Farm Welding: Starting a New Project
Welding Supplies From IOC
If you’re a farmer, you know you’re the only one keeping the place from falling apart—literally. A basic knowledge of welding is becoming essential to the day-to-day life of a farmer. In fact, a lot of self-taught welders learned just so they could use their skills on the family farm, repairing damage to machines and metal fixtures, whether the damage came from weather or just long-term use.
But when you’re welding on the farm, you’ve got to make decisions on what needs repairing and how and when to do it. Because it’s not a factory line—everything breaks down at different times, and no two fixtures are completely alike. Whether you’re repairing or hardfacing, ask yourself these questions when you’re ready to start a project and you’re figuring out which welding process is best to use.
What’s the type and thickness of the metal you’re welding?
Certain machines should only be used on certain metals, and there’s plenty of different metals on a farm. Stick can only weld steel and stainless steel, while MIG can also do aluminum, and TIG can do all weldable metals. Stick can weld 1/8” and up, MIG can weld 24 gauge and up, and TIG can weld as small as 22 gauge and up. Long story short, are you welding a thin steel band, or are you fixing a broken, rusted iron hinge?
How fast do you need the repair, and how strong should it be?
Be aware that TIG welding is very slow and difficult to master, but makes a high-quality weld. Stick is not as slow (medium difficulty), and MIG is very fast (easy to learn, and decent quality). You may not have time to do a masterpiece weld on that gate, or else the cows never will come home. Or, you may decide to do a really solid weld on that silo so you don’t have to fix it any time soon. Being flexible is what farming is all about.
Where do you need to make the repair?
Are you welding something you can drag back with you, or are you making a house call to that baler stuck in the field? Some machines are more portable than others. Even if a repair has to be made on the roof, a small Stick welder can still operate on a really long extension cord. Even larger machines can be portable. If you have a welder/generator like the Bobcat or the Ranger, they’re great for fieldwork. Some people put one on the back of a pickup truck because it supplies its own power and then some, enough to power other tools.
What’s the cost of the different machines?
When it comes down to it, cost has the final say for a lot of farmers. Because a Stick machine costs the least upfront, many people decide to invest in that, leaving the more expensive MIG and the most expensive TIG for another day. But TIG and Stick actually have the highest operating costs, while MIG’s is pretty low. Operating cost seems like a problem for future you, but let’s face it—if you’re a farmer, odds are, you’re in it for the long run.
About ready to choose the process for your next project? For most people, MIG takes the least time to learn how to operate while also producing fairly clean welds. It can weld thin or thick metal, and works efficiently to reduce wasted wire. Its purchasing cost is in the middle price range and it has the lowest operating cost. But whichever machine you choose for your farm, you can find it here on our website.
Beat the Heat: How to Support Your Horse in the Summer Heat
Standlee Forage
We’re in the full throes of summer, and the days are hot. But while you may remember to drink more water or apply sunscreen, it isn’t as easy to know what our equine friends need to stay healthy during these long summer months. Here are a few tips that should help you stay on top of your summer horse routine.
Water, Lots of Water!
Since horses are so much bigger than we are, they require a lot more H2O. An average, 1,100-pound horse consumes four to nine gallons of water in a normal day. In the summer months—depending on your horse’s activity level, health, and food—this water need could double! Make sure your horse has as much as he or she needs by changing the water every day—even if you have an automatic pump. If you’re traveling and your horse is reluctant to drink, try getting him or her used to a flavoring agent (such as a capful of honey) so that your horse will recognize the new water.
Low Protein, High Fat
Digesting protein generates more metabolic heat compared to regular digestion as it is harder to convert to energy. Conversely, fat produces less metabolic heat and is digested more efficiently. Consider gradually altering your horse’s diet for the summer months so that he or she can stay cool, reducing water and caloric needs.
Electrolytes
Just like humans, horses sweat out plenty of their bodies’ electrolytes, which are electrically-charged mineral salts that are integral to nerve and muscle function. But during the summer months, sometimes your horse can’t replenish electrolytes as fast as he or she sweats them out. At the very least, make sure your horse has access to salt in addition to his or her regular diet and water intake. You can also purchase supplementary electrolytes to put in your horse’s feed.
Stay Cool, In the Shade
It can be difficult to find shade when you’re a horse stuck in a paddock. Avoid scheduling rides during the heat of the day, as your horse can overheat quickly because his or her coat hinders sweat from evaporating. Try to only take your horse out during the cool of the morning or evening. Also, make sure your horse is able to escape to a shaded area (they usually prefer a shady tree, but a barn is great too). At the end of each day, rinse off your horse so his or her sweat won’t attract flies.
Standlee Forage products are ideal for making sure your horse has the adequate nutritional balance he or she needs to stay healthy during the summer. Check out these forage options to keep your horse cool.
Top 25 Reptile & Amphibian Blogs
Bel-Rea Institute
These animals may be ectothermic, but they aren’t cold-blooded. Reptiles and amphibians can be just as lovable as any other animal, from the cute way they stretch out in the sun to how they playfully coil, hop, or crawl around your fingers. Although these mini-dinosaurs are often misunderstood, many of our students at Bel-Rea are making strides in appreciating our sun-loving friends. And they’re not alone. Photographers, researchers, and enthusiasts around the world have dedicated their lives to the care and study of these incredible creatures. That’s why we’re proud to showcase Bel-Rea’s Top 25 Reptile & Amphibian Blogs.
The Painted Reptile (https://www.paintedreptile.com/blog): You’ll want to check out how this team of writers addresses the issues every reptile owner will end up facing at one point or another.
Pretzel the Hognose (http://pretzel-the-hognose.tumblr.com/): Want a western hognose? See what it’s like to be a first-time reptile owner in this fun Tumblr blog.
Backwater Reptiles Blog (http://backwaterreptilesblog.com/): Experienced reptile-owners offer the knowledge and pets you need—and donate a portion of their proceeds toward protecting the Madagascan forests where many indigenous and rare reptiles live.
Cuteness Pet Blog (https://www.cuteness.com/blog/reptiles/): Reptiles can be cute too. Here you can learn about the potential of having a reptile as a pet.
Reptile Talk (http://www.reptiletalk.net/blog/): This blog collects interesting information and news about reptiles and amphibians across the world, making it an excellent news hub for all things herpetology.
The Wandering Herpetologist (http://www.wanderingherpetologist.com/): This multi-authored blog chronicles hands-on experience with reptiles and amphibians in the wild, from California to the UK.
Life Is Short, But Snakes Are Long (http://snakesarelong.blogspot.com/): PhD student at Utah State University indulges his interests by writing about snake ecology—while also changing others’ perception of snakes through education.
Dancing Snake Nature Photography (http://dancingsnakenaturephotography.com/category/reptiles-and-amphibians/): Happiest behind a camera, this photographer specializes in desert, wildlife, and nature.
The European Reptile and Amphibian Blog (https://mwilsonherps.wordpress.com/): With a passion for world travel, this English blogger lets his exotic photographs do most of the talking.
Serpent Research (http://squamates.blogspot.com/): Former biology and anatomy/physiology professor shares his wealth of knowledge of herpetological history with an emphasis on snakes.
Living Alongside Wildlife (http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/): “Don’t hate, educate.” Wildlife ecologist and assistant research professor encourages an appreciation for wildlife that tend to have a bad reputation, addressing common fears and myths.
Advocates for Snake Preservation (http://www.snakes.ngo/news/): This blogging duo promotes compassionate conservation and coexistence with snakes by sharing news and dispelling myths.
The Traveling Taxonomist (http://markscherz.tumblr.com/): Running a light-hearted Tumblr blog, Mark addresses anonymous questions and studies the reptiles and amphibians of Madagascar. Occasionally he bakes.
The Croc and Gator Blog (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/News/croc-blog-may-15.cfm): Join in the discovery of a zoo worker as she documents the life and times of crocodilians in her care.
Reptile Zoo Blog (http://blog.thereptilezoo.com/): Less and less people in urban environments ever get to see wildlife. This blog shows how reptiles and amphibians can bring joy to people of all ages.
Frog Blog Manchester (https://frogblogmanchester.com/): This conservationist at the Manchester Museum in England shares compelling events and stories about amphibians all over the world.
Creepies and Crawlies (http://eublepharis-nerdularius.tumblr.com/): Photography, pop culture, and general hilarity come together in this blog to promote a love of reptiles.
Save the Salamanders (http://www.savethesalamanders.com/blog/): Join in the rise of this new blog—a full-time salamander advocate has a lot to say about the importance of these amphibians to our every day life.
Amphibian Survival Alliance (http://www.amphibians.org/news): Armed with the experience and knowledge of a global alliance, this blog both inspires and keeps you informed on news related to reptiles and amphibians.
Herpetology Blog (https://biodiversity.ku.edu/herpetology/blog): The University of Kansas’s Biodiversity Institute brings a rich history of studying herpetology to the table as it shares the findings and triumphs of students and professors alike.
The Herpetology of Trinidad and Tobago (http://herpetologytt.blogspot.com/): This academic blog gives you all the Latin names and scientific jargon you need to understand the diverse reptiles and amphibians in Trinidad and Tobago.
Field Notes by Bryan D. Hughes (http://fieldherper.com/): A blend of humor and seriousness help this Herper withstand the Arizona sunburns as he researches and relocates reptiles and amphibians.
Strike, Rattle, and Roll (http://strikerattleroll.blogspot.com/): This seasoned blogger shares a little bit of everything, from the predator-prey relationship between rattlesnakes and ground squirrels in California to why earthworms are important.
Dooferette Herpetology (http://www.dooferetteherpetology.com/blog/): This Brazil-born Londoner presents her “Herp of the Week” and honestly faces the issues of the day.
The Venom Interviews (http://thevenominterviews.com/blog/): Focusing on venomous snakes, this new blog stems from the recent documentary The Venom Interviews.
