In this episode of Horns and Hooves, professional hoof trimmer Adam Marshall joins the show to discuss the critical importance of hoof health and structural confirmation in miniature cattle and Highland crosses.

Adam shares his expertise on how genetics, environment, and nutrition all play a vital role in keeping your herd sound, famously noting that "it all goes hand in hand" when balancing body confirmation with foot health. Listeners will learn why miniature breeds are prone to specific issues like "corkscrew claw" and how modern feeding habits might be growing hooves faster than nature intended.

Key Takeaways

Hoof health is driven by the trifecta of genetics, environment, and nutrition, with environment often being the most impactful factor for domestic cattle. To promote natural wear, owners should force movement by placing water and feed at opposite ends of the pasture. Additionally, be wary of high-energy treats; "hotter" rations lead to faster, often problematic hoof growth.

Episode Highlights

Adam explains why sand often acts more like mud than sandpaper, failing to provide the natural abrasion needed for Highland hooves.

The discussion also covers serious health warnings regarding contagious hoof warts and the "sugar wrap" method for drawing out infections.

Finally, Adam provides practical advice for those looking to hire a trimmer, emphasizing the need for specialized equipment that can safely handle horned or miniature livestock.

Timestamps

00:20 Introduction of Guest Adam Marshall

01:24 The Link Between Genetics and Foot Confirmation

04:41 Environmental Factors and Promoting Natural Wear

05:27 Why High-Energy Treats Can Harm Hoof Health

09:50 Identifying Genetic Issues Like Corkscrew Claw

12:18 Managing Contagious Warts and Hoof Rot

18:40 Differences Between Maintenance and Show Trims

22:30 Maximize Your Chute Time with Extra Services

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode of Horns and Hooves, Taylor returns from a transformative week at the Graham School in Garnett, Kansas. Stepping far outside her comfort zone, she dives into the technical world of cattle management, covering everything from ultrasounding and pregnancy checking to nutrition and herd health.

Taylor shares her excitement about bringing these new skills back to her mini highland herd, noting that "you're learning everything you need to know from the moment that calf is in the womb... to taking it to the sale barn". The duo also discusses a fascinating product called Bovi-Thera (referenced as "therapies") that mimics a nursing calf to calm livestock during high-stress events like weaning, shipping, and AI.

Key Takeaways

The Graham School offers an intensive five-day cattleman course providing hands-on experience with pregnancy checking, ultrasounding, and fertility management.

Once you pay the initial fee, students can return to future classes for free to refresh their skills.

Calming products that mimic natural maternal pheromones can significantly improve conception rates during AI and reduce weight loss during shipping.

Proper semen handling is critical, as even slight temperature changes in the neck of the tank can damage motility and lower success rates.

Episode Highlights

Taylor describes her experience as a "niche breed" owner among 19 students from across the country, including Hawaii and Florida.

We discuss the challenges of confirming pregnancies in miniature donkeys and horses, hoping that external ultrasound techniques might provide a faster solution than waiting a year for a foal.

We also touch on the emotional side of ranching, acknowledging the mourning process cows go through after losing a calf.

Finally, we look forward to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, discussing the preparations for showing heifers in the new facilities.

Timestamps

00:11 Graham School overview and location

01:04 Skills learned: Ultrasounding and preg checking

05:29 The "Return and Learn" free tuition policy

07:18 Benefits of calming pheromone products

10:40 Testing external ultrasound on mini donkeys

14:07 Technical tips for AI and semen handling

16:43 Coping with calving losses and breech births

19:18 Preparing for the National Western Stock Show

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode of Hooves and Horns, we sit down with Courtney Henson from Little Finger Farms to discuss the reality of starting and scaling a small livestock operation. We dive deep into the lessons learned when transitioning from a hobby to a production farm, emphasizing that "Progress, not perfection" is the key to success in the homesteading world.

Courtney shares her experience moving from Virginia to Northwest Georgia and how she navigated the challenges of regional differences in cattle management and pasture care. From the importance of soil sampling to the brutal honesty required when managing animal numbers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their farm forages and livestock safety.

Key Takeaways

Utilize local resources like your county extension office for free soil sampling and expert regional advice.

Implement rotational grazing and stockpile forages to offset the high costs of hay during drought seasons.

Maintain a "brutally honest" assessment of your property’s carrying capacity to avoid overgrazing and financial strain.

Understand livestock safety and behavior, especially when integrating different species like cattle, donkeys, and goats.

Episode Highlights

The transition from hobby farming to intentional livestock production.

Regional differences in forage quality and the impact of Georgia droughts.

How to effectively use temporary fencing and rotational management.

Managing animal temperament and safety tips for handling fluffy but pushy cows.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Courtney Henson and Little Finger Farms.

05:22 - Moving a farm from Virginia to Georgia.

12:15 - The importance of soil sampling and extension offices.

18:45 - Strategies for rotational grazing and drought management.

25:30 - "The Math": Balancing animal numbers with available acreage.

32:10 - Safety tips for livestock owners and "Cow Math".

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Contact Courtney Henson: Little Finger Farm

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode of Horns N Hooves, we are joined by Trevor and Nichole Warren, the founders of North True Feeds. They share the science and passion behind their cold-pressed livestock tubs, explaining how this unique process preserves vital nutrients that are often lost in traditional heat-processed feeds. The Warrens dive into how their products, ranging from fly control with garlic to gut health support, are helping producers across the country achieve a more resilient and healthy herd.

Key Takeaways

Cold-pressing technology ensures that vitamins and minerals remain bioavailable and are not damaged by high temperatures during manufacturing.

Managing livestock health starts with the gut; when the digestive system is balanced, cattle are better equipped to handle stress and environmental challenges.

Natural ingredients like garlic and apple cider vinegar provide effective, chemical-free solutions for pest management and overall immunity.

Episode Highlights

Trevor and Nichole discuss the "incredible process" of creating biodegradable tubs that leave no waste behind in the pasture. They explain the specific benefits of their "Butter" and "Peanut" lick tubs and how these formulations cater to different livestock needs throughout the year. The conversation also covers the importance of empowering the next generation of farmers with hands-on nutritional knowledge.

Timestamps

00:00 Introducing Trevor and Nichole Warren of North True Feeds

08:45 The science of cold-pressed nutrition versus cooked tubs

15:20 Utilizing garlic and apple cider vinegar for natural health

25:10 Environmental impact and the benefits of biodegradable packaging

38:40 Expanding niches in the cattle industry and helping producers succeed

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Contact Trevor and Nichole Warren: True North Feeds LLC

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode of the Horns N Hooves podcast, we dive into the complex world of livestock and ranch insurance with special guest Jake Tollman from the Hartford Agency. From protecting high-value Highland cattle to understanding the nuances of agritourism liability,

Jake breaks down how to safeguard your farm from "freak things" that can and do happen. Whether you are hauling a prize bull or hosting visitors on your property, this conversation covers the essential coverage every modern rancher needs.

Key Takeaways

Ranchers should understand the difference between blanket policies and scheduled individual coverage for high-value animals.

Liability is a major factor when animals are in transport or participating in public events like petting zoos. Specialized mortality insurance is vital for protecting large investments in boutique cattle breeds.

Episode Highlights

Jake explains why a simple waiver might not fully protect you from liability if a spectator is injured on your ranch.

We discuss the "mysterious disappearance" clause and why finding a carcass is often necessary for a successful insurance claim.

The team also explores "short-term" insurance options for animals purchased at auction.

Timestamps

05:15 Understanding general liability for ranch visitors

12:30 The reality of waivers and participant risk

22:45 Insuring high-value Highland cattle and "boutique" breeds

35:10 Blanket vs. scheduled livestock coverage

48:20 Claims for lightning strikes and predators

55:00 Final tips for getting the right coverage

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

Join us for an inspiring journey into the heart of cattle ranching as we sit down with a guest who began her agricultural empire at just 11 years old. From starting with a small bottle calf to navigating the high-stakes world of embryo transfers and Angus-Jersey crosses, this episode explores the dedication required to build a successful livestock business from the ground up.

We dive deep into the technical side of ranching, including the challenges of raising twins, the intricacies of managing recipient cows, and the "miracle" stories that keep ranchers motivated through tough seasons. Whether you are a seasoned producer or just starting out, you will find invaluable insights on genetic pairings, market readiness, and the true meaning of stockmanship.

Key Takeaways

Starting young in agriculture builds a foundation of knowledge and resilience that pays off in college and beyond.

Strategic breeding, such as using Jersey recipient cows for embryos, can lead to higher success rates and better maternal care for high-value calves.

Successful ranching requires a support system of mentors, including family and experienced cattlemen, to navigate difficult calving situations.

Episode Highlights

The guest shares how she used her childhood savings to purchase her first two heifers at 11, turning a hobby into a thriving business.

A look at the "Broken Bow" miracle and the excitement of discovering rare Highland-cross calves.

Navigating the emotional and physical demands of bottle-feeding calves while maintaining a full-time school schedule.

Timestamps

02:15 Genetic pairings and embryo transfer success

08:45 The logistics of bottle calves and recipient cows

15:30 Building a business at eleven years old

22:10 Managing high-energy Highlands and Jerseys

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode of Horns n Hooves, we are joined by special guest Annie Howe to discuss her deep-rooted history in the cattle industry and her transition into showing high-quality registered Highland cattle. From Craigslist beginnings to winning division titles at major shows like Louisville, Annie shares the passion and dedication required to maintain breed standards and family legacies. We dive into the critical differences between miniature crossbreds and registered Highlands, emphasizing why quality must always come before color or size.

Listeners can expect a raw conversation about the "livestock reality," including the challenges of winter calving, the vital importance of herd health through vaccinations, and the dangers of working with horned cattle. Annie reminds us that while these animals are beautiful, they are exactly how God made them 2,000 years ago, and it is our responsibility to protect their integrity. As Annie says, "If you're not breeding to advance the breed, don't breed".

Key Takeaways

The Importance Of Quality Genetics: Prioritize conformation and sound breeding over easy-to-quantify traits like color or small size to ensure the long-term health of the breed.

Vaccinations And Biosecurity: Protecting your investment means providing the best possible protection through vaccinations, especially when animals are being transported across the country.

Livestock Safety And Boundaries: Never forget that horned cattle are dangerous; maintaining strict rules and expectations in the barn is essential for preventing injury.

The Role Of A Reliable Vet: Finding a veterinarian who is as invested in your vision and your cattle as you are is a game-changer for any producer.

Episode Highlights

Craigslist Beginnings: How a random search led to an incredibly well-bred foundation bull and a lifelong obsession.

The Shift To Showing: Rediscovering the love for the show ring and the impact of seeing success click for the whole family.

Preserving The Breed: Why Highlands are unique because they haven't been changed by the packing industry and still retain their ancient traits.

The Reality Of Loss: A sobering look at the challenges of saving a hypothermic calf during a difficult calving season.

Timestamps

00;01;05 — Annie’s lifelong history in the cattle industry

00;03;32 — Transitioning into showing registered Highlands

00;11;34 — Why the industry must focus on quality over color and size

00;18;03 — The necessity of vaccines for animals traveling nationwide

00;23;03 — Dealing with hypothermic calves and winter calving issues

00;28;35 — The value of finding a vet invested in your vision

00;36;33 — Critiquing the pitfalls of breeding for size alone

00;41;05 — Why you should invest extra money in high-quality bulls

00;53;05 — Dangerous encounters and the importance of livestock boundaries

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_

In this episode, we're diving deep into the realities of winter cattle management, sharing tips, tricks, and a few crazy farm stories. We're talking about the challenges of keeping water thawed, how we're adapting our feeding programs, and the unexpected excitement of late-fall/early-winter calving. We want to hear what everyone else is doing for winter feeding, feeders, and waterers - it’s always interesting to learn from other regions and experiences. We’ll also be sharing a hairy calving situation we just experienced, which turned into a crucial learning experience.

We discuss the pain of constantly running extension cords and needing water heaters for tanks, and the overall tediousness of checking cows in the cold weather, especially when you don't live right where your cows are. Plus, we're celebrating a much-needed barn upgrade, which felt like a surprise from Santa himself.

Key Takeaways Of The Episode

The struggle is real when it comes to keeping water thawed and calculating feed weight and waste during the winter.

Hay feeders are a hot topic, as different styles work for different people - we want to know what kind of feeders you use to minimize waste.

Winter calving is a big commitment and requires constant checking and potentially intervening, especially in cold temperatures, as things can go south quickly.

Episode Highlights

• The Winter Water Struggle: Discussing water heaters, running extension cords, and the challenges of breaking ice in water tanks (sometimes a few inches thick!).
• The Calving Learning Curve: A detailed story about a recent calving where a heifer and calf needed intervention due to the cold, despite mild Nebraska weather, and how we had to tube-feed colostrum.
• Feeder Safety: Highlighting the dangers of certain feeder styles after losing a calf last year and the recent hairy situation of a cow getting stuck.
• Santa's Barn Upgrade: Celebrating the much-anticipated arrival of insulated barn pieces and a head gate that will make winter management and handling registered cattle much easier.

Timestamps

• Welcome Back & Winter Prep Overview: 00:01:00
• The Water Heater and Extension Cord Pain: 00:04:15
• Discussing Hay Feeders and Feed Waste: 00:10:45
• Feeder Safety Issues and Stuck Cows: 00:19:10
• A Hairy Calving Situation and Intervention: 00:27:00
• The Much-Needed Barn Upgrade Arrives: 00:34:20

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/