Deworming is something all small ruminant producers face, but with so many trade names on the market, it's sometimes a surprise to realize that there are only three classes of active ingredients. Using an active ingredient that works on your farm can help overcome parasite challenges, and knowing which trade name falls into which class can help you make smart purchasing decisions.

Research indicates that feeding cattle on a later schedule can delay overnight calvings, but in sheep and goats, later feedings can cause them to give birth in the wee hours.

Spring is one of the busiest times of the year on a farm. Even if things are busy, keep health and safety to the forefront of what you do.

While coccidia is a common financially damaging parasite in small ruminants, early identification and environmental management can help reduce its effects.

Amy Barkley is heading a project that explores the development of whole farm internal parasite IPM programs across the region. We're looking for farmers to participate from Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Participants receive one-on-one support to develop a whole farm IPM program as well as free fecal egg count tests, multiple FAMACHA exams, and 5-Point Checks on all animals on their farm. 

It takes a whole lot to produce a dozen eggs! Now's a great time to evaluate your costs so that you can charge a fair price that still enables you to make a profit.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Contact your local FSA office for more information.

Unfortunately, euthanasia is a decision every farmer has to make. This article stresses the need for clear euthanasia protocols, proper staff training, and emotional support for farmers making these difficult decisions.

For those who are calving, lambing, and kidding this time of year, frost bite on the youngsters is a real concern. The good news is that while we can't control Mother Nature, we can manage around the worst weather to help reduce the risk of frostbite and assist animals that are affected.

As the daylight hours fade and start to increase again over the next month, we're going to start seeing the first lambs and kids of the season born. Now's the time to check your lambing or kidding kit inventory to restock, replace out-of-date supplements and antibiotics, and mentally prepare for the upcoming season! 

Ticks dying during a harsh winter is a widely held belief, but observations and research indicate that they can survive extended periods of cold and snow. Instead, the winter conditions just slow the spread of populations to new areas and put a damper on the expansion of existing populations.

Every farm, regardless of size, that handles animal waste must be prepared to manage a manure-handling emergency. While prevention is the best strategy to reduce the risk of this type of emergency, not all manure spills can be prevented; therefore, a written emergency action plan should be developed for every farm. This article highlights the components in an emergency action plan and their importance.