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Travels to the Top of Texas
By Russell Graves
By most standards, the Guadalupe Mountain range doesn’t fit the conventional idea of a mountainous country. Instead of a collection of individual mountains rising from the surrounding plains, the mountain range is a collection of peaks that rise from an immense and ancient reef that was once part of a prehistoric Pangeatic sea. From Texas the immense ridge runs north into New Mexico. When the ridge plays out in Texas, mountain peaks rise from the stone comprised of fossilized algae and fungi.
Approaching the range from the south, travelers see the same cragged peaks jutting out as they have for centuries. The state’s signature peak, El Capitan, stands like a sentinel over the West Texas desert while behind it, Guadalupe Peak rises to the highest point in the state.
Like any good story, a good adventure tale is made of three acts. This one is no different.
On a warm March morning, my brother Bubba and I, along with my eleven year old son, Ryan, arrive at the Guadalupe Mountain National Park. For the past three days, we’ve been planning and smartly packing for the adventure. I’ve done the hike before but never an overnight stay. Day trips up to the peak are one thing, but to spend the night is quite another. Therefore, we’ve done our best to pack the necessary gear in order to make the ascent safe and comfortable.
To read more pick up a copy of the December 2016 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Hannah Claxton | Editor
The North Texas area is located within USDA Hardiness zones seven and eight. The zones are categorized by predicted low temperatures for winter and timing of the first and last frosts.
Zone seven usually has winter low temps between 0 and 10 degrees F with the average date of the first frost falling between Oct. 29 and Nov. 15 and the average date of the last frost falling between March 22 and April 3.
Overall, these two zones have similar climates and growing conditions, making the options for timing and variety within a garden very similar.
In these zones, cool-season crops should go in the ground in March, meaning that soil preparation should start now.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Heather Lloyd
Vaccinations are a critical component of maintaining the health and well-being of horses, especially in environments where they are exposed to other animals, such as in the sport, show and performance arenas. Horses, like all animals, are susceptible to various infectious diseases that can spread quickly and cause serious harm.
A routine vaccination schedule helps prevent the spread of these diseases by preparing the horse’s immune system.
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.
Having herds on a controlled breeding schedule means that we have a predictable calving schedule, and while it’s only over a couple of months, for us it does fall right after the start of the year. I lobby annually to call ours the “Winter calving season”, but I am outvoted and my husband still refers to it as Spring. Unlike producers in our Northern States, we don’t have to contend with brutally harsh winter weather, and on those rare times we do, thankfully it is not for extended periods. Regardless of whether you have a Spring or a Fall calving schedule, the health of a newborn calf begins with the mother’s health, and the mother’s health is largely dependent on the producer.
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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