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Cooke County Crop and Cattle Report for Tuesday, September 12, 2016

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By Marty Morgan, Cooke County Ag Agent

We received up to 1 inch of rain last Saturday morning early which was good if you had got some wheat planted.  It looks like about 25 percent of farmers have planted wheat and oats so far, while the others are waiting to see the progress of the marching Army Worms.  Most of the volunteer wheat and oats has been devoured by Army Worms therefore giving reason for concerns to farmers thinking about drilling in their crops. Some folks sprayed their Bermuda grass pastures to keep the worms from completely destroying it.  It’s ironic because most years there isn’t enough grass to worry about spraying going into fall.  This year has been quite the exception with plenty of rain and moisture producing more grass than we know what to do with, and a bumper crop of Army Worms.  The Milo and Corn harvest is complete with the final county average for Milo at 3250 lbs/acre with average weights of 55 lbs/bu.  Corn averaged 80 bu/ac and average weights were 56 lbs/bu.  When harvest started it was looking like it would be an above average crop for both Milo and Corn but harvest was strung out because of rains and showers and the delays caused yields to get lighter with each passing week.  My records show we received over 34 inches of rain during the Milo and Corn growing season.  There were a few hard rains and some flooding occurred several times in fields which sure hurt the crops at the beginning of the growing season, especially the Milo.  Anyway it’s been a good year with ample moisture producing lots of grass for all the livestock. The cattle look real good, but the grass has been a little washy from all the rains, so the weight gains may not be as good as we think.  Fall weaning is right around the corner and producers are hoping the calf market will get a little stronger before they ship their calves to town.  The cattle market was up last week so let’s hope its up again this week as well!

  Last Week’s Markets(9-11 to 9-17)—-Dec. 16 Corn was down 4 cents on the week closing at $3.37.   Dec. 16 wheat settled at $4.03 on the Chicago board,  and $4.17 on the KC board.  Nov. 16 Soybeans were down 14 cents on the week and settled at $9.66.  Oct. 16 live cattle were up over $3 on the week settling at $108 and Feb. 17 Lives settled at $108 as well.  Sept. 16 Feeders settled around $135.5, with the Oct. 16 feeder’s settling at $133.  In the local markets six weight Feeder Steers and Heifers were $steady to a few dollars higher on a light run.  Steer and Heifer calves were $3-5 lower on very limited offerings as well.  Slaughter cows and bulls no good test.

 

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Country Lifestyles

Wichita Falls Area Cattlewomen

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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.

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Farm & Ranch

Grazing North Texas: Managing Old World Bluestems

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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.

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Farm & Ranch

Meanwhile Back At The Ranch

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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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