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Feeding and Managing the Spring Lamb by Jeff Kaufman, Ph.D., PAS Lambing can happen in different seasons, but spring lambing falls around Easter and can add some additional excitement to the official ending of winter. When born in the spring, lambs thrive due to the mild temperatures and the fast-growing quality pastures. Similarly, the lambs are also growing fast, so their nutrition needs to focus on their growth and also their health. That fast growth means they have a high requirement for energy and protein in their diet, and a well-managed pasture with other diet considerations for these lambs is important for...

There’s nothing more rewarding (or adorable) than raising chicks in the springtime. Whether you’re expanding your flock or starting fresh, May is the perfect time to raise healthy, happy backyard chickens. Here’s your chick-raising checklist to make sure you have everything you need: Brooder Setup Brooder box – A plastic tote, livestock trough, or chick brooder works great Heat source – Use a brooder heat plate or heat lamp (with safety precautions) Thermometer – Keep temps around 95°F the first week, lowering weekly by 5°F Feed & Water Starter feed – Choose a chick-specific crumble with high protein (18–20%) Waterers...

Spring is the perfect time to prepare your garden and pasture for a season of strong growth and abundant harvests. Proper soil care, the right fertilizer, and selecting quality seeds can make all the difference in your pasture’s yield and your garden’s success. Whether you're growing crops, raising livestock, or simply maintaining a backyard garden, here are the essential steps to get your land ready for spring. 1. Start with a Soil Test Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden or pasture. Testing your soil before planting helps you understand its pH levels, nutrient content, and any deficiencies...

As winter's chill gives way to the warmth of spring, horse owners eagerly anticipate the shift in seasons. However, this change also brings about adjustments in equine care routines. Navigating the transition from winter to spring is crucial for maintaining the health and happiness of our beloved four-legged friends. In this blog, we'll explore the seasonal changes that impact horses and provide insights on safely guiding your equine companion through the blossoming days of spring. 1. Understanding the Seasonal Shift: Spring brings changes in temperature, daylight hours, and forage availability. Understanding how these factors influence your horse's metabolism and behavior...

Foxtail is a culprit and invades forages in the summer months.  To effectively control the grassy weed in cool season perennial grasses such as fescue, a pre-emergent herbicide protocol must start in Georgia in mid to late February. Using a pre-emergent spray application for foxtail control in fescue, annual foxtail can be effectively managed with Prowl H2O. Here’s the recommended approach: First Application: Apply 3 quarts per acre in mid-February. It's critical to have at least ½ inch of rainfall within 36-48 hours after application to activate the pre-emergent barrier. Follow-Up Applications: Apply 2 quarts per acre every 75-90 days. The greater the rainfall, the closer to the 75-day mark the application should be...