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Grazing North Texas — Dotted Blue-eyed Grass
By Tony Dean
Dotted blue-eyed grass is a native perennial that is really not a grass at all, but a forb and a member of the iris family.
When I found this plant in central Clay County, I was struck by the brilliant blue color and the simple beauty of the delicate flowers. The flowers seem almost shy. They open in morning hours then fold up at night and during overcast days.
Blue-eyed grass grows mostly upright and can be up to 12 inches tall. Flowers can be slightly larger than one inch in diameter. The flowers appear to have six petals, but in reality have three petals and three sepals (leaves that look like petals).
Dotted blue-eyed grass produces flowers from March through May in North Texas. You may have noticed it this spring in the country side. When the blooms are not visible, the slender narrow leaves blend in with surrounding grasses, and it looks like just another grazing plant.
To read more pick up a copy of the June 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
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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