Winter

Heat Lamp Use for Newborn Livestock

It’s that time of year when we hear in the news of barn fires as a result of heat lamps being used for lambing, kidding, and even calving. As temperatures get colder, livestock producers raising young animals need to make conditions favorable for rearing newborns in adverse conditions. Adding heat lamps to livestock pens should be done with caution. With any electrical appliance or heating source, precautions need to be taken.

If you must use a heat lamp, best management practices recommend the following tips:

1. Purchase a high-quality heat lamp. Use lamps that are enclosed with a heat lamp guard (wire or otherwise). If using a lamp outdoors, make sure the lamp is labeled for outdoor use.

2. Use high- quality bulbs. Low quality bulbs such as thin glass can shatter.

3. Regularly inspect to make sure that the bulb is tightly secured, and wiring is not exposed, is sealed, and is secured.

4. Avoid using bulbs over 250W.

5. Many lamps are used over numerous years. Remove any dust, cobwebs, or dead insects before use.

6. Secure the lamp to a panel using a non-flammable chain or a heat lamp clamp. Do not use twine or rope.

7. Make sure the lamp is secured high enough that adult livestock cannot tamper or abuse the fixture (with head butts, kicks, or bashing). Continue reading Heat Lamp Use for Newborn Livestock →

Using De-icers this Winter

Article by Ted Wiseman, ANR Educator Perry County.

Chemical de-icers will help remove ice, but can also cause damage to the surrounding environment. Over application of chemical de-icers can shorten the life span of concrete surfaces, corrode metal railings, pollute streams and lakes through run-off water, damage soils and stunt or kill plants adjacent to de-iced areas. Manual snow-removal followed by the application of an abrasive such as damp sand to create traction can keep sidewalks safe without the problems associated with de-icers. Using de-icers wisely, or replacing them with manual removal and abrasives, can minimize the potential for damage while keeping steps and sidewalks safe. Continue reading Using De-icers this Winter →

Registration Open: Ohio Maple Days 2024, December 6 and 7

Registration is now open for Ohio Maple Days 2024. 

Where: Ashland University Convocation Center, 638 Jefferson St, Ashland, OH 44805

When: December 6, 10 am to 3 pm and December 7, 8:30 am to 4 pm

Friday December 6th we will be offering a workshop on transition and estate planning featuring Ohio State University’s own David Marrison and Robert Moore.  While this workshop is a part of Ohio Maple Days it is open to any landowner who wants to participate.  Registration is available here

Saturday December 7th is a day for everything maple.  Topics this year include an expert panel on filtering, cost share programs, managing a timber sale, marketing for producers and a grading and tasting session to name a few.  Visit with vendors and enjoy a maple themed lunch.  Registration is available here.