fences | Ag Proud

Southeast: Same pasture, more grazing

April 24, 2024

Using a rotational grazing method can help to utilize forage more efficiently, leading to more grazing days on the same amount of pasture and saving excess forage for a time of year when forage availability is limited.

Where's the line? Understanding Idaho's boundary by agreement

The theory of boundary by agreement involves a complex legal framework, balancing formalities and practical implications. Fences, as common markers, play a crucial role in resolving boundary disputes in Idaho.

February 20, 2024

John Richards

For many properties in Idaho, particularly rural properties, fences and other physical markers are often believed to be the boundary between neighboring properties and are treated as such.

The Milk House: Fencing in the future

January 19, 2024

Ryan Dennis

Every time we had to fix a fence my father cursed the British. The chainsaw was thrown into the back of the pickup because we would have to hack our way through the multiflora rose bushes that had overtaken the edges of the pasture.

Beefing up lackluster cattle-handling facilities as winter threatens

At times, circumstances can come together to hinder winter corral, fence and handling facility preparations. In these cases, a few top priorities and unique equipment options might steer these negatives in a positive direction.

November 15, 2023

Bruce Derksen

It’s surprising how quickly winter can creep up on cattle producers each year. Many times, it appears in force, while cattle-handling equipment, pens, alleys and related infrastructure remain either in a state of disrepair or only partially complete.

‘Fringe players’ cast a long shadow for good in the beef industry

“It takes a village,” as they say, and that applies to the beef industry’s success, which is due to entities both large and small, on stage and behind the scenes.

September 29, 2023

Bruce Derksen

While cow-calf operations, feedlots and packing plants grab the most press and media coverage, the North American beef industry performs well largely because of consistent value-based contributions from those in unheralded sectors.

Getting the most out of your pastures with multispecies grazing

Diversifying your grazing stock can have a profound and positive effect on your pastures, but different species need different things when it comes to nutrition, parasite control and more.

August 9, 2023

Olivia Sip

When it comes to better pasture maintenance and increasing the overall richness of the soil, have you considered the idea of integrating multispecies livestock into your grazing program?

Across the Fence: If you give a rancher fence stretchers

A simple fence to fix might lead to rebuilding an H brace, which leads to grabbing tools, which leads to fixing the skid steer ...

June 26, 2023

Marci Whitehurst

My husband is great at judging distances. Time is another story entirely.

Across the Fence: Tired attire

Cowboy accessories and spring/summer cleaning

April 26, 2023

Marci Whitehurst

Many of us live in places where the weather may change at the blink of an eye. We may have four layers on in the morning, but by afternoon, we have shed three of them: our “I’m warming up” layer, our “It’s past midmorning” layer and our “Dang, it’s a different climate” layer, which leads to …

Finding the critical balance in the wildlife and livestock relationship

Maintaining the economics of ranching alongside the sustainability of hoofed wildlife (ungulates) is difficult, especially when these interests conflict. Cooperation and understanding are key, as multiple viewpoints and concerns can quickly tip this delicate balance.

February 16, 2023

Bruce Derksen

“Elk and other big game can be a positive or a negative for a ranch, depending largely on how they impact the bottom line. If a ranch is able to derive sufficient income through hunting, ecotourism or from government programs – such as the USDA Grasslands Conservation Reserve Program – then wildlife can be a benefit.”