9 Reasons to Have Backyard Chickens

The trend toward raising backyard chickens has grown quickly over the past few years. Here are some reasons why… People want to become more self-sufficient and take part in the local-eating movement. A handful of egg-laying hens allows you to participate without...

4 Tips to Winterize Your Barn

Help your livestock stay comfortable inside from harsh weather outside by winterizing your barn. A preparedness checklist to create a weathertight shelter should include… 1. General Maintenance Fix holes, repair loose rafters, make sure the doors are working...

Control Internal Parasites in Your Chickens

Chances are pretty good your chickens have intestinal parasites, but it’s nothing to fret about — if you keep them in check. Whether your chickens are confined or are free-range, they get parasites simply by doing what chickens do — pecking at the ground in search of...

Essential Oils: Helping Your Animals Stay Healthy

Using essential oils for health and wellness may seem to be the latest trend, but it’s hardly new. Since ancient times, essential oils have been used for their beneficial effects on humans and animals, according to the study, “Essential Oils as Feed Additives – Future...

Get Your Animals Ready for Show

It is county fair season around the country, and whether your family is showing this year or in upcoming years, these tips may help bring home that blue ribbon. Emily Wilmes, an educator with the University of Minnesota Extension who specializes in livestock, offers...

Read the Label

Have you checked the ingredients on your animals’ feed? You might be surprised what’s in there. You’ve no doubt noticed that grain prices have increased cost for livestock feed. This, in turn, may have you searching for the cheapest feed out there. But what seems good...