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
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
Saturday, September 19, 2009
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
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