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In the world of farming, every minute counts. With the complex nature of farm operations—from planting and harvesting to equipment maintenance and livestock care—efficient time management is crucial for success and this is especially important for farms. Timesheets, commonly used in other industries, are often overlooked in agriculture. However, they can be a powerful tool for farmers to streamline their operations, improve labor management, and enhance overall productivity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using timesheets on the farm and how they can make a significant difference in your agricultural business in this farmer's guide to timesheets. Why Timesheets Matter for Farms Using a timesheet can bring numerous benefits to your business, helping to improve efficiency, manage resources, and streamline operations. Here are some ways a timesheet can be advantageous to your farm business: Accurate Labor Tracking: One of the biggest challenges in farm management is keeping track of labor hours, especially during peak seasons like planting and harvest. Timesheets provide a simple and effective way to record when tasks start and end, helping farmers monitor the amount of time spent on each activity. Timesheets provide a precise record of how time is spent on various tasks and projects, which helps in understanding where employee hours are going. This can be particularly useful for identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies in farm operations. Improved Cost Management: Labor can be one of the highest costs in farming. By using timesheets, farmers can accurately allocate labor costs to specific tasks, crops, or livestock. This detailed tracking helps to better budget and plan finances and ensures that labor expenses are kept in check. It also allows for a more precise calculation of the cost per unit of production, aiding in more informed decision-making across the farm. Enhanced Accountability, Productivity, and Project Management: Timesheets foster accountability among farm workers by clearly documenting hours worked and tasks completed. By tracking time, employees are more conscious of their work habits and are likely to manage their time better. This transparency can lead to improved productivity, as employees are more likely to stay focused and efficient when their time is tracked. Additionally, it provides a clear record that can be referenced in case of disputes or questions about work hours. Using the Farmbrite Timesheet section helps give visibility to workers on the hours that they worked. Identifying Bottlenecks:   It can also help monitor the time spent on each project, making it easier to manage deadlines, allocate resources efficiently, and adjust project scopes as needed. Timesheets can help identify tasks or projects that are taking longer than expected, allowing managers to address bottlenecks and improve workflow processes . You can then identify as a business if that project is worth the effort and time it's taking. Simplified Compliance with Labor Regulations: Agriculture is subject to a variety of labor laws and regulations , including those related to wages, working hours, and overtime. Timesheets make it easier to comply with these regulations by providing a documented record of hours worked, which is essential for audits or legal requirements. This can help avoid costly penalties and ensure fair treatment of employees. Payroll Accuracy:   Timesheets ensure that payroll is accurate, with employees getting paid for the exact hours they worked, reducing errors in overtime calculations and other payroll adjustments. Data-Driven Decision Making: The data collected from timesheets can provide valuable insights into farm operations. By analyzing this information, farmers can identify patterns, such as which tasks take the longest or which times of day are most productive. This data-driven approach can help optimize scheduling, allocate resources more effectively, and ultimately improve the overall efficiency of the farm. Implementing Timesheets on Your Farm Getting started with timesheets doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few steps to integrate timesheets into your farm operations: Choose the Right Format:   Timesheets can be as simple as paper forms or as sophisticated as digital apps tailored for farm management. Digital options often come with additional features like GPS tracking, mobile access, and integration with payroll systems. We go over those further below. Train Your Team:   Ensure that all farm workers correctly fill out timesheets. Training should cover the importance of accurate time tracking, how to log different tasks, any specific procedures, when the timesheet is due, and any other steps you'd like them to follow. Set Clear Expectations:   Make it clear when and how timesheets should be submitted. Whether it's daily, weekly, or per task, consistency is key to maintaining accurate records. Review and Analyze:   Review timesheet data each week to look for trends and areas that can use improvement. This will help you adjust scheduling, task assignment, even employee roles, and communication to enhance efficiency. Setting Up A Timesheet System Adding a time-tracking component to your farm isn't just about choosing a timesheet, it's about being more organized. There will always be too much to do on the farm so being mindful and purposeful for what gets done is key. Time-tracking systems can make your life less chaotic. This is an area of your business that you want to be managed seamlessly. You want people to be paid correctly and on time. You want this to be easy for your employees, your farm managers and/or bookkeepers, and you. It might be worth it to take the time to go over the options with them as well to get their insights on how this will work and how your team will implement these changes. Here are a few ways to manage timesheets: Pen and Paper If you're not overly tech savvy you can use paper and pen to record this. This is not ideal because there is more margin for error, your employee will only access this when on-site and may forget to log hours, add information about what tasks they did, or submit their hours to the management team. Spreadsheet This is where you should start if you're just getting started tracking timesheets for your employees. This gives you access from multiple places, you can export the data, and be able to track what was completed, when by whom. Google Sheets has a timesheet option pre-made. Or use something like Excel for this as well. There will be a little bit of maintenance and upkeep on these forms though since they may be coming in weekly. You will want to have a good way to file them to keep them organized. Use Time Tracking Software There are many time-tracking software options out there to use. It's important to do your research and know what the pricing is, the limits of using that system, and if there is a certain amount of users that are capped. Many of these options are very convenient and can work through an app on an employee's phone. You can even find all-in-one solutions with added components like farm management in them, like Farmbrite . Whichever option you choose, understand that you can always make a different choice or change later. It's a good idea to ask often what is working and what isn't in your business - and make appropriate changes. Don't be afraid to change things, change is where growth happens. Farmers Guide to Timesheets Farmers should use timesheets because they provide valuable insights into labor management, cost control, and operational efficiency on the farm. By accurately tracking the hours spent on various tasks—such as planting, harvesting, equipment maintenance, and livestock care—farmers can identify areas where time is being used efficiently and where improvements are needed. This information helps in better planning and allocation of resources, ultimately leading to more efficient operations and cost savings. Timesheets also ensure compliance with labor laws by documenting work hours, which is particularly important for managing seasonal or part-time workers. Additionally, detailed records from timesheets support better budgeting and financial planning, as they provide a clear picture of labor costs associated with each farming activity. Overall, using timesheets fosters accountability, improves productivity, and helps farmers make data-driven decisions that enhance the profitability and sustainability of their farms. Timesheets might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about farm management, but they can be a game-changer in optimizing labor efficiency, controlling costs, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. By implementing timesheets, farmers can gain valuable insights into their operations, leading to better decision-making and ultimately, a more productive and profitable farm. You can embrace smarter farming with the power of timesheets. Happy Farming!

Each winter brings a lot of challenges for you and your herd. So we've broken down the top 7 things that can help keep your herd safe and comfortable this season. 7 Tips for Keeping Winter Livestock 1.) Test Livestock Feed for Protein and Nutrients  The energy needs of your herd change during the winter. They grow a long coat, and store fat as well as their mothering needs. Making sure they have adequate feed, salt, and supplements is vital to their health this winter. It's a good idea to review feed labels or ask for a feed analysis to best understand the value of the feed. Different cows have different winter feed requirements based on their body condition score (BCS), overall health, and whether they are pregnant or nursing. This is called the Lowest Critical Temperature (LCT). For every 1% degree change below LCT a cow's energy requirement increases which requires more, higher quality feed or supplements. Learn more about cattle nutrition needs during winter . 2.) Livestock Bedding or Winter Grazing Rotation  If you're keeping your cattle confined this winter it's time to stock up on bedding but you can also do a daily pasture rotation. This gives them a new place to bed down each day away from the mud, manure, and ice. While proper livestock bedding and shelter are extremely important if you are keeping your animals in a single paddock or other location these practices are expensive and may be unnecessary. Using a well-planned and managed winter grazing program can provide all the bedding and shelter that your cattle need through winter. A daily winter pasture rotation can allow you to reduce your winter costs for bedding and shelter and can also result in healthier animals. Learn more about how to plan winter grazing rotations . 3.) Check Your Livestock Shelters If you're planning to keep your animals in one place during the winter as opposed to managing a winter grazing rotation plan, then adequate livestock shelters are critical. Staying dry is key to staying warm. Create shelters from the wind and cold. The more your herd shivers the more calories they burn. The more stress they feel the less they will thrive. Now is a great time to look into this in your pastures. 4.) Livestock Water Access  Your herd will need extra water for their winter coat to grow, the extra feed they're digesting, and healthy rumen activity. Learn more about additional livestock water needs during winter . Additionally, depending on the conditions and type of livestock, the animals may not want to leave their shelter to get a drink. So, you must make this easy for them during the winter. Be sure to have a livestock winter watering system that can provide adequate access to fresh water throughout the whole winter. 5.) Prepare Your Farm for Winter Winter brings a time of frozen buckets, broken supply lines, and cold, slippery, and wet conditions. Get your equipment and ranch prepared for what you will need before you need it. Here's a helpful guide to winterizing your farm . Also, prepare yourself for the cold. Make sure to have good winter and foul weather gear that will keep you warm and dry while out tending to your animals. 6.) Check Your Cattle's Body Condition Score It's critical to understand your animal's health as you move into the colder months. The animal's health will determine how much feed, supplement, water, and shelter you may need to provide to get them through the coldest months. A cow's body condition score has a direct effect on their nutritional requirements. For example, at 32°F, a cow with a BCS of 5 will require 30% more energy to maintain its BCS, compared to a cow with a BCS of 2. Body condition score provides a quick and easy way to evaluate your animals well being and physical condition. Make sure your herd goes into the winter with a healthy BCS. Look for optimal body scores of 5-6. Learn more about how to check body condition scores . 7.) Stock Up on Livestock Feed Feed requirements go up 10%-15% in the winter. Be prepared to feed your herd the nutrients to keep up their energy and keep them healthy this winter. If you're planning to provide hay through the winter, check out our guide for putting up hay for the winter . Winter can be a tough time for livestock. But, good preparation will make your winter a little easier this year and help your herd come out healthier and happier in spring.

It's no secret that businesses stay in business because they do what is profitable. So, as a farm, do you know what is making money on your farm? Do you know what isn't? If you can't answer these questions - quickly - you need to look into farm management software. Keeping your farm or ranch organized is an important part of your job as a business person. The fact that your job is in agriculture is just icing on the cake. Many things go into your day-to-day work but never forget the business side of your agribusiness; Finance management, daily tracking, task management, recourse management, customer service, and schedule juggling, are all inevitable parts of every business, and in a farm operation, this is no exception. Keeping accurate farm records is essential for the success of any farming operation, regardless of size. For small or medium-sized farms, maintaining detailed and organized records can help make informed decisions, manage resources efficiently, and increase profitability. No, it's not the most fun part of business but every farmer should be informed about their finances, farming productivity, and how their business is performing. In this post, we've covered key areas of information to keep for your farm management records, different record-keeping styles, and processes to track your farm records, how keeping good records can help your business, and the hidden value of keeping records. Why Keep Farm Records? As business owners, we want to make sure our business is healthy and thriving. But if you don't have information on your business, how do you even know? There is more to it than that. There is stress with being in business. Keeping track of your farm records might be more valuable than you think. Here's how record-keeping can the burden off you: Financial Management : Keeping track of income and expense records (more than once a year) makes it easy to manage cash flow, plan budgets, and identify profitable (and nonprofitable) areas of the farm. Tracking finances takes the pressure off you for three reasons; you know where you stand with your business finances, you don't have to keep track of numbers in your head, and it makes tax time easier. There may be fewer unpleasant surprises by keeping this information updated. Keeping records won't tell you when the irrigation pump might stop working, but it will help you know if you can afford to repair it. And you don't have to keep track of this all in your head. Tax Time: Tax reporting comes every year. One of the top reasons we hear why people start keeping track of their profit and expenses is to take the pressure off them at the end of the year during tax time. Instead of entering 5000+ receipts all at once, they do it in little bites. This simplifies this process and takes the stress off them because they have been tracking it all year. Compliance and Reporting : Many agricultural programs, grants, and loans require accurate records. Keeping good records ensures that you can easily meet these requirements whenever you might need that help. Keeping accurate records takes the stress out of a situation where you might need those documents right away. If you are trying to gather all that information under a loan or grant deadline, not only is that stressful but you can make mistakes. In a compliance situation, it's required to keep those records anyway. If you already have that information up to date in a safe place there is less to worry about. Performance Analysis : Keeping accurate and up-to-date records allows you to analyze crop yields, livestock performance, and resource use, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve productivity. You can see what things were done in a day, and what needs to be done tomorrow. This takes the burden off you as the owner-operator. You don't have to have all that information in your head. This takes the stress off you because you don't need to remember everything but it is saved and organized in a safe place where you can access the data to analyze when needed. Risk Management : By keeping detailed records, you can identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate them, whether they relate to feeding rates, returns, market fluctuations, weather patterns, or other challenges. As business people, there are challenges and risks but you shouldn't have to worry about these things constantly. Keep this information in a place where you can analyze the data and make good business decisions. You can't be clear-headed when you are worrying about these things because you don't have all the information or it's disorganized. Planning and Forecasting : Detailed records provide insights that help you plan future operations, from crop rotation schedules to livestock breeding plans. There is relief in being able to see your business data. This allows you to make clear and well-informed decisions when you have all the data in front of you. It tells a story and can show you what other questions to ask yourself and where you can go next in your business. Common Record-Keeping Challenges & How to Overcome Them Over the years we have spoken with countless customers who have come to us with record-keeping challenges. Here are some ways they overcame their challenges, what worked for them, and what we've used in our own farm businesses to overcome these challenges. The Problem: Time Constraints There is always more work to be done than time in the day. With time debatably being your most valuable resource it's important to spend it wisely. If you're feeling that you're stretched beyond your means, try doing a time audit . Then you can make sure you're spending your time on things that bring more revenue or create more business for you. It's great that you are busy but do you also have a thriving business? Be busy with the right things. Solution # 1: Use Systems Record-keeping can seem like an extra task on top of an already busy schedule. To overcome the age-old time constraint problem, have systems to make record-keeping part of your daily, weekly, or monthly routine. Don't let the paperwork get out of control. Take little steps to enter the data, or hire someone to do it for you. Also, you don't have to track everything. Just track the things that are going to make the most impact on your business. Solution # 2 : Use Technology You can use technology to simplify the process by using bulk edits, uploading, and importing data, or using integrating software that uploads information automatically. This will help you work smarter, not harder. The Problem: Data Accuracy Inaccurate records can lead to poor decision-making. Keeping good records and ensuring data accuracy are crucial for the success of any business, especially in agriculture. Accurate records provide valuable insights into operations, helping to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. They enable farmers and ranchers to monitor costs, optimize resource use, and improve productivity. Good record-keeping also ensures compliance with regulations and can enhance the farm's reputation by demonstrating accountability and transparency. Solution # 1: Get on the Same Page Ensure everyone involved understands how to record data correctly. You can do this by coming up with processes and training for your staff. (This doesn't need to be complicated.) Your steps could be simple and look something like this: Step 1. Feed chickens, Step. 2 Measure how much feed is left, Step 3. Record the amount of feed used, Step 4. Refill water, Step 5. record the temperature of the coop. Or to get to the heart of the matter and more in-depth into your farm business, you might ask yourself a few business questions: - What information would help you see if things are going well on your farm? - Is this information something you can track or measurable? - How often should this be tracked for the best view of this data? - What area is going to make the most impact on your business? - What is going to drive revenue and more business? Maybe there are other questions you want answered as well. Write them down and find a way to answer them. After you've answered these questions, come up with processes around tracking that information, what it should look like in a healthy business, and what to do if it doesn't look the way you want. Then make changes accordingly. Again, this doesn't need to be overly complicated and you don't have to make these changes all at once. However, tracking information that helps you make positive changes in your business is key. Solution # 2: Double-check entries to ensure accuracy. Just like my dad said, measure twice, cut once. By making sure your records/calculations/measurements/etc. are accurate you will avoid more work for yourself later in trying to unravel what happened and why that measurement is off. If accuracy is hard for you, try going a little slower when you're recording something. The more you do it, the easier it will be. The Problem: Lack of Organization Disorganized records are as good as no records. Sometimes staff members are reluctant to keep records. Make sure that everyone on the farm knows the importance of these records and why you're taking them. These records are the pulse of your farm. If you can't find the pulse you can't see how things are going. The Solution: Have a System Clear up disorganization in your farm operation by setting up a clear, logical system for recording, storing, and retrieving information. Just like we discussed earlier having a system ensures that everyone is doing something the same way. Make sure this system is what the whole farm follows. Different Farm Management Record-Keeping Styles Tracking farm data effectively is crucial for improving productivity, making informed decisions, and managing resources efficiently. Here are some of the different ways to track your farm data. Manual Record Keeping Recording farm information on paper is a great entry point for record keeping. This method is inexpensive and gets you into the habit of tracking information. Unfortunately, it has some drawbacks. Features:  Paper logs, notebooks, 3 ring binders, for basic tracking of daily activities. Pros:  Simple and low-cost Cons: Prone to errors, does not scale with your business as it grows, is not easily searchable, easily lost, misplaced, or ruined, and you cannot access the information from everywhere. Spreadsheets This is another common way that farmers organize and track their data. We see folks outgrow this system in the long run though. They get frustrated by having so many spreadsheets all over the place, managed by different people. Features:  Customizable and flexible for small-scale operations; For tracking crop info, livestock checks, wellness, important dates and information, inputs, yields, financials, and expenses. Pros:  Low cost or free for Excel or Google Sheets, create whatever you want, sometimes accessible in multiple places. Cons: Creating them from scratch, may not be up to date, is time-consuming, might not give you everything you want, may leave out data, is prone to error, and data can be wiped out. Farm Management Software Ok, we're biased toward this way of tracking to be sure, but having tried those other ways and finding poor results and having over a decade of hearing other farmers' bad experiences we have some data to go on. Here are some pros and cons to think about. Features:  Can track task management, crop dates, treatments, harvests, and sales, soil conditions, livestock health, livestock grazing and movements and other data, important dates, important records, track and give weather patterns and climate data, farm mapping, equipment usage and maintenance, eCommerce and customer data, financials, resources and inventory, and more. Pros:  Can be accessible from anywhere and on any device, user friendly depending on the company, information is in real-time, ready-made reports, data is safe and always available, "talks to" or integrated into other technology, it's flexible and can be used like one of the other methods (print things out if needed or download to a spreadsheet) and technology is updated and improved all the time. Cons:  Cost depending on the company, getting up and running on a new system Remote Monitors, IoT Devices, and Sensors - Oh My Companies are finding more and more ways to try to make tracking easier for farmers. Sensors, remote monitors, or The Internet of Things (IoT) can offer numerous benefits and some drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of tracking data in this way: Features:  Can track crop yield, soil conditions, livestock movement, weather patterns, equipment usage, financials, and inventory. Pros:  Tracks information remotely for you, sends data to be analyzed, reduces risk to crop or livestock if monitored, and can be analyzed in conjunction with another app or software if integrated. Cons:  Cost of devices/hardware, connectivity challenges, technology can break down and you might miss that data opportunity, technology changes quickly and may become quickly obsolete, may need to have a subscription for the software as well. Tips for Effective Farm Record-Keeping We believe strongly that good record-keeping makes or breaks a farm business. It's why we are so passionate about it. We want farms to succeed! So here are some tips for effective record-keeping on your farm. Choose the Right System : Select a record-keeping system that works for you, whether it's a clipboard, a simple notebook, a spreadsheet, or farm management software. Be Consistent : Regularly update your records to keep them accurate and current. Set aside a specific time each day, week, or month to enter data and review your records. Timeblock your calendar to enter that information and analyze what it tells you. Don't skip those reminders. Keep It Simple : Start with basic records and expand as you become more comfortable. The goal is to create a system that's manageable and suits your farm's needs. Use Farm Management Software : Consider using farm management software designed for small to medium-sized farms. These tools can streamline record-keeping, automate data entry, and provide valuable insights through reports and analytics. We talk about Farmbrite below if you want to learn more about our software. Train Your Team : If you have employees or family members helping on the farm, ensure they understand the importance of record-keeping and know how to input data correctly. Make sure you are all doing it the same way. Review and Analyze : Periodically review your records to assess farm performance and identify areas for improvement. Use this information to make adjustments and plan for the future. Digital solutions often provide added benefits but that might not work for your budget. Go with what works for you now. As you grow, look at those systems to see if they still work for you. We all start somewhere. That's the important part, having a system to track your data and make smart decisions with that data. How Can Farm Management Software Help Your Farm? Here are some ways that using farm management software on your farm can help you be more organized and efficient. It's important to do your research and find the best company for you. Here are a few of the things that farm management system can help you track on your farm. Measure efficiency and progress Easily prepare accounts at year-end Understand financials on a day-to-day basis Help plan for upcoming payments, equipment maintenance , farm tasks, etc. Organization! Know what tasks were or weren't done - by whom Track records online and access them from anywhere Track schedules and timesheets Track grazing movements Identify strengths and weaknesses in the farm business Help manage changes and improvements in the agribusiness Make productivity projections Help maximize the expenses you claim and minimize your tax burden Make it easier to pay employees and creditors and see what is owed Keep livestock notes, breeding, health records, and genealogy information (and more) in one place Track organic certification notes, data, tracking, and more Keep track of customer information, sales, and schedules Keep track of equipment and vehicle maintenance Honestly, this just scratches the surface of what farmers track... Writing everything down manually or keeping all your information in separate spreadsheets requires a lot of time, is prone to errors or loss of records, and can be difficult to calculate each expense/sale/investment and compare it to productivity. To make it easy, Farmbrite has done this for you. We have many charts, graphs, profit and loss reports, seed calculators, average daily gain reports, and much more to give you this information quickly. You can also enter notes and information quickly with our quick add, using a QR scanner and your mobile device, or an integration. Keeping track of your agricultural business online with Farmbrite helps you track costs and income, tasks, schedules, and all the daily work for your agricultural business easily and saves you a ton of time. Let Farmbrite do the tracking for you, while you focus on the rest of your daily tasks. Record Keeping Doesn't Have To Be Overwhelming Keeping farm records doesn't have to be overwhelming. By starting with the basics and gradually incorporating more detailed information, you can create a record-keeping system that supports your farm's success. Whether you're tracking financials, production, or inventory, consistent and accurate records will help you make better decisions, improve efficiency, and ultimately boost your farm's profitability. If you're looking to take your farm record-keeping to the next level, consider exploring farm management software options that are tailored to the needs of small farms. With the right tools, you'll be well on your way to more organized, data-driven farming. Happy Farming!​ From the Team at Farmbrite

10 Essential Summer Cattle Care Tips As we move into longer and hotter days it's a good idea to keep in mind the changing needs of your herd. Heat stress can reduce population, fertility, and milk. Here are 10 essential summer cattle care tips to keep your herd healthy when the temperatures rise. 1. Access To Water Water and feed needs change for cattle as the seasons change. A mature lactating cow will consume roughly 20 gallons of water in a day or 2 gallons of water per 100 lbs of body weight. Non-lactating cattle and bulls require about 1 gallon per lb of body weight. If you are providing hay for your herd remember that stored hay and feed have less water content than pasture and pasture grazing has a high moisture content. Even so, it's important to provide cattle access to feed and clean water at all times. But as we said, this will change for your herd depending on what type of hay they are consuming. Make sure your livestock has plenty of water in the summer and plenty of room at the water source. In many areas, you may also want to test the water annually. Making sure your herd has adequate access to water is vital for cooling and overall health of your herd. Some signs of dehydration to look for are symptoms such as sunken eyes, lethargy, or dry mucous membranes. If this happens they will need to drink water slowly but immediately and you may want to contact your veterinarian. 2. Keep Them Cool Using evaporative cooling with exhaust fans, and circulation fans is an easy way to keep the air moving and the cattle cooling. Equip barns with fans or a cooling system to minimize heat stress.  Use Sprinklers, Soaker-lines and Misters Adding a sprinkler over a clean area of the barn can cool the area 10-15°. These can also be automated and can keep flies down as well since it makes it harder for them to fly. Additional Venting Add ventilation to barns to provide more airflow. Keep the barn doors open and fans circulating. Overheating can cause stress, sickness, and even death. Adding additional ventilation can help like ventilation in the tunnel and cooling cells. 3. Adjust Cattle Movements Pay attention to the quality of your pastures. During hot weather, forage can deteriorate quickly. Rotate cattle to ensure they are grazing on high-quality, nutritious forage. Many farms and ranches are finding grazing strategies to help reduce the overuse of pastureland in the summer. By implementing rotational grazing systems you can prevent overuse of any one pasture. This allows grass to recover and maintain better quality forage for your cattle, while also providing them with a more comfortable environment. When working or moving your herd, remember to move them slowly - at their own speed, to minimize stress. Work cattle early in the morning or evening when it's cooler. Pay close attention for signs of stress, especially in cattle with higher risk factors like ones that have not shed/are long-haired, or were previously sick. Also, keeping vaccinations, sorting, and other changes to cooler days. Additional stress can be extreme for severely affected animals and can suppress the immune system.  4. Summer Cattle Dietary Considerations The feed that your herd is eating is important to their overall health and can change as warmer temperatures come. Adding minerals, high-quality forage, and feeding them at specific times can be key to optimum health. Here are some top tips for feeding cattle in the warmer weather: Adjust Feeding Times:   Cattle won't want to eat or ruminate during the hottest times of the day. Feed them when it's cooler and they will eat better. This might be early morning or late evening. This helps reduce heat production from digestion during the hottest times of the day. Provide High-Quality Forage and Supplements:   Forage quality can decline in the heat. Ensure that the forage you're providing to your herd is still high in nutrients and not overly mature or dry. Supplement with high-quality hay if needed. Also consider supplementing with any vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in summer forage. This will ensure that their feed is balanced to support their health and productivity. Adjust Grain Rations:   If you’re feeding grains, consider reducing the amount during extremely hot weather. High grain intake can increase internal heat production, so balance with forage. Ensure Adequate Fiber:   Provide enough fiber in the diet to support proper digestion and avoid digestive issues. High-quality hay or forage can help maintain fiber intake when pasture quality is compromised. 5. Minimal Use of the Holding Pen Keeping cattle in a holding pen during the summer can have several drawbacks, primarily related to their health, comfort, and well-being. Here are some of the downsides of keeping cattle in holding pens in the summer months: Heat Stress:   Holding pens, especially if not well-ventilated or shaded, can become very hot. Cattle confined to such spaces may experience heat stress, which can lead to decreased appetite, reduced milk production, and other health issues. Poor Air Quality:   In a confined area, air quality can deteriorate quickly due to the accumulation of dust, ammonia, and other contaminants. Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues and lead to general health problems. Limited Space and Increased Risk of Disease:   Holding pens usually offer limited space for movement. Cattle need space to move around, stretch, and lie down comfortably. Crowded spaces can lead to stress and discomfort, spread diseases, increase infections, and in severe cases, can contribute to lameness or injury. Behavioral Stress:   Cattle are social animals and can become stressed if confined for long periods. Stress can negatively impact their immune system and overall health, leading to lower productivity. Inadequate Cooling:   Without proper cooling systems, holding pens can become excessively warm. Unlike open pastures where they can find natural shade and cooling breezes, holding pens may not provide the necessary relief from heat. Nutritional Needs:   In a holding pen, it might be challenging to provide the necessary variety of feed and water sources that cattle would have access to in a more open environment. This could impact their nutritional intake and overall health. Waste Management Issues:   In a confined space, manure and urine accumulate more rapidly, which can lead to hygiene issues and further contribute to a decline in air quality. Behavioral Issues:   Lack of space and enrichment can lead to behavioral problems such as boredom, aggression, and stereotypies (repetitive, abnormal behaviors). To mitigate these issues, it’s often better to provide cattle with access to pasture or well-ventilated and shaded pens and to implement proper management practices to ensure their comfort and health during the summer months. 6. Managing Pests in your Cattle Herd As the warmer weather comes, so do the pests . This can cause stress and disease in your livestock. A few methods of pest management available are chemical, biological, and adding physical barriers between animals and pests. Here's a bit more information on those three types of management strategies. Chemical Treatments: There are many options for insecticides like pour-on or topical insecticides, injection-type treatments and vaccinations, and feed additives. Biological Control Measures: You might add a predatory insect, or nematode or use microbial control agents. Incorporating natural predator insects that feed on things like flies and ticks will keep down the infestation. You can also try microbial control against pests that contain Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt. Bt is a bacterium that naturally occurs in soil and produces spores that are toxic to insect larvae when eaten. This has been engineered to be used in other agriculture to fight pests such as in genetically engineered crops. Physical Barriers: You can use fly masks, or fly sheets to create barriers or an enclosed barn to reduce insect activity. Depending on your property and the size of your herd this might not be a viable option for you. Manure Management: Establish a manure management regimen by regularly cleaning out and composting manure to reduce fly breeding sites. Manure should be spread or removed from pastures to prevent fly larvae from developing. (Keep track of how often you're doing this and set up reminders in Farmbrite .) Rotating between pest control methods or using a few different methods is the best way to keep down the population and reduce damage and stress to your herd.  7. Monitor Behavior and Body Condition Regularly check the body condition of your cattle. If you notice weight loss or other signs of nutritional deficiency, and adjust the animal's diet accordingly. Regular Physical Inspections: Observe your cattle for changes in their body shape, weight, coat condition, and overall demeanor. You can visually look for signs of weight loss or discomfort, such as a protruding spine or hips. Using Body Condition Scoring (BCS) can help measure overall animal wellness. Use a body condition scoring system to evaluate the amount of fat cover an animal has. Usually, this score is on a 1 to 9 scale. This helps to assess whether the animal is too thin, an ideal weight, or too heavy. Animal behavior changes can also indicate issues or discomfort. Eating patterns, activity levels, and other signs may indicate their stress level. Based on observations and body condition scores, adjust feeding as necessary. This may include providing additional supplements or changing feeding times to accommodate heat stress. Evaluate Coat Condition: Inspect the skin and coat for signs of health issues, such as excessive shedding, roughness, or parasites. A healthy coat is an indicator of good nutrition and overall condition. Monitor Milk Production (for Dairy Cattle or Lactating Cattle): For lactating cattle, monitor milk production levels as a measure of nutritional adequacy and overall health. A drop in milk production can indicate a problem with their overall health. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of body condition scores, weights, feed intake, and any changes or interventions. This helps in making informed management decisions and tracking the effectiveness of your strategies. You can do this with a farm management software like Farmbrite from anywhere on your farm. 8. Shade and Shelter Shade not only keeps animals cool on hot days but it could also help them avoid sunburn. They might not stay in the shade though because of flies or other environmental factors but it should be available. If you don't have trees or natural shade you can add shade tarps or netting for additional shade. 9. Use Heat Tolerant Breeds Consider selecting or breeding more heat-tolerant cattle breeds in your herd. Certain breeds, like Brahman and Zebu are naturally better adapted to hot climates. Heat-tolerant cattle breeds are those that have adapted to thrive in hot climates, typically due to their physical characteristics, such as lighter coat colors, shorter hair, and increased skin surface area. Here are some of the most common heat-tolerant cattle breeds: Brahman Originating from India, Brahman cattle are known for their hardiness, and resistance to heat, parasites, and diseases. They have a large hump over their shoulders, loose skin, and a varying coat color, and produce less body heat which helps them dissipate heat. These cattle are sacred to some people and may be harder to obtain. Nelore Nelore cattle , originally from Brazil but descended from Indian Zebu, are highly heat-tolerant. They have a hump on their back, a short, white coat, which reflect sunlight and are known for their adaptability to tropical climates. They are raised for their low-calorie lean meat. Gir (Gyr) Another Indian breed, Gir cattle are highly heat-resistant and are often used in crossbreeding to improve heat tolerance in other breeds. They have long, droopy ears, a prominent hump, a domed forehead, and mottled coats. They are raised for both meat and milk production. Indu-Brazil This breed, a cross between Indian Zebu breeds like Gir and Nellore, was developed in Brazil. They have long droopy ears and are generally taller and lighter muscled. Indu-Brazil cattle are raised for thaie meat as they are large, and heat-tolerant making them popular in tropical regions. Afrikaner The Afrikaner cattle breed originates from South Africa and is known for its ability to thrive in hot and arid conditions. It has a smooth, red coat and is raised for the quality of its beef, its quiet temperament, resistance to heat, and high level of fertility under harsh conditions. Senepol Developed in the Caribbean island of St. Croix, Senepol cattle are a result of crossing N'Dama and Red Poll breeds. Senepol cattle are raised for meat quality, grazing ability, heat tolerance, and ease of birthing. They are naturally polled (without horns), have short hair, and are very heat-tolerant. Red Sindhi Another heat-tolerant breed from Pakistan and India, Red Sindhi cattle are small to medium-sized and have a dark reddish coat. They are raised for their high milk yields. They are well-adapted to hot, dry climates and are often used in crossbreeding programs. Boran Originating from East Africa, Boran cattle are highly resilient to harsh conditions, including high temperatures and drought. They are raised for meat production. They also show high resistance to heat, ticks, and eye diseases. They are small to medium-sized and have a smooth, light-colored coat. Romosinuano This breed comes from Colombia and Venezuela and is known for its heat tolerance and resistance to parasites. They are smaller than other breeds, docile, and are raised for their good quality meat. Romosinuano cattle are naturally polled and have a short, smooth coat that helps them stay cool. N'Dama Originating from West Africa, N'Dama cattle are a very heat-tolerant breed. They are raised for meat primarily. They are small to medium-sized with a short coat and are well-suited to hot, humid climates. If you can source some of these breeds they may help your herd tolerate hot temperatures. These breeds are particularly valuable in regions with hot climates, as they are better able to maintain productivity and health under conditions that would stress less adapted breeds. The caveat to that is that if you have very low temperatures in your region these breeds may not be as suitable since they have not adapted to that climate. 10. Monitor Health Regularly Keep a close watch on the overall health of the cattle, as heat stress can weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. Regular health checks can help detect and address issues early. By regularly monitoring these aspects, you can ensure that your cattle remain in top health throughout the summer heat. Keep an eye out for issues so that you can make timely adjustments to their management as needed. The summer heat is taxing on all of us and keeping track of how your herd is fairing through those months is key to having a productive year. In conclusion, caring for cattle during the summer months involves a combination of strategies aimed at reducing heat stress and maintaining their overall well-being. Providing ample clean water, offering shade, and adjusting feeding times are fundamental practices to keep cattle cool and hydrated. Utilizing fans or misters, avoiding overcrowding, and minimizing stressful activities further help to alleviate heat-related challenges. Additionally, offering high-quality forage, selecting heat-tolerant breeds, and regularly monitoring cattle for signs of distress and health issues are critical to ensuring their comfort and productivity during the hot summer months. These comprehensive care tips help safeguard your cattle herd against the adverse effects of high temperatures. More information on Bacillus thuringiensis Keeping Animals Cool in the Summer Keeping Farm Animals Cool

Cattle auctions are thrilling. Sawdust, donuts and a cup of tepid coffee. Multiple sales rings, fast-talking auctioneers and restless, bawling cows. Bids coming fast and furious. It's auction day and it's easy to get caught up in the auction adrenaline! Before you know it, you're coming home with two adorable Jersey bull calves you didn't even mean to bid on. Thank goodness they're small and will fit in the back seat because you didn't bring the trailer! Cattle auctions can be a great place to make purchases for your growing farm and ranch. But, they can also encourage an "oops" moment or impulse buy you'll end up regretting. Before you leave for your first cattle auction, it's prudent to understand how auctions work and keep a few "golden rules" in mind. Different Types of Cattle Auctions Typically, auction houses hold "regular sales" and "special sales" auctions. Regular sales are usually held each week (or month) at a specific date and time. They attract all different types of animals. You may see dairy bull calves or dairy cull cows, finished beef, dairy replacement heifers, or even starter herds. You'll also typically see other animals, like sheep, goats, poultry, and even rabbits. Regular sales tend to be a crapshoot for what's there, which isn't helpful if you're looking for something specific, but prices can be reasonable. Special sales are set at times by the auction house and advertised. Sellers usually know they are coming up, so they will save animals specific for that sale. If you are looking for higher-quality beef cattle for a starter herd, attend a beef cattle special sales auction. The other type of cattle auction worth paying attention to is breed-specific auctions. These are held by breed organizations and are an excellent place to purchase superior genetic animals. These auctions are typically held in regional areas on a rotating basis. Some of the rarer breeds might have only one auction a year. To learn about these auction opportunities, follow the breed organizations you are interested in. Know What You are Looking for Before You Go to a Cattle Auction Having a plan and doing your research before you go to auction can't be said enough! That auction "adrenaline" has sucked in many a buyer "just going to look" into coming home with a flock of chickens and an Angora rabbit of dubious quality. Think carefully about what livestock your farm needs, and what your budget is and give yourself permission to walk away with NO purchases made. If you're buying cattle, make sure you understand what your goals are. If you're looking to purchase a starter herd, be picky! What breed or type of cow you want? What traits are you looking for? Are the animals you would be purchasing worthy of breeding stock? How do they fit your breeding goals? Check out our post " Livestock Best Breeding Practices " for more information. Always keep your ultimate goal in mind and weigh that against your auction options (and budget!). To get an idea of cattle prices, check the USDA's auction reports from across the country. Although this list doesn't usually include breed club auctions, it is searchable by state. Breed clubs will typically report their sales prices after their auction on their website. Don't Purchase Any Animal You Aren't Already Set up to Care For Remember, you'll be bringing these critters home with you directly after the auction, so think about what you will need to care for them. Some auctions will keep your cows overnight for pick-up the next day, but most require you to take them immediately after purchase. If you're planning to buy multiple animals over the day, that means loading up your trailer several times as you make your purchases. Either way, it is essential to get your new cows home and settled as soon as possible to reduce stress. Do you have adequate shelter and fencing set up? Fencing for a few starter calves is a whole different scenario than bringing home a mature bull. You'll also need to keep your new stock separated from your other animals for 10 to 14 days to watch for any signs of disease. Purchase Healthy Cows! This one is a no-brainer, but it can be more challenging than it looks to suss out unhealthy animals in the high-stress auction environment if you are a new cattle buyer. Look for any signs of significant distress, snotty noses, weepy eyes, strange bumps or rashes. Make sure they aren't limping and are moving freely. If you are purchasing a pregnant (or supposedly bred animal), check for any vulva discharge. Calves should be alert and NOT have yellow diarrhea (scours!). For those new to cattle buying, this is a great time to enlist the help of a friend with cattle-buying experience. They will teach you plenty in just one auction experience. Know the Auction Dynamics Once you've gone through an auction or two, you'll be a pro. But that first time can be daunting! When you get to the auction, you'll need to stop at the office and sign up for a buyer's number. This is the number you will bid with and present when it is time to settle your bill. Know each auction house's billing policy before you go. Some auctions will take checks, but many will only accept credit cards or cash. Take some time listening and learning to understand the auctioneer! Most auctions will have more than one ring going on at the same time. It's a lot of noise and it takes time for your ear to adjust. Watch bidders around you (although some are very subtle!) and see how they bid to get a feel for the process. Remember to keep your hand motions limited because, yes, people do accidentally purchase a lot they never meant to. Go dressed in work clothes and bring hay, water buckets, and even a pitchfork to clean up messes while waiting for more stock to load. And of course, don't forget the trailer! Last but Not Least, Have Fun at the Auction! Cattle auctions can be a lot of fun. They can be a place to connect with other farmers and ranchers in your region and a good learning opportunity. Many people are avid auction attendees. You'll find the same sort there every time you go. It can be a "social gathering" to see what's available livestock-wise and check in with the farming neighbors. Don't be afraid to go to a few auctions just to connect, with zero plans to purchase anything. Last but not least, here is a great website that maintains a weekly calendar of upcoming cattle auctions all around the U.S. Georgie Smith, known in her community as “Farmer Georgie,” is a fourth-generation farmer and journalist living on her family’s historic farm on a Pacific Northwest island. She ran her own small farm for more than 20 years. These days, when she’s not herding chickens, fixing the antique tractor (again), or growing heirloom dry beans, Georgie writes about farming. Georgie is passionate about supporting healthy, equitable, and sustainable food production and thriving family farms. www.farmergeorgiewrites.com Need help organizing your growing herd ? Check out Farmbrite !

The days are shorter, the heat has subsided and the harvest is either active or finished. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t new life to plant. Depending on region and soil, there’s potential for additional income nurtured from the land. Here are the top three most profitable and nutritious crops to plant this fall. Growing Leafy Greens The go-to vegetable is leafy greens! This is the broadest category as there are so many vitamin-rich plants that withstand harsh temperatures. What is a leafy green? The category can include broccoli leaf, collard greens, endives, radicchio, cress, mustard greens, green or red rainbow chard, parsley, cilantro, green or red lacinato kale, green or red romaine or iceberg lettuce, spinach, and kale. What Crops Do I Start With? Many new farmers start by growing spinach. Spinach is the third most popular vegetable in America. You might start with spinach because it is a very popular crop and sells well. But to distinguish yourself in a market that is saturated with other vendors we suggest adding something a little different to your line-up, like kale. Growing Kale Kale is often noted as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables on earth. This is due to the leafy greens’ vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And, to absorb the most nutrients, it’s recommended to eat kale raw so as to not alter the composition. Kale Components One cup of raw kale contains 684% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin K, 206% of the DV for vitamin A, and 134% of the DV for vitamin C. Writer Autumn Enloe, MS, RD, LD, also noted for heathline.com , “It also contains antioxidants such as lutein and beta-carotene, which reduce the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress.” Farmers and consumers have been keen to choose kale, and it’s documented. “The majority of kale is grown domestically in California and Georgia, and a large portion of kale production is certified organic. From 2007 to 2012, the number of farms reporting growing kale more than doubled from 1,000 to 2,500, with 1,680 acres having been harvested in California.” Kale Is An Easy Crop To grow “Kale is an easy crop to grow and integrate into a farming system due to its resistance to most pests (it is susceptible to a few common pests, such as black diamond moth) and diseases, as well as its ability to thrive in cool environments. Farmers’ markets also play a role in the success of kale and other leafy greens due to season-extending techniques such as cultivation using hoop houses (also known as polytunnels), which create a longer market season.” — Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence, a branch of Colorado State University . Growing Brussels Sprouts This nutrient-dense vegetable is best planted as a fall crop in warmer regions. The produce loves cool weather and can even handle a little bit of frost. Brussels sprouts truly can be grown in any region of the United States. Again, the majority of the crop is currently grown in California. When you take a drive through the stunning coastal locales of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo you will see thousands of acres of year-round Brussels sprout farms. The crop soaks up the cool, ocean air and delivers produce from June through January. In a 2008 survey conducted by Heinz, it revealed that Brussels sprouts are the most-hated vegetable in America. A similar poll in Britain found the vilified vegetables at the top of the most-hated list there, too. And yet, Brits grow about six times more of the baby cabbages than we do in the U.S. Times Have Changed However, fast-forward to 2022, and the tiny cabbage is racing up the charts in popularity. People have caught onto the health trend. “Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C (way more than an orange, by the way), vitamin K, as well as beta carotene, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and fiber. They’re also high in selenium, which is associated with reduced risks of certain cancers, as well as increased male virility. Demand is High for Brussels Sprouts “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Retail Report, Brussels sells best on promotion around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but promotions during other parts of the year are on the rise….The study found the average number of stores with Brussels on promotion in 2016 increased 70 percent from just three years prior, from 462 per week in 2013 to 787 per week…That means acreage is up as growers struggle to meet increasing demand for fresh as well as value-added and processed Brussels sprout products.” —Produce Processing, from Raw to Ready. The same article interviewed growers and got this response. “Now we’re up over 10,000 (acres) in California and more in Mexico. And where it used to be that the crop went to 80 percent frozen and 20 percent fresh, that’s flip-flopped. Now it’s about 15 percent frozen and 85 percent fresh because of demand. And we’re getting more money for the fresh because we can’t meet demand.” — Steve Bontadelli, general manager of Brussels sprouts grower, packer, and shipper in Santa Cruz, California. A True Renaissance For Tiny Cabbage Another interviewee from the article noted this. “Brussels is undergoing a renaissance,” said Jacob Shafer, a spokesman for Mann's. “The rise is, in some ways, connected to recent research stating Brussels sprouts are as rich a source of many nutrients compared with kale.” Types of Brussels Sprouts Choose which variety will grow best in your region as there are over a dozen, and they come in all different sizes. The most popular choices are Bubbles, Prince Marvel, and Oliver. When growing Brussels sprouts you should plant them when it's cool. Choose a place with fertile soil and lots of sun. They will take about 80-100 days to grow so they will be perfect to harvest just before those last frosts. Growing Blueberries Our third choice is the blueberry! Beware, this crop will not be able to produce an immediate yield in its primary years, but with time, it’s one of the greatest financial rewards in terms of dollars per pound. The blueberry bush performs well in a multitude of climates and altitudes. Identify which type of blueberry will grow best on your land. There are four types of blueberries: Highbush, Lowbush, Hybrid HalfHhigh, and Rabbiteye Blueberries. Blueberries can be planted in spring or also in late fall in all but the coldest regions. In Zones 5 and below, it’s best to wait until early to mid-spring to plant. If available, 1- to 3-year-old plants are a good choice. These can be bought in containers or bare-root. Blueberries do grow slowly, and their growth might seem imperceptible each year. So, patience is key. It takes a blueberry bush about 10 years to reach mature size, but this also means they will live a long time. Color Translates To Health Benefits Their stunning color variety of deep indigo to royal blue packs a big nutrient punch. Megan Ware reported for Medical News Today that, “Blueberries contain a plant compound called anthocyanin. This gives blueberries both their blue color and many of their health benefits. Blueberries can help heart health, bone strength, skin health, blood pressure, diabetes management, cancer prevention, and mental health. Amazingly, one cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of a person's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Pro Tip: Try and plant a few different fall produce options to see what best suits the land. And, if possible, add a bit of mulch around the base of any plants you put into the ground. It helps protect against frost. And, blueberry bushes also thrive in containers if you want to test different spaces in your land. Vitamin-dense vegetables and fruits are in high demand. Try planting these three fall crops to be the most profitable. Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Blueberries pack incredible nutritional and financial value for farmers. Take your farm to the next level by managing it using Farmbrite, farm management software . You can easily see what crops are producing for you and which ones are not. We give you tools to make informed and profitable decisions on your farm to keep you organized all year long. Author: Julie Bielenberg, a writer and farmer on the western slope of Colorado.

How much hay do you need to store for the winter? Estimating how much hay you need for the winter is an important factor in most cattle, horse, goat, and sheep operations. As you may imagine we talk about hay a lot here at Farmbrite. Producers want to know how much hay they have and how much hay their animals will eat through the winter and spring. Here is some helpful information to help guide you through those calculations. Size and Weights of Hay Bales What does a bale of hay weigh? Here is a chart that helps to roughly determine the size and weight that different size bales can come in. (There is another chart at the bottom of this article as well.) Why Should You Care About the Weight of Your Hay? Knowing the weight and nutritional content of your hay not only helps to ensure that you have enough livestock fodder on hand for winter, it also helps to make sure that you provide ample nutrients and protein to your animals. What is Hay? Hay is a mixture of grasses, legumes, or other plants that have been cut, dried, and stored. It is typically utilized as animal fodder for livestock, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and horses, but can also be used for smaller animals such as rabbits. Hay is often harvested and used as animal fodder when there is not enough live pasture to graze animals on, when grazing is not feasible due to weather, or when an animal is unable to access a pasture. Hay is also used when a pasture is too lush or nutrient-rich for the well-being of livestock. Mixtures of grasses such as ryegrass, timothy, brome, fescue, Bermuda grass, and orchard grass are commonly used for hay. However, hay may also include legumes, such as alfalfa and clovers. Because the leaf and seed of plants naturally contain more nutritional value than the stems, farmers typically harvest hay when the seeds are not quite ripe and the leaf is at its largest size. Once cut in the field, the material is left to dry until the majority of the moisture is removed while still ensuring that the material is dense enough to be processed by machinery and stored in bales. Hay is very sensitive to weather conditions. When too dry, hay production and its nutritional value are diminished. When it's too wet out, the hay can easily rot, mold or spoil in the field before there is time for it to be baled, potentially allowing for toxins to form in the hay, which could make the animals sick. After harvest, hay should be stored in a way that protects it from moisture as any mold or spoilage reduces the nutritional value and may cause illness. Common Types of Hay There are many different types of hay that are available. The following are a few types that are typical for cattle, horse, goat, sheep, and other grazing fodder. It's important to understand the different types of feed and their nutritional value and impact on your livestock's health, growth, and yield. Alfalfa Alfalfa is a great source of high-quality protein. It is a great choice for lactating cows that need high amounts of digestible protein and energy. While Alfalfa is very palatable for most livestock, overfed livestock can become bloated easily due to the high amount of protein. This legume-based hay has a crude protein content of 17-20%, 1.19-1.41% calcium, and 0.98-1.13 mCal/lb digestible energy. Oat Hay Oat hay is beneficial for a majority of livestock for several reasons and typically contain more calories per pound than grass hay. Oat hay is great for young livestock when cut when the oats are in bloom, but you can also feedstock cows' oat hay when cut a little later. Oats are typically grown in cool temperate climates. Oat hay has a crude protein content of 15.6-16.3% and 0.32% calcium. Orchard Grass Orchard grass has a nutrient content with high fiber, protein, and calorie content when compared to timothy. Unlike other hays, orchard grass hay's nutrient value is not sensitive to the time it needs to be cut. While orchard grass has a high nutrient value, it falls short compared to alfalfa hay's nutrient density. Orchard grass has a crude protein content of 8-13%, 0.26% calcium. Timothy Hay Timothy is a grass hay mostly used for horses. It is a high-energy, high-fiber, and low-protein feed, which makes it easy for animals to digest. Because of its low protein levels, Timothy is often used as a filler to calm appetites without adding excess calories. Timothy hay has a crude protein content of 7-11%, 0.38-0.51% calcium, and 0.82-0.94 mCal/lb digestible energy. To fully understand the nutritional impact of the hay you are using you can do a hay analysis, which will highlight the specific amount of various nutrients that are found in the hay. Learn more about hay testing and hay analysis at https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis . What Is The Weight and Size of a Bale of Hay? Hay is typically harvested using standard machines and balers. These result in common round and square bale sizes weighing from 40 lbs to over 2,000 lbs. A hay baling machine packs and binds hay in a specified dimension, however depending on the density of the hay the weight of the bales varies. Each bale of hay has a moisture content that notably impacts its weight, making it difficult to produce standard or identical-weight bales. The ideal moisture for hay is around 15%. If the hay has less than 10% the hay will be very dry and lacking nutrition. If it has more than 18% moisture then there is a risk of mold. To accurately measure the weight of a bale of hay it is best to use a weighing scale. Making Hay: Packaging bales Bales are packed in two forms, round or rectangular and both have their pros and cons to feeding livestock. Rectangular Bales - Easy to move, but can be labor intensive to feed to animals - Easy to stack, store and transport - If not stored correctly in a hayrick, it can easily spoil Round Bales - Easy to feed to animals - Hard to store and stack - Harder to transport - Because it is baled in a compressed manner, it's less prone to spoilage Estimating the Bale of Hay Weight by Dimension: The following table provides information about how much a bale of hay typically weighs according to its dimension and size. Rectangle Bales Size Dimension (L x H x W) Weight 2 string bale 36” x 19” x 16”40 - 75 lbs. 3 string bale 44“ x 22” x 15”100 - 140 lbs. Half ton 6 ft x 4 ft x 3 ft 1000 lbs. 1 Ton 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft 2000 lbs. Round Bales Size Dimension (Width x Height) Weight Small 4 ft x 4 ft 400 - 600 lbs. Medium 5 ft x 4.5 ft 720 - 950 lbs. Large 5 ft x 6 ft 1270 - 1700 lbs. How to Estimate Your Hay Needs and Costs Depending on the type, quality, location, and size of the bales, you should expect to pay something between $30 and $300 per ton of hay. Square bales, on average, cost between $3 and $10 per bale, while round bales range from $75 to $90 for each ton. Alfalfa grade bales cost around $140 or more per ton, while grass bales range from $125 to $150 per ton. Because of the variation of prices for hay based on location, type, and season, it's best to contact a local feed store or grower to get an accurate estimate. If you want to estimate your hay consumption and costs, you need to know on average how much your livestock eat each day. When estimating hay usage we need to consider a few key factors: 1. The hay quality and moisture content 2. The daily % of body weight the animal consumes 3. The amount of hay wastage that is likely to occur. How Much Hay Does One Cow Consume? Cows will typically consume about 2% of their body weight. Using an example 1,200-pound pregnant cow, with good quality grass hay (~8% crude protein) we can estimate hay consumption of about 26 lbs per day - based on 92% dry matter (grass hays often have between 7-10% moisture content). Hay wastage is difficult to estimate, but generally, it is between 5% and 20%. For this example, let's assume 15% hay wastage or an extra 4 lbs/day/cow. This means that about 30 lbs of hay must be fed to each cow daily and hay is the primary feed source. Feeding Formula To figure out how much hay your cattle is likely to consume we can use the following formula: Lbs of hay needed = number of cows x days on hay x lbs/day Tons of hay needed = Lbs of hay/2000 The total cost of Hay = Tons of hay x cost/ton Using our example with an estimated cost of $250/ton of hay for 10 cows for 90 days we come to: Lbs of hay needed: 10 x 90 x 30 = 27,000 lbs Tons of hay needed: 27,000 lbs/2000 = 13.5 tons Total cost of Hay: 13.5 tons x $250 = $3,375 As you see it can be challenging but not impossible to figure out how much hay you will need to store for the winter. We hope this article will help give you the information you need to estimate the weight of a bale of hay, keep enough hay on hand, and produce healthy and happy livestock. We love helping keep track of your livestock feeding schedule, amounts of hay in inventory, and weights of animals at Farmbrite . Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Give it a try for free.

If you raise chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, guinea fowl, quail, pigeons, emus, ostrich, peacocks, or any type of poultry on your farm you've come to the right place. Farmbrite has been working hard for the last several years helping poultry operations make better business decisions and keeping them organized. We've collected 15 of the top ways that our customers use our software. Top 15 ways That Our Poultry Customers Say They Get the Most Out of Farmbrite: Scan a QR code to add quick notes on your chickens Print out a QR code for each of your coops or grazing tractors and easily scan it on your mobile phone to streamline recording egg harvests, feedings, environmental information, and much more. Learn more about using QR codes on your farm . Track treatments, feedings, and other inputs You can quickly and easily record all of your livestock treatments , feedings, and inputs in Farmbrite to track your animal health. But you can also automatically track farm inventory you're using as part of these activities and get notified when you're running low on critical livestock inputs. Measure your flocks and track the feed-conversion-ratio of your chickens Farmbrite makes it easy to track the weight of your birds and check them against breed growth standards and targets, but did you know you can also see how effective your feed is by reviewing your feed conversion ratio and the animal's average daily gain? Use Standard and Custom Reports to Identify Trends Farmbrite comes loaded with dozens of pre-built dashboards and standard reports to help you make sense of all the farm data you've collected. If those reports don't answer your questions you can always build your own with an easy-to-use custom report builder. Learn more about how to analyze your farm data . Streamline Traceability of Egg Harvests Keeping good farm traceability records is critical for any farm operation. Streamline your traceability by leveraging Farmbrite's automatic trace ID and harvest tracking. These features automatically assign a unique ID to every harvest that can be easily found using a QR code scan or search and provide details about the history of the harvest. Leveraging automatic inventory spoilage and age alerts to never lose track of when harvests are going bad. Track poultry parentage for breeding and genealogy If you're breeding chickens or other poultry for certain physical or egg characteristics then you know how important keeping detailed breeding and genealogy records is. Farmbrite's livestock breeding and genealogy features make it simple to keep one of these. Graze your chickens in tractors with the grazing rotation feature Many farmers are using chicken tractors to free-range their chickens or incorporate their chickens or other poultry into multi-species rotational grazing . If you're doing any type of livestock grazing you know how important it is to keep track of herd and flock movements, pasture rest days, animal units per acre, and more. You can leverage our livestock grazing features to keep track of and manage all your grazing needs. Keep track of egg inventory Your chickens and other poultry and going to lay eggs and if you're raising layers and selling those eggs keeping detailed records for your flock production and egg inventory is critical. Never lose track of how many eggs you have in your cooler and how old those batches are. Farmbrite's inventory features seamlessly integrate with our livestock production tracking to help keep track of overall farm inventory on hand and alert you when you're running low or when eggs (or other inventory) are about to expire. Create a quick bill of sale with Farmbrite If you're selling livestock whether full-grown or chicks generating accurate sales records to provide your buyers can be cumbersome. Farmbrite streamlines the sale of livestock and automatically generates a print-ready livestock bill of sale while also automatically updating your livestock records and recording the associated income from your sale. Learn more about generating livestock bill of sales . Use tasks & calendar to remember To Do items There is never a shortage of work to be done around the farm and it can be easy to lose track of everything you or your team needs to get done. Integrated scheduling and task management help you keep track of all your important tasks so you never forget what needs to be done and you have accurate records of all the work your team's completed on your farm. Boost sales by selling your eggs, meat, and poultry classes online If you're not selling directly to consumers you might consider launching a self-service online farm store using Farmbrite's built-in farm eCommerce site to expand your egg sales reach. Even if you don't sell directly to consumers you can easily capture and track your orders, manage deliveries, and streamline inventory picking. Assign tasks to your farm workers using tasks Keep track of all the work your team needs to complete and easily delegate, assign, manage, and track the work that your whole team is doing. Track the financial data of your poultry flock Keeping detailed financial records is critical for any business's success. Using Farmbrite's integrated farm accounting software it's never been easier to track your costs, view your income, understand breakeven and ROI, evaluate profitable enterprises, and streamline farm taxes . Quickly track egg yield Not sure what your lay rate is, how well your flock is producing, or which coop is producing more eggs? Not sure what is impacting your egg quality or production counts? Stop guessing and let Farmbrite help you track your flock's egg production to ensure your birds are healthy and happy and producing the highest quality eggs. Store images, notes, and files on specific animals or flocks Stop struggling with loose files, photos, and records for your operation or worrying that you might lose that important record. Keep all your farm records, data, files, and photos safe and secure in one place and never lose them again. Give Farmbrite a try with a free 14-day trial to see how we can help you with your poultry operation.

Turning a love for poultry into a viable small farm business takes strategic thinking and some realistic number crunching. Large commercial chicken meat and eggs are produced almost entirely in the U.S. based on a contractual relationship with a big producer (like Tyson Foods). The contractor provides the chicks, pullets, feed and medication, and technical support while the farmer owns the debt of the infrastructure and equipment needed for the operation. These businesses are expensive to start (one chicken house typically costs $200,000 or more) plus are often placed strategically near other poultry operations. Most small-scale farmers aren't positioned to enter the poultry market as a large-scale contractor, nor do they want to. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to start a profitable poultry operation that takes advantage of consumers growing interested in healthy, locally grown, pasture-raised poultry and eggs. What steps should you take to get started on a profitable, small-scale poultry business? Check Your Local and State Regulations Before you do anything else, check your local and state regulations regarding small-scale poultry farming. Contact your state department of agriculture. Check limits on how many birds you can raise, required licenses, and licensing costs. Keep in mind that there are stricter requirements if you plan to sell poultry meat, but there are very few USDA-approved slaughter facilities for poultry from small-scale farmers to take their birds to. Most states still allow direct marketing selling to consumers of limited amounts of processed poultry meat, still, you can't sell wholesale or to restaurants if your meat isn't processed in a USDA-approved facility. There are some regional solutions for small-scale processing — like USDA-approved mobile slaughter facilities, funded by regional non-profits or farmer cooperatives. There are also grants and government programs that can help offset the costs of investing in small-scale processing facilities if you decide to build a facility. Check HERE for more information. Producing eggs or even a business selling live chicks to other farmers or backyard poultry keepers is another option without the headache of slaughter and processing, but make sure to check on state and local rules for those operations as well. Invest in Good Stock Whether you plan to sell eggs, poultry meat or sell hatched birds to your community, choosing good stock to start your poultry farm can make or break the success of your business. Select a breed (or breeds) well known to have the traits you plan to market. If you are planning to sell meat, you need a breed that quickly grows to a marketable weight. If you want to sell eggs, select a breed well known for high egg production. If you're hoping to sell chicks (or ducklings, goslings, or poults) to local backyard poultry lovers, choose breeds known to be docile and beautiful. Think about how you plan to manage your birds. Some breeds are better suited for pasture ranging while others perform best in confinement. Once you have settled on a breed, only purchase the highest quality starter stock from a reputable breeder. Those birds will be the foundation of your business, so better to pay more at the beginning for the highest quality, healthy birds than play catch-up with inferior, sickly birds that might have been cheaper to start with but won’t be in the long run. Building the Right Infrastructure for Your Poultry Farm Another critical component of any successful poultry farm is the proper infrastructure for your poultry business. Poultry are highly vulnerable to predation, so if you plan to raise your birds on pasture, you will need to invest in poultry-proof fencing and even netting (for raptors). Adequate housing will include shelter from the weather and be manageable within your system. For instance, if you plan to sell eggs from pasture-raised hens, you will likely want to invest in a mobile chicken house with nesting boxes that the chickens can bed down in at night and lay their eggs, but you can still quickly move from one paddock to the next. Don't forget to have areas for raising chicks (or ducklings, goslings, or poults) as well! Consider Your Feed Costs Feed costs are the number one expense making poultry operations unprofitable for most small-scale poultry farmers. Selecting good stock (which will more efficiently utilize the feed they take in) helps, but you will need to look at creative ways to keep feed costs manageable. If you are pasture-ranging your birds, that will offset costs. However, most pasture-ranged birds still need some supplemental feed. A few options for lowering feed costs include: Buying in bulk. The more feed you can buy, the cheaper it is per pound. You may want to invest in a grain silo. Buy (or grow) the ingredients and grind it yourself. You will need to research your birds' appropriate nutrient ratio and may need to add supplements. For more details about making poultry feed, this LINK is a helpful resource. Fodder feeding or fermenting (sprouting) grains are two other strategies poultry owners use to keep their feed costs under control, turning whole grains into more nutritious fodder and sprouted grains. However, both require extra steps and labor. Create a Market Base for Your Poultry Business Finally, don't forget to think about who you will sell your poultry products to and how you will find your market. Create a logo and social media presence for your farm business and start posting about what you are doing. Once you have a product ready, think about where you will sell it. Farmers' markets are a great place for farmers just starting their businesses to capture market share. Or, you might want to set up an on-farm stand or approach local wholesale outlets, like restaurants, grocery stores, or farm cooperatives that might be interested in your product. A poultry CSA is a popular add-on with other more traditional CSA programs (like a vegetable and fruit CSA). You may be able to partner with another CSA farmer to offer your poultry products. Good luck and we hope you have great success with your poultry business! Georgie Smith, known in her community as “Farmer Georgie,” is a fourth-generation farmer and journalist living on her family’s historic farm on a Pacific Northwest island. She ran her own small farm for more than 20 years. These days, when she’s not herding chickens, fixing the antique tractor (again), or growing heirloom dry beans, Georgie writes about farming. Georgie is passionate about supporting healthy, equitable, and sustainable food production and thriving family farms. www.farmergeorgiewrites.com Let Farmbrite help track your poultry business!

Goats are famous for “eating anything,” but in reality, finding the right goat feed and providing the proper nutrition for a thriving goat herd is complicated. What you should feed your goats will depend on what kind of goats you have, what products your goats provide (meat, milk, or fiber), how old and at what stage of life your goats are, your environment, and what quality of pasture your farm can provide. But first, let’s start with the basics. Goats are Ruminants Goats are ruminants, similar to cows, with a four-compartment stomach. That gives them the ability to consume much more fibrous materials than single-stomach animals (like omnivore species). But unlike cows, goats are more browsers versus grazers. They prefer to eat just the tops of grasses and enjoy woody species, like shrubs and vines (hence why they are great at clearing overgrown pasture land). In general, goats should have access to pasture. But, depending on the pasture quality, time of year, and the production needs of the goats, they may also need supplement feed, including forages (like hay) and potentially grain rations. Goats typically get most of their vitamins and minerals from their food but may require supplements of vitamins A, D, and E. They should be provided free-choice salt, calcium, and phosphorous (and possibly selenium supplements, if you are in the Pacific Northwest). Goats should always have access to unlimited fresh water. Feed for Goats (Dairy) A high-producing dairy goat breeds of Nubians, Alpines, Saanens, or one of the other popular dairy goat breeds need special attention paid to their diet to support their production levels and ensure they produce sweet-tasting, high-quality milk. Dairy goats should have access to pasture — a typical rule of thumb is ½ acre of land per milking goat in temperate climates (drier climates will need more land or risk over-grazing). But, dairy goats in production and growing stock and pregnant does should be supplemented with high-protein legume hay (like alfalfa). Kids, bucks, and milking does should also receive a standardized dairy grain ration. Also, be careful of what you feed your dairy cows as certain types of feed (soy is often identified as a culprit) can flavor the taste of the milk, making it “goaty.” Some goat owners report tasting specific pasture weeds (like wild onions) in their goat’s milk as well. Feed for Goats (Meat Goats) The key to profitably raising meat goats is maximizing their feed-to-meat conversion rate efficiency. Each breed has slightly different nutritional requirements and many meat goat farmers consult with veterinarians or feed specialists to dial in the most efficient feed regime for their herd. If pasture quality is high, goat farmers don’t need to buy as much feed to supplement their herd’s nutritional requirements. The trick is understanding the total nutrient requirements of your goats and then figuring out how much is provided through pasture. Then, you can determine how much supplement feed you might need to provide. Remember, pasture is more productive at different times of the year and the stage of growth of the animals you are feeding will determine your goats’ total nutritional requirements. Check with your local agricultural extension office to have your feed, hay, and pasture tested for their nutritional composition. As a general rule of thumb, Boer goats (one of the most popular meat goat breeds in the U.S.) require at least one pound of feed per day. However, in group feed situations where you cannot control how much each goat consumes, it is best to feed at least two lbs per goat. That ensures the more aggressive goats get their fill but still leaves feed for the timid members of the herd. How their nutritional needs are met — whether through grazing pasture, feeding hay, or providing a high-energy supplement — is variable. The key is knowing the nutritional value of what you feed. Feeding Gestating and Lactating Goats Feeding gestating and lactating goats is crucial to ensure their health, productivity, and the well-being of their offspring. During gestation, especially in the last two months when fetal growth is most rapid, the nutritional needs of does increase significantly. It is essential to provide a balanced diet that includes high-quality forage, grains, and supplements to meet these increased demands. A diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals helps support the development of healthy kids and prepares the doe for the demanding lactation period. Forage, such as good-quality hay or pasture, should form the basis of a gestating doe’s diet. This should be supplemented with grains to provide additional energy, particularly during the late gestation period. Protein-rich feeds such as alfalfa hay, soybean meal, or commercial protein supplements are also important to support fetal development. Adequate mineral supplementation, particularly calcium, phosphorus, and selenium, is crucial to prevent deficiencies that could lead to complications such as milk fever or weak kids. During lactation, the nutritional needs of does increase even further due to the demands of milk production. A lactating doe’s diet should continue to be based on high-quality forage, but with increased amounts of energy and protein to support milk yield. Grain supplements become even more critical during this period. Additionally, lactating does require more water to produce milk, so constant access to clean, fresh water is essential. Proper feeding management during these critical periods not only ensures the health and productivity of the doe but also impacts the growth and vitality of the kids. Close monitoring of body condition and adjusting the diet as needed can help prevent issues such as ketosis or underfeeding. Overall, a well-balanced and carefully managed feeding program is key to successful goat reproduction and lactation. Keeping Track of what they are eating, and how much hay and nutrients you have on hand is a top priority for us at Farmbrite. Try it for free . Other Goat Feed Considerations Goats are highly susceptible to parasite infections, with potentially devastating results for your herd. Strategies to avoid that include selectively breeding for parasite-resistant stock but also using smart feeding methods. Never feed hay or grain on the ground. Goats do not like to eat that close to the ground (remember they are browsers, not grazers) and it encourages parasite infections . Ensure your pastures are not overgrazed and rotated, leaving them un-grazed for several months. Some producers follow goats with cattle to break up parasite cycles in paddocks. A final rule of thumb is always, always know what plant you’re feeding to your goats and its toxicity level. Despite their reputation for “eating anything,” there are many poisonous plants to goats, including common landscaping shrubs like azaleas and oleanders. More than one goat herd has accidentally been poisoned by an uninformed owner or neighbor feeding the herd “trimmings” from their yard. For more extensive information on goat nutrition, including raising milk, meat, or fiber goats, check out Langston University’s American Institute for Goat Research , based out of Oklahoma. Want an efficient way to keep track of goats and feedings ? Check out Farmbrite .

Getting Started, Benefits, and How To Manage At Scale With the demand for organic fertilizer ever rising, compositing will continue to grow in popularity and profitability. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, food waste alone made up approximately 24% of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the United States. Unfortunately, a substantial portion of this organic waste ends up in landfills where it decomposes anaerobically, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. According to the U.S. Composting Council, the volume of compost sold has been steadily increasing over the years as composting gains popularity and awareness about its benefits grows. In recent years, the sale of compost has been reported to be in the millions of cubic yards annually. Often farms have some of the best compost around. You might consider selling it from your farm. To help you start and manage a successful small- or large-scale compost business, or to learn about how to best compost on your small farm, we have shared some insights below. What Is Composting? Composting is a natural aerobic process by which effective microorganisms convert organic materials into a more stable and usable form referred to as compost. Therefore, compost is a mass of fully decomposed organic matter (from material such as food scraps, animal manure, or plant waste products). The effective microorganisms that break down organic matter during composting are usually the aerobic decomposers including naturally occurring bacteria and fungi. Composting differs from anaerobic decomposition in that the former is an oxygen-dependent process resulting in carbon dioxide, water, energy, and black humus while the latter is an oxygen-nondependent process that produces methane, water, and carbon dioxide. A typical anaerobic decomposition occurs in landfills producing methane which causes the catastrophic greenhouse effect and global warming. Composting is done on a small scale (home composting) or a large scale (industrial composting). Mature compost is usually added to farms as a soil conditioner and an organic fertilizer. How Does Composting Work As earlier stated, composting is a controlled aerobic decomposition (requires oxygen) carried out by naturally occurring microorganisms. This process requires an optimum level of carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, oxygen, moisture, and temperature. A balance between carbon and nitrogen is crucial for the decomposers to grow and multiply. Green organic material contains nitrogen while brown organic matter has carbon. So, you should balance the green and brown materials to maintain an optimum carbon-nitrogen ratio. Air is also an equally important parameter in composting because the decomposers use it for respiration. Insufficient oxygen leads to anaerobic fermentation which might generate an unpleasant smell. You can ensure your compost is aerated by turning it regularly. Similarly, correct moisture levels enable the microorganisms to break down organic faster. On the contrary, the excessive water content in the compost can slow down the process. You can regulate the moisture in your compost by balancing fresh and dry materials. Besides, you can water the compost if it becomes too dry. Lastly, the temperature is an indicator of microbial activity. High temperature indicates that decomposition is happening quickly whereas low temperature denotes a decrease in microbial activity. Benefits Of Composting If used correctly, compost can save you money by lowering soil maintenance costs, providing clean manure, and enhancing sustainability. Here are some of the benefits of composting: A mature compost contains essential nutrients in smaller quantities compared to synthetic fertilizers. So, the compost can be applied in large quantities to serve as an organic fertilizer which can act as a substitute for chemical fertilizers. Composting helps minimize the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change. Unlike anaerobic digestion, a well-aerated and watered compost emits reduced amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases which are known to promote global warming. Compost improves the soil’s nutrient retention ability, and balances pH and soil density as well. These critical aspects of the soil boost healthy plant growth. Composting increases soil microorganisms which capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide in a more stable form (carbon sequestration). Adding cured compost to your farm increases water infiltration and binds the soil together thus reducing soil erosion. Composting produces heat energy which can be tapped and used to heat homes or warehouses. Composting is an awesome waste management technique. When you compost, you reduce the amount of waste dumped in landfills and recycle organic waste into soil conditioners. Disadvantages Of Composting Although composting has a wide range of benefits, it is not short of limitations. Below are some of the disadvantages: If you don’t provide enough air and moisture, decomposition will occur slowly and anaerobically. This may lead to low-quality compost or the production of an irritating smell. Composting generates certain amounts of greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. Controlling unpleasant smells can be costly especially when composting is done near residential areas. Organic compost might not contain enough macronutrients needed by plants. Therefore, compost has to be applied in large amounts or be supplemented with inorganic fertilizers. People in the urban setting don’t separate organic from inorganic trash making composting such waste difficult. Which Materials Can Be Composted? Most organic materials are suitable for composting. These include: Potato peels, Crushed eggshells, Banana peels Avocado skin Grass clippings Plant and tree leaves Small plant branches Wood chips, shavings, or sawdust Coffee grounds and tea Paper tea bags Black and white newspaper Other food and vegetable scraps Vegetative manure What To Avoid Adding To Compost Manure from pigs, cats, dogs, humans, and other non-herbivores might contain pathogenic microorganisms and shouldn’t be added to the compost. Petroleum products such as grease, engine oils, or fats. Painted wood, leaves, or shavings Meat, bones, and dairy products Invasive weeds Diseased plants Colored newspapers and magazines How To Start Composting Although composting is a great way to keep your garden soil healthy and lively, many gardeners and small-scale farmers don’t compost their organic waste. Some farmers believe that compost produces an unpleasant smell others are impatient to wait for it to mature but a great number do not know where to start. Below are the simple steps to start your home composting 1. Separate food and vegetable scraps from other wastes First, separate the biodegradable waste from the non-biodegradable materials. For a start, you can set aside easily degradable materials such as fruit and vegetable waste. You can also use select coffee grounds, eggshells, and tea bags. However, you should avoid meat and dairy products since such products attract rodents into the compound. 2. Keep the food scraps Properly store the food scraps you have set aside as you assemble enough waste for composting. 3. Choose the location for your compost At this stage, you choose an appropriate site for composting depending on the amount of space available in your residence. Composting at home can be done in the backyard. However, you can use compost bins available in the market for those without backyards. 4. Prepare the compost mix The “greens” and “browns” we mentioned earlier apply at this stage. "Greens" refer to green organic matter such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, or, grass clippings. Greens are rich in nitrogen which is an essential nutrient for microbial growth and reproduction. On the other hand, "Browns" contain much-needed carbon and include newspapers, egg cartons, pine needles, and dried leaves. The role of browns in compost is to provide food and energy to the bacteria and fungi responsible for decomposition. Ensure you crush eggshells and shred papers before adding them to the compost pile. Generally, green materials are wet whereas brown materials are dry. When piling, you should ensure the browns are at the bottom and the wet greens on the top. This technique of layering ensures the compost is wet and aerated enabling decomposers to break down organic materials effectively. 5. Wait for decomposition to occur After you have prepared your compost mix, you should wait for it to mature. The time taken for a compost to mature will depend on location. In warmer regions, compost can take as little as two months to get cured. On the contrary, compost in cold regions can take over five months to mature. Note that you should turn the compost regularly, let’s say once every week. Turning keeps the compost sufficiently aerated and ensures that it is evenly decomposed. 6. Harvest and use As the compost matures, it will turn from a raw greenish brown color to dark brown humus with a likable earthly aroma. It will also cool down because decomposition has ended. If your compost meets these checks, it is ready to be used. 7. Selling your compost Add this to your business plan. Selling your compost can be done by the bucket load or only in bulk. Decide how you want to price your compost, market, and deliver it. After you write down how you want to sell this product and for how much, you can get the word out to your customers, neighbors, and local garden centers. Types of Large-scale composting In-Vessel Composting In-vessel biodegradation can process huge quantities of waste while taking up less space than the windrow technique, and it can handle almost any kind of organic waste (e.g., meat, animal manure, biosolids, food scraps). Organic materials are fed into a drum, silo, concrete-lined trench, or similar piece of equipment using this method. This allows for precise control of environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow. To ensure that the material is aerated, it is mechanically turned or mixed. The size and capacity of the vessel can vary. This method yields compost in a matter of weeks. It will be a few weeks or months before it is ready to use because the microbial activity must be balanced and the pile must cool. Onsite Composting Institutions that plan to compost small quantities of food scraps can do so on-site. Composting can considerably reduce the amount of food that is wasted. Yard waste and small amounts of food scraps can also be composted on-site. Animal waste and large amounts of organic waste are not suitable for onsite composting. Aerated Static Pile Composting Compost is produced relatively quickly by aerated static pile composting (within three to six months). It works well for larger quantity generators of yard trimmings and compostable municipal solid waste (e.g., food scraps, paper products), such as local governments, landscapers, or farms. However, this method is ineffective for composting animal byproducts or grease from food processing industries. Organic waste is mixed in a large pile in aerated static pile composting. Layers of loosely piled bulking agents (e.g., wood chips, shredded newspaper) are added to the pile to allow air to pass from the bottom to the top. The piles can also be placed on top of a pipe system that supplies or draws air into the pile. A timer or thermistors could activate air blowers. Aerated (Turned) Windrow Composting Aerated or turned windrow composting is appropriate for large volumes, such as those generated by entire neighborhoods and collected by local governments, as well as high-volume food-processing operations (e.g., restaurants, cafeterias, and packing plants). It will produce a significant amount of compost, which may necessitate assistance in marketing the end product. Municipalities may wish to make compost available to residents at a low or no cost. This method of composting entails separating the organic waste into rows of long piles known as "windrows" and aerating them regularly by turning the piles manually or mechanically. The ideal pile height is four to eight feet, with a width of 14 to sixteen feet. This size pile generates enough heat to keep temperatures stable. It's indeed small enough to allow oxygen to circulate to the core of the pile. This technique can compost a wide range of wastes, including yard trimmings, grease, liquids, and animal byproducts (such as fish and poultry waste). Keep track of your compost with Farmbrite, an All-in-One farm management software that fits small to medium-sized farms. Try free for 14 days . Vermicomposting To make compost, red worms in bins consume food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic matter. Worms decompose this material into high-quality compost known as castings. Worm bins are simple to build and can also be purchased. A pound of mature worms (roughly 800-1,000 worms) can consume up to half a pound of organic matter per day. The bins can be customized to accommodate the volume of kitchen waste that will be converted into castings. Producing usable castings typically takes 3 to 4 months. Castings can be used to make potting soil. Worm tea, another byproduct of vermicomposting, is often used as a high-quality liquid fertilizer for potted plants or gardens. Safety Precautions When handling waste, use standard safety precautions (e.g., washing your hands afterward, and avoiding touching your face are just a few). Wear a dust mask while tending to your pile if you have a condition that predisposes you to an allergic reaction or infection, especially in dry weather. Take a look at your local restrictions on selling your compost and take a look at these GAP practices that you can use to keep you and your customers safe. Final Thoughts Composting is an important tool in environmental conservation and the global fight against climate change among other things. Compost benefits the climate in several ways, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions at landfills, encouraging vegetation to absorb carbon dioxide, and making our projects and gardens more resilient to the effects of climate change.

Lamb, Mutton, Sheep, or All of the Above? There's a lot to think about when starting a new farming endeavor. Let's get basic, a lamb is simply a baby sheep. But the terminology surrounding farmers — or, more accurately, shepherds — that raise and sell lamb versus shepherds that raise sheep can be confusing. Sheep and Lamb Farming Most sheep operations -- whether they are raising wool sheep, dairy sheep or ‘hair’ sheep (sheep breeds that don’t grow a wool coat) only for meat -- market their yearly lamb production as an essential part of their annual sales. Lamb meat is the most high-value and in-demand meat product in a sheep operation. Lamb Versus Mutton Lamb and mutton are simply two ways of characterizing sheep carcasses depending on the animal’s age at the time of slaughter. Lamb is the meat of a young sheep less than 12 months of age. Mutton is the meat of a sheep older than one year. Yearling mutton is meat from sheep between one and two years old. The older the sheep is at the time of slaughter, the strong, more intense flavor the meat has. Most consumers don’t care for the taste of mutton, finding it too gamey and the meat tough. It is dark red, with a fat layer. Mutton, when consumed, is usually used in stews and is more prevalent in Middle Eastern and European cuisine. On the other hand, Lamb is favored for its sweet, mild flavor and fine-grained tender texture and many lamb cuts — leg of lamb, lamb shoulder — are used in famous high cuisine dishes. In addition, lamb doesn’t have much fat. Lamb is the preferred way to consume sheep meat in the United States. In a live sheep, age can be determined by checking its front teeth. A lamb less than a year old has eight milk teeth on its lower jaw. A yearling sheep, often called a “hogget” in traditional sheep-raising countries like the U.K. and New Zealand, will have cut its first pair of permanent teeth. A 2-year-old sheep will have produced its second pair of permanent teeth and is typically called a “two-tooth” sheep. Other important definitions of sheep-rearing include: Ewe — A female sheep. A young female lamb is called a ewe lamb. Ram — A male sheep. A young male sheep is called a ram lamb. Wether — A castrated male sheep. They are more docile than rams when mature and are used for wool production. Lambskin — The hide from a slaughtered lamb with the fur intact. Lambskin is very soft and is used to make gloves, belts, purses, and many more accessory items. When cured into leather, lambskin becomes lamb leather and is preferred for its soft text and smooth quality. Sheepskin — The same as the hide from a lamb simply from an animal a year or older. Like the meat, sheepskin tends to be of rougher texture than lambskin and is typically used for making shoes or book covers. Sheep leather is cured from sheepskin. Marketing Lamb (or Sheep) Meat In past years there has been very little demand for mutton in the U.S., and lamb sales in large markets have been declining for many years. The current per capita consumption of lamb meat is less than one-half pound per person per year and many American’s have never even tasted lamb. However, there has been an increase in interest in lamb meat. Depending on your sheep-raising goals, lamb sales can be a successful way to augment your sheep production. Selling to specialty markets with a high demand for lamb or selling direct to consumers or to chefs in your community are all ways to make a profit with your sheep. If the primary purpose of the sheep flock is for wool or dairy, then obviously, the lamb is a secondary income stream that can help make the primary purpose of the flock more profitable. In addition, many small farmers have found that a flock of sheep can be very useful in regenerating grazing pasture-land and often use them in a diversified pasture management scheme. If pasture and soil restoration is the primary goal, those farmers typically tend to raise hair sheep — breeds like Katahdin or St. Croix — that don’t require annual shearing. When it comes time to sell the lamb, there are several options. There is a strong demand for lamb in ethnic populations centered around cultural holidays like Greek or Eastern Easter, Passover, Christmas, and Ramadan if direct marketing. Lamb is the customary meat for many Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. Chefs are another potential outlet for lamb meat. However, the lamb must be slaughtered in a U.S.D.A. inspected and authorized facility to sell to a chef or a wholesale outlet like a grocery store. Direct-market farmers may prefer to sell lamb “on the hoof,” having the consumer pay them for the hanging weight and pay the slaughter and processing fees directly to the local butcher shop that processes the lamb. Another outlet for lamb meat is online sales, customized and shipped “butcher boxes” of specialty meats are growing in popularity and allow small-scale farmers to tap into market demand beyond their region. Some farmers will send their recently weaned lambs at auction as “feeder lambs.” Feeder lambs are usually purchased by feedlots or grazing operations to finish the animal for a short period before slaughter time. For additional resources: Marketing Lamb and Goat for Holidays Sheep – A Small-Scale Agricultural Alternative An Illustrated Guide to Sheep and Goat Production So you want to raise sheep Georgie Smith, known in her community as “Farmer Georgie,” is a fourth-generation farmer and journalist living on her family’s historic farm on a Pacific Northwest island. She ran her own small farm for more than 20 years. These days, when she’s not herding chickens, fixing the antique tractor (again) or growing heirloom dry beans, Georgie writes about farming. Georgie is passionate about supporting healthy, equitable and sustainable food production and thriving family farms. www.farmergeorgiewrites.com Need help keeping track of your sheep production? Take Farmbrite for a trial run free for 14 days.

Raising chickens can be fun...and profitable. Here's how... Keeping chickens and other poultry can be a wonderful way to supply yourself with fresh chicken and the best-tasting eggs around but you'll find that chickens can also be a great source of revenue. We've broken down some of the top ways to take your chicken business to the next level. Here are a few ways to turn a profit with chicken or other types of poultry. Raising Chickens for Meat Broiler Chickens First up on our list is raising meat birds. These birds are raised quickly, sometimes as fast as 8 weeks. Things to think about are where are you going to keep them, how long you need to keep them before they're ready and when/how are you going to process them. All of these steps need to be thought out ahead of time to make sure that you are going to find profit in this venture. Check with the laws in your area to see if you can butcher the birds which will keep your costs low. Raising Stewing hens When your hens get a little older and stop producing eggs as regularly you might choose to sell them as stewing hens. Depending on your area and the regulations, you might sell them live or if your area allows, butchered for a higher price. You might also sell hens that are a bit older to locals for their backyard flock. These hens are still laying, just maybe not at the rate you are looking for. You can re-home those hens to a local coop as a layer. Raising Chickens for Eggs Layer Chickens This is an easy one. Many people eat eggs every day and fresh eggs from a flock of chickens with a good diet are some of the best tasting eggs you can find. This is kind of a numbers game with the amount of chickens you need (1 egg per chicken per day). It goes without saying that your stock will need to be good layers-Red Star or Leghorns are good bet. Also, you will also need to keep your light at 14 hours during the winter months to keep the eggs coming. Keeping your flock healthy and in good living conditions is important to your investment as well as the animal's welfare. Chicken Eggs for Incubating AKA chicken eggs for hatching Selling eggs for breeding can make you top dollar. When selling eggs for breading you are going to want to have a flock (or 3) that are hard to find poultry types. You could also choose a breed that is hard to get a hold of in your area.  Pick your stock from a breeder with a good reputation. You can either sell the fertilized eggs or the hatched chicks. Expect some that won't hatch though. Keep about 12 hens and 1 rooster in each flock. You can sell these eggs locally or ship them out. I've even seen eggs on eBay and Craigslist. Check out this post if you're interested in learning how to incubate chicken eggs. Chicks for sale? Selling Pullets and Chicks You can also raise the chicks for a bit of time and sell them either right before they're laying or when they are laying. Some people don't want to mess with raising chicks. You can sell these chickens at a premium because you have invested the time in raising them for them. Other types of poultry to think about adding There are many specialty chicken breeds that people will pay extra for to add to their flocks. Alternatively, you might sell ducks, turkeys, quail, guinea foul, or peacocks. Alternative sources of revenue from chickens A few other things to think about selling associated with chickens and poultry are; selling well-aged compost to local gardeners, and feathers to crafters. Bone broth is another item that can be a source of local income. How to market and sell chickens Let me take a minute to add that not only do you need to raise the product but you have to put your business hat on and sell the product. Be prepared before you spend one dollar on this venture to get the word out, be prepared and professional when people call you about your product (call them back), and work on your marketing. Learn about ways to market and sell your farm products online. As you can see there are many ways to make money with poultry. I'm sure there are more that aren't listed here as well. The most important thing to recognize as you begin is that there will be some mistakes but you can also learn from the mistakes others have already made. Here are some additional resources on raising chickens for profit Raising Poultry the Organic Way - Management and Production Videos on hatching chicken eggs Care and management Wishing you much success!

Knowing the weather forecast is critical for farmers and ranchers. The difference between a bountiful harvest and a total crop loss can sometimes come down to a few hours or days difference where frosts or heavy rains can devastate your best-laid plans for planting or harvest. The best weather apps for farmers provide information that helps you plan ahead for planting, harvest, and other farming tasks. They should also include tools to help you monitor current conditions forecast future trends and help you keep your crops, animals, and workers safe. Top Farming Weather Apps These are just a few curated weather apps (in no particular order) that will help farmers and ranchers monitor the weather in real-time so that they can plan ahead and take action when needed. This will hopefully help you to keep your crops, livestock, and workers safe from storms. AccuWeather World Meteorological Organization recognized AccuWeather has been providing accurate forecasts since 1887. It offers an extensive range of weather products and services, including daily, hourly, and 5-day forecasts, as well as severe weather alerts. You can access AccuWeather's free mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, and its website provides live streaming data and maps. Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live Rain Forecast & Storm Alerts The Clime app offers NOAA Weather Radar Live right on your device. Access real-time radar images, severe weather alerts, accurate weather forecasts, and more. Clime's high-resolution radar overlays will help you stay informed about rain, snow, and precipitation. You can also get push notifications about severe weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, freeze warnings, and more) in your saved locations. Farmer's Almanac A classic resource with great historical data. While not exactly an app, the Farmer's Almanac has been a trusted source of weather information for more than 200 years. Its first edition was published in 1792 by Moses Farmer, who wanted to provide farmers with timely weather information. Today, the company publishes a weekly newsletter and produces several different weather forecast products, including a monthly magazine, a daily newspaper, and a smartphone app. It's a great resource for historical weather data. NOAA - The National Climatic Data Historic Climate Data Online While also not really an app, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a great free resource for accessing historical weather data. Using historical data can be a great tool to understand and analyze the impact of climate and weather on your crop production or livestock health. Climate Data Online (CDO) offers free access to The National Climatic Data's archive of global and state historical weather and climate data. This data includes high-quality daily, monthly, seasonal, and yearly measurements that include temperature, precipitation, radar, and wind data. Access the NOAA Climate Data Online (CDO) historic weather data. Storm Radar: Weather Tracker NOAA Hurricane & Tornado Maps Track the most severe weather in real-time. Using a high-definition NOAA radar and tornado tracker you can stay up-to-date and help your farm weather the storm. Use views of the changing weather patterns in your area, including how much rain and wind is coming your way. You can also get real-time weather notifications with incoming rain and lightning strikes based on your GPS location. The Weather Channel If you're looking for a weather app that will help you track local weather trends, check out the Weather Channel app. This free app has features such as hourly forecasts, radar maps, satellite images, and more. It's the #1 weather app on the Apple app store. The Weather Channel app lets you track daily forecasts and receive live radar updates for severe storm alerts & local precipitation. They also offer live Doppler radar maps, and storm watch which can warn you ahead of time of severe weather. WeatherBug An excellent app where severe weather is common. This app has an easy interface and provides forecasts for up to five days out. It also includes a feature called "Weather Alerts" that notifies users when there is a severe weather warning issued for their area. Users can explore the weather us 20 different weather maps, including Doppler radar, future radar, air quality, lightning, precipitation, local temperature, wind chill, and more! They also offer widgets to set up weather alerts you want to see on your home screen. WeatherBug is rated in the top 3 Free weather apps on the Google Play Store. Weather Underground Another popular weather app is the Weather Underground app. It's available for both Android and iOS devices. The app includes a variety of tools, including hourly forecasts, radar maps, and satellite imagery. Weather Underground also offers weather at a microclimate level. Meaning you can get a hyperlocal weather forecast, with current conditions from your closest weather station. They aggregate data from over 250,000 personal weather stations to help provide precise local weather forecasts. You can also get customizable weather alerts from NOAA and more. Plus they offer a storm tracker and Doppler radar technology to help you always be prepared. Farmbrite offers in-app farm weather forecasts and updates. Check out our farm management software free for 14 days.

Farming is hard, but incredibly important and rewarding work. Over the years we've talked with and helped lots of farmers to grow and thrive in farming. During that time we've seen a few common things that get new farmers into trouble. Keep reading to learn about 7 common mistakes new farmers make - and most importantly how to avoid them. Many of us grew up playing with farm toys; cute farm animals and shiny tractors and as we grew so did that ideal of farming. Some people think that the best thing in the world would be sitting on a tractor in a field away from offices, traffic and people. That does sound nice but not everyone farms that way. The question is, what does farming entail and is it really for you? To complicate matters, there are lots of retiring farmers and unfortunately, we don't have a rush of new farmers taking their place. So, we need new farmers because otherwise who will grow our food? Are you part of the next generation of farmers? If so, I'm so glad you're here! We talk to farmers every day and we see the struggles they encounter. They are small businesses that need customers, they need organization and they need time and energy to run things on their farm. So, here are some common things that get farmers into trouble and how to avoid them yourself as a new farmer. Ok. Let's dive in and look at the top 7 mistakes new farmers make and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Running your farm as a hobby, not a business If you're trying to make money from farming then the bottom line is, this is a business you're running. Run it like one. If you love beets, are super passionate about them and their health benefits, how they taste, whatever. That's awesome but if beets are not popular in your area and you can't sell them, then they won't be profitable and you should not be growing beets, unless of course, it's for yourself. Sell something that you can sell in your market. Go to local restaurants and see what they need. Look online at the restaurant menu and see what they offer. This is doing market research. I've known farmers that grow greens and bring them fresh and beautiful to the restaurants, to show them what they offer and sell them right off the truck. If that feels too pushy call first and try to make connections at the restaurant. Ask questions about what specifically they want to serve and ask if you grew that would they buy it from you. Talk to groups of friends, neighbors or groups you are in, people you know and see what they want to buy. Whatever you plan to sell you need to have a plan to sell to paying customers. Which brings me to my next mistake on the list. Mistake #2: No farm business plan This is a common business mistake, not having a plan. You might be passionate about sheep and want to sell your wool, meat and milk. That's awesome, but not only do you need to know how to take care of sheep, you also need to plan out costs, set up the company, where your customers are, how you plan on running your business, etc. Have a plan and spend the time to write it all out; the Who, What, Where, When and Why. (Do this before you buy the animals or grow the plants.) It's a sad fact that about half of small businesses fail and I don't want to see that happen for you. There are a ton of business plan templates online that are free and easy to use. Any of them will get you started on writing out your dream. We've heard it before, and I'm saying it again; A goal without a plan is just a wish. Don't wish. Be very clear about what you want to do, where you're going to do that and what steps you're taking to get there. A brief business plan overview: Executive Summary (Who you are) Company Summary (What is your business) Market Analysis (Who and Where are your customers) Organization & Management (Business structure) Services or Products (What you're going to sell) Marketing & Sales (Projections on profit) Financials (Start-up costs) A great resource that is available to help build your business plan is here. Too many people think the business plan might seem like an unnecessary step but it's very important to have your path clearly marked. You wouldn't start out on a trip without knowing about the place you're visiting, where you want to go, where you're going to stay, etc. Starting out in a new business is very similar. Key point: Include a marketing plan in your business plan. Write out what makes you different from your competition. These are your strengths. What makes your farm different or better than other farms in your market? Reevaluate your competitive advantage and your marketing plan annually so that you know who you're up against. Write down your weaknesses as well so you can work on them or get help to overcome them. Mistake #3: Not adapting to your market Being adaptable and innovating in your specific market is an important step in business. Markets change and we need to adapt to them. Avocados weren't a superfood 10 years ago. (We didn't even know what a superfood was 10 years ago.) Look around for what is missing or needed in your area (and grows well there) and you might just find your niche! Finding these new markets is the challenge with any business, we just happen to be talking about farming. Being innovative in business can be challenging but fun. Here are 7 ways to innovate in your market. 7 steps to innovate in your farm business Find a need or market. (Use complaints or difficulties you've heard from clients to drive this need) Learn about the product; its uses, production, and issues (Ask the customers) Talk to other producers about problems, solutions, and costs they have Secure start-up capital if needed Do the work - or get help if you need to Be prepared for mistakes and keep going! Be optimistic about your business but realistic (keep track of everything) Find what is valuable in your market and bring that to your customers and they will keep coming back. Mistake #4: Money issues: Under-investing or getting in over your head There's a balance that you need to find between buying everything you want right away and only getting what you need at the moment. You don't want to take on too much in the beginning without being profitable. Often, to get land you will have to take a loan or lease space, sometimes there's machinery or fencing needed all of which costs money to buy. How are you going to get those bales of hay or livestock to your land? What about the seeds to grow those vegetables? They all cost money. Use everything you have before expanding. Often new farmers (and businesses) will want to expand before they can really support that expansion. Be smart about available space. Could you grow on arbors instead of flat land? Could you mob-graze so you have smaller pieces of land being used for short time periods? There are lots of options for thinking outside of the traditional methods. Looks at some of those to grow smart. Borrow or rent where you can. For instance, instead of purchasing a tractor that costs a lot upfront and will depreciate over time, is there the possibility that you could borrow one or rent one from a friend? There are places that you can rent equipment and although you still have a cost associated with renting it might now be as much as purchasing. This is a good idea for equipment you don't use very often. Or, what about no-till or low-till? There are ways to get started without burying yourself in debt. You don't have to buy everything at once. Be smart about it. Go slow to incorporate types of operations on your farm. This is where the plan comes in. How will year 1 be different than year 5? How will you have grown? A great option is to find a farm mentor or spend a season as a farmhand or WOLFF. Get real-life hands-on training on a farm and see if you even like it, what would you do differently than the farmer you work for? What unique thing do you have to offer? Mistake #5: Being Overly Optimistic You're going to fail and that's not a bad thing. You're going to lose crops to weather and/or drought and/or pests and disease. You're going to lose animals to predators and/or disease. These are really hard and sad lessons. Sometimes you just want to throw in the towel or get a do-over so you can put up a better fence or be less hard-headed and buy the insurance. They are lessons that you learn from and then you do better the next time. How many times did Edison fail at making a light bulb? Plenty. If you think about it, each farmer gets about 30-40 seasons to make their mistakes and learn from them before they stop farming. I wish they would have a class on agriculture in schools because each time a farmer retires and doesn't pass on this information to the next generation, we lose all that valuable knowledge. I know this firsthand because my great-grandparents were dairy farmers and my grandparents were chicken farmers. None of that information was passed on to me and I've had to figure it out as I go. I'm pretty positive my great-grandparents would have some excellent advice for me and we would certainly commiserate about the mistakes we've all made. So, make your mistakes but be sure to learn from them so you can do it better next season. Mistake #6: Not measuring your farm activities (and optimizing them) I see this one most of all. After about 3 or 4 years, a farm will begin to feel like it should be more organized and things could be running better and then they start looking for a better way. Let me know if this sounds familiar: You're selling some livestock- let's call it sheep. Your customer wants to start a small herd and needs to know that the sheep are not closely related. To see exactly who begat whom you break out a 3 ring binder notebook of your flock through the years. This notebook has seen some things. There are suspicious stains on this notebook and they may or may not be sheep placenta. Nothing wrong with some honest placenta but does it need to be presented in record form in front of your customer? Probably not. Keep your records in a place that they are easy to get to and clean up well if you have to show them to your customers. The best place might be online, or at least on your computer. Use spreadsheets if not a farm management system like Farmbrite. Not only will keeping organized records make you look more professional and organized in front of your customers, but keeping organized records shows you clearly where you're making money and where you're taking a loss. How did your orchard produce last year? How about your bees or cattle? How much profit did you make overall? How much did you spend on feed? When did you last check for parasites? How many animals have you lost to them? How can you do it better next year? This is why you keep records. Keeping records also helps you track of things you're going to forget. Like when you last changed the oil in the tractor? It's not the fun part of farming but it's necessary. If you don't write it down, those things will disappear. Mistake #7: Not selling your brand identity If you sell a product to a customer they want to know about you. They want to know your story, why and how you grow the produce or livestock you do, who you are, and what you stand for. This makes you unique to your competitors down the street who might not be telling a very compelling story about themselves. This is what is unique about you and your farm and you should tell that story so others can come on the journey with you. Here is an in-depth article about building brand identity. There are lots of ways to miss in business but there are even more ways to succeed. I hope that you will take a few of these mistakes to heart as you start your farm business. Be yourself, have a plan, and take small steps as you go and you'll do really well. Best of luck to you and Happy Farming! We all speak agriculture. If you're just getting started in farming we want to help. Check out our new farmer discounts specially designed for new farmers like you. Here are some additional links to other resources from all over the world that might give you additional information and help as you get started: 40 maps that explain food in America Young Agrarians: Information about getting started in Canada USDA: Beginning farmer information Beginning Farmers: Info on getting started Young farmers: Information for small farmers in the UK Small farms international: The future of International farming ​Farm Africa: Agriculture in Africa