Farm & Ranch
Using recycled material on the farm or ranch
Ever thought about using old, worn-out tractor tires as tire tanks? Or how about standing pallets on their sides and combining them with old barn tin as walls for your new chicken coup? Have you considered using billboard vinyl as a tarp for your hay?
These are just a few examples of the creativity being put on display from some regional farmers and ranchers.
They say necessity is the mother of invention; and in times like these, you can see why. With farmers and ranchers continually bearing increased costs, it’s no wonder they’re turning to recycled materials in order to help ease their burden.
Some other examples of DIY projects that farmers and ranchers are turning to are: 4” pipe, cut in half lengthwise, to make grow beds. Cattle lick tubs and 45 gallon tree planters used as sub-irrigation reservoirs, cattle panels used as a 10’ x 70’ cucumber tunnel.
DIY projects represent just one aspect of recycled materials. Another major component is the professional aspect. For example, Rumber Materials’ Livestock trailer flooring products, which takes ground whole tire waste and recycled thermoplastics mixes, compresses and cools them; forming a product made from 100 percent recycled materials. Rumber flooring serves as a cushioning surface for livestock, giving them a firmer footing and minimizing the risk of injury and fatigue during transport.
Regardless of whichever component suits your needs, using recycled materials saves money, is more sustainable, less wasteful, more responsible and is environmentally friendly.
For more information visit www.rumber.com
By Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
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 Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
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 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.
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