Farm Help

In January, the price of eggs exploded in California. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) says in October, the price of eggs in Southern California was 12 cents above the price in New York City; by early January, the spread had widened to $1. ERS said the likely reason was California’s chicken cage size regulations, which took effect at the start of this year. Adopted by voters in 2008, it was amended in 2010 by the state legislature so the requirement would cover all eggs sold in California, including those brought in from other states.

Milk and dairy product merchandisers are prodding producers to switch to polled breeds at the encouragement of animal welfare groups who believe dehorning to be inhumane.

Someone new to the business of raising sheep or goats or an old pro can benefit from advance planning. Steve Jones, Associate Professor of Livestock at University of Arkansas Extension in Little Rock offers some practical advice for the coming months.

For a new producer wanting to start a herd there are many questions.

When it comes to selecting a farm building contractor, the best advice may come from the “Great Communicator” himself – President Ronald Reagan, who was fond of using the phrase, ‘Trust, but verify.”

For horse owners, laminitis or founder can be tragic. “Many of these horses are eventually euthanized due to the chronic pain and the permanent deformity of their hooves” Dr. Heidi Ward, Arkansas Extension veterinarian.