How-To Library

Stay ahead of fire hazards on your dairy farm with these steps
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the official insurance and financial services provider of your Cooperative. Fire is a universal hazard on today’s dairy farms, whether large or small. Even the smallest equipment malfunction, spark in a haystack or...
Read now
Improve dairy farm insurability by addressing these five claim risks
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, your approved insurance and financial services company. Today’s dairy farms face significant risks that can lead to costly insurance claims. Adding to the challenge, fewer insurance carriers are willing to work with dairy...
Read now
Harnessing manure: Digesters transform waste into sustainable on-farm energy
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.* Energy is a major expense on just about every farm in the U.S. And in most sectors of agriculture, environmental concerns are ratcheting up....
Read now
Tips for combatting winter lice in beef cattle
Keep lice at bay in your cattle herd with these tips for implementing a strategic lice control program. At a glance Lice are an ongoing problem in beef cattle, especially in winter and cold climates, robbing cattle of performance. Choosing...
Read now
Improve cattle performance with effective fly control
At a glance Pasture cattle in nearly all parts of the country are plagued with both face flies and horn flies. Fly control for cattle works best when approached from more than one targeted control point (TCP). When it comes...
Read now
Winterizing Your Barn
Fall is here and itâ€™s time to start thinking about winterizing your barn.
Read now
Alleviating Heat Stress In Chickens
High temperatures and humidity cause heat stress in chickens, reduce broiler production & increase mortality rates. Here are the signs of an over-heated chicken and tips for managing heat stress in your poultry flock.
Read now
Cleaning Chicken Coops
If you have chickens on your farm or even in your backyard, you know how messy they can be! Regular cleaning and maintenance of your chickens can include cleaning droppings, replacing nesting materials, and removing dirt and discarded feathers, but it is also important to deep clean your chicken coops and runs periodically to keep your flock healthy and happy.
Read now
What To Expect With Your First Chicken Eggs
It's an exciting time when your hens have reached maturity and are ready to lay eggs. Most hens start to lay eggs around the age of 4 to 6 months although the time can actually vary depending on the breed and the time of year. As a first-time chicken owner, what can you expect with your first eggs? Southern States has the answers to your questions here.
Read now
Educating Your Children About Your Chickens
Backyard flocks can teach children about responsibility and where food comes from, but children must understand that there is a potential health risk associated with handling chickens.
Read now
When Chickens are Missing Feathers
It can be a bit unsettling when you notice one or more of your chickens are missing feathers. There can be many reasons for it. We have some helpful tips for understanding why your chickens may be losing feathers and solutions you can try to remedy the problem.
Read now
Protecting Chickens from Predators
Whether you’re in an urban environment or surrounded by acres of land, other critters may want to cash in on the hard work you’re putting into raising chickens. Here are some tips for coop construction and care that will help keep predators at bay.
Read now