By: Rayford Pullen

Watching our pastures over the years, I have noticed our forages normally quit growing when nighttime temperatures begin hitting that 45-degree mark, and in North Texas, that will usually be around October 20.

While growth stops, our forages will still be high quality which allows our momma cows to gain weight for another 40 days or so.

Getting these cows in better condition is key to getting them through the winter and breeding after they calve.

To read more, check out the October issue of the NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

By: Jelly Cocanougher

A delicate balance of hard work and nature’s ever-present influence. Even though there are a handful of skilled men working a set of pens, there is always a brave calf to cause a bit of a ruckus. Carefully con- veyed to the ground, the calf gets worked and set off to on a journey of growth. Cowboys understand that the dealings of unpredictable nature such as this young calf is part of the journey. Prowling the pastures for green grasses and hay so sweet, the calf is released back into the pastures, able to roam and be drawn to the nutritious offerings of the land.

By: Bryce Angell

I drove to Sportsman’s Warehouse. Thought I’d buy a brand-new cap. My mistake was walking through the doors. They had me in their trap. I’m not talking ‘bout a mouse trap. Snares his nose and won’t let go. I’m alluding to the shopping trance. Why couldn’t I say no?
I grabbed a cart and made a beeline to a hat filled crate.
But switched gears to a sign that read, “Fifty dollar bag rebate.” Below the rebate sign were sleeping bags hung in a row.
One sleeping bag was rated down to 45 below.
The floor attendant tempted me. “It’s the best sale of the year!”
I had to have the 45 below with all my gear.
The bag was extra heavy. Totaled nearly twenty pounds.
But I stuffed it in my shopping cart. I had to make more rounds.
I was feeling so elated with my brand-new sleeping bag.
I wasn’t checking prices. That would surely raise a flag.
I pushed on past the hats and caps. Found a Levi coat to wear.
I didn’t need another but it’s good to have a spare.
I bought a pair of mittens that I doubt I’ll ever use.
I’ll save ‘em for my wife in case we take a winter cruise.
I purchased ammunition. That is when I heard the cue.
I had too many bullets for a single .22.
So, I bought another rifle. What the heck, it’s just one more. Then I moved on with my frenzy, hadn’t covered all the floor. Aha! My eyes beheld a sight designed for all to see.
A brand-new shiny wall tent that would soon belong to me.
I grabbed a wood stove for my tent to sleep warm through the night. Then I realized my purchases were climbing out of sight.
We totaled up my plunder. I was surely caught off guard.
Two thousand fifty dollars, I said, “Put it on my card.”
I’d spent a ton of money with no permission from my wife. Should I give my wife the rebate? Fifty might just save my life. Although I’ve never learned to save, for sure a shopping sap. But, this time I saved ten dollars ‘cuz I didn’t buy a cap.