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Weaning can be a stressful time for calves, but by starting on a transitional feed that is designed to get calves eating when their appetite is reduced can help their long-term performance. Research conducted by Oklahoma State University says that newly received calves can have low intake with lower requirements for protein. However, calves with severely depressed intake probably have greater protein needs. One way to mitigate any issues when transitioning calves on feed can be to have a proper transitional formula. Consider the amount of protein, energy, vitamins and trace minerals they may need. Transitional feeds are very palatable...

Socialization is the process of preparing a puppy to be comfortable with interactions with people, other dogs, other species and the outside world. Ideally this should take place during the sensitive period between 3 and 14 weeks of age. This is the period when puppies benefit most from exposure to new or strange stimuli and they show a willingness to explore and play with little fear when encountering new people, animals, objects and experiences. Puppies deprived of these experiences will have a significantly increased risk of developing into adults with fear, aggression and arousal issues. The idea being to stop...

Everyone knows the value of recycling, but the more creative the recycling down on the farm, the more farmers can save both money and materials by meeting their equipment needs in unique and sustainable ways. Compost Composting is the easiest and most familiar type of farm recycling. Any biodegradable waste – manure, food scraps, soiled livestock bedding, decaying plants, etc. – can become useful compost that will fertilize crops and keep soil healthy and productive. Composting can also be done on a much smaller scale for personal use in the yard or garden, with equal benefits for personal gardens and...

Spring is the busiest season of all on the farm, and understanding spring farm tasks is the first step in being ready to tackle each one for a productive and prosperous season. In spring… Snow melts and fields and roads flood.Moisture is essential for seeds to sprout and crops to grow, but the deluge of moisture in spring can wash out roads and flood fields. Inspecting roads and pathways for appropriate drainage is essential, and livestock should be examined so they do not suffer from moisture-related food trouble. Weather warms and animals are turned outside.After a long winter indoors, livestock...

The sun is shining is and the weather is only getting warmer. As summer begins to heat up it’s time to start thinking healthy by eating green and growing your favorite vegetables. Let’s put the phrase ‘farm to table’ to good use by creating a vegetable garden in your own backyard. Now I know my favorite vegetables may not be yours, but in this article I will pick from personal experience some general favorites that are easy to grow. The first vegetable is a very common one. You always hear people talking about them and how excited they are to...