Farm & Ranch
Texas Agriculture Memorial Day: Honoring the Sacrifices of Farmers, Ranchers
Texas Agriculture Memorial Day is a day to remember the lives and honor the sacrifices of Texas farmers and ranchers who contribute so much to our state and our economy.
On Nov. 21, 2022, the Texas Department of Agriculture and Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller hosted the annual event at the State Capitol where one of North Texas’ own was recognized.
Jake Toler grew up in Forestburg, Texas, and found a love of agriculture at an early age, following in his father’s footsteps. He pursued his passion as he worked hard to build a life as a rancher, but that dream was cut tragically short when he lost his life in a tractor accident at the age of 24. His family hopes by spreading awareness of the event, others might have their loved ones honored.
Jake Toler
Jake was born on April 8, 1996, the son of Floyd and Patricia Toler and became the older brother to one sister, Jodi. As a youngster, he quickly fell in love with agriculture, and couldn’t get enough of helping his dad.
“When he wasn’t in school, he was with me,” Floyd recalled. “He had so much to offer this world.”
He was active in both 4-H and FFA, holding an officer position from third grade through his senior year and was presented several scholarships and awards. Conservation was important to Jake, and he attended the Texas Brigades Bass and Bobwhite camps for youth. He could even operate a truck or tractor from an early age. His dad’s lifelong friend, Mark Colley, who Jake referred to as Uncle Mark, was often part of the trio that spent their days farming and ranching.
To read more, pick up a copy of the June issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
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.
By Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
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.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
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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