Steven E. Meadows, Ph.D. Clemson University Bull Test Director The Clemson University Performance Tested Bull Sale was held on February 6, 2021, in Clemson, SC. This year due to COVID-19 concerns, the decision was made to hold a complete virtual/online sale. Prospective buyers were invited to view the bulls at the Clemson Bull Test Station […]
Livestock and Forages
Herd Health: Biosecurity Review for Cattle Producers
Biosecurity All producers aim to maintain the health of their herds. Because losses from sickness and death take a toll on cattle and producers alike, it can be helpful to review farm biosecurity practices periodically. Recently, two farms sent beef cattle for necropsies (autopsies) to the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory (Clemson Veterinary Diagnostic Center) to […]
Farm Safety: Safety Considerations for Hay Season
Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent, Clemson University It seems the older one gets, the more they reminisce about or recall days gone by. As a teenager growing up on a small family farm in Colleton County, South Carolina, I could not wait for school to turn out for the summer, even though it meant […]
Rotational Grazing for Horses
Cassie W. LeMaster, Area Agent and Equine Extension Coordinator Horses evolved as grazing animals, well adapted to eating high-quality grasses and forages; therefore, forages should be the foundation of any horse’s nutrition program. Horses will consume approximately 2 percent of their body weight per day in forage dry-matter. If the major nutrient source is pasture, a […]
Budget-Friendly Pasture Management Tips
Cassie LeMaster, Area Livestock and Forage Agent Fresh forage is often the most economical resource for feeding horses, but prolonged abuse can lead to costly renovations down the road. Most pasture management strategies, when implemented early on, are relatively inexpensive. Use these tips to help maintain one of the most valuable resources on your farm: […]
Tips for Recovering Spring Pastures
Cassie LeMaster, Area Livestock and Forage Agent Many of us are dealing with pasture damage left from an excessively wet winter. Wet pasture conditions allow plants to be crushed and bruised easily, creating bare ground and subsequent weed invasion as weed seeds begin to germinate this Spring. Hopefully, you allocated one pasture as your “sacrifice […]
Vaccines to Protect Horses
USDA-approved vaccines are available for a number of equine infectious diseases. Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease. Vaccination serves to minimize the risks of infection, but cannot prevent disease in all situations. When used with good biosecurity and management practices, vaccines can […]
