Farm & Ranch
Ag Elsewhere: California — Cowabunga Cowgirl
By Lainey Smith
My first day of classes at Tarleton State University, professors in every class asked students to introduce themselves and where they’re from. Inevitably, my introduction would be met with the typical questions.
“Do you live near Disneyland?”
“Do you surf?”
“Do you even know anything about agriculture?”
You guessed it. I was born and raised in California and the obvious stereotypes did not surprise me when I decided to move to the great state of Texas. Texas is the epitome of farming and ranching. Yes, while California is known for Disneyland, Hollywood, beaches, and movie stars, it is also known as the Bread Basket of the World!
Because of fertile soil, mild climate, and (usually) plenty of spring rains, California grows over 450 different crops, many of which are exclusively grown in the Golden State. We are the nation’s leading producer of processed tomatoes (94 percent of production), wine, (90 percent), strawberries (83 percent), olives (80 percent), and is currently ranked No. 1 in dairy (though Wisconsin always gives us a run for our money).
To read more pick up a copy of the July 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Farm & Ranch
Hazards of Backyard Poultry
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.
Farm & Ranch
Ag Elsewhere: Wyoming
By Tressa Lawrence
Babies are tucked away in every nook and cranny. Many ranchers across Wyoming have baby animals popping up all over this time of year.
Farm & Ranch
Ag Elsewhere: Montana
By Lindsey Monk
Another load of grain in to keep feeding the calves until the green grass can really start popping.
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