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The Big Deal About Bass
By Russell A. Graves
In mythology, it is said that Helen of Troy was the face that launched 1,000 ships. In reality, however, it is the face of the largemouth that’s launched millions of bass boats.
There’s no mistaking it: largemouth bass are the nation’s most popular game fish. At the heart of a multi-billion dollar freshwater fishing industry, largemouth bass are the ultimate prize. More dollars are spent on managing the fish, chasing the fish, and dreaming about the fish than any other species in the United States. Second place isn’t even close.
According to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, over 160 million days are spent bass fishing each year. Crappie (a distant, second place rival) accounts for about 95 million fishing days. That intense interest in a game species puts the largemouth on par with other game animals.
“In Texas, the appeal of largemouth bass to freshwater anglers is what the white-tailed deer is to our hunters,” says Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Professor and Extension Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist for Texas Agrilife. “In our private waters, the largemouth bass is the apex predator sitting atop the aquatic food chain. Its appeal is evident to many anglers whether they fish with heavy tackle, ultralights or flyfishing gear, from the bank, wade fishing or via kayak or boat.”
What’s the fuss?
“Largemouth bass are a big deal south of the Mason-Dixon Line because they are considered the ‘bully of the waterways,’” says Bob Lusk, renowned fish biologist and private water consultant from Whitesboro, Texas. “They are a big deal because, where they thrive, they are usually the top end predator. Anglers love to do battle with a largemouth bass because they know when they tie into one, there will be a fight. It will be a fight between a man and a beast, in the beast’s environment.”
Each cast thrown is one that’s shrouded in a bit of mystery. When a lure plunks in the water, it may be just the cast that brings a big one from the deep. Until you get it landed, you’re really not sure how big it is.
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To read more pick up a copy of the May 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
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Farm and Ranch Injuries
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
In January, I attended the Oklahoma Veterinary Conference. While waiting for one of the sessions to start, a classmate of mine commented how many of the attendees walk with a limp, used a cane, and/or have damaged hands. We all agreed that working with animals is hard on the body. In general, anything associated with farming and ranching is dangerous.
Most farmers and ranchers know that agriculture is a dangerous occupation. According to United States Bureau of Statistics, workers involved in agriculture, forestry, and fishing had the highest occupational fatality rate in 2022. The fatality rate of 23.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers for this group is much higher when compared to the overall occupation fatality rate of 3.7 per 100,000 FTE. Most of the agriculture-related fatalities are associated with transportation, such as tractor overturns, and vehicle crashes, but a fair number involve livestock.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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Jesses Jewelz
By Jesse Kader
Comfy and keep it western. That’s the name of the game this month. It’s hot and who wants clingy clothing? This jumpsuit is perfectly comfortable and relaxed without forfeiting the fashion. Dress it up or keep it casual. See this and more at www.jessesjewelz.com.
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Noble Research Institute Expands New Program Offering Farmers and Ranchers the Essentials of Regenerative Ranch Management
The educational program has been expanded to three new locations, empowering ranchers and farmers to monitor and improve the health of their land, livestock and livelihood through regenerative principles.
ARDMORE, OK–September 12, 2023 – Noble Research Institute announced the expansion of Essentials of Regenerative Ranching, a new educational program designed to help ranchers enhance and restore the land, making it more resilient and reaching livestock grazing goals through regenerative management. Essentials of Regenerative Ranching provides producers with practical tools, hands-on experience and guidance to make data-driven decisions to decrease costs and improve profit.
The Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course has been expanded to three new locations in Texas and Oklahoma. Registration is open now at www.noble.org/essentials. Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
October 17 – 18
O.D. Butler, Jr. Animal Science Complex
Noble Research Institute
Ardmore, Oklahoma
October 31 – November 1
Pavilion Center
Texas A&M
Kingsville, Texas
November 7-8
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center
“Program participants gain working knowledge and experience of monitoring and improving the health of their soil, grazing livestock more strategically and making informed financial decisions,” said Hugh Aljoe, Noble Research Institute’s director of ranches, outreach and partnerships. “We use a mix of classroom and field work to send producers home with the tools they need to begin making changes on their ranch.”
Farmers and ranchers navigate uncertainty from weather, fluctuating market prices and escalating costs of inputs. Many producers are seeking new tools that offer greater control and reduce their operational uncertainty. Through this course, ranchers and farmers will calculate their financial situations, determine initial stocking rates, carrying capacity and grazing goals.
“The course is well-suited for ranchers of all experience levels and all types and sizes of operations,” Aljoe added. “No matter your situation, this program will transform the way you think about your ranch.”
The Essentials of Regenerative Ranching program allows producers to overcome obstacles, become more informed problem-solvers and increase the productivity of their grazing lands. By participating in this program, ranchers join a community of like-minded producers who are shaping the future of ranching and leaving a lasting impact on their land and families. “If I had known what I learned in this course when I started my regenerative journey, I could have avoided some key mistakes,” said Tana McCarter, a rancher, and Essentials attendee. “I left with the tools I needed to monitor my soil health and financial progress. I’ll now have the right data to make informed decisions on how to meet my regenerative goals.”
Noble Research Institute is an independent nonprofit agricultural research organization dedicated to guiding farmers and ranchers in applying regenerative principles that yield healthier soil, more productive grazing land, and business success.
At Noble, researchers, facilitators and ranch staff work together to share with farmers and ranchers the skills and tools to regenerate the land in a profitable manner. Noble is focused on the regenerative management of the nation’s grazing acres, which directly impacts pasture and range environments, wildlife, pecan production, and livestock production. Regenerative management recognizes that each decision made on the ranch impacts the interactions of the soil, plants, water, animals, economics and people. Noble’s 14,000 acres of working ranch lands provide a living laboratory on which to demonstrate and practice regenerative principles and ideas to deliver value to farmers and ranchers across the U.S.
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