Livestock scales are available in a wide range of sizes, capacities, weighing technologies and specifications to suit the varied needs of different farmers. Common types include:
Beam platform scales – These mechanical scales are not sold often and can be costly to install or repair, but some livestock farmers still prefer to use them.
Flat livestock scales – These are great for weighing cattle, since they are designed for use with large animals, and may include battery-operated systems for mobility.
Single animal scales – Available in different sizes and load capacities, these systems include enclosures to hold and weigh one animal at a time with extremely accurate measurements.
Portable and mobile livestock scales – These portable weighing systems are perfect for farmers who sell cattle in lots, since they can weigh multiple animals at the same time.
Stationary livestock scales – These load-cell weighing systems are highly accurate and durable even in extreme working environments. They are available in various sizes and capacities.
Livestock truck scales – These are also available in various sizes and capacities to suit different weighing applications, and they are low maintenance for cattle farmers.
Livestock ring scales – These are custom designed as comprehensive systems that can be installed in existing barns and processing plants for livestock weighing.Ho
The American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) is celebrating National Forage Week with the agricultural community June 17-23, 2018. Slightly less than 2 percent of the total U.S. population lives on a farm, making it more difficult for the general public to relate to farming and the accompanying benefits and challenges.
As the general public moves further away from its agrarian heritage and the rural lifestyle, AFGC strives to bring farming and forages into greater public awareness with National Forage Week, now in its fourth year of celebration. Mark Kennedy, AFGC president from Missouri says, “National Forage Week was first celebrated four years ago and was well received by the forage community as one might expect, but more importantly others outside of the forage community were made aware of the importance of forage.
AFGC’s goal is to create an awareness of the many roles that forages play in today’s society. Forages not only provide quality food for livestock, but also provide food, cover, and shelter for wildlife; provide diverse habitat for pollinator species; reduce soil erosion and improve soil health and filter sediments to reduce water pollution. Not only that, forages also provide beauty to the landscape and provide places for recreation. We’ve got a long way to go, but as AFGC and its state affiliate councils get the word out at the local level we’ll make progress."
The National Forage Week campaign is designed to raise awareness and educate the public about the role of forages in dairy and meat consumption. Consumers are increasingly inquisitive and concerned about their food sources, and AFGC is positioning the organization to better understand consumer concerns and inform consumers about the role of forages and forage production.
Gary Bates, director of the Beef and Forage Center at University of Tennessee and chairman of the AFGC National Forage Week committee, says, “We often take forage crops for granted. We look at a beautiful pasture and see the grazing livestock and not the forage. The most impactful plants in our world are right under our feet. Many people do not realize how much forage plants impact their lives. From meat and dairy all the way to ornamental grasses, forages touch most people’s lives in some fashion.”
The National Forage Week promotion includes social media blitzes, photo fliers for local circulation, cameo videos, email blasts and press releases. Any interested groups or individuals wishing to engage in the promotion are encouraged to email AFGC at tina.bowling@afgc.org to receive promotional links, shareable across several electronic formats.
The campaign is expected to grow each year to add additional coverage in farming publications and congressional designation, as forage touches everyone’s lives. Bates says, “Forage crops are some of the most flexible crops in the world. They can be used for their beauty in gardens, as food for livestock, or as tools to save our environment. Without forages, or world would be dramatically different.”
AFGC is asking for support at the local level from forage producers across the nation to help get the word out by putting up fliers in the local farm supply stores, sending press releases to hometown papers, arranging for a public service listings on local business reader boards and posting Facebook, Twitter or other social media posts.
AFGC will be equipping each of their 22 state forage affiliates with promotional materials in addition to the national organization’s campaign. Promotional materials may be acquired by emailing: tina.bowling@afgc.org. Tina Bowling, AFGC Executive Director says, “I encourage everyone to share the National Forage Week video that’s online at the AFGC website (afgc.org) and share your forage experiences at #NationalForageWeek or share a forage photo at #ForageFanaticFoto because forage isn’t just about food and fiber but water quality and soil conservation too.”
To learn more about participation in National Forage Week visit afgc.org.
Electric fencing is ideal for grazing or pasture management by containing animals on a selected area of pasture or crop. It also may be used to protect gardens and landscapes from animal damage.
“An electric fence takes less than half the time to build compared to traditional fence systems.”
In 1938, the first electric fence was developed in New Zealand by Gallagher. Since that time, electric fencing systems have made farm and ranch life easier. Today, both permanent and portable electric fencing products are used all over the world.
Electric fencing is ideal for grazing or pasture management by containing animals on a selected area of pasture or crop. It also may be used to protect gardens and landscapes from animal damage. Permanent electric fencing is economical, easy to install and easy to maintain. Temporary electric fencing is an effective temporary barrier for short-term animal control and rotational grazing. Electric Fencing is...
Safe: Animals remember the short, sharp but safe shock and develop respect for the fence.
Easy to install: An electric fence takes less than half the time to build compared to traditional fence systems.
Durable: A non-electrified fence experiences constant wear and tear under stock pressure. Because your animals learn to avoid an electrified fence, your fence will last longer and remain in good condition.
Economical: Electric fences cost less than 50% of traditional non-electric fences.
A helpful video for understanding the most common electric fencing mistakes users make. Problems in Electric fences are either from the 1.)Electric fence energizer, or fence charger, 2.) The electric fence itself, meaning wires, posts, or insulators, or 3.) in the earth ground system of the electric fence.
Visit us at www.gallagherelectricfencing.com for helpful solutions to problems with electric fences on your farm.
Will the electric netting work for free range poultry?
Yes, in most cases as long as the birds are clipped wing or are a non-flying species like Cornish. The netting will also act as a predator deterrent. It doesn’t take much of an energizer to contain a chicken, but a mid-range charger is needed if there is also a predator issue.
Fencing costs are one of the most expensive aspects of livestock grazing. The type of fence constructed greatly impacts the cost per foot, total cost, and annual ownership cost. In addition, the shape of the paddocks affects the amount of materials needed and labor required for construction of the fence.
This publication compares the costs of building a 1/4-mile (1,320 feet) straight perimeter fence with four different types of permanent fencing plus temporary interior fencing. These are: woven wire, barbed wire, high-tensile non-electric, high-tensile electrified, and temporary interior fencing.
The type of fencing selected varies by personal choice and the species of livestock to be confined. In general all configurations shown can be used with cattle, woven wire and high-tensile electrified can be used with sheep, and woven wire can be used with hogs.
The list of materials needed for each type of fencing is from Fencing Costs for Nebraska (see references at the end of the article). Costs were adjusted to 2005 prices provided by a number of Iowa retailers, although prices may vary. Labor was figured at $13.60 per hour, the average fence building labor charge reported in the 2005 Iowa Custom Rate Survey, FM-1698. Gates have not been included in the estimates.
Did you know that 40 out of 50 states in the US expect water shortage? Want to your bit to ensure there’s plenty for your fellow citizens? Here are few easy hacks to help you conserve water in your daily life.
One of those most important issues, which only seems to hit the world harder each year is WATER CRISIS.
And perhaps, the most recent story of Cape Town and South Africa is not hidden from anyone. The situation is now such that due to the diminishing of water reservoirs, people have been asked to lower down their water usage by 13.2 gallons per day.
But do you think water shortage is just limited to Cape Town or Africa? Did you know that 40 out 50 states in the US expect to be short on water?
They say you can live without food even for a month but not more than 5 days without water.
From our daily showers to laundry to watering our lawns, we are using or I should say wasting a huge amount of water but do we care yet?
Better late than never. It’s not too late yet, just a few helpful tips regarding water conservation and we can bring an amazing change. I am here with these wonderful and easy tips and it’s high time we start applying it right now lest it’s too late.
Reasons why you’ll agree with me
You know it that water crisis is actually a big problem.
With a growing population, income grows and ultimately demand for water increases.
Our water infrastructure is in a dilapidated state.
Our healthy ecosystems are being ignored.
And most importantly WATER IS WASTED.
Why there’s a need to conserve water?
Let us first learn about why we actually need to save water?
Reason 1: Water is equal to life and if you are unable to get fresh water for a long period of time, chances are you will die in just a few days. We generally ignore the situations where we see some different kind of pollutants in rivers, streams and other water sources.
And I am sure you may not want to drink water with motor oil sheen on the top or a fish with weed killer marinade is not at all healthy.
Reason 2: Using less water ultimately leads you to an extra saving. Try a few basic water conservation methods and trust me you can save thousands of gallons every year. Of course, using less water will offer with fewer water bills also.
Reason 3: Remember no God from the heaven is going to come and protect your natural eco-systems from future damages. For the local eco-systems, the oceans, streams, and lakes are their home but we are using it as a dumping ground snatching everything from those who depend on these water sources.
Reason 4: Saving water not only saves your bills but also energy. A certain amount of energy is required to pump water from a central facility to our homes. Thus, if you save water less energy will be required, which also lessens your carbon footprint.
Reason 5: We are seeing the rapid change in industrialization and urbanization where they use this potable water, which ultimately leads to scarcity of water and are creating a massive problem for us and for future generations as well.
But, as I said earlier it’s not too late. Read the following tips on how to save water in different fields, after you go through it, see what points you can actually apply in your daily lives. Start doing it right now and be a part of a better environmental change.
How to Conserve Water in the Kitchen
Before I start with ‘what you should do to save water in the kitchen’, did you know that our body is about 75% of water and every single person require around 80 ounces of water every day?
Strange right, so if you really want to make this happen for coming years in your life. Follow these tips given below.
Load your dishwasher to its full capacity
Just like you do with your washing machine, fill your dishwasher with water before running in order to save water.
In case of no dishwasher, you can wash the dishes in a sink or pan full of water instead of washing under a running tap.
Throw big pieces of food waste in the trash. If your dishes always need pre-rinsing, be sure that your dishwasher is in good repair and also you are loading correctly. Also, you should have a powerful dishwasher bar.
Use your garbage disposal sparingly
You must have seen that garbage disposals need a lot of water so as to get rid of garbage. Avoid doing it. You can either dump it in the trash or one of the best methods is to have a homemade compost bin.
Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator
Yes, it is quite easier to soak your frozen in water, no need to do it as it’ll only waste the water. Rather than, decide which food you’ll need the next day and keep it in the fridge overnight.
Rinse foods in a full sink of water
While cleaning fruits or vegetables, try to get a tub or pan full of water to do the same. This will use less water and you can also this water to water plants.
Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge
Keep a water bottle or pitcher in the fridge instead of running the faucet to make the water cold. Now, no long wait for the cold water and no wastage of water.
How to Conserve Water in the Bathroom
Did you know that approximately 37 gallons of water are used for an average bath, which means a 5-minute shower uses 15-25 gallons while 40 gallons are used in just 10 minutes?
We generally become careless while taking our regular baths because we just want live that moment. You need to stop such things ASAP and these tips can actually help you out.
Check faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks:
Make sure you regularly check your plumbing for leaks as unknown leaks can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year.
In case you find any leak, first, try to fix it. If there’s some serious leak, you may need to call a plumber.
If you are not sure if your toilet is actually leaking or not, add some food coloring or dye tablets in the tank and leave it for 10-15 minutes without flushing. After the desired time, if you see any food coloring in the toilet, you have a leak.
Turn the faucet off while brushing or shaving
Turn off the tap while brushing when it is not needed rather than letting the water to run whole time you are brushing your teeth. You can turn off the tap in between rinsing the razor while shaving.
Install water-saving shower heads
You’ll always find different types of shower heads in the market. One using 2.5 gallons per minute and others using around 5 gallons.
Installing a water-saving shower head can apply a minimal pressure while using half the amount of water as conventional units. These shower heads can cost you from $10-$30, depending on the quality.
Another great alternative is to install a valve behind the shower head so that you can turn off the water while soaping and then turn it on while maintaining the same temperature.
Take shorter showers
Try to take your shower in a short interval of time. You may not know this but with every two minutes, you are using 10 gallons of water.
Bathing takes to use up around one-third of the amount of water according to the size of your bathtub and depth of the water. So try taking shorter showers.
Convert to a low-flush or dual-flush toilet
Having low-flush toilets utilizes 1.6 gallons per flush and the normal toilets use 3 to 4 times more than that.
On the other hand, dual-flush toilets use less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste, you just need to press the correct button.
How to Conserve Water in the Yard or Garden
I would like to share an amazing fact, see if it can help you while watering your lawns or garden.
Try to water them in the early morning or in the evening because at that time temperatures and wind speed are the lowest, otherwise, there’s an excessive evaporation.
Now, let’s see some other tips you can try.
Install a water meter
Installing a water meter comes with a very big advantage, this will tell you how much water you are actually using. Also, it tells you how much amount of water you need to cut down in your daily routine.
Use smart watering tactics for Plants
You can easily keep your plants and grass healthy while conserving water. Just go through these helpful tips.
Early morning and evening is the best time to water your plants and grass as it’ll reduce evaporation. Avoid watering on cold, rainy and windy days.
Always try to water your garden with a watering can or you can use a trigger nozzle on the garden hose, which further saves more water.
A rainwater collection system is another useful source to collect water and further use it to water your plants, lawn or garden.
Maintain your sprinklers and irrigation timer
Irrigation timers need to be monitored timely. In case of broken sprinkler heads and pipes, they should be fixed immediately and also see that the spray patterns should be aimed where they are meant to be.
Drip irrigation system is yet another useful method to save water. Adjust the sprinklers in such a way that they only reach the areas where water is needed instead of the sidewalk.
Make the most of Mulch
Make a layer of mulch around trees and plants, which prevents water from evaporating and keep the soil healthy as well.
Make sure you have an organic mulch, which helps in enhancing the quality of your soil as it breaks down. Wood chips and bark are the two most common and best types of mulch.
Use a bucket to wash the car
Using a bucket full of water rather than a garden hose can eliminate the use of extra water.
You can wash your car in the lawn so that the water and the same water will help to water the grass at the same time.
And to apply the above point, try using some eco-friendly cleansers so that you can easily reuse it.
Cover your swimming pools
If you have a pool, make sure you cover it during the warmer months as it will reduce evaporation.
In fact, in some places, you cannot even follow the emptying then refiling process, in order to preserve this important water resource.
How to Conserve Water While Doing Laundry
Get a water efficient washer
Your traditional washing machines use 40-45 gallons of water per load, but high-efficiency top-load or front-load washers use much less water and get your clothes cleaner as well.
Make sure you are washing a full load of laundry
Try not to wash a few clothes in the washing machine, let there be a pile of clothes so that your water is not wasted at all.
Also, most of the top load washing machines come with an economy mode, which helps in saving water and electricity as well.
Use cold water
Heating up water uses energy, so try washing your clothes in cold water, which will ultimately save water and energy as well.
Keep laundry count to a minimum
Items like jeans and sweaters are meant to be washed regularly or every time you wear them. Make sure to wash the clothes which are actually very dirty and need to be washed. Doing this will save a lot of water and also prevents wear and tear on your clothes.
You can easily use or wear a pajama for 2-3 times before you wash it. Changing your socks and underwear on a daily basis is necessary but slacks, jeans, and skirts can be worn more than one time.
After your daily shower, make sure you hang the towels on the rack to air dry and you can use it a number of times before washing.
Few Other Water Saving Hacks
We are living in this modern world where water scarcity is really a big issue and if we continue to overlook the use of water, I am afraid about the evil consequences that might take place in future.
But if you seriously want to stop such things, here are some ways which can help you in water prevention.
Sustainable Water Usage
There are joined activities involved in the sustainable water supply and it depends on a person’s ability to save water, land occupation, changes in the building industry, administrative regulations and so on.
The main aim is to make components of direction and to make it affordable that too guarantee the sustainability of the system.
Doing this helps in recycling of water, lessens the domestic water consumption and helps improving irrigation method.
Boost natural regeneration of vegetation
Regeneration means re-establishment of forest crop by some natural or artificial means. If you use crops by sowing, planting or be it using some artificial method, it can overcome the water scarcity issue very well.
This method of regeneration is an amazing process by which the land can be colonized again when the vegetation is somehow completely destroyed ruined.
Maintain and improve quality of water
Quality of water here means how people all around use the water for different purposes like drinking, bathing or for some business use.
Other than this the water can be used by various groups for wildlife habitats, production of edible fish, protection of aquatic ecosystems, and many more.
Following the same will surely help in pollution check and collection and treatment of wastewater effluents.
Rainwater Harvesting
In simple words, rainwater harvesting means to store the water and use it later for other purposes.
The quirky units of the system help to store the rainwater, filtering it and storing the processed water. The method is quite beneficial in the home to store extra water.
How to set up an Off-Grid Rainwater Harvesting system at home
Raising awareness
No single authority or government official alone can bring a change, we the people of the society have to come together in order to conserve water.
Try to save water as much as possible, at least for the sake of your coming generations and if not at least think about the world we are living in. Bringing awareness is quite simple but applying in our daily lives becomes hard.
But the easiest solution to overcome such problem is: start helping yourself or I should say bring a change in your home and see the difference.
Final word
You must be wondering or thinking, can these small steps really make a difference? Yes, and this is actually the truth that if you come up with these small changes and start applying in your home you can save a few gallons each day.
You might want to ask why ‘I’ should invest my time or money in consumption of water. Because, the more people come forward in the initiative, the greater impact it will make.
For the perimeter of the pasture, use permanent, multi-strand, high-tensile electric systems. The number of wires will vary according to the livestock you wish to contain. Horses and mature cattle can quite often get by with three wires, while small calves, sheep and goats may take five or six.
The best posts to use in areas with snow loads and wildlife has been proven to be solid fiberglass. There are no plastic insulators to break, and the flexibility of the post helps to overcome side loads.
There are two common mistakes that people tend to make when trying high-tensile fencing for the first time:
Posts too close!
Wires too tight!
Post spacings of around 50 feet are adequate because of the nature of high-tensile wire. The wires should be tightened just to the point of removing most of the sag between posts (around 150 to 200 lbs. per wire). This accomplishes two things. First, this design is flexible, allowing the fence to absorb wildlife pressure and snow loads without breaking. Second, less materials are needed so the initial purchase cost and the labor required to install the electric fence is less than conventional fencing.
Before building your electric fence you'll need to take into account many factors including the climate and terrain, the animals you need to fence in - or out, and many other factors. You need to know:
What type of animal(s) do you want to control? The animal being controlled will largely determine the type of electric fence you need. The animal's hooves, thickness and length of coat, height, jumping ability and many other factors impact your fence selection.
In general, animals with thick, shaggy coats require a more powerful controller than animals with shorter coats and thin hides. Electricity relies on conductivity to deliver a shock, and heavy coats act as an insulator.
One of the conductive wires should be placed at the animal's nose level. The strands need to be spaced so the animal cannot push its head through any two wires without receiving a shock. You may need low or high wires to prevent animals from digging under or jumping over fences.
Do you want to contain or keep out the animal(s)? A short, safe pulse of electricity creates a psychological barrier that trains most animals to avoid the fence. However, predators, bulls, and other aggressive animals are more apt to challenge the fence, requiring a more powerful fence controller.
What type of electric fence do you need? We group electric fences into four categories: (1) portable or temporary, (2) semi-permanent or permanent, (3) permanent high tensile, and (4) the Horse Sense Electric Fence System.
Temporary electric fence systems can also be easily moved by using a battery or solar fence controller; poly step-in posts or steel or fiberglass rods; poly wire, tape or rope; and other lightweight components. Temporary fences typically run for short distances, are affordable, are quick and easy to install.
Semi-permanent or permanent electric fences consist of a combination of either wood posts, T-posts, U-posts or rod posts using any type of wire, tape or rope. Installation is easy to moderate, depending on the terrain and the animal being contained or excluded. Often used for pastures and cross fencing, this category of fence will last up to 20 years.
Permanent high tensile electric fences use well-anchored wood posts to support steel wire under high tension. While more time-consuming to install than other electric fence systems, it is the most effective permanent perimeter fence and provides the highest level of security for keeping out or containing difficult or aggressive animals, such as bulls or predators. A well-built high tensile electric fence requires minimal maintenance and will last up to 40 years.
The Horse Sense Electric Fence System® , designed specifically for equine use, emphasizes the horse's safety as well as containment. The system uses white, flexible poly tape or poly rope to make it easy for the horse to see the fence. White vinyl sleeves and caps that cover wood and t-posts protect the horses from injury and complete the classic white-rail appearance. The fence will typically last from 5 to 15 years.
Why is electric fencing a cost effective option? Electric fencing typically costs less than traditional barbed and woven wire fencing. In addition, animals are less apt to damage a fence, as they usually don't touch an electrified wire more than once. Choosing and installing high-quality components will pay dividends later with fewer maintenance problems and longer fence life.
A more powerful fence controller may cost a bit more, but will save you time and money in the long run. The higher-powered low impedance fencers increase energy on the fence line as weeds touch it, minimizing the need to remove vegetation. It also gives you greater flexibility to add to, or reconfigure, your fence at a later date.
Consider your investment in your livestock, horses and/or pets. You want to protect them with quality electric fence components that will do the job and keep them safe.
If this is your first electric fence project we recommend you follow three simple steps so you understand your options and can better plan your fence. A well-thought out plan in advance will help you avoid problems later, and assure that your electric fence works as you want it to.
