Farm & Ranch
The Italian Breed – Chianina Cattle
By Jessica Crabtree
The breed Chianina isn’t a modern breed, but in fact has been around centuries as one of the oldest cattle breeds. Chianina cattle have very distinct characteristics that make them stand out from others. What gives these creatures away? Maybe it is their unusually long legs, white color and muscular body.
To understand the breed, one must understand where and how they originated. The Chianina received its name from the Chiana Valley in the province of Tuscany in Central Italy. That is where the breed primarily originated; however, according to an article titled, “Chianina” from the Cattle
Exchange website, the largest representatives of the breed originated from the plains of Arezzo and Siena, Italy.
In ancient times the breed was known as a draft breed used to assist in farming practices, even being the object of Roman sculptures. Today, through modernization in agriculture, the breed is better utilized for beef. According to the Cattle Exchange website, Chianina were first discovered by U.S. servicemen while stationed in Italy during World War II. It wasn’t until ’71 that the first Chianina semen was imported to the U.S., introducing the genetics.
To read more pick up a copy of the February 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Keith and Dana Schrick receiving an award for their 40 years of membership to the American Chianina Association during the national show in Louisville, Ky. (Photo courtesy of the Schrick family)
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 Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
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 Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
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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