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The debate about whether you should wash your farm eggs or not. When we first started getting our very own eggs laid by our chickens that we raised from chicks (a very exciting moment by the way), we looked up several resources about how we should go about handling our eggs to make them safe for consumption. We found A LOT of resources that suggested you should wash your eggs and how you should go about doing that.  We took the best information we had at the time and developed routines to keep our eggs washed and as safe as...

How Does Algae Affect Your Livestock? Some algae are toxic, but most algae won’t directly harm your livestock. However, it can reduce the overall water quality, which can result in your animals drinking less. During these hot summer months when algae is a problem you definitely want your animals drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. In order to survive algae need sunlight, water, and a nutrient source (leaves and grass, manure, even saliva).   How Can You Reduce Algae In Your Water? Natural Ways To Reduce Algae: One of the easiest ways to reduce algae growth is to move...

Heat stress in our animals is always a top concern for me. I was especially concerned when we first bought our Highland cattle. All cattle are affected by heat stress, and after learning more about the breed I would venture to say that Highlands may tolerate it better than other breeds. Heat stress can be identified by signs like panting, slobbering, and grouping together. When the temperature heat index (THI) is 72 degrees Fahrenheit or higher your cattle are beginning to really feel the effects of the heat. Cattle don’t sweat effectively and their rumen creates an added heat source....

Eggs Anyone?! Watch this video or keep reading to learn how to preserve your farm fresh eggs in limewater. They keep for 8-12 months! Imagine a busy breakfast diner with a single cook slinging omelettes like a mad man. That is exactly how I have been feeling trying to keep up with our chickens’ egg production! Last summer they were hot and molting and not offering us many eggs, but this winter and spring they have been laying SO many. Eggs were piling up on the counter and in the refrigerator. We were giving them away to ANYONE who wanted...

What is entropion? It is an eye condition where the upper or lower eyelid (usually lower) turns inward. This is a problem because the eyelashes rub on the eye and it causes inflammation and scarring that can lead to blindness. It is a genetic disorder, so any kids with this ailment should not be bred, and a close watch should be placed on the mother of the kids. If she continues to have kids with entropion, she should not be rebred. To catch this condition early watch for these symptoms: a watery eye, a puffy and swollen eye, a cloudy eye....