As temperatures drop across Atlantic Canada, mice and rats begin looking for reliable sources of food, water and shelter. Grain rooms, hay storage areas, livestock barns, poultry coops, workshops and equipment sheds can provide everything rodents need to settle in for winter.

A small rodent problem can quickly become a much larger one. Rodents contaminate feed, damage insulation, chew electrical wiring and create potential health risks for livestock, pets and people. Preparing before cold weather arrives is one of the most effective ways to protect your barn, feed and equipment.

Here are practical ways to prepare your farm for rodent season this fall.

Why Rodent Activity Increases in Fall

Rodents remain active throughout the year, but fall often brings them closer to barns and other farm buildings. As outdoor food becomes less available and temperatures fall, they begin searching for protected nesting areas near dependable food sources.

Barns are particularly attractive because they commonly contain:

• Livestock and poultry feed
• Spilled grain
• Hay and bedding
• Standing water
• Warm machinery
• Insulation and nesting material
• Quiet, undisturbed storage areas

Mice can enter through very small openings, while rats may squeeze through gaps that appear too narrow for them. Prevention begins by removing access to food and shelter before rodents establish themselves.

Know the Warning Signs

Rodents are often most active at night, so you may notice signs of their presence before seeing a mouse or rat.

Watch for:

• Droppings along walls, shelves or feed containers
• Torn feed bags
• Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, wiring or packaging
• Shredded paper, insulation or fabric
• Greasy rub marks along walls
• Tracks in dust or spilled feed
• Unusual scratching sounds
• Burrows around foundations or outdoor storage areas
• Musky odours
• Livestock feed disappearing faster than expected
• Pets showing unusual interest in a wall, corner or storage area

Regular inspections make it easier to respond while activity is still limited.

Start With the Grain Room

The grain room is one of the most important places to focus your rodent-prevention efforts. Even a small amount of spilled feed can support rodents and encourage them to remain in the building.

Store Feed in Secure Containers

Whenever possible, store grain, pellets, supplements, pet food and birdseed in durable containers with tight-fitting lids. Metal containers are often the most resistant to chewing.

Keep unopened feed bags:

• Off the floor
• On sturdy shelving or pallets
• Away from exterior walls
• Organized by type and date
• Rotated so older feed is used first

Avoid leaving partially opened bags unattended. Fold and secure bags immediately or transfer their contents into sealed containers.

Clean Spills Promptly

Sweep up spilled grain after filling feeders, mixing rations or receiving deliveries. Pay close attention to areas behind bins, beneath shelving and around doors.

Create a regular grain-room cleaning schedule rather than waiting until spills become noticeable. Removing this easy food source makes the area less attractive to rodents and allows fresh droppings or damage to be identified sooner.

Inspect Feed Before Use

Check bags and bins for holes, moisture, mould, droppings or unusual odours. Feed contaminated by rodents should not be given to livestock.

Do not simply scoop away the visibly affected portion. Rodents can contaminate a larger area through urine, droppings and contact with the feed. When in doubt, speak with your veterinarian or feed representative before using it.

Protect Your Hay and Bedding Storage

Hay and bedding provide excellent nesting material and shelter. Stacks can remain warm, dark and undisturbed—especially when stored for several months.

To make hay-storage areas less welcoming:

• Keep the area surrounding the stack clean and open.
• Remove loose hay and broken bales from the floor.
• Avoid creating piles of twine, empty bags or discarded wrap.
• Inspect beneath pallets and around outside edges regularly.
• Maintain space around stacks when the building layout permits.
• Rotate inventory so old bales do not remain untouched.
• Repair holes in walls, doors and foundations.
• Keep nearby grain and supplements in sealed containers.

Rodents may nest within hay without immediately causing visible damage. Look for tunnels, droppings, shredded material and concentrated areas of loose hay.

Hay should also be monitored for moisture and heating. Rodent prevention should never interfere with safe hay-storage practices, ventilation or fire prevention.

Seal Entry Points Around the Barn

Walk around the exterior and interior of each building before winter. Look closely at doors, windows, foundations, vents, utility openings and rooflines.

Potential entry points include:

• Gaps beneath doors
• Damaged door sweeps
• Cracks in foundations
• Openings around pipes or wiring
• Broken siding
• Damaged screens
• Uncovered vents
• Spaces where additions meet older structures
• Gaps around overhead doors

Use durable, rodent-resistant materials suited to the opening. Metal flashing, hardware cloth, concrete or other chew-resistant materials may be more effective than soft fillers used alone.

Do not block required ventilation or drainage. Openings that must remain functional can often be protected with appropriately sized metal screening.

Reduce Hiding Places

Clutter gives rodents protected travel routes and nesting areas. Fall cleanup should extend beyond the grain room.

Remove or reorganize:

• Empty feed bags
• Cardboard boxes
• Old twine and bale wrap
• Unused fabric or insulation
• Broken equipment
• Scrap lumber
• Tall weeds around buildings
• Brush piles near foundations
• Garbage and recycling
• Stacks of unused containers

Store equipment and supplies neatly so floors and walls remain visible. Leaving an open inspection zone around walls can make droppings, gnawing and travel paths easier to detect.

Manage Feed and Water Throughout the Barn

Rodent control becomes difficult when feed is continuously available outside secure storage.

At the end of daily chores:

• Clean spilled feed around troughs and feeders.
• Avoid overfilling feeders.
• Repair leaking water lines and drinkers.
• Remove standing water.
• Clean feed from corners and under equipment.
• Store pet food and treats securely.
• Collect broken eggs and spilled poultry feed.
• Keep garbage in containers with fitted lids.

Outdoor feeding areas should also be inspected. Grain dropped near bins, augers or livestock feeders can attract rodents toward nearby buildings.

Pay Special Attention to Poultry Coops

Poultry areas can be particularly attractive to rodents because feed is often available for long periods. Rodents may contaminate feeders, damage eggs and disturb birds.

Consider:

• Using feeders designed to reduce spilling
• Raising feeders to an appropriate height
• Cleaning beneath feeders regularly
• Storing extra feed in sealed containers
• Collecting eggs frequently
• Removing wet or heavily soiled bedding
• Sealing gaps around doors and vents
• Checking beneath nest boxes and along walls

Be especially cautious with traps and control products around birds, barn cats, dogs and children.

Use Traps Strategically

Traps can be an effective part of a rodent-control plan, especially when they are placed early and checked consistently.

Rodents often travel along walls and behind objects rather than crossing open spaces. Place traps where activity has been observed, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Good practices include:

• Selecting traps appropriate for mice or rats
• Placing them along known travel routes
• Keeping them away from livestock, pets and children
• Using protective trap stations where needed
• Checking traps frequently
• Wearing gloves when handling traps or rodents
• Cleaning affected areas safely
• Recording where activity is occurring

One or two traps may not be enough for a large barn. Monitor results and adjust placement based on fresh evidence.

Barn cats may discourage some rodent activity, but they should not be the farm’s only control method. Prevention, sanitation, building maintenance and monitoring are still necessary.

Use Rodenticides With Care

Rodenticides are poisonous and can create serious risks for livestock, pets, wildlife and people if they are not handled properly.

Health Canada advises using rodenticides only as directed on the product label and securing them in appropriate bait stations. Products should be stored away from food and placed where children and animals cannot access them.

Before using a rodenticide:

• Read the complete label.
• Confirm that the product is approved for the intended location.
• Use a secure, tamper-resistant bait station when required.
• Keep bait away from feed, hay and water.
• Prevent access by livestock, pets, children and wildlife.
• Wear the recommended protective equipment.
• Follow placement, inspection and disposal directions.
• Store unused products in their original containers.
• Never scatter loose bait around a barn.
• Never use more than the label allows.

If the infestation is significant, recurring or difficult to control safely, contact a licensed pest-control professional.

Check Wiring and Equipment

Rodents may chew electrical wiring, increasing the risk of equipment failure and barn fires.
Inspect accessible wiring around:

• Feed rooms
• Water systems
• Fans
• Heaters
• Lighting
• Refrigeration equipment
• Electric fencing supplies
• Stored machinery

Look for tooth marks, exposed wire, damaged insulation or nesting material around warm equipment. Electrical repairs should be completed by a qualified professional.

Machinery stored for the winter should also be checked. Rodents can nest in engine compartments, air filters, seats and enclosed panels. Clean equipment before storage and inspect it periodically throughout the season.

Clean Rodent-Contaminated Areas Safely

Avoid stirring contaminated dust into the air. Wear gloves and follow appropriate public-health guidance when cleaning droppings, nesting material or dead rodents.

Keep livestock, pets and children away during cleanup. Heavily contaminated feed, bedding and other materials should be discarded safely. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves and handling traps or control products.

For extensive contamination, seek professional advice before beginning cleanup.

Keep Monitoring Throughout Winter

Rodent control is not a one-time fall chore. Continue checking grain rooms, hay storage, barns and sheds throughout the winter.
Create a simple monitoring routine:

Weekly

• Check traps and bait stations.
• Look for fresh droppings.
• Clean feed spills.
• Inspect opened feed bags.
• Check water lines for leaks.

Monthly

• Inspect doors and building exteriors.
• Look behind bins, shelving and equipment.
• Review feed use for unexplained losses.
• Check stored machinery and wiring.
• Remove unnecessary clutter.

Keep a record of where signs are found and what control steps were taken. Recurring activity in the same area may point to an overlooked entry point or food source.

Fall Rodent-Prevention Checklist

Before cold weather settles in:

1. Seal gaps around doors, foundations and utility openings.
2. Install or replace damaged door sweeps.
3. Transfer feed into secure containers.
4. Clean beneath bins, shelves and feeders.
5. Organize hay and remove loose material.
6. Cut back weeds and brush around buildings.
7. Repair leaking water lines.
8. Remove clutter and nesting materials.
9. Inspect electrical wiring and stored equipment.
10. Place traps or secured bait stations where appropriate.
11. Keep all control products away from livestock, pets and children.
12. Continue monitoring throughout winter.

Stay One Step Ahead of Rodent Season

The best time to address rodents is before they become established. A clean grain room, organized hay-storage area, sealed building and consistent monitoring routine can help protect livestock feed, equipment and farm buildings all winter.

Feeds’n Needs carries a variety of farm and barn supplies to help you prepare for the season, including feed-storage solutions, traps, bait stations, protective gloves and cleanup essentials. Product selection may vary by location, so visit your local store and speak with our knowledgeable team about options suited to your barn or farm.

Seal the gaps, secure the feed and stay ahead of unwanted winter visitors.

 

As Maritime farms move from pasture season toward winter housing, fall is an important time to evaluate parasite pressure in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other livestock.

Internal parasites can affect feed efficiency, weight gain, reproductive performance and overall animal health. However, effective control is not as simple as automatically treating every animal at the end of the grazing season. Parasite species, animal age, pasture conditions, previous treatments and product resistance can all influence the right approach.

A successful fall parasite-control program combines close observation, manure monitoring, pasture management, accurate dosing and species-appropriate treatment under veterinary guidance.

Why Parasite Pressure Can Increase During Pasture Season

Many internal parasites release eggs through manure. Under suitable conditions, the eggs develop into infective larvae that contaminate pasture, bedding, soil, feed or water.

Warm temperatures and moisture can support parasite development throughout the grazing season. Atlantic Canada’s damp conditions, heavy rainfall and periods of mild fall weather may allow animals to remain exposed later into the year.

Young livestock, newly weaned animals, animals under nutritional stress and those grazing heavily stocked fields may be especially vulnerable. By fall, animals may have accumulated a significant parasite burden even when obvious symptoms are not present.

Warning Signs of Parasites in Livestock

Parasite infections do not look the same in every species. Some animals continue eating and appear relatively normal while experiencing reduced growth or feed efficiency. Others may become noticeably unwell.

Possible warning signs include:

• Unexplained weight loss or poor weight gain
• Reduced appetite
• Dull, rough or unthrifty coats
• Diarrhea or persistently loose manure
• Pale gums or eyelids
• Swelling beneath the jaw, sometimes called “bottle jaw”
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Weakness, lethargy or reduced activity
• Poor feed conversion
• Reduced milk production
• Lower reproductive performance
• Increased susceptibility to other health problems

These signs are not exclusive to parasites. Nutritional deficiencies, respiratory disease, bacterial infections and other conditions may cause similar symptoms. A veterinarian can help identify the underlying problem before treatment begins.

Parasite Concerns by Species

Cattle

Pastured cattle may encounter gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, lice, grubs and other internal or external parasites. Calves and yearlings are often more vulnerable than mature cattle because they have had less time to develop immunity.

Poor weight gain, diarrhea, a rough hair coat and reduced body condition can indicate a problem. Lungworm infections may also cause coughing or respiratory distress.

A fall control plan may consider:

• The age and production stage of the cattle
• Length of the grazing season
• Stocking density
• Pasture history
• Previous deworming products
• Body condition and weight gain
• Manure-testing results
• Whether cattle will be housed for winter

Sheep and Goats

Small ruminants can be particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal parasites, including barber pole worm. This blood-feeding parasite can cause severe anemia, weakness and bottle jaw, sometimes without diarrhea.

Checking eyelid colour can help trained producers identify anemia associated with barber pole worm. However, the FAMACHA system should be learned from a veterinarian or qualified instructor and used as one part of a broader monitoring program.

Other warning signs in sheep and goats include reduced growth, diarrhea, poor fleece or hair-coat quality, weight loss and declining body condition. Goats and sheep do not always respond to dewormers in the same way, and products labelled for one species should never automatically be assumed appropriate for the other.

Pigs

Pigs can be affected by roundworms, whipworms, strongyles and other parasites. Outdoor pigs may face greater exposure through contaminated soil, bedding and manure, although indoor herds can also experience parasite problems when sanitation and biosecurity practices are inconsistent.

Possible signs include:

• Reduced growth
• Poor feed efficiency
• Rough hair coats
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Loss of condition
• Uneven growth within a group

Pig parasite management should include cleaning pens, keeping feeders and waterers free from manure, rotating outdoor areas when practical and using a deworming product specifically labelled or prescribed for swine.

Other Livestock

Parasite-control needs also vary among poultry, llamas, alpacas and other farm animals. Coccidia, worms and external parasites require different monitoring and treatment strategies. A general livestock dewormer is not appropriate for every animal or every parasite.

Manure Monitoring: Look Beyond What You Can See

Regularly observing manure can provide valuable information. Watch for ongoing diarrhea, unusual consistency, blood, mucus or changes affecting multiple animals.

However, normal-looking manure does not confirm that an animal is parasite-free. Most parasite eggs and larvae are microscopic, and adult worms are not usually visible in manure.

A fecal egg count can help estimate the number and type of parasite eggs being shed. Results can support treatment decisions, identify higher-risk animals and help determine whether a deworming program is working.

Producers should remember that fecal egg counts have limitations. Egg shedding can vary, some parasites are not reliably detected through routine testing, and egg counts do not always directly reflect the number of adult parasites present. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical signs, body condition, production records and veterinary advice.

A fecal egg count reduction test compares samples collected before and after treatment. This can help assess whether the selected dewormer is still effective.

Pasture Management Is Part of Parasite Control

Deworming products are only one part of an effective parasite-management program. Reducing exposure can lower the number of infective larvae animals consume and may decrease reliance on repeated treatments.

Helpful pasture practices may include:

• Avoiding overgrazing
• Preventing excessive stocking density
• Rotating fields when sufficient land is available
• Resting heavily used paddocks
• Moving feeders and waterers away from manure-heavy areas
• Keeping feed off the ground
• Separating young, vulnerable animals from heavily contaminated pasture
• Maintaining clean, dry bedding
• Removing manure from pens and high-traffic areas
• Avoiding unnecessary grazing close to the soil surface

Rotational grazing can support parasite control, but short rotations alone do not guarantee clean pasture. Many parasite larvae remain viable after livestock move, especially during cool, damp conditions. Returning animals too quickly may expose them to larvae left during the previous rotation.

Pasture decisions should consider the parasite involved, weather, rest period, stocking rate and animal species.

Understanding Dewormer Resistance

Antiparasitic resistance occurs when parasites survive a treatment that once controlled them and pass those resistant traits to future generations. Over time, a dewormer may become less effective.

Resistance is a growing concern in cattle and small ruminants. Repeatedly treating every animal, underdosing and relying on the same drug class can increase selection pressure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends working with a veterinarian to develop parasite-control strategies that help preserve the effectiveness of available treatments. Learn more about antiparasitic resistance.

Ways to help slow resistance include:

• Treating based on risk, testing and veterinary recommendations
• Weighing animals or using an accurate weight estimate
• Calibrating drench guns and other dosing equipment
• Giving the full, correct dose
• Avoiding repeated use of one product simply out of habit
• Checking product effectiveness through follow-up testing
• Keeping accurate treatment records
• Using targeted treatment when appropriate
• Avoiding unnecessary deworming

Underdosing is not a safer option. It may fail to control parasites while allowing the more tolerant ones to survive. At the same time, giving more than the labelled dose can create animal-health and residue risks. Always follow the product label and veterinary directions.

Choose Species-Appropriate Products

Not every dewormer treats every parasite, and products cannot be freely interchanged among cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

Before selecting a product, confirm:

• The animal species listed on the label
• The parasite species controlled
• The animal’s age and weight
• The correct dose and method of administration
• Meat and milk withdrawal periods
• Restrictions for pregnant or lactating animals
• Whether the product is approved for the intended production class
• Previous treatments and possible resistance
• Storage requirements and expiry date

Dewormers are available in several forms, including oral drenches, injectables, feed medications, pastes and pour-on products. The most convenient option is not always the most appropriate one.

Never assume that a cattle pour-on is suitable for sheep, goats or pigs. Goats may require veterinary direction because product approvals and dosing needs can differ. Some dewormers may also be unsuitable during particular stages of pregnancy.

Coccidia require additional consideration. They are protozoan parasites, not worms, and standard dewormers may not control them. Young animals with diarrhea, poor growth or dehydration should be assessed promptly so the cause can be identified and the correct treatment selected.

Don’t Forget Withdrawal Periods

Livestock intended for meat or producing milk for human consumption require careful attention to withdrawal periods. These periods vary by product, species, dose and route of administration.

Record:

• The animal or group treated
• Product name
• Lot number
• Date administered
• Dose
• Route of administration
• Person administering the treatment
• Meat or milk withdrawal date

Never send treated animals to market or use their milk for human consumption before the required withdrawal period has passed.

Build a Fall Parasite-Control Checklist

Before livestock move into winter housing:

1. Review body condition, weight gain and overall appearance.
2. Watch for diarrhea, coughing, anemia, bottle jaw or reduced performance.
3. Examine manure patterns and collect fecal samples when recommended.
4. Review pasture use and stocking density from the grazing season.
5. Check treatment records from spring and summer.
6. Discuss testing and product selection with your veterinarian.
7. Weigh animals and calibrate dosing equipment.
8. Use only a product appropriate for the species and parasite being targeted.
9. Record the treatment and applicable withdrawal period.
10. Arrange follow-up monitoring to confirm that the treatment worked.

Support Health Before Winter

Fall parasite control is about more than administering a dewormer. It is an opportunity to evaluate each herd or flock, reduce winter health challenges and protect the effectiveness of parasite-control products for the future.

Feeds’n Needs carries a selection of livestock health supplies, handling equipment, minerals, feeders and species-appropriate parasite-control products. Visit your local store and speak with our knowledgeable team about available options. For diagnosis, testing, dosing decisions and treatment planning, always work with your veterinarian.

A thoughtful fall plan can help livestock enter winter in stronger condition—ready to make better use of their feed and better prepared for the colder months ahead.

When to Remove Bulls, Restore Body Condition and Prepare for Fall

For many Atlantic Canadian spring-calving beef herds, late summer marks the end of the breeding season. Once the planned breeding window has closed, bulls should be removed from the cow herd and placed in a secure pasture where they can rest, regain condition and be evaluated before fall.

Removing bulls on schedule helps maintain a controlled calving season and gives producers a clearer picture of when next year’s calves should arrive. It also provides an opportunity to identify injuries, lameness or body-condition concerns while there is still time to respond before winter.

From fencing and pasture quality to mineral support and foot health, good post-breeding bull management protects one of the most important investments in a cow-calf operation.

Why Remove Bulls from the Cow Herd?

The right removal date depends on when bulls were turned out and how long the farm’s breeding season is intended to last. It should be based on the operation’s breeding plan—not simply a particular calendar date.

Leaving bulls with the cows longer than planned can result in:

• A longer and less predictable calving season
• More late-born calves
• Greater variation in calf age and weight
• Increased labour during calving
• More difficulty grouping cows for feeding and management
• Greater wear and weight loss for breeding bulls
• Unplanned breeding of young heifers

Record the date each bull entered and left the breeding herd. These dates will help estimate next year’s calving window and support future breeding decisions.

Move Bulls to a Secure Pasture

Once breeding is complete, move bulls to a separate pasture away from the cow herd. Bulls may test weak fencing when they can see, hear or smell cycling cows, so separation requires more than a convenient empty paddock.

The bull pasture should provide:

• Strong perimeter fencing
• Secure gates and latches
• Reliable access to clean water
• Adequate forage
• Shade or shelter
• Safe footing
• Enough room to move comfortably
• Easy access for regular observation

Whenever possible, use enough distance or a visual barrier to reduce contact with the cow herd.

Feeds’n Needs carries a range of farm-fencing supplies, including electric-fence components, posts, insulators, polywire, gate hardware and other repair essentials. Product availability varies by store.

Inspect the Fence Before Moving Bulls

Walk the entire pasture boundary before turnout and check for:

• Broken or leaning posts
• Loose wire
• Damaged insulators
• Weak corners
• Low electric-fence voltage
• Vegetation grounding the fence
• Gates that sag or fail to latch
• Washouts beneath fences
• Damage from fallen branches
• Areas weakened by wet soil

Atlantic Canada’s late-summer thunderstorms, heavy rain and tropical weather can quickly damage fence lines. Keep repair supplies on hand and recheck the perimeter after severe weather.

Take Care When Grouping Bulls

Bulls returning from separate breeding groups may re-establish their social order when placed together. Fighting can lead to leg, foot, shoulder or head injuries.

When grouping bulls:

• Use a large, open paddock with good footing.
• Avoid confined pens whenever possible.
• Remove unnecessary obstacles.
• Provide more than one feeding area.
• Avoid placing feed or water in tight corners.
• Observe the group closely after introduction.
• Have a safe plan for separating an injured animal.

Do not enter a pasture casually to break up fighting bulls. Cattle handling should be planned around appropriate facilities, escape routes and experienced help.

Evaluate Body Condition After Breeding

Breeding season can be physically demanding. Bulls may spend more time travelling, monitoring cows and breeding while spending less time grazing.

Assess each bull after removal rather than assuming the entire bull battery came through the season in the same condition.

Look for:

• Prominent ribs or spine
• Reduced muscle over the topline
• Loss of condition around the hips and tailhead
• A tucked-up appearance
• Reduced appetite
• Uneven movement
• Excessive fatigue
• Poor hair coat
• Noticeable weight loss

Use a consistent beef-cattle body-condition scoring system and keep records for comparison. Both underconditioned and overconditioned bulls may experience performance concerns, so the goal should be gradual recovery—not rapid fattening.

A livestock scale provides the most accurate weight. Weight tapes or other estimation methods may also help track changes when a scale is unavailable.

Support Gradual Weight and Condition Recovery

Bulls should have enough time after breeding to regain appropriate condition before cold weather increases their maintenance requirements.

Begin with forage. Evaluate:

• Pasture quantity
• Forage maturity
• Grazing pressure
• Available regrowth
• Weed content
• Mud or hoof damage around feeding areas
• Access to stored forage if pasture becomes limited

By late summer, pasture quality can decline quickly, particularly after dry weather, overgrazing or extended periods of heavy rain. A pasture that still looks green may not provide enough energy or protein for a bull that needs to regain condition.

If additional nutrition is required, work with a beef nutritionist, veterinarian or qualified feed adviser to develop a balanced program. Make feed changes gradually to protect rumen health.

Feeds’n Needs offers livestock feeds, forage products and feeding equipment for Atlantic Canadian beef operations. Our team can help you review available options, but significant weight loss or poor condition should also be discussed with your veterinarian.

Maintain a Complete Mineral Program

Bulls require balanced nutrition throughout the year—not only immediately before breeding.

Provide a cattle mineral appropriate for:

• The animal class
• The forage being fed
• The time of year
• Local deficiencies
• Farm management conditions

Mineral products are not interchangeable. A product intended for another livestock species may contain inappropriate nutrient levels for cattle.

Keep mineral feeders:

• Covered from rain
• Clean and dry
• Easy to access
• Located away from muddy areas
• Monitored for actual consumption

Atlantic Canadian humidity and heavy rain can cause exposed mineral to clump or spoil. Check feeders frequently and replace wet or contaminated material.

Feeds’n Needs carries cattle minerals, salt and mineral feeders at select locations. Ask our livestock team which option fits your feeding program and consult a qualified nutrition adviser when needed.

Provide Constant Access to Clean Water

Clean water remains essential as bulls recover from breeding season. Warm late-summer days can increase water needs, while poor water quality may reduce intake.

Inspect:

• Trough cleanliness
• Water flow
• Float systems
• Hoses and fittings
• Mud around the water source
• Algae buildup
• Electrical components on automatic systems
• Access for lower-ranking animals

If several bulls share a pasture, make sure dominant animals cannot easily block access to the only water source.

Feeds’n Needs offers livestock tubs, troughs, buckets and watering accessories to support pasture and barn setups.

Check Feet, Legs and Movement

A bull may have completed breeding while carrying an injury that was not obvious from a distance. Once bulls are separated, watch each animal walk on a firm, level surface.

Look for:

• Limping or shortened strides
• Stiffness
• Swelling around joints
• Reluctance to rise or travel
• Uneven hoof wear
• Cracks or overgrowth
• Sole damage
• Heat or swelling above the hoof
• Tenderness between the claws
• Signs of foot rot
• Injuries caused by fighting or rough ground

Sound feet and legs are essential for breeding performance.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if a bull is lame, swollen, feverish, losing weight or reluctant to move. Early attention may improve recovery and help determine whether the bull should remain in the breeding herd.

Complete a Hands-On Health Check

Post-breeding separation provides a valuable opportunity to examine each bull more closely.

Check:

• Eyes
• Teeth and mouth
• Hair coat and skin
• Feet and legs
• Joints
• Body condition
• Scrotum and testicles
• Sheath
• Signs of injury
• External parasites
• General attitude and appetite

Any swelling, asymmetry, wounds, abnormal discharge or suspected breeding injury should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Review Herd Health with Your Veterinarian

Fall is a good time to review:

• Vaccination records
• Parasite-control plans
• Injuries or lameness
• Body-condition concerns
• Breeding performance
• Culling decisions
• Timing for a future breeding soundness examination
• Winter housing and nutrition

A breeding soundness examination is commonly completed before the next breeding season, allowing time to source a replacement if a bull does not pass. Your veterinarian can recommend the best timing for your operation.

Poor condition, lameness or reproductive abnormalities should be addressed when detected rather than left until spring.

Plan for Atlantic Canadian Fall Weather

Late summer can shift quickly into wet, windy and cool conditions across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Prepare the bull pasture for:

• Heavy rain
• Tropical storms
• Soft or muddy footing
• Falling branches
• Damaged electric fencing
• Declining pasture growth
• Early frost
• Reduced daylight
• Difficult vehicle access

Avoid placing hay, mineral or water in low areas where mud collects. Move feeding locations when practical to reduce hoof damage and soil disturbance.

Ensure bulls have access to shelter from wind and driving rain before colder weather arrives.

Begin Winter Feed Planning Early

Do not wait until pasture is finished to calculate winter feed requirements.

Review:

• Number and size of bulls
• Current body condition
• Hay quantity
• Forage quality
• Expected winter length
• Storage losses
• Feeding waste
• Mineral requirements
• Separate feeding needs

A forage test can help determine whether stored hay meets the bulls’ needs or if supplementation may be required. Rations should be balanced with help from a qualified livestock nutritionist or veterinarian.

If one bull is significantly thinner than the rest, he may require separate management to prevent competition and allow controlled recovery.

Make Records and Review Performance

Record information for every bull, including:

• Turn-in date
• Removal date
• Cow group
• Estimated number of cows exposed
• Body condition
• Weight when available
• Foot and leg observations
• Injuries or treatments
• Temperament
• Veterinary findings
• Planned winter group
• Future breeding status

When pregnancy-checking information becomes available, compare results with bull groups. Poor conception, a large number of late pregnancies or unexpected open cows may justify additional investigation.

Post-Breeding Bull Checklist

After removing bulls from the spring-calving herd:

• Move bulls to a secure pasture away from cows.
• Inspect fences, gates and electric-fence voltage.
• Monitor bulls carefully when regrouping.
• Record the breeding-season removal date.
• Assess body condition and weight.
• Watch each bull walk.
• Inspect feet, legs and joints.
• Check for breeding or fighting injuries.
• Provide clean water and adequate forage.
• Offer a suitable cattle mineral.
• Separate thin, injured or vulnerable bulls when needed.
• Review health concerns with your veterinarian.
• Evaluate winter hay and feed supplies.
• Plan future breeding soundness examinations.
• Keep individual bull records.

Give Your Bulls Time to Recover Before Winter

Removing bulls at the end of the planned breeding season is about more than controlling next year’s calving window. It creates an important management period for recovery, evaluation and winter preparation.

Secure separation, strong fencing, adequate forage, clean water, balanced minerals and close attention to feet, legs and body condition can help bulls enter fall in better shape.

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for livestock feed, cattle minerals, feeders, water tubs, fencing supplies, posts, insulators, gate hardware and other essentials for post-breeding bull management. Product availability varies by store.

This article provides general educational information. Consult your veterinarian or qualified livestock nutrition adviser about health concerns, lameness, body-condition loss, feed changes, mineral selection and breeding soundness.

How to protect animals, barns, feed and farm supplies before high winds, heavy rain and flash flooding arrive 

Hurricane season can bring powerful winds, storm surge, prolonged power outages and sudden flooding to farms across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. For livestock owners, equestrians and small-scale farmers, waiting until a storm is approaching can leave too little time to safely move animals, secure buildings or gather essential supplies. 

A practical farm hurricane preparedness plan can reduce confusion, protect livestock and help your operation recover faster. Whether you care for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry or a mixed backyard flock, preparation should begin well before the first warning is issued. 

Why Atlantic Canadian farms need a hurricane plan.

Maritime weather can change quickly.
A hurricane or post-tropical storm may produce several hazards at once: 

• High winds that damage barns, fencing and shelters  
• Falling trees and airborne debris  
• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding  
• Storm surge in low-lying coastal areas  
• Washed-out lanes, culverts and access roads  
• Extended power, pump and communication outages  
• Contaminated wells, pasture and feed  
• Frightened animals that may escape through damaged fencing  

Every property has different risks. Begin by identifying low-lying fields, waterways, weak structures, aging trees, flood-prone roads, and areas where animals could become trapped. 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recommend maintaining a written emergency plan, farm map, livestock inventory, animal identification information and records of feed, equipment, hazardous materials and vaccinations. Review its emergency-planning guidance for producers here: Emergency planning is for producers too – agriculture.canada.ca 

 

Create a livestock evacuation plan before the storm.

Decide in advance whether your animals will shelter on the farm or evacuate. This decision may depend on the storm’s projected path, local flood risk, road conditions, available transportation, and the strength of your buildings. 

Your plan should answer the following questions: 

• Where will each group of animals go?  
• Is the destination on higher ground and outside the expected flood area?  
• Are trailers and hauling vehicles ready?  
• How many trips will be required?  
• Who is available to help catch, load, and transport animals?  
• Which evacuation routes and alternate routes can accommodate a trailer?  
• Where will animals be housed if they cannot return immediately?  
• Who will make the final decision to evacuate?  

Never wait until water is rising or winds are severe to begin moving livestock. Trailers can become unsafe in strong crosswinds, and flooded roads may conceal washouts, debris, or damaged culverts. Follow instructions from local emergency officials and never drive through floodwater. 

Practice loading animals before hurricane season; An emergency is not the time to introduce a horse, cow, sheep or goat to a trailer for the first time. 

Prepare halters, leads and handling equipment 

Reliable handling equipment can make evacuation faster and safer. Keep emergency supplies together in a clearly marked, easily accessible location—not buried at the back of a tack room or locked inside a building that could become unsafe. 

For horses and suitable livestock, prepare: 

• Properly fitted halters  
• Strong lead ropes  
• Spare halters in multiple sizes  
• Livestock ties or trailer ties appropriate for the animal  
• Quick-release hardware where appropriate  
• Stable hooks and safe hanging hardware  
• Livestock panels or portable gates  
• Flashlights and headlamps  
• Work gloves and sturdy footwear  

Inspect every halter before storm season. Look for frayed webbing, stretched holes, rusted hardware, loose stitching and damaged snaps. Buckles should fasten securely, and the halter should fit closely enough that it cannot easily slip off without restricting breathing or movement. 

Label halters and lead ropes with the owner’s name, phone number and the animal’s identification. Waterproof luggage tags, livestock markers or securely attached identification tags can help reunite an animal with its owner if fences fail or animals are displaced. 

Do not leave an ordinary halter on an unattended animal unless your emergency plan specifically requires it and it can be done safely. Halters may catch on fencing, branches or barn hardware. Stage fitted halters where they can be reached quickly and consider breakaway options when appropriate. Ask your veterinarian or an experienced livestock professional for your species and setup. 

Feeds’n Needs carries practical farm and stable essentials such as halters, lead ropes, ties, buckets, stable hooks and livestock-handling supplies to help owners prepare before severe weather arrives. Product availability may vary by store. 

 

Identifying every animal

Visible identification is especially important when high winds or flooding can damage fences.
Depending on the species and provincial requirements, identification may include: 

• Ear tags  
• Tattoos  
• Microchips  
• Leg bands  
• Halter tags  
• Livestock-safe temporary marking  
• Waterproof contact information attached securely to a suitable collar or halter  

Keep current photos of horses and livestock, including distinguishing markings. Store digital and printed copies of ownership records, registration papers, health information, medications and vaccination records. 

Maintain an updated list of animal numbers by species, pasture, and building. Ensure that another trusted person knows where the records are kept. 

Reduce the risk from flash flooding 

Flash flooding can rise quickly and cut off access to barns, pastures, and roads. Move animals away from flood-prone fields, riverbanks, drainage channels, and low-lying buildings before heavy rain begins. 

Avoid locking animals inside a structure that is likely to flood. At the same time, do not release animals onto roads or unfamiliar land. The safest choice depends on the property, predicted conditions and available shelter, which is why planning with your veterinarian, municipality and local emergency officials is essential. 

Before the storm: 

• Clear safe drainage routes without entering unstable ditches  
• Move portable equipment and supplies to higher ground  
• Raise bagged feed, bedding and medications off the floor  
• Relocate fuel, chemicals and pesticides away from flood risk  
• Secure manure storage and waste areas  
• Check culverts, lanes and alternate access points  
• Move tractors and generators to secure, elevated locations  

After flooding, treat standing water, submerged feed and wet bedding as potentially contaminated. Do not allow livestock to drink from floodwater. Inspect wells and water systems and follow provincial guidance before resuming use if contamination is suspected. The Government of Canada advises residents to understand their local flood risk and follow directions from emergency responders and officials. Read Canada’s flood-preparedness guidance. 

Secure barns, coops and farm property

High winds can turn loose equipment into dangerous debris. Walk the property before the weather deteriorates and secure or move: 

• Feeders and water tubs  
• Wheelbarrows and tools  
• Garbage cans and empty barrels  
• Portable shelters  
• Gates and livestock panels  
• Patio furniture and signs  
• Tarps and temporary fencing  
• Trailers and small equipment  

Inspect roofs, doors, windows and siding. Repair loose metal, damaged latches, and weak hinges. Store chemicals, medications and fuels in secure locations, following their handling and ventilation requirements. 

Remove dead branches where it is safe to do so but leave major tree work to qualified professionals. Identify large trees that could fall across barns, fences, power lines, or evacuation routes. 

 

Protect feed, hay, bedding and clean water 

A hurricane can disrupt deliveries and electricity for several days. Maintain an emergency supply of feed, forage, bedding, and water based on the needs of your animals and the realistic length of a local outage. 

Store feed in waterproof, animal-resistant containers. Keep bagged products on pallets or shelving and away from walls where moisture may enter. Inspect the hay-storage area for roof leaks, blocked drainage, and wind exposure. 

Discard feed or hay that has been contaminated by floodwater, fuel, chemicals, mould or sewage. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian, feed specialist or provincial agriculture authority before feeding it. 

Water planning is equally important. Calculate how much your animals require each day, including extra water for cleaning and heat. Fill approved water containers before the storm and keep buckets and tubs clean and ready. 

If your farm relies on an electric well pump, establish a backup water plan. Generators must be operated outdoors and well away from doors, windows, barns and occupied spaces to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure. Never connect a generator to a building electrical system without approved transfer of equipment installed by a qualified electrician. 

 

Assemble a farm emergency kit 

Keep supplies in waterproof, clearly marked containers that can be loaded quickly.
A livestock and small-farm emergency kit may include: 

• Halters, leads and suitable livestock ties  
• Feed and water buckets  
• Stable hooks and hanging hardware  
• Portable fencing supplies  
• Livestock identification supplies  
• First-aid supplies recommended by your veterinarian  
• Several days of essential medications  
• Flashlights, headlamps and batteries  
• Battery-powered radio  
• Charged power banks  
• Work gloves and rain gear  
• Basic hand tools  
• Fire extinguishers  
• Paper farm maps and evacuation routes  
• Animal records and emergency contacts  
• Feed, forage, bedding and potable water  

Check the kit at the beginning of hurricane season and replace expired medications, damaged equipment and dead batteries. 

Build an emergency contact list

Keep printed and digital copies of contact information for: 

• Your veterinarian  
• Local emergency management office  
• Provincial emergency alerts  
• Fire department and police  
• Trailer owners and livestock transporters  
• Nearby farmers and trusted neighbours  
• Feed and farm-supply store  
• Temporary boarding locations  
• Insurance provider  
• Electric utility  
• Fuel supplier  

Assign responsibilities to family members, employees, and neighbours. Everyone should know who monitors alerts, who handles each group of animals, who prepares the trailer, and who shuts down utilities if authorities advise doing so. 

 

 

Inspect animals and property after the storm 

Wait for officials to confirm that it is safe before returning to an evacuated property. Watch for downed power lines, unstable buildings, sharp debris, washed-out ground and displaced wildlife. 

Check animals for: 

• Cuts, punctures or swelling  
• Lameness  
• Breathing difficulty  
• Signs of stress or shock  
• Dehydration  
• Reduced appetite  
• Diarrhea or digestive upset  
• Exposure to contaminated water or feed  

Contact your veterinarian if an animal is injured, behaving abnormally or may have consumed contaminated material. 

Before returning livestock to a field, walk the entire fence line and inspect gates, posts, wire, water sources and footing. Photograph damage before beginning cleanup when it is safe, particularly for insurance records. 

 

Prepare now, not when the wind begins 

Atlantic Canadian farmers are accustomed to changing weather, but hurricanes and post-tropical storms can test even experienced operations. A written plan, safe evacuation route, reliable animal identification and well-maintained handling equipment can make a critical difference. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs before severe weather arrives to prepare your farm emergency kit and stock up on available stable accessories, halters, lead ropes, buckets, hooks, livestock-handling supplies, feed and bedding. 

Preparation protects more than property, it protects the animals and people who depend on your farm. 

 

Hay Storage & Hay Quality Guide for Fall: How to Inspect, Store & Protect Your Hay for Winter in Atlantic Canada

As summer winds down, many livestock and horse owners shift their focus toward one of the most important jobs of the season—preparing hay for fall and winter. 

Whether you’re feeding a few backyard sheep, a small family horse barn, or a commercial cattle operation, the quality of the hay you store this fall will directly impact the health of your animals throughout the winter months. 

Atlantic Canada’s unpredictable weather brings unique challenges. Late summer humidity, hurricane season, and early fall rain can quickly turn quality hay into wasted feed if it isn’t stored correctly. 

Here’s how to evaluate your hay, improve storage conditions, and ensure your livestock have a safe, nutritious feed supply all winter long. 

 

Why Hay Quality Matters 

Hay isn’t just filler—it’s often the primary source of fiber and nutrition for livestock throughout the winter.
Poor-quality hay can result in: 

• Weight loss
• Reduced milk production 
• Lower body condition 
• Increased feed waste 
• Respiratory issues from mold or dust 
• Digestive problems
  Taking the time to inspect your hay now can prevent costly problems later in the season. 

 

Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Hay Supply
Before purchasing additional hay, take inventory of what you already have. 

Ask yourself: 

• How many bales remain? 
• Are they dry and well stored? 
• Has any hay become moldy or weather damaged? 
• Will your current inventory last until spring?
  Many producers underestimate winter feed requirements. 

As a general guideline, horses and livestock consume approximately 2–3% of their body weight daily in forage, depending on species, age, workload, and production stage. 

If your numbers look tight, now is the time to secure additional hay before supplies become limited. 

 

Step 2: Check Every Bale 

Not all hay is created equal.
When evaluating square or round bales, inspect for: 

• Color: Good hay should remain green to light green. Excessively brown or faded hay may have lost valuable nutrients. 

• Smell: Quality hay has a fresh, sweet smell. 

Avoid hay that smells: Musty, Sour, Damp, Mold; These are signs moisture has entered the bale. 

• Texture: Hay should feel dry and springy—not wet or slimy. Overly dusty hay can contribute to respiratory irritation, especially in horses. 

• Watch for Mold: Never feed moldy hay. Mold spores may not always be visible but can seriously affect horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock. 

Look for: 

• White or grey fuzzy patches
• Black discoloration
• Excessive heating 
• Damp pockets within round bales
  When in doubt, don’t feed questionable hay. 

 

Step 3: Inspect Your Hay Storage Area 

Your barn protects more than your equipment—it protects your winter feed investment.
Late summer is the perfect time to inspect your storage before fall weather arrives. 

Walk through your hay storage and check for: 

• Roof leaks
• Missing shingles 
• Loose metal roofing 
• Soft spots in the ceiling 
• Wet walls 
• Broken siding 
• Cracked foundations allowing water inside 

Atlantic Canada often experiences tropical storms and hurricanes well into the fall. 

One unnoticed roof leak can ruin dozens of bales during a single heavy rain event.
Repair these issues before your barn is full for winter. 

 

Step 4: Make Airflow a Priority 

Even perfectly dry hay needs ventilation.
Without proper airflow, moisture becomes trapped, increasing the risk of: 

• Mold 
• Heating 
• Spoilage 
• Fire hazards 

For best results: 

• Leave space between stacks and walls. 
• Keep aisles open for air movement. 
• Avoid packing bales too tightly. 
• Open barn doors on dry days to improve ventilation. 
• Use fans where natural airflow is limited. 
• Round bales stored outside should never sit directly on the ground.
  Use pallets, crushed stone, or a well-drained pad to reduce moisture absorption from below. 

 

Step 5: Store Hay Off the Floor 

Ground moisture slowly moves upward into stored hay. Even concrete floors can transfer moisture over time. 

Use: 

• Wooden pallets
• Landscape timbers 
• Railroad ties 
• Hay racks 
• Keeping hay elevated improves airflow underneath while reducing spoilage. 

 

Step 6: Rotate Older Hay First 

Practice “first in, first out.”
Use older hay before newly harvested bales. This helps maintain feed quality while reducing unnecessary waste.
Mark different hay lots or harvest dates if possible, to make rotation easier throughout winter. 

 

Step 7: Plan Before Supplies Tighten 

Many Atlantic Canadian producers begin purchasing winter hay in late summer and early fall.
Waiting until the first snowfall—or after a poor second cut—can mean: 

• Higher prices 
• Limited selection 
• Longer delivery times 
• Lower-quality hay 

If your inventory appears short, don’t wait until October or November to start looking. Planning ahead gives you more options and helps avoid emergency purchases later in the season. 

 

 A Few Minutes Today Can Save You All Winter 

Hay is one of the biggest investments many farms make each year. 

Spending an afternoon inspecting your hay, repairing storage areas, and calculating your winter feed requirements can prevent unnecessary waste and help keep your animals healthy throughout the colder months. 

Whether you’re feeding two backyard goats or managing a barn full of horses, proper hay storage is one of the simplest ways to protect both your animals and your investment. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we’re here to help you prepare for the season ahead with quality livestock feeds, horse nutrition, minerals, bedding, feeders, and the supplies you need for a successful fall and winter. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store and let our team help you get ready before winter arrives. 

 

Prepare for Blackfly & Mosquito Season

As temperatures rise across Atlantic Canada, so do blackflies and mosquitoes. While they’re a nuisance for people, they can also cause stress and discomfort for horses, livestock, pets, and backyard flocks. A little preparation now can make the season much more enjoyable.

Protect Yourself

Whether you’re working in the barn, gardening, or heading out on the trail, insect repellent is your first line of defense. Wear lightweight long sleeves and pants during peak activity (dawn and dusk), and keep an after-bite treatment on hand to help soothe itching and irritation if bites do happen.

Keep Horses Comfortable

Flies and mosquitoes can lead to tail swishing, stomping, reduced grazing, and unnecessary stress. Help protect your horse with:

• Fly sprays and roll-ons
• Fly masks and fly sheets
• Fly traps and bait systems
• Stall fans to discourage flying insects
• Regular manure removal to reduce breeding areas

Protect Pets

Dogs and cats enjoy being outdoors too, but insect bites can leave them itchy and uncomfortable. Keep pets protected with veterinarian-recommended flea and tick products, outdoor insect repellents where appropriate, and check them regularly after spending time outside.

Support Your Livestock

Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other livestock are also affected by biting insects. We carry products including:

• Livestock fly sprays
• Premise and barn insecticides
• Fly traps and bait
• Livestock insect control products
• Poultry-safe insect control options

Reducing standing water around your property and keeping feeding areas clean can significantly decrease mosquito populations.

Barn Tips to Reduce Flies

A few simple management practices go a long way:

• Remove manure frequently.
• Keep bedding clean and dry.
• Eliminate standing water around the barn and paddocks.
• Improve airflow with fans.
• Install fly traps away from animal areas to draw insects away.
• Clean feed spills promptly to avoid attracting pests.

Don’t Forget Bite Relief

Even with prevention, bites happen. Stock your first aid kit with after-bite treatments to help relieve itching and irritation for the whole family.

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store for everything you need to stay ahead of blackfly and mosquito season—from personal insect repellents to fly control solutions for your pets, horses, and livestock.

 

Barnyard Bite Prevention
Flea & Tick Control for Livestock in Atlantic Canada 

Protecting Cattle, Sheep, Goats & Pigs from Seasonal Parasites 

 

When warmer weather arrives in Atlantic Canada, livestock owners know that pest season is never far behind. While flies often get most of the attention on the farm, fleas and ticks can also create problems for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs — especially on farms with wooded pasture, tall grass, brush lines, damp bedding, or mixed animal housing. 

Flea and tick prevention for livestock is an important part of seasonal animal health. These small pests can cause skin irritation, scratching, hair loss, discomfort, reduced weight gain, and stress on your animals. Ticks may also carry disease, making regular prevention and inspection an important habit for farms across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. 

At Feeds’n Needs, we carry livestock pest control products, barn insect sprays, fly traps, bedding, dust bath supplies, and animal health essentials to help keep your herd, flock, and barn protected through flea, tick, and fly season. 

 

Which Animals Are Most at Risk?
Every farm is different, but these animals commonly encounter ticks in Atlantic Canada: 

• Cattle grazing wooded fence lines or rough pasture 
• Goats that browse brush and shrubs 
• Sheep in long pasture or bushy paddocks 
• Outdoor pigs rooting in wooded or grassy areas
  Peak tick activity typically occurs through spring and early summer, with another increase during the fall, although ticks can remain active whenever temperatures stay mild. 

 

Signs Your Livestock May Have Fleas or Ticks
Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive scratching or rubbing 
• Hair loss or damaged coats
  
• Scabs or irritated skin 
• Visible ticks attached around the ears, neck, brisket, udder, tail, or under the legs. 
• Restlessness while grazing 
• Poor weight gain or reduced productivity in heavy infestations
  Checking animals during routine handling is one of the easiest ways to catch problems before they become severe. 

Prevention Starts in the Pasture
The best flea and tick control is best combined with good management and the right animal health products. 

Rotate Pastures: Rotational grazing helps reduce the time livestock spend in heavily infested areas while improving pasture health. 

Mow High-Traffic Areas: Keeping grass shorter around gates, waterers, laneways, and handling facilities reduces places where ticks like to wait for passing animals. 

Trim Brush Along Fence Lines: Ticks thrive in damp, shaded vegetation. Clearing back brush and overgrown edges reduces ideal habitat. 

Inspect New Animals: Before introducing new livestock into the herd or flock, give them a thorough health check to help prevent bringing unwanted parasites onto the farm. 

Integrated pest management—combining pasture management, monitoring, and appropriate treatments—is considered the most effective long-term approach for controlling livestock pests while reducing reliance on pesticides alone. 

 

Barn Tips That Make a Difference
Many parasites spend part of their life cycle away from the animal, making barn hygiene just as important as treating livestock. 

A few simple habits can help: 

• Replace wet or heavily soiled bedding regularly. 
• Remove manure frequently to discourage insect breeding. 
• Improve ventilation to reduce damp conditions. 
• Keep feed storage areas clean to discourage rodents and wildlife. 
• Seal cracks and repair damaged walls where pests can hide. 
• Clean pens thoroughly between groups of animals.
  A clean barn is one of the easiest ways to reduce parasite pressure throughout the season. 

Products Available at Feeds’n Needs
Every farm has different needs, so choosing the right product depends on the species, age, and management system. 

Visit your local Feeds’n Needs for products such as: 

• Livestock fly and tick control products 
• Pour-on insecticide treatments* 
• Premise and barn insect sprays 
• Fly traps and sticky traps 
• Livestock dust bags and applicators 
• Mineral supplements to support overall health 
• Bedding products that help keep housing clean and dry
  Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose products that are labelled for your specific livestock species and explain proper application and withdrawal requirements. 

*Always read and follow the product label before use. Use only products approved for the species you are treating and observe all meat and milk withdrawal periods where applicable. 

Don’t Forget Daily Herd Checks
During tick season, a quick visual inspection while feeding or moving livestock can save time and money later. 

Pay special attention to: 

• Around the ears 
• Under the jaw 
• Between the legs 
• Tail head 
• Udder or sheath 
• Neck and shoulders
  Removing attached ticks early and treating infestations promptly helps reduce stress on your animals and limits further spread. 

We’re Here to Help 

Whether you raise a few backyard goats or manage a commercial beef herd, preventing fleas and ticks is far easier than dealing with a heavy infestation later in the season. 

Stop by your nearest Feeds’n Needs location for advice on livestock parasite control, barn management products, and seasonal animal health supplies. Our team is here to help keep your animals healthy, comfortable, and productive all summer long.