How-To Library

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.

If you're a pet owner, seeing your beloved animal in distress when you leave the house can be alarming. And, if your dog exhibits destructive behaviors while you are out, it can be more than a nuisance for you and your neighbors. If your pet is experiencing separation anxiety, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian on a specific course of action, but there are some general tips and strategies that can help both you and your pet cope.

It's a good idea to winterize your mower at the end of the season, so it will be ready for next spring. Not only is it fairly easy to do, but these few steps will extend the life of your machine as well.

From the moment we get them, our pets become part of our family. We promise to love them and take care of them forever. One day you look up and realize it has been forever, and your beloved pet is a senior. Transitioning into this new part of their life can be scary, but it can also be an enjoyable experience if it is met with patience and love. Whether it's a dog or a cat, the guidelines for senior pet care are much the same.

How much would you pay to help provide your family with added financial security after you are no longer around to support them? That price is likely well within your reach.

Farm transition planning isn't something many farm families want to discuss. The process that creates a blueprint for a farm's future is often an emotionally charged issue, especially when family farmers face the challenges of relinquishing control to the next generation.

Springtime on the farm is often the busiest, and, most dangerous, season of the year. To avoid accidents and injuries, take time before the planting season arrives to focus on safety. When it comes to safety, learn what to look for and what to know before you start planting.

There’s a lot happening around the world that’s applying downward pressure to revenue prospects for farmers. Inflation, logistical hurdles, rising energy and crop input prices at home and conflict overseas could all continue to contribute to the erosion offarm revenue potential.