Farm & Ranch
Read the Label – Withdrawal Time
By Jessica Crabtree and Dr. Jered Harlan, DVM
While the topic of antibiotic use in animals for consumption leaves people questioning its relevance, veterinarians are working to bridge that gap of understanding. Veterinarians such as Dr. Jered Harlan want producers to administer such medication properly and be educated about the substance so they are able to answer consumers when questions arise.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made it their mission to ensure that all antibiotics used are done so in the most cautious way. Now that the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) has been put in place since Jan. 1 of this year, changes have been established such as elimination of the growth promotion use of human medically important antibiotics and expanding the list of feed-grade antibiotics classified as VFD drugs.
Plainly put, the majority of feed-grade antibiotics used in or on animal feeds that have been available to producers over the counter without the approval of a vet will now be subject to VFD drug guidelines.
Therefore, VFD rules allow producers and vets the opportunity to work closely together for the purpose of maintaining the animals’ optimal health. For years producers have been educated on proper methods of antibiotic use and have been held to compliance. The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program has been training beef producers about the safe and appropriate use of antibiotics since the 1980s.
To read more pick up a copy of the March 2017 NTFR issue.
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.
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.
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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