By: Martha Crump

Most cattle producers can tell you quite a lot about balancing cattle diets for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals based on the specific needs for their herd and type of operation.

A key factor, and one that is often overlooked, is that how your animals perform is also directly affected by their water intake.

Now many of you may already be thinking “well of course water is necessary, anybody knows that!”

In many years, as September marches into October, we are beginning to experience some return of rainfall. But as many of us know, that is not always the case. Often we are still experiencing hot and dry weather, and water supplies are dwindling.

When we find ourselves experiencing those types of fall conditions, it is critical to not only understand the daily water requirements for cattle, but also the impact that the quality of water can have on herd health and development.

To read more, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

By Annette Bridges

I never want to believe it’s too late to do something I’ve always wanted to do.

So what if I have aches and pains? I’ve always said I can hurt anywhere, so why not enjoy a beautiful view while I hurt? Somehow, my pain always seems to fade when breathtaking scenery captures my full attention.

You’ve probably heard the old adage: Don’t worry about what you can’t change—focus on what you can.

I may not be able to stop every pain, but I can keep going in spite of it. I refuse to let pain keep me from living fully. Who’s with me?

Thoughts and memories of my dear mamma inspire and encourage me as I walk through this season of life. She used to say, “Gotta keep going, doing, moving”—whatever action word fit best for what she needed to tell herself.

I still giggle thinking about all the conversations my husband and I had about my mamma and her hubby going somewhere every single day, right up until their health finally slowed them down. He would ask me why they did it, and my answer was always the same: “Because they can!” I knew my mamma would keep going, doing, and moving as long as she could—and she did!

I visited the Grand Canyon as a young child with my mom, but my husband had never been. It remained high on his bucket list.

As we considered how to celebrate a pretty big milestone—our 43rd wedding anniversary—it only seemed right that a big anniversary needed a grand celebration. And what could be bigger or grander than the Grand Canyon? At some point, “someday” has to become “today.” No more waiting to check off a bucket list dream!

The Grand Canyon did not disappoint.

When I first caught sight of it, “breathtaking” was no exaggeration. Quite literally! My eyes filled with tears as I placed my hand over my heart and exclaimed, “Oh my goodness!”

We both completely, totally, absolutely believe EVERYONE should experience the Grand Canyon! It’s a view not to be missed, no matter your age or stage in life. Many stunning sights can be seen along the Rim Trail, whether you’re walking or even in a wheelchair.

We also took the Grand Canyon tour buses to all the points not accessible on foot, and we drove the east side of the canyon as well—something else we believe should not be missed. Absolutely stunning!

For our anniversary dinner, we enjoyed an incredible meal at the El Tovar Hotel, perched right on the canyon’s rim. It was extra special to me because my grandmother stayed there in its early years. El Tovar first opened its doors in 1905, and I couldn’t help but imagine her walking and dining in the same place all those years ago.

If you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon yet—go, go, GO!

Move whatever is on your “someday” list to your “do now” list. It’s not too late to chase your dreams, even if you have to move a little slower while doing it.

Watauga, Texas, a suburb of Fort Worth, is known for its rich history as a railroad stop, but over the course of the last year, one teen girl has put it on the map for agriculture as well. Emma Harvey has lived in Tarrant County her entire life. Despite being highly involved in her local 4-H chapter, she still felt there was more she could do. In the spring of 2023, she stepped up to the plate to take over the title of Tarrant County Teen Miss Agriculture USA.

“It all started when I put in an application for the teen title here in Tarrant County,” explained Harvey.

The Miss Agriculture USA program is a national non-profit, age-inclusive pageant program that offers both competition and non-competition titles to women dedicated to the promotion of agriculture.

Read more in the October issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available online and in print. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive NTFR in your inbox each week.

Photo by Hannah Claxton.