Recent News for Pastures
Article
Weed of the Month: Spiny Pigweed
August 09, 2009
Spiny pigweed/Spiny amaranth Scientific name: Amaranthus spinosus L. Life Cycle: Warm season annul Origin: Tropical America Poisonous: No Spiny pigweed is distributed widely across the United States and grows most... Read More
Article
Toxic Mushroom Risk for Horses in Kentucky Pastures Due to Wet Weather
August 08, 2009
At the beginning of August, the University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center (LDDC) received several calls regarding the presence of mushrooms in pastures around eastern Kentucky. Callers were concerned about whether it presented... Read More
Article
Horse Dies in Decomposing Seaweed; Toxic Gas Blamed
August 06, 2009
A horse died and its owner fell unconscious within seconds of falling into decomposing green seaweed along the northern coast of Brittany, France, last week, according to several sources. Vincent Petit, DVM, PhD, said he was hand-leading... Read More
Article
Pasture Weeds Covered in University of Minnesota Publication
July 24, 2009
Horse owners can learn more about weed control in horse pastures from a new fact sheet published by University of Minnesota horse extension specialists. The new publication, <A... Read More
Article
Drought Burdens Texas Horse Rescues
July 23, 2009
Texas' worst drought in 50 years has burnt up pasture and raised the price of hay, leaving horse rescues to cope with an increase in abandonment and neglect cases as owners struggle to feed their horses. "The cost of hay is going up, if you... Read More
Article
Going Green: Environmental Stewardship for Horse Owners
July 20, 2009
Most horse owners have happy memories of trotting down a tree-shaded lane, riding along a stream of clear water, or cantering across an open field. Nature and horses just go together. "Taking steps to protect the environment can improve you... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Poison Hemlock
July 13, 2009
Poison hemlock is distributed across the United States and grows most frequently along fence borders in shady and moist areas. Seeds germinate in the fall or early spring, and flowering occurs May through July, depending on location. This robust plan... Read More
Article
Bermudagrass for Horse Pastures
July 09, 2009
Kentucky horse owners might find Bermudagrass to be a good summer pasture species for mares, foals, and yearlings, and it might also serve as an on-farm source of hay or bedding. These observations are based on a continuing four-year study at the... Read More
Article
Greener Pastures
July 01, 2009
Maintain good ground cover to keep your horses grazing and the soil and nutrients in your pastures. A good pasture is not just a grassy field surrounded by a fence. It's a place of beauty, a weed-free meadow where horses... Read More
Article
Using Soil-Cement on Horse and Livestock Farms
June 28, 2009
Most farmers can identify with myriad problems associated with mud forming around high-traffic areas, including areas around horse and cattle waterers, feed bunks, round bale feeders, walk paths, and gate entrances. Mud is usually a result of... Read More
Article
Weed of the Month: Musk Thistle
June 26, 2009
Musk thistle, also known as nodding thistle in some areas, is distributed across the United States and is listed as noxious in many states. This invasive species can reach heights of 6 feet and is found in pastures, rangeland, and along roadsides. ... Read More
Article
Tall Fescue Control in Horse Pastures
June 22, 2009
Managers on Kentucky horse farms prefer pastures used for grazing pregnant mares to be composed of Kentucky bluegrass and orchardgrass and little, if any, tall fescue. Most of the tall fescue in Kentucky pastures is "KY 31," and essentially all... Read More
Article
Pastured Horses More Fit, Study Finds
June 09, 2009
Horses are better able to maintain fitness when turned out on large pasture, according to Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD, of Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, Va. She presented results of her recent study at the 2009 Equine Science Society... Read More
Article
Maryland Offers Horse Owner Pasture Walks
June 06, 2009
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Equine Studies Program at the University of Maryland have partnered together to offer a Horse Pasture Walk on Thursday, June 18, 2009. The event will be held from 6-9:00 p.m. at the Equine Rotationa... Read More
Article
Fences and Machines: Ways to Trim Expenses
June 01, 2009
Fences and machinery are some of the higher-ticket items on a farm, and in this iffy economic climate, it might be overwhelming to even consider replacing these everyday necessities with new products. Having an organized, planned maintenance program ... Read More
Article
Michigan Extension Offers New Toxic Plant Bulletins
April 15, 2009
Horse owners do what they can to make sure their charges get healthy feed. But how do they know that the plants growing in their pastures are safe for equine consumption, and how do they grow good forage? Find out which plants can threaten horse... Read More
Article
Causes of Laminitis (AAEP 2008)
April 01, 2009
Progression of obesity and insulin resistance exacerbates laminitis risk. As a horse gets fatter, insulin sensitivity decreases. Insulin resistance worsens with chronic obesity, making a horse more susceptible to laminitis and less tolerant ... Read More
Article
Consider Seeding Pastures This Spring
March 04, 2009
Producers wanting to add to or improve forage in their existing pastures should consider using either the frost seeding method in February and early March, or interseeding in later spring months. The frost seeding method involves spreading... Read More
Article
Horses and Tight Budgets
March 01, 2009
Here are a few ways to spend less on horsekeeping.... Read More
Article
Kentucky Program Improves Pasture, Reduces Hay Use
February 26, 2009
Every day grazing is money saved, according to Ray Smith, University of Kentucky (UK) forage extension specialist. Optimal use of horse pastures has always been an important component of horse farm management, but with horse owners worried... Read More
Article
Maryland Equine Rotational Grazing Demo Site to Open
February 25, 2009
The University of Maryland's 5.5 acre equine rotational grazing demonstration site is set to open its gates in April 2009 to a small herd of grazing horses and hundreds of horse farm operators interested in learning about pasture management... Read More
Article
Environmentally Friendly on the Farm
February 01, 2009
Choosing to become more environmentally sensitive on the farm is a responsible option for all of us and can be addressed in varying degrees. You don't need to scrap your tractor, invest in expensive wind-powered generators, build a new solar-roofed... Read More
Article
Fields and Fences
February 01, 2009
Make the most of your pastures by maintaining fences and fertilizing. There's a whole lot more to grazing management than simply turning your horses out when the pastures green up. Regular fence maintenance, careful... Read More
Article
North Carolina Horse Toxicity Investigation Continues
November 17, 2008
Veterinarians are still searching for what caused the deaths of four horses in Fairview, N.C., earlier this month. An analysis of the animals' feed failed to reveal the presenc... Read More
Article
Would if They Could: Readers Respond to Poll on Pasture Rotation
November 07, 2008
More than 1,350 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Do you let fields/pastures rest during the year?"... Read More
