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Farm & Ranch

Drone use in agriculture

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By Lindsay Allen 

It’s hard to talk about the future of agriculture without talking about technology. As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones as they are more commonly referred to, continue to gain popularity and capability, those in the cattle business have the opportunity to use this technology to their advantage.

The U.S.-based Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International predicts that agricultural uses will eventually account for 80 percent of the commercial market for drones. The numerous uses of drones in agriculture allow farmers and ranchers to make better management decisions and increase productivity.

“Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drone technology, is in its infancy, so new uses are only as limited as one’s imagination. For beef producers, examples could include counting cattle, watching herding habits, checking on fences and for rustlers, locating and identifying weeds to be sprayed, monitoring calving and heat synchronization, checking for sick animals and feed intake, scouting rough terrain areas inaccessible by vehicles, and biosecurity,” according to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Drones really can be used in all areas of the industry. Take for instance Penny Bowie, owner of Omni Advertising and Graphics Inc. of Newnan, Georgia, who purchased a drone that is used in her cattle advertising and her real estate sales with The Auction Way Company.

To read more pick up a copy of the January 2017 NTFR issue. 

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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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