For most of the country, hay feeding is a necessary and expensive part of raising livestock – expensive in terms of production, harvest cost and in terms of valuable fertility removed from the soil.

High-quality protein, like lean beef, is especially important for children because it supports the growth, repair and maintenance of all body tissues, makes red blood cells and boosts the immune system.

As hoof trimmers, we rely on the cooperation of dairymen to make our routine visits effective and efficient, and there are a few simple things you can do to make this possible. I have often thought the reason professional hoof trimmers have a niche occupation is because it is a difficult job. While this might be partially true, I believe I speak for myself and my hoof-trimming contemporaries when I say it is a combination of several unique challenges that make it a love-hate occupation.

It was not long ago that I had a farm visit where I found a substantial lameness issue. The producer was at his wit’s end. He had tried it all, and nothing seemed to be a solution. This had been going on for a number of years, and there seemed to be no end in sight. I could hardly imagine the cost and loss figures for this herd: early culling or death, milk loss, endless footbath solutions and wasted time.

My day starts at 3:30 a.m., feet on the floor and spending time with the Lord. Fueling up for a long day of trimming starts with a hearty breakfast. This morning’s meal consists of sausage, eggs, biscuits, blackberry jelly and a big cold glass of milk (more about the jelly later). I loaded my truck the night before so I am ready to tackle today’s work schedule.

Spreading hydrated lime where cows lay has been a common practice in the battle against mastitis since the 1940s. This form of disinfecting and drying the area below the bedding barrier to protect teats and udders from pathogens worked very well in a 1960s-style tiestall barn.

Jesus loved little children. When He was pressed by the crowds and probably weary from His labors, His disciples thought He shouldn’t want to be bothered with little children climbing all over Him. They were probably surprised when He said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

When we think of extending the grazing season, we usually think of how long we can go into the fall or winter without feeding stored feed.

There are many important financial issues to be aware of when selling a farm or ranch. Planning for a sale with a team of advisers well in advance of a sale is critical for identifying these issues and for implementing strategies to effectively deal with them. One of the biggest issues is the income tax that can result from a sale.

As calving season approaches, think about how to make your job easier and potentially save more calves at calving. Calving season can be challenging for producers.