Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile back at the ranch…Hay becomes top priority
By Rayford Pullen
We don’t all think alike and that probably makes for a better world.
As summer approaches, folks who raise cattle begin to make plans for the winter. Baling hay or standing hay is one of our top priorities. We have completed our spring calving and have the bulls turned out with the cows in hope of having the entire scenario play out again next year. We are also reflecting back on the best spring, in terms of moisture, that we have had in recent memory.
2011 is now five years passed and while it was the year that took some out of the cattle business, it was also the beginning of the best cattle market anyone has ever witnessed. “When will it end?” End is the question so many seem to have on their mind when discussing the current situation and my usual response is that nobody knows, so in the meantime, enjoy the ride. It is here now, make the most of it and continue to make plans for the future. To read more pick up the June issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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