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Grazing North Texas – King Ranch Bluestem… Friend or Foe?
By Tony Dean
King Ranch bluestem is an aggressive introduced bunch grass that is now common across almost all North Texas grazing lands. Although it has never been planted on most ranches in North Texas, we would be hard pressed to find pastures that did not have at least a small population of King Ranch bluestem.
When taking an autumn drive across many Texas roads, the wavy grass with the maroon seed head seen on roadsides and in pastures is usually King Ranch bluestem.
King Ranch bluestem, or KR as it is often called, is a summer perennial and can reach heights up to 48 inches. The stems bend at each node and turn upward giving the plant a wide spreading appearance if left ungrazed and allowed to mature.
The seed heads contain two to ten or more spreading branches with each branch reaching one to three inches in length. King Ranch bluestem has the ability to produce a fast growing seed stalk following grazing or mowing, which probably helps it compete with other grasses.
King Ranch bluestem is wide spread over many other areas of the world. Although there are differences of opinion concerning how this species got to the United States, most references agree that it was brought to California from China in 1917. There is some mention that it was brought to the U.S. as early as 1894. It was introduced to Angleton, Texas, in 1924 and was widely available by 1949.
To read more pick up a copy of the December 2016 NTFR issue. Call 940-872-5922 to subscribe.
By Krista Lucas Wynn
Each year, when the professional rodeo season wraps on Sept. 30, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announce the Nutrena Horse of the Year, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, in each event. This is a prestigious award, voted on by the members of the associations. To be named Horse of the Year by fellow competitors is a high honor only a few achieve.
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 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 Tony Dean
Snow on the Mountain is an annual forb that is part of our landscape almost every year.
It is adapted to most of Texas and grows north to Montana and Minnesota and south to Mexico.
Although is seems to be most adapted to clay soils, this plant can be found on a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions.
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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