In April 2009, I attended a meeting at which water issues were the central theme. There were several farmers and ranchers in attendance who did not realize that they should have a water permit for their wells or the streams/rivers from which irrigation was being used. So what is the law in Oklahoma and Texas related to water rights, and do you need a permit for your operation? These issues were covered at the meeting, but may not be widely disseminated to agriculture producers so the answers may be beneficial to some of you.
Who owns the water? In both Oklahoma and Texas, surface water (streams, creeks and rivers) is the property of the state. The use of this water requires a water permit. With a permit, water can be used for irrigation on a use-it or lose-it rule. In Oklahoma, you have seven years to set your baseline usage, and, in Texas, you have 10 years. The baseline is the highest level of water usage in one year during a preset period. If you are using less water than you were permitted, then the remainder of the water can be reallocated to another permit holder of the state's choice.
Groundwater, on the other hand, is owned by the property owner. In Oklahoma, property owners are allowed domestic use of the water without a water permit. Domestic use is defined as water used for household purposes, watering for domestic animals and gardens/orchards of no more than three acres in size. You are allowed to use up to two acre-feet (651,702 gallons) per year. If you are irrigating anything larger than three acres or using more than two acre-feet of water, then you are required to file for a water permit. With the permit, you can be permitted to pump up to two acre-feet of water per acre of land that you own or lease, unless you are in a sensitive aquifer (Arbuckle-Simpson) area. In Texas, groundwater is also owned by the landowner. Unless you own land in an area in which water is controlled by a conservation district, there are currently no restraints on the amount of water that can be pumped, as long as it is from beneath your land and not adjacent land. If, however, you are located in one of the conservation districts, such as the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (Montague, Parker, Wise and Hood Counties), then you are required to have a permit to pump more than two acre-feet of water per year.
If you are irrigating without a water permit or are thinking about drilling a well or using a stream/river to irrigate, it would be in your best interest to inquire about the need for a water permit. This will ensure that the amount of water that you use will be on record if the state ever begins a strict regulation policy. According to the rules of both states, the permits are on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 TeAgriculture, 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
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
Monday, June 29, 2009
Chute N The Bull
There has been substantial discussion and debate among lawmakers about the implementation of a cap-and-trade (CAT) policy as a means to mitigate the level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, CAT is an environmental policy tool that will reduce GHG emissions by placing a mandatory cap on the level of carbon dioxide and/or carbon dioxide equivalents (e.g., methane and chlorofluorocarbons) that industries emit, while at the same time providing flexibility in how they comply. In response to the increase in political support for a cap-and-trade policy, agricultural producers and landowners have increased their interest in understanding how the CAT policy might affect their operations. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of this subject.
In the current version of the proposed CAT legislation, production agriculture is exempt from the restrictions associated with the program. As a result, farmers and ranchers will not be required to track and/or offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, CAT is being proposed as a means for landowners to generate substantial economic benefit from selling carbon offsets they can accumulate by participating in one of four soil- and/or forest-based carbon sequestration programs. These programs include:
1. adoption of conservation tillage practices such as no-till and strip-till in place of intensive practices commonly used;
2. permanent establishment of grassland or pastureland;
3. adoption of established native range management practices; and
4. establishment of trees on land previously used for non-forestry activities (i.e., afforestation) or reestablishment of trees on lands that were previously forested (i.e., reforestation).
Participation in one or more of these programs requires landowners to verify that the sequestration of carbon dioxide is occurring or has occurred according to criteria established by the program. Verification of a sustainable management plan for any of the four methods must be provided through a third-party process. Currently, arrangements for the third-party verification processes are being managed by aggregators who serve as legal brokers between landowners who wish to sell carbon offsets and industries who wish to purchase offsets. Currently, aggregators are assessing an average fee of 20 percent of the per-acre carbon payment for their services and require landowners to enter their carbon offsets into a long-term contract, typically five to seven years.
Proponents of CAT have affirmed that if the policy is passed into law then carbon offset credits would have a price range somewhere between $20 and $50 per metric ton. Although it is difficult to determine today what the price of carbon will be in the future, we point out that on April 29, 2009, the 2010 futures price of carbon offset reported by the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) traded at $1.60 per metric ton. Sequestered carbon allowances vary by program type and location, and have been set by the CCX. Depending upon the program and the region, carbon allowances range from a low of 0.2 tons per acre for the conservation tillage program to a high of 2.6 metric tons per acre for a forest-based program. Based on the allowances and price information reported by CCX, we have calculated per-acre annual payment to landowners for carbon sequestered for each of the four carbon sequestration programs. This information is provided in the accompanying table. Landowners can use this information to help them decide whether or not they should consider entering into a contract arrangement with an aggregator to sell carbon on the Chicago Climate Exchange. 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
In the current version of the proposed CAT legislation, production agriculture is exempt from the restrictions associated with the program. As a result, farmers and ranchers will not be required to track and/or offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, CAT is being proposed as a means for landowners to generate substantial economic benefit from selling carbon offsets they can accumulate by participating in one of four soil- and/or forest-based carbon sequestration programs. These programs include:
1. adoption of conservation tillage practices such as no-till and strip-till in place of intensive practices commonly used;
2. permanent establishment of grassland or pastureland;
3. adoption of established native range management practices; and
4. establishment of trees on land previously used for non-forestry activities (i.e., afforestation) or reestablishment of trees on lands that were previously forested (i.e., reforestation).
Participation in one or more of these programs requires landowners to verify that the sequestration of carbon dioxide is occurring or has occurred according to criteria established by the program. Verification of a sustainable management plan for any of the four methods must be provided through a third-party process. Currently, arrangements for the third-party verification processes are being managed by aggregators who serve as legal brokers between landowners who wish to sell carbon offsets and industries who wish to purchase offsets. Currently, aggregators are assessing an average fee of 20 percent of the per-acre carbon payment for their services and require landowners to enter their carbon offsets into a long-term contract, typically five to seven years.
Proponents of CAT have affirmed that if the policy is passed into law then carbon offset credits would have a price range somewhere between $20 and $50 per metric ton. Although it is difficult to determine today what the price of carbon will be in the future, we point out that on April 29, 2009, the 2010 futures price of carbon offset reported by the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) traded at $1.60 per metric ton. Sequestered carbon allowances vary by program type and location, and have been set by the CCX. Depending upon the program and the region, carbon allowances range from a low of 0.2 tons per acre for the conservation tillage program to a high of 2.6 metric tons per acre for a forest-based program. Based on the allowances and price information reported by CCX, we have calculated per-acre annual payment to landowners for carbon sequestered for each of the four carbon sequestration programs. This information is provided in the accompanying table. Landowners can use this information to help them decide whether or not they should consider entering into a contract arrangement with an aggregator to sell carbon on the Chicago Climate Exchange. 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
Most of the weeds that are present in your pastures as we approach
summer will probably be perennials plus some annuals that you missed
with your initial chemical application (if there was one). The
transition from spring to summer is the right time of year for brush
control, as long as the weather is good.
Some of the brush control herbicides we recommend during the late
spring-early summer period can move in the soil during wet conditions,
so keep this in mind when spraying near desired trees and plants. Remedy™
is a brush control herbicide that doesn't have soil activity, so we
don't worry about it moving in the soil. For the weeds in the pastures,
the spring-summer transition is the time to consider herbicide
applications on horsenettle, silverleaf nightshade, bull nettle,
blackberries, Johnsongrass and sericea lespedeza. Sericea lespedeza
should be controlled as soon as you discover it in your pastures.
Oklahoma State University has shown that Remedy™ or Pasturegard™ applied
to actively growing plants in June or early July when soil moisture was
adequate for plant growth provided excellent control. Another option
would be Cimarron™ applied in September during midbloom of the sericea,
again where plants are actively growing. Remember that the blackberries,
horsenettle and silverleaf nightshade should be sprayed when they are in
the bloom stage of development since these are perennial plants. The
highest flow of carbohydrates from the shoots to the roots occurs during
the bloom stage. The goal is to move as much herbicide as possible to
the roots, killing them and preventing them from visiting our pastures
next year. By the beginning of summer, any annuals you have in your
pastures have already done most of their damage for the year and are
likely to be too mature to control.
By June, you've probably missed controlling weeds for the year, except
for those listed above. Take a summer "weed census" of your pasture so
that you know what you'll need to control next 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
summer will probably be perennials plus some annuals that you missed
with your initial chemical application (if there was one). The
transition from spring to summer is the right time of year for brush
control, as long as the weather is good.
Some of the brush control herbicides we recommend during the late
spring-early summer period can move in the soil during wet conditions,
so keep this in mind when spraying near desired trees and plants. Remedy™
is a brush control herbicide that doesn't have soil activity, so we
don't worry about it moving in the soil. For the weeds in the pastures,
the spring-summer transition is the time to consider herbicide
applications on horsenettle, silverleaf nightshade, bull nettle,
blackberries, Johnsongrass and sericea lespedeza. Sericea lespedeza
should be controlled as soon as you discover it in your pastures.
Oklahoma State University has shown that Remedy™ or Pasturegard™ applied
to actively growing plants in June or early July when soil moisture was
adequate for plant growth provided excellent control. Another option
would be Cimarron™ applied in September during midbloom of the sericea,
again where plants are actively growing. Remember that the blackberries,
horsenettle and silverleaf nightshade should be sprayed when they are in
the bloom stage of development since these are perennial plants. The
highest flow of carbohydrates from the shoots to the roots occurs during
the bloom stage. The goal is to move as much herbicide as possible to
the roots, killing them and preventing them from visiting our pastures
next year. By the beginning of summer, any annuals you have in your
pastures have already done most of their damage for the year and are
likely to be too mature to control.
By June, you've probably missed controlling weeds for the year, except
for those listed above. Take a summer "weed census" of your pasture so
that you know what you'll need to control next 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
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Chute N The Bull
Heat stress can greatly impact cattle producers through decreased milk
production and subsequent calf growth, decreased reproductive
performance in cows and bulls, and decreased stocker and feeder
performance. It has been estimated that heat-related events in the
Midwest have cost the cattle industry over $75 million in the past 10
years. As summer approaches, make preparations to reduce the risk of
heat stress in your cattle.
The ideal temperature range for beef cattle is between 41° F and 77° F.
When temperatures exceed this, cattle are at risk of heat stress. Many
environmental factors affect the potential for heat stress, including
relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, ground cover, access to
water, diet, shade and nighttime temperatures. In addition, individual
animal characteristics can contribute to heat stress. These include hide
color, breed, health, adaptation, hair coat length and disposition. When
a combination of these factors and ambient temperature cause an animal's
heat load to exceed its ability to dissipate that heat, heat stress
occurs.
Identifying Heat Stress
When heat stressed, cattle exhibit many physical and behavioral changes.
Heat-stressed animals will have increased body temperatures, increased
water consumption, decreased feed consumption and decreased weight
gains. These changes may be subtle and difficult to recognize or
impractical to measure. Fortunately, there are many signs of heat stress
that are easy to recognize. The most obvious are cattle congregating in
shady areas or standing in ponds, and decreased grazing activity. You
may also notice cattle panting. According to the USDA's Agricultural
Research Service, more than 90 breaths per minute is an indication of
heat stress, and a respiration rate over 110 indicates a dangerous heat
stress level.
Tools are available to help producers identify conditions that are
potentially dangerous for cattle. The Livestock Weather Hazard Guide
provides guidelines that indicate the potential of heat stress at
different temperatures and relative humidity.
Another way to monitor heat stress conditions in your area is the Heat
Stress Forecast. The USDA has developed a Web site that reports heat
stress forecasts for the central United States. These forecasts provide
a more accurate prediction because they account for wind speed and solar
radiation in addition to temperature and humidity. This Web site can be
found at: www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=17130.
Managing Heat Stress
Provide fresh, clean water to cattle at all times. Water intake
increases during times of heat stress, so make sure that piped water can
refill tanks fast enough to keep up with cattle demand. If ponds are the
only source of water, monitor water quality throughout hot, dry periods.
Be sure that cattle have adequate shade. If shade is limited, heat
stress can be compounded by animals crowding together.
If possible, avoid working and transporting cattle during periods of
heat stress. If cattle must be worked or rotated to a new pasture, do it
as early as possible in the morning.
Heat stress can also affect the reproductive performance of cows and
bulls so plan your breeding season to avoid the hottest months. Keep in
mind that heat stress can impact semen quality for up to eight weeks.
Be prepared by planning now for heat stress. As hot weather approaches,
monitor the Heat Stress Forecast or use your local conditions with the
Livestock Weather Hazard Guide to determine the potential for heat
stress in your cattle. 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 TeAgriculture, 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
production and subsequent calf growth, decreased reproductive
performance in cows and bulls, and decreased stocker and feeder
performance. It has been estimated that heat-related events in the
Midwest have cost the cattle industry over $75 million in the past 10
years. As summer approaches, make preparations to reduce the risk of
heat stress in your cattle.
The ideal temperature range for beef cattle is between 41° F and 77° F.
When temperatures exceed this, cattle are at risk of heat stress. Many
environmental factors affect the potential for heat stress, including
relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, ground cover, access to
water, diet, shade and nighttime temperatures. In addition, individual
animal characteristics can contribute to heat stress. These include hide
color, breed, health, adaptation, hair coat length and disposition. When
a combination of these factors and ambient temperature cause an animal's
heat load to exceed its ability to dissipate that heat, heat stress
occurs.
Identifying Heat Stress
When heat stressed, cattle exhibit many physical and behavioral changes.
Heat-stressed animals will have increased body temperatures, increased
water consumption, decreased feed consumption and decreased weight
gains. These changes may be subtle and difficult to recognize or
impractical to measure. Fortunately, there are many signs of heat stress
that are easy to recognize. The most obvious are cattle congregating in
shady areas or standing in ponds, and decreased grazing activity. You
may also notice cattle panting. According to the USDA's Agricultural
Research Service, more than 90 breaths per minute is an indication of
heat stress, and a respiration rate over 110 indicates a dangerous heat
stress level.
Tools are available to help producers identify conditions that are
potentially dangerous for cattle. The Livestock Weather Hazard Guide
provides guidelines that indicate the potential of heat stress at
different temperatures and relative humidity.
Another way to monitor heat stress conditions in your area is the Heat
Stress Forecast. The USDA has developed a Web site that reports heat
stress forecasts for the central United States. These forecasts provide
a more accurate prediction because they account for wind speed and solar
radiation in addition to temperature and humidity. This Web site can be
found at: www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=17130.
Managing Heat Stress
Provide fresh, clean water to cattle at all times. Water intake
increases during times of heat stress, so make sure that piped water can
refill tanks fast enough to keep up with cattle demand. If ponds are the
only source of water, monitor water quality throughout hot, dry periods.
Be sure that cattle have adequate shade. If shade is limited, heat
stress can be compounded by animals crowding together.
If possible, avoid working and transporting cattle during periods of
heat stress. If cattle must be worked or rotated to a new pasture, do it
as early as possible in the morning.
Heat stress can also affect the reproductive performance of cows and
bulls so plan your breeding season to avoid the hottest months. Keep in
mind that heat stress can impact semen quality for up to eight weeks.
Be prepared by planning now for heat stress. As hot weather approaches,
monitor the Heat Stress Forecast or use your local conditions with the
Livestock Weather Hazard Guide to determine the potential for heat
stress in your cattle. 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 TeAgriculture, 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
Every spring, our thoughts turn from calving season to breeding season, green grass, rainy days and warmer temperatures. But with the growing pastures and pleasant temperatures come some disadvantages as well - fly season is upon us.
Flies will be abundant by the time this News and Views article hits your mailbox. At the time of writing this article in late March, I already have noticed a large number of flies on livestock. If you have not already started a fly control program for this year, you are probably already behind the curve. With the early spring rains, 2008 promises to be favorable for insects.
Cow
Flies are a nuisance for humans, but an even greater nuisance for livestock. Additionally, flies can spread disease, from anaplasmosis to pink eye. They are also responsible for a tremendous amount of lost production in the form of decreased weight gain or lower milk yields. Rather than eating, cattle will spend time stomping and tail-swishing, lying down, standing in groups or in the middle of a stock pond.
It doesn't take a large number of flies to have an impact on your cattle's production. As few as 100 to 200 flies per side is enough to impact stocker gains by 50 pounds during the summer. This is greater than or comparable to the weight gain achieved through a growth implant program. If you can see more than a hand-sized patch of flies on each side, typically behind the shoulders, of your cattle, there are enough to be a problem.
There are many methods of fly control. Some of the more common methods are: pour-on, sprays, rubs or dusters, ear tags, feed-through additives and biological control. Some methods work better than others and each has its place. Using a combination of methods will afford you the most effective control. Also, remember to change the class or family of chemical you use periodically to reduce resistance.
The following are a few thoughts on the various control methods:
Pour-ons and sprays provide a good initial kill with two to six weeks' residual. Sprays will typically wear off faster. Rainfall or cattle lingering in stock tanks reduces the duration of protection.
Rubs and dusters are an effective method of control once the cattle associate the use of the applicator apparatus to a reduced insect load. It is best to place the applicator next to mineral feeders, water sources or an area that will force the cattle to rub up against it. Additionally, the chemical will need to be recharged once every one-two weeks or after a rain.
Ear tags are a very effective season-long treatment, but remember to cut the tags out at the end of the season. Leaving the tags in builds resistance to the chemical. Change the active ingredient from year to year. If you used a synthetic pyrethroid this year, change to an organophosphate or organochlorine tag next year.
Feed additives are effective in stopping the fly life cycle. But one of the biggest obstacles is ensuring consistent and adequate intake of the product to have effective control.
Biological control in the form of fly wasps, sometimes called fly predators, is also effective. Some feedlots have started using this method as the fly wasps are considered a natural, nonchemical method of control. Since they are weak fliers, the wasps must be placed in areas of high manure concentration, i.e., feedlots or horse stables. They do not reproduce so they have to be replenished monthly during the fly season.
Remember to follow label directions and applicable withdrawal times prior to slaughter. Getting in control of your fly problem will make your cattle more comfortable and your wallet happier. 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
Flies will be abundant by the time this News and Views article hits your mailbox. At the time of writing this article in late March, I already have noticed a large number of flies on livestock. If you have not already started a fly control program for this year, you are probably already behind the curve. With the early spring rains, 2008 promises to be favorable for insects.
Cow
Flies are a nuisance for humans, but an even greater nuisance for livestock. Additionally, flies can spread disease, from anaplasmosis to pink eye. They are also responsible for a tremendous amount of lost production in the form of decreased weight gain or lower milk yields. Rather than eating, cattle will spend time stomping and tail-swishing, lying down, standing in groups or in the middle of a stock pond.
It doesn't take a large number of flies to have an impact on your cattle's production. As few as 100 to 200 flies per side is enough to impact stocker gains by 50 pounds during the summer. This is greater than or comparable to the weight gain achieved through a growth implant program. If you can see more than a hand-sized patch of flies on each side, typically behind the shoulders, of your cattle, there are enough to be a problem.
There are many methods of fly control. Some of the more common methods are: pour-on, sprays, rubs or dusters, ear tags, feed-through additives and biological control. Some methods work better than others and each has its place. Using a combination of methods will afford you the most effective control. Also, remember to change the class or family of chemical you use periodically to reduce resistance.
The following are a few thoughts on the various control methods:
Pour-ons and sprays provide a good initial kill with two to six weeks' residual. Sprays will typically wear off faster. Rainfall or cattle lingering in stock tanks reduces the duration of protection.
Rubs and dusters are an effective method of control once the cattle associate the use of the applicator apparatus to a reduced insect load. It is best to place the applicator next to mineral feeders, water sources or an area that will force the cattle to rub up against it. Additionally, the chemical will need to be recharged once every one-two weeks or after a rain.
Ear tags are a very effective season-long treatment, but remember to cut the tags out at the end of the season. Leaving the tags in builds resistance to the chemical. Change the active ingredient from year to year. If you used a synthetic pyrethroid this year, change to an organophosphate or organochlorine tag next year.
Feed additives are effective in stopping the fly life cycle. But one of the biggest obstacles is ensuring consistent and adequate intake of the product to have effective control.
Biological control in the form of fly wasps, sometimes called fly predators, is also effective. Some feedlots have started using this method as the fly wasps are considered a natural, nonchemical method of control. Since they are weak fliers, the wasps must be placed in areas of high manure concentration, i.e., feedlots or horse stables. They do not reproduce so they have to be replenished monthly during the fly season.
Remember to follow label directions and applicable withdrawal times prior to slaughter. Getting in control of your fly problem will make your cattle more comfortable and your wallet happier. 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
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Chute N the Bull
The spring and summer months are critical to the fertility program for
the growth of turfgrass. If you have not fertilized the lawn around your
home, shame on you! How can you expect the turfgrass to hold up during
the summer months, much less the winter months? A weak stand of
turfgrass is an opportunity for a weed community to take over. An
example of this situation is weed seeds germinating in weak stands of
turfgrass; a better example is weeds growing on bare ground. A strong
stand of turfgrass will prevent the weed seeds from germinating
properly. It is the time of year to take advantage of the rainy season
for those warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, St. Augustine,
Zoysiagrass, etc.
Bermudagrass is a commonly used turfgrass in Oklahoma and Texas for
residential and commercial lawns because it has good wear and drought
resistance and responds positively to nitrogen fertility practices in
the spring.
In mid-April to May, the soil temperature begins to rise above 55
degrees F and bermudagrasses begins to break winter dormancy. We can
efficiently use the rainfall we receive during the next 60 days to
rejuvenate the turfgrasses in the lawn, if we properly fertilize.
General fertilizer recommendations are as follows: 1 pound of nitrogen
per 1,000 square feet four to five times during the growing season from
mid-April to September. This can be accomplished by spreading a balanced
fertilizer such as one with an N-P-K ratio of 15-5-10 at the rate of 6
pounds per 1,000 square feet.
If the fertilizer is spread, the mower better be ready and blades better
be sharp. The end of the blade (1 ½-inch tip of the mower blade) does
the largest amount of the cutting action. This part of the blade must be
kept sharp during mowing. It means the difference between slicing the
blade of grass as opposed to whacking it off. This damage to the end of
the leaf blade can be unsightly and is a point of entry for diseases,
which can be the start of the decline of the plant community. When
mowing, it is important not to remove more than two-thirds of the leaf
blade at one time. Instead, take the cutting height down a level in
multiple passes.
Timely application of a fertility program and proper mowing will allow
turfgrass to stand out and be enjoyed by your family and guests. 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
the growth of turfgrass. If you have not fertilized the lawn around your
home, shame on you! How can you expect the turfgrass to hold up during
the summer months, much less the winter months? A weak stand of
turfgrass is an opportunity for a weed community to take over. An
example of this situation is weed seeds germinating in weak stands of
turfgrass; a better example is weeds growing on bare ground. A strong
stand of turfgrass will prevent the weed seeds from germinating
properly. It is the time of year to take advantage of the rainy season
for those warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, St. Augustine,
Zoysiagrass, etc.
Bermudagrass is a commonly used turfgrass in Oklahoma and Texas for
residential and commercial lawns because it has good wear and drought
resistance and responds positively to nitrogen fertility practices in
the spring.
In mid-April to May, the soil temperature begins to rise above 55
degrees F and bermudagrasses begins to break winter dormancy. We can
efficiently use the rainfall we receive during the next 60 days to
rejuvenate the turfgrasses in the lawn, if we properly fertilize.
General fertilizer recommendations are as follows: 1 pound of nitrogen
per 1,000 square feet four to five times during the growing season from
mid-April to September. This can be accomplished by spreading a balanced
fertilizer such as one with an N-P-K ratio of 15-5-10 at the rate of 6
pounds per 1,000 square feet.
If the fertilizer is spread, the mower better be ready and blades better
be sharp. The end of the blade (1 ½-inch tip of the mower blade) does
the largest amount of the cutting action. This part of the blade must be
kept sharp during mowing. It means the difference between slicing the
blade of grass as opposed to whacking it off. This damage to the end of
the leaf blade can be unsightly and is a point of entry for diseases,
which can be the start of the decline of the plant community. When
mowing, it is important not to remove more than two-thirds of the leaf
blade at one time. Instead, take the cutting height down a level in
multiple passes.
Timely application of a fertility program and proper mowing will allow
turfgrass to stand out and be enjoyed by your family and guests. 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
Precipitation drives pasture improvement, so if you improve the condition of your pastures and rangelands when it does rain, it will help you get through those times when it doesn't. One method of pasture improvement is to provide growing season rest.
Rotational grazing is a method to provide growing season rest. Put all your cattle in one pasture while you allow other pastures to rest and accumulate forage. How quickly you rotate through your pastures depends on the growth rate and type of grass. If your grass is in a rapid growth phase, then you would rotate rapidly with a goal to use each pasture once in a 30-day period. As the growth rate slows, so do your rotations. During a slow growth period for an introduced, sod-forming grass like bermudagrass, a common approach is to move through each pasture in a 60-day cycle. Native grasses will need a longer rest period during the slow growth phase. The more pastures you have, the less time you will spend in each, which subsequently allows you to rest each pasture more.
Key Points to Consider:
1. If your stocking rate is too high, any grazing system is doomed to fail.
2. Grazing rotations based on calendar dates are only guidelines. You need to be able to look at your pasture (grass) and determine when it is time to move. A minimum stubble height of 3 inches for an introduced, sod-forming grass like bermudagrass is a signal that it is time to move cattle. On native bunchgrasses, try to leave at least a 6-inch stubble height. The height of the grass when you leave the pasture is more important than the height of the grass when you came into the pasture. Leaving adequate stubble height ensures rapid regrowth when environmental conditions allow.
3. Pasture improvement is realized by allowing forages to accumulate top growth, which helps them maintain a healthy root system. During periods when grasses are no longer growing (drought, winter), you have to "ration" grass that you have been able to stockpile through rotational grazing. Dormant season grazing cycles typically last about 90 days. Rest during a drought or winter (when warm-season plants are not actively growing) does not contribute to pasture improvement, but that doesn't mean that you throw open all the gates!
4. Growing season rest is most important to native warm-season grasses (big bluestem, little bluestem, indiangrass, switchgrass, etc.). However, introduced, warm-season grasses (bermudagrass, plains bluestem, etc.) can also benefit from rotational grazing and the inherent rest this system provides. If you are unhappy with the condition of your native or introduced pastures, incorporate some rest into the growing season to allow the vigor of your grasses and, in turn, your pasture quality to improve.
5. There are "agnostics" who will tell you that you aren't gaining anything in terms of livestock production or pasture improvement by rotational grazing. For every one of them, there are a hundred who are reaping the rewards. Your cattle will have to adjust to more frequent moves when you begin, but don't let them be your master! They will adjust, although it may take two or three years. The long-term benefits far outweigh the initial challenges. 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
Rotational grazing is a method to provide growing season rest. Put all your cattle in one pasture while you allow other pastures to rest and accumulate forage. How quickly you rotate through your pastures depends on the growth rate and type of grass. If your grass is in a rapid growth phase, then you would rotate rapidly with a goal to use each pasture once in a 30-day period. As the growth rate slows, so do your rotations. During a slow growth period for an introduced, sod-forming grass like bermudagrass, a common approach is to move through each pasture in a 60-day cycle. Native grasses will need a longer rest period during the slow growth phase. The more pastures you have, the less time you will spend in each, which subsequently allows you to rest each pasture more.
Key Points to Consider:
1. If your stocking rate is too high, any grazing system is doomed to fail.
2. Grazing rotations based on calendar dates are only guidelines. You need to be able to look at your pasture (grass) and determine when it is time to move. A minimum stubble height of 3 inches for an introduced, sod-forming grass like bermudagrass is a signal that it is time to move cattle. On native bunchgrasses, try to leave at least a 6-inch stubble height. The height of the grass when you leave the pasture is more important than the height of the grass when you came into the pasture. Leaving adequate stubble height ensures rapid regrowth when environmental conditions allow.
3. Pasture improvement is realized by allowing forages to accumulate top growth, which helps them maintain a healthy root system. During periods when grasses are no longer growing (drought, winter), you have to "ration" grass that you have been able to stockpile through rotational grazing. Dormant season grazing cycles typically last about 90 days. Rest during a drought or winter (when warm-season plants are not actively growing) does not contribute to pasture improvement, but that doesn't mean that you throw open all the gates!
4. Growing season rest is most important to native warm-season grasses (big bluestem, little bluestem, indiangrass, switchgrass, etc.). However, introduced, warm-season grasses (bermudagrass, plains bluestem, etc.) can also benefit from rotational grazing and the inherent rest this system provides. If you are unhappy with the condition of your native or introduced pastures, incorporate some rest into the growing season to allow the vigor of your grasses and, in turn, your pasture quality to improve.
5. There are "agnostics" who will tell you that you aren't gaining anything in terms of livestock production or pasture improvement by rotational grazing. For every one of them, there are a hundred who are reaping the rewards. Your cattle will have to adjust to more frequent moves when you begin, but don't let them be your master! They will adjust, although it may take two or three years. The long-term benefits far outweigh the initial challenges. 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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