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As pastures green up and temperatures rise, it’s important to reevaluate your livestock’s feed regimen. Whether you're raising cattle, goats, horses, chickens, or other farm animals, spring brings changes in forage availability, energy needs, and breeding cycles that should be reflected in your feed strategy. Here’s a quick guide to help you keep your animals healthy and productive this season: Cattle & Goats Grazing is in, hay is out – As pastures return, gradually transition livestock from hay to fresh forage to avoid digestive upset. Minerals matter – Provide free-choice mineral supplements to balance what fresh pasture may lack, especially...

Avian Influenza in Chickens and Why Biosecurity is Your Best Defense by Nancy Jefferson, Ph.D.   -- Poultry Nutritionist, Kalmbach Feeds Biosecurity is the only effective defense against avian influenza. There are no feed or water additives that prevent or treat the virus, so strict prevention practices are essential to protect your flock of poultry. What is Avian Influenza? Avian Influenza (AI) has been a major concern in the poultry industry for a number of years.  There are two primary strains of avian influenza – low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI).  Birds infected with Low Pathogenic AI may become ill, but they...

Spring is chick season, and bringing home new baby chicks is an exciting time for both new and experienced flock owners. The first few weeks are the most important for setting your chicks up for healthy growth and a strong start in life. With the right preparation, supplies, and care routine, your new flock can thrive during those critical early weeks. Here’s a simple guide to help you care for your chicks during their first eight weeks. Prepare a Safe and Comfortable Brooder Before bringing chicks home, you’ll need to set up a brooder — a warm, protected space where...

Azalea culture: A Southern love affair Written by Emily CabreraIllustrations by Lavi Astacio Takeaways Planting both evergreen and native azaleas can help extend seasonal color. Azaleas thrive in acidic, well-drained soil with organic matter, partial shade and consistent moisture, along with careful planting, mulching and pruning after bloom. UGA scientists are studying the genetics of native species to identify traits such as compact growth and heat tolerance, making them more practical for modern landscapes. Few plants embody the Southern garden quite like the azalea. Evergreen azaleas have long been a staple in home gardens, and each spring cultivated beauties brighten Georgia landscapes, from...