Farm & Ranch
[AgriLife Today] Poultry program in Fort Worth June 28 focuses on reducing heat stress for flocks
By: Adam Russell
- Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, [email protected]
- Contact: Fred Hall, 817-884-1946, [email protected]
FORT WORTH – Summer heat can zap the production quality and quantity of poultry flocks, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
Flock owners can learn many best management practices for keeping hens cooler at a program scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. June 28 at the AgriLife Extension office in Tarrant County, 200 Taylor St. in Fort Worth.
“Some of the things backyard flock owners do don’t help their chickens dissipate heat and in fact, make it worse,” said AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resource agent Fred Hall, Tarrant County.
Hall said little things, like maintaining good bedding, which helps insulate and moderate hens’ temperature, and ensuring chickens have access to plenty of cool water, can help a flock through hot Texas summers.
Ignoring heat-stressed chickens can mean fewer and lower quality eggs from layers and decreased weight gains from broilers, he said.
While there is no charge for the program or parking, attendees are asked to reserve their seat online at: http://agrilife.org/urbantarrantag/program-registration.
The deadline to register is 5 p.m. June 27. For more information and to preregister, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Tarrant County at 817-884-1946.
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Country Lifestyles
Wichita Falls Area Cattlewomen
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.
Farm & Ranch
Grazing North Texas: Managing Old World Bluestems
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.
Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile Back At The Ranch
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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