Farm & Ranch

The Road to Professional Rodeo

Published

4 years ago

November 12, 2019

NTFR

By Phillip Kitts

The exposure of rodeo to the youth has been covered a lot over many platforms during the last few years. With the emergence of youth bull riding organizations and long lists of up and coming youth associations, it has become very apparent rodeo has a bright future. This future has the same progression as any other sport, but the path may be a little unique.

If you follow rodeo much, you probably hear a good amount about the growing junior high and high school associations that cover most all of America. These two organization are just another feeder system that guides the youth of rodeo toward their future.

A true rodeo fan knows in between high school and the pros there is a whole other level that just may have a huge influence on rodeo on all levels. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association might just be one of those sleeper associations that has a massive influence on the rodeo world but just does not get the fair attention it deserves.

To read more pick up a copy of the November 2019 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

6 days ago

April 21, 2024

NTFR

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.