Animal Production
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AP 130-3-05
2025 Georgia Beef Cattle Forecast
1. The 2025 outlook for the beef cattle sector is positive with low supplies meeting high demand to create elevated prices.
2. In the near term, the higher risk appears to be beef demand—because of likely high beef prices and ample animal protein competition in the year ahead.
3. Herd rebuilding indicators should be watched carefully as the cattle cycle may be approaching its next low in 2025.William Secor
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AP 130-3-06
2025 Georgia Dairy Forecast
1. The Georgia dairy forecast for 2025 is steady to positive.
2. Key uncertainties come from the balance of supply and demand and potential federal order reform.
3. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and export risks may also play a role in the year ahead.William Secor
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This publication describes Microsoft Excel workbooks designed to calculate the effects of dividing ingredients into above- and below-average portions (2-bin method) and the costs of providing nutrients at specified confidence levels.
Gene Pesti and Gregory Colson
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This publication provides factual information about three common myths of poultry farming: that poultry farms will ruin the environment, that they smell, and that the air exhausted from poultry houses will damage property and cause health concerns.
Casey Ritz
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Producing more than 8 billion pounds of chicken meat requires the support of hatching egg producers. Hatching egg production is a very different business from broiler meat production, as it requires different management skills and greater labor commitments. Because of the uniqueness of the hatching egg business and the long-term investment demands for an operator, it is important that prospective producers understand the managerial and financial requirements before committing to this enterprise. The information in this publication should help those considering hatching egg production as a new enterprise.
Casey Ritz
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This publication provides current information about the appropriate application and most effective use of poultry fertilizer. It will also help poultry producers develop a simple nutrient management plan that meets permitting authority standards.
Casey Ritz
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Quality of chicks, feed and water are all of great concern to broiler producers, but quality of litter in broiler houses is seldom given sufficient emphasis. This is unfortunate because birds are in continuous contact with litter. Litter conditions significantly influence broiler performance and, ultimately, the profits of growers and integrators. Litter is defined as the combination of bedding material, excreta, feathers, wasted feed and wasted water.
Michael Lacy, Casey Ritz, and Brian Fairchild
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Conflict prevention measures can be both tangible and intangible in nature. Communication skills and disseminating information may be as important as minimizing odors or pests through improved management practices. The following are practices and suggestions that can help poultry farmers maintain or improve neighbor relations. Proper manure handling practices are foremost points to consider in avoiding potential nuisance complaints or court action.
Casey Ritz
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High levels of dust in cage-free poultry house air can carry airborne microorganisms and endotoxins that, once inhaled, may trigger respiratory diseases in animals and/or their caretakers. Mitigating dust levels is imperative to protecting the health and well-being of the animals and their caretakers and improving the environmental stewardship of cage-free layer farms. Studies have concluded that good manure management and proper ventilation can alleviate dust problems. Mitigation strategies have various levels of effectiveness, but some are cost prohibitive. Selecting the right dust control strategy should consider poultry types, housing design, local climate, and litter/bedding management strategies.
Casey Ritz and Lilong Chai
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