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Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch…
By Rayford Pullen | [email protected]
With this being November, winter is not far behind. With it will be our first killing freeze of the season, with the average first freeze date for us being Nov. 15. Here is hoping it does not happen until mid-December.
Winter feed prices per cow per day are going to be high this year with the cost of hay and feed being what they are. The last time I put a pencil to the projected cost to winter a cow, if hay is the primary forage source, we will be looking at three to four dollars per day assuming hay cost $0.10 per pound with 20 to 25-pound consumption with 25 percent hay loss due to waste around bale rings, plus protein cost of $0.75-$1 per day. If we feed for 100 days, Dec. 1-March 10, our total will be $300 to $400, which does not include labor or equipment.
Now, this cost is the same for each cow whether she produces a calf or not which leads us to the fact that we cannot spend this much on something that will not have a positive return with a live, weaned calf to sell.
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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