Principles of Feeding a Healthy Horse
Feeding programs may vary considerably among South Carolina horse owners, but nutrition fundamentals should remain the same. The base for all horse diets should be quality forage with more...
Category: Livestock
A Guide to Buying Local Beef
Buying local beef can be a challenge for local businesses and consumers alike. Because farmers are familiar with their product, they may not realize how much information new customers need to make a...
Equine Pasture Management
A productive pasture that is diverse with forage species that are appropriate for South Carolina’s climate provides an economical and practical source of nutrition. Achieving healthy pastures can be...
Mud Management for South Carolina Livestock Farmers
Mud is a universal issue among all species of livestock, and South Carolina’s mild winters and heavy rainfall contribute to its abundance. While mud is not unique to winter, it is usually a greater...
Direct Marketing of Beef, Pork, or Lamb: Is This an Opportunity for You?
Direct marketing of livestock products is a venture that can provide additional income if done correctly. There are four key steps involved in this type of marketing: (1) identify your market and...
Rotavirus, Coronavirus, E. coli K99, and Cryptosporidium in South Carolina Calves, 2012-2016
The prevalence of rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli K99, and Cryptosporidium parvum were determined in fecal samples from 2012 to 2016 in young beef and dairy calves from South Carolina farms. Samples...
COVID-19 Impacts on Cattle Markets
In this time of uncertainty, every market is feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Carolina cattle markets are being negatively impacted both in the cash and futures markets. The volume...
Body Condition Scoring in Beef Cattle, Is It Important?
People may argue what the key to success is for a cow-calf operation, but most believe a cow giving birth to a healthy calf every year is a defining characteristic of success. Herd health, mineral,...
Pasture / Hayfield Weed Control Timing Chart
Effective Weed Control The most effective weed control strategy is to maintain thick, healthy forage stands. Weeds are plants of opportunity and will utilize any weakness to establish themselves in...
Solid Manure Spreader Calibration
Animal manure contains nutrients required for plant growth and has been utilized as a fertilizer source for millennia. Efficient utilization of animal manure requires (1) a manure nutrient analysis...
Pregnancy Determination in Beef Cattle
Pregnancy diagnosis is a valuable tool to identify open (non-pregnant) cattle. Non-pregnant cattle need to be identified as soon as possible after the breeding season so that management decisions...
Estrous Synchronization in Heifers
Significant genetic improvements can be achieved through artificial insemination (AI), and AI has greatly enhanced the US cattle industry. Slow adoption of AI by beef producers has been well...
Steps to Successful Reproductive Management in Beef Cattle
Reproduction is a critical aspect of any species’ life cycle and plays a major role in food animal production. Since the implementation of artificial insemination (AI) in the beef cattle industry,...
Depth Control for Sweatless Soil Sampler
Proper Soil Sampling Soil testing provides farmers with the current nutrient and pH status of their soils and also provides fertilizer and lime recommendations based on the crop to be grown in that...
Controlled Breeding and Calving Season
Establishing a controlled breeding and calving season that works best with your operation is vital to the profitability and sustainability of your cattle business. A part-time farmer’s operations...