Outdoor
Stocking Rate – Should I Be That Concerned? Volume 3: Other Factors to Consider in Managing Stocking Rate
By Tony Dean
The decision a rancher makes on stocking rate has both short and longterm effects on land, livestock and economics of a business, making it essential a rancher have knowledge regarding correct stocking rates. Fortunately, Tony Dean is sharing his knowledge regarding stocking rates in a four part series. Read below for the third segment in “Stocking Rate – Should I Be That Concerned?”
My useable acres?
When making a decision on carrying capacity, we should inventory our pastures to get an idea of “useable” acres. Most of us have acres that livestock will use very little, if at all, for grazing, and we should not count on these areas for grass production.
For example, dense brush is of little grazing value due to very poor or no grass growth. In some instances, producers consider using some form of brush management and/or grass seeding to increase cover of perennial grasses. However, this can be an expensive process and the benefits and costs should be carefully thought out.
Where brush is or is likely to be a problem, producers should consider developing an “annual maintenance” philosophy, and treat a portion each year to spread the cost out rather than wait until the solution seems too great to address.
To read more pick up a copy of the August 2019 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Outdoor
Parting Shot: Dogs, Pigs, Goats, Oh My!
By Jelly Cocanougher
What an extraordinary end to the Wise County Youth Fair – a fantastic opportunity for the Heart of a Champion participants to show. From rabbits to lambs, to pigs to dogs – we’ve seen it all. Through this unique event, the Heart of a Champion Livestock show aimed to promote confidence, friendship, and a sense of accomplishment within our amazing community. Everyone worked tirelessly to create an environment that fosters growth, camaraderie, and a shared passion for agriculture. Until next year!
Outdoor
Grazing North Texas: Rescuegrass
By Tony Dean, [email protected]
If moisture is adequate, there are several winter annual grasses that dominate the landscape during early spring in Texas. One of the most common is Rescuegrass.
This winter annual is native to South America but grows over much of the United States and can be found in all ecoregions of Texas. Rescuegrass is easily recognized by its flat seed head.
Numerous seed heads produce seed that is transported by animals and can quickly spread to other areas.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Outdoor
The Garden Guy
By Norman Winter | Horticulturist, Author, Speaker
The National Garden Bureau has designated 2024 as the ‘Year of the Angelonia’ and I am in full celebration mode. As I was preparing for my contribution to the celebration, I was, however, sent into taxonomic trauma.
For the last 26 years of deep love for the Angelonia, or summer snapdragon, I have told everyone via newspaper, radio and television that they were in the Scrophulariaceae family. Since most gardeners don’t like those words, I modified or simplified the snapdragon family, but somebody has tinkered with green industry happiness and moved Angelonia to the Plantaginaceae or plantain family. I immediately reached out to my friend Dr. Allen Ownings, Horticulture Professor Emeritus with the Louisiana State University AgCenter. I said, “Did you know this, or better yet, did you do it?” He said, as I expected, that the Taxonomist group had done it. This reminded me that someone once said taxonomists have to eat, too.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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