Fertrell Blog

What’s an organic producer supposed to do, or where can he turn when the lurking specters of pneumonia, shipping fever, mastitis, elevated somatic cell counts, and other infectious disease attack his herd? If he doesn’t have the old standby drugs at his disposal, does it mean he’s already “sunk” before the battle starts? Well…he’s not actually a sitting duck always waiting for the storm to burst upon him. Many herds with a focus on pasture, good nutrition, and “stress-free” environments for their animals already have a much lower incidence of disease. However, it is encouraging to know that the organic sector does have many effective weapons at hand when these challenges arise. Dr. Paul Aloe Pellets, also commonly known as kelp aloe pellets, are one of these powerful weapons in the natural / organic producer’s arsenal. They can be supplemented orally to ruminants that may be dealing with any variety of infectious diseases. These pellets are especially effective with respiratory issues in calves and heifers. Coughing animals, perhaps with a nasal discharge, are not uncommon with the fluctuating temperatures of spring and fall; as well as the cold drafts and potential of poor air quality sometimes associated with wintertime housing.

The “P” in NPK, phosphorus is an essential macronutrient. Some are concerned it is a problem that needs to be managed, and others say it is so deficient due to its varying bioavailability. First, I will discuss why it is essential, then the problems that can be caused in excess, and finally the opportunities to manage this essential macronutrient.

As the calendar gets ready to turn again, we approach my favorite time of year. No, not Christmas-BABY SEASON! Since most sheep and goats are seasonal breeders, the barns are hopefully full of heavily pregnant does and ewes. Sure, not all does/ewes will freshen at the same time, but it is important to be ready for the onslaught of births waiting to happen. The more you can prepare ahead of time, the less stressful this process will be.

When you plant seeds, one of the first important steps is when the tiny plants start poking out of the soil we call this seedling emergence. During this early stage, it's crucial to have the right balance of nutrients. Nitrogen helps make leaves green, phosphorus helps roots grow strong, and potassium is like a boost for the entire plant. What's cool about organic fertilizers is that they release these nutrients slowly, so the plants don't get too much at once.

As the deciduous leaves begin to change color to their vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds, they show us their true colors. Chlorophyll has a green pigment that masks the colors of the carotenoids that the leaf contains. These are the same carotenoids that bring the appealing yellows, oranges, and reds to our egg yolks. They are “hidden” in pasture plants and greens and are seen more obviously in fruits and vegetables such as peppers and carrots.

Did you know that Fertrell carries both non-GMO and certified organic liquid molasses? We have convenient 1 or 2.5-gallon containers available for all classes of livestock.

Over the course of their lifespan, animals encounter many different stressors. One of the earliest experiences is during the weaning process. This stress can affect both cows and calves. After spending all summer grazing together, it is time to separate cows and calves into different management groups and housing for the winter months.

Summer has ended, and fall is here, and along with that comes manure spreading. Liquid manure and bedded pack manure will be spread ahead of or after planting fall/ winter cover or annual crops, but let's take a brief look at where and how much manure to apply on different crops.

For over 30 years, Fertrell's Cattle Choice has been our customers' first choice for wintertime-free choice minerals. Cattle Choice contains 15% calcium – 12% phosphorus, plus trace minerals and direct-fed microbials. Cattle Choice is specifically designed to balance the macro and micro mineral requirements of today's high-performance dairy and beef cattle. Cattle choice is well suited when feeding mixtures of corn silage, grass hay and legume forages. A great opportunity for your cattle to supplement their diets with precisely what they need when they need it!

In the realm of agriculture, the spotlight often shines on macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, micronutrients, despite their small presence, play a vital role in crop production. These lesser-known elements are indispensable for plant health, growth, and overall yield. In this article, we will explore the significance of micronutrients in agriculture and their role in ensuring successful harvests.