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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 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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