Connect with us

HOME

Cattle raisers convention discusses market outlook, water and border security

Published

on

By: Blair Fannin

Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, [email protected]

FORT WORTH – Water, drought, border security and the cattle market outlook were pertinent issues discussed at the 2015 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention held recently at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The three-day convention attended by 3,500 producers featured cattle handling demonstrations and presentations from industry leaders on a variety of issues.

Overall, Texas cattle producers continue to slowly rebuild herds as parts of the state continue to deal with drought conditions.

“I don’t think anybody is wholesale going out and buying bunches of cows and restocking,” said Dr. Joe Paschal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist, Corpus Christi. Paschal gave a live demonstration on the function of a cow’s rumen during opening-day activities.

“What we’re seeing is when people normally in the past hold back 10 to 15 percent females as replacements, they are (now) holding back maybe 20 or 25 percent or they are going to buy some replacement females to fit that sort of bill,” Paschal said. “A guy that has 100 cows that is holding back 15 heifers… it doesn’t take long for that steady, slow incremental process to get us back (to larger inventory levels).”

However, Paschal said drought and high cattle prices have put a lot of producers in a dilemma of either choosing whether to sell out amid high prices and buy back later when cow costs come down in price.

“We are a long ways from getting back to where we were,” he said. “To be honest, I don’t think some folks are going to come back. As I look across the country, the big guys will come back and some of the smaller guys may not.”

Paschal advised producers to use AgriLife Extension spreadsheets and advice from the agency’s livestock economists to choose which options are best.

(Click to listen to audio file)

“We have enough AgriLife Extension spreadsheets and livestock economists who can help you as to what it is going to cost you, and can I (you) pay x amount of dollars for these cows to keep her around four to six years and still have a positive net return. It is very important to go through that process. It is pretty easy to fall in love with a cow as she runs through the ring or standing out there in the pasture and being a hold for three or five years.”

Mexico’s former President Vicente Fox was the keynote speaker, and Sylvia Longmire, author of Border Insecurity, was also a featured speaker at the convention.

Susan Combs, who served terms as Texas state comptroller and agriculture commissioner, was named honorary vice president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Re-elected to their officer positions were President Pete Bonds, Saginaw, Executive Vice President Eldon White, Fort Worth, First Vice President Richard Thorpe, Winters, and Second Vice President Robert McKnight, Fort Davis.

-30-

Continue Reading

HOME

Being A Woman In The Outdoor Industry

Published

on

By

By Emily Gleason

The outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries have long been perceived traditionally as a male-dominated realm. However, as societal norms shift, the experiences of women in these industries have been increasingly coming to the forefront. Being a woman in the outdoor industry today is a complex blend of passion, perseverance, and community, marked by both challenges and triumphs.

Women who hunt or engage in outdoor activities frequently find themselves confronting preconceived notions about their capabilities and interests. Many of us have experienced skepticism or outright disbelief when we express our enthusiasm for hunting or other outdoor activities.

Despite these stereotypes, women are increasingly challenging and redefining what it means to be involved in these activities. Female hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are not only participating but excelling in such skills. They contribute unique perspectives and insights to the hunting community, showcasing that passion for the outdoors knows no gender.

To read more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

Continue Reading

HOME

Winecup

Published

on

By

By Norman Winter

It’s easy for us to take for granted the multiple forbs that are growing throughout our North Texas and Oklahoma grazing lands. They play an important part in the health of our soils and of our livestock, and we should be aware of how they fit in our grazing environment.

Winecup is one of the forbs that many of us can recognize. There are both annual and perennial species, and of significant numbers in our area is Trailing winecup, which is a perennial. 

To learn more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

Continue Reading

HOME

Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo

Published

on

By

By Hannah Claxton | Editor

The North Texas Fair and Rodeo, held annually in Denton, Texas, has a rich history that dates back to 1928. Originally conceived as a small agricultural fair, it was organized to showcase the region’s farming and ranching heritage while promoting local businesses and community engagement.

The fair quickly gained popularity, and by 1958, it incorporated a rodeo, which became a central feature of the event. The rodeo added an exciting element to the fair, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region to witness events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Over the years, the fair grew in size and scope, expanding to include live entertainment, carnival rides, livestock shows, and various exhibitions celebrating North Texas culture.

Today, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo has become one of the largest and most anticipated events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors each August. It remains true to its roots, continuing to celebrate the region’s agricultural and ranching heritage while incorporating modern elements such as concerts, arts and crafts, and food vendors. 

The rodeo, which is now a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event, draws top-tier competitors from across the state- both in the arena and for the accompanying rodeo queen contest. 

To learn more about Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

Continue Reading
Ad
Ad
Ad

Trending