Tag Archive for: gresham

Grass Tetany Prevention Starts Here: Burns Feed Store

It certainly feels like spring is on the way, and with its arrival comes the risk of Grass Tetany. Cows are currently facing a critical challenge in avoiding this condition during the mild winter weather we’re experiencing.

As this years winter begins to loosen its grip, we are currently noticing signs of early spring. Mild temperatures, cool soils, and fast-growing cool-season grasses may look promising, but these conditions can increase the risk of grass tetany, a serious and potentially fatal metabolic disorder in cattle.

Understanding Grass Tetany Risk

Grass tetany is most commonly caused by a magnesium deficiency, often occurring when cattle graze lush, rapidly growing cool-season forages. These forages can be low in magnesium and high in potassium, which interferes with magnesium absorption. Lactating cows are especially vulnerable during this transition period.

With the mild winter weather we’re currently experiencing, cattle may be exposed to these risk factors earlier than normal—making early mineral supplementation more important than ever.

Why Timing Matters

Preventing grass tetany isn’t something that can wait until symptoms appear. Producers are encouraged to begin offering a high-magnesium mineral 2–3 weeks before cattle start grazing rapidly growing spring pasture. This allows magnesium levels to build in the animal’s system before risk increases.

Supplementation should continue for at least 60 days after spring green-up, when grass tetany risk is typically highest.

A Reliable Solution: Purina Wind & Rain High Magnesium Mineral Tubs

One convenient and effective option is Purina Wind & Rain High Magnesium Mineral Tubs. These tubs are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide consistent intake during unpredictable spring weather.

Key benefits include:

  • High magnesium levels to help reduce grass tetany risk
  • A balanced blend of essential minerals to support overall herd health
  • Weather-resistant formulation for pasture use
  • Easy, free-choice feeding with minimal labor

Available at Burns Feed Store

At Burns Feed Store, we understand the challenges faced during seasonal transitions. That’s why we stock Purina Wind & Rain High Magnesium Mineral Tubs to help you prepare your herd before spring conditions take hold.

Stop by Burns Feed Store today to talk with our team about mineral programs and make sure your cattle are set up for a healthy, productive grazing season.

Certified Weed Free Orchard Grass & Straw at Burns Feed Store

Why Weed Free Forage?

Using weed free forage is a proactive method of preventing our natural and working lands from invasion by noxious weeds. Our natural and working lands are especially vulnerable following catastrophic events like wildfire and flooding and using weed free forage can help mitigate the risk of invasion during recovery. Using weed free forage also ensures that you are providing the most nutritious and palatable version of a product to your livestock, free of undesirable and sometimes toxic weeds. For producers, ODA’s Weed Free Forage and Gravel Program provides an opportunity to add value to your products while contributing to overall ecosystem resilience.

Certified weed free hay and straw are in high demand in Oregon and throughout the western states. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Weed Free Forage & Gravel Program, as part of an integrated weed management approach, helps limit the spread of noxious weeds and protect Oregon agriculture. The ODA follows the standards set by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA; www.naisma.org). Additionally, inspections include Oregon’s listed ‘A’ and ‘B’ listed noxious weeds which can be found at www.oda.direct/NoxiousWeedProfiles

In Oregon, individuals utilizing livestock, horses, or pack animals on U.S. Forest Service land, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and designated Wilderness Areas are required to use certified weed-free forage. This regulation aims to prevent the spread of invasive plant species. Additionally, this requirement extends to contractors engaged in public projects, recreational outfitters, and anyone transporting hay or forage across public lands for any purpose.

 

Planning Your Straw Bale Garden for Next Spring

Gardeners, are you already preparing for next spring’s Straw Bale Garden? Here’s something to consider: it’s crucial to use weed-free straw bales for your garden. Weeds are one of the main issues this gardening method aims to combat. Conventional straw bales can contain unwanted seeds that may germinate once the conditioning process begins.

Benefits of Straw Bale Gardening

By selecting the right bales and conditioning them correctly, you can fully enjoy the benefits of straw bale gardening:

  • Fewer weeds:The most significant advantage is a substantial reduction in weeds, as you’re not working with traditional soil.
  • Less soil trouble: This method is ideal for areas with poor or rocky soil.
  • Reduced pest and disease issues: Planting above ground can help minimize problems associated with soil-borne diseases.
  • Improved accessibility: The elevated height of the bales makes gardening easier on your back.

 

At Burns Feed Store, we currently have in stock Certified Weed Free Orchard Grass as well as a Certified Weed Free Straw.

E-Z Haul Carts

The perfect balance of an E-Z Haul Cart will get the job done with less effort.

These carts are built to last! They are made with the most durable components to handle big loads, regardless of cart size.

The E-Z Haul Cart is available in three sizes with load ratings from 250 to 600 pounds.

Sizes available at Burns Feed Store are:
5 1/2Cu.Ft. Garden Cart
8Cu.Ft. Utility Cart
11 1/2Cu.Ft. Jumbo Cart

Since 1986, the E-Z Haul cart has been manufactured in the United States, to provide cost effective service for new products and replacement parts. We carry a full line of replacement parts if you need to spruce up your old cart!

E-Z Haul Carts are Affordable, Durable and Versatile!