Livestock

Minerals may be required in only small amounts, but their impact on livestock health and productivity is enormous. For farmers managing cattle, sheep and...

Cows need shade, too. That's one of the reasons why farmer Mark Harvey Smith decided to implement agroforestry practices on his 142-acre Pittsburgher Highland Farm in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. With the help of Pasa Sustainable Agriculture and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Smith recently had 300 to 400 trees and shrubs planted on his farm for silvopasture and a riparian buffer.

Lush pastures can be deceiving. Drought and overgrazing can lead to low-quality forage that leaves cattle full but malnourished. Learn how to spot abnormal herd behaviors, understand rumen breakdown, and use forage testing to ensure your livestock are truly well-fed.