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Grazing North Texas – Annual broomweed
By Tony Dean
Annual broomweed, sometimes called common broomweed or prairie broomweed, is a robust annual forb found in almost every part of Texas. It normally grows from a single stem but if damaged when young, the plant can form multiple stems. As Annual broomweed matures the stem becomes very rigid and erect and the plants develop a rounded tree-shaped top. Under good growing conditions mature plants can reach three feet in height and two to three feet in diameter of the top. When found in heavy stands, these mature plants can sometimes form almost a full canopy over the land.
Annual broomweed is in the sunflower family. In late summer, tiny yellow flowers appear on the ends of the many branches at the top of the plant. Heavy stands can cause pastures to take on a yellow appearance over many acres during late summer months. At the time of flowering, many of the leaves have dropped from the plant, leaving the stalk and branches bare except for the yellow flowers. To read more pick up the March 2016 issue of NTFR.
By Hannah Claxton | Editor
The North Texas area is located within USDA Hardiness zones seven and eight. The zones are categorized by predicted low temperatures for winter and timing of the first and last frosts.
Zone seven usually has winter low temps between 0 and 10 degrees F with the average date of the first frost falling between Oct. 29 and Nov. 15 and the average date of the last frost falling between March 22 and April 3.
Overall, these two zones have similar climates and growing conditions, making the options for timing and variety within a garden very similar.
In these zones, cool-season crops should go in the ground in March, meaning that soil preparation should start now.
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.
By Heather Lloyd
Vaccinations are a critical component of maintaining the health and well-being of horses, especially in environments where they are exposed to other animals, such as in the sport, show and performance arenas. Horses, like all animals, are susceptible to various infectious diseases that can spread quickly and cause serious harm.
A routine vaccination schedule helps prevent the spread of these diseases by preparing the horse’s immune system.
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.
Having herds on a controlled breeding schedule means that we have a predictable calving schedule, and while it’s only over a couple of months, for us it does fall right after the start of the year. I lobby annually to call ours the “Winter calving season”, but I am outvoted and my husband still refers to it as Spring. Unlike producers in our Northern States, we don’t have to contend with brutally harsh winter weather, and on those rare times we do, thankfully it is not for extended periods. Regardless of whether you have a Spring or a Fall calving schedule, the health of a newborn calf begins with the mother’s health, and the mother’s health is largely dependent on the producer.
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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