Forages
Oregon State’s Forage Information System
An extensive information database of forages, with descriptions of species and links to other information systems. Not limited to the Pacific Northwest.
Online Grazing Course
Originally developed by University of Minnesota; adapted and converted to an online (PDF) format by University of Maine.
Missouri Forage Systems Research Center
Newsletters (including archives) and research reports on management-intensive grazing and forage resources from University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station.
Forage Livestock Systems
Cornell site. Extensive information on forages and forage/livestock systems. Geared for New York (New England), but useful for other northern regions. Their forage selection tool is fun.
Pasture Management & Grazing
University of Wisconsin’s forage resources site. Includes information on species, systems, electric fencing and water systems.
Forages
Pennsylvania State University Forage page.
Purdue Pasture Management
Pasture management, fencing systems, forages, watering systems from Purdue.
Poisonous Plants
An extensive list of poisonous plants and their characteristics, as well as links to other poisonous plant databases. Hosted by Cornell University.
Pacific Northwest Weed Handbook
Exhaustive set of links to weed sites on the internet hosted by Oregon State University. Not limited to the Pacific Northwest. You probably won’t find any other reputable sites for weed identification and management that are not listed here.
Electric Fence
Fencing and Grazing Extension Engineering Resources
A collection of articles on electric fencing and controlled grazing from University of Kentucky.
Fencing systems
University of Wisconsin’s Extension resources on electric fencing.
Kencove Fencing
We’ve dealt with Kencove for years, and have always been pleased with their pricing and service. Their site has extensive information on fencing.
Baygard Electric Fence Products
Introductory articles on construction and controlled grazing.
Stayfix Electric Fencing Manual
Extensive manual; loads quickly in short sections; lots of illustrations.
Gallagher Power Fence Manual
A comprehensive manual providing detailed information on fence design and construction along with helpful tips and advice. Downloadable as a Adobe Acrobat PDF (3.08MB) or as a Windows file (much smaller).
Planning and Installing a Fence
Introductory article on fencing from the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts.
Animal Health
Cow Doc
Causes of lameness and foot problems in cattle.
Cattle Today
Extensive listing of cattle diseases and treatment
Developing Organic Health Plans
A UK publication.
Penn Dutch
This site contains information about Dr Karreman, his practice, and copies of newsletters, which he sends to his clients. You can also purchase his book here: “Treating Dairy Cows Naturally: Thoughts and Strategies” 268 pages, hard cover, 8 x 11.
Medicinal plants used in veterinary medicine
Fascinating database of native and (mostly) non-native plants used to treat animal disease. About 15 plants at present (9/2004), but plans for expansion. Searchable by plant name. Hosted by Cornell University.
Farm Vet
Online catalog of veterinary products.
Reducing Stress
Handling Facilities Design
This is the main website of Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She has designed facilities that handle approximately half of the animals processed in the United States, and is internationally known. She has autism, which she recognizes as a gift that allows her to think and see like the animals do, and thus design handling facilities that minimizes stress and fear in animals. Her book “Thinking in Pictures” is fascinating. Her web site contains plans for facilities and many articles.
General Cattle Management
Kansas State Livestock Library
Many PDF reports to read. Health, Calving, Nutrition. A 1981 report titled “Growing Cattle on Grass.”
Cow Calf Corner
Oklahoma State’s impressive, huge collection of articles on cow/calf management. Major subject areas include replacement heifers, cow herd health, calving, reproduction, bull management, cold and drought strategies, nutrition, and general herd management.
4H Beef Production Manual
Excellent resource for beginners, and even those who think they know a lot. Covers breeds, nutrition, breeding and marketing. Published in 1994. Written by Clyde Lane, Jr. & James B. Neel of the University of Tennessee and hosted on Cornell’s site.
Beef Publication from North Dakota State
About 30 PDF reports to read about beef management.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Guides
Extensive series of short (1-7 page) guides on all aspects of cattle management, including nutrition and feeding, disease treatment, marketing, and other subjects.
State brand laws from Pitchfork Rafter Cattle Company
State brand laws for each state linking directly to the state code for each state. Pitchfork maintains the applicable portion of code on their site (rather than linking off-site), and I’m not sure how often they check for updates, so you may want to read what’s there and then go to that section of code at your state’s website.
State livestock laws from Pitchfork Rafter Cattle Company
This link takes you to their main page, where there is a livestock law locator by state. Select your state name and you’ll be linked to the applicable code for your state. Read possible limitation above.
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