The Livestock Project

Bed Bugs in Poultry

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Bed bugs, or Cimex lectularius, are becoming more common in poultry facilities. Whether it’s a large commercial chicken house or the kind many people have in their backyards, it’s important to know what to look for and how to address the problem. Species Bed Bugs Infest Most commonly, bed bugs infest humans. However, they have … Read more

Small Farms Animal Health Survey

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Lamb standing on a hill in brown grassy field.

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

Small-Scale Aquaculture

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Aquaculture is raising aquatic organisms, most commonly different species of fish. It is often considered an industry that requires significant water, supplies, and space. But it can be much simpler than that. This post describes the benefits of having your own aquaculture system and the supplies needed to get started. What are the Benefits of … Read more

September is organic month!

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Dairy herd on pasture

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

Stay Alert and Protect Your Farm from New World Screwworm

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Screwworm larva in an open wound on a deer leg

On the farm, arthropods like flies, mosquitoes, mites, and ticks can be more than a nuisance—they can carry diseases, damage hides and wool, and even cause death. You’ve probably heard about New World Screwworm (NWS) in the news. Once nearly eradicated from North America, NWS has been recently detected in Central America and Mexico. Northward … Read more

Biosecurity at the fair – 5 tips

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Two youth handling chickens at a fair exhibit

Steps to help protect livestock and poultry health Fairs are a great chance for youth to learn leadership, community, and real-world skills. The importance of biosecurity while showing animals during fair season cannot be stressed enough. Consider the following before heading to the fair this year. More important tips can be found below. Resources Bring … Read more

4-H: Growing the Next Generation of Farmers

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Closeup of 2 girls in green T-shirts, one holding a goat and the other leaning on a fence

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

my heart to greater loyalty,

my hands to larger service, and

my health to better living

for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

For more than 100 years, young people have recited the 4-H pledge. Rooted in values that promote growth, responsibility, and community engagement, 4-H has helped millions of kids develop leadership, confidence, and real-world skills.

Today’s 4-H members play an important role in shaping the agriculture industry’s future. As fewer children grow up on farms, programs like 4-H work to keep young people connected to the land and know where their food comes from.

4-H supports the agriculture industry by:

  • Introducing club members to careers in farming, agri-business, veterinary science, environmental management, and food production.
  • Helping club members explore agricultural challenges, such as sustainable farming and technological developments like precision agriculture.
  • Educating club members on new techniques in agriculture, like organic and alternative production methods.
  • Training club members as ambassadors for agriculture, focusing on the importance of farming and bridging the urban/rural gap.

Led by county extension offices and local clubs, 4-H is a development program for all youth. In addition to agriculture, club members can also learn about family and consumer sciences, creative arts, STEM, and personal development.

You can find 4-H alumni from all walks of life! There are sure to be some in your community. 4H alumni include US Presidents and first ladies, leaders of the Navaho nation, Nobel prize winners, artists, actors, writers, country music singers,  astronauts and more. List of 4-H alumni

Know someone interested in joining or supporting 4-H? Visit your local extension office or check out 4-H.org to learn how to get involved. Read more about 4-H project areas from Iowa State University Extension. Future Farmers of America (FFA) is a school-based program for high schoolers that is similar to 4-H. Check out the FFA website for more information.

Photo by UGA Extension – Fayette County

Pasture Management and Rotational Grazing

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White faced sheep with lambs travel down a path grazing.

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