Farm Help

Many considerations can go into the decision of when to wean calves, and they can all affect your bottom line.

There are several challenges for the dairy industry when it comes to getting consumers to understand how dairy can be a healthy part of their balanced diet.

During this hectic time of year, it’s important for producers to keep their equipment — and themselves — in good shape.

Placing two or more bulls in the same breeding pasture creates both efficiencies and problems. Dr. Robert Wells, a consultant with the Samuel R. Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla., said the practice is common, especially for larger herds in a commercial situation. “It’s easier to manage your operation when you’ve got less breeding units and more animals in the same pasture,” Wells told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor.

Automatic section controls (ASC) are the latest of a suite of technological devices that can help farmers use crop inputs more precisely for the maximum return. Although the devices can be expensive, farmers say rising production costs are making the equipment increasingly attractive.

Water is an essential part of cattle production and pasture management. Under the recent drought conditions, the game of getting your cattle to water was completely changed. No longer could cattle simply be moved between pastures and paddocks where various sources of water were, because ponds had dried up, and streams were low, often at levels never seen before.

Direct marketing livestock is a popular outlet producers are evaluating for their farm operations, but entering this type of venture requires substantial research. Although a producer might gain more profit from direct marketing livestock, they will wear a variety of hats in the process.