Summary Well-managed pastures are Always the Best Crop for the environment, for the grazing animal, and for you. A well- managed pasture is a dense, healthy crop of grass and legumes that can provide a security blanket for the land, good nutrition for the animal, and more money in your pocket. Achieving a well- managed…
Summary If farm animals spend any part of the year in barns, stalls, pens, loafing areas, or feeding areas, you will need to deal with manure from those areas. What do you think about that manure? Do you view it as an asset? Or, do you see that pile as being a liability? This fact…
Summary Good stewardship is important for everyone, including small- scale farmers. Using best management practices can protect the environment. These practices can also improve the health and well-being of your animals and increase your farm’s profits. The first step is to evaluate your farm. By adopting management practices suited to it, you can protect your…
Introduction As a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Final Rule, CAFO owners may be required to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Part of the process includes developing and implementing a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). At a minimum, a NMP must include Best…
Introduction A pasture-based operation is generally not required to obtain an NPDES permit. However, if the operation includes a confinement area, this part of the operation may be considered an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO). Discharges to surface or ground waters from the confinement area could trigger designation as a CAFO. Washington has no specific requirements…
Introduction Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) are agricultural operations where animals are housed, fed, and cared for in barns or other confined space. Nationwide, it is estimated there are over 450,00 AFOs. The vast majority of these operations do not confine enough animals to meet the definition of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) as defined in the…
Author: Jim Gerrish, formerly Assistant Professor, University of Missouri – Plant Science Unit *Presented at the 2003 Washington State Graziers’ Conference; October 30, 2003As the cost of producing hay continues to escalate, the importance of extending…
Raising quality livestock for junior fairs and shows requires a combination of a good feeding, animal health program and overall management. These programs should not be treated as separate subjects, particularly when feeding market lambs. When you have a market project animal, you must also remember you are raising a food animal and your goals should…
SHOWMANSHIP: EXPECTATIONS Showmanship: Showmanship can be defined by an effective presentation of your lamb. You are judged on your ability to: Control your lamb Present your lamb Bring out its best characteristics Show out the faults of your lamb so they are less obvious to the judge MAKE YOUR LAMB LOOK ITS BEST Knowledge of…
Many shows around the country require market lambs to be shown in a fleece no longer than one-fourth inch and uniform in length over the entire body, with the exception of the lower legs (below the hocks and knees) and the top of the head and face, which may be longer. The main reason for…