Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile back at the ranch…
By Rayford Pullen
Summer has arrived, and with it comes a rapid decline in forage quality, milk production, breed back and overall lower gains for both calves and mature animals.
Getting females to breed this time of year is also a challenge, especially for first calvers, and the only way to help this process is to supplement protein that is now lacking in our grass and hope it’s not too hot for the semen quality to decline below what is needed for conception.
I realize many parts of the state are enduring droughts of varying degrees at this time, but in North Texas we have been beyond fortunate in receiving enough moisture to keep our pastures going. Seventy-five percent of our forage growth occurs by July 15 on the average each year, so if you are behind now, you may need to start making plans regarding stocking rates, cow numbers, hay, etc.
We were honored to host a tour group in June from the World Meat Congress, which is headquartered in Paris, France, and had its annual meeting in Dallas. This group had attendees from continents all over the world including Europe, South America, Central America, Asia, Australia, etc.
When asked about how we raise cattle, I was able to tell them how we have replaced antibiotics in our rations, how we vaccinate to minimize injection lesions, how we do use antibiotics if animals become sick, low stress handling, etc. In my opinion, when folks see how passionate we are about producing a wholesome product, and that, yes, we care what our customers both foreign and domestic want and try to respond accordingly, they can take this information back with them and respond accurately when negative issues arise regarding our product, which is beef.
To read more pick up a copy of the July 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe 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 Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
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 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.
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