Pocket Gophers
“What is causing these large mounds of dirt in my pasture and how do I get rid of them? One of my yearlings stepped in one of the holes and twisted her ankle. I’ve tried dragging the pasture,… Read More
Category: Farm Management
An Intro to Wildlife Food Plots
Florida’s ranches are home to more than just the intended livestock, a lot of endangered species seek shelter and food amongst these lands. A lot of these animals act as keystone species and their protection is vital to… Read More
FDACS BMP Implementation Verification Data Collection
It is vitally important that farmers participate in the upcoming survey on Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation to show the Legislature and the public that we are serious about the sustainability of our water resources. As a result… Read More
Bahiagrass Pastures
Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), is adapted to climatic conditions throughout Florida and can be grown on upland well-drained sands as well as the moist, poorly-drained flatwoods soils of peninsular Florida. In Florida, bahiagrass is used on more land… Read More
Sediment and Erosion Control
As described in the Equine Best Management Practices manual, sediment and erosion control measures are permanent or temporary practices to prevent sediment loss from fields, slow water flow, and/or trap and collect debris and sediments in runoff water…. Read More
Sprayer Calibration: Getting It Right
Pasture is the backbone of Florida’s cattle ranching industry and as such provides the foundation for nutrition of the entire herd. Early in my career as an extension livestock agent, an old Florida Cracker told me “Yes, I’m… Read More
Utilize Cover Crops to Optimize Soil Quality
It is no secret that Florida’s soils are less than ideal from both a nutrient and production standpoint; finding ways to maximize soil health will have production benefits as well as environmental benefits. Utilizing cover crops is a… Read More
Manure Management 101
The average 1000 pound horse will accumulate nearly 10 tons of manure and stall waste each year. Multiply that number by the amount of horses in your herd and that is your annual manure contribution. The unfortunate link between… Read More
To Spread or Not to Spread
Many horse farm owners rid of their stall waste by spreading it onto their pastures and think they are doing best by their pastures as well as eliminating the manure problem. While spreading manure can be a beneficial… Read More