How-To Library

Whether a farmer needs to build a new fence, repair a damaged one or replace an old structure, farm fencing can be costly. Planning ahead helps not only the farmer’s budget, but also ensures the fence is constructed properly for the needed purpose.

Feeding birds in the fall and winter months can be a great benefit to migrating birds as food supplies run low in winter weather. Keeping the birds safe from cats and other predators and helping them to avoid hitting your windows become higher priorities when there is less leaf cover. Making sure they have access to unfrozen water does too. Check out these tips for wintertime feeder placement, window collision avoidance and feed recommendations.

Regardless of age or level of riding expertise, most anyone can trail ride. However, there is more to trail riding than just getting on a horse and heading out on a trail to explore. Preparation is key to having an enjoyable trail ride experience. Before you begin your adventure, make sure both you and your horse are fit for the conditions that may be present on the trail.

For livestock owners with cattle, sheep, goats or chickens, a large-animal or food-animal veterinarian can be hard to find. In many areas of the United States, fewer and fewer livestock veterinarians are finding themselves covering larger and larger territories.

If you own or lease a horse, chances are you have your veterinarian's phone number either memorized or on speed dial. Caring for a horse means it's not a matter of if you will ever have to call the vet to treat your sick or injured horse, but when. We all want the best possible care for our horses, here's how you can be a great customer for your vet

During wintertime, mud on a farm is inevitable and can cause a plethora of problems the longer it is around. From pasture issues to health problems with your cattle, mud can become a disaster. With some helpful tips, you can better preserve the condition of your pasture and make sure your bovine friends stay in perfect health through the winter months.

When determining the best fence for farm applications, consider what it is to be used for, its materials and construction. Other factors include the cost to build and maintain it, as well as how long it will be in service.

Fall and winter are traditionally the toughest seasons for animals that spend the majority of their time outside. For farmers there are choices to be made as to just how many and which beef or dairy cattle that they want to carry through the winter.

Whether you are a new hobby farmer looking to raise a few head of cattle or an experienced livestock farmer thinking about replacing your rusty barbed wire fence, electric fencing may work for you. Before you decide, here are ten things you need to know about electric fencing.

Maintaining a backyard flock offers great rewards, but it’s not always easy to keep your chickens stress-free — especially when they’re young. Understanding the environmental, nutritional and pest threats your chicks may encounter and knowing how to react to these challenges will ensure your chicks grow to be healthy, producing hens.

As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop it’s time to take a moment and evaluate your pastures. While proper pasture management is a yearlong endeavor, fall is an excellent time to give your pastures some extra TLC in an effort to maximize their productivity come spring. Here are 10 things you can do right now to get your pastures ready for cold weather and improve spring growth.

Cold temperatures can place stress on our horses as they deal with shorter days, temperature fluctuations, rain, snow and mud. By developing a winter feed management plan you can help reduce the effects of winter weather on your horse(s).