Farm & Ranch

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2022

NTFR

Spring is definitely in the air and what a welcome sight it will be when green grass returns. It seems, as I age, winters last longer and are colder. While this is probably not the case, winters seem to roll around pretty quickly every year and my feed costs continue to go up.

March is when we want the last of our spring calves born each year so they are old enough to take advantage of their momma’s abundant milk and the best 120 days of pastures we normally see each year. Spring is also when we want to get the mommas rebred during this super forage time while also realizing that a cow’s mineral requirement is probably at its peak just prior to calving and for the next 60 to 90 days until she’s rebred. What is a good mineral? While it may depend on your area of the country, for us, it is a good, balanced mineral; i.e., calcium, phosphorous, loose, and feed free choice. A trace mineral salt block is not a good, complete mineral. Your local feed supplier can probably help you make the right decision for your part of the word. Most, if not all feed companies, have a high-quality product available.

To read more pick up a copy of the March 2022 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

5 days ago

April 21, 2024

NTFR

By Barry Whitworth, DVM

Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.

Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.

The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.

To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.