The Importance of Being Counted

Source: USDA NASS

Why it is important to Participate in Ag Census every time ! 

Every five years the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts a national census of agriculture.  Every farmer I meet at times feels that this is an imposition and sees this as an intrusion.  At the same time they will use farming trends seen in census data for their farming operations and use the data to help with local governments they communicate with.

Census data collected helps us understand the changing landscape of agriculture over time.  Some of these measures are hard to extrapolate without conducting the census.  Many of those in government at all levels rely on census data from both agriculture and other industries when they consider appropriations for the farm bill, and other local issues.  It is important then for all farms to participate and be counted so that an accurate picture of the current state of agriculture can be made.  For more information on the Ag census go to the USDA website.

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/

The aftermath looking forward

Source: http://www.co.pennington.sd.us/

Take a moment to survey your housing!          

We have just gone through some of the worst weather this fall.  When these events pop up, it is always a good practice to check your poultry housing over carefully for unseen damage that may have occurred.  Look up into attics to see if any rafters or bracing has broken or come loose.  Look at power poles for splitting.  Open electrical boxes for water accumulation indicating a compromised water seal on the supply weatherhead.  On housing that is over ten years old, things may have worked loose in the wind.  The last thing you wish to see is a weakened roof that would collapse under the next storm.

Look closely at the boots on feed bins for leakage.  Clumping feed is a good indicator that water got into the tank somehow.  If possible, allow the tank to empty and then check the tank with a droplight at night.  This may be able to show spots that may be leaking.

With small flock housing, consider "pinning" temporary housing to the ground using spikes made of re-bar or other suitable materials.  Store summer shade fixtures until needed in the spring.

Clear all drainage culverts around poultry housing of any debris before the next storm event.  With proper precaution, a few minutes will help save hours of repair when you really don't wish to make repairs.

Be Ready for Foul Weather

Take an active role in preparation

With the possibility of storms from the south, farmers should check that:

1. They have adequate levels of fuel in their backup generators, trucks and farm implements.
2. Spouting and gutters are clear.
3. Culverts and other road crossings are clear of debris and free flowing.
4. Drainage and containment structures are clear of any refuse and debris.
5. Review/check emergency call phone lists, fire extinguishers, flashlights and smoke detectors.

For more information and checklists see:

http://readyag.psu.edu/  and

http://www.readypa.org/

Please pass this around to those you know.

 

Feeding and Watering Adjustment for Success

Source: Plasson, inc.

You are What You Eat

With the rising heat and feed costs we look at every way to help conserve feed.  Feed and water waste should be avoided as any spilled feed is an open invitation to pests coming in for a meal.  Darkling beetles and other pests feed off of spilled feed and water spots in bedding before breeding and destroying a wooden structure.

The birds we use for food do not have valves in their esophagus as humans, so they need to tip up their heads as they drink and eat.  Positioning feeder and drinker levels to be at or just above where the neck meets the body is a preferred feeding method.  Be sure that bell-type drinkers are adequately weighted in their ballasts to prevent spillage.  Use a waterer location rotation program with these hanging drinkers to help eliminate wet spots in the litter.

Source: Ziggity, Inc.

 Nipple drinkers should be positioned and adjusted so that birds can reach up to drink.  By doing so, the birds can drink naturally with the water flowing down their throats and without the need for moving with their mouths full of water.  Leveling the system as you move through the house is important to help eliminate and air blockages and "weeping" drinkers.

Fount type drinkers that sit on the floor can be raised using blocks and other supports to help raise the equipment to the proper feeding level.  Having the equipment adjusted as the bird ages ensures that feed and water are properly being delivered.