As we move into the new year, this is a time of reflection for farm and ranch families. A time to celebrate successes, acknowledge the difficulties, and plan for the new year. This reflection can allow for goal setting to be prioritized as well. It can be easy to talk about plans for the future … Read more
In June 2022, The Livestock Project introduced the first part of a continuing education series focused on organic and alternative animal health. As we come to the close of this year, we wanted to let you know the Overview courses are now widely available as downloadable PDFs and that we will have six new courses … Read more
As we head into winter, there are many considerations for livestock owners to make. Making preparations for winter can save you time, money, and stress. Depending on where you live, winter can be harsh on you and your livestock. Taking small steps to prepare can prevent unnecessary stress and difficulties. Check out a few tips … Read more
When considering animal care on farms, many farmers focus on nutrition, health, facilities, and other areas necessary for animal production. An area for you to consider when caring for your animals is how enrichment plays a large role in their health and welfare. Environmental enrichment is a way to enhance the physical and mental stimulation … Read more
While beekeeping is an endeavor that many can take on, but there are many important considerations to protect the bee’s safety and wellbeing. Some obvious reasons to consider beekeeping are fresh honey, beeswax, pollination of gardens and orchards, and a love of bees. Just like the organic production of meat, milk, and eggs, the production … Read more
For many, getting on the road with livestock in a trailer can be stressful. When it comes to accidents involving livestock, situations can easily become chaotic. Many who respond to these emergencies, such as police, firefighters, or EMS, have little to no livestock handling experience. Below are a few tips to aid in reacting to … Read more
One thing that many fear is the unexpected – especially when it could affect your farm and livestock. There are ways to prepare for a disaster and its aftermath. If you are a farmer or rancher looking to create one of those plans, check out some tips and resources below! Farm Information When planning for an … Read more
Organic and alternative livestock farmers often struggle to find veterinarians who practice non-conventional medicine. The Livestock Project recognizes the importance of giving a shout-out to veterinarians doing just that! This week, we would like to introduce you to Dr. Alaina Kringen-Scholtz (Dr. Lainie) of Twin Lakes Animal Clinic in Madison, South Dakota. Background Dr. Lainie … Read more
Spanish resources about common husbandry practices can be difficult to find for many farms with Hispanic managers or workers. Having resources readily available to your workers can be a huge benefit. Posting factsheets and protocols can make checking practices much easier. If you are looking to provide additional training to bilingual workers, check out the … Read more
For organic and alternative farmers, grazing animals is a large part of their feed program. Pasture is convenient and allows for diversified grazing of lands that may not be useful for raising crops. It is important to carefully manage your pastures to prevent overgrazing, soil depletion, and health problems. With proper care, your pastures can … Read more