First blog I’ve ever done in my life so bare with me. A lot of ideas aroused in my mind about what to blog about but the fact that ranching and cattle are always on my mind so why not help others out with tips and ideas that I have. This blog is more so aimed for the first time farmers/ranchers who are trying to get their own spread started but haven’t a clue on feeding habits, how to treat sicknesses or how to conserve and save while getting good results from the animals you are feeding. Animals depend on us when it comes down it. Equally grazing a field, checking minerals, and having the right groceries they need to do a good job raising their young, so don’t take the business lightly they need to eat and stay healthy just as you do. I say this but if it comes down to it where your struggling to make the bills and put bread on the table you should consider selling before it gets too bad. Family first!
Supposively “the winter is going to be a bad one”, says the old timers in the in the community. Due to the rapid cool offs we have had and the couple of years since we have had a harsh winter, it could very well play out to be a dusey of a winter! (4)
(1)
Tips on getting the farm ready-(2)
Having hay stored up for the winter to feed your livestock is a fairly cheap way to feed in the winter. Hay being high in protein and nutrients it is a good ration for those winter months that can get very harsh. Alfalfa hay is a very good source for the minerals and extra protein you need. I know that in recent winters my Dad has found alfalfa hay very cheap because it was the older cut from the first of the summer. Cheap is always a good thing in the cattle market! The less expenses you have in the animal you’re feeding, means more money in your pocket when you sell it! Not too long ago a type of molasses came out for cattle that were the by-products of ethanol, the product had tons of fat and proteins that gave the cow energy and the groceries it needed for the cold winter days, this product was also fairly cheap!
Also a little tip, when you put your hay bales out, putting the bales in a draw or behind trees opposite that the wind is blowing will help keep cattle out of the wind which will help them burn their energy on producing milk for the calf rather than using extra to stay warm. A lot of times farmers/ranchers have trouble finding hay to feed, but there is always hay that you can feed! If you’re having trouble finding hay just ask the feed store workers where you buy feed or look in the news papers. There is always someone selling hay. A few sources that will keep you up to date on the latest cattle trends also all of the new and in-proved cattle feeds/medicines are Drovers journal and whatever (state you’re in )monthly cattle-men’s journal also farm bureau almanac. Well until next time “good farming!”
Reference-
1) (Aug 30)Picture retrieved from wildwhiteclouds.com
2) (Sept 1st)Hobbyfarms.com, The right nutrition and cheap ways to do it
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crops-and-gardening/hay-feeding-14792.aspx (Thomas, HST. (n.d.). Hay and feeding advice for farmers. Retrieved from http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crops-and-gardening/hay-feeding-14792.aspx )
3) (Sept 1st) Farm bureau, . (n.d.). Farm bureau. Retrieved from http://www.arfb.com/
4). (Sept 1st) Weather forecast http://www.dryday.com/
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