2013 Archives

A new growth spreadsheet that generates a customized growth curve for an individual herd based on that herd’s goal for age at first calving and the mature size of animals in the herd. Using this tool, you will be able to tell at every step of the way whether heifers are on track to calve at the right size and age, eliminating the delay that comes with not measuring heifer performance until first calving.

We can't control the weather, but we can make management changes to improve calf comfort and performance as the mercury rises.

A growing population and increased incomes from an economic boom are the driving forces behind a surge in dairy product demand in India. One key to the success of recent consumption trends has been an American standby: the refrigerator.

On-farm milk culture is a tool that can help you reduce the amount of antibiotics being used, decrease costs associated with clinical mastitis, and increase milk quality and profitability.

Commodity feeding can be a money saving or money losing game, and each farm needs to look at their numbers and make that decision for their operation.

When it rains, it pours: broken TMR mixer, running out of feed, and a drop in the milk fat test pose challenges to the herd.

eXtension is an Internet-based collaborative environment where Land Grant University content providers exchange objective, research-based knowledge to solve real challenges in real time.

Changes in forages, locations, and cows. Oh my!

Are your pastures looking a little shabby this spring? If so, lack of proper soil fertility may be partially to blame. Taking the following steps will help improve soil fertility and improve the health of your pasture plants.

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Every Spring horse owners go through a ritual to prepare pastures, horses and equipment for the prospect of riding and enjoying horses during warmer weather.

Many exciting opportunities for horsemen are available each month.

Indiana County District Conservation District and Penn State University Equine Team are hosting an Equine Environmental Stewardship and Manure Management program.

When traveling across the United States, each state can set different health requirements, which must be met by horses coming into these states.

Learn about the different kinds of ornamental plants that can harm horses, dogs and barn cats.

Centre County 4-H leader is recognized for her years of service and outstanding success in working with the 4-H poultry program.

If a horse is prone to laminitis special care needs to be considered when allowing the horse to grass on pasture grasses.

The National Animal Health Surveillance System (NAHSS) integrates animal health monitoring and surveillance activities conducted by many Federal and State government agencies into a comprehensive and coordinated system.

Visitors to the Equine Pasture Management and High Density Grazing Demonstrations during Ag Progress Days, Aug. 13-15, can learn about best practices to enhance their farm or property.

The April 30 webinar conducted for those affected by Hurricane Sandy has been was archived at www.eden.lsu.edu/s-cap/virtualforum. You will be able to access the link at anytime and watch it as much as you would like.

Research from the University of Florida shows that calves exposed to heat stress before birth have lower birth weights and compromised immunity.

Two real world examples of group housing and feeding systems for calves and a discussion of the challenges in each system.

Dairy producers are encouraged to design a parasite control program with their veterinarian. This article presents some elements that might be considered in crafting a more effective program.

Crows are not dumb birds.

Sign up now to receive the Penn State Equine Newsletter for important information on topics related to Pennsylvania and around the world.

Participants in these short-courses will be made aware of new and emerging information that will benefit their horses, their farms, and the environment.

PA Department of Environmental Resources offers on line the ability to obtain a“Manure Management Plan” manual.

On March 6, 2012, Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced the Equine Tax Parity Act (H.R. 998), which would make horses eligible for capital gains treatment after 12 months, rather than 24, similar to other business assets.

Pasture renovation is an effective way to improve stand density or introduce new species into existing pastures. Following a few simple management techniques goes a long way to promote the establishment of new seedings.

Every Spring horse owners go through a ritual to prepare pastures, horses and equipment for the prospect of riding and enjoying horses during warmer weather.

Equine herpesvirus-1, also known as EHV-1, has been making headlines for the past few years.

The horse community is always just one step from a calamity and that calamity is a disease outbreak of such proportion as to widely imperil the health of our horses and threaten the economic viability of our industry.

The 11th annual Penn State Equine Science Showcase and Registered Quarter Horse Sale will take place on Saturday, April 27th, 2013. The sale is run by Penn State students enrolled in the Equine Marketing class.

The IHSA Championship is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious college equestrian championships in North America.

At the Penn State Extension Annual Meeting in Dublin, Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit sponsored and presented awards to Bucks County 4-H youth members who have achieved excellence in Animal Science project areas.

On March 23rd, the Bucks County 4-H Livestock Judging team traveled up to Penn State University for the annual spring contest.

On March 16, 2013, members from the Delaware County 4-H Horse Program traveled to Nazareth, PA for the Southeast PA Regional 4-H Hippology and Communications contests.

The Club's scrapbook won first place in the scrapbook contest, the club was third in Club of the Year contest, and Corissa Steimling placed first in the undergraduate research poster presentation contest.

A decrease in milk butterfat sends the alarm but is the diet to blame?

Exciting day-long seminar to help you make informed choices about your horse's care and management.

There are several ways to economically evaluate better reproduction. Whatever economic indicator is used, research suggests that the more efficient our dairy producers become at getting their entire dairy herd pregnant, both first service cows and repeat breeders, the potential exists for increased profitability for the dairy enterprise.

Insight into world supply and demand factors that influence milk price.

Penn State research suggests that when low quality forage is added to the diet to achieve extra chewing or rumination, chopping it fine enough to minimize sorting will help cows to consume the amount of forage desired and still provide physically effective fiber.

Transitioning cows from the dry period into and through early lactation has a huge effect on the overall production and health of the entire herd. The way we house and manage the dry and prefresh cow ultimately determines the level of production she can achieve.

Farm owners will develop the knowledge and skills to adopt environmentally sound practices aimed at managing healthy animals, healthy farms and a healthy environment.

Recently revised Pennsylvania environmental regulations require all animal operations, large and small, to have either a Manure Management Plan or a Nutrient Management Plan.

Haylage shrink of 22% keeps the PSU Dairy on their toes but setting goals and making a plan of action keeps milk production going strong.

To start your “Horse Season” off right, plan to attend one of our Penn State University, PA Equine Council’s and the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center --- Seminars held on February 21-24, 2013 at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo at the Harrisburg, PA Farm show Complex.

The “Healthy Farms and Healthy Horses; Manure Management Plan Writing” is a one day workshop dedicated to help equine owners complete their own manure management plan and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt sound best management practices for their farm and horses.

Pennsylvania Manure Management Regulations require all farms who do not qualify as a CAO must have a completed written plan.

One barn in Northampton County was quarantined due to PA horses that attended a show in New York.

Numerous Equine Environmental Stewardship Short Courses are available across the state of Pennsylvania.

The Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference (MANC) is recognized as a premier educational event for the animal nutrition industry.

The 11th annual Penn State Equine Science Showcase and Registered Quarter Horse Sale will take place on Saturday, April 27th, 2013.

Equestrian riding instructors and trainers are at an increased risk for several respiratory conditions based on research.

Horse Owners need to be alert and examine their horses for winter external parasites.

Test Your Soil - Proper fertilization is a critical step in maintaining high quality forage in pastures.

Closely observe your horse’s eating habits, gaits, activities and attitude to determine what is normal.

Equine business professionals can connect with land-grant universities, equine business experts, networking opportunities and other invaluable resources by participating in a new dynamic, online short course series.

Connect with experts from Universities across the country and ask an expert in aspects of horse care and ownership.

Penn State Extension Dairy Team has scheduled two workshops to help increase milk quality through collecting and indentifying on-farm cultures.

Workshops designed for English-speaking milkers and managers will emphasize proper milking techniques and standard operating procedures.

Video clip from the Big Ten Network featuring the DairyCents app with interviews from Penn State Extension, a local dairy producer, and a Penn State student.

Recent hire to the Penn State Extension Dairy Team, Heather Weeks featured in Progressive Dairymen Magazine

In the latest issue of the Journal of Animal Science, researchers at Clemson University and the University of Florida examine the impact of exercise on mare reproductive health and embryo transfer.

Participants in this short-course will be made aware of new and emerging information that will benefit their horses, their farms, and the environment.

"Neglect is the worst thing that happens to the horse during the winter months. Most horses are turned out to pasture and we only see them in the dark at feeding time," states Ann Swinker, Penn State Extension Equine Specialist.

Manure Management Plans Workshops are being planned by the PA Extension Equine Team and are offered at various sites in PA.

A Standardbred racehorse residing in Genesee County, Mich., has tested positive for neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), as confirmed by state veterinarian Steve Halstead, DVM, Jan 2.

As 2013 starts the year, we are anticipating the Pennsylvania World Horse Expo! To start your “Horse Season” off right, plan to attend one of the Penn State University, PA Equine Council’s, and University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center Seminars held on February 21-24, 2013 at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo at the Harrisburg, PA Farm show Complex.

Parasite control is an important component of all equine health care programs.

Recent hire to the Penn State Extension Dairy Team, Ximena del Campo featured in Progressive Dairymen Magazine

Mysterious milk production levels brings up questions about feeding during the holidays at the Penn State Dairy Barns.

The notice of the final rule for Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate, as issued by USDA APHIS, was published in the Federal Register January 9, 2013, and the rule will become effective on March 11, 2013.

Recent hire Andrea Tholen featured in Progressive Dairyman Magazine