Farm & Ranch
Cooke County Crop & Cattle Report for April 2016
The last couple of weeks has been great weather for planting Corn and Milo with a one inch plus rain on March 23rd and a half inch rain on the 30th. With ground temperatures between 55-60 degrees the last few weeks, Milo farmers decided it was time to get it in the ground even though a little early according to the calendar. The winter was mild and with temperatures warmer than average towards the end, prompted all farmers to consider planting early. It seemed that Stripe rust would be inevitable in most fields, but for whatever reason it hasn’t been that big of a problem for most. Yes some sprayed early with a generic fungicide and I have heard from several farmers who were intent on spraying but have decided to wait and watch because the stripe rust seems to be relenting for some reason. Maybe it’s the right weather conditions that is having a positive effect on the unwanted rust. Range and Pasture conditions are looking good with the warm weather, and the rains spread out just right. Winter pastures are lush and warm season pastures are beginning to come on, especially Bermuda grass. Farmers and Ranchers are happy with the weather conditions lately but can’t seem to shake those memories of last year’s floods and crop failures. And then there was the decade long drought, so everyone is just hoping for a “normal” year in 2016.
The Grain market’s cash and future prices were mostly lower last week with corn taking the biggest hit for the week after the release of the estimated corn acreage planting report which expected some 93.6 million acres to be planted in corn. If realized, it will be the third largest corn acreage since 1944 and this is the first increase in corn acreage since 2012. The bright spot of the market last week was soybeans as they closed higher for the week, but this may be short lived with reports of bumper crops in South America. The nations wheat planted is estimated at 49.6 million acres this year down 9% from 2015. The nations Sorghum growers intend to plant 7.22 million acres this year down 15% from 2015, with Kansas and Texas leading the way and will account for 74% of total planted acreage.
The Cattle market was mostly lower last week with stockers & calves steady to $3 lower. Live cattle cash prices finished at $1.36 down $2.85 from the previous week with futures down slightly. Feeder cash prices were up a few cents from previous week with futures down slightly. Weekly slaughter estimates last week of 542,00 head with beef production at 450.7 million pounds. Live and Feeder futures on the CME for August are hovering around $1.19 and $1.55. Slaughter Cow and Bull prices are mostly steady, with replacement’s steady.
Marty Morgan, Cooke County Ag Agent
By: Martha Crump
Most cattle producers can tell you quite a lot about balancing cattle diets for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals based on the specific needs for their herd and type of operation.
A key factor, and one that is often overlooked, is that how your animals perform is also directly affected by their water intake.
Now many of you may already be thinking “well of course water is necessary, anybody knows that!”
In many years, as September marches into October, we are beginning to experience some return of rainfall. But as many of us know, that is not always the case. Often we are still experiencing hot and dry weather, and water supplies are dwindling.
When we find ourselves experiencing those types of fall conditions, it is critical to not only understand the daily water requirements for cattle, but also the impact that the quality of water can have on herd health and development.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tony Dean
Since their introduction to the U.S. in the early 1900s, Old World Bluestems such as King Ranch bluestem and Dahl bluestem have become established on farms and ranches from the Rio Grande to Nebraska. With such a wide range of adaptability, these species are subjected to a wide range of management, depending on location and the goals of the rancher.
Due to the aggressive nature of OWBs, producers in far South Texas have been trying to find a way to eradicate OWBs in their pastures. Texas AgriLife Extension bulletin “Introduced Bluestem Grasses: Management on Native Lands” describes several methods being used in the effort to rid pastures of OWBs. In 2016, one project involved using chemicals, plowing, mowing, reseeding, summer burning, and combinations of these practices.
To read the about the researchers findings and hear Tony’s take, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Rayford Pullen
Watching our pastures over the years, I have noticed our forages quit growing when nighttime temperatures begin hitting that 45-degree mark, and in North Texas, that will usually be around October 20.
While growth stops, our forages will still be high quality which allows our momma cows to gain weight for another 40 days or so.
Getting these cows in better condition is key to getting them through the winter and breeding after they calve.
Read more in the October issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available online and in print. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive NTFR in your inbox each week.
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