News

Feeding livestock through winter takes more than just having enough — it’s about keeping your feed fresh, safe, and nutritious. Poor storage or moisture exposure can quickly spoil feed, leading to waste and potential health problems. Here’s how to protect your investment and ensure your animals get the most out of every bite. 1. Store Hay the Right Way Keep hay dry and elevated off the ground on pallets or mats to prevent moisture damage. Cover stacks with tarps or store in a well-ventilated shed to reduce mold and nutrient loss. Regularly inspect bales for musty smells or discoloration. 2....

Feeding the overweight horse can be tough, but winter poses an even greater challenge with managing a delicate balance between providing enough energy to stay warm, yet not so much he is unable to shed those unwanted pounds. When considering the feeding program for your overweight horse, first take into consideration the forage type, quantity and frequency he is being fed. The overweight horse benefits most from grass hay over legume hay due to it’s reduced calorie content. Most overweight horses do best on grass hay with a ration balancer to provide balanced levels of necessary vitamins, minerals and amino...

It’s that time of year when everyone seems to be resolving to do things differently. Whatever that means to you, we are putting a horsey spin on resolutions as they relate to what we do with our equine partners and our activities around the barn. Here are some resolutions to consider if you’re trying to change things up for the New Year: Commit to a barn safety evaluation. Look around and identify things that need repair such as loose boards, nails protruding, broken crossties, or loose electrical outlets. This is also a great time to revisit or create your fire evacuation...

When the temperature drops, your animals feel the effects just as much as you do. Winter can be a challenging season for farmers and livestock owners — not just because of the cold, but because of the extra care animals need to stay healthy and productive. With a few smart management steps, you can help prevent stress, illness, and weight loss throughout the season. 1. Recognize Signs of Cold-Weather Stress Animals under cold stress often eat more but still lose weight, shiver, or become lethargic. Horses may stand hunched with their tails tucked, while cattle or goats might huddle closely...

Like all living things, chickens need water to thrive. But keeping your hens hydrated in winter can be a challenge when temperatures plummet. Consider these tips to keep the fluids flowing, even in the coldest climates. Above all, make sure your girls always have access to water that is fresh, clean and unfrozen. Why Water Matters Granted, chickens don’t drink as much water in winter. But abundant liquid water is essential for a variety of reasons. First is egg production. Lack of water…even for just a matter of hours…can throw off egg laying, which may already be comprised due to...