Farm & Ranch

Clydesdale: Gentle Giants

Published

9 years ago

December 8, 2014

NTFR

By Jessica Crabtree, [email protected]
When the draft horse is referred to as “a gentle giant,” they are just that. Perhaps the most recognizable of that breed is the Clydesdale. More than 300 years ago the heavy draft horse was developed in and received its name from where it was founded, Scotland. The Clydesdale was originally bred to meet agricultural needs. It is said that its breed was evolved by farmers of Lanarkshire, through which the river Clyde flows. The old name for Lanarkshire is Clydesdale. As the popularity of the Clydesdales grew, their breed was known for their ability to pull heavy loads and over time spread though Scotland and into parts of England. Today the breed is the only one found in Scotland and New Zealand and is popular in Australia, Canada and the United States.
Budweiser is known for its iconic symbol seen around the world, the Clydesdale. The first appearance of the Budweiser Clydesdale happened April 7, 1933. As a gift to their father, August A. Bush, Jr. and Adolphus Bush presented the two six-horse hitches of champion Clydesdales to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. Since then the Clydesdale has been known for its size, majestic nature and luxurious feathered feet.
To read more pick up the December 2014 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

5 days ago

April 21, 2024

NTFR

By Barry Whitworth, DVM

Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.

Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.

The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.

To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.