http://www.lancasterfarming.com//aggregator/categories/10 Lancaster Farming - aggregated feeds in category Penn State en http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ua361.pdf This 24-page analysis provides summary information for various categories of dairy farms and is intended for more general use as an aid to decision making on Pennsylvania dairy farms. As such, the report should be useful to extension agents, individual dairy farmers, and a variety of business, government, and educational professionals. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua340.pdf Goat is the most highly consumed meat in the world; andmore goat?s milk is consumed worldwide than cow?s milk.In the United States, meat goat production is increasingbecause of goats? economic value as efficient converters oflow-quality forages into quality meat, milk, and hideproducts for specialty markets. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua274.pdf Rabbit farming has grown from raising a few rabbits forfamily consumption to large commercial operations withhundreds of rabbits. Approximately 200,000 producersmarket 6 to 8 million rabbits annually in the United States,where 8 to 10 million pounds of rabbit meat are consumedeach year. Laboratories use nearly 600,000 rabbits a year for medical experiments and new product testing. On theinternational market, nearly 10,000 tons of Angora wool areconsumed annually. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ua371.pdf Learn about the pieces that comprise a business plan and how a plan can assist in the success of an agribusiness. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua273.pdf The equine industry in Pennsylvania has doubled in sizesince 1967 and continues to expand and diversify. As aresult, the demand for horse boarding services has increased. Many Pennsylvanians enjoy a variety of recreational activities involving horses, such as trail riding, participating in horse and pony clubs, and competing in shows and other events. Horses contribute to the state?s economy by creating a market for feed, supplies, and the services of boarders, veterinarians, trainers, breeders, and farriers. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua256.pdf An effective method for increasing revenue from a lambproduction enterprise is to increase the number of lambsproduced per ewe each year. With high-level managementand production skills, it is possible to produce three lambcrops per ewe every two years. This technique is calledaccelerated lambing. It combines spring, off-season, andholiday lamb production into one enterprise. It also allowsfor increased efficiency in use of labor, land, equipment, and buildings. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua299.pdf The term ?backgrounding? may be relatively new to some.However, this management system is well known to bothcow-calf producers and cattle feeders. Backgrounding is abeef production system that uses pasture and other foragesfrom the time calves are weaned until they are placed in afeedlot. Calves generally gain from 100 to 400 pounds,depending on the available forages, ration fed, and length of time involved. The weight gain comes primarily frommuscle and frame development, with little from fattening.These gains are accomplished as economically as possibleby making maximum use of forages such as pasture, hay,and silage. Little, if any, grain is used in mostbackgrounding programs. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua304.pdf The United States is the leading beef producer in the world. Almost 26.9 billion pounds of beef were produced in the United States in 2000 and per capita consumption totaled 78 pounds. The cattle cycle currently is in a declining phase. A smaller calf crop, a slight decline in cattle feeding, small decline in slaughter rates, and stable consumption rates will be evident for several years. Profitability in the cattle business usually increases as production declines. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua260.pdf Dairy goat production is an alternative livestock enterprisesuitable for many small-scale or part-time livestock operations.Some dairy goat producers have been successful inpasteurizing goat milk and building an on-farm juggingbusiness; others have ventured into processed milk productsfor retail distribution. The potential also exists for selling milk to processors, usually on a regional basis. Although fluid milk and processed products are important markets, dairy goat producers should also consider the potential for selling animals to hobbyists and youth involved in vocational agriculture livestock projects. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400 http://www.das.psu.edu/user/publications/pdf/ua275.pdf This publication has been revised. It contains budget information to evaluate the costs related to raising heifers. There are 3 budgets in an Excel template which examine the costs involved in raising large and small breed heifers and large breed heifers that utilize pasture. Wed, 09 May 2007 12:17:05 -0400