I often get calls from small farmers who need help starting their farming operation. To successfully start and continue operating a small farm, basic knowledge of animal production is crucial, along with documentation of the processes carried out on the farm, such as purchasing and selling, and handling and observing animals and/or facilities.

Other common practices include the rotation of livestock in various enclosures, food, supplements, and drug administration to help improve animal production. The University of Florida has created a document to assist farmers with keeping their books organized, helping to ensure successful operations.

In this document, you can find information for the sowing and production of forages, as well as days of gestation of goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, mares, and sows. It will also assist with taking monthly inventory of your cattle and documentation of the application of vaccines and births that are carried out. In addition, it enables you to maintain the details of contractual agreements associated with the property being used on the farm.

To learn more about this document and how it can help you in your farming operation, contact your county agricultural agent for animal production. You may also submit your questions on our Central Florida Livestock Agent group (CFLAG)page.

https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/cflag/publications/