In our first blog post, we began the process of planning to find just the right lamb for your 4-H market project. I hope you have been studying up on the parts of the lamb, good conformation traits and determining what size lamb you will need. Now, let’s take a look at your next big steps. The Search for the Right Match Now it’s time for the second phase of your planning. … [Read more...]
Porky Was Wrong; That IS NOT All Folks – Preparing For Your 4-H Market Swine Project
Raising, caring for, and thinking about future 4-H market swine projects is a task that requires a great deal of forward thinking and dedication. Arguably, the most famous swine in our collective pop-culture memory is Porky Pig. Equally famous as the character himself is his sign-off, “That’s All Folks!” As any swine producer will tell you though, when it comes to swine … [Read more...]
Understanding Lambing Behavior
Lambing can be a stressful time for both shepherd and sheep alike. Understanding different behavioral signs in sheep provides insight for shepherds when making management decisions. Behavioral signs often precede other physical signs and can be used as an early detection system. Remember, not all ewes will exhibit all of behaviors described below. They tend to be more common … [Read more...]
Math Isn’t Hog Wash When It Comes To 4-H Swine Projects
For this Agent, there are few memories more traumatic than high school math. The variables in the equation, the x-factors, the decimal being in the right location! Years ago as a young student, the math problems would manifest in my imagination as, “if a train leaves Penn Station at 3:00 p.m. going 35 miles per hour for 2 hours, how much snow fell in Amble, Michigan?” To say … [Read more...]
Can you tell the age of your horse?
You are about to purchase your first horse. Just like any other big investment, you want to be sure you are getting what you are paying for. The seller claims that the horse you are interested in is just 5 years old. But how do you know for sure? You can tell the approximate age of any horse by looking at its’ teeth if you educate yourself (or your 4-H members) on how to … [Read more...]
Market Lamb Selection: Finding the Cream of the Flock, Part 1
A 4-H market lamb project is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for youth members. You will develop important life skills through practicing smart planning and good management techniques. From the beginning of your project to the end, usually between 5-7 months, success will depend on four things: smart selection, strong management, proper nutrition, and … [Read more...]
Do you know when and how to deworm your horse?
Photo from eXtension 10280 (link below) It is a fact of life for most grazing animals - they get worms! They easily pick up worms because they eat off the ground that they and other animals (including domestic as well as wild) defecate or poop onto. Your own horse could re-infect itself by grazing in the same pasture for months (or longer), thus completing the life cycle of … [Read more...]