temperatures ahead. Being prepared and having a winter emergency plan will reduce the number of sick animals and save money. Planning for and providing the basic needs – food, water and shelter, will help keep your animals healthy over the winter months.