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 purchasing decision.…
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 challenging with the continuously changing environmental…
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 concern…
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 the laws for…
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 originated from calves presented…
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 of cattle moving…
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,…
Homemade Hydraulic Ram Pump for Livestock Water
One of the more challenging aspects of developing pasture and grazing land is providing access to a reliable water supply for livestock. In some cases, existing streams, creeks, or ponds provide drinking water for the…
Pasture/Hayfield Weed Control Timing Chart
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 a pasture or hayfield. These weaknesses may include…
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 to determine the nutrient levels in…