May 27, 2021

Be careful of that Mama cow

A Missouri woman died recently after she was killed by a protective mother cow.  She was 76 years old.

CowsA Missouri woman named Jane Heisey died on her family farm recently.  (Click for Info).  She was ear tagging  a calf when the mother cow knocked her to the ground and stepped on her head.

Most farmers take precautions when working with bulls.  Interactions with aggressive bulls is a source of injuries and occasional fatalities on livestock farms.

It is important to remember that mother cows can also be a source of injuries.  This usually happens when a protective mother views her calf to be threatened and becomes aggressive.  This is usually precipitated by a regular management practice such as ear tagging or castration.  These kinds of injuries can be avoided by taking precautions.  1. Do not get between the mother and her calf.  2. Bring another person along to stand guard if there is a concern.  3. Some animals are more aggressive than others.  Identify these and separate for special work.  4. Cull problem animals.  5. Select cattle known to be less aggressive.  Most bull studs have docility scores for the bull semen that they market.  Select those known to produce less aggressive offspring.

For more information, please see the fact sheet link:    North Dakota State Factsheet about Ornery Cows

Attitude is a heritable trait

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock
May 26, 2021

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)

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock Tagged With:
May 25, 2021

Keep Up the Customer Communication!

Now that the dates have been set for the lifting of the face covering requirements indoors and social distancing requirements indoors and out (May 28th) farms have decisions to make. What will you require of your customers while on your property? How will you handle customers who expect more or less when it comes to COVID protections?  The CDC recommends that those not fully vaccinated should continue to socially distance themselves from others and wear a mask, but these are no longer requirements under state Executive Orders.  Here are some suggestions on how to prepare your employees and customers for their experiences on your farm this season.

1. Communicate your farm policies regarding COVID protections clearly online and on the farm.
2. If you choose to no longer require masks indoors at the farm be understanding of customers who may choose to wear a mask.  “Mask-free” environments are not enforceable, those who wish to wear masks must be allowed to do so.
3. When possible continue to provide order ahead and pick-up of items sold at your farm. This allows those who are unvaccinated or wary of those who are unmasked to still be able to shop at your farm.
4. Prepare your staff on how to handle disgruntled customers. Who is the right person at the farm to handle these situations? Have a plan on who and how you will respond to these situations.
5. Realize that you will not make everyone happy. The best you can do is decide what your masking and social distancing policies are, stick to them, and communicate the heck out of them.

Important dates:
May 28th – Indoor mask mandate lifted. Businesses may require customers to wear masks indoors, but it is no longer mandated. 6’ social distancing required indoors lifted. Businesses may still enforce 6’ of social distancing.  This does not apply to summer camp settings with children.

June 4th – Indoor gathering limits lifted.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops
May 25, 2021

Letter from Secretary Fisher Regarding Governor’s Executive Order #242 Lifting Major COVID-19 Restrictions

NJ Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #242 lifting major COVID-19 restrections and moving forward with the state’s most significant reopening steps to date. Indoor mask mandates and 6ft social distancing requirements will be lifted this Friday, May 28, and indoor gathering/capacity limits will be lifted on June 4. Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher has provided a summary of the changes that may impact agriculture operations. The full text of his letter is attached here.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , ,
May 25, 2021

USDA Spanish Language Resources Now Available for Organic Stakeholders

The USDA has translated its organic regulations and resources into Spanish.  Available online are:

USDA Organic Regulations
Organic Foods Production Act
NOP Handbook
Organic Integrity in the Supply Chain
Training materials
Video resources on certified organic FAQ, preventive practices, and recordkeeping
Tip/Fact sheets on topics ranging from soil assessments, composting, manures, orchards, livestock, dairy, meat, and others

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops
May 24, 2021

Reminder – Virtual DOH/DOL/NJDA “Ag Stakeholder Engagement Call” 2pm, May 25

NJ Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher has shared this attached letter inviting the agricultural community to join a virtual “Ag Stakeholder Engagement Call” on May 25 at 2:00 p.m. Hosted by the Departments of Health, Labor and Agriculture, the Commissioners and Secretary will discuss NJ’s response to COVID-19, provide updates on mitigation efforts and guidance, provide science-based information on the COVID vaccines, and answer questions.

This is a virtual Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app:  Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only):  +1 856-338-7074,,487903588# United States, Camden

Phone Conference ID: 487 903 588#

Find a local number | Reset PIN | Learn More | Meeting options

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,