What is in this article?:
- 18 Resolutions to Improve Farming Practices in 2013
- Forage and Economic Resolutions
- Livestock resolutions
More About:
Livestock resolutions
Ron Lemenager, Extension beef specialist
13. Resolve to take feed samplesand have them analyzed for nutrient content. "Work with a nutritionist to formulate rations that will minimize cost and optimize performance."
14. Resolve to adjust rations for cold stress, to minimize losses in weight and body condition. "For each 10° drop in wind chill factor below 30° F, the maintenance energy requirements increase by 13% for cows in moderate body conditioned with a dry, winter hair coat and 30% for thin cows or cows with a wet or summer hair coat."
15. Resolve to create a business planof where you want to go and how you plan to get there. "It can help not only when you go to the bank for a loan, but also when the IRS does an audit."
Brian Richert, Extension swine specialist
16. Resolve to closely monitor your feeding program, since feed is 70% of your swine costs. "This includes sticking to your feed budgets, being vigilant in your feeder adjustments, monitoring your feed particle size and analyzing your feed ingredients. Analyzing your feed ingredients is critical when you feed more byproducts with their increased variability, and with a bad growing season this year even our corn and soybean meal needs to be analyzed."
17. Resolve to collect and use records."You should be culling the lowest-producing females, monitoring drug use, conducting timely euthanasia and evaluating all your costs across all phases of production."
18. Resolve to re-evaluate vaccination and medication plans."Meet with your herd veterinarian to ensure they are meeting your herd's health needs."
Other crop and livestock management tips are available at Purdue's Agricultural Producers information page.
