November Newsletter

Winter Feeding Areas for Livestock
Damon Pollard, Extension Agent, Livestock

As we move into colder weather, it is time to think about strategies for winter-feeding of livestock. Choosing a poor location for winter-feeding can negatively impact both soil and water quality. A significant amount of run-off can occur if winter-feeding is conducted around streams, ponds, flood plains or creek bottoms. Storm-water runoff from these areas can carry mud and manure into nearby water bodies, creating water quality problems.

Always, feed in well-drained locations. These should be areas that don’t allow runoff of mud and manure. The farther from surface or ground water resources, the better, as it is less likely for water pollution to occur.

Next, producers should consider using confinement feeding allowing livestock to access a structure or paddock for feeding but then return to a larger pasture. These smaller "sacrifice" pastures reduce the area damaged from winter-feeding. Place water and mineral supplements away from feeders, so livestock will be enticed to eat and then move out and away to water and minerals. This will help lessen the volume of manure at the feeding areas and spread it throughout the fields.

Finally, heavy-use area pads around winter-feeding areas are a worthwhile investment and can greatly reduce mud and rutting from tractor and hoof traffic. These pads are constructed using geo-textile fabric, crushed stone and dense grade aggregate.

By making these considerations for winter-feeding of livestock, producers can greatly reduce the potential to contaminate water resources and can improve production.

Why Do We Eat Turkey At Thanksgiving?

Turkeys were native and plentiful in North American regions where Thanksgiving was first celebrated.

The turkey's large size made it a good choice for feeding a large number of people.

Author Sarah Josepha Hale promoted Thanksgiving as a National Holiday and featured roasted turkey in her description of a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 and the turkey was further set as a part of the new tradition.

NOVEMBER LOCAL FOOD SPOTLIGHT ON BEETS

Health Benefits - Beets are loaded with vitamins and minerals but are low in calories and fat. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked beets is approximately 40 calories with no fat, no cholesterol and is low in sodium.

Planting Beets - Sow seeds in April and early May for summer harvest. Sow seeds in July for harvest in late October - November.

Preparing - Beets can be roasted, boiled, steamed, or microwaved. For the deepest, sweetest flavor, roasting is the best option.