Farm & Ranch
Meanwhile back at the ranch…
By Rayford Pullen
Summer has arrived, and with it comes a rapid decline in forage quality, milk production, breed back and overall lower gains for both calves and mature animals.
Getting females to breed this time of year is also a challenge, especially for first calvers, and the only way to help this process is to supplement protein that is now lacking in our grass and hope it’s not too hot for the semen quality to decline below what is needed for conception.
I realize many parts of the state are enduring droughts of varying degrees at this time, but in North Texas we have been beyond fortunate in receiving enough moisture to keep our pastures going. Seventy-five percent of our forage growth occurs by July 15 on the average each year, so if you are behind now, you may need to start making plans regarding stocking rates, cow numbers, hay, etc.
We were honored to host a tour group in June from the World Meat Congress, which is headquartered in Paris, France, and had its annual meeting in Dallas. This group had attendees from continents all over the world including Europe, South America, Central America, Asia, Australia, etc.
When asked about how we raise cattle, I was able to tell them how we have replaced antibiotics in our rations, how we vaccinate to minimize injection lesions, how we do use antibiotics if animals become sick, low stress handling, etc. In my opinion, when folks see how passionate we are about producing a wholesome product, and that, yes, we care what our customers both foreign and domestic want and try to respond accordingly, they can take this information back with them and respond accurately when negative issues arise regarding our product, which is beef.
To read more pick up a copy of the July 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe 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.
By: Tony Dean
There are a handful of grasses on North Texas grazing lands ranchers need to know, not because they are highly desirable, but rather because they are not of much value. I call them “decom” plants, which is am acronym for “Don’t Ever Count On Me.” Silver bluestem is a “decom” grass.
Silver bluestem is a perennial which grows in all areas of Texas. It can survive in almost all soil types, and in full sun conditions or in semi shade. It grows up to three feet tall and is easily recognized with the presence of the white fuzzy seed head. Also, one of the identifying characteristics of Silver bluestem is a bend in the stems at each node, causing the plants to take on a rounded shape as they mature.
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: Rayford Pullen
Fall is here which means winter is closing in on us and before we officially get into winter, we need to make sure our factories are either producing or will be producing in a few months.
We have been pregnancy testing our cows this fall and if they are not bred or nursing a calf, we are bidding them adios. With annual costs somewhere between $900.00 and $1,000.00 per cow, those cows not producing a live weaned calf are costing us quite a bit.
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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