Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch…
By Rayford Pullen | [email protected]
As usual, it has been one long winter, but if I climb on top of the overhead feed bin, I think I can see spring headed our way. With winter following another drought and hay supplies once again short, standing forage short and supplemental protein high, it seems as though our overhead costs just keep going up. Thank goodness the cattle prices are keeping pace with our expenses, and with the cow herd down another two percent this year things are still looking favorable on the horizon.
We doubled our overseeding of annual grasses in our pastures this past fall that will ultimately allow us to give our perennial pastures a break by letting us concentrate more cows on fewer acres until the first of June or so and maybe let our pastures get a little rest and get ahead of the cows. Ultimately, we are only as smart as the rainfall and cattle markets let us be, but with winter in our rearview mirror, our forages will now be able to get our cattle back in good shape, rebred and provide the nutrients to get our calves growing, our cows providing milk and everything going in our favor.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tressa Lawrence
It has been a hot, dry summer across northeastern Wyoming. Many ranchers are weaning and shipping early due to the dry conditions and lack of grass.
By: Lindsey Monk
The Four Mile Fire was 2,082 acres and very close to three other fires all started by lightning the same night. Together, the four fires burned a total of approximately 47,827 acres. That is a lot of feed for cattle, and ranchers were moving the cattle out of the way. They are mostly contained now, but it has been a very hot and dry summer.
The Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Beef Council, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension banded together to bring the Beef Quality Assurance coursework to Texas. Dedicated to promoting best management practices for cattle producers in an effort to strengthen consumer confidence in beef as a wholesome food product, the program focuses on best husbandry practices for quality beef. The BQA coursework is available both in-person and online, with three types of certification available- Cow/Calf, Stocker/Backgrounder, and Feedyard. Courses are offered in both English and Spanish.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
(Photo courtesy of Hannah Claxton)
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