How-To Library

Now is the time to prepare your farm and livestock for the cold, winter temperatures ahead. Being prepared and having a winter emergency plan will reduce the number of sick animals and save money. Planning for and providing the basic needs - food, water and shelter, will help keep your animals healthy over the winter months.

Winter weather brings sharp winds and frigid temperatures that can be uncomfortable or even harmful to cats and dogs. Help protect your pet during the cold season with a few simple tips, and consider products like heated dog beds or water bowls to provide extra protection and comfort.

Spring is the season typically associated with new lambs and the birth of other animals around the farm. However, many farmers choose to breed ewes in the spring to produce lambs in the early fall months.

October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month - a time to recognize safety measures you should take to protect your equine operation. Whether your horse is kept in a stable or turned out in pasture, follow these practices and keep your horses' safety front of mind.

Hunting is more than simply spending time in the woods. Proper planning can make the difference between a successful trip or a futile hunting expedition. Here are ten things to consider before taking your next hunting trip.

One day it happens. The horse that you've shared a thousand miles and a heart full of dreams with is ready for retirement. Regardless of the scenario your horse deserves the best possible outcome. There are several options and here are a few of our best leads.

It is a good idea to spend a little time thinking about possible trail emergencies and how you might deal with them.

As the days become shorter and light levels drop, those of us who enjoy keeping chickens on our property may notice a significant decrease in their egg production. The cooler temperatures and lack of daylight send signals to our layers that it's time to rest and conserve energy for springtime and can cause them to molt. Two glands are responsible for triggering this change: the hypothalamus, which regulates growth and reproduction, and the pineal gland, which controls the circadian rhythm. The key to keeping your layers producing throughout the winter months is to keep them warm, fed, and happy with a little extra care.

It's important to maintain your string trimmer so that it will be ready when you need it. The lawn experts at Southern States have some advice for string trimmer care to keep your trimmer performing its best.

Your dog is what your dog eats. Our how-to article provides helpful tips to choosing the right food for your dog, from puppy to senior dog. Talk to your local vet or browse the ingredients in our dog foods.

Cats are delightful companions, highly intelligent, and very inquisitive. Over time your cat should adopt and adapt to its new surroundings. However, the first few weeks of introduction could instill dangerous and destructive habits that may be hard to break. Evaluate your home from a cat's point of view and take away the hazards to your cat and to your home. Curiosity needn't kill the cat.

We all work hard to maintain our lawns and keep our grass looking healthy and happy. A great tool for doing just that is a well maintained lawn mower. Caring for your mower and supporting gardening tools will make your job of frequent mowing easier and keep your lawn looking fresh and green.