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Grazing North Texas – Meadow Dropseed
By Tony Dean
Meadow dropseed is a native perennial bunch grass that matures into large dense plants that can reach one to two feet in diameter. The leaves are flat and narrow and can grow up to 24” long. These long slender leaves fold inward as they grow, giving the plants a flowing appearance when mature.
The seedhead is a very narrow panicle from three to eight inches long and is often enclosed in the sheath. Having almost an ornamental appearance, Meadow dropseed is interesting to observe, but it is not very high on the list of desirable grazing plants. It provides poor to fair grazing for all classes of livestock and for deer.
One can readily see why Meadow dropseed is not a preferred grazing species by simply grabbing a small handful of the mature leaves. Give the leaves a tug with your hands and you will find they are almost impossible to break.
To read more pick up a copy of the August 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Meadow dropseed monoculture. (Photo by Tony Dean)
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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