Questions to ask HCH when looking at bulls:
Questions you might have when you visit us at HCH: Will my family feel safe around the bulls I am looking at? One of the traits we focus on is docility, so we cull the cattle who have…
Treating For Lice
It is time to think about lice control, especially for yearling animals. As the winter has been mild and warmer, the lice are coming sooner. Using a pour on lice/worm treatment can help in several ways. The comfort of…
Herd Sire Selection: Female Traits
Now is a good time to start thinking about the traits you need in your next herd bull. Giving thought to a herd building plan is an ongoing process and can change with each new herd sire. Here are a…
Herd Sire Selection: What Should I Pay?
Buying a herd sire can be a costly experience, but not in the way you might think A few thoughts to mull over before you decide on an amount you want to spend. Do you have the maternal traits…
Feel and Taste Your Hay
Here are two tips for choosing hay: Feel Take a handful of hay and push it into the palm of the other hand. Does it poke and hurt or does it bend and feel soft? It does the same…
How to Read a Hay Test
Understanding a hay test can help make hay selection easier for you and more enjoyable for your animals. There are three main terms to know when reading a hay test. Protein: The material necessary for body growth and making…
Worming for Parasites
Now is a great time to worm and get rid of parasites in your cattle. A pour-on wormer applied down the back works well and is easy to use. At this time of year, internal parasites are going dormant while…
Winterizing Cattle
Winterizing Cattle It is important to start getting cattle ready for winter before the weather gets cold. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. Forage There is a definite decline in the quantity and quality of…
Raking Hay for a Fluffy Windrow
Raking Hay for a Fluffy Windrow Don’t merge windrows or turn hay until it is dry enough that it can be baled the day you turn it. Control your ground speed so the hay is fluffed not rolled.…
Breaking in Your New Herd Bull
Breaking in Your New Herd Bull Bulls require a significant investment, and this should be matched by your effort to ensure they are successful breeders. Following are tips regarding the bull’s most recent diet and the breeding season. …