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Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
By Rayford Pullen | [email protected]
The rains finally came to North Texas, and we are so very grateful for every drop that fell. In last month’s column, I was apparently on my pity pot, and thanks to Phyllis Berry from Nocona, Texas, who assured me that things would get better. They did.
This is the first time in my memory that the hot weather broke in August and a significant rainfall event occurred at the same time. It reminded me more of the latter part of September, but thank goodness this happened with another 60 days or so of good growing weather ahead of us.
At our place, we depend on our native grasses to double as our hay source in addition to warm season grazing. Hopefully, we will be able to grow our standing hay supply and not have to rely on baled hay, which at today’s price equals to a minimum of $3 a head per day if this was the cows’ only source of roughage. I knew we would not be able to add at another $90 or more per month per cow so the writing was on the wall. I felt like the folks that sold out in July were the smartest folks around, and they still may be. We will find out in the next several months.
To read more pick up a copy of NTFR magazine. 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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