Farm Help

Jeff May, a sales and technical services representative and poultry specialist with Dawe’s Laboratories who works from Lee’s Summit, Mo., said the key to management of pest control is management.

All livestock markets alter production practices through the years. One such change in the poultry industry is that large poultry houses that 20, 30 or 40 years ago were in full swing are now abandoned because of new standards that required new buildings to house the birds.

"This country began as an agrarian nation. We can learn so much from the history of barns and agricultural buildings – in short the history of agriculture,” said Bill Hart, president of the Missouri Barn Alliance and Rural Network. However, in recent decades, many barns (that were once a prime resource for the family farm) have become almost obsolete and thus run-down and completely subject to the elements with no repairs or improvements made.

Eggs are the universal standard for perfection of protein, cheap, pre-portioned in a biodegradable container, low in calories, versatile, easily digestible, yummy and convenient, nutrient dense, satisfying, quick (always thawed out) and you didn’t have to kill the chicken to get them.

Although recent rains have helped some Arkansas pastures recover from drought, Dr. John Jennings, University of Arkansas professor of animal science and Extension forage specialist said a lot of fields were grazed so heavily before the rain resumed, the cows left a lot of open space for weed populations to take over.

According to Susan Watkins, University of Arkansas extension poultry specialist, typical lights used for poultry grow-out are 60 watt incandescent bulbs along with 15 watt dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs. It is also common to see 100 watt incandescent bulbs or 23 and 26 watt compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) used as additional light for the brooding period to help give plenty of light to the chicks so they can find feed and water.

Since chickens have been domesticated for many years, providing a healthy and natural feeling environment is much easier than with other bird species. “So, with chickens, once this criteria is met, they must be provided a suitable diet and clean fresh water that will allow them to maintain a certain body weight,” said Keith Bramwell, associate professor and extension breeder with the hatchery management unit at the University of Arkansas’ Department of Poultry Science.

With the increased adaptation of grazing systems some innovative approaches to fencing have developed, as producers seek efficient and economical ways to temporarily section off fields.  Fortunately, there are a variety of options.

"Take your time and take pest management seriously because in the long run it will make you money,” emphasized Jerry Moyer with ClearView Enterprises in Arkansas.

The making of a good show
According to Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist and associate extension professional with the University of Missouri, livestock show committees or fair boards put in a lot of volunteer time planning and preparing for a livestock show.