Heat Stress - Signs of trouble ahead

Watch and Learn

When we are experiencing fast onset hot weather we need to be more reactive than reactive in poultry housing. Birds usually show two stages of panting from slow open mouthed breathing to a heavy, labored pant. Keying on this is very important as energy expended on keeping cool by the birds is sacrificing production. output.

To counteract hot weather, provide the optimal environment for evaporative cooling and feed birds in cooler portions of the day. The heat of metabolism from feeding may exacerbate an already bad situation. You may want to map temps in the hottest portion of the house to pre-cool these areas before heat builds up in the house.

Making Molehills out of Mountains

Be reasonable – Do it my way

It is now becoming all too common now in the country. Someone telling you that you can’t grow food in the way you were most accustomed to. Noise, Odors, Zoning and animal welfare issues are now restricting some producers from producing local food that’s cheaper for all of us. Farmers do need to step forward and explain what they are doing with their neighbors so they will once again be “one with nature”. They will also need to police themselves against bad actors in the field that are not working towards the goal of using the best management to produce good economical food for all of us. Best management practices (bmp’s) are good for all of us. We need to be shining examples for all around us. They are watcing!

One group that I have discovered recently was The Good Egg Project. This included video segments with the farmers explaining different aspects of the production cycle.

Thinking ahead of the storms

Prevention is the best policy from weather related farm failures

With all the recent weather, I am reminded that we should always think ahead of the storm and be prepared to act. This means that now with all the snow, we should be able to clear our farm roads and remove snow from animal housing to prevent roof collapse under the weight of the storms. Some suggestions include:

1. Open the Attic doors of the barn to allow warm air rise to the roof line and help melt the ice.
2. Rake off the roof (see illustration, right) to help remove the snow. A rope system tied to a 2x6 four foot long can remove snow off a gabled barn without getting up on the roof.
3. Lower feeding equipment and any other suspended equipment for temporary relief of weight on the truss systems.

As with all snow events, water is your next concern. Be sure all water collection and handling systems are operational to handle the snow melt. Snow removal equipment and backup generation also helps protect the farm from road blockages and power outages. Be sure all emergency equipment is checked and ran periodically so that it will work when you need it.

No matter what the most common threat is to a farm a farmer needs to be prepared for those challenges.

The Future of Agriculture

Where are the New Farmers Coming From?

Like many who wonder where the next generation of labor to help us is coming from, should really ask "Where is my next meal coming from?". Like the rest of the labor force the average age of a farmer is rising. Further, when you count encroachment from cities, tax burdens, zoning of land, and the lack of allied industry support for some commodities, it is daunting to think that anyone is heeding the call to work in agriculture.

But there are shining examples out there. 4-H programs show kids how to raise animals with proper care. They also teach leadership skills and responsibility that will serve them well both on and off the farm. We should support 4-H and FFA programs to help kids, no matter from what background learn more about the world they will soon enter to work.

Remove the Animal From the Flu

Did you Just Sneeze?

We have heard in the media over again about how the swine flu has spread through the world. Because of this consumers have moved away from pork products for the wrong reasons. Let's face it, from a virus standpoint there has to be enough human genetic code in the virus to infect a human. Since most human flu we see is multi-species (avian/human/swine) lets just use the classification of H&N (e.g. H1N1) to describe this and give the animal producers a chance. Since this is NOT a food borne issue we should be able to enjoy fully cooked pork and pork products without scare.

To protect ourselves from human transmission, be sure to use good hygiene and cough control, especially as we head into the holiday season. Wash your hands including the backs of your hands with warm water and soap. Rub your hands with soap for at least 20-30 seconds before rinsing. Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or elbow if you must to keep your hands from being contaminated.

Lastly, stay home if you are sick. I was sick for two days and stayed home until fever was normal for 24 hours. By doing so, I was able to recover quickly and without lasting effects.

To Compost Well - prepare and observe

When composting mortality having the right conditions will ensure a good result. Remember to start with a good base of carbon bearing materials in the bottom of the bin. Wet birds to help hasten the process and then cover completely to keep other animals out of the composter. Monitor composting using a composting thermometer in order to tell when compost needs further attention or to pull and spread. For best results compost at 45-50% moisture with temps over 110^o F.

Be sure to have adequate materials at hand to compost, so to be at the ready for when its necessary to handle mortality on the farm.

Fact Checking in Poultry Production

You may see commercials in the media stating one thing or another regarding their birds. While factually true, it does cast doubts about their competitors. What consumers should know is that the food laws in the US prohibit antibiotic residues in poultry. Birds need to be in good health prior to processing and are checked at the plant prior to processing. You are more likely to come in contact with antibiotics through direct contact (prescriptions, topical ointments / preparations) Than through your food.