Farm & Ranch

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Published

8 years ago

December 2, 2016

NTFR

By Rayford Pullen

First, this is the time of year we truly need to remember why we do what we do and be grateful that we can pursue our dream. Our families and our friends are the most wonderful assets we have in our lives and just like the land and the livestock we care for, we must also do the same with those who make our lives complete. Enjoy the holiday season; it’s that time of the year to give thanks for all we have and all that we are about. From the Pullen Angus crew, Carla Sue, Brad Liggett, Cliff and Jo Norman, James Lawrence and me, enjoy the season and keep our Lord and Savior in all that you do.

Stress can come quickly when dealing with cattle especially when it comes to calving heifers. The friends and family I mentioned above will get to see a side of you like what I imagine happens during a three-alarm fire. Case in point happened the day before this article was written but may provide good information as we close in on spring calving season although it is in the dead of winter.
We saw the feet appear at 4:50 p.m. and this first-calf heifer has absolutely no experience in delivering a calf. It is now 5:50 and there she is, up and down, walking around, and we are trying to decide what to do next. Our rule of thumb at Pullen Angus is to allow two hours for the heifer to have a calf before we intervene.

To read more pick up a copy of the December 2016 NTFR issue. Call 940-872-5922 to subscribe!

Farm & Ranch

Acorn Toxicity

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

NTFR

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.

Farm & Ranch

Silver Bluestems

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

NTFR

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.

Farm & Ranch

Meanwhile Back At The Ranch

Published

1 week ago

November 12, 2024

NTFR

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.