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Protecting man’s best friend
By Judy Wade
The feral hog population in Oklahoma is estimated to be between 600,000 and 1.5 million, according to a recent Noble Foundation newsletter. News on 6 reports these swine are costing $1.5 billion each year in agricultural and livestock losses. They are carriers of diseases such as brucellosis, leptospirosis and pseudorabies that can be passed on to people and other animals as well as carrying and transmitting other diseases. They compete with other animals for food resources.
On the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website, “Jeff Pennington, a biologist with the Oklahoma Wildlife Department, said eradication is not realistic. A realistic goal is to slow the spread and reduce the density of feral hogs.”
Eradication is not realistic for several reasons: feral hogs can live anywhere, they will eat almost anything, they can reproduce rapidly, both sexes are sexually mature as early as six months, litter sizes average six, but can be three to eight, females can give birth twice a year, they have a low mortality rate with the average life span of four to eight years, feral hogs have few natural enemies.
However, numerous methods of control are available. Box traps are widely used, and corral-type traps, some with remote controls, are gaining popularity. Helicopter hunts, drop nets, snares and hunting preserves are often used. Even a ‘Judas Pig’ is being used as a technique. A feral swine is caught, radio-collared, released and tracked so other pigs can be located.
To read more pick up a copy of the February 2017 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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