The Farmers Mailbox

Learn how to improve the day-to-day operation as well as the profitability of your farm by raising healthier, more contented animals. Temple Grandin, North America’s most influential advocate of humane livestock treatment, shares dozens of methods and detailed plans she has developed for low-stress ways to move livestock on pastures, paddlocks, and feedlot pens. The benefits are great — for you and for your livestock. Well-treated animals, free from fear and pain:
• Injure themselves less frequently, keeping bruised meat to a minimum
• Stay healthier, reducing veterinary expenditures
• Remain calm in most circumstances, keeping human handlers safer
• Deliver higher yields of marketable meat
• Answer consumer demand for humanely raised meat
• Are an indispensable part of efficient, satisfying, ethically managed small farms

Humane Livestock Handling includes Grandin’s insightful explanations of how her general research into how animals think can be applied to improving any farmer’s understanding of livestock behavior and effectiveness in handling animals. The book includes complete construction plans that are applicable for facilities of every size and a wide range of needs, including:
• Handling systems for ranches
• Cattle corral systems
• Sheep and bison corrals
• Loading ramp details
• Fences and gates
• Latches

“If the animals on America’s factory farms got together to award an Animal Nobel Peace Prize, they would surely give it to Temple Grandin. Her combination of deep empathy and hard-headed engineering know-how will improve the lot of these animals.”
— Michael Pollan,
author of In Defense of Food

“Whether you have several livestock or several thousand, this book will repay the time spent reading it many times over.”
— Michael C. Appleby, PhD, Welfare Policy Adviser, The World Society for the Protection of Animals

“ . . . belongs in the reference case of every serious livestock production professional.”
— Joe Roybal, Editor, BEEF Magazine

“ Essential reading for handlers and managers of cattle and other grazing animals, and for anyone with a serious interest in farm animal welfare.”
— Bernard Rollin, PhD, Professor of Philosophy, Animal Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University; University Bioethicist
Paper back, US Publication, 240 Pages
Author: Temple Grandin
Illustrations throughout
Product Code 6811

Whether you’re raising one cow or a herd, this is the go-to reference you need. Both new and experienced cattle ranchers will benefit from Heather Smith Thomas’s expert advice on everything from breed selection, calving, feeding, and housing to humane handling and slaughter practices. Now in its third edition, Storey’s Guide to Raising Beef Cattle has been thoroughly revised and updated to include comprehensive, up-to-the-minute information on diseases and vaccinations; raising grass-fed animals; identifying and dealing with toxic pasture plants; and much more.

Author Heather Smith Thomas

Soft cover, 352 pages

150 x 230mm

Photographs and illustrations throughout.

Product code 6801

From the keeper of a family milk cow to the farmer overseeing a large beef herd, anyone who works with cattle has a vested interest in maintaining the animals’ health. In most cases, the financial viability of a farm depends on the continued well-being of the farm animals. Large-animal veterinarians are in short supply and their bills can add up quickly, so it’s often up to the farmer to provide routine health care.

The Cattle Health Handbook is the essential medical reference for farmers and ranchers confronting day-to-day bovine health issues. Heather Smith Thomas, an expert on livestock with decades of first-hand experience, covers every routine situation — and many not-so-common problems — likely to arise on a cattle farm or dairy farm. Three broad sections cover common diseases, ailments specific to certain body systems, and other ailments and injuries.

Beginning with detailed information on how to detect signs of illness, the book progresses through the various causes of cattle health problems, describing symptoms and discussing prevention and treatment. Readers will find reassuring advice on handling bacterial and viral diseases; digestive and respiratory problems; eye, skin, foot, and mouth irritations; injuries and wounds; and much more. Thomas also helps farmers recognize when a situation calls for veterinary assistance. Case histories, real characters, and humorous anecdotes give the text a warm voice of authority.

Primary income source or country hobby, cattle are unique; the people who care for them want their animals to be healthy and comfortable. For the first-time dairy farmer or the experienced cattle rancher, this reliable volume is a must-have resource.

About the Author
Heather Smith Thomas raises cattle and horses on her family ranch in Salmon, Idaho. She is the author of 10 books and thousands of articles on animal health care. Her books include Essential Guide to Calving, Getting Started with Beef & Dairy Cattle, and Storey’s Guide to Raising Beef Cattle.
US publication
Paperback: 372 pages
Product Code 4396

Description
This introductory-level textbook covers the welfare and environmental implications of producing cattle as well as traditional subjects such as nutrition, reproduction and housing. Its broad, international coverage includes feedlot systems, transport, subsistence farming systems and the contribution of cattle production systems to land, air and water pollution.

It is an invaluable resource for undergraduate students of animal science, veterinary medicine and agriculture, as well as diploma and certificate courses and industry personnel.

Contents
1. The Development of the World's Cattle Production Systems
2. Cattle Production and the Environment
3. Cattle Growth and Rearing Systems
4. Breeding and Reproduction
5. Welfare, Health and Diseases
6. Housing, Handling and the Environment for Cattle
7. Nutrient Requirements and Metabolic Diseases
8. Feeding Methods
9. Grazing Management and Systems
10. The Future Role and Practice of Cattle Farming

Author Information
Clive Phillips studied agriculture at undergraduate level and obtained a PhD in dairy cattle nutrition and behaviour from the University of Glasgow in 1983. He then lectured in farm animal production and medicine at the Universities of Wales and Cambridge, conducting research into cattle and sheep welfare.

In 2003 he became the inaugural holder of Australia's Chair in Animal Welfare, at the University of Queensland, and established the Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics. He is involved in the development and implementation of State and Federal government welfare policies and has published over 150 articles on animal welfare and management in scientific journals and 8 books, as well as editing a book series for Springer on the welfare of animals.

Paperback - 256 pages,
245 x 190 mm

Draws on the most up-to-date research on the energy, protein, mineral, vitamin and water requirements of beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats. It defines the responses of animals, in weight change, milk production and wool growth, to quantitative and qualitative changes in their feed supply. It has particular application to grazing animals.

Factors affecting the intake of feed are taken into account and recommendations are given according to the production systems being used; for instance, the feed intake of a grazing animal is affected by a larger number of variables than a housed animal. Examples of the estimation of the energy and nutrients required for the different production systems are given, as well as the production expected from predicted feed intakes. The interactions between the grazing animal, the pasture and any supplementary feeds are complex, involving herbage availability, diet selection and substitution. To facilitate the application of these recommendations to particular grazing situations, readers are directed to decision support tools and spreadsheet programs.

It provides comprehensive and useful information for graziers, livestock advisors, veterinarians, feed manufacturers and animal nutrition researchers. The recommendations described are equally applicable to animals in feedlots or drought yards.

Features
● Specific application to grazing animals, which requires quantitative information on the contribution of pasture to the diet.
● Provides a systematic approach to the nutrient requirements for maintenance, wool growth and weight change
● Includes a description of computer models that overcome the complexity of applying the feeding standards to grazing animals

296 pages - Paperback

This practical guide is a tool designed to graziers to use on their day to day decisions-making about livestock nutritional needs, feeding options, condition and health.
Pasture supplements are expensive and should not be wasted,
yet under-nutrition has an even greater economic effect resulting from low conception and progeny survival rates, poor growth rates, failure to meet market targets and tender fleeces in sheep.Supplementary feeding of sheep and beef cattle shoes how to get the nutritional balance right to avoid costly repercussions from incorrect or inadequate feeding.
The key topics covered will be particularly useful in drought situations,
but also in seasonal pasture shortages, when the nutrient value of pastures is low. Practical tables and work sheets are provided as key tools,
enabling livestock produces to make timely and cost-effective decisions about supplementary feeding.
Features:

• Ready reckoner tables and calculations sheets make it easy to calculate rations.
• Well illustrated with explanatory photographs, processes and techniques.
• what to feed, when and how much

Readership
Sheep and cattle graziers (particularly in temperate areas), advisors, farming consultants, livestock feed produces and agents,
government agencies, undergraduate and graduate agriculture students, and public, collage and academic libraries.
Publication date: January 2007
About the Author
David Hinton has a lifetime of hands-on experience with livestock as an Animal Health Officer for over 30 years his key roles have been: diagnosing disease,
analysing production problems and advising of management.
Based in the Central Highlands of Victoria he understands and addresses the particular needs of farmers and livestock managers

Running a Small Beef Herd provides an introduction to beef production for those about to enter the industry and is an ongoing reference for anyone managing a small herd of beef cattle on their property. Fundamental considerations such as the economics of beef production, the selection of a suitable beef enterprise to match a particular property and level of experience are covered. It considers various systems suitable for a small beef operation: steer fattening, cow and calf systems, foster calves and multiple suckling, and lot feeding.

Running a Small Beef Herd offers practical advice on buying cattle, marketing methods for particular types of cattle and specifications for markets. Cattle handling, necessary husbandry practices such as castration and vaccination, herd health, reproductive management, nutrition and carrying capacity are also explored.

This updated edition expands on the systems of beef production, breeds, breed management, supplementary feeding, drought management, ear tagging requirements and soil health and fertility.
** Photo Coming Soon

There are more small farms in Australia than there are large, and this trend continues as an increasing number of larger farms are subdivided into smaller parcels. A growing demand for lifestyle blocks, in Australia and overseas, is fuelling an interest in the quieter, smaller breeds of cattle which have particular appeal as they are more manageable to control and maintain.

Small Cattle for Small Farms is ideal for those people considering buying a small farm for lifestyle or commercial purposes.

It was written in response to the many questions the author was asked by those seeking to purchase small cattle. It is these questions that form the basis of this practical and easy to understand guide.
The book assumes no prior experience with cattle, and covers all the basics to help you set up your small farm, including topics such as: types of cattle available, how to select your stock and care for them, stocking rates, fencing needs, vaccination requirements, methods of identification, and government requirements for land and stock owners.

For those wishing to show their cattle, there is a chapter explaining how to prepare for competitions. A section on marketing details how to make a successful entry into the commercial beef industry, and a list of cattle organisations directs readers to more specific information for their chosen breeds.

Features
* Answers real questions asked by those seeking to make a rural lifestyle change
* Deals exclusively with small cattle
* Information is provided in a detailed, easy to understand format with simple terminology
Author Information
Margo Hayes (MBA) came from a rural background. In 1996 she began breeding Australian Lowline cattle and has exhibited the Grand Champion bull for seven consecutive years and the Grand Champion Carcass (all breeds) at the Royal Brisbane Show. Margo has judged cattle internationally, is in demand to speak at forums on marketing and been a guest speaker both in America and Thailand. She exports Lowline and Redline cattle to over seven different countries. She conducts her own 'On Farm' courses which augments this book..
Paperback
168 pages, 245 x 170 mm

Whether you keep a single-family mild cow or oversee a large herd, there is much to be gained by improving your knowledge of bovine pregnancies and deliveries. Your ability to effectively handle all types of calving situations is your best guarantee for the future health of your calves, your cows, and your farm.

Author Heather Smith Thomas has presided over thousands of calf births on her ranch. Her decades of hands-on experience will guide you through every situation likely to arise before, during, and after calving - from routine births to nursing difficulties. It’s in your hands to give your calves the healthiest star possible.

Author information
Heather Smith Thomas and her husband Lynn have been ranching in rugged eastern Idaho since 1967. Because they didn’t want – and couldn’t afford to lose a single animal, they soon became excellent “cattle doctors.” Over time they have developed a hardy herd of crossbred cattle that thrive in very unpampered conditions. Heather is the author of 18 previous books.

Paperback
325 page's

Grass-Fed Cattle is a comprehensive book covering every aspect of raising and care of grass-fed cattle, including herd selection, breeding, yearly cycles, cultivating and maintaining healthy soil and grass, fencing and pasture rotation, winter grazing, pests and diseases, and necessary equipment.

We had a local breeder take a look at this book for us and this is what she said.

Terrific book!
- Has everything you can think of
- How a herd moves in relation to where you stand, their flight zones
- Explains fencing and how it should be set up
- Feeding options, Silage hay, Minerals etc
- Marketing Strategies
- Handy business plan in the back to fill out so things you've learnt can be put into practice.
A must have book on your bookshelf.
Yes, this book is from the US, so it uses imperial  measurements, but none-the-less, it is an excellent book.

 

Calf Rearing is recognised as one of the most informative and accessible guides on the subject, covering growth, nutrition, health and behaviour, with descriptions of various calf raising systems and facilities.
John Moran, an expert in the field, also gives considerable coverage to calf welfare, post weaning management and calf communication. Practical economic information on feedstuffs, labour requirements and losses is provided to assist producers in selecting the most appropriate calf rearing system for their farms.
Features
New to the Second Edition:
• Improvements to existing calf rearing systems • Important changes in recommendations for colostrum feeding • Disease prevention • What to do with sick calves • Dairy beef production • Economics of calf rearing
• Best management practice for raising dairy replacement heifers
Contents
1. Introduction 2. The principles of digestion of feed in calves
3. The importance of colostrums to newborn calves 4. Nutrient requirements of calves 5. Obtaining the calves 6. Milk feeding of calves
7. Calf milk replacers 8. Solid feeds for calves 9. Communicating with the calf
10. Disease prevention in calves
11. Housing of calves 12. Welfare aspects of calf rearing 13. Post-weaning management 14. Economics of calf rearing 15. Best management practices for rearing dairy replacement heifer
Appendix 1. John Moran’s 10 golden rules for calf rearing
Appendix 2. John Moran’s golden rules of heifer rearing
Appendix 3. Glossary of technical terms
Appendix 4. Further reading
228 pages
Paperback

At last, a book that offers the reader a helpful and genuine opportunity to learn the real skills of butchering.
The Bush Butchers' Bible, written in four sections: Beef Cattle, Small Stock (sheep, goats, calves, etc.),
Pigs, & Poultry, is packed with well over 300 diagrams; clearly detailing each process in sequence;
from the kill - to cutting for the table.
Covering all domestic farm animals, and including a first rate section on poultry, the book is a must for all home butchers who aspire to carry out their work at a professional level.

 

GREAT GIFT IDEA

 

Michael ‘Mick’ Gale has an extensive knowledge of both, the meat industry, and farming. He entered the meat trade in 1962, in a part-time, after school, position. In 1964 he began his full time apprenticeship.
Since those early years, Mick has: managed and owned several butcher’s shops; been a leading hand in boning rooms, and on numerous slaughter-floors; carried out contract cutting for schools and hospitals; and performed countless cutting demonstrations.
Nevertheless, the work that has provided him the greatest satisfaction is on-farm butchering.

Paperback

Spiral Bound

116 Pages

 

N. Bruce Haynes, DVM
Comprehensive, updated veterinary guide to preventing and identifying diseases in cattle, horses, swine, goats and sheep. Includes the most up-to-date information on vaccines, nutrition, housing, reproduction, disease testing, drug treatments and restraint. Softcover, 350 pages with black and white photographs and illustrations

Farm Butchering & Sectioning Beef DVD
This video shows the complete procedure of cutting up a side of beef. 
Each step is carefully analyzed and related to customer needs. 
Also showing how to roll a sirloin of beef.
Duration 55 minutes.

Bush Butchers Bible:
At last, a book that offers the reader a helpful and genuine opportunity to learn the real skills of butchering.
The Bush Butchers' Bible, written in four sections: Beef Cattle, Small Stock (sheep, goats, calves, etc.),
Pigs, & Poultry, is packed with well over 300 diagrams; clearly detailing each process in sequence;
from the kill - to cutting for the table.
Covering all domestic farm animals, and including a first rate section on poultry, the book is a must for all home butchers who aspire to carry out their work at a professional level.

 

GREAT GIFT IDEA

 

Michael ‘Mick’ Gale has an extensive knowledge of both, the meat industry, and farming. He entered the meat trade in 1962, in a part-time, after school, position. In 1964 he began his full time apprenticeship.
Since those early years, Mick has: managed and owned several butcher’s shops; been a leading hand in boning rooms, and on numerous slaughter-floors; carried out contract cutting for schools and hospitals; and performed countless cutting demonstrations.
Nevertheless, the work that has provided him the greatest satisfaction is on-farm butchering.

Paperback

Spiral Bound

116 Pages