Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile back at the ranch…
By Rayford Pullen
It has been a few years back but I remember saying in the early part of June that we had missed our spring season! That’s right, no rain, no green grass, no prospects of summer grass, no nothing.
How in the world were we going to survive the rest of the year? I am not sure what year “the year we missed spring” was but I do remember it occurring and in assessing this year’s spring season, how could it be any better?
We had plenty of rain, cool temperatures, and although we know it will end sooner than later, an endless supply of grass. Just a little reminder to readers: these articles are due to the editor about a month before you read them so if it is hot and we are in the middle of another drought as you read this, I apologize.
With spring calving behind us, breeding is in full swing and weed control is wrapping up. What’s next? If you have not vaccinated your calves for blackleg and dewormed them, you need to get on the stick and get that done. In my experience, calves that die from blackleg are usually the best-doing ones and for some reason, when you first see them they have already died and in many cases, they seem to be close to a water source such as a stock tank, pool or pond (depending on which side of IH 35 you live). To read more pick up the June 2016 issue of NTFR.
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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