Farm & Ranch

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch…

Published

3 years ago

December 13, 2020

NTFR

By Rayford Pullen

‘Tis the season to open our hearts and homes for those we love as we inch closer to the beginning of a new year. We have all experienced new firsts this past year but despite all of that which has taken its toll on our lives and livelihood, we will continue to be good stewards of the land and livestock because that is where our hearts are and will continue to be in the years ahead of us despite the enigma. So here’s to turning the page and closing the book on 2020 as we traditionally cast a net towards better times to come.
Back to cattle, their management and care. Winter has arrived for most of us along with shorter day length, colder temperatures and the arrival of new calves.

We have calved out heifers for many years, and with the exception of the extra challenges brought on by wet-cold weather, we have been able to keep our losses to a minimum, but not without planning and to some degree luck.

To read more pick up a copy of the December 2020 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

3 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.