SoMo Farm & Ranch Supply in Springfield, Missouri, wants you to get the most out of your herd this year.  As the weather turns warmer, it’s important to provide the right nutrition for your cattle, particularly as they start to calve and the grass turns green after the winter thaw. Take a look at some of our cattle feeding tips for the spring. Energy Expenditure and Body Condition It is important to check the body condition of your cattle when transitioning from winter to spring. A hard winter with poor food quality may cause cattle to lose weight, so their diets should be adjusted ac ..read more

Welcoming new baby chicks into your home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. These fluffy little creatures are not only adorable, but they also have the potential to provide fresh eggs or be raised as pets.  Before bringing them home, it is important to have a suitable and safe environment for them to thrive in. This is where a brooder comes in. A brooder is a warm and secure space where baby chicks can live and grow for the first few weeks of their life.  Setting up a brooder may seem daunting for first-time chicken owners, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, it ..read more

Are you a new farmer or rancher gearing up for your first calving season with cattle? As you prepare for the arrival of newborn calves, you must have a solid understanding of what to expect and how to make the most of this crucial time for your herd. While it may initially seem overwhelming, you can ensure a successful calving season with helpful tips and proper preparation.  SoMo Farm & Ranch Supply covers key strategies to help you navigate your first calving season confidently and quickly. Related Post: Five Spring Challenges Facing Cattle & Calves Key Preparation Steps Before ..read more

Attention farmers and cattle ranchers! Are you tired of the struggle and stress that comes with moving your livestock?  Cattle chutes are specialized equipment designed to make your life easier and your cattle’s journey safer. These structures are made to streamline the process of moving cattle, allowing for a more efficient and stress-free experience for both the animals and handlers. SoMo Farm and Ranch explores what cattle chutes are, their various uses, and how they can benefit your farm or ranch.  Related Post: Squeeze Chute FAQs Understanding What Cattle Chutes Are Cattle chute ..read more

Are you looking for a way to boost the health and productivity of your herd? Consider mineral blocks for cattle. These small but mighty blocks are packed with essential minerals and nutrients that can revitalize your cattle in ways you never thought possible. Whether you have a small family farm or a large commercial operation, mineral blocks can benefit your herd in a variety of ways.   Related Post: Cattle Lick Tubs Can Help Increase Your Herd’s Weight and Productivity   What Are Mineral Blocks For Cattle? Mineral blocks for cattle are solid blocks that are made up of essential min ..read more

Cattle parasites represent a significant concern for herd management. They can cause economic losses due to reduced feed efficiency, decreased milk production when calves need it most, and higher mortality rates. One way to combat and control parasites in your herd comes from proper grazing and nutrition management.  Common Types of Cattle Parasites As a herd owner, you must understand the most common types of parasites and how they affect the overall well-being of your cattle. One of the most prevalent cattle parasites is the gastrointestinal roundworm known as Ostertagia ostertagi. This ..read more

As a beef cattle farmer, it is essential to maintain a healthy herd all year round. However, when faced with drought conditions, the challenges increase. Lack of rainfall and scarce pasture can severely impact the well-being of your cattle.  As a result, it’s vital to adopt proper herd management techniques during a drought to minimize the adverse effects on your cattle’s health. SoMo Farm and Ranch explores various tips on how to keep your beef cattle herd healthy during a drought. Related Post: Manual vs Auto Livestock Catches, Differences & Benefits Forage Management One of the big ..read more

Dehydration in cattle can be a serious issue, particularly during the hot summer months. Dehydration can occur when there is not enough water in a cow’s body to support its normal bodily functions, resulting in potential health problems.  As a farmer or rancher, it’s important to understand the causes of dehydration, the signs to watch for, and how to prevent it from occurring in the first place. SoMo Farm and Ranch discusses how to prevent dehydration in beef cattle during the summer months, ensuring the health and well-being of your herd. Causes of Dehydration in Cattle Dehydration in b ..read more

April showers bring May flowers. Unless those spring rains just won’t stop, and end up washing all the plants away instead. Rain is good for plant growth, but heavy spring rains can be very damaging to meadows, pastures, and grazing fields.  If the rain has begun to destroy your meadow, there are a few steps to take.  Move Cattle To Higher Ground If spring rains have been heavy and flooded your pasture areas, move cattle to a higher, drier area. Cattle exposed to flooded grounds for extended periods of time are more susceptible to diseases like foot rot. Very wet pasture areas are al ..read more

Raising chicks is easier with the right supplies. That’s why chicks are a favorite for families with young children on the farm. Kids are delighted to help feed and water their new feathered friends, and it teaches them responsibility when caring for pets or livestock as they get older.  If you are considering raising chicks for the first time, SoMo Farm & Ranch Supply gives five helpful tips. 1. Start in the middle of spring. With chicks, you don’t want to start too early, or the weather won’t be warm enough for them to go outside when it is time. It is best to get your chicks at the ..read more