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Farm & Ranch

I’m Back in the Barrell

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By Judy Wade

A certain rodeo saying may sound like a strange answer to, “What are you doing now?” until you realize the answer is from Brandon Dunn, rodeo barrel man. “Back in the barrel” simply means he is the guy in a loud shirt, baggy pants, make-up, and a funny hat who is standing in a padded barrel when the bull riding begins. His job is to help the bullfighters protect the bull riders when their eight-second ride is over, or they buck off.

Born in Stillwater, Okla., while his dad was attending Oklahoma State University, Dunn grew up in Petrolia, graduating in 1992. He was raised in a rodeo family. His mother, Jackie, was a barrel racer, and his dad, Chuck, dogged steers.

However, the family history in rodeo goes back much farther. Chuck’s brother was the famous Rex Dunn, who introduced the black Mexican fighting bulls to America. Americans loved the new sport. Rex put on bullfights all over the country, and even built an arena north of Waurika, Okla., to practice and put on freestyle bullfights.

To read more pick up a copy of NTFR magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

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Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

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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.

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Farm & Ranch

Ag Elsewhere: Wyoming

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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.

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Farm & Ranch

Ag Elsewhere: Montana

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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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