You may not spend much time thinking about dung beetles. And honestly, that may be part of their charm. While you are busy managing livestock, checking fences, and worrying about the weather, these little bugs are quietly working in the pasture. They find manure, break it apart, move it underground, and use it for food … Read more
Raw milk can be complicated topic. Some people choose it because they like the taste, freshness, or the idea of a less-processed product. For small farmers, raw milk can also be part of the farm business. At the same time, raw milk and products made from it can carry foodborne illness risks. The goal is … Read more
Have you ever noticed an animal limping or seen a hoof that was swollen and looked painful? If so, you might be looking at foot rot, a painful infection caused by several different bacteria species, with a common one being Fusobacterium necrophorum, that affects livestock. It can affect the daily lives of livestock year-round and … Read more
Have you ever stood in the grocery store looking at meat, milk, or eggs and wondered what labels like natural, organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised, or regenerative really mean? If so, you’re not alone. Food labels can be confusing, and sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between marketing and meaningful standards. Many labels reflect good farming … Read more
Choosing the right animal for your farm is a big decision to make, and one that can have a lasting impact on your operation’s success. Whether you are expanding your herd, replacing livestock, or just starting out, it’s important to look beyond first impressions. Is the animal healthy? Will it meet your goals and serve … Read more
Droughts have always been part of farming and ranching, but many small livestock owners are experiencing longer, hotter, or more frequent dry periods than they remember from years past. Whatever the reason, drought can affect your pasture, your livestock, and your bottom line. The good news is that planning ahead can help reduce its impact … Read more
What are flight zones? Most small farmers know about the flight zone—an animal’s personal space that causes it to move away when someone gets too close. But knowing how to use the flight zone can make moving livestock easier, safer, and less stressful for both you and your livestock. Animal behavior expert Temple Grandin has … Read more
Farmers across the country are living the reality of the rural veterinary shortage. It’s something you feel when a call goes unanswered, when the nearest vet clinic is hours away, or when routine animal care turns into a logistical challenge. The shortage affects both new and experienced farmers, and it adds stress to an already … Read more
Have you ever wondered how diseases spread between animals—or even from animals to people? What if you could learn about that in a way that feels more like solving a mystery than sitting in a classroom? Blue Not Flu is a free, online learning program designed for school-age youth. It teaches important ideas about animal … Read more
Sometimes a newborn livestock baby just won’t nurse, and suddenly you’re the one on bottle duty! Whether a mom rejected her little one or a twin needs an extra boost, raising these bottle babies is a unique adventure full of wagging tails and 2:00 AM feedings. It might seem overwhelming at first, but with the … Read more