Farm & Ranch
Pearson Livestock Equipment: Designed for cattlemen by cattlemen
By staff writer Jessica Bartel
Everyone has a story, each unique in its own way. Many times we don’t even realize how dramatically one seemingly small decision can impact our lives. This is true of the Rater family’s story which began with the purchase of a quality piece of livestock equipment. David Rater grew up in Antelope, TX and currently lives there with his wife JoAnn on a piece of land his grandparents owned. The two were high school sweethearts in Archer City, TX and will be married 40 years this May. Together
they have three children they raised in this area. Since an early age Rater, a cattleman with 34 years of experience in banking, has run cattle on that land. Fifteen years ago, while processing yearlings with a chute that was less than satisfactory he decided it was time to upgrade.
The Raters researched different chutes and were very impressed with Pearson Livestock Equipment’s overall product line. Their chute was high quality, easy to use and
had many convenient features. While buying the chute, Rater became acquainted with Pearson Livestock Equipment owners Jack and Gail Johnston. A mutual friendship was born and several years later Johnston, preparing for retirement, proposed to Rater the idea of buying the company.
To read more pick up the March 2014 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.
Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.
The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Tressa Lawrence
Babies are tucked away in every nook and cranny. Many ranchers across Wyoming have baby animals popping up all over this time of year.
By Lindsey Monk
Another load of grain in to keep feeding the calves until the green grass can really start popping.
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