This HayTalk conversation looks at the drought an impacts to agriculture, especially livestock.
Hot and More Hot The weather is hot and that causes many problems for livestock producers. Animal heat stress, low water, and plant toxicity are just some of the risks. This HayTalk shares some of the issues and solutions.
Grazing systems need to take into account the health of the pastures and plants, the weather, and the stress levels of the livestock.
Which Grazing System? How do you best serve your herds with the grass, hay and forage you have for the season? This HayTalk chat looks at the various approaches and what is good/bad about them.
Making hay, summer time, and people = How stories get made. What happens on your farm or ranch when you rake, bale, or feed hay?
Hay Making Stories Making hay, summer time, and people = How stories get made. What happens on your farm or ranch when you rake, bale, or feed hay? This recent HayTalk shares some of these stories.
Without a plan, your forage options for when things go wrong are very limited. What is your plan?
Have You A Forage Plan? When you need forage is not the time to start planning for it. Now is the time to take into account outcomes from prior years, look at forecasts, update your livestock plans, and review your finances. Then tackle some of the farm production activities to see how forage options can be extended or modified to buy time if needed. Key is having some backup plans for when the weather does not cooperate!
Do you have the right fencing? Will the cows stay or will they go?
Fencing DesignFencing is key to keeping your livestock around. The type and style of the fencing are some aspects to consider when adding or upgrading fencing. This HayTalk chat covers some of the details.
Equipment, Tools & Accessories Raising hay requires equipment. All kinds of equipment. And tools! This HayTalk shares thoughts and opinions on equipment and tool for 2012 and favorites amongst farmers and ranchers.
What Are Your Grazing Management Actions? Grazing Management is a constant activity. In your grazing system do you rest your pastures? If so, how long is this rest period? Or, Where do you find info/resources to learn more about grazing management? This HayTalk chat helps highlights the things you need to look out for.
While we all like the warmer weather sooner than later, the insects love this too. And they have things on their mind other than the beach.
Forage Pests The mild late winter weather might be good for general outdoor activity but it also means more insects and bugs. For those that grow hay, forage, and other corps, this keeping an eye out on the insect population. This HayTalk conversation shares some of the activity some farmers are taking.
Winter can be rough on you and livestock if you are not ready. Are you?
Winter Livestock Care and Forage Management How are you faring the winter weather so far? Are abnormal weather patterns affecting area operations? Winter can be a challenging time and knowing how to handle them before they occur can save time and livestock lives. This #HayTalk Twitter chat bring together some experts to help you handle the season.