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Do you know the fiber level in your current feeding program? If you don’t, you are not alone. Few horse owners can answer that question, and even fewer understand why it might be important or where fiber comes from. The first and foremost source of fiber in a horses’ diet is their roughage, or hay, source. Secondary to that is what is present in any supplemental grain sources. First of all, let’s define what fiber is: Fiber is a measure of the plant cell wall, or the structural portions that give the plant support. Main components of fiber are the...

There comes a time in every chicken’s life (usually around 14 – 18 months old) where they start to lose all their feathers, look gangly and downright ugly. But don’t be alarmed! This is a natural process that occurs annually. This process is called molt. What is molt? Molt is the natural shedding of feathers and regrowth of new ones. This usually happens in the fall as day length shortens. It is the chickens way to refresh old feathers and grow new ones for the coming winter. Molt happens in an expected order, starting at the head, down the back, breast and...

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...

We all love to walk with our dogs. It is a great way to get exercise and to bond with your pet. However, some of us live in places where dogs cannot always get the exercise they need due to city living or small backyards. There are also many dogs that need more intense exercise than they can get just by walking. For most of us, running for a couple of miles with the dog is out of the question. The solution - consider biking with your dog. This way of spending time with your dog is becoming more and...

Goats can be a delightful, productive and profitable addition to your small farm. To make the most of goats, however, you have to be prepared to meet their needs. Is your farm ready for goats? Why You Need Goats If you don't have goats on your farm, you're missing out on a wide range of profitable opportunities. Different goat breeds can produce differently to meet your personal or commercial interests, with options including… Milk, meat and cheese for consumption or sale Fleece and hides for sale Fertilizer from goat feces Offering goats for commercial brush clearing services Opportunities to rent...