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
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.
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.
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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