HOME
Conserving and Restoring the Horned Toad’s Natural Habitat
By Jessica Crabtree
Texas is well known for its state flag, shape, size and of course, the Texas Longhorn. Another historic figure, much smaller, is sometimes considered the state’s mascot. It is the iconic Texas horned lizard, also known as the horned frog or horned toad.
Their scientific name Phrynosoma means “toad-body.” The interesting creatures are named for the crown of horns on their heads, their size and number of horns, which vary among species.
Unfamiliar to most, the horned toad, lizard or frog is not an amphibian, but is a reptile with scales, claws and reproduces on land. According to Texas Park and Wildlife, there are more than a dozen different horned lizard species throughout western North America. The horned lizard wears a fierce appearance with its flat body and numerous horns. All of the horned toad’s horns are prominent, with two large horns central to the head spines, which are much longer.
A horned toad is brown in color and has two rows of fringed scales along each side of its body. Although intimidating to an observer, the horned toad offers no harm. Amazingly enough, the reptile’s appearance and coloration allow it excellent blending to its environment when necessary. The Texas horned lizards have a light line that can be indentified, extending across from the head down the middle of the back. It is the only species of horned lizard to have a dark brown strip that extends downward from the eyes and across the top of their head.
In Texas, there are three species of horned lizards. The most widespread is the Texas Horned Toad (Phrynosoma cornutum).
The other two species being Round-Tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) and the Greater Short-Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi).
These species inhabit arid and semiarid habitats in open areas with sparse plant cover. However, they can each be readily distinguished. It is common one may find a horned lizard in loose or loamy soil since they dig for hibernation, nesting and insulation.
As for other areas the horned lizard inhabits, the Texas Parks and Wildlife reports horned lizards range from the south-central United States to northern Mexico, throughout much of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico. In recent years the decrease in population has grabbed the attention of landowners, ranchers, farmers and horned toad lovers. Currently, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas horned lizard is listed as a threatened species in Texas (federal category C2).
To read more pick up a copy of the September 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
HOME
Farm and Ranch Injuries
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
In January, I attended the Oklahoma Veterinary Conference. While waiting for one of the sessions to start, a classmate of mine commented how many of the attendees walk with a limp, used a cane, and/or have damaged hands. We all agreed that working with animals is hard on the body. In general, anything associated with farming and ranching is dangerous.
Most farmers and ranchers know that agriculture is a dangerous occupation. According to United States Bureau of Statistics, workers involved in agriculture, forestry, and fishing had the highest occupational fatality rate in 2022. The fatality rate of 23.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers for this group is much higher when compared to the overall occupation fatality rate of 3.7 per 100,000 FTE. Most of the agriculture-related fatalities are associated with transportation, such as tractor overturns, and vehicle crashes, but a fair number involve livestock.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
HOME
Jesses Jewelz
By Jesse Kader
Comfy and keep it western. That’s the name of the game this month. It’s hot and who wants clingy clothing? This jumpsuit is perfectly comfortable and relaxed without forfeiting the fashion. Dress it up or keep it casual. See this and more at www.jessesjewelz.com.
HOME
Noble Research Institute Expands New Program Offering Farmers and Ranchers the Essentials of Regenerative Ranch Management
The educational program has been expanded to three new locations, empowering ranchers and farmers to monitor and improve the health of their land, livestock and livelihood through regenerative principles.
ARDMORE, OK–September 12, 2023 – Noble Research Institute announced the expansion of Essentials of Regenerative Ranching, a new educational program designed to help ranchers enhance and restore the land, making it more resilient and reaching livestock grazing goals through regenerative management. Essentials of Regenerative Ranching provides producers with practical tools, hands-on experience and guidance to make data-driven decisions to decrease costs and improve profit.
The Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course has been expanded to three new locations in Texas and Oklahoma. Registration is open now at www.noble.org/essentials. Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
October 17 – 18
O.D. Butler, Jr. Animal Science Complex
Noble Research Institute
Ardmore, Oklahoma
October 31 – November 1
Pavilion Center
Texas A&M
Kingsville, Texas
November 7-8
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center
“Program participants gain working knowledge and experience of monitoring and improving the health of their soil, grazing livestock more strategically and making informed financial decisions,” said Hugh Aljoe, Noble Research Institute’s director of ranches, outreach and partnerships. “We use a mix of classroom and field work to send producers home with the tools they need to begin making changes on their ranch.”
Farmers and ranchers navigate uncertainty from weather, fluctuating market prices and escalating costs of inputs. Many producers are seeking new tools that offer greater control and reduce their operational uncertainty. Through this course, ranchers and farmers will calculate their financial situations, determine initial stocking rates, carrying capacity and grazing goals.
“The course is well-suited for ranchers of all experience levels and all types and sizes of operations,” Aljoe added. “No matter your situation, this program will transform the way you think about your ranch.”
The Essentials of Regenerative Ranching program allows producers to overcome obstacles, become more informed problem-solvers and increase the productivity of their grazing lands. By participating in this program, ranchers join a community of like-minded producers who are shaping the future of ranching and leaving a lasting impact on their land and families. “If I had known what I learned in this course when I started my regenerative journey, I could have avoided some key mistakes,” said Tana McCarter, a rancher, and Essentials attendee. “I left with the tools I needed to monitor my soil health and financial progress. I’ll now have the right data to make informed decisions on how to meet my regenerative goals.”
Noble Research Institute is an independent nonprofit agricultural research organization dedicated to guiding farmers and ranchers in applying regenerative principles that yield healthier soil, more productive grazing land, and business success.
At Noble, researchers, facilitators and ranch staff work together to share with farmers and ranchers the skills and tools to regenerate the land in a profitable manner. Noble is focused on the regenerative management of the nation’s grazing acres, which directly impacts pasture and range environments, wildlife, pecan production, and livestock production. Regenerative management recognizes that each decision made on the ranch impacts the interactions of the soil, plants, water, animals, economics and people. Noble’s 14,000 acres of working ranch lands provide a living laboratory on which to demonstrate and practice regenerative principles and ideas to deliver value to farmers and ranchers across the U.S.
-
Country Lifestyles1 year ago
Scott & Stacey Schumacher: A Growth Mindset
-
Equine7 months ago
The Will to Win
-
Country Lifestyles7 years ago
Style Your Profile – What your style cowboy hat says about you and new trends in 2017
-
Country Lifestyles4 years ago
Amber Crawford, Breakaway Roper
-
HOME7 years ago
Grazing North Texas – Wilman Lovegrass
-
Country Lifestyles7 years ago
December 2016 Profile, Rusty Riddle – The Riddle Way
-
Outdoor9 years ago
Buttercup or Primrose?
-
Country Lifestyles8 years ago
June 2016 Profile – The man behind the mic: Bob Tallman