Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned.

Horse ownership can be very exciting and rewarding. The primary reasons for horse ownership are companionship, recreation and relaxation, says LSU AgCenter animal science professor Dr. Clint Depew.

The Livestock Indemnity Program was a new, permanent disaster payment program created in the 2008 Farm Bill. The rules for this program have recently been published,and this document informs producers and other interested parties on how to determine if they are eligible for the program.

This fact sheet provides a brief overview of some good stewardship practices for horse owners and how they manage their manure. It focuses on three techniques for managing horse manure and bedding: direct application of manure, fertilizer nitrogen enhancement, composting

Composting is the acceleration of a natural biological process that converts organic matter into a stable humus-like material. This process is a great way to convert horse manure into a more desirable product. Composting produces a material that can be used as a low-grade fertilizer, mulch for reducing weed infestation, and soil amendment for retaining soil moisture.

Louisiana horse owners can reduce the impact of their facilities on local waterways and groundwater by adopting management practices that minimize the potential for non-point source water pollution.

Horses are important for companionship, sport, work, pleasure, education, and therapy. To be good stewards of the land, however, horse farmers should manage their farms in a way to minimize the potential for negatively impacting the environment with horse manure

The horse production areas of primary importance are growth, reproduction, lactation and work.

Horses and pastures seem to go together. Pastures provide exercise and a low-cost feed source, but unless productive, they provide only exercise. To achieve both goals, however, they must have a good start. This factsheet will go over some steps that will help.

The “Master Horseman Minute” is a series of tips and educational demonstrations developed for continuing education of Master Horseman graduates of the LSU AgCenter Horse Leader development program. Additional segments are planned as the need arises. It is hoped that this program will be a dynamic means of providing video instruction to horsemen of all ages and disciplines. For more information contact: Howard J. Cormier, Southwest Region Equine Agent, hcormier@agcenter.lsu.edu.