Taking care of the land doesn’t just happen. It takes patience, planning and a willingness to adapt to change as it happens.

“As everyone knows the Treasure Valley is rapidly growing,” says Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) staff member Justin Ferguson. Based on a water demand survey completed in 2016 for the IWRB, the Treasure Valley is projected to increase in population to 1.57 million people by 2065, and with that increase comes an estimated need for an additional 81,000 acre-feet of water.

At the moment, most commercial sales of wool pellets are to organic gardeners and hobbyists. However, those in the young industry are hoping the product will see more widespread application in agriculture, especially as word continues to get out about its advantages and more research continues to support its efficacy.

Being prepared for the heat will result in the least amount of stress on the cows and the people dealing with these animals. The environment where the cows reside is the critical area of the barn to evaluate. Keep the ventilation system, including doors and fans, set to where the system was designed. These actions will allow cooler heads (and cows) to prevail.

As we move into the summer months, it’s important to consider water quality and availability for livestock. Animals need water to help them regulate their body temperature, digest feed, lubricate their joints, grow muscle and carry out almost every other biological process in their bodies.

I have a riddle for you: If you have too much or too little, you worry about it constantly, but if you have the right amount you don’t think about it at all. What is it?

Recent research is investigating how understanding individual animals’ personalities can help producers more efficiently and sustainably manage pastureland.