The everyday side of keeping animals on your place. Every guide lists its sources and who to ask locally.
- Choosing Livestock for Your FarmHow to match animals to your land, time, skills and budget before you buy, with questions to ask yourself and who to…
- Livestock Space RequirementsWhy there is no single magic number for how much room animals need, and how to judge space for pasture, pens and barns…
- Livestock Fencing Options ComparedCompare woven wire, electric, board, pipe and high-tensile fencing by what they do well and poorly, and learn how to…
- Electric Fence Setup and MaintenanceLearn how electric fences work, what makes them fail, and how to keep one safe and effective, with a routine for…
- Livestock Water SystemsHow to plan reliable water for animals, from wells and ponds to tanks and lines, with the questions to settle before…
- Winter Livestock WateringKeep water open and drinkable in freezing weather: heated tanks, insulation, safe power use, and what to do when…
- Livestock Shelter RequirementsWhat animals need from shelter in heat, cold, wind and wet, and how to plan simple, safe housing without chasing a…
- Bedding Options for LivestockCompare straw, shavings, hay, sand and other bedding by comfort, moisture control, cost and manure handling, and…
- Livestock Feeding BasicsThe fundamentals of feeding farm animals: forage first, clean water always, and how to adjust for age and season with…
- Hay Quality and SelectionHow to judge hay with your eyes, nose and a lab report, and how to choose hay for different animals without relying on…
- Hay Storage and Loss PreventionHow to store hay to limit waste, mold and fire risk, from site choice and stacking to covers, barns and keeping…
- Grain and Concentrate FeedingWhen animals need grain or concentrates, how to introduce them safely, and the risks of overfeeding, with amounts…
- Mineral Programs for LivestockWhy animals need minerals, how soils and forage create gaps, and how to build a simple, safe mineral program with your…
- Livestock Body Condition ScoringLearn how body condition scoring works, why hands matter more than eyes, and how to use scores to adjust feed before…
- Livestock Health ChecksA routine for looking over your animals daily and at set intervals, what normal looks like, and when to call a…
- Recognizing Illness in LivestockEarly warning signs that a farm animal is sick, how to tell serious from minor, and when to call a veterinarian right…
- Livestock Vaccination SchedulesWhat vaccination schedules are, why they differ by species, age and region, and how to build one with your…
- Parasite Control ProgramsHow parasites affect livestock, why routine deworming is losing effectiveness, and how to build a plan with testing…
- Fly and Insect Control for LivestockHow flies and biting insects affect animals and what layered, low-risk control looks like, from sanitation to traps…
- Hoof and Foot Care BasicsWhy healthy feet matter for livestock, how to check them, what routine trimming involves, and when to call a…
- Livestock Handling and Low-Stress MethodsHow animal behavior, flight zones and good facility design make handling safer and calmer for people and livestock…
- Livestock Loading and TransportHow to plan loading and hauling to keep animals and people safe, including trailers, timing, weather, and who to ask…
- Livestock Identification SystemsWhy identifying animals matters, common methods such as tags, tattoos and microchips, and who sets the rules in your…
- Livestock Record KeepingWhat records are worth keeping on a small livestock operation, simple ways to store them, and how they save time…
- Breeding Season PlanningHow to plan a breeding season around feed, labor, animal condition and health, and why to decide the whole plan before…
- Pregnancy Checking LivestockLearn why pregnancy checking matters on a small farm, what methods exist, and who to call for accurate results on your…
- Calving and Lambing PreparationGet your barn, supplies and plan ready before the first calf or lamb arrives, and know when a birth needs a…
- Newborn Care BasicsThe first hours and days decide a lot for a newborn calf, lamb, kid or piglet. Learn the basics of warmth, colostrum…
- Weaning StrategiesWeaning is stressful for both mother and young. Compare common approaches, plan feed and fencing, and learn how to cut…
- Culling Decisions for Small HerdsCulling is one of the hardest parts of keeping animals. Learn how to think through the decision, what to track, and…
- Beef Cattle Basics for Small FarmsThinking about a few beef cattle? Learn what land, fencing, water, handling and vet care they need, and what to ask…
- Dairy Cow Basics for Family UseConsidering a family milk cow? Learn the daily commitment, housing, feed and health needs, and why milk safety rules…
- Goat Raising BasicsGoats are clever, curious and escape artists. Learn what housing, fencing, feed, hoof care and health plans keep a…
- Sheep Raising BasicsSheep suit many small farms, but they need good fences, parasite control and predator protection. Learn the basics…
- Pig Raising BasicsPigs are smart, strong and hard on fences. Learn what housing, feed, handling and legal checks come with raising a few…
- Poultry Flock BasicsStarting a backyard or farm poultry flock? Learn about housing, feed, predators, biosecurity and the local rules to…
- Raising Chickens for EggsHens can supply eggs for a family, but laying depends on feed, light, health and age. Learn what to expect and how to…
- Raising Chickens for MeatMeat chickens grow fast and need different feed, space and timing than layers. Learn the basics, the risks and the…
- Ducks and Geese BasicsDucks and geese are hardy and fun, but they need water, space and different care than chickens. Learn housing, feed…
- Turkeys on the FarmTurkeys are larger, more fragile and costlier to raise than chickens. Learn about brooding, space, health and rules…
- Rabbits for Meat and FurRabbits take little space and breed quickly, but they need careful housing, heat protection and sound handling. Learn…
- Beekeeping BasicsHoney bees need little land but real knowledge. Learn about hive placement, seasonal work, stings and the local rules…
- Horses on Small FarmsHorses are a long, costly commitment. Learn about land, fencing, feed, hoof and dental care, and honest questions to…
- Working Animals on the FarmDogs, horses, mules, donkeys and others can share the work. Learn how to choose, train and care for a working animal…
- Guard Animals for LivestockLivestock guardian dogs, llamas and donkeys can reduce predator losses, but none is perfect. Learn what each needs and…
- Herding Dogs and Their TrainingA good herding dog can save hours of work, but it needs training, exercise and a handler who understands instinct.…
- Livestock Manure ManagementManure is a resource and a risk. Learn how to store, handle and use it so it feeds your fields instead of fouling your…
- Composting Livestock ManureComposting turns manure and bedding into a soil builder. Learn the basics of piles, heat, time and safety, and what to…
- Livestock Emergency PreparednessFires, floods, storms and illness hit animals too. Learn how to build an evacuation plan, supplies and records for…
- Annual Livestock Management CalendarA simple yearly calendar helps you time breeding, health care, feed, fences and records. Learn how to build one that…