Livestock Marketing Virtual Needs Assessment Roundtable and Producer Discussion Meeting

Livestock Marketing Virtual Needs Assessment Roundtable and Producer Discussion Meeting on January 24th, 2022 from 7-9pm, online.

Livestock Marketing Virtual Needs Assessment Roundtable and Producer Discussion 1-24-22

Register here: https://go.rutgers.edu/LivestockProcessingSurveySummary

Fall and Winter Management of Ruminants

November 8, 2021 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

  • Forage Management for Sheep Flocks
  • Winter feeding and management of ruminants
  • Parasite management in small ruminants

Presenters:

  1. Kara Riccioni, PhD Student at West Virginia University
  2. Dr. Michael Westendorf, Animal Science Extension Specialist/Professor at Rutgers University
  3. Hank Bignell, Sr. Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Warren County

Our guest speaker for this evening is Kara Riccioni

  • Riccioni was born and raised on a livestock farm in Hunterdon County, NJ. She grew up participating in the local 4H program and competed at many junior livestock shows with Polled Dorset and Natural Colored breeding sheep.
  • She and her fiancé raise and show Simmental cattle and sell feeder steers, show heifers, and breeding stock.
  • She received her BS degree from Penn State University in Agricultural Business Management. While at Penn State she was a member of the livestock judging team.
  • She received an MS degree from University of Kentucky in Animal Sciences focusing on Ruminant Nutrition and an MBA from DelVal University focused on Food and Agribusiness.
  • Riccioni is currently a PhD student at West Virginia University in the Resource Management program.
  • She previously worked for a farm seed company as a product manager for silage and forage lines and currently works for PA Small Business Development Centers as the Director of Agricultural Business Development.

 

Register for this event: https://go.rutgers.edu/RUruminant

 

 

Fall and Winter Management of Ruminants Rutgers Meeting 11-8-21

Managing Heat Stress-Livestock Operations

With the increased temperatures we saw this month, being aware of potential heat stress signs and how to prevent them from happening is very important with livestock production. Luckily, in the North East, our summers are not brutally hot compared to our neighbors in the South and in the Mid-West. It is worth noting that our area can have high humidity that can cause problems for livestock. Depending on the species, and the stage of production, points on the heat index will vary for causes of heat stress.  Identify animals that may be more susceptible to heat stress, i.e. overweight animals, younger and older ones, as well as animals that are pregnant. Establishing a plan of action prior to extreme weather days will also help out.

1) Make sure there is plenty of clean water for drinking. If it is possible, add another trough so there is more access to water. This will allow all animals in your herd to have the ability to obtain water.

2) Do not work your animals on hot days.

3) Provide shade if possible and have access to air movement (wind and breezes).

4) Cool the ground- pigs love to wallow in the mud to keep cool, or you could wet some straw in a shady spot in the pasture for a herd of cattle.

5) Control flies as much as possible because this will add more stress to the animals.

6) Pay attention to the weather forecast and check the livestock weather hazard guide.

7) Know when to intervene (the heat index is 75 or greater for a 72-hour period or the daytime heat index reaches 84 or higher for two consecutive days).

Things are going to happen that are uncontrollable (the weather), but if you plan ahead, you can minimize the effects of heat stress to your livestock.

Livestock Weather Hazard Guide

It’s Hot Out There and Shade is Key to Cattle Performance | Panhandle Agriculture (ufl.edu)

Beef Cattle Management 101-Webinar Series

Session 1: April 19th -7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

  • Changes and Updates to Relief Programs that Impact Farmers
  • What Farmers Need to Know about Changes and Updates to the Latest Relief Bills
  • Checklist for Calving Success.

Presenters include:

  1. Dr. Robin Brumfield, Extension Specialist in Farm Management at Rutgers University
  2. Melissa Bravo, M.S. Assistant Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agronomy and Livestock Agent, Salem County

Register for this event: https://go.rutgers.edu/RUBeef1

 

Session 2: April 26th -7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

  • Forage Quality and Nutritional Requirements
  • Handling Facilities and Safety
  • Manure Management Plans

Presenters include:

  1. Dr. Mike Westendorf, Animal Science Extension Specialist/Professor of Rutgers University
  2. Hank Bignell, Sr. Program Coordinator for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Warren County
  1. Sandra Howland and Kelly Steimle, Research Scientists for NJ Department of Agriculture

Register for this event: https://go.rutgers.edu/RUBeef2

 

Each webinar has a different URL, register for each session separately.

 

For questions about the series or for instructions to access Webex please email Hank Bignell at hdbignell@njaes.rutgers.edu

Small Ruminant Spring Meeting

Small Ruminant Spring Meeting 4-5-21

April 5th from 7pm-8pm Virtually on Webex.

Register at https://go.rutgers.edu/RUSmallRuminant

Small Ruminant Spring Meeting

Poultry Basics Webinar

Poultry Basics-April 7th at 12pm, Virtually on Webex.

Thinking of acquiring a flock of chickens, or perhaps you already have some but would like of a bit of guidance? Hank Bignell, of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Warren County will explain all there is to know about beginning and caring for your flock. Are you interested in raising chickens for eggs or meat production?

Topics will include, breeds, animal handling, housing, feed requirements, zoning and health management. Find out if raising poultry is right for you!

Wednesday, April 7th at 12pm-1pm Virtually on Webex

 

Register online: https://go.rutgers.edu/RUPoultryBasics

 

Any questions, please reach out to Hank Bignell at hdbignell@njaes.rutgers.

Check out the RCE NJAES Poultry Fact Sheet. FS148: Helpful Hints for Small Flock Management (Rutgers NJAES)