Farm & Ranch
Pump the Brakes on MAP-21
By Jessica Crabtree
In July of 2012 a law was signed enforcing the use of federal Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) labeled as MAP-21. In this article we will present what is known, how it will affect livestock haulers and projected concerns if MAP-21 goes into effect. By the time this issue prints, the mandate may or may not go into effect, hinging on the chance an exemption is allowed, giving livestock haulers more time to adapt for change.
Why the mandate was proposed.
In a recent article by Drovers on www.drovers.com on Nov. 10, 2017, it stated the regulations proposed were in an attempt to create safer driving conditions and aid in eliminating the need for paper logs.
Why would MAP-21 not work for livestock haulers?
In the ELD rule, truckers have an hourly service limit. Plainly put, truckers have a service limit of 11 hours of driving in a 24-hour period. They can be on duty a total of 14 hours consecutively, including the 11 hours of driveling time said above. After those 11 hours are reached, the driver must stop and rest, allowing for 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Where things get difficult for livestock haulers is in the matter of hauling living creatures. Such rules raise animal welfare concerns. Why some may ask? Due to the chance of cross contamination and unintentional biosecurity hazards.
Particulars about MAP-21.
For commercial motor vehicles, as of Dec. 18, 2017, the federal Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule, which is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), will begin. An ELD is a record-keeping device that is synchronized to the truck’s engine and has the capability to log information digitally in real-time. An ELD is able to record data, such as time spent on the road, number of miles driven, location and amount of hours the engine was running. While this may not be an issue for truckers transporting paper goods, clothing items and non-perishable things, it is not feasible for the welfare of livestock hauling. The voluntary introductory phase for ELDs began Dec. 16, 2015.
To read more about MAP-21 pick up a copy of the January 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe 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.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
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: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
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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