Many Americans have experienced considerable fluctuation in their net worth during recent months. People who had invested in stocks through 401k accounts or IRAs watched values melt away during much of 2008 and early 2009. Since March 2009, many investments have experienced strong performance while others have emulated a roller coaster ride. A bright spot for many in agriculture is that agricultural land values appear to be steady to only slightly weaker in most regions of the country. Even though investment advisors recommend diversity in one's portfolio, average agricultural producers have 87 percent of their wealth invested in land and improvements. This has been a good strategy during recent years of financial volatility. Regardless of one's investments or the size of one's estate, attention should be given to planning for the estate's future.
Most people have preferences concerning how they want their estates' assets distributed. This can be accomplished by creating legal documents to ensure that those preferences are carried out. This is important no matter the size of the estate. There are additional reasons for planning if one's estate is more than $1 million. In 2001, Congress passed estate taxation legislation. At that time, an estate valued at more than $1 million was subject to an estate tax. There was essentially a $1 million tax exemption. The tax rate was as high as 55 percent for very large estates. The legislation allowed the estate tax exemption to increase incrementally to $3.5 million by 2009 with a tax rate cap of 45 percent. It also stated that in 2010 there would be no estate tax on any size estate. In 2011, pre-2001 exemption levels of $1 million would be reinstated and the maximum estate tax rate would go back to 55 percent.
In recent years, there have been many producer organizations lobbying for permanent repeal of the estate tax. However, record federal deficit projections have caused many to doubt the possibility of permanent repeal. Considering federal deficits, it is unlikely that any lapse in the estate tax will happen - 2010 included. With 2009 drawing to a close, little time is left for passage of estate tax legislation. Currently there are five bills that have been introduced, one by a senator and four by representatives.
• Senate bill 722 extends the current exemption with future adjustments for inflation, keeping the maximum estate tax rate at 45 percent.
• House bill (HR 2023) would reduce the exemption to $2 million, but allow the amount to increase with the rate of inflation. The maximum estate tax rate would be 55 percent.
• House bill (HR 436) extends the current exemption level of $3.5 million and maximum estate tax rate of 45 percent, but has no provision for increasing the exemption with inflation.
• House bill 3905 increases the exemption in 2010, rising gradually to $5 million by 2019. After 2019, the exemption would be annually adjusted for inflation. The maximum estate tax rate declines from the current 45 percent to a maximum of 35 percent in 2019. This bill has 16 co-sponsors.
• House bill (HR 3524) would exclude "qualified farm land" from the taxable value of the estate. Qualified farm land is that which was used by the decedent or their family to produce agricultural commodities in at least five of the eight years preceding the death. HR 3524 has 51 cosponsors - including two from Oklahoma and five from Texas.
It will be interesting to follow the debate of these bills and others that may be introduced. It is important for each of us to stay informed of pending legislation. Changes in the law may require updates to one's estate plan. The above steps require additional time and effort, but, considering the cost of fertilizers today, it is time and effort well spent. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Mycountrytractor.com is the destination for those looking for community info. Mycountrytractor is involved with county events and child involvement to help support local 4-H and FFA events. We have wonderful Agriculture information for our visitors for all your farming and ranching needs
Friday, December 25, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Chute N The Bull 12/10/09
Soil testing is the basis of a sound fertilizer program; however, it is important to understand that the decisions made as a result of soil tests are only as good as the samples themselves. A little extra time spent during collection and submission can pay big dividends later. Following these five steps will help ensure you get the most from your soil samples.
Collect soil cores to the correct depth. The correct depth for soil samples depends on the nutrients being tested, sample purpose, tillage system, intended crop, laboratory request, etc. At the Noble Foundation, we recommend a 0- to 6-inch core for standard analysis plus a 6- to 12-inch core for nitrogen analysis. The laboratory we use calibrates their analysis based on a 6-inch increment. Many nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, will form layers in the soil profile and may be concentrated near the soil surface. If the sample is collected from a depth that is too shallow, results will show that there is a greater concentration of those nutrients and we may not recommend a needed fertilizer. If the sample is collected from a depth that is too deep, results will show a lower concentration of those nutrients and we may recommend unnecessary fertilizer.
Collect enough cores to make the sample representative. There is a great deal of soil variability even over relatively small areas. To get a good average for the area, we need to collect and blend enough representative cores together. The more cores included per sample, the better the sample quality. The absolute minimum is 12 to15 cores per sample.
A sample should not represent too large of an area. We tend to want to make a single sample represent an entire field no matter its size. Due to the variability in soil fertility, it is difficult to get a good average for more than 40 to 50 acres at a time even if the field appears uniform. Divide fields larger than this into smaller areas or zones that can be sampled and analyzed separately. Ideally, these zones are fertilized according to their individual needs, but it is often necessary to average the recommendation across the zones to make a single blend for the entire field.
Collect separate samples to represent different soil or topography types. Often a single field will contain significantly different types of soils or topographies. These should be sampled and analyzed separately much like the zone sampling mentioned above. Additionally, if there are trouble spots in a field that do not produce well, these should be sampled separately to help identify the cause of the problem.
Provide sample information requested on the submission form. The information on the sample submission form is needed to generate an appropriate recommendation. At a minimum, we must know what is being grown, if the crop is established and the field identification. Fertility and lime recommendations depend on the crop and whether or not it is established. The field identification is necessary to tie the sample back to the field where it was collected. Since a sample can be used for up to three years, do not rely on memory to know where it came from. Include a reasonable target yield goal along with the crop variety and percent stand for established crops. The nitrogen recommendation is based on the target yield goal. The variety and percent stand establishment can both affect the nitrogen use efficiency, which will also affect the nitrogen recommendation. Finally, include the crop and yield history along with the amount and types of fertilizers applied. If the fertilizer response for the field is significantly different than normal, that information can be used to refine the fertilizer recommendation.
The above steps require additional time and effort, but, considering the cost of fertilizers today, it is time and effort well spent. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Collect soil cores to the correct depth. The correct depth for soil samples depends on the nutrients being tested, sample purpose, tillage system, intended crop, laboratory request, etc. At the Noble Foundation, we recommend a 0- to 6-inch core for standard analysis plus a 6- to 12-inch core for nitrogen analysis. The laboratory we use calibrates their analysis based on a 6-inch increment. Many nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, will form layers in the soil profile and may be concentrated near the soil surface. If the sample is collected from a depth that is too shallow, results will show that there is a greater concentration of those nutrients and we may not recommend a needed fertilizer. If the sample is collected from a depth that is too deep, results will show a lower concentration of those nutrients and we may recommend unnecessary fertilizer.
Collect enough cores to make the sample representative. There is a great deal of soil variability even over relatively small areas. To get a good average for the area, we need to collect and blend enough representative cores together. The more cores included per sample, the better the sample quality. The absolute minimum is 12 to15 cores per sample.
A sample should not represent too large of an area. We tend to want to make a single sample represent an entire field no matter its size. Due to the variability in soil fertility, it is difficult to get a good average for more than 40 to 50 acres at a time even if the field appears uniform. Divide fields larger than this into smaller areas or zones that can be sampled and analyzed separately. Ideally, these zones are fertilized according to their individual needs, but it is often necessary to average the recommendation across the zones to make a single blend for the entire field.
Collect separate samples to represent different soil or topography types. Often a single field will contain significantly different types of soils or topographies. These should be sampled and analyzed separately much like the zone sampling mentioned above. Additionally, if there are trouble spots in a field that do not produce well, these should be sampled separately to help identify the cause of the problem.
Provide sample information requested on the submission form. The information on the sample submission form is needed to generate an appropriate recommendation. At a minimum, we must know what is being grown, if the crop is established and the field identification. Fertility and lime recommendations depend on the crop and whether or not it is established. The field identification is necessary to tie the sample back to the field where it was collected. Since a sample can be used for up to three years, do not rely on memory to know where it came from. Include a reasonable target yield goal along with the crop variety and percent stand for established crops. The nitrogen recommendation is based on the target yield goal. The variety and percent stand establishment can both affect the nitrogen use efficiency, which will also affect the nitrogen recommendation. Finally, include the crop and yield history along with the amount and types of fertilizers applied. If the fertilizer response for the field is significantly different than normal, that information can be used to refine the fertilizer recommendation.
The above steps require additional time and effort, but, considering the cost of fertilizers today, it is time and effort well spent. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Monday, December 7, 2009
Chute n The Bull 12/4/09
Pick up any livestock-related publication these days and you'll probably find an article on adding value to your calf crop. Subjects might include selecting bulls to optimize desirable characteristics in your calves, preconditioning for 30-45 days, implementing age and source verification, managing shrink, presentation at marketing, targeting niche markets, etc. These and many other management practices have the potential to add to your bottom line. Consider spending some time evaluating changes you might make to your operation in the coming year.
Not all enhancements involve cutting edge technology or new market development. Sometimes just "taking care of business" can be an enhancement all by itself. For instance, one of the simplest, low-tech and often overlooked practices is getting more calves born earlier in the calving season. During the suckling phase, a calf typically gains about 2 pounds per day; so, for each additional day of age, a calf will weigh about 2 pounds more at weaning. How significant can this be?
For ease of figuring, assume an 84-day calving season, with 100 calves equally distributed in four 21-day periods. What if you were able to move your calving distribution from 25 percent in each period to 40-20-20-10? You are actually shifting 45 calves into an earlier period, making them an average of 21 days older at weaning. This means an additional 1,890 pounds of calf in the weaning pen. Most people would agree an increased saleable weight of nearly a ton is very significant!
Of course, the reality of change in your operation depends on how your calving distribution looks now. Assuming that there is room for improvement, how do you begin to shift? This is where the "taking care of business" factor comes in. You must focus on the primary aspects of management that most affect the timing of conception in your herd.
Nutrition
• To minimize the time to first estrus, the cows should have a body condition score of at least 5.5 at calving.
• Maintain a BCS 5 or better through the breeding season to minimize the number of services required for conception.
• Make sure the bulls are in at least a BCS 6 at turn-out.
Health
• Work with your veterinarian to plan and implement a preventative health program for cows and bulls, especially against reproductive diseases.
• Have a veterinarian conduct a breeding soundness examination of your bulls before the breeding season.
Management
• Observe bulls during the breeding season to ensure that they remain willing and able to service the cows.
• Rotate in fresh bulls as needed and address physical problems that may arise.
You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Not all enhancements involve cutting edge technology or new market development. Sometimes just "taking care of business" can be an enhancement all by itself. For instance, one of the simplest, low-tech and often overlooked practices is getting more calves born earlier in the calving season. During the suckling phase, a calf typically gains about 2 pounds per day; so, for each additional day of age, a calf will weigh about 2 pounds more at weaning. How significant can this be?
For ease of figuring, assume an 84-day calving season, with 100 calves equally distributed in four 21-day periods. What if you were able to move your calving distribution from 25 percent in each period to 40-20-20-10? You are actually shifting 45 calves into an earlier period, making them an average of 21 days older at weaning. This means an additional 1,890 pounds of calf in the weaning pen. Most people would agree an increased saleable weight of nearly a ton is very significant!
Of course, the reality of change in your operation depends on how your calving distribution looks now. Assuming that there is room for improvement, how do you begin to shift? This is where the "taking care of business" factor comes in. You must focus on the primary aspects of management that most affect the timing of conception in your herd.
Nutrition
• To minimize the time to first estrus, the cows should have a body condition score of at least 5.5 at calving.
• Maintain a BCS 5 or better through the breeding season to minimize the number of services required for conception.
• Make sure the bulls are in at least a BCS 6 at turn-out.
Health
• Work with your veterinarian to plan and implement a preventative health program for cows and bulls, especially against reproductive diseases.
• Have a veterinarian conduct a breeding soundness examination of your bulls before the breeding season.
Management
• Observe bulls during the breeding season to ensure that they remain willing and able to service the cows.
• Rotate in fresh bulls as needed and address physical problems that may arise.
You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Texas Agrilife Extension Completes 50 hour Training
During a ceremony on Friday November 18, 2009 Judge Byron Ryder joined Tommy Neyland County Extension Agent in honoring a new group of Master Gardener Interns for the completion of their 50hr training course. This new crop of local community leaders has an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through our Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to our communities. In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to our County Extension program. At least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of "Texas Master Gardener." The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others staff plant clinics or displays in shopping malls or community centers. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas Agrilife Extension, and The Texas A&M University System. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas Agrilife Extension. Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.
Pic Caption:
Texas Agrilife Extension Service Master Gardener Interns, Clara Jones, Marianne Gage, Judy Johnson, Cherlynn MacGregor, Mary Cofield, Ron Hale, Pastor Joy Richards, Cozy Taylor and CEA Tommy Neyland and Judge Byron Ryder.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Chute N the Bull 11/30/09
What's the best way to take care of your Christmas tree? If you purchase a real Christmas tree, the following tips will help it stay in good condition.
The first step is to purchase a tree. It is a good idea to buy trees from lots early, because trees dry out at lots. Store them in water in a shaded location. Try gently pulling on a few of the needles. They should not come off easily. Also, the needles should bend and be flexible. With the exception of Norway Pine, if the needles snap or seem brittle, look for another tree.
Once you get your tree home, cut several inches off the bottom of the trunk. Immediately put the tree into a bucket of clean, warm water. A fresh cut tree takes up an amazing amount of water as it warms up.
Next, make sure your tree stand is clean. Locate your tree in an area away from (drying) heat vents and fireplaces. Transfer the tree to the stand and water with luke-warm to cool water. Additives are not necessary or recommended. There are no potions that preserve trees or make them less flammable. Check the tree stand at least twice a day. Never allow the water level to go below the cut on the bottom of the trunk. If the cut area is exposed to air it seals. The tree will no longer take up water.
Before you decorate, check all lights to make sure there are no frayed wires or broken bulbs. Only use lights that are rated for use indoors. Turn off Christmas tree lights when you go to bed or when you are away from home.
If the tree dries out and the needles start to fall off, take it outdoors. Remove all tinsel and other decorations. The tree can be taken to a site that recycles Christmas trees. You can also stick the tree in a snow bank. String it with popcorn and berries to attract wildlife. Another alternative is to cut off the branches for use as a mulch over bulb and perennial beds. For more information, contact your local Extension office. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
The first step is to purchase a tree. It is a good idea to buy trees from lots early, because trees dry out at lots. Store them in water in a shaded location. Try gently pulling on a few of the needles. They should not come off easily. Also, the needles should bend and be flexible. With the exception of Norway Pine, if the needles snap or seem brittle, look for another tree.
Once you get your tree home, cut several inches off the bottom of the trunk. Immediately put the tree into a bucket of clean, warm water. A fresh cut tree takes up an amazing amount of water as it warms up.
Next, make sure your tree stand is clean. Locate your tree in an area away from (drying) heat vents and fireplaces. Transfer the tree to the stand and water with luke-warm to cool water. Additives are not necessary or recommended. There are no potions that preserve trees or make them less flammable. Check the tree stand at least twice a day. Never allow the water level to go below the cut on the bottom of the trunk. If the cut area is exposed to air it seals. The tree will no longer take up water.
Before you decorate, check all lights to make sure there are no frayed wires or broken bulbs. Only use lights that are rated for use indoors. Turn off Christmas tree lights when you go to bed or when you are away from home.
If the tree dries out and the needles start to fall off, take it outdoors. Remove all tinsel and other decorations. The tree can be taken to a site that recycles Christmas trees. You can also stick the tree in a snow bank. String it with popcorn and berries to attract wildlife. Another alternative is to cut off the branches for use as a mulch over bulb and perennial beds. For more information, contact your local Extension office. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Monday, November 23, 2009
Chute N The Bull 11-18-09
With the variability of fertilizer prices, it is essential that fertilization schedules be updated and in harmony with optimal economic yield. As a rule, the profitability of a cropping system is dependent on fertilizer applications that are based on sound science and knowledge of the various production risks relative to the desired yield responses. Does this mean that we should increase the amount of fertilizer as long as it gives a little higher yield? No, increased fertilizer applications are not always the best way to increase profits.
Profitability usually results from establishing a realistic yield goal and using appropriate tools and technologies to achieve that goal. The ability to estimate a realistic yield goal, therefore, is critical to farm profitability and sustainability. Yields vary from field to field and year to year, making the establishment of a farm goal difficult. By understanding the variables that affect potential yield, we can begin to make better predictions and establish achievable goals.
Crop yield is dependent on the physical and chemical properties of soil, soil moisture, genetics (varieties), climate, crop management, and weed and pest control. Setting a yield goal based on all these factors is more realistic than relying on previous data. Fertilizer decisions made without a good understanding of these interactions may result in excessive or inadequate applications. Overly optimistic yield goals may result in excessive levels of fertilizer, contamination of surface and underground water, and unwarranted costs. Conversely, inadequate rates can result in low yields, increased costs of production and decreased profitability.
Physical properties such as soil texture, structure, particle density, bulk density, pore space and organic matter interact with fertilizer application and affect yield potential. Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt and clay in the soil. It directly affects soil water-holding capacity and cation exchange capacity. Fine-textured soils are characterized by high percentages of clay, which enable a higher water-holding capacity as compared to sandy, coarse-textured soils. Medium-textured soils such as loams, sandy loams and silt loams are ideal for most crops.
Good air and water movement through the soil is critical to root growth. Soil structure refers to the presence of aggregates of soil particles that are bound together to form distinct shapes. This affects root growth, and water and air movement. The better the soil structure, the higher the productivity of soil.
Granular structure (rounded, spherical and lacking sharp cleavage planes), particularly in fine-textured soils, is ideal for air and water movement. Blocky structures, where the height and width of the structures are equal, have good air and water movement. Prismatic structures (height greater than width) result in poor air and water movement, because they swell when wet and shrink when dry. Platy structures (width greater than height) restrict air, water movement and root penetration because particles are tightly packed in the soil. Factors that will change soil structure are root growth, soil organisms, wetting and drying, freezing and thawing, and cultivation.
Particle density determines the dry soil weight and is measured by the volume of solids in soil. Bulk density is a measure of dry soil mass as compared to the soil volume. The main difference is that bulk density takes into consideration the volume of pores between soil particles. Particle density is a constant, while bulk density can be altered. For example, reduction of organic matter or destruction of soil structure will increase bulk density. Crop productivity decreases with an increase in bulk density, resulting from a reduction in pore volume and nutrient flow.
As you can see, many factors beyond fertilizer application have a significant effect on crop performance and the ability to predict yield.
You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Profitability usually results from establishing a realistic yield goal and using appropriate tools and technologies to achieve that goal. The ability to estimate a realistic yield goal, therefore, is critical to farm profitability and sustainability. Yields vary from field to field and year to year, making the establishment of a farm goal difficult. By understanding the variables that affect potential yield, we can begin to make better predictions and establish achievable goals.
Crop yield is dependent on the physical and chemical properties of soil, soil moisture, genetics (varieties), climate, crop management, and weed and pest control. Setting a yield goal based on all these factors is more realistic than relying on previous data. Fertilizer decisions made without a good understanding of these interactions may result in excessive or inadequate applications. Overly optimistic yield goals may result in excessive levels of fertilizer, contamination of surface and underground water, and unwarranted costs. Conversely, inadequate rates can result in low yields, increased costs of production and decreased profitability.
Physical properties such as soil texture, structure, particle density, bulk density, pore space and organic matter interact with fertilizer application and affect yield potential. Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt and clay in the soil. It directly affects soil water-holding capacity and cation exchange capacity. Fine-textured soils are characterized by high percentages of clay, which enable a higher water-holding capacity as compared to sandy, coarse-textured soils. Medium-textured soils such as loams, sandy loams and silt loams are ideal for most crops.
Good air and water movement through the soil is critical to root growth. Soil structure refers to the presence of aggregates of soil particles that are bound together to form distinct shapes. This affects root growth, and water and air movement. The better the soil structure, the higher the productivity of soil.
Granular structure (rounded, spherical and lacking sharp cleavage planes), particularly in fine-textured soils, is ideal for air and water movement. Blocky structures, where the height and width of the structures are equal, have good air and water movement. Prismatic structures (height greater than width) result in poor air and water movement, because they swell when wet and shrink when dry. Platy structures (width greater than height) restrict air, water movement and root penetration because particles are tightly packed in the soil. Factors that will change soil structure are root growth, soil organisms, wetting and drying, freezing and thawing, and cultivation.
Particle density determines the dry soil weight and is measured by the volume of solids in soil. Bulk density is a measure of dry soil mass as compared to the soil volume. The main difference is that bulk density takes into consideration the volume of pores between soil particles. Particle density is a constant, while bulk density can be altered. For example, reduction of organic matter or destruction of soil structure will increase bulk density. Crop productivity decreases with an increase in bulk density, resulting from a reduction in pore volume and nutrient flow.
As you can see, many factors beyond fertilizer application have a significant effect on crop performance and the ability to predict yield.
You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Chute n the Bull
The year is 2015 and after years of debate among conservation organizations, pro-hunting organizations, animal rights activists and antihunting groups, all forms of hunting in the United States have been banned by the federal government. Is this a real possibility? In my opinion, the answer is yes. Regardless of what some people think, hunting is an opportunity that can be taken away and those who will ultimately decide its fate are the non-hunting public. Currently, the public is mostly undecided on whether hunting is moral, a wholesome activity or still involves the sportsmanlike pursuit of animals.
There are about 12.5 million hunters over the age of 16 in the U.S. It is vital for hunters, both individually and as a group, to demonstrate that hunting is a moral and wholesome activity. This is increasingly difficult because more and more people are further removed from rural lifestyles. Fewer immediate family members are involved in hunting or agriculture where the birth, care and death of animals are parts of daily life. Lessons from the farm are largely lost on today's generation, including hunters.
The fate of hunting will be influenced by at least three factors. First, hunters need to police their own ranks and not ignore questionable acts of other hunters. Secondly, hunters need to communicate more effectively with non-hunting groups. Lastly, to be sustainable, the sport needs new hunters.
Policing our ranks should not emphasize internal debates over archery, muzzle loader or rifle seasons or equipment choice. These things are minor compared to hunters holding one another accountable to ethical and high moral conduct. We can't ignore activities such as poaching and trespassing. Additionally, appropriate conduct extends to the concept of "fair chase" or avoiding the use of technology, gadgets or practices that gives unfair advantage to hunters over the animals being pursued.
Drs. Michael Nelson and Kelly Millenbah published an article in the fall 2009 issue of Wildlife Professional proposing that there may be more common ground between ethical hunters and non-hunters than either group thinks. They point out that, in the debate over the ethics of hunting, dialogue has been replaced by dogmatism, honesty by hostility and progress by platitudes. However, they suggest that a common ground exists: respect for animals. They go on to say that most anti-hunters simply want hunters to demonstrate respect for the animals they hunt and to acknowledge that animals have moral standing. They propose that "wildlife professionals and hunters could recognize the direct moral standing of animals and work to unite this recognition with the possibility of hunting and eating animals."
With the increasing commercialization of hunting and wildlife, the potential grows for this industry to substitute "entertainment" and a "positive experience" for traditional values and ethical concepts, such as fair chase. Some aspects of commercialization, e.g., canned hunts and gadgetry, will appeal to those who are shortsighted and are not vested in the outcome of hunting. Time in the field is at a premium and, with companies offering gadgets and canned hunts that promise increased odds of harvesting an animal... well, money talks.
Statistics show that hunter numbers are declining annually. Probable factors are too numerous to look into here. Traditionally, hunting has been a male-dominated activity, but this is changing. More and more women are taking up and enjoying hunting. In regards to youth, hunting seems to be overshadowed by video games, television, computers and organized activities such as sports and music. An increasing number of youth are not being taught that death is a part of life and that game animals are a renewable resource. It is important that youth and women become involved and participate in hunting and that hunting mentors teach them what fair chase and ethical conduct is all about.
Take a child hunting. Invite your spouse, sister, aunt or a neighbor to spend some time in the field to share your knowledge regarding the importance of respecting animals, hunting ethically, observing sportsmanship and maintaining wildlife habitat. Who is a better mentor than an ethical, knowledgeable and
conservationminded sportsman? The future of hunting depends on you.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
There are about 12.5 million hunters over the age of 16 in the U.S. It is vital for hunters, both individually and as a group, to demonstrate that hunting is a moral and wholesome activity. This is increasingly difficult because more and more people are further removed from rural lifestyles. Fewer immediate family members are involved in hunting or agriculture where the birth, care and death of animals are parts of daily life. Lessons from the farm are largely lost on today's generation, including hunters.
The fate of hunting will be influenced by at least three factors. First, hunters need to police their own ranks and not ignore questionable acts of other hunters. Secondly, hunters need to communicate more effectively with non-hunting groups. Lastly, to be sustainable, the sport needs new hunters.
Policing our ranks should not emphasize internal debates over archery, muzzle loader or rifle seasons or equipment choice. These things are minor compared to hunters holding one another accountable to ethical and high moral conduct. We can't ignore activities such as poaching and trespassing. Additionally, appropriate conduct extends to the concept of "fair chase" or avoiding the use of technology, gadgets or practices that gives unfair advantage to hunters over the animals being pursued.
Drs. Michael Nelson and Kelly Millenbah published an article in the fall 2009 issue of Wildlife Professional proposing that there may be more common ground between ethical hunters and non-hunters than either group thinks. They point out that, in the debate over the ethics of hunting, dialogue has been replaced by dogmatism, honesty by hostility and progress by platitudes. However, they suggest that a common ground exists: respect for animals. They go on to say that most anti-hunters simply want hunters to demonstrate respect for the animals they hunt and to acknowledge that animals have moral standing. They propose that "wildlife professionals and hunters could recognize the direct moral standing of animals and work to unite this recognition with the possibility of hunting and eating animals."
With the increasing commercialization of hunting and wildlife, the potential grows for this industry to substitute "entertainment" and a "positive experience" for traditional values and ethical concepts, such as fair chase. Some aspects of commercialization, e.g., canned hunts and gadgetry, will appeal to those who are shortsighted and are not vested in the outcome of hunting. Time in the field is at a premium and, with companies offering gadgets and canned hunts that promise increased odds of harvesting an animal... well, money talks.
Statistics show that hunter numbers are declining annually. Probable factors are too numerous to look into here. Traditionally, hunting has been a male-dominated activity, but this is changing. More and more women are taking up and enjoying hunting. In regards to youth, hunting seems to be overshadowed by video games, television, computers and organized activities such as sports and music. An increasing number of youth are not being taught that death is a part of life and that game animals are a renewable resource. It is important that youth and women become involved and participate in hunting and that hunting mentors teach them what fair chase and ethical conduct is all about.
Take a child hunting. Invite your spouse, sister, aunt or a neighbor to spend some time in the field to share your knowledge regarding the importance of respecting animals, hunting ethically, observing sportsmanship and maintaining wildlife habitat. Who is a better mentor than an ethical, knowledgeable and
conservationminded sportsman? The future of hunting depends on you.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Chute N The Bull
As of Oct. 5, 2009, El Nino was still present across the equatorial
Pacific Ocean with sea surface temperatures at least 1° C above average
and expected to strengthen, lasting through the winter. This increases
our probability of having a cool, wet winter. Winter El Nino episodes
feature a strong jet stream and storm track across the southern part of
the United States as depicted in the figure.
Those of us who planted winter pasture this September are enjoying
excellent pasture conditions with stocking rates of 400-600 pounds of
beef per acre. This is likely the best fall you have seen since 1994.
Winter pasture will continue to grow for a little while as we move into
December. Once soil temperatures fall below 55-60° F, plant growth is
seriously inhibited, and what you have is about all you will see until
the soil begins to warm up again in the spring. As a rule of thumb, 90
percent of fall production occurs by December. This is a great time for
you to estimate reserve herd days to see if you will be under- or
overstocked for the next 90 days and adjust accordingly. For fallplanted
small grains, you will have approximately 150 lbs per acre-inch of
forage and need to figure on leaving a 3-inch stubble height. If you are
understocked, then animal gain will be maximized for the fall period and
range between 2-2.25 lbs of gain per head per day. If you are
overstocked, plan to feed a little along the way or simply expect
average daily gain to be slightly below 2 pounds.Those of you who will be grazing livestock on dry grass have already had
enough moisture this fall. Any additional moisture from
December-February only decreases the quality and quantity of available
standing forage. It is much easier to maintain a cow's body condition
during a dry winter as the grass remains more upright and is "stronger."
Increased humidity during the winter also adds to the chance of an
animal being out of its thermal comfort zone, which reduces its
performance. Unless you are grazing on native grass in good to excellent
condition, there is a high probability you will be feeding hay a little
sooner than normal or expect to lose a little more condition on your
cows. Even if you are grazing on standing native grass in excellent
condition, you might plan to feed a supplement high in energy after Jan.
1 to help maintain body condition on your cows.
You can find this and past articles on the web at
http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race,
color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Pacific Ocean with sea surface temperatures at least 1° C above average
and expected to strengthen, lasting through the winter. This increases
our probability of having a cool, wet winter. Winter El Nino episodes
feature a strong jet stream and storm track across the southern part of
the United States as depicted in the figure.
Those of us who planted winter pasture this September are enjoying
excellent pasture conditions with stocking rates of 400-600 pounds of
beef per acre. This is likely the best fall you have seen since 1994.
Winter pasture will continue to grow for a little while as we move into
December. Once soil temperatures fall below 55-60° F, plant growth is
seriously inhibited, and what you have is about all you will see until
the soil begins to warm up again in the spring. As a rule of thumb, 90
percent of fall production occurs by December. This is a great time for
you to estimate reserve herd days to see if you will be under- or
overstocked for the next 90 days and adjust accordingly. For fallplanted
small grains, you will have approximately 150 lbs per acre-inch of
forage and need to figure on leaving a 3-inch stubble height. If you are
understocked, then animal gain will be maximized for the fall period and
range between 2-2.25 lbs of gain per head per day. If you are
overstocked, plan to feed a little along the way or simply expect
average daily gain to be slightly below 2 pounds.Those of you who will be grazing livestock on dry grass have already had
enough moisture this fall. Any additional moisture from
December-February only decreases the quality and quantity of available
standing forage. It is much easier to maintain a cow's body condition
during a dry winter as the grass remains more upright and is "stronger."
Increased humidity during the winter also adds to the chance of an
animal being out of its thermal comfort zone, which reduces its
performance. Unless you are grazing on native grass in good to excellent
condition, there is a high probability you will be feeding hay a little
sooner than normal or expect to lose a little more condition on your
cows. Even if you are grazing on standing native grass in excellent
condition, you might plan to feed a supplement high in energy after Jan.
1 to help maintain body condition on your cows.
You can find this and past articles on the web at
http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race,
color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Monday, November 2, 2009
Chute N The Bull
People who study change and its causes have observed that change is
often caused by a disturbance. Production agriculture is in a period of
rapid change, with an economic environment that many have never
experienced. If the agricultural industry is changing, what has been the
disturbance? A few of the disturbances are the Renewable Fuels Standard,
higher incomes in the highly populated countries of China and India, a
lower value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies and higher
oil prices. These "disturbances" are causing us to change the way we
produce food and fiber.
No other sector in production agriculture has felt these disturbances
more than the cow-calf sector. Corn, the primary ingredient for
finishing cattle, has tripled in price in only a few short years. Corn
prices have influenced other feed inputs, such as byproduct and protein
feeds. This has escalated prices, causing the cost of gain in feed yards
to double. This phenomenon is causing cattle feeders to bid less for
calves and yearlings, thus lowering revenue to cow-calf producers.
Prices for fertilizer and fuel have also soared. Add in the increases in
steel prices for T-posts and barbed wire, and one can quickly see that
cow-calf producers, especially those who rely heavily on introduced
forages, are in a bind.
The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, an agency that
develops long-term projections for agricultural commodities, foresees
negative cow-calf profitability for the five years starting with 2008.1
They predict profitability to decline to a low in 2010, with a $70 loss
per cow. This is a considerable difference from the $150 per cow profit
experienced during 2004 and 2005.
So is there anything cow-calf producers can do to increase their chances
of survival over the next five years? The answer is yes. There are
several possibilities, some of which will be more reasonable to
incorporate than others. In the end, each producer will need to analyze
his or her own situation and determine which changes are the most
logical and economical.
There are two basic components that determine profit - revenues and
costs. One producer may choose to concentrate on the revenue side while
another producer may choose to concentrate on the cost side or even work
on both revenues and costs. There are a couple of production practice
changes that seem most applicable to all producers. One of these is
applying fertilizer to introduced forages, i.e., bermudagrass, for the
purpose of providing enough forage to graze another cow. Unless a
cow-calf producer is producing animals that have some kind of added
value substantially above the commodity price, then it is unlikely they
can afford to purchase any nitrogen fertilizer, much less phosphorus. It
may be justified in the short run to apply fertilizer to allow for an
orderly plan of partial destocking of the breeding herd rather than have
a fire sale. Otherwise, cow-calf producers need to consider running
fewer cows and fertilizing less, if at all.
Another potential area to add profitability is to grow calves to heavier
weights. Historically, value of gain has been in the range of 50¢ to 60¢
per pound. Today's market is roughly paying $1 per pound. High cost of
gain in feed yards is causing them to place heavier calves. This has
driven up the price of 800- to 900-pound calves relative to 500- to
700-pound calves. The market is giving cow-calf producers a strong
signal to add weight to calves with grass. In many situations, the added
value of gain will even justify the use of fertilizer.
Many choices exist for cow-calf producers to incorporate new or
different production practices in order to survive the next five years.
Necessity is a huge motivator for creativity and invention. Agricultural
producers are among the best at facing change and I am optimistic about
the future. You can find this and past articles on the web at
http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
often caused by a disturbance. Production agriculture is in a period of
rapid change, with an economic environment that many have never
experienced. If the agricultural industry is changing, what has been the
disturbance? A few of the disturbances are the Renewable Fuels Standard,
higher incomes in the highly populated countries of China and India, a
lower value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies and higher
oil prices. These "disturbances" are causing us to change the way we
produce food and fiber.
No other sector in production agriculture has felt these disturbances
more than the cow-calf sector. Corn, the primary ingredient for
finishing cattle, has tripled in price in only a few short years. Corn
prices have influenced other feed inputs, such as byproduct and protein
feeds. This has escalated prices, causing the cost of gain in feed yards
to double. This phenomenon is causing cattle feeders to bid less for
calves and yearlings, thus lowering revenue to cow-calf producers.
Prices for fertilizer and fuel have also soared. Add in the increases in
steel prices for T-posts and barbed wire, and one can quickly see that
cow-calf producers, especially those who rely heavily on introduced
forages, are in a bind.
The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, an agency that
develops long-term projections for agricultural commodities, foresees
negative cow-calf profitability for the five years starting with 2008.1
They predict profitability to decline to a low in 2010, with a $70 loss
per cow. This is a considerable difference from the $150 per cow profit
experienced during 2004 and 2005.
So is there anything cow-calf producers can do to increase their chances
of survival over the next five years? The answer is yes. There are
several possibilities, some of which will be more reasonable to
incorporate than others. In the end, each producer will need to analyze
his or her own situation and determine which changes are the most
logical and economical.
There are two basic components that determine profit - revenues and
costs. One producer may choose to concentrate on the revenue side while
another producer may choose to concentrate on the cost side or even work
on both revenues and costs. There are a couple of production practice
changes that seem most applicable to all producers. One of these is
applying fertilizer to introduced forages, i.e., bermudagrass, for the
purpose of providing enough forage to graze another cow. Unless a
cow-calf producer is producing animals that have some kind of added
value substantially above the commodity price, then it is unlikely they
can afford to purchase any nitrogen fertilizer, much less phosphorus. It
may be justified in the short run to apply fertilizer to allow for an
orderly plan of partial destocking of the breeding herd rather than have
a fire sale. Otherwise, cow-calf producers need to consider running
fewer cows and fertilizing less, if at all.
Another potential area to add profitability is to grow calves to heavier
weights. Historically, value of gain has been in the range of 50¢ to 60¢
per pound. Today's market is roughly paying $1 per pound. High cost of
gain in feed yards is causing them to place heavier calves. This has
driven up the price of 800- to 900-pound calves relative to 500- to
700-pound calves. The market is giving cow-calf producers a strong
signal to add weight to calves with grass. In many situations, the added
value of gain will even justify the use of fertilizer.
Many choices exist for cow-calf producers to incorporate new or
different production practices in order to survive the next five years.
Necessity is a huge motivator for creativity and invention. Agricultural
producers are among the best at facing change and I am optimistic about
the future. You can find this and past articles on the web at
http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Chute N The Bull
Can You Eat Your Jack-o-lantern Pumpkin?
It's fall and thoughts turn to pumpkin pie and to Halloween jack-o-lanterns. But, can you use a pumpkin for BOTH a jack-o-lantern AND for eating?
Young children can enjoy creating jack-o-lanterns by drawing the eyes and mouth on the pumpkins with markers, They can be creative and have a good time and the pumpkin is still safe for eating.
Pumpkin pie tastes great this time of year and is also an excellent source of nutrients. The bright orange color of pumpkin is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protect against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging.
Here are some tips from the University of Illinois on preparing a pumpkin for making pumpkin pie (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins/selection.html). Work on a clean surface. Before cutting, wash the outer surface of the pumpkin thoroughly with cool tap water to remove any surface dirt that could be transferred to the inside of the pumpkin during cutting.
Preparing the Pumpkin
Start by removing the stem with a sharp knife. Cut in half with a sharp knife. In any case, remove the stem and scoop out the seeds and scrape away all of the stringy mass. A messy job, but it will pay off.
Cooking the Pumpkin
Boiling/Steaming Method: Cut the pumpkin into rather large chunks. Rinse in cold water. Place pieces in a large pot with about a cup of water. The water does not need to cover the pumpkin pieces. Cover the pot and boil 20 to 30 minutes or until tender, or steam 10 to 12 minutes. Check for doneness by poking with a fork. Drain the cooked pumpkin in a colander. Reserve the liquid to use as a base for soup. Follow the steps outlined below in Preparing the Puree.
Oven Method: Cut pumpkin in half, scraping away stringy mass and seeds. Rinse under cold water. Place pumpkin, cut side down on a large cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for one hour or until fork tender. Then follow the procedure outlined below in Preparing the Puree.
Microwave Method: Cut pumpkin in half, place cut side down on a microwave safe plate or tray. Microwave on high for 15 minutes, check for doneness. If necessary continue cooking at 1-2 minute intervals until fork tender. Continue as outlined below in Preparing the Puree.
When the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, remove the peel using a small sharp knife and your fingers. Put the peeled pumpkin in a food processor and puree or use a food mill, ricer, strainer or potato masher to form a puree.
Pumpkin puree freezes well. To freeze, measure cooled puree into one cup portions, place in ridged freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace or pack into zip closure bags. Label, date, and freeze at 0 degrees F for up to one year. (NOTE: Transfer hot foods to shallow containers to speed cooling. You can place loosely covered foods in the refrigerator while still warm; cover when food is completely cooled.) Use this puree in recipes or substitute in the same amount in any recipe calling for solid pack canned pumpkin.
NOTE: Don't let your cooked pumpkin set at room temperature longer than two hours in the process of making puree. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
It's fall and thoughts turn to pumpkin pie and to Halloween jack-o-lanterns. But, can you use a pumpkin for BOTH a jack-o-lantern AND for eating?
Young children can enjoy creating jack-o-lanterns by drawing the eyes and mouth on the pumpkins with markers, They can be creative and have a good time and the pumpkin is still safe for eating.
Pumpkin pie tastes great this time of year and is also an excellent source of nutrients. The bright orange color of pumpkin is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protect against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging.
Here are some tips from the University of Illinois on preparing a pumpkin for making pumpkin pie (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins/selection.html). Work on a clean surface. Before cutting, wash the outer surface of the pumpkin thoroughly with cool tap water to remove any surface dirt that could be transferred to the inside of the pumpkin during cutting.
Preparing the Pumpkin
Start by removing the stem with a sharp knife. Cut in half with a sharp knife. In any case, remove the stem and scoop out the seeds and scrape away all of the stringy mass. A messy job, but it will pay off.
Cooking the Pumpkin
Boiling/Steaming Method: Cut the pumpkin into rather large chunks. Rinse in cold water. Place pieces in a large pot with about a cup of water. The water does not need to cover the pumpkin pieces. Cover the pot and boil 20 to 30 minutes or until tender, or steam 10 to 12 minutes. Check for doneness by poking with a fork. Drain the cooked pumpkin in a colander. Reserve the liquid to use as a base for soup. Follow the steps outlined below in Preparing the Puree.
Oven Method: Cut pumpkin in half, scraping away stringy mass and seeds. Rinse under cold water. Place pumpkin, cut side down on a large cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for one hour or until fork tender. Then follow the procedure outlined below in Preparing the Puree.
Microwave Method: Cut pumpkin in half, place cut side down on a microwave safe plate or tray. Microwave on high for 15 minutes, check for doneness. If necessary continue cooking at 1-2 minute intervals until fork tender. Continue as outlined below in Preparing the Puree.
When the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, remove the peel using a small sharp knife and your fingers. Put the peeled pumpkin in a food processor and puree or use a food mill, ricer, strainer or potato masher to form a puree.
Pumpkin puree freezes well. To freeze, measure cooled puree into one cup portions, place in ridged freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace or pack into zip closure bags. Label, date, and freeze at 0 degrees F for up to one year. (NOTE: Transfer hot foods to shallow containers to speed cooling. You can place loosely covered foods in the refrigerator while still warm; cover when food is completely cooled.) Use this puree in recipes or substitute in the same amount in any recipe calling for solid pack canned pumpkin.
NOTE: Don't let your cooked pumpkin set at room temperature longer than two hours in the process of making puree. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Monday, October 19, 2009
Chute n The Bull 10/15/09
Preventive and corrective maintenance for tractors and other equipment is a routine on the farm. Preventive maintenance is conducted to keep equipment working and/or extend the life of the equipment while corrective maintenance, sometimes called repair, gets equipment working again. From a soil and crops perspective, let's look at some maintenance that needs to be performed on your operation.
Scouting your crops is important. Don't forget that you are not only in the cattle business - you are marketing your forage crop through your cattle. It is therefore just as important to take care of the pastures and fields as it is your cattle. How long has it been since you have been through your pastures walking, riding or four-wheeling to scout your forage crop? (Going down the road at 45 mph and looking out the windshield of your vehicle doesn't count.) Where are your problem areas? Do you have low spots? Do you have weeds you can control before they get out of hand? Do you need to increase or reduce your fertilization next year? All of these are questions to ponder while scouting your pastures. Consider scouting your forage crop every three to five weeks.
Soil testing can either be preventive or corrective maintenance. Pull a composite soil sample at least once every three years or six months after a lime application (whichever comes first). If you are producing large amounts of hay, consider going to a two-year soil testing regimen. Divide your pastures into management areas by changes in soil types, forage yields, number of weeds, etc. This can assist you in targeting your fertilizer dollar to your most productive fields first. Soil testing is especially important in a hay situation because for every ton of bermudagrass hay that you harvest from your property, you are removing approximately 46 pounds of actual nitrogen, 12 pounds of phosphorus (P2O5) and 50 pounds of potassium (K2O). You may be "starving" your plants of phosphorus and potassium (potash). This can lead to stand reduction and reduced nitrogen use efficiency.
How long has it been since you have performed some preventive maintenance on your sprayers? Handheld, backpack, four-wheeler, tractor sprayers - they all need to be checked and calibrated before use, and checked and winterized before winter storage. For more information on winterizing, please read "Take Time To Winterize Sprayers" on our Web site at www.noble.org/Ag/SuburbanAgriculture/WinterizeSprayers.
If you have a restricted use pesticide license, make sure that you keep up with your training to earn continuing education units (CEUs). Think of the license as a cost of doing business. One of the benefits of keeping up with your training is that you will learn about new products that are better suited to your operation.
Keep up with new products during the slow times of the year. Subscribe to one or more of the trade journals, but remember not to believe everything that you read. Call and visit with your soil and crops consultant if you have questions or want to verify information.
Finally, think safety. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says, "Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries." Ranchers and farmers are at risk for both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Skin disease and heat exhaustion are just a couple of safety risks to consider, so plan to wear a hat and sunscreen when you work outdoors and drink plenty of water.
By doing just a little preventive and corrective maintenance, we can keep our land producing high-yielding forages, maximize the efficiency of our equipment, update ourselves on new technology and stay healthy in the process. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Scouting your crops is important. Don't forget that you are not only in the cattle business - you are marketing your forage crop through your cattle. It is therefore just as important to take care of the pastures and fields as it is your cattle. How long has it been since you have been through your pastures walking, riding or four-wheeling to scout your forage crop? (Going down the road at 45 mph and looking out the windshield of your vehicle doesn't count.) Where are your problem areas? Do you have low spots? Do you have weeds you can control before they get out of hand? Do you need to increase or reduce your fertilization next year? All of these are questions to ponder while scouting your pastures. Consider scouting your forage crop every three to five weeks.
Soil testing can either be preventive or corrective maintenance. Pull a composite soil sample at least once every three years or six months after a lime application (whichever comes first). If you are producing large amounts of hay, consider going to a two-year soil testing regimen. Divide your pastures into management areas by changes in soil types, forage yields, number of weeds, etc. This can assist you in targeting your fertilizer dollar to your most productive fields first. Soil testing is especially important in a hay situation because for every ton of bermudagrass hay that you harvest from your property, you are removing approximately 46 pounds of actual nitrogen, 12 pounds of phosphorus (P2O5) and 50 pounds of potassium (K2O). You may be "starving" your plants of phosphorus and potassium (potash). This can lead to stand reduction and reduced nitrogen use efficiency.
How long has it been since you have performed some preventive maintenance on your sprayers? Handheld, backpack, four-wheeler, tractor sprayers - they all need to be checked and calibrated before use, and checked and winterized before winter storage. For more information on winterizing, please read "Take Time To Winterize Sprayers" on our Web site at www.noble.org/Ag/SuburbanAgriculture/WinterizeSprayers.
If you have a restricted use pesticide license, make sure that you keep up with your training to earn continuing education units (CEUs). Think of the license as a cost of doing business. One of the benefits of keeping up with your training is that you will learn about new products that are better suited to your operation.
Keep up with new products during the slow times of the year. Subscribe to one or more of the trade journals, but remember not to believe everything that you read. Call and visit with your soil and crops consultant if you have questions or want to verify information.
Finally, think safety. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says, "Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries." Ranchers and farmers are at risk for both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Skin disease and heat exhaustion are just a couple of safety risks to consider, so plan to wear a hat and sunscreen when you work outdoors and drink plenty of water.
By doing just a little preventive and corrective maintenance, we can keep our land producing high-yielding forages, maximize the efficiency of our equipment, update ourselves on new technology and stay healthy in the process. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Chute n The Bull
For most cattle producers, culling cows is not an easy task. However, some culling needs to be done each year to maintain optimal productivity. Records on each cow's yearly production would be beneficial when making culling decisions, but collecting some information when the cows are processed can give you a good place to start.
Cattlemen should make it a point to evaluate all breeding females at least once a year. Weaning is likely the most convenient time to do this evaluation. In addition to their vaccinations, cows should also be pregnancy-tested, evaluated for structural soundness and aged based on the condition of their teeth. This information will take a little extra time to collect, but will be valuable when determining a culling order. In addition, this culling order will be useful during a drought as it is usually more profitable to cull unproductive cows as a drought is beginning than to try to hold on until the drought is over.
Usually, the best cows to cull are the ones that have the least chance of being productive in the long term or are the farthest away from being productive. Use the following list as a guideline for establishing your culling order. Cull cows in this order until you reach the desired herd size.
1. Disposition: Some producers can tolerate more disposition problems than others. Disposition should be evaluated both in the pasture and in the pen because some cattle will react differently once corralled. Make a note of those animals that make it difficult to gather the herd or rotate pastures. Any animal that is aggressive should make the list.
2. Open females: All open females should be culled. According to the Cattle-Fax Cow/Calf and Stocker Survey, the average annual cash cost to carry a cow in 2006 was $366. It will be very difficult for an open cow to make up for a year of lost production. In addition, if a heifer does not settle in the same period as her contemporaries, she is telling you that she does not fit your management environment.
3. Structural soundness: Evaluate the structural soundness of each cow based on her ability to raise a calf. Anything that limits her ability should be noted. Look for bad feet or toes, a history of prolapse, eye problems and poor udder conformation, including bad quarters and big teats.
4. Age: Typically, a cow is most productive between the ages of 4 and 9. The condition of a cow's teeth is indicative of her age. A cow with broken or missing teeth should probably be culled. Those with badly worn or separated teeth would be next on the list.
At this point, it becomes increasingly difficult to make culling decisions because you will have to cull productive animals.
5. Bred cows over 9 years of age: These cows will likely be culled in the near future and are close to the end of their most productive years. Within this group, cull the thin cows first.
6. Replacement heifers. First, cull yearling heifers that have not been exposed to a bull. These animals have very good value as feeder heifers. Bred heifers would be next in the culling order.
7. Phenotype: Use this as an opportunity to make your herd more uniform. Any cow that does not fit due to breed, size or low productivity should be culled next.
8. Bred cows 3 to 9 years of age: These are your most productive cows. If you must cull out of this group, 3-year-olds and those cows that are 8 to 9 years old would go first.
The decision about which animals to cull can be difficult. Each operation will have different goals and, therefore, may need to adjust accordingly. Use this list as a guideline for developing a culling order for your herd. For more assistance, contact the Noble Foundation or your local county extension agent. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Cattlemen should make it a point to evaluate all breeding females at least once a year. Weaning is likely the most convenient time to do this evaluation. In addition to their vaccinations, cows should also be pregnancy-tested, evaluated for structural soundness and aged based on the condition of their teeth. This information will take a little extra time to collect, but will be valuable when determining a culling order. In addition, this culling order will be useful during a drought as it is usually more profitable to cull unproductive cows as a drought is beginning than to try to hold on until the drought is over.
Usually, the best cows to cull are the ones that have the least chance of being productive in the long term or are the farthest away from being productive. Use the following list as a guideline for establishing your culling order. Cull cows in this order until you reach the desired herd size.
1. Disposition: Some producers can tolerate more disposition problems than others. Disposition should be evaluated both in the pasture and in the pen because some cattle will react differently once corralled. Make a note of those animals that make it difficult to gather the herd or rotate pastures. Any animal that is aggressive should make the list.
2. Open females: All open females should be culled. According to the Cattle-Fax Cow/Calf and Stocker Survey, the average annual cash cost to carry a cow in 2006 was $366. It will be very difficult for an open cow to make up for a year of lost production. In addition, if a heifer does not settle in the same period as her contemporaries, she is telling you that she does not fit your management environment.
3. Structural soundness: Evaluate the structural soundness of each cow based on her ability to raise a calf. Anything that limits her ability should be noted. Look for bad feet or toes, a history of prolapse, eye problems and poor udder conformation, including bad quarters and big teats.
4. Age: Typically, a cow is most productive between the ages of 4 and 9. The condition of a cow's teeth is indicative of her age. A cow with broken or missing teeth should probably be culled. Those with badly worn or separated teeth would be next on the list.
At this point, it becomes increasingly difficult to make culling decisions because you will have to cull productive animals.
5. Bred cows over 9 years of age: These cows will likely be culled in the near future and are close to the end of their most productive years. Within this group, cull the thin cows first.
6. Replacement heifers. First, cull yearling heifers that have not been exposed to a bull. These animals have very good value as feeder heifers. Bred heifers would be next in the culling order.
7. Phenotype: Use this as an opportunity to make your herd more uniform. Any cow that does not fit due to breed, size or low productivity should be culled next.
8. Bred cows 3 to 9 years of age: These are your most productive cows. If you must cull out of this group, 3-year-olds and those cows that are 8 to 9 years old would go first.
The decision about which animals to cull can be difficult. Each operation will have different goals and, therefore, may need to adjust accordingly. Use this list as a guideline for developing a culling order for your herd. For more assistance, contact the Noble Foundation or your local county extension agent. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Chute N The Bull
Vegetable gardening offers fresh air, sunshine, exercise, enjoyment, mental therapy, nutritious fresh vegetables, and economic savings, as well as many other benefits. Vegetables can be grown year-round in parts of Texas if attention is paid to the appropriate planting dates. While this guide provides recommendations primarily for home gardens, the information may be useful in other situations, such as container, community, and market gardens.
Locate a site. For convenience locate the garden near the house, on a well drained site, close to a source of water, and in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. With proper care, vegetables may also be included in the landscape among ornamental plants. Coastal sites are also suitable. Where possible, rotate the garden from place to place to help control soil diseases and other pests.
Plan the layout. Before planting, draw a garden plan that includes the name, location and planting date(s) of the vegetables you want to grow. Use the Planting Guide and the list of suggested varietiey to develop your plan. Make a list of supplies and order or purchase seeds early if you intend to grow your own transplants. The Planting Guide lists which vegetable seedlings transplant easily and which do not. Vegetables that are difficult to transplant should be seeded directly into the garden or started in containers first.
Prepare the soil. Gardeners often plant on whatever soil type is available, but it is usually worthwhile to improve the garden plot with additions of organic matter (see below). Spade or plow the plot at least three weeks before planting. At planting time, rework the soil into a smooth, firm surface.
Apply organic matter. Most Texas soils benefit from the addition of organic matter, such as animal manure, rotted leaves, compost, commercial soil mixes and cover crops. Thoroughly mix liberal amounts of (un-composted) organics in the soil well in advance of planting, preferably at least a month before seeding. If you do not plan to use inorganic fertilizer, spread 25 - 100 pounds of compost or composted animal manure per 100 square feet. Composted organics may be applied at planting time. However, un-composted manures should be worked into the soil 90-120 days before planting. Due to inconsistent levels of nutrients in compost, accompanying applications of inorganic or organic fertilizer may be beneficial. To avoid plant stunting, organic amendments low in nitrogen (such as composted yard debris) must be accompanied by fertilizer. See EDIS Publications.
Consider cover crops. Green manure is fresh plant material turned into the soil. Planting and plowing in green-manure crops during the off-season is beneficial. The following cover crops are recommended: cowpea, velvet bean, soybean, and sunflower in summer and cereal rye, crimson clover, and Austrian winter pea in winter.
Adjust Soil pH. Soil pH is important because it governs how available nutrients are to plants. The best pH range for vegetable gardens on sandy soil is between pH 5.8 and 6.3. If your soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0, no adjustment in pH needs to be made.
If your soil pH is below 5.5, apply lime at a rate recommended by a reliable soil testing facility. Two to three pounds of finely ground dolomitic limestone per 100 square feet will usually raise the pH one point. Caution: Application of lime when it is not needed may cause plant nutritional problems. Lime is best applied two to three months before the garden is to be planted. However, lime may be applied as late as one or two weeks before planting. Make sure the lime is thoroughly mixed into the soil to a depth of 6 - 8 inches and then water the soil to promote the chemical reaction.
If your soil pH is naturally above 7.0 (alkaline), where limestone, marl, or shells are present, there is no practical way of permanently lowering soil pH. Additions of acidic organic matter will help, but only temporarily. Use a fertilizer that contains micronutrients. If the high pH is the result of previous over-liming, application of granular sulfur (1 lb/100 sq ft) will lower soil pH. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Locate a site. For convenience locate the garden near the house, on a well drained site, close to a source of water, and in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. With proper care, vegetables may also be included in the landscape among ornamental plants. Coastal sites are also suitable. Where possible, rotate the garden from place to place to help control soil diseases and other pests.
Plan the layout. Before planting, draw a garden plan that includes the name, location and planting date(s) of the vegetables you want to grow. Use the Planting Guide and the list of suggested varietiey to develop your plan. Make a list of supplies and order or purchase seeds early if you intend to grow your own transplants. The Planting Guide lists which vegetable seedlings transplant easily and which do not. Vegetables that are difficult to transplant should be seeded directly into the garden or started in containers first.
Prepare the soil. Gardeners often plant on whatever soil type is available, but it is usually worthwhile to improve the garden plot with additions of organic matter (see below). Spade or plow the plot at least three weeks before planting. At planting time, rework the soil into a smooth, firm surface.
Apply organic matter. Most Texas soils benefit from the addition of organic matter, such as animal manure, rotted leaves, compost, commercial soil mixes and cover crops. Thoroughly mix liberal amounts of (un-composted) organics in the soil well in advance of planting, preferably at least a month before seeding. If you do not plan to use inorganic fertilizer, spread 25 - 100 pounds of compost or composted animal manure per 100 square feet. Composted organics may be applied at planting time. However, un-composted manures should be worked into the soil 90-120 days before planting. Due to inconsistent levels of nutrients in compost, accompanying applications of inorganic or organic fertilizer may be beneficial. To avoid plant stunting, organic amendments low in nitrogen (such as composted yard debris) must be accompanied by fertilizer. See EDIS Publications.
Consider cover crops. Green manure is fresh plant material turned into the soil. Planting and plowing in green-manure crops during the off-season is beneficial. The following cover crops are recommended: cowpea, velvet bean, soybean, and sunflower in summer and cereal rye, crimson clover, and Austrian winter pea in winter.
Adjust Soil pH. Soil pH is important because it governs how available nutrients are to plants. The best pH range for vegetable gardens on sandy soil is between pH 5.8 and 6.3. If your soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0, no adjustment in pH needs to be made.
If your soil pH is below 5.5, apply lime at a rate recommended by a reliable soil testing facility. Two to three pounds of finely ground dolomitic limestone per 100 square feet will usually raise the pH one point. Caution: Application of lime when it is not needed may cause plant nutritional problems. Lime is best applied two to three months before the garden is to be planted. However, lime may be applied as late as one or two weeks before planting. Make sure the lime is thoroughly mixed into the soil to a depth of 6 - 8 inches and then water the soil to promote the chemical reaction.
If your soil pH is naturally above 7.0 (alkaline), where limestone, marl, or shells are present, there is no practical way of permanently lowering soil pH. Additions of acidic organic matter will help, but only temporarily. Use a fertilizer that contains micronutrients. If the high pH is the result of previous over-liming, application of granular sulfur (1 lb/100 sq ft) will lower soil pH. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Chute N The Bull 9-25-09
While fall armyworms feed around the clock, true armyworms feed primarily at night and will not be found farther up on plants during the day.
Hordes of fall armyworms and true armyworms have invaded several Central Texas counties, and the assault will likely continue.
This increase has caused problems for many area producers as there has been an associated increase in the destruction of green grass crops in the area. In areas of Freestone, Leon and Madison counties, pastures and hayfields have been completely stripped. And the affected area is probably more extensive and will continue to expand.
Extension agents in these and nearby counties have been asked to alert producers to be on the lookout for possible armyworm infestations.
We're trying to get producers in the region to scout their pastures, hayfields and early-planted grains for armyworms because any green grass crop may be at risk.
In spite of their names, fall armyworms and true armyworms are not worms but the "immatures" or caterpillars of moths.
Fall armyworms feed around the clock, true armyworms feed primarily at night and will not be found farther up on plants during the day.
Producers should look for armyworms down in the crowns of plants and under debris on the soil surface.
The acceptable quantity "threshold" for fall armyworms is three larvae ? inch long or longer per square foot. For true armyworms, the threshold is three larvae ? inch long or longer per foot of drill or four per square foot.
The easiest way to distinguish between the two species is that the fall armyworm has an inverted, cream-colored "Y" shape which contrasts with its dark brown head capsule.
The true armyworm doesn't have this feature, and the head capsule is a lighter brown.
It's more than likely a fall armyworm if feeding during the daytime. There are different ways to manage these two species. If a producer has armyworms in a hayfield, it may be possible to mow and let it dry down. And if there's livestock, the producer can run those animals in the affected area to eat the grass before the armyworms get to it. But these methods require close monitoring to ensure any surviving larvae don't prevent grass regrowth. Chemical control can be effective and recommended that producers use an insecticide licensed for use on true armyworms and fall armyworms.
While some insect control can be achieved by non-chemical means, pesticides provide a more effective and broader control of these pests. However, it is a good idea for producers to determine the extent of infestation and compare that with the cost of treatment to help determine which way to go. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Hordes of fall armyworms and true armyworms have invaded several Central Texas counties, and the assault will likely continue.
This increase has caused problems for many area producers as there has been an associated increase in the destruction of green grass crops in the area. In areas of Freestone, Leon and Madison counties, pastures and hayfields have been completely stripped. And the affected area is probably more extensive and will continue to expand.
Extension agents in these and nearby counties have been asked to alert producers to be on the lookout for possible armyworm infestations.
We're trying to get producers in the region to scout their pastures, hayfields and early-planted grains for armyworms because any green grass crop may be at risk.
In spite of their names, fall armyworms and true armyworms are not worms but the "immatures" or caterpillars of moths.
Fall armyworms feed around the clock, true armyworms feed primarily at night and will not be found farther up on plants during the day.
Producers should look for armyworms down in the crowns of plants and under debris on the soil surface.
The acceptable quantity "threshold" for fall armyworms is three larvae ? inch long or longer per square foot. For true armyworms, the threshold is three larvae ? inch long or longer per foot of drill or four per square foot.
The easiest way to distinguish between the two species is that the fall armyworm has an inverted, cream-colored "Y" shape which contrasts with its dark brown head capsule.
The true armyworm doesn't have this feature, and the head capsule is a lighter brown.
It's more than likely a fall armyworm if feeding during the daytime. There are different ways to manage these two species. If a producer has armyworms in a hayfield, it may be possible to mow and let it dry down. And if there's livestock, the producer can run those animals in the affected area to eat the grass before the armyworms get to it. But these methods require close monitoring to ensure any surviving larvae don't prevent grass regrowth. Chemical control can be effective and recommended that producers use an insecticide licensed for use on true armyworms and fall armyworms.
While some insect control can be achieved by non-chemical means, pesticides provide a more effective and broader control of these pests. However, it is a good idea for producers to determine the extent of infestation and compare that with the cost of treatment to help determine which way to go. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Chute N the Bull
Antlers. For some folks-they are the stuff that dreams are made of. To
many hunters, harvesting a large antlered buck represents the ultimate
accomplishment. However, many people hunt their entire lives without
getting the opportunity to realize this goal. Why is this so? To answer
this question, let's look at what it takes for a deer to grow a set of
large antlers.
Three things contribute to antler size – nutrition, genetics, and age.
Nutrition is certainly a key ingredient. Adequate year-round nutrition
is necessary for a deer to reach its antler producing potential. Spring
and summer nutrition are especially important because most antler
development actually takes place April-September. Poor forage conditions
during this period can take its toll on antler growth. Sound habitat
management and deer population management can facilitate good
nutritional conditions.
Another piece of the antler size puzzle is "genetics." It has been
demonstrated that antler size is a heritable trait. The degree to which
this information can be used in a deer management program is largely
case specific. It is my opinion that very few deer management programs
are at a point where "culling" inferior antlered deer is beneficial – or
in fact, possible.
To be able to manipulate the gene pool in a deer herd, one would have to
define "inferior deer" (experts are still not in total agreement on this
term), be able to identify an inferior deer in the field (a difficult
task at best), and be able to remove "inferior" animals from the herd in
sufficient numbers so as to impart a change on the gene flow in the
herd. These requirements make true genetic manipulations on free-ranging
deer herds very difficult.
The third piece of the puzzle is "age". In our area, this is probably
the most limiting factor relative to antler size. Most bucks harvested
in Oklahoma are less than 2.5 years of age. The same is true in many
parts of Texas. Research on penned deer has shown that maximum antler
size is attained anywhere from 4.5 to 6.5 years of age. That is a far
cry from 2.5 years of age. An additional 1-2 years of age can make a
tremendous difference in antler size. The obvious way to address the age
factor is to allow younger age class bucks to reach the older age
classes.
In other words, let the young bucks walk and harvest only the more
mature bucks. Take up the venison slack by harvesting some does. If you
are worried about the neighbors getting the bucks you pass up, try to
persuade them to adopt similar guidelines. The bottom line is – even if
you have the best deer food available and good antler related genetics –
a 2.5 year old buck is still going to have suboptimal antlers. You can
find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race,
color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
many hunters, harvesting a large antlered buck represents the ultimate
accomplishment. However, many people hunt their entire lives without
getting the opportunity to realize this goal. Why is this so? To answer
this question, let's look at what it takes for a deer to grow a set of
large antlers.
Three things contribute to antler size – nutrition, genetics, and age.
Nutrition is certainly a key ingredient. Adequate year-round nutrition
is necessary for a deer to reach its antler producing potential. Spring
and summer nutrition are especially important because most antler
development actually takes place April-September. Poor forage conditions
during this period can take its toll on antler growth. Sound habitat
management and deer population management can facilitate good
nutritional conditions.
Another piece of the antler size puzzle is "genetics." It has been
demonstrated that antler size is a heritable trait. The degree to which
this information can be used in a deer management program is largely
case specific. It is my opinion that very few deer management programs
are at a point where "culling" inferior antlered deer is beneficial – or
in fact, possible.
To be able to manipulate the gene pool in a deer herd, one would have to
define "inferior deer" (experts are still not in total agreement on this
term), be able to identify an inferior deer in the field (a difficult
task at best), and be able to remove "inferior" animals from the herd in
sufficient numbers so as to impart a change on the gene flow in the
herd. These requirements make true genetic manipulations on free-ranging
deer herds very difficult.
The third piece of the puzzle is "age". In our area, this is probably
the most limiting factor relative to antler size. Most bucks harvested
in Oklahoma are less than 2.5 years of age. The same is true in many
parts of Texas. Research on penned deer has shown that maximum antler
size is attained anywhere from 4.5 to 6.5 years of age. That is a far
cry from 2.5 years of age. An additional 1-2 years of age can make a
tremendous difference in antler size. The obvious way to address the age
factor is to allow younger age class bucks to reach the older age
classes.
In other words, let the young bucks walk and harvest only the more
mature bucks. Take up the venison slack by harvesting some does. If you
are worried about the neighbors getting the bucks you pass up, try to
persuade them to adopt similar guidelines. The bottom line is – even if
you have the best deer food available and good antler related genetics –
a 2.5 year old buck is still going to have suboptimal antlers. You can
find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com/ for your reference. Extension
programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race,
color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless
of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or
national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Monday, September 14, 2009
Chute N The Bull 9/11/09
Nitrogen (N) is the most important plant nutrient, and, when deficient, it significantly reduces productivity. Primarily, nitrogen improves plant efficiency, resulting in increased forage nutritive value and reduced fiber content. However, the overall effect is dependent upon environmental conditions like soil moisture and application schedule. Application of N once plants have established sufficient root systems is meant to improve N capture and prevent leaching. In environments experiencing high precipitation, there is a theory that N use efficiency may be improved through a split N application schedule. The hypothesis is that the first N application increases shoot growth and proliferation of roots with minimum N loss, while a second application at the peak of vegetative growth enables the plant to optimize nutrient uptake, growth and harvest index.
In bermudagrass grown for hay and expected to yield multiple cuts, a single N application results in improved growth, increased biomass and better first harvest forage quality. With the single application strategy, both the yield and quality of subsequent harvests may be compromised if soil N is depleted prior to regrowth. In high precipitation areas, because the potential exists for significant N loss, split application strategies may be a viable alternative for increasing forage quality. However, research conducted by the Noble Foundation in south-central Oklahoma revealed that this assumption may not always be correct.
Nitrogen fertilizer applied in a single dose in spring gave better quality forage in spring and summer compared to split applications that included a summer treatment. In semi-arid environments like south-central Oklahoma, the relatively wet spring allows the plant to take up sufficient N and increase vegetative growth, crude protein and total digestible nutrients. After spring harvest, underground plant tissues seem to contain substantial amounts of N and N -containing compounds that are utilized for summer regrowth. However, under split N application, the spring-applied N seems to be used for spring vegetative growth, leaving very little available for underground tissue storage. The second N application expected to increase summer forage quality may not be readily accessible to the plant because of stress related to summer environmental conditions. The low response to the second application of N is most likely related to plant stress caused by the region's hot and dry summers. This lack of sufficient moisture exacerbates stress in the plants resulting in low N absorption and decreased forage yield and quality.
Therefore, if south-central Oklahoma maintains its historical moisture accumulation levels, it is preferable to apply all necessary N in the spring. This will allow the plant to capture and absorb N under the relatively good spring conditions. The absorbed N incorporated into the underground tissue in spring becomes available to the plant to sustain growth throughout the summer. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
In bermudagrass grown for hay and expected to yield multiple cuts, a single N application results in improved growth, increased biomass and better first harvest forage quality. With the single application strategy, both the yield and quality of subsequent harvests may be compromised if soil N is depleted prior to regrowth. In high precipitation areas, because the potential exists for significant N loss, split application strategies may be a viable alternative for increasing forage quality. However, research conducted by the Noble Foundation in south-central Oklahoma revealed that this assumption may not always be correct.
Nitrogen fertilizer applied in a single dose in spring gave better quality forage in spring and summer compared to split applications that included a summer treatment. In semi-arid environments like south-central Oklahoma, the relatively wet spring allows the plant to take up sufficient N and increase vegetative growth, crude protein and total digestible nutrients. After spring harvest, underground plant tissues seem to contain substantial amounts of N and N -containing compounds that are utilized for summer regrowth. However, under split N application, the spring-applied N seems to be used for spring vegetative growth, leaving very little available for underground tissue storage. The second N application expected to increase summer forage quality may not be readily accessible to the plant because of stress related to summer environmental conditions. The low response to the second application of N is most likely related to plant stress caused by the region's hot and dry summers. This lack of sufficient moisture exacerbates stress in the plants resulting in low N absorption and decreased forage yield and quality.
Therefore, if south-central Oklahoma maintains its historical moisture accumulation levels, it is preferable to apply all necessary N in the spring. This will allow the plant to capture and absorb N under the relatively good spring conditions. The absorbed N incorporated into the underground tissue in spring becomes available to the plant to sustain growth throughout the summer. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Chute N The Bull 9-4-09
Grasslands are complex environments comprised of many different kinds of living organisms affected by abiotic factors such as weather. There are few things that are black and white in such complex ecosystems, but there may be some self-evident "truths." If you haven't considered them in your grazing operation, perhaps you should.
Rotational grazing
Grazing systems developed over the past 100 years attempt to optimize the productivity of pastures while at the same time produce a useable or saleable product. What most rotational grazing systems try to do is mimic the defoliation patterns under which grasslands were thought to have evolved; severe defoliation of native flora by massive herds of native ungulates (hoofed animals such as bison) for a relatively short period of time. Did short-term overgrazing occur by bison? Of course it did.
The integrity of these grasslands was maintained because bison would not return to these heavily grazed areas for many months or years, giving the land adequate opportunity to recuperate. Short duration grazing, high intensity-low frequency grazing, management-intensive grazing and, recently, mob-grazing have all been introduced as the grazing system that best mimics the movements of the great bison herds of the past. Fences were not in place back then, but rotational grazing occurred by herd movements over time. Isn't it interesting that these massive herds were able to maintain their numbers despite no one being around to feed them hay all winter long?
Diversity of grazing species
Historically, the Southern Great Plains was a very diverse ecosystem with a mixture of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees on the landscape. Bison preferred herbaceous vegetation; woody plants were not their forage of choice. Fortunately, there were other ungulates that did utilize woody plants as well as forbs. Pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer were common on the Southern Great Plains prior to European settlement. Today, domestic cattle have taken the place of the bison, and many cattle producers spend huge amounts of money trying to kill plants that some animals (e.g., deer, domestic sheep and goats) use. Fencing is a challenge for sheep and goats, but money spent on weed and brush control would buy a lot of woven wire fence. Cattle didn't pay for five-strand barbed wire fences the first year they were up, either.
Fire
The impact of fire on the Great Plains cannot be overstated. In addition to grazing, plant communities evolved with fire during all months of the year. The resulting regrowth was preferred by grazing animals, and Native Americans would use this technique to attract the great bison herds. Fire on the Great Plains has been reduced significantly since European settlement, resulting in increasing woody vegetation such as Eastern Red-cedar. Not using prescribed fire can lead to loss of grassland, landscape heterogeneity and plant diversity, not to mention the cost of trying to control woody plants with chemicals. Fire is not a stand-alone tool. In conjunction with a targeted grazing system and a diversity of grazing animals, you may be able to use forbs and woody plants instead of fighting them. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Rotational grazing
Grazing systems developed over the past 100 years attempt to optimize the productivity of pastures while at the same time produce a useable or saleable product. What most rotational grazing systems try to do is mimic the defoliation patterns under which grasslands were thought to have evolved; severe defoliation of native flora by massive herds of native ungulates (hoofed animals such as bison) for a relatively short period of time. Did short-term overgrazing occur by bison? Of course it did.
The integrity of these grasslands was maintained because bison would not return to these heavily grazed areas for many months or years, giving the land adequate opportunity to recuperate. Short duration grazing, high intensity-low frequency grazing, management-intensive grazing and, recently, mob-grazing have all been introduced as the grazing system that best mimics the movements of the great bison herds of the past. Fences were not in place back then, but rotational grazing occurred by herd movements over time. Isn't it interesting that these massive herds were able to maintain their numbers despite no one being around to feed them hay all winter long?
Diversity of grazing species
Historically, the Southern Great Plains was a very diverse ecosystem with a mixture of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees on the landscape. Bison preferred herbaceous vegetation; woody plants were not their forage of choice. Fortunately, there were other ungulates that did utilize woody plants as well as forbs. Pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer were common on the Southern Great Plains prior to European settlement. Today, domestic cattle have taken the place of the bison, and many cattle producers spend huge amounts of money trying to kill plants that some animals (e.g., deer, domestic sheep and goats) use. Fencing is a challenge for sheep and goats, but money spent on weed and brush control would buy a lot of woven wire fence. Cattle didn't pay for five-strand barbed wire fences the first year they were up, either.
Fire
The impact of fire on the Great Plains cannot be overstated. In addition to grazing, plant communities evolved with fire during all months of the year. The resulting regrowth was preferred by grazing animals, and Native Americans would use this technique to attract the great bison herds. Fire on the Great Plains has been reduced significantly since European settlement, resulting in increasing woody vegetation such as Eastern Red-cedar. Not using prescribed fire can lead to loss of grassland, landscape heterogeneity and plant diversity, not to mention the cost of trying to control woody plants with chemicals. Fire is not a stand-alone tool. In conjunction with a targeted grazing system and a diversity of grazing animals, you may be able to use forbs and woody plants instead of fighting them. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Chute N The Bull 8-27-09
With an increase in the number of small acreage landowners, I am often contacted about potential profitable enterprises for small operations. Several questions must be addressed before a landowner can make the decision of what enterprise will be most profitable and best suited for their land. Both feasibility and owner preference must be determined before a plan can start to take shape. To get a better understanding, let's look at the questions that must be addressed prior to crop selection.
If the producer wants to maximize the potential profitability of his land, he may decide to plant horticultural crops. To determine the type of crops that can be planted, the soil type will be assessed. Fertility and internal drainage are the most important factors of soil type. To determine internal drainage, a simple perk test must be performed. To do a perk test, simply dig a hole 30 inches deep, fill it full of water and allow it to drain out. Refill and monitor length of drainage the second time. These results will tell you the available soil for crop growth. Available soil is the water level in inches that has been drained in a given time.
Next, take a soil sample to determine nutrient values and pH of the soil. This can become extremely important especially with the increase in the cost of fertilizer. For example, if a soil is low in phosphorus, it will require fertilization and this may not be economically justifiable.
Water quality and availability should then be addressed. A sample should be taken from the source to determine if the water quality is sufficient for irrigation. For a successful enterprise, irrigation is crucial. Without water, quality of crops and survivability of plants can become an issue. When analyzing water, sodium concentration is the most important factor in determining irrigation water quality.
Once water quality and quantity are established, the amount of time available for management of the enterprise and the maximum investment that can be put into the operation must be established. Crops require a great amount of intensive labor. If a producer does not have the time to spend working on his enterprise, labor must be contracted. Each crop will require a different amount of labor, so needs will be based upon final selection of crop type. The amount of investment will be great on most horticulture crops. Due to the number of plants that will be planted in an area and the upkeep required per plant, investment can quickly become substantial.
Now that our initial questions have been answered, it is time to determine the crop to be grown. The producer will now know which crops can be grown and their preference will be the deciding factor. If you are looking at a new site to potentially grow crops, I strongly encourage you to address all of these questions before purchasing the property. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
If the producer wants to maximize the potential profitability of his land, he may decide to plant horticultural crops. To determine the type of crops that can be planted, the soil type will be assessed. Fertility and internal drainage are the most important factors of soil type. To determine internal drainage, a simple perk test must be performed. To do a perk test, simply dig a hole 30 inches deep, fill it full of water and allow it to drain out. Refill and monitor length of drainage the second time. These results will tell you the available soil for crop growth. Available soil is the water level in inches that has been drained in a given time.
Next, take a soil sample to determine nutrient values and pH of the soil. This can become extremely important especially with the increase in the cost of fertilizer. For example, if a soil is low in phosphorus, it will require fertilization and this may not be economically justifiable.
Water quality and availability should then be addressed. A sample should be taken from the source to determine if the water quality is sufficient for irrigation. For a successful enterprise, irrigation is crucial. Without water, quality of crops and survivability of plants can become an issue. When analyzing water, sodium concentration is the most important factor in determining irrigation water quality.
Once water quality and quantity are established, the amount of time available for management of the enterprise and the maximum investment that can be put into the operation must be established. Crops require a great amount of intensive labor. If a producer does not have the time to spend working on his enterprise, labor must be contracted. Each crop will require a different amount of labor, so needs will be based upon final selection of crop type. The amount of investment will be great on most horticulture crops. Due to the number of plants that will be planted in an area and the upkeep required per plant, investment can quickly become substantial.
Now that our initial questions have been answered, it is time to determine the crop to be grown. The producer will now know which crops can be grown and their preference will be the deciding factor. If you are looking at a new site to potentially grow crops, I strongly encourage you to address all of these questions before purchasing the property. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Chute N The Bull 8/14/09
Succession is a relatively predictable process of change that occurs in plant communities and soils. It is an important concept when managing native plant communities for wildlife, livestock grazing, timber production or other goals. Plant communities are not static. They change in response to disturbances such as tillage, burning, mowing, grazing and herbicide treatments. Just as importantly, they change with the absence of disturbances (rest). Understanding these changes lets managers direct or allow change to facilitate their goals.
An example of succession is the progressive change that occurs in a fallow field when it is rested for a long period of time (see figure). Initially, bare tilled soil becomes dominated by annual forbs and grasses. With time, perennial grasses and forbs begin to dominate the site. With more time, especially in areas with more than 30 inches of rainfall, shrubs and small trees become common or abundant on the site. With additional time, many sites continue to evolve until they become forests. With even more time, especially in riparian* sites and higher rainfall areas, species composition of the forest continues to change until a climax plant community develops.
Disturbances generally move succession backward toward simpler, earlier stages. Rest generally moves succession forward toward more complex, later stages. More advanced stages of prairie succession usually provide more forage and support more cattle, but appropriate rest is necessary to maintain this productivity when prairie is grazed.
Plant species composition of the various stages depends upon previous plant communities on a site, soil type, rainfall, climate and disturbances that occur. People who pay attention to and study plant ecology in a particular region can learn to understand and predict the changes.
Following are some examples of managing succession to accomplish goals:
Rest can be used to develop additional woody cover for wildlife, livestock or a windbreak. It is usually easier, more successful, faster and less costly to allow natural succession to develop woody cover than by planting woody seedlings when a site has a tendency to grow woody plants. Sites with this tendency are ones that previously grew timber or brush at some point in their history or those where current managers have to control brush or woody sprouts to prevent woody plants from growing in open areas.
Periodic prescribed fire is commonly used to set back succession to prevent woody plants, especially eastern red cedar, from dominating open areas. Fire also tends to encourage the growth of herbaceous legumes during the growing season immediately following a fire. Several of these legumes are very desirable for wildlife and cattle.
Properly timed tillage or heavy grazing can be used to increase mourning dove food and attract mourning dove when plant species such as woolly croton or common sunflower are present or have grown on a site in the past.
There are many examples of understanding and allowing nature to accomplish desired goals. A range or wildlife consultant should be able to help you learn how to work with nature to accomplish your goals. Riparian sites are areas adjacent to streams or impoundments with distinct soils and plant communities that are influenced or created by occasional flooding or shallow ground water. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
An example of succession is the progressive change that occurs in a fallow field when it is rested for a long period of time (see figure). Initially, bare tilled soil becomes dominated by annual forbs and grasses. With time, perennial grasses and forbs begin to dominate the site. With more time, especially in areas with more than 30 inches of rainfall, shrubs and small trees become common or abundant on the site. With additional time, many sites continue to evolve until they become forests. With even more time, especially in riparian* sites and higher rainfall areas, species composition of the forest continues to change until a climax plant community develops.
Disturbances generally move succession backward toward simpler, earlier stages. Rest generally moves succession forward toward more complex, later stages. More advanced stages of prairie succession usually provide more forage and support more cattle, but appropriate rest is necessary to maintain this productivity when prairie is grazed.
Plant species composition of the various stages depends upon previous plant communities on a site, soil type, rainfall, climate and disturbances that occur. People who pay attention to and study plant ecology in a particular region can learn to understand and predict the changes.
Following are some examples of managing succession to accomplish goals:
Rest can be used to develop additional woody cover for wildlife, livestock or a windbreak. It is usually easier, more successful, faster and less costly to allow natural succession to develop woody cover than by planting woody seedlings when a site has a tendency to grow woody plants. Sites with this tendency are ones that previously grew timber or brush at some point in their history or those where current managers have to control brush or woody sprouts to prevent woody plants from growing in open areas.
Periodic prescribed fire is commonly used to set back succession to prevent woody plants, especially eastern red cedar, from dominating open areas. Fire also tends to encourage the growth of herbaceous legumes during the growing season immediately following a fire. Several of these legumes are very desirable for wildlife and cattle.
Properly timed tillage or heavy grazing can be used to increase mourning dove food and attract mourning dove when plant species such as woolly croton or common sunflower are present or have grown on a site in the past.
There are many examples of understanding and allowing nature to accomplish desired goals. A range or wildlife consultant should be able to help you learn how to work with nature to accomplish your goals. Riparian sites are areas adjacent to streams or impoundments with distinct soils and plant communities that are influenced or created by occasional flooding or shallow ground water. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Chute N The Bull 8/24/09
Now is the time to begin planning your cooler weather gardens. Depending on when you're reading this, it may still be Summer here in Texas. But many homeowners want to begin planning early for the Fall. Now is time to think ahead to what types of plants and shrubs you want. What's their purpose? Whether it's moisture absorption away from the foundation, herbal or vegetable gardens, or just luscious fall color, the sooner you know what your objectives are, the sooner you can begin your planning list. There are many fall seasonal plants to choose from including Pansies, Snapdragons and Dianthus, which are always good choices. If you are considering planting bulbs for Spring blooms, get your orders in soon! Now is not the time to actually plant the bulbs, but you do need to order them. October through early November is the best time to plant perennials in North Texas. Check with your local nurseries as to what's available. This is also the time to review/clean your last year's perennial beds. Decide how well they did for you this past year and what you may want to change. Love butterflies? If you enjoy butterflies, start looking for the caterpillars in early Fall. Many nurseries say to let them feed to their heart's content in your garden. Your plants will recover. Remember not to spray any of your Butterfly Bushes with pesticides. If you have Butterfly Weed planted, you should begin seeing the Monarch butterflies coming back through on their way to Mexico. Rose bushes can be cut back now for fall blooms. Be sure to cut away all dead stems and leaves - they could disease the rest of your rose bush. You should get lush blooms well into December, up until the first frost -- some of the finest of the year. Once temperatures have cooled down a bit, transplant any rose bushes you have growing in pots. Be very cautious about pruning shrubs in North Texas. November can often remain very mild, and shrubs often do not get a strong signal to go dormant. Shearing them back too early might stimulate growth, which is not a good idea just before winter. Begin preparing for the plants that will be brought indoors for the winter months. Make sure they are pest-free. Lighting adjustment is important, so consider carefully where to put them for adequate light. Transplant any that look root-bound from being outside, or in pots they've outgrown. In November, here's a fun project to do indoors: Two bulbs, the Amaryllis and Paper-white narcissus, are easy to force for blooms during the holidays. Place them in a sunny window, or sufficient artificial lighting. Paper-white narcissus can also be planted in gravel or stones. They make wonderful spots of light and life, and during the winter can also be used to start seeds or cuttings for future houseplants. Perhaps you've been considering a greenhouse. In North Texas, they can provide the serious gardener wonderful opportunities for growing plants over the late fall and winter months. Many greenhouses can be achieved fairly simply, and offer much pleasure and reward. If you love the look of a green lawn, November would be the time to throw out rye grass. Not only will you have a beautiful lawn throughout the winter, but rye grass stablizes any bald spots from excessive soil erosion. Of course, be prepared to keep mowing.... Enjoy this wonderful season of beautiful fall colors and planning for a lush Spring!. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Friday, August 14, 2009
Chute N the Bull
Cull cows represent between 15 and 30 percent of a cow-calf herd's revenue, but relatively little attention is given to cull cow marketing. Most cow-calf producers traditionally sort and sell cull cows in the fall when prices are at or near the seasonal low. However, alternative management systems and timing of cull cow marketing may increase net revenues for the cow-calf operation. The purpose of this weeks article is to report the first year's findings of a three-year cull cow management study conducted at the Noble Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University.
A total of 48 cull cows were randomly assigned to one of two cull cow management systems, including 1) feeding 24 cull cows on grain and supplement in dry lot confinement and 2) a system that allowed 24 cull cows to graze native forage pasture. The experiment was conducted from October 2007 to April 2008. Various data measurements were taken at five intervals including the initial culling date (Oct. 3). Time periods after culling were 42 days (Nov. 15), 78 days (Jan. 10), 111 days (Feb. 12), 134 days (March 6) and 164 days (April 2). Data were collected on weight, estimated USDA grade, estimated dressing percentage, costs (feed, animal health, etc.) and estimated market value. For each feeding time interval and each cumulative period, estimated animal performance and net returns were calculated. Estimated USDA grade and dressing percentage were used to assign a price to each cow, based on prices reported by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for cull cows in Oklahoma sold the same week. The market value of each cow at each period was calculated. Data enabled tracking animal performance, costs and estimated value, all of which are critical to assessing the added costs and returns for retaining cows beyond the normal culling date.
Average daily gain (ADG) declined generally for each group of cows. ADG was higher for cows in dry lot after 42 days (November) and remained higher for each cumulative feeding interval. For both management systems, the decline in ADG indicated weight gain was slowing as the length of the feeding period increased.
Average cost of gain was lower for cows on grass compared with cows in dry lot. Cows in dry lot gained faster, but ration costs were much higher, thereby contributing to the higher cost per gain. Feed costs accounted for 83 to 93 percent of total costs for each feeding interval. Percentages were higher for cows in dry lot than cows on grass.
For all intervals, net returns were greater for cows on grass than cows in dry lot. Cows gained in value during the first 42 days (October to November) from added weight, but declined in value over that 42-day period from the drop in prices. After the first interval, price increases offset losses in value from weight loss for cows on grass. Cows in dry lot increased in value both from additional weight gain and increase in prices. However, net returns for cows in dry lot declined due to the higher feed costs associated with obtaining the weight gain.
Cows on grass lost weight after the first 42 days (October to November), reducing their value. However, their ration costs were low, so even at lower weights, their value increased due to higher prices. The higher prices and lower costs compensated for the loss in weight.
Results suggest a potential for holding cows beyond culling for about three months on a low-cost feeding program. However, results indicate the key to net returns in this first year of the experiment was experiencing the typical seasonal price increase from the low in November through the January-February period. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
A total of 48 cull cows were randomly assigned to one of two cull cow management systems, including 1) feeding 24 cull cows on grain and supplement in dry lot confinement and 2) a system that allowed 24 cull cows to graze native forage pasture. The experiment was conducted from October 2007 to April 2008. Various data measurements were taken at five intervals including the initial culling date (Oct. 3). Time periods after culling were 42 days (Nov. 15), 78 days (Jan. 10), 111 days (Feb. 12), 134 days (March 6) and 164 days (April 2). Data were collected on weight, estimated USDA grade, estimated dressing percentage, costs (feed, animal health, etc.) and estimated market value. For each feeding time interval and each cumulative period, estimated animal performance and net returns were calculated. Estimated USDA grade and dressing percentage were used to assign a price to each cow, based on prices reported by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for cull cows in Oklahoma sold the same week. The market value of each cow at each period was calculated. Data enabled tracking animal performance, costs and estimated value, all of which are critical to assessing the added costs and returns for retaining cows beyond the normal culling date.
Average daily gain (ADG) declined generally for each group of cows. ADG was higher for cows in dry lot after 42 days (November) and remained higher for each cumulative feeding interval. For both management systems, the decline in ADG indicated weight gain was slowing as the length of the feeding period increased.
Average cost of gain was lower for cows on grass compared with cows in dry lot. Cows in dry lot gained faster, but ration costs were much higher, thereby contributing to the higher cost per gain. Feed costs accounted for 83 to 93 percent of total costs for each feeding interval. Percentages were higher for cows in dry lot than cows on grass.
For all intervals, net returns were greater for cows on grass than cows in dry lot. Cows gained in value during the first 42 days (October to November) from added weight, but declined in value over that 42-day period from the drop in prices. After the first interval, price increases offset losses in value from weight loss for cows on grass. Cows in dry lot increased in value both from additional weight gain and increase in prices. However, net returns for cows in dry lot declined due to the higher feed costs associated with obtaining the weight gain.
Cows on grass lost weight after the first 42 days (October to November), reducing their value. However, their ration costs were low, so even at lower weights, their value increased due to higher prices. The higher prices and lower costs compensated for the loss in weight.
Results suggest a potential for holding cows beyond culling for about three months on a low-cost feeding program. However, results indicate the key to net returns in this first year of the experiment was experiencing the typical seasonal price increase from the low in November through the January-February period. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
COW COUNTRY CONGRESS – 2009
The 2009 Cow Country Congress program will meet at the Corlay
Farm & Cattle Co. in Dodge, Texas on Friday, September 25th. This
multifaceted agricultural enterprise is owned by Dr. Jody Crawford of
Huntsville. Dr. Crawford’s farm has been known in Walker County for
extremely high quality hay production, and intensive beef herd
management characterized by progressive reproductive practices. Dr.
Crawford’s interest in wildlife management has developed into a
variety of wildlife related enterprises and projects which will be viewed
on the ranch during the program. Corlay Farm & Cattle Co. has had an
ongoing quail management and establishment program for many years
and is now diversifying into Whitetail deer operations. This event will
showcase truly outstanding facilities for working both cattle and
Whitetail deer. Additional information regarding the Corlay Farm &
Cattle Co can be viewed online at http://www.corlayranch.com
Program registration will begin at 8:30 AM. The program will begin
with introductions at 9:00 AM. Individuals interested in attending the
2009 Cow Country Congress should R.S.V.P. prior to September 21st
to the Walker County Extension Office (936) 435-2426, or your local
participating County Extension Office from any of the seven traditional
host counties. A registration fee of $10.00 per person will provide
each participant a Chicken Fried Steak Lunch with ALL the trimmings!
In addition to the benefits of a catered lunch, on-site
commercial vendors, and touring the ranch
operation, each participant with a Texas
Department of Agriculture- Pesticide
Applicators License will be eligible for 2
hours of Continuing Education Credits for
renewal of their license. Additional
participant credit of 3.5 hours will be given
for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
recertification. Some of the bucks in the two year old pen.
Views of the beef cattle facilities.
ABOUT COW COUNTRY CONGRESS
Cow Country Congress is an annual multi-county event
begun in the early 1980’s supported by the Extension Beef
& Forage Committees from Walker, Madison, Houston,
Trinity, Leon, Freestone and Anderson Counties. This
educational program rotates within the group of host
counties each year. In addition to the traditional seven
county area, beef producers from outside these counties
are invited to attend this educational program.
Participants in attendance have the opportunity to visit
with a variety of commercial exhibitors several times
during the course of the day between presentations,
demonstrations, and tours of the host property.
COW COUNTRY CONGRESS DIRECTIONS
Directions to Corlay
Farm & Cattle Co. are
as follows:
1-45 to Madison-
1-45 to Conroe
Hwy 30 to
College Station
Hwy 190 to
Oakhurst &
Riverside
Hwy 19 to
Trinity
Huntsville
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Tx
FM 405
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Texas (FM 405)
September 25, 2009
8:30 –9:00 AM – Registration
Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
R.S.V.P. is required for Meal Planning prior to
September 21st. Contact Your Local County
Extension Office:
• Walker County (936) 435-2426
• Madison County (936) 348-2234
• Trinity County (936) 642-1421
• Houston County (936) 544-3255
• Leon County (903) 536-2531
• Freestone County (903) 389-3436
• Anderson County (903) 723-3735
Walker County – 2009 Host for
Cow Country Congress
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Texas (FM 405)
September 25, 2009
8:30 AM – Registration
Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
R.S.V.P. is required for Meal Planning prior to September 21st.
Contact Your Local County Extension Office.
9:00 AM – Welcome:
Topics & Presentations:
"Smart Fertilizer -
Planning, Purchasing & Utilization"
Artificial Insemination & Embryo
Transfer for small producers-
Realistic Expectations, Logistics,
Equipment & Practices
Forage Legumes-
Can They Meet Your Needs
Alternative Methods for Legume
Establishment
Native Forages
Selection, Establishment & Management
Noon Meal: Chicken Fried Steak and ALL the Trimmings!
Concurrent Sessions:
Beef Quality Assurance –Chute Side Management
Facilities for working Whitetail Deer
Tour of Deer Breeding Pens
Visit With
Commercial Vendors from a
Variety of Ag Support Industries
This program is supported by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Beef &
Farm & Cattle Co. in Dodge, Texas on Friday, September 25th. This
multifaceted agricultural enterprise is owned by Dr. Jody Crawford of
Huntsville. Dr. Crawford’s farm has been known in Walker County for
extremely high quality hay production, and intensive beef herd
management characterized by progressive reproductive practices. Dr.
Crawford’s interest in wildlife management has developed into a
variety of wildlife related enterprises and projects which will be viewed
on the ranch during the program. Corlay Farm & Cattle Co. has had an
ongoing quail management and establishment program for many years
and is now diversifying into Whitetail deer operations. This event will
showcase truly outstanding facilities for working both cattle and
Whitetail deer. Additional information regarding the Corlay Farm &
Cattle Co can be viewed online at http://www.corlayranch.com
Program registration will begin at 8:30 AM. The program will begin
with introductions at 9:00 AM. Individuals interested in attending the
2009 Cow Country Congress should R.S.V.P. prior to September 21st
to the Walker County Extension Office (936) 435-2426, or your local
participating County Extension Office from any of the seven traditional
host counties. A registration fee of $10.00 per person will provide
each participant a Chicken Fried Steak Lunch with ALL the trimmings!
In addition to the benefits of a catered lunch, on-site
commercial vendors, and touring the ranch
operation, each participant with a Texas
Department of Agriculture- Pesticide
Applicators License will be eligible for 2
hours of Continuing Education Credits for
renewal of their license. Additional
participant credit of 3.5 hours will be given
for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
recertification. Some of the bucks in the two year old pen.
Views of the beef cattle facilities.
ABOUT COW COUNTRY CONGRESS
Cow Country Congress is an annual multi-county event
begun in the early 1980’s supported by the Extension Beef
& Forage Committees from Walker, Madison, Houston,
Trinity, Leon, Freestone and Anderson Counties. This
educational program rotates within the group of host
counties each year. In addition to the traditional seven
county area, beef producers from outside these counties
are invited to attend this educational program.
Participants in attendance have the opportunity to visit
with a variety of commercial exhibitors several times
during the course of the day between presentations,
demonstrations, and tours of the host property.
COW COUNTRY CONGRESS DIRECTIONS
Directions to Corlay
Farm & Cattle Co. are
as follows:
1-45 to Madison-
1-45 to Conroe
Hwy 30 to
College Station
Hwy 190 to
Oakhurst &
Riverside
Hwy 19 to
Trinity
Huntsville
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Tx
FM 405
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Texas (FM 405)
September 25, 2009
8:30 –9:00 AM – Registration
Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
R.S.V.P. is required for Meal Planning prior to
September 21st. Contact Your Local County
Extension Office:
• Walker County (936) 435-2426
• Madison County (936) 348-2234
• Trinity County (936) 642-1421
• Houston County (936) 544-3255
• Leon County (903) 536-2531
• Freestone County (903) 389-3436
• Anderson County (903) 723-3735
Walker County – 2009 Host for
Cow Country Congress
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Texas (FM 405)
September 25, 2009
8:30 AM – Registration
Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
R.S.V.P. is required for Meal Planning prior to September 21st.
Contact Your Local County Extension Office.
9:00 AM – Welcome:
Topics & Presentations:
"Smart Fertilizer -
Planning, Purchasing & Utilization"
Artificial Insemination & Embryo
Transfer for small producers-
Realistic Expectations, Logistics,
Equipment & Practices
Forage Legumes-
Can They Meet Your Needs
Alternative Methods for Legume
Establishment
Native Forages
Selection, Establishment & Management
Noon Meal: Chicken Fried Steak and ALL the Trimmings!
Concurrent Sessions:
Beef Quality Assurance –Chute Side Management
Facilities for working Whitetail Deer
Tour of Deer Breeding Pens
Visit With
Commercial Vendors from a
Variety of Ag Support Industries
This program is supported by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Beef &
Friday, July 31, 2009
Chute N The Bull
I hate shopping. My wife buys all my clothes for me, which suits me just fine. When I do shop, I try to find the best deal for my money. This same concept applies to shopping for hay. Most of the time, I have a good idea of what my money is purchasing. Labels list features, ingredients, warranties, weight or other information that I can use to make my money go further.
When shopping for hay, a list of its features such as crude protein or pounds in a bale may or may not be available, making valuation of hay difficult, if not impossible. This can be easily remedied by asking for a hay analysis and a bale weight, or testing and weighing it yourself prior to purchase. Make sure when sampling hay that you obtain a test for each hay type (bermudagrass, sorghum sudan, wheat, etc.) and for each cutting. Ideally, the same thing would go for bale weight.
After obtaining the forage analysis, compare hay based on dry matter and not as-fed. Pay attention to moisture; the ideal moisture content at baling should be 17-18 percent. If moisture content is higher than this at the time of testing, it could signal problems.
There are some complex methods for placing a value on hay based on crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN), and then adjusting price compared to a known supplement value like soybean meal or corn. So how could a producer get a quick and dirty field estimation of hay value without dragging along a laptop to run all the calculations?
Always start by establishing a price based on per pound or per ton basis rather than per bale. Next, look at the hay quality analysis. Table 1 shows an example using nutrient content of grass hays based on the USDA grass hay quality guidelines. Prices assigned to quality are from the Oklahoma Hay Market Report for the week of June 25. So even though I may be giving up a little in protein, are the cheaper hays (B-C) still a good value for my money compared to A? A really simple way to figure this is to establish the crude protein unit cost of A which is $4.33 (65/15 = $4.33). Next, determine the value of the other hays in comparison to A based on per unit of crude protein content.
Table 1. Compared to A, the value of hays B-D is considerably lower and would not be considered a bargain even though they are priced less. Let's look at this another way: if we compared only hays A and B, and held the cost of B constant at $55/T, how high would A have to increase in price before the two values equal? Since B is being used as the comparison, establish the per unit value of its crude protein (55/11 = $5) and then compare to A (15 X 5 = $75). The price of A would have to increase $10/T to $75/T before the value of A=B on a per unit crude protein basis.
Note that this method is only comparing one nutrient and ignores other nutritional differences that may exist. However, as a general rule, with higher crude protein values, we also see higher TDN and lower fiber levels.
You also need to consider the class of livestock you are shopping for. For example, a dry pregnant cow in mid-gestation only needs 8-9 percent CP hay. So, while hay A is a better value based on crude protein, this type of cow does not need the high quality and it is still $20/T higher. On the other hand, this method can help when targeting hay for animals with high nutritional demands. This method also is not establishing a price; it is establishing a value, which can make comparison shopping a lot easier when price and quality are known.
Table 2 shows another tool - the USDA hay quality guidelines and the class of livestock for which they will work - that can also help in your shopping. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
When shopping for hay, a list of its features such as crude protein or pounds in a bale may or may not be available, making valuation of hay difficult, if not impossible. This can be easily remedied by asking for a hay analysis and a bale weight, or testing and weighing it yourself prior to purchase. Make sure when sampling hay that you obtain a test for each hay type (bermudagrass, sorghum sudan, wheat, etc.) and for each cutting. Ideally, the same thing would go for bale weight.
After obtaining the forage analysis, compare hay based on dry matter and not as-fed. Pay attention to moisture; the ideal moisture content at baling should be 17-18 percent. If moisture content is higher than this at the time of testing, it could signal problems.
There are some complex methods for placing a value on hay based on crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN), and then adjusting price compared to a known supplement value like soybean meal or corn. So how could a producer get a quick and dirty field estimation of hay value without dragging along a laptop to run all the calculations?
Always start by establishing a price based on per pound or per ton basis rather than per bale. Next, look at the hay quality analysis. Table 1 shows an example using nutrient content of grass hays based on the USDA grass hay quality guidelines. Prices assigned to quality are from the Oklahoma Hay Market Report for the week of June 25. So even though I may be giving up a little in protein, are the cheaper hays (B-C) still a good value for my money compared to A? A really simple way to figure this is to establish the crude protein unit cost of A which is $4.33 (65/15 = $4.33). Next, determine the value of the other hays in comparison to A based on per unit of crude protein content.
Table 1. Compared to A, the value of hays B-D is considerably lower and would not be considered a bargain even though they are priced less. Let's look at this another way: if we compared only hays A and B, and held the cost of B constant at $55/T, how high would A have to increase in price before the two values equal? Since B is being used as the comparison, establish the per unit value of its crude protein (55/11 = $5) and then compare to A (15 X 5 = $75). The price of A would have to increase $10/T to $75/T before the value of A=B on a per unit crude protein basis.
Note that this method is only comparing one nutrient and ignores other nutritional differences that may exist. However, as a general rule, with higher crude protein values, we also see higher TDN and lower fiber levels.
You also need to consider the class of livestock you are shopping for. For example, a dry pregnant cow in mid-gestation only needs 8-9 percent CP hay. So, while hay A is a better value based on crude protein, this type of cow does not need the high quality and it is still $20/T higher. On the other hand, this method can help when targeting hay for animals with high nutritional demands. This method also is not establishing a price; it is establishing a value, which can make comparison shopping a lot easier when price and quality are known.
Table 2 shows another tool - the USDA hay quality guidelines and the class of livestock for which they will work - that can also help in your shopping. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Chute "N" The Bull
A common misconception is that "low-stress" must mean "no pressure." That is absolutely false. Cattle, like all other animals, respond to appropriate application and release of pressure. There are times when significant pressure must be applied to get the animals to move how and when you need. Pressure, used appropriately, does not cause long-term, harmful stress.
A good cattle handler understands two key principals: flight zone (the "bubble" around an animal that, if invaded by a handler, will cause the animal to move away) and point of balance (the point, usually around the front shoulder, at which pressure in front of that point will cause the animal to stop or back up, and vice versa). When a stockman is at the edge of the flight zone and properly balanced, only slight movements are needed to control the animals in a low-stress manner. To make cattle speed up, walk against their direction of travel; to make them slow down, walk with them. As you pass the point of balance, notice how each animal responds to your movement and position.
A good stockman will stay quiet when working cattle. If cattle aren't doing what you want, it is not because they can't hear or see you. It is because you are in the wrong place doing the wrong thing. Don't yell and scream, and don't make wild movements. Move calmly, purposefully and in straight lines. Cattle will be able to predict your movements and respond appropriately to them. If you move like a predator (hesitating, followed by sudden movements and in curves around them), the cattle will treat you like a predator.
A good stockman is patient. The cattle don't care that you are late for dinner. Keep doing the right things until the cattle respond correctly. After you have mastered the art of stockmanship, you can usually work cattle quickly when you need to. But realize that if you make cattle do something before they are ready to do it, then it is no longer low-stress handling.
Train cattle how to behave every time you are with them. Go to the pen or pasture, and use these techniques to just move them around, teaching them to respond. If possible, move cattle through your corrals on their way to feed or to another pasture. Always make your cattle walk past you, single file, out of a gate. Don't let them run wildly, or they will hurt themselves and you, tear up your gates and be stressed when they finally stop. When moving cattle from a pasture, ignore the few cattle that quit the herd. If you drive the main herd in a low-stress manner, and don't chase the few on the edge, they will usually come back to the herd of their own volition. Work to incorporate these habits, and they will make you a better stockman. And don't say, "I'll try." "Try" is an excuse to fail. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
A good cattle handler understands two key principals: flight zone (the "bubble" around an animal that, if invaded by a handler, will cause the animal to move away) and point of balance (the point, usually around the front shoulder, at which pressure in front of that point will cause the animal to stop or back up, and vice versa). When a stockman is at the edge of the flight zone and properly balanced, only slight movements are needed to control the animals in a low-stress manner. To make cattle speed up, walk against their direction of travel; to make them slow down, walk with them. As you pass the point of balance, notice how each animal responds to your movement and position.
A good stockman will stay quiet when working cattle. If cattle aren't doing what you want, it is not because they can't hear or see you. It is because you are in the wrong place doing the wrong thing. Don't yell and scream, and don't make wild movements. Move calmly, purposefully and in straight lines. Cattle will be able to predict your movements and respond appropriately to them. If you move like a predator (hesitating, followed by sudden movements and in curves around them), the cattle will treat you like a predator.
A good stockman is patient. The cattle don't care that you are late for dinner. Keep doing the right things until the cattle respond correctly. After you have mastered the art of stockmanship, you can usually work cattle quickly when you need to. But realize that if you make cattle do something before they are ready to do it, then it is no longer low-stress handling.
Train cattle how to behave every time you are with them. Go to the pen or pasture, and use these techniques to just move them around, teaching them to respond. If possible, move cattle through your corrals on their way to feed or to another pasture. Always make your cattle walk past you, single file, out of a gate. Don't let them run wildly, or they will hurt themselves and you, tear up your gates and be stressed when they finally stop. When moving cattle from a pasture, ignore the few cattle that quit the herd. If you drive the main herd in a low-stress manner, and don't chase the few on the edge, they will usually come back to the herd of their own volition. Work to incorporate these habits, and they will make you a better stockman. And don't say, "I'll try." "Try" is an excuse to fail. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
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