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Articles by Klaire Howerton
Calving Age for Heifers
Klaire Howerton February 22, 2021 Calving Age for Heifers2021-02-22T09:46:16-06:00 Farm Help Is 2 years old too young to calve heifers? On many operations in the Ozarks, producers aim to have their heifers produce their first calf at 2 years old, which means heifers are bred around 15 months of age. On paper, heifers should calve at 2 years of age so they can pay for themselves and earn a profit over their productive lifetime.
Building Stronger Animals
Klaire Howerton February 22, 2021 Building Stronger Animals2021-02-22T09:57:58-06:00 Farm Help Management strategies can help a producer create animals that are built for success Strong livestock perform well and help improve an operation’s bottom line. While it can seem like some animals are just stronger and healthier than others, there are management strategies than can help a producer make more of their stock stronger over time.
Selecting the Right Bull
Klaire Howerton February 22, 2021 Selecting the Right Bull2021-02-22T09:49:25-06:00 Farm Help Producers should look at their goals, and what did and didn’t go well with the previous herd sire If producers plan on leasing or purchasing a new bull for their breeding program, they will want to identify herd goals and utilize all available data on the sire before making a commitment.
Knowing the Signs
Klaire Howerton February 22, 2021 Knowing the Signs2021-02-22T09:54:40-06:00 Farm Help Knowing normal vital signs in young animals can alert producers to health issues When working with livestock, especially young ones, it’s important to catch health issues quickly so they can be treated swiftly and effectively. Knowing the vital sign for young animals and how to check for them can save a life. Calves A calf’s temperature should be between 100 and 102.5 degrees.
Composite Breeding
Klaire Howerton February 22, 2021 Composite Breeding2021-02-22T09:51:55-06:00 Farm Help Composite breeding more than crossbreeding in the cattle industry Composite cattle breeds are prevalent in the agriculture industry. Most producers have heard of breeds such as Balancer, SimAngus, LimFlex and so on, if they do not already have some of these cattle within their herd. Breeding and raising these types of cattle can have benefits for producers. What Is A Composite Breed?
Knowing the Signs
Klaire Howerton February 15, 2021 Knowing the Signs2021-02-11T13:11:45-06:00 Farm Help Knowing normal vital signs in young animals can alert producers to health issues When working with livestock, especially young ones, it’s important to catch health issues quickly so they can be treated swiftly and effectively. Knowing the vital sign for young animals and how to check for them can save a life. Calves A calf’s temperature should be between 100 and 102.5 degrees.
Selecting the Right Bull
Klaire Howerton February 15, 2021 Selecting the Right Bull2021-02-11T12:58:54-06:00 Farm Help Producers should look at their goals, and what did and didn’t go well with the previous herd sire If producers plan on leasing or purchasing a new bull for their breeding program, they will want to identify herd goals and utilize all available data on the sire before making a commitment.
Building Stronger Animals
Klaire Howerton February 15, 2021 Building Stronger Animals2021-02-11T13:09:41-06:00 Farm Help Management strategies can help a producer create animals that are built for success Strong livestock perform well and help improve an operation’s bottom line. While it can seem like some animals are just stronger and healthier than others, there are management strategies than can help a producer make more of their stock stronger over time.
Composite Breeding
Klaire Howerton February 15, 2021 Composite Breeding2021-02-11T13:01:04-06:00 Farm Help Composite breeding more than crossbreeding in the cattle industry Composite cattle breeds are prevalent in the agriculture industry. Most producers have heard of breeds such as Balancer, SimAngus, LimFlex and so on, if they do not already have some of these cattle within their herd. Breeding and raising these types of cattle can have benefits for producers. What Is A Composite Breed?
Calving Age for Heifers
Klaire Howerton February 11, 2021 Calving Age for Heifers2021-02-11T12:00:51-06:00 Farm Help Is 2 years old too young to calve heifers? On many operations in the Ozarks, producers aim to have their heifers produce their first calf at 2 years old, which means heifers are bred around 15 months of age. On paper, heifers should calve at 2 years of age so they can pay for themselves and earn a profit over their productive lifetime.
Reducing Stress on Calves
Klaire Howerton February 1, 2021 Reducing Stress on Calves2021-01-26T16:47:59-06:00 Farm Help Reducing stress for calves of all ages is important for their overall health Stress is detrimental to livestock of any age, but it can be especially rough on calves. Taking steps to reduce stress can help calves perform well throughout their lifetime. For newborn calves, especially those born in the colder months, keeping them dry is vital to reducing cold related stress.
Animal Health SOPs
Klaire Howerton February 1, 2021 Animal Health SOPs2021-01-26T16:46:18-06:00 Farm Help Assessing risk factors and creating standards for health can help producers achieve efficiency and consistency Raising healthy animals is the goal for livestock producers. But how can producers achieve a healthy herd or flock? Writing up standard operating procedures, or standard operating protocols, for health issues and maintenance can be beneficial for both people and animals. What are SOPs?
Are They Ready?
Klaire Howerton January 27, 2021 Are They Ready?2021-01-26T16:49:37-06:00 Farm Help Cows and heifers in optimal condition at calving will have fewer calving issues Getting females in top shape should be at the top of a producer’s list for calving season preparation. A well-conditioned female will typically have an easier time calving, produce better qualities and quantities of colostrum and milk, and breed back faster.
Are Your Facilities Calving-Ready?
Klaire Howerton January 25, 2021 Are Your Facilities Calving-Ready?2021-01-20T10:32:45-06:00 Farm Help Have facilities ready before you need them As producers are either calving or preparing for their calving season, it pays to give facilities a once over in case any repairs or restocking might be in order.
Reducing Stress on Calves
Klaire HowertonJanuary 25, 2021 Reducing Stress on Calves2021-01-20T10:37:05-06:00 Farm Help Reducing stress for calves of all ages is important for their overall health Stress is detrimental to livestock of any age, but it can be especially rough on calves. Taking steps to reduce stress can help calves perform well throughout their lifetime. For newborn calves, especially those born in the colder months, keeping them dry is vital to reducing cold related stress.
Are They Ready?
Klaire Howerton January 25, 2021 Are They Ready?2021-01-20T10:38:53-06:00 Farm Help Cows and heifers in optimal condition at calving will have fewer calving issues Getting females in top shape should be at the top of a producer’s list for calving season preparation. A well-conditioned female will typically have an easier time calving, produce better qualities and quantities of colostrum and milk, and breed back faster.
Animal Health SOPs
Klaire HowertonJanuary 20, 2021 Animal Health SOPs2021-01-20T10:31:17-06:00 Farm Help Assessing risk factors and creating standards for health can help producers achieve efficiency and consistency Raising healthy animals is the goal for livestock producers. But how can producers achieve a healthy herd or flock? Writing up standard operating procedures, or standard operating protocols, for health issues and maintenance can be beneficial for both people and animals. What are SOPs?
Be Watchful for Fescue Foot
Klaire HowertonJanuary 11, 2021 Be Watchful for Fescue Foot2021-01-05T15:50:37-06:00 Farm Help Producers can reduce the risk of the disease by reducing fall fescue access Fescue foot is a health issue in cattle that can be common this time of year. This painful condition is something producers will want to watch out for and take management steps if it is discovered in their herd.
Don’t Forget Supplements
Klaire HowertonJanuary 5, 2021 Don’t Forget Supplements2021-01-05T15:48:39-06:00 Farm Help While supplements can be an appropriate accompaniment to livestock’s diet year-round, many producer’s thoughts tend to turn to supplementation in the winter.
New Technology and Farming
Klaire HowertonJanuary 4, 2021 New Technology and Farming2020-12-30T09:52:51-06:00 Farm Help Changes in technology can be beneficial to farmers and ranchers In today’s world, it’s difficult to find an industry that has not been untouched by technology, and agriculture is not immune. These days, a farmer’s toolbox must contain more than wrenches and fencing pliers to stay relevant – it needs some measure of technology.
Don’t Forget Supplements
Klaire HowertonJanuary 4, 2021 Don’t Forget Supplements2020-12-30T09:38:48-06:00 Farm Help While supplements can be an appropriate accompaniment to livestock’s diet year-round, many producer’s thoughts tend to turn to supplementation in the winter.
Are You Underfeeding?
Klaire HowertonJanuary 4, 2021 Are You Underfeeding?2020-12-30T09:45:58-06:00 Farm Help Experts say producers should avoid filler feeds As producers start to make winter feed choices, it is important to make sure the herd’s nutritional needs are being met appropriately. Even with adding supplemental feed, producers can be underfeeding their animals and not providing proper nutrition.
Be Watchful for Fescue Foot
Klaire HowertonDecember 30, 2020 Be Watchful for Fescue Foot2020-12-30T09:41:37-06:00 Farm Help Producers can reduce the risk of the disease by reducing fall fescue access Fescue foot is a health issue in cattle that can be common this time of year. This painful condition is something producers will want to watch out for and take management steps if it is discovered in their herd.
An Urban Farming Community
Klaire HowertonDecember 21, 2020 An Urban Farming Community2020-12-15T16:29:53-06:00 Arkansas Neighbors, Neighbors Developer brings agriculture to a growing neighborhood through an ‘agrihood’ Red Barn Bentonville, Ark., located just minutes from downtown in Bentonville, is not your typical apartment complex. It is called an “agrihood” for good reason – it features a working urban farm.
Another Round
Klaire HowertonDecember 21, 2020 Another Round2020-12-15T16:41:11-06:00 Farm Help Producers can file for additional CFAP funds With the continued affects of the Coronavirus pandemic, the USDA is implementing a second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP 2 is for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Announced on Sept.
Understanding Value-Added Ag
Klaire HowertonDecember 21, 2020 Understanding Value-Added Ag2020-12-15T16:42:52-06:00 Farm Help Adding marketability means more returns come sale time The term “value-added agriculture” has been popular in the industry lately. It can be applied to most agricultural commodities, such as produce, crops, livestock, meats, fiber and dairy products.
Applying for Cost-Share Programs
Klaire HowertonDecember 21, 2020 Applying for Cost-Share Programs2020-12-15T16:39:32-06:00 Farm Help What to know before applying for programs There are a number of beneficial cost share programs available to farmers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service and other entities.
What Can BQA Do For You?
Klaire HowertonDecember 15, 2020 What Can BQA Do For You?2020-12-15T16:37:32-06:00 Farm Help The Beef Quality Assurance program has benefits While not always a necessity in the agriculture industry, participation in a quality assurance program can help producers stand out and provide additional resources for management and marketing. Beef Quality Assurance, funded through the Beef Checkoff, is one of the more well-known programs for agricultural producers.
Applying for Cost-Share Programs
Klaire HowertonDecember 14, 2020 Applying for Cost-Share Programs2020-12-10T14:22:34-06:00 Farm Help What to know before applying for programs There are a number of beneficial cost share programs available to farmers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service and other entities.
Understanding Value-Added Ag
Klaire HowertonDecember 14, 2020 Understanding Value-Added Ag2020-12-10T14:20:07-06:00 Farm Help Adding marketability means more returns come sale time The term “value-added agriculture” has been popular in the industry lately. It can be applied to most agricultural commodities, such as produce, crops, livestock, meats, fiber and dairy products.
What Can BQA Do For You?
Klaire HowertonDecember 14, 2020 What Can BQA Do For You?2020-12-10T14:23:07-06:00 Farm Help The Beef Quality Assurance program has benefits While not always a necessity in the agriculture industry, participation in a quality assurance program can help producers stand out and provide additional resources for management and marketing. Beef Quality Assurance, funded through the Beef Checkoff, is one of the more well-known programs for agricultural producers.
Another Round
Klaire HowertonDecember 10, 2020 Another Round2020-12-10T13:36:59-06:00 Farm Help Producers can file for additional CFAP funds With the continued affects of the Coronavirus pandemic, the USDA is implementing a second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP 2 is for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Announced on Sept.
Multipurpose Goats
Klaire HowertonDecember 10, 2020 Multipurpose Goats2020-12-10T13:30:28-06:00 Missouri Neighbors, Neighbors Stephanie Wubbena uses her Nigerian Dwarf goats to connect clients to the farm Nigerian Dwarf goats are hardy and productive, traits Stephanie and Eric Wubbena of Fordland, Mo., have capitalized on at their 7 Springs Farm. Their nearly 40-head herd has many purposes, in addition to being adorable. All of Stephanie’s Nigerians are registered with the American Goat Society.
Preparing for the Cold
Klaire HowertonNovember 30, 2020 Preparing for the Cold2020-11-24T11:59:31-06:00 Farm Help Save time in the bitter cold by prepping now for Old Man Winter’s arrival As cold weather approaches, producers can save themselves a headache down the road by making some winter preparations ahead of time. Set Up Shelter and Windbreaks Fortunately for producers in the Ozarks, it is rarely necessary to worry about shelter requirements.
Extending the Life of Equipment
Klaire HowertonNovember 30, 2020 Extending the Life of Equipment2020-11-24T11:57:19-06:00 Farm Help Protecting your investment through routine maintenance Farm equipment such as tractors, plows, sprayers and other machinery represent a large but necessary financial investment. It is in a producer’s best interest to keep this equipment running smoothly and safely for as long as possible. The first step towards extending the life of farm machinery is to understand how it works.
Optimizing Farm Vehicle Performance
Klaire HowertonNovember 30, 2020 Optimizing Farm Vehicle Performance2020-11-24T11:55:39-06:00 Farm Help Maintenance on farm vehicles is often overlooked A farm truck is often one of the most valuable pieces of equipment a producer has at their disposal. Many farm trucks are used daily and are an integral part of chores. Despite their importance, sometimes maintenance on these vehicles falls by the wayside. When caring for livestock daily, it is easy to forget that trucks need care sometimes too.
Silvopasture in the Ozarks
Klaire HowertonNovember 24, 2020 Silvopasture in the Ozarks2020-11-24T11:52:13-06:00 Farm Help Cattle producers can make timber work in their operation The Ozarks features a great deal of wooded land and when utilized thoughtfully, timbered pastures (also known as silvopasture) can make a beneficial addition to livestock grazing and management programs, allowing producers to get the most out of every square inch of land.
Optimizing Farm Vehicle Performance
Klaire HowertonNovember 23, 2020 Optimizing Farm Vehicle Performance2020-11-23T08:40:57-06:00 Farm Help Maintenance on farm vehicles is often overlooked A farm truck is often one of the most valuable pieces of equipment a producer has at their disposal. Many farm trucks are used daily and are an integral part of chores. Despite their importance, sometimes maintenance on these vehicles falls by the wayside. When caring for livestock daily, it is easy to forget that trucks need care sometimes too.
Silvopasture in the Ozarks
Klaire HowertonNovember 23, 2020 Silvopasture in the Ozarks2020-11-23T10:01:29-06:00 Farm Help Cattle producers can make timber work in their operation The Ozarks features a great deal of wooded land and when utilized thoughtfully, timbered pastures (also known as silvopasture) can make a beneficial addition to livestock grazing and management programs, allowing producers to get the most out of every square inch of land.
Extending the Life of Equipment
Klaire HowertonNovember 23, 2020 Extending the Life of Equipment2020-11-23T10:05:56-06:00 Farm Help Protecting your investment through routine maintenance Farm equipment such as tractors, plows, sprayers and other machinery represent a large but necessary financial investment. It is in a producer’s best interest to keep this equipment running smoothly and safely for as long as possible. The first step towards extending the life of farm machinery is to understand how it works.
Preparing for the Cold
Klaire HowertonNovember 23, 2020 Preparing for the Cold2020-11-23T10:09:57-06:00 Farm Help Save time in the bitter cold by prepping now for Old Man Winter’s arrival As cold weather approaches, producers can save themselves a headache down the road by making some winter preparations ahead of time. Set Up Shelter and Windbreaks Fortunately for producers in the Ozarks, it is rarely necessary to worry about shelter requirements.
Tracking Profits
Klaire HowertonNovember 9, 2020 Tracking Profits2020-11-04T10:29:07-06:00 Farm Help Why should producers track income and expenses? Profit tracking is imperative to the success of a producer’s operation. Tracking the numbers can feel like a Herculean task but trying a few simple tips can go a long way towards improving the farm’s bottom line. Take Notes: Profit tracking will require record keeping, so producers should be prepared to take notes. There is no one-size-fits-all record keeping system.
Reducing Production Costs
Klaire HowertonNovember 9, 2020 Reducing Production Costs2020-11-04T10:25:01-06:00 Farm Help Ag business expert says cattle producers should start by evaluating their herd Heading into winter, working to lower production costs is a wise choice for cattle producers around the Ozarks. A little preparation now can save a lot of headaches later. The recent dry spell is an appropriate reason for herd evaluation and thorough culling decisions.
Aiming for Prime
Klaire HowertonNovember 9, 2020 Aiming for Prime2020-11-04T10:22:16-06:00 Farm Help Genetics, management and extended feeding time can improve grades Prime beef grades can bring top dollar in the beef market, and producers may want to consider structuring their breeding, nutrition and management programs to hit prime grades, if possible. Producers working towards prime will need to be patient and consistent.
Got Twins?
Klaire HowertonNovember 4, 2020 Got Twins?2020-11-04T10:27:01-06:00 Farm Help Twins can cause added stress to the mother and producer While twins are not overly common in the cattle world, it does happen. It can be exciting to have a “two for one” situation, but it can also be a little more work for both the producer and the cow. “Twin calves are relatively uncommon. Estimates of somewhere between .5 percent and 2 percent of births each year come as twins.
Reducing Production Costs
Klaire HowertonNovember 2, 2020 Reducing Production Costs2020-10-30T13:28:50-05:00 Farm Help Ag business expert says cattle producers should start by evaluating their herd Heading into winter, working to lower production costs is a wise choice for cattle producers around the Ozarks. A little preparation now can save a lot of headaches later. The recent dry spell is an appropriate reason for herd evaluation and thorough culling decisions.
Tracking Profits
Klaire HowertonNovember 2, 2020 Tracking Profits2020-10-30T13:30:56-05:00 Farm Help Why should producers track income and expenses? Profit tracking is imperative to the success of a producer’s operation. Tracking the numbers can feel like a Herculean task but trying a few simple tips can go a long way towards improving the farm’s bottom line. Take Notes: Profit tracking will require record keeping, so producers should be prepared to take notes. There is no one-size-fits-all record keeping system.
Got Twins?
Klaire HowertonNovember 2, 2020 Got Twins?2020-10-30T13:26:34-05:00 Farm Help Twins can cause added stress to the mother and producer While twins are not overly common in the cattle world, it does happen. It can be exciting to have a “two for one” situation, but it can also be a little more work for both the producer and the cow. “Twin calves are relatively uncommon. Estimates of somewhere between .5 percent and 2 percent of births each year come as twins.
Aiming for Prime
Klaire HowertonOctober 29, 2020 Aiming for Prime2020-10-29T16:24:31-05:00 Farm Help Genetics, management and extended feeding time can improve grades Prime beef grades can bring top dollar in the beef market, and producers may want to consider structuring their breeding, nutrition and management programs to hit prime grades, if possible. Producers working towards prime will need to be patient and consistent.
Marketing with a Plan
Klaire HowertonOctober 19, 2020 Marketing with a Plan2020-10-13T15:29:27-05:00 Farm Help Marketing strategies can benefit all producers Marketing is typically a necessary part of running an agricultural operation. Marketing strategies for individual farms will look a bit different, but having a marketing plan in place helps producers reach their consumers, tell their story and showcase what sets them apart, ideally improving the bottom line for the operation.
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