By Ruth Higdon Yaks have been used as beasts of burden for thousands of years in Asia. They have been bred over this time period to carry loads over high mountainous terrain without roads or bridges. The unique physiology of this amazing animal allows it to survive in this harsh environment. Their hooves and leg… Continue reading Trekking: Let Yaks Carry the Gear
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Trekking in Alaska
By: Ruth Higdon Between 2002-2010, I helped organized and lead yak supported treks in the Talkeetna mountains in Alaska. On our first exploratory trek I was afraid all our yaks would run away, be attacked by grizzlies or just lie down and mutiny. They were rock stars. They carried the loads, crossed streams and stayed… Continue reading Trekking in Alaska
Trekking in Nepal with USYAKS
USYAKS is sponsoring a trek to the Khumbu region of Nepal. We will visit the Sherpa yak herders that live in the region of Mount Everest and learn from the people who have worked with yaks for hundreds of years. The trip will launch in the first part of November and will promise to be… Continue reading Trekking in Nepal with USYAKS
Why Eat Yak Meat?
Here Are Seven Reasons: A more sustainable alternative to beef: ”They only eat about a third of what a cow eats and can forage for food without damaging the environment,” Tom Worrell, owner of New Mexico’s Latir Ranch, told The New York Times’ Melissa Clark in 2003. Healthier to eat than skinless chicken and most… Continue reading Why Eat Yak Meat?
Now is the Time to Prepare for Spring Fiber Collection
Now that we are into February and the days are getting longer, it’s time to start preparing for fiber collecting. Some of you may be thinking that it is WAY too early to be thinking about this. Well, here in SW Ohio, combing usually starts mid to late March, sometimes even earlier, so getting all of… Continue reading Now is the Time to Prepare for Spring Fiber Collection
Fiber: Frequently Asked Questions and Information
Q: How is fiber collected? A: Yak fiber is collected by combing in the spring when shedding begins. This is typically done with a de-shedding comb or rake used for long haired dogs. Combing is time consuming and may be done every couple of weeks until shedding is over. Yaks vary somewhat, just like humans,… Continue reading Fiber: Frequently Asked Questions and Information
Yak Fiber Study
by Kat TyleeLittle Hawk Yarns Yak Study After having the opportunity to judge yak fiber at the National Western Stock Show in 2020, I went searching for definitive information about yak fiber characteristics. There was little to be found, other than a few articles stating that yak down fiber runs between 15-19 microns and often… Continue reading Yak Fiber Study
Selecting a Working Chute
Tim Hardy, Hay Springs Yaks Sooner or later you’ll want a working chute for your yaks. You will probably want to vaccinate; you may want to comb your yaks for fiber at a time when your yaks prefer another activity. You may need to put a newborn calf under its confused first-time mother, or perhaps… Continue reading Selecting a Working Chute
Let The Sun Heat Your Stock Tank
By: Grant Pound, Snowcliff Ranch. Water is always the limiting factor here in the west. Access to water determines where I put my fences and defines my pastures. In the winter, it’s even tougher. The ditch is dry and the creek is often frozen. I have places I would like to put yaks, but water… Continue reading Let The Sun Heat Your Stock Tank
Calculating Fertilizer Value of Supplemental Feed for Cattle on Pasture
John A. Lory Division of Plant Sciences Commercial Agriculture Program K.C. Olson Division of Animal Sciences Commercial Agriculture Program Chris Zumbrunnen Livestock Specialist Click below to read the original article: