Find Out The Secret Ingredient Keeping Our Farm Pest-Free!

Summer is here, and with it comes the never-ending battle against pests. We’ve got this whole fly management thing covered with some tried-and-true tips and a fabulous DIY fly repellent recipe that you can whip up at home for your own livestock or pets.

We find that fly tags work great for our beef cattle, but our dairy cows get the royal treatment with our homemade fly spray. With a mix of practicality and a dash of homemade goodness, we keep our cows comfortable and content all summer long!

DIY Fly Repellent Recipe

We make fly repellent from pantry staples and a bit of essential oil magic! Here’s our secret sauce:

• 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup Mineral oil (acts as a binder)
• A mix of essential oils (¼ to ½ teaspoon each): Lemongrass, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Orange, and Clove
• 2 tablespoons Dish soap
• 5 cups Water

Mix all these ingredients together, then dilute one part of this concentrate with five parts water in a spray bottle. This concoction lasts us about a week for our herd of about 25 cows, and works wonders when sprayed once a day during milking.

Pest Management Transparency

Here at CT Ranch, we believe in being transparent about how we manage pests and care for our animals. Here’s a peek into our practices:

Vaccination Practices: We don’t vaccinate our cattle yearly. We will NEVER use mRNA vaccines. For brucellosis (a very real and very serious illness among cows,) we administer the BANGS vaccine to our dairy calves only once between 6-12 months of age. Our beef cattle are not vaccinated at all. By the time our dairy cows start producing milk (around 2 years old), a significant period has elapsed since their one and only vaccination.

Spring De-worming: We give our cows ivermectin when the grass is fresh and critters are abundant. In fall, we switch to pumpkins – their seeds are a fantastic natural dewormer.

Pig Perfection: Our pigs are all-natural, thriving without any need for deworming treatments.

Diatomaceous Earth: An Ancient Natural Wonder for Every Animal

Diatomaceous Earth is truly a marvel, dating back millions of years. It is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. This naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock crumbles into a fine white powder that is packed with health benefits for our farm animals. And it plays an important role in their health and well-being.

Cows: Our dairy cows are 90% Grass-Fed, but we also supplement with some NON-GMO corn-free and soy-free feed, courtesy of a local Texas family mill. This feed is enriched with diatomaceous earth, ensuring our cows are naturally protected against pests while getting top-notch nutrition. The mill delivers fresh, custom-mixed feed to us within two days of milling, keeping it as fresh as possible. Our beef cattle are 100% grass-fed and finished and do not receive any diatomaceous earth, they are au’ naturel!

Chickens: Our chickens love a good dust bath, and we make sure their bath area is well-stocked with diatomaceous earth. This keeps their feathers clean and free from pesky mites and lice, promoting their overall health and happiness.

Pigs: While our pigs are mostly left to their natural devices, they too benefit from the addition of diatomaceous earth in their feed. It helps in keeping their digestive systems healthy and minimizes the risk of any pest-related issues.

Nearly all animals at CT Ranch, from chicks to dairy cows, receive a diet supplemented with diatomaceous earth. This not only enhances their overall health but also provides a natural barrier against pests, ensuring a healthier and happier life for all our beloved animals.

By incorporating diatomaceous earth into our feeding routines, we harness nature's power to maintain a clean, pest-free environment across the farm.

And there you have it, folks – a glimpse into how we keep CT Ranch running smoothly and our animals thriving. We hope this newsletter not only informs but also makes you smile. Remember, a happy cow makes for happy milk, and a little humor goes a long way in farming life!

Stay cool, stay pest-free, and as always, stay connected with CT Ranch.