Archive for the ‘News & Updates’ Category

Avoid the Summer Pasture Slump

Saturday, July 5th, 2025

Avoid the summer pasture slump! The sight of fresh, green pastures as the summer months approach can be a welcome sight for many cattle producers. Especially after feeding costly forages throughout the winter.

However, just as quickly as that green grass comes, the pasture quality can diminish.  Subsequently, leaving both pasture and cows’ nutrient deficient.

These potential nutrient deficiencies come at a critical time frame when the cow likely has a calf at side. Most likely, the cow is either on target for re-breeding or is already re-bred and trying to grow her developing calf. Cattle nutrient requirements are high during this period. There are a few ways to prepare for a decline in pasture quality.

Forages mature as the summer goes on, losing nutrients, specifically protein, and allowing cows to lose body condition.

If forages are running under 7 percent protein, then you likely don’t have enough protein to support the cow and her calf. The majority of producers across the United States, unless they have some high-quality forages stockpiled, are not above that level and will need to find additional nutrient sources.

Additional nutrient sources:

Protein supplements can be used to help avoid this slip in condition. Especially late summer and into fall when cattle pasture grasses can be at their lowest nutrition value.

Adding protein tubs or blocks are two ways a producer can supplement their cow herd during this time of high nutrient requirements. Protein supplements can be fed from mid to late summer through mid-fall. During the winter months cubes can be added. This helps to meet energy requirements.

Protein supplements should be added before cattle start losing body condition. It pays to plan ahead for pastures that may become nutrient deficient. In most cases, pastures see a significant decline in nutrients in the August to September timeframe. Evaluating your pasture at various times throughout the summer, specifically mid- to late-summer, and adding a supplement before the pasture quality is too far diminished will help avoid a slip in body condition.

Protein deficiency may become a herd health challenge if pastures are not adequately managed. Symptoms include reduced intake and forage digestibility, reduced growth rate (both fetus and calf), loss of weight, inadequate intake of other nutrients, delayed estrus, irregular estrus, poor conception rate and reduced milk production.

It all narrows down to making sure your cows have what they need, when they need it. If they’re not getting the complete nutrition they need when the pasture is at its worst quality, you will likely see challenges develop.

These challenges may be easily avoided. Implementing a protein supplement program is the best way. Does your nutrition program stack up? Avoid the summer pasture slump by calling or visiting the Kissimmee Valley Feed Store #1 location. We are stocked with nutrients for your cattle.

Protect Pets from Summer Heat

Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

Protect Pets from Summer HeatTemperatures are soaring into the 90s and 100s and such intense heat is not only dangerous for humans but for pets as well. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers a few tips to protect pets during summer heat waves.

Cars are potential death traps during the hot summer months because inside temperatures can quickly climb to more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit on even a mild sunny day. It’s best to leave your pet at home while running errands during hot weather.

If you absolutely must leave your pet in a car, please do the following:

  • Open windows and vents as wide as possible without providing an escape route; or, put your pet in a well-ventilated cage inside the car and open the windows fully.
  • Provide fresh water.
  • Check the car every 10 minutes.
  • If your pet is panting, has a staring or anxious expression, does not obey commands, has warm, dry skin and a high fever, rapid heartbeat, or is vomiting, lower the body temperature quickly with cool water – either by immersion or by spraying thoroughly with a garden hose. Call your veterinarian immediately.
  • If your pet lives outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the midday sun and heat. Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in a shaded area. There should always be some shade for the pet to get out of the sun.
  • Also, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available to your pet. The bowl should be placed in a shaded area where it cannot be heated by the sun.
  • Exercise is important, but overexertion during hot weather commonly causes heat stress. Avoid excessive exercise during hot days.
  • And, keep your pet well-groomed. Long hair and hair mats may need to be clipped to help cool the animal.

Source: Sand Road Animal Hospital

Purina Wind and Rain Sheep & Goat Mineral

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

wind and rain goat mineralPurina Wind and Rain Sheep & Goat Mineral has been added to the shelves at the Main Store! To learn more about Wind and Rain for goats click here.  For sheep, click here.

Purina Wind and Rain Sheep & Goat mineral is designed to address the vitamin and mineral deficiencies in forage, providing a comprehensive solution for small ruminant nutrition that drives productivity and helps producers better meet their goals. The patented manufacturing process and unique formulation offers several key “abilities” that contribute to the bottom line for every operation.

Features and Benefits

1. Weatherability:

One of the standout features of Wind and Rain minerals is the weather-resistant formulation. The exclusive Storm® technology ensures that the minerals resist water absorption and prevent clumping, even in wet conditions. This means that the minerals remain palatable and bioavailable, reducing waste and promoting more consistent intake.

2. Bioavailability:

Wind & Rain minerals contain a balanced ratio of 14 essential minerals, including Zinpro® Availa® amino acid complex trace minerals including zinc, manganese, and copper (in goat formulas only) which are critical for growth, immune support, and reproductive performance. The focus at Purina® is to make sure that the vitamins and minerals in Wind & Rain® products are research-proven ingredients that are of the highest quality to ensure that they are not just consumed by the animal, but that they are absorbed and utilized for maximum benefit.

3. Palatability:

It’s all about target intake levels. If you put a mineral out and your sheep or goats won’t eat it, you are compromising the genetic potential of that animal. At the same time, if the mineral tastes like candy, they will overconsume it, leading to a thinner pocketbook. When you’re evaluating your mineral options, ask for palatability research and look for studies that show mineral consumption at target intake levels. The coarse texture and high-quality ingredients used in Wind & Rain® minerals ensure that sheep and goats find them palatable enough to meet their needs, but not so palatable that they become wasteful.

4. Reliability:

Consistent intake and weather-resistant properties of Wind & Rain minerals mean that less product is wasted due to weather conditions. This makes them more economical to feed compared to conventional loose minerals, solidifying your return on investment year after year.

wind and rain sheep mineral

Preparing Your Pond for Summer

Sunday, June 15th, 2025

Pond CarePreparing Your Pond for Summer: Summer brings warmth, sunshine, and longer days, making it the perfect season to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your backyard pond. Whether you’re a seasoned pond owner or new to the aquatic scene, preparing your pond for summer is crucial to ensure a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. We’ve got a full list of tips and best practices to help you maintain a thriving pond throughout the summer months.

1. Spring Cleaning

Before the heat fully sets in, give your pond a thorough spring cleaning. Remove any debris, such as fallen leaves, twigs, and dead plants, that accumulated over the fall and winter months. This not only prevents decay, which can deplete oxygen levels and release harmful gasses, but also discourages the growth of algae.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Pond net
  • Pond vacuum or siphon
  • Garden gloves

2. Water Quality Check

The quality of your pond water is the foundation of a healthy aquatic environment. Test your water for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels using a pond test kit available at our store.. Adjust as necessary to ensure optimal conditions for fish and plant life.

Ideal Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.5 – 8.2
  • Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm

3. Filter and Pump Maintenance

Your pond’s filter and pump are essential for maintaining clean and clear water. Before summer begins, inspect these systems for any signs of wear or damage and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the pump is functioning efficiently and that the filter media is clean to promote optimal water circulation and filtration.

4. Aquatic Plant Care

Aquatic plants not only add beauty to your pond but also play a critical role in its ecosystem by providing oxygen and natural filtration. Trim back dead or overgrown foliage and repot plants if necessary. Consider adding more plants to provide shade, which can help control algae growth and keep water temperatures cooler.

Plant Suggestions:

  • Water lilies
  • Water hyacinths
  • Water lettuce

5. Algae Control

Algae can quickly take over a pond in the summer, fueled by sunlight and excess nutrients. While some algae are normal and beneficial, too much can deplete oxygen and harm fish. Implement natural algae control methods such as adding more aquatic plants, using barley straw, or introducing algae-eating fish like plecostomus or tilapia.

6. Fish Health

Check on your pond fish regularly to ensure they are healthy and happy. Summer is an active time for fish, so adjust their feeding accordingly. However, be cautious not to overfeed, as uneaten food can decay and contribute to poor water quality.

Feeding Tips:

  • Feed fish once a day, no more than they can consume in five minutes.
  • Use high-quality, season-specific fish food.

7. Aeration

Aeration is vital during the summer months to maintain oxygen levels, especially during heatwaves. Consider installing an aeration system or fountain to keep the water moving and oxygenated. This will also create a beautiful focal point in your pond.

8. Protect Against Predators

With the arrival of warmer weather, predators such as herons and raccoons may take an interest in your pond. Protect your fish by installing netting or a pond guard and creating hiding spots with rocks or pond plants.

9. Enjoy Your Pond

Once you’ve completed the necessary maintenance, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Take time to relax by your pond, and take it all in. A well-maintained pond is sure to be a source of peace and joy throughout the summer.

Preparing your pond for summer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure a healthy, vibrant pond that will thrive all season long. Your backyard pond is not just a body of water—it’s a living ecosystem that, with a little care and attention, can bring beauty and serenity to your outdoor space.

Kissimmee Valley Feed has pond supplies in stock!

 

Come Rain or Shine: Altosid IGR Field Study

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Purina's Wind and Rain with Altosid IGRCome Rain or Shine: Altosid IGR Field Study – Much like the weather, fly populations can be a bit unpredictable during certain times of year. That’s often been the case with horn flies on pasture cattle. Populations have been known to rise after heavy rainfall events. This has created some mild concerns as producers question whether their feed-through fly control products are working effectively. To learn more, Purina sent a team into the field to see the effect heavy rainfall has on Altosid IGR.

After conducting a study on various regions throughout the country, their team of experts came back with the same conclusion: heavy rainfall events can lead to a brief spike in horn fly numbers among cattle being treated with Altosid IGR. Yet all fly populations in the study returned to their normal levels of control within 1-2 weeks.

This information alone can be comforting. However, we wanted to provide treatment tips to help producers plan for and address these population spikes. Following these recommendations can work as an insurance against rising fly populations after heavy rainfall events.

Fly Control Tips:

  • Monitor your local weather forecast to better predict when to begin treatments for each season.
  • If you are already feeding Altosid IGR and notice fly populations exceeding the economic threshold following a rainfall event, knockdown adult fly populations with a spray such as Prolate/Lintox HD Insecticidal Spray and Backrubber from Starbar® Products.
  • Continue feeding Altosid IGR! The product is still working to provide effective horn fly control, and should limit populations to their expected levels within a few weeks of the rain.
  • Remember to feed Altosid IGR all the way through the season and 30 days after the last frost. This helps producers account for the unpredictability of the seasons and help limit the overwintering flies that will jumpstart the population the following spring.

Altosid IGR delivers effective horn fly control that producers have relied upon for nearly 50 years. While heavy rainfall may produce a brief uptick in horn fly numbers, producers that weather the storm and continue feeding Altosid IGR can help keep their cattle healthy and profitable all season long.

We offer Purina’s Wind & Rain Storm Fly Minerals, which are designed to reduce fly populations. Check out Kissimmee Feed’s Cattle Supplies here. Flies cause significant discomfort for cattle. As part of an integrated fly control program, Purina’s Wind and Rain with Altosid (MTH), helps restore cattle comfort while reducing factors that cause poor performance, and decreased grazing time. 225 lbs.

Article Source: Central Life Sciences.

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Owner: Stan Touchstone
1501 Eastern AveSaint Cloud, FL 34769
Phone: 407-957-4100
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2nd Store
215 13th Street St. Cloud, FL 34769

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Phone: 407-892-4040
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Sun Closed