Hens producing lower-than-expected yields of eggs

The commercial egg industry is in for some trouble as numerous hens around the country are producing unexpectedly lower-than-expected yields of eggs. The cause of this phenomenon is still unknown, but it has affected farms in at least 24 states thus far. While the USDA continues to investigate the issue, farmers are being forced to discard eggs by the thousands and sell their livestock at a loss.

One theory is that the birds are stressed out due to changes in their environment, such as new lighting or heating systems. Others believe that the issue may be nutritional, perhaps caused by a shortage of some essential nutrient in the hens' food. It's also possible that the hens are carrying a virus or other illness that is impacting their ability to lay eggs.

Whatever the cause, this development is sure to have a significant impact on the egg industry. With prices already high and demandsteady, many farmers will find it difficult to stay afloat if production continues to lag. Consumers may also see price hikes at their local grocery stores, as egg producers pass along their increased costs to consumers.

One farmer's success with poults

It's 8 am on a Wednesday and I'm headed out to the barn to feed my poults. I'm anxious to see how they're doing this week. I've been raising poults for about 5 years now, and I've had a lot of success with them.

If you're not familiar with poults, they are a type of poultry that is used for meat production. They are usually raised from hatching until they reach about 6-8 weeks old, at which point they are slaughtered and processed into chicken nuggets, chicken breasts, and so on.

Poults can be raised in either an indoor or outdoor setting, but I prefer to raise them outdoors. This is because they have access to fresh air and sunlight, which helps them grow strong and healthy.

One thing that I've learned over the years is that it's important to provide a clean and spacious living environment for your poults. They should have plenty of room to run around and explore. This will help keep them healthy and happy.

I also make sure to provide plenty of fresh food and water for my poults. In addition to commercial feed, I give them table scraps like lettuce, celery, and carrots. They love these treats and it helps keep them healthy.

I think the key to success when raising poults is keeping them happy and healthy. If you do this, they will grow up to be strong and healthy birds that yield good meat production.

Poultry producers brace for NAFTA renegotiations

Poultry farmers and processors are bracing for the next round of NAFTA renegotiations, with hopes that the Trump administration will not impose tariffs on their products.

The North American Free Trade Agreement has been in place since 1994, and has allowed Mexico, Canada, and the United States to trade goods and services without tariffs or quotas. But President Donald Trump has long been critical of NAFTA, accusing it of costing the United States jobs.

In May, the Trump administration notified Congress of its intention to renegotiate NAFTA. The first round of negotiations took place in August, and the next round is scheduled for September 23-27 in Ottawa, Canada.

One issue on the table is what to do about rules of origin, which dictate how much content must come from within NAFTA countries to qualify for tariff-free treatment. Trump wants to raise the minimum content requirement so that less-expensive Asian imports would face tariffs.

Poultry producers are concerned that such a move would make their products less competitive against imports from countries like Brazil and China. They are also worried that Trump might impose tariffs on poultry as part of his crackdown on Chinese trade practices.

In 2016, the United States imported $2.5 billion worth of chicken products from China, making it the third-largest market for Chinese poultry exports. If Trump were to slap a tariff on Chinese chicken imports, it could devastate the U.S. poultry industry.

Poultry producers are urging the Trump administration to keep NAFTA in place and avoid any actions that would harm their industry.

What to feed your poults this winter?

There are a few different options when it comes to what to feed your poults during the winter months. One of the most popular choices is commercial starter feed, which is typically available at most local farm stores. This feed is made for starting poultry and typically contains a high level of protein to help them grow.

Another option is to feed your poults commercial grower feed. This feed is designed for older poultry and typically has a lower level of protein than starter feed. It is important to make sure that whatever type of feed you choose, it meets the nutritional needs of your poults.

In addition to commercial feeds, you can also provide your poults with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some good choices include carrots, apples, celery, and green beans. Make sure to only give your poults small amounts of these foods at first, as they can be quite filling. As your poults get older, you can gradually increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in their diet.

One final thing to keep in mind when feeding your poults this winter is that they will need access to fresh water at all times. Make sure to keep their water supply clean and free from ice so they can stay hydrated.

Spring is coming, time to start thinking about chicks!

One of the many great things about spring is that it's prime time for raising chicks! Here are some tips to help make sure your chicks have a great start in life.

1. Make sure you have the right supplies. In addition to a brooder and chick feeders and waterers, you'll need bedding, heating pads (or other heat sources), and a thermometer to keep track of the temperature.

2. Start with healthy chicks. When you purchase your chicks, make sure to get them from a reputable breeder. This will help ensure that your chicks are healthy and disease-free.

3. Keep their environment warm and comfortable. Chicks need a temperature of 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first few weeks, then can be gradually moved to a room with temperatures between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to monitor the temperature closely and adjust as needed.

4. Provide plenty of chick feed and fresh water. Chick feed can be purchased at most any pet or farm store, and should be given to the chicks ad libitum (free choice). Fresh water must also be available at all times.

5. Protect them from predators. Chicks are vulnerable to predators such as cats, dogs, and raccoons, so it's important to house them in a predator-proof enclosure until they are big enough to defend themselves.

6. Clean their pen regularly. Chicks can be very messy, so it's important to clean their pen regularly using hot water and soap. This will help keep them healthy and minimize the spread of disease.