Clay Hill Ranch

Did you know? Those pretty wildflowers in summer pastures aren't always as harmless as they look. 🌸

Several common field plants, including some thistle varieties and buttercup, can be mildly toxic or cause digestive issues in cattle and other livestock when grazed in large quantities.

Most animals will naturally avoid them when they have plenty of good forage available. But when pasture is overgrazed or dry, hungry animals are much less selective about what they eat.

Keeping forage quality high and monitoring grazing rotation is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your herd this summer. 🫡

June tip for backyard flock keepers 🐔

Longer days mean more light, and more light means hens that are working harder. Hens laying consistently in summer heat have higher calcium and protein demands than most people realize.

Three things to check this month:
✅ Are your layers on a dedicated layer feed rather than scratch or mixed grain?
✅ Is oyster shell available free-choice so hens can self-regulate calcium?
✅ Are you checking water daily? Hens in heat can drink twice their normal intake.

A small adjustment now can make a big difference in egg quality and shell thickness heading into the hottest weeks of summer. 🥚