Artificial Insemination (A.I.) is an efficient and quick method to improve the genetics of a cow herd, and it’s becoming more popular with commercial cattle producers as training/certification programs become available. A.I. has opened the door for commercial cattlemen to breed to the very best bulls in the industry, allowing them to use the large […] Read more
A.I. has fit with commercial herds
Effective means to tap into the best genetics
Proper installation of Frostfree Nosepumps
Proper insulation and keeping components below frost line ensure trouble free operation
Many livestock producers have found Frostfree Nosepumps can provide a reliable off-grid water supply for horses and cattle. But, as cold-climate installers of the pumps have discovered, it is important not to cut corners during setup. There are four major components of successful installation. An installer must establish a geothermal wet well that has a static water level below […] Read more
Several fits for frost-free nose pumps
Nose power is all that’s needed for these off-site water systems
Across North America operators from equine centers to commercial cattle operations are discovering the merits of Frostfree Nosepumps as a viable and reliable all-season option to deliver water to all classes and age of livestock. These systems utilize geothermal heat from the ground to operate without freezing, and the manual piston pump is operated by […] Read more
Maintain facilities for improved workflow
The job gets done and it’s safer for both workers and livestock
Because the facilities and equipment around here are all showing some age, I have had to make an effort to go through them a bit ahead of working cows and calves in order to find, repair, or replace items that have worn out or been damaged, and we still have a few surprises. Cattle chute […] Read more
Modify bale feeders for yearlings
Simple, relatively low-cost solutions to keep young stock out of the feeders
We have used large rectangular and round hay bale feeders for several years to feed replacement heifers and bull calves We prefer the flex feeders because they will accommodate a large rectangular bale or round bale, and, if not allowed to freeze to the ground, permit the calves to push and collapse the feeders to […] Read more
Build your own bale-spear loader head
Working in the shop even with repurposed materials can result in a long-lasting bale mover
Much like the transitions other ranchers and farmers have experienced over the past 50-plus years, our evolution with hay handling here in rural Idaho has been a transition from loose hay, to small square bales, and now large round and square bales. Each transition was made with an attempt to increase efficiency and reduce waste […] Read more
Making a stock trailer maintenance check
Are all the lights working, and how about the brakes and bearings?
Spring isn’t that far away and if you have time this winter it may be an opportunity to look to maintenance on the equipment, tools, and facilities necessary to help provide a safe and productive year in the cattle business. One item we easily overlook is the stock trailer we use periodically throughout the year […] Read more
Cooler heads prevail to protect vaccines
Vaccines stored in conditions that are too cold or too warm can be compromised
Whether you are vaccinating cattle now or later this winter, it’s important to protect most products from freezing to preserve their quality and effectiveness. By exposing the vaccines to freezing temperatures we were compromising the level of immunity we were trying to give the cows. Here at Whittington Creek in northern Idaho, we’ve been down […] Read more
Items to include on winterizing checklist
Be ahead of the game rather than fixing waterlines and broken posts when its -30 C
We are heading into another busy season in the cattle business: feeding, calving, and much more. This is a time to put the finishing touches on readying the facilities and equipment for the demands of the winter ahead. When preparing to tackle all of the things that need to be inspected, repaired, and restocked, I […] Read more
Tips for notching rail fences
Create a few simple tools from materials you have on hand
We have built a lot of fence on the ranch over the years for cattle, horses, and yes, even a few to keep the deer out of the yard or garden. Lodgepole rails are readily available in this part of the country, and at most fence supply outlets, and many of us utilize them alone […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
