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Duck Paddies – Part 3
By Andy Anderson
Duck Paddies have proven to be a valuable asset to a property for a host of reasons, but some planning must take place before you just start digging. Location, location, location as they say. The location is critical in the functionality and purpose of the Duck Paddy. Remember to conduct a site survey including, but not limited to, a soil survey as well.
Consult with experienced persons or companies that can aide you in the proper design and execution of construction. And last develop a vegetation management plan. As we conclude the third segment of this series we will focus on vegetation, phases of implementation and native elements that will consume and contribute to a maintenance free eco system.
An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals can be part of an ecosystem. Climate, landscape shape (topology), geology and the movement and abundance of water help to determine the plants and animals that inhabit each Duck Paddy.
The complex, dynamic relationships among the organisms inhabiting the environment are called food webs. This is why Duck Paddies or wetlands in Texas, North Carolina and Alaska differ from one another. To read more pick up a copy of the July 2016 issue. 28
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.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
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: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
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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