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Grazing North Texas – Bumelia
By Tony Dean
Bumelia is one of our more important wildlife browsing plants, but it is not particularly well known by many ranchers. It does, however, have a long list of common names, including Chittamwood, Gum-elastic, Wooly-bucket bumelia, Gum bumelia, Woolly buckthorn, and others. It is native to much of the southern United States, including most of Texas except the extreme north and western parts of the state. This rangy shrub or small tree is usually found as a bush growing 12 to 18 feet tall or less. It can, however, under ideal growing conditions, reach 45 feet in height. I have seen a Bumelia about 30 feet tall growing along the Red River in Northern Clay County.
Bumelia is a perennial root-sprouting shrub. It is often found as a single plant or group of two or three plants, but can be found in larger colonies.
The thick branches can form a good cover for many forms of wildlife, including quail. The trunk will often be straight, with many zigzagging branches. The bark is usually blotched dark grey and reddish-brown and the short branches have spine-tipped branchlets that resemble thorns.
The leaves are clustered on the short branches and are dark green on the top and lighter green on the bottom.
Bumelia often retains its leaves for extended periods and is considered a semi-evergreen. The flowers are tiny white in clusters growing at the bottom of the leaves, and the fruit is a green berry that turns shiny black. The crude protein for new leaves can reach 20 percent to 25 percent in spring and mature leaves in the fall can be at 14 percent. Cattle will browse on the shrub at times, but sheep, goats, and deer are usually heavy users.
To read more pick up a copy of the July 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
The 2017 Texas Grazing Land Conference, sponsored by TXGLC and others, is scheduled for Aug. 29-31, 2017, in Waco, Texas, at the Waco Convention Center. The conference is entitled “Solutions for Healthy Ecosystems and Profitable Ranching,” and will feature practicing ranchers and others sharing what works for them in sustainable ranching. Wyman Meinzer, State Photographer of Texas, will entertain with “The Legend of San Antonio Veijo.” Other speakers will include Walt Davis on “How Not To Go Broke In Ranching,” Ken Clayton addressing “Profitability and Stewardship: Can You Achieve Both?” Dr. Kelly Reyna on “Grazing for Quail,” and others addressing range and wildlife questions. The meeting will conclude with a tour of two area ranches. Go to ww.texasglc.org for meeting details and registration information or follow the link www.regonline.com/txgrazland2017.
By Emily Gleason
The outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries have long been perceived traditionally as a male-dominated realm. However, as societal norms shift, the experiences of women in these industries have been increasingly coming to the forefront. Being a woman in the outdoor industry today is a complex blend of passion, perseverance, and community, marked by both challenges and triumphs.
Women who hunt or engage in outdoor activities frequently find themselves confronting preconceived notions about their capabilities and interests. Many of us have experienced skepticism or outright disbelief when we express our enthusiasm for hunting or other outdoor activities.
Despite these stereotypes, women are increasingly challenging and redefining what it means to be involved in these activities. Female hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are not only participating but excelling in such skills. They contribute unique perspectives and insights to the hunting community, showcasing that passion for the outdoors knows no gender.
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 Norman Winter
It’s easy for us to take for granted the multiple forbs that are growing throughout our North Texas and Oklahoma grazing lands. They play an important part in the health of our soils and of our livestock, and we should be aware of how they fit in our grazing environment.
Winecup is one of the forbs that many of us can recognize. There are both annual and perennial species, and of significant numbers in our area is Trailing winecup, which is a perennial.
To learn 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 Hannah Claxton | Editor
The North Texas Fair and Rodeo, held annually in Denton, Texas, has a rich history that dates back to 1928. Originally conceived as a small agricultural fair, it was organized to showcase the region’s farming and ranching heritage while promoting local businesses and community engagement.
The fair quickly gained popularity, and by 1958, it incorporated a rodeo, which became a central feature of the event. The rodeo added an exciting element to the fair, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region to witness events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Over the years, the fair grew in size and scope, expanding to include live entertainment, carnival rides, livestock shows, and various exhibitions celebrating North Texas culture.
Today, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo has become one of the largest and most anticipated events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors each August. It remains true to its roots, continuing to celebrate the region’s agricultural and ranching heritage while incorporating modern elements such as concerts, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
The rodeo, which is now a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event, draws top-tier competitors from across the state- both in the arena and for the accompanying rodeo queen contest.
To learn more about Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo, 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.
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