Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
By Rayford Pullen
In our neck of the woods, the abundant spring and early summer rains have us positioned for one of the best forage years in memory.
Our fall grazing was not too good because of the excess moisture in the soil, resulting in the exclusion of oxygen necessary for plant growth, but as we turned the corner and headed into spring and summer, our summer annual and perennial grasses have been turning the crank.
Hay producers have had a difficult time due to the poor drying conditions, but thinking back not so long ago, over abundant rainfall sure beats the heck out of a long-term drought.
Quoting Elmer Kelton in “The Time It Never Rained,” his historical fiction novel, “Some folks have several droughts during the summer, but around here, the Concho River area, we have several summers during the drought.”
According to information on grass production I’ve read over the years, 75 percent of our total forage production from perennial grasses is made by July 15, and since it seems as though it has been raining for the past nine or so months, hopefully we’ll get those summer rains that seem to elude us every year and keep on keeping on and those memories of $100 bales of hay will be just that, memories. Keep your fingers crossed, at least for those of us buying hay, that we have a great hay year.
To read more pick up a copy of the July 2019 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Farm & Ranch
Hazards of Backyard Poultry
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.
Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.
The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Farm & Ranch
Ag Elsewhere: Wyoming
By Tressa Lawrence
Babies are tucked away in every nook and cranny. Many ranchers across Wyoming have baby animals popping up all over this time of year.
Farm & Ranch
Ag Elsewhere: Montana
By Lindsey Monk
Another load of grain in to keep feeding the calves until the green grass can really start popping.
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