In this video you will learn from Lauren Langley, Alamance County Livestock Extension Agent on how to take and submit a hay sample. Hay testing can be done through NCDA&CS for $10 per sample. Knowing the nutritional analysis of any hay being fed is valuable information when feeding livestock and equines. **The NCDA&CS Forage Analysis form is now online and must be completed prior to submitting a sample to the lab. The online form can be found here: Forage Sample Form
We are entering the warmest months of the year and to no surprise of any livestock producer, access to adequate amounts of clean water is the most important thing that we can provide for our animals. Having water available to livestock allows for optimal animal performance and health. Dry matter intake is directly related to water intake, and the less an animal drinks, the less feed it will consume. This leads to reduced weight gains, milk production, and animal performance. Water accounts for 50 to 80 percent of an animal's weight and is involved in every physiological process.
Fill out the following form if you would like to be added to a list of producers with hay for sale. The list is not shared publicly, I use it as a resource for myself when individuals call in looking for hay to buy. Let me know if you have any questions!
NC is known for weather that changes quickly and frequently but we are quickly approaching the hottest months of the year. It’s important to realize that heat-related illnesses don’t take long to develop–especially with the sort of heat and humidity that is common to much of the state during warmer months. In order to prevent heat-related illnesses such a heat-cramps, heat-stroke, and heat-exhaustion, take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water often. Most water consumption guidelines suggest at least 8oz of water for every 20 minutes of outdoor work. That’s 1.5 gallons of water for an 8-hour workday!
While this may not be the time of year that we expect a natural disaster, it is the time to plan ahead. Before there's a hurricane or snow storm bearing down on your farm, take time to walk through your emergency plan. Use theFarm Emergency Plan Template to help you organize your phone numbers and other considerations. This plan was created by the NCDA&CS Emergency Programs Division and the N.C. Agromedicine Institute.
NCDA's Disaster Planning website has great short and long term planning tips and guidelines along with additional resources. Read More Here
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
