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Grazing North Texas — Prickly Pear
By Tony Dean
We would be hard pressed to find a plant on North Texas grazing lands that has a more beautiful flower but at the same time has a more aggravating presence than the prickly pear.
Prickly pear is considered a native perennial. There are five species and several varieties within those species that grow in North Texas. Prickly pear grows in all areas of Texas, will survive on all soil types and is extremely drought tolerant. It is estimated that there are more than 25 million acres of prickly pear in Texas.
Livestock do not normally graze prickly pear pads, but a few animals will consume small tender pads. During drought, ranchers have resorted to using propane torches to burn the thorns off prickly pear so that livestock can consume it. Nutritionally, the pads provide low to fair levels of crude protein but high levels of energy and high water content.
To read more pick up a copy of the March 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Prickly pear flowers. Prickly pear grows in all areas of Texas, and almost all states in the continental United States. It can be found as far north as southern Canada. (Photos by Tony Dean)
By Krista Lucas Wynn
Each year, when the professional rodeo season wraps on Sept. 30, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announce the Nutrena Horse of the Year, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, in each event. This is a prestigious award, voted on by the members of the associations. To be named Horse of the Year by fellow competitors is a high honor only a few achieve.
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 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 Tony Dean
Snow on the Mountain is an annual forb that is part of our landscape almost every year.
It is adapted to most of Texas and grows north to Montana and Minnesota and south to Mexico.
Although is seems to be most adapted to clay soils, this plant can be found on a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions.
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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