Llp07152013 by The Eagle Advertising Department

July 2013— Issue 2

Protecting the herd Steps to keep cattle safe from viruses

PAGE 10

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23

JAMES THOMPSON GETTING DIRTY

JAMES THOMPSON LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

PAGE 3

PAGE 9 3

JAMES FLY CONTROL THOMPSON

JAMESRANCH KING THOMPSON DISPUTE

PAGE 4 3

PAGE 13 3

Straight Tips for from keeping thesoil horse's productive. mouth.

Straight How to deal fromwith the horse's externalmouth. parasites such as flies.

Straight Short course fromlooks the horse's to future mouth. of the cattle industry.

Straight Good fences fromdon’t the horse's always mouth. make good neighbors.

July 2013— Issue 2 

The Land & Livestock Post

Soil quality tips shared with farmers at Stiles Farm Field Day By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

too much effort. It’s OK though. My main concern back then was not broadcasting how hot it was in my truck, but rather getting from point A to point B so I could get out of my truck and into the cool A/C and, in an ’83 Chevrolet, that wasn’t always an easy feat. And, since I am sitting in the cool A/C as I write this, I might as well move on and get to what is going on in this issue. In our cover story we look at BVD, bovine viral diarrhea, and how damaging it can be to your cattle. We have some ways to treat and prevent it as well. We also have news about the upcoming Beef Cattle Short Course at Texas A&M, as well as some other news from Texas A&M AgriLife. These stories and a few more make up this issue, and it’s a pretty good one, I hope you enjoy it. While all your temperature gauges keep climbing up, I hope you find a way to keep cool here in the middle of July, and thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

!"#$ &'(# !!"#

!"#$% !

July 2013— Issue 2

See SOIL, Page 6

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin Mark McFarland examines soil clods. He said they are critical because they change the porosity of the soil. “When soil particles come together and form clods, the spaces between the particles get larger.This allows a loam or clay soil to act more like a sand in terms of air and water movement into that soil.”

here is an annoying trend on social media that always crops up this time of year: taking pictures of your vehicle’s dashboard thermometer. Yes, we get it. It is hot. We do not need the read-out from your Hyundai to remind us of the heat. I guess the reason this trend annoys me so much is because it seems like a lot of effort to state the obvious. You wouldn’t actually pick up the phone and dial someone just to tell them, “Hey, it’s hot outside,” so I don’t understand the need to post it on Facebook or Twitter or any other form of media that helps us all share such important inJESSE WRIGHT formation. My first vehicle didn’t have a dashboard thermometer. It didn’t have air conditioning, either. It tended to get pretty hot in that ’83 Chevrolet in the summer, but I do not have any physical proof of that. I guess, if I had taken a picture of the temp with my camera phone, I might look back on it fondly to this day. But to do that, I would have had to get a camera, some duck tape, and a phone cord that would reach from the kitchen to the driveway, along with a thermometer. Now, that would have been way



THRALL — Increasing soil organic matter, reducing tillage and attention to axle loads were just a few of the tips a soil expert shared with Blacklands farmers at the recent Stiles Farm Field Day. Mark McFarland, a regents professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state soil fertility specialist, provided an overview of soils in the Blacklands region and methods to maintain high soil quality. McFarland said soil clods are important as they play a key role in the movement of air and water into a soil. “These small, dime- to BB-size clods are critical because they change the porosity of the soil,” he said. “When soil particles come together and form clods, the spaces between the particles

From the General Manager

The Land & Livestock Post

News

)! 0#'1 2 3#$,('! +-45 '!#,1!., )#,6// ) ● ● ● ●

C Corrects Soil Acidity Furnishes Available Magnesium and Calcium for Plants and Animals F IIncreases the Efficiency of Fertilizers Aids the Growth of Beneficial Soil Organisms A

!"#$ &'$ ('$# #&&!)!#")*

!"#$ &'($)!* +,-.! &-/ P. O. Box 1000 Georgetown, TX 78628 Telephone 800�772�8272 www.texascrushedstoneco.com

txcrushstone@msn.com txcrushstone@msn.com

The Land & Livestock Post  July 2013— Issue 2

News

Cattle producers should pay attention to fly control By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

BASTROP — External parasites can be costly for cattle producers and getting a handle on problems early can lead to more prosperous and better performing cows. Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station, told producers at the Independent Cattlemen’s Association meeting in Bastrop that examples of external parasites are bloodsucking flies, which include the horn fly, stable fly, horse fly and deer fly. Horn flies are a common problem battled by cow-calf producers, Cleere said. Negative effects are decreased weight gain and the consistent irritation caused by flies lying and feeding on the backs of cattle. “Sometimes you will see cattle just run across the pasture. They are using up energy,” he said. “Ultimately, it leads to reduced profitability.” For ranchers, first they must identify the external parasite. “How big of an external parasite problem do you have?” he asked. “Does it have economic implications? What method or methods can I use to control them?” Activity varies among the dif-

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin Jason Cleere, right, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station,discusses parasite control at the Independent Cattlemen’sAssociation meeting in Bastrop. ferent flies. Cleere said while the horn flies rest on the back of the cows, stable flies remain on the cow only while feeding and feed mainly on the legs. “The horn fly is our most damaging because they do suck blood and reduce the performance of the cow,” Cleere said. “Adult flies live for about three weeks and feed up to 30 times a day.” They lay eggs prolifically, especially around manure piles. Within nine to 12 days, reproduction can occur, he said. “When we see a big flush of

Marek Grain Bin Co. • GSI Grain Bins • Grain Handling Equipment • Hutchinson Augers

flies come in, there is usually moderate temperatures and recent moisture,” he said. Peak populations for horn fly are late spring and early fall. He said the economic treatment

level is approximately 250 flies per animal. Treatments include pour-on, sprays, ear tags, feed additives, dusts and rubs. Cleere said when it comes to fly control, there are biological controls such as parasitic wasps. Cultural remedies can include removing fresh manure from barns and stalls and preventing buildup of wet, decomposing vegetation such as hay. “Keep your barns clean and manure away,” he said. “That’s going to be your biggest ally in controlling flies in those areas. Keep things clean and sanitary.” Biological control includes parasitic wasps, which are fly predators, and are effective but not viable on a large commercial cattle production scale since there are large numbers of animals in a herd. Chemical horn fly control includes ear tags, pour-ons, sprays, feed additives, boluses, dust bags, rubs and gel caps. Pyrethoids, organophosphates, organochlorine and ab-

amectin are some topical products. Oral products are insect growth regulator and organophosphates. “Producers deworming using a pour-on are getting a knock down in fly populations for about 30 days,” Cleere said. The challenge with rubs is getting the cattle to use them, Cleere said. “If you have some areas where cattle are traveling back and forth, it’s certainly a valid option.” Ear tags require putting the cattle in a chute. They provide about 90 to 150 days of control and fly season typically lasts longer. The challenge with pour-ons is labor of working and applying the pour-ons and a time-frame of 20 to 30 days, Cleere said. Feed additives in mineral supplements costs about $4.50 to $8 per head a year if the cow is eating a bag of mineral a year, he said.

4400 East Hwy 21, Bryan, TX 77808

BESIDES BUILDING THE BEST TRAILERS ON THE MARKET, WE ALSO OFFER A HUGE SELECTION OF: TRAILER AXLES • HUBS • BRAKES • LIGHTS • JACKS COUPLERS • TOWING • HARDWARE • CARGO CONTROL TIRES AND WHEELS • TRUCK ACCESSORIES • WINCHES GOOSENECK HOOKUPS IN TRUCKS • AND MUCH MORE!

254-985-2242

BRING IN THIS AD TO ENTER A DRAWING FOR A

Brazos Valley Livestock Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, Inc. Commission, Inc.

Sales: Tuesdays @ 12 Noon 6097 East Hwy. 21 • Bryan, TX

(979) 778-0904

50 GIFT CARD

TO THE RESTAURANT OF YOUR CHOICE!

(979) 778-0034

See our complete Parts Inventory and order online at:

www.goosenecktrailerparts.com www.gooseneck.net

The Land & Livestock Post 

July 2013— Issue 2

The Land & Livestock Post  July 2013— Issue 2

News Soil, from Page 3 get larger. This allows a loam or clay soil to act more like a sand in terms of air and water movement into that soil.” He said this interaction of soil particles is “critical to our crops.” “When you look at a bare piece of ground and see a flat surface, that tells you that you don’t have good soil surface structure,” McFarland said. “It indicates that all the clods have fallen apart or been crushed. Now all of the sand, silt and clay particles are acting as individuals.” McFarland said silt and sand particles have a round shape, but clay particles are flat. When clay comes loose from a clod and settles on the ground after a rainfall, it will layer to form a soil crust. Surface soil crusts can be major barriers to air and water movement into the soil. “It’s also a barrier to seedling emergence,” he said. “So, you could have problems with crop stand establishment if surface soil structure is poor.” McFarland said the most important ingredient in a soil clod

is organic matter. Soil microbes decompose organic matter which forms humus. Humus is the glue of the soil; it sticks soil particles together to form clods. So, organic matter is critical to have good soil structure. Crop residues provide organic matter, and crops that produce higher amounts of residue should be included in a rotation, especially following silage removal or low organic matter producing crops like cotton, he said. “Organic amendments like compost and manure also can be good sources of organic matter,” McFarland said. “When there is limited risk of depleting soil moisture, cover crops are an excellent way to boost soil organic matter levels.” And a legume cover crop, such as clover, vetch, cowpeas or medics, will fix nitrogen from the atmosphere for the next crop and could save farmers money over the long haul. “Another thing we need to do is minimize tillage,” he said. “These old Blacklands soils originally had organic matter levels between 8 and 10 percent.

Jacobs Properties

Montgomery Texas

www.txland.com 936 597 3301

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin Mark McFarland, a regents professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state soil fertility specialist, provided an overview of soils in the Blacklands region at the 50th Stiles Farm Field Day. After 150 years of farming, we are down to less than 3 percent organic matter. Tillage has played a big role in that. “When we till the soil, it’s pretty much like stoking a fire. We break that organic matter up and mix it down into the soil where there is more soil moisture.” McFarland said those soil microbes are working all of the time down where there is mois-

ture, and organic matter is their breakfast, lunch and dinner. “While they do produce humus, which is good, another part of decomposition is soil respiration by those microbes. That’s when part of the organic matter is lost from the soil as carbon dioxide.” McFarland said reducing tillage and leaving crop residue on the soil surface slows the decomposition process down. It

also helps protect surface soil structure. “When larger raindrops fall from the sky, they’re coming down at about 30 feet per second. If they hit bare soil, it’s like a hammer hitting the ground. You’ve seen the soil splash up high on your tractor tire. That impact can do a lot of damage to soil structure if it’s not protected.” A good residue cover will intercept the raindrops, protect the soil surface and get more infiltration with less evaporation, he said. “The less time you spend in the field with that equipment the better it is for your soil,” he said. “Another thing to look at is using controlled traffic patterns; follow the same wheel tracks every time. That limits the percentage of the field that will see any compaction. And, try to reduce axle loads or increase the number of axles when possible to lower the compressive force on the soil. Our management can have major impacts on soil quality, and if we manage it well, it will pay us back in terms of a healthy soil and a productive crop.”

Free Consultation on Federally Subsidized PRF Drought Insurance Speciﬁcally Designed For Livestock and Hay Producers

New Listings in a Sizzling Market!

762 Ac near New Waverly, TX…

Big Woods Ranch offers the highest quality agricultural productivity, timber investment, and wildlife recreation potential. In the heart of Sam Houston National Forest, only 57 miles from Bush Intercontinental Airport and 15 miles from New Waverly, the ranch has 350 acres planted in improved Bermuda pastures. Excellent cattle handling facilities, cross fenced pastures, grass traps, gathering alleys and hay storage areas are all supported by a 6,000 sqft shop and equipment building accessed via a good hilltop ranch road. In addition, 300 acres of managed timber with spring fed creek provide variety and wildlife habitat. In addition there is a superior site for a 20+acre lake. This ranch will not disappoint those that want a big ranch in the Houston area market. $2,995,000

466 Ac near The Woodlands, TX…Great

recreational ranch, hunting, ﬁshing, livestock in the middle of it all! 1 mile of beautiful white sand San Jacinto River frontage adjoining the Boyscout Camp. This big river bottom offers a great homesite, big timber, great duck, deer, squirrel and hog hunting. $2,796,000

• Primarily insures against drought, covers grazingland and perennial/annual hay production • Producers can insure acres that are important to your operation, not all acres are required • Highly subsidized by USDA making it affordable to you and creating a HIGH RATE of Return • All rainfall averages based on 64 years of NOAA & National Weather Service data • No premium due until October 1, 2014

Deadline - November 15th

Let’s sit down and customize a plan for your operation. You need to know all of your options We also sell Crop Insurance

Ag Southwest Ranch Insurance 866-936-2767 www.agsouthwest.com

MAGLIME

LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Buffalo

Results of the Milano Livestock Exchange’s June 24 sale: Head: 560. Steers: 300-400 lbs.,$132-$191; 400-500 lbs., $120-$163; 500-600 lbs., $125-$163; 600-700 lbs., $110-$145. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $130$163; 400-500 lbs., $125-$163; 500-600 lbs., $117-$142; 600-700 lbs., $111-$130. Slaughter bulls: $88-$97.

Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s June 26 sale: Head: 645 Steers: 200-300 lbs.,$150-$185; 300-400 lbs., $160-$185; 400-500 lbs., $150-$175; 500-600 lbs., $140-$160; 600-700 lbs., $133$150; 700-800 lbs., $120-$135. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $150$185; 300-400 lbs., $148-$190; 400-500 lbs., $136-$180; 500600 lbs., $130-$160; 600-700 lbs., $124-$148; 700-800 lbs., $118-$135. Slaughter cows: $60-$80. Stocker cows: $83-$100 Cow/calf pairs: $850-$1,280.

Jordan

Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction Market June 27 sale: Head: 2,872 Steers: 200-300 lbs.,$200-$224; 300-400 lbs., $180-$215; 400-500 lbs., $155-$172.50; 500-600 lbs., $140-$157; 600-700 lbs., $130$152; 700-800 lbs., $120-$134. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $160$202.50; 300-400 lbs.,$145-$240;

Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction Co.’s June 22 sale: Head: 879. Steers: 150-300 lbs.,$150-$240; 300-400 lbs., $150-$185; 400-500 lbs., $125-$167.50; 500-600 lbs., $120-$151; 600-700 lbs., $115$140. Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $135$215; 300-400 lbs., $130-$165; 400-500 lbs., $120-$165.50; 500600 lbs., $115-$150; 600-700 lbs., $115-$132.50. Slaughter bulls: $80-$100. Slaughter cows: $60-$87. Stocker cows: $750-$1,250. -- Special to The Post

• Many farmers and ranchers realize they need agricultural limestone when applied fertilizer is less effective than in the past. • Soils in East Texas and Louisiana become acid for three reasons. High amounts of rain leach calcium and magnesium out of the soil. Commercial fertilizers are typically acidic compounds. The removal of crops and animals from the land take calcium and magnesium with them as they go to market. • When Maglime is applied to an acid soil, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potash all become more available to the plants as the soil acidity is reduced.

19.95

sue 24 Is

Groesbeck

Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Exchange’s June 27 sale: Head: 583. Steers: 300-400 lbs.,$180-$210; 400-500 lbs., $160-$175; 500-600 lbs., $140-$154; 600-700 lbs., $135-$145. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $150$175; 400-500 lbs., $140-$168; 500-600 lbs., $128-$145; 600-700 lbs., $117-$130. Slaughter bulls: $93-$101. Slaughter cows: $68-$85. Stocker cows: $900-$1,500. Cow/calf pairs: $950-$1,875.

Navasota

• Over 4,000,000 tons of Maglime have been spread on the soils of East Texas and Louisiana. Maglime has been used to neutralize soil acidity and to provide calcium and magnesium to the plants and animals which live on the land.

July 2013— Issue 2

Caldwell

Milano

Slaughter cows: $60-$81. Stocker cows: $925-$1,025. Cow/calf pairs: $1,525-$1,650.



Results of the Buffalo Livestock Marketing’s June 22 sale: Head: 1,132 Steers: 150-200 lbs.,$185-$250; 200-300 lbs., $180-$217; 300-400 lbs., $160-$202; 400-500 lbs., $145-$170; 500-600 lbs., $130$160; 600-700 lbs., $125-$148; 700-800 lbs., $110-$130. Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $170$200; 200-300 lbs., $150-$170; 300-400 lbs., $135-$170; 400500 lbs., $130-$160; 500-600 lbs., $125-$149; 600-700 lbs., $110$135; 700-800 lbs., $105-$126. Slaughter bulls: $82-$104. Slaughter cows: $60-$89. Bred cows: $975-$1,250. Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,900.

400-500 lbs., $133-$217.50; 500600 lbs., $127-$139; 600-700 lbs., $120-$135; 700-800 lbs., $115$126. Slaughter bulls: $868-$104. Slaughter cows: $65-$88. Stocker cows: $860-$1,325. Cow/calf pairs: $970-$2,325.

• Maglime is an Agricultural Limestone Material containing about 90% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and 8% Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3) and about 2% Acid Insoluble.

The Land & Livestock Post

News

NEWS YOU CAN USE RIGHT IN YOUR MAILBOX

SUBSCRIPTION Subscribe to the award-winning Land & Livestock Post and receive 24 issues of the latest ag news and information about the issues that aﬀect you!

 

New Subscription

Mail or Fax to:

c/o Land & Livestock Post

Address Change

P.O. Box 3000 Bryan, TX 77805 FAX (979) 776-8923 or vist www.landandlivestockpost.com and click “subscribe”.

Name: Address: City:_____________________ St: ________ Zip: Phone #: Old Address (if applicable): City: _____________________St: _______Zip: PAYMENT INFORMATION 

Check Enclosed (Please make checks payable to The Eagle)



Please Bill my:

 Mastercard

 VISA

 American Express

 Discover

Account#:_____________________________CIV#:_____________ Name on Card: Amount: _________________________Expiration Date: Signature: Date:

• Maglime is sold in two grades of fineness, premium and super fine. Studies rate the super fine as 100 percent effective while the premium is rated at about 65 percent effective. Some people find that the better handling, spreading, and storage characteristics of the premium grind offset its lower efficiency. • Much of the land on which Maglime is spread is used to grow forage for breeder cows. The fact that milk is a rich source of calcium is widely known. A rapidly growing calf demands a lot of calcium because its bones are primarily composed of calcium and phosphorus. A fully grown 1,200 pound calf has about 200 pounds of bone • Legumes, such as clovers, soybeans, and alfalfa are a unique group of plants that can transform atmospheric nitrogen into a source of plant food. Legumes typically will grow best in neutral or alkaline soil that is rich in calcium. Where soils are acidic and deficient in calcium and magnesium, legumes typically show a dramatic response to the application of Maglime. • If your soils are acidic or are deficient in calcium or magnesium, give us a call at 800 772 8272. We will be glad to put you in touch with a Maglime distributor in your local area or provide more information regarding Maglime.

TEXAS CRUSHED STONE 800-772-8272

Marketplace Ge t Yo u r Na m e O u t T h e r e BRAHMAN BULLS/HEIFERS Registered Gray Brahmans • F1 Brafords

July 2013— Issue 2

ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL & PIPE Steel Buildings 979-589-2333 1-866-959-2333 pioneerboys.com

Bryan Credit Office 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarmCredit.com

DEER • RANCH RANCH FARM COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

Forage allowance determines production stocking levels By Ryan ReuteR Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

In grazing enterprises, forage allowance is a key management variable. Forage allowance is defined as the amount of forage dry matter available to an animal. It can be expressed on a per-animal basis, but we have

Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc. (979) 776-4444 or (800) 299-7355

President - Crystal Dupré .....................................................Ext. 4613 Publisher and Editor- Kelly Brown.........................................Ext. 4656 Advertising Director - Ron Prince ........................................ Ext. 4740 Advertising Sales/General Manager - Jesse Wright ...............Ext. 4721 Financial Director - Rod Armstrong .......................................Ext. 4605 Production Director - Mark Manning.....................................Ext. 4671 Circulation Director - Jack Perkins .......................................Ext. 4752

Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805. E-mail: thepost@theeagle.com All offices are located at 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan,Texas 77802. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eagle, P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805-3000 The Post is printed in part on recycled paper and is fully recyclable.

Green Meadows

RANCH Registered Angus

BULLS • Heifers Madisonville, TX



The Land & Livestock Post

News

found it useful to express it as a ratio to an animal’s body weight. For example, we talk about targeting a forage allowance of 2.5 pounds dry matter per pound of animal body weight. Why is forage allowance important? Forage allowance is related to the more familiar variable: stocking rate. Stocking rate is the number of animals grazed on a given area of land for a period of time. Stocking rate is the main variable that determines key production and economic responses of grazing systems, such as average daily gain, gain per acre, stand persistence and net return. Typically, conservative stocking rates produce greater average daily gain and stand persistence, while aggressive stocking rates produce more gain per acre along with greater risk. Forage allowance is the underlying variable to stocking rate. For example, we might graze cows at the stocking rate of 10 acres per cow. We arrive at that stocking rate by considering a target forage allowance, however. We estimate what we think forage production will be, determine the amount of

See FORAGE, Page 14

dy Micklitz d u B

C 979.218.8674 979.779.0420 H 979.779.0420 979.218.8674 call for appointment or

micklitz@verizon.net FENCES BARNS PENS GAME FENCES CUSTOM BUILDINGS STALLS CHAIN REMODELS LINK

22 – 24 Month Old Open Brahman Heifers Ready to Breed. Good Selection of Gentle Breeding Age Bulls Available. Anthony Kubicek (979) 324-7391 cell. (979) 567-4201 ranch. Email: RoyalKRanch@yahoo.com

Solid Rock Ranch Angus Bulls Twos and coming twos. One breeding season guarantee. AI sires include In Focus, CAR Efficient, Danny Boy, Mainline & Retail Product. Matt Jones. Franklin, TX. 979-777-7571, 979-828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com

Agricultural Insurance Agency, Inc. Insuring Auction Barns & all Ag Related Businesses

(979) 776-2697

LAND

FOR SALE 200 PLUS TRACTS CURRENT & REVOLVING INVENTORY

HOMELAND PROPERTIES

www.homelandproperties.com

800-246-2500

936-349-1955 903-445-7817

• On-Site Mobile welding and metal fabrication • Specialty Projects • Metal Signs • Gated Entrances

Cattle & Domestic Hog Processing Theiss Sausage Company Normangee, TX 936-396-9300

www.theisssausageco.com

Cleere Earthworks L.L.C. TEXAS A&M CLASS OF ‘02

Land Clearing • Ponds • Roads • Pads Dozer • Excavator • Scraper • Dump Truck

979-324-8746 Travis Cleere www.cleereearthworks.com

36th Annual Cattleman Bull & Female Sale January 18, 2014 El Campo, Texas Consignments welcome! www.cattlemanbullsale.com Adrian Knight 903-452-7591 Kelly Conley 903-857-2594

Locally Owned & Operated Offering Competitive Pricing 979-820-2323 morcombefarmsupply@gmail.com

To advertise in MarketplaceContact:

Jesse Wright 979.731.4721

jesse.wright@theeagle.com

Beef Cattle Short Course to feature market outlook By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

 July 2013— Issue 2

COLLEGE STATION — The 59th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled Aug. 5-7 at Texas A&M University in College Station will provide participants an inside look to the future of the industry as well as a snapshot of potential cattle market trends, course coordinators said. “Our U.S. cattle inventory is at levels not seen since the 1950s and we have several topics during the Aug. 5 general session that addresses trends and issues such as market outlook and infrastructure changes,” said conference coordinator Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station. Don Close, vice president for food and agriculture research with Rabobank, will be one of the keynote speakers during the afternoon general session Aug. 5. “Close will give an overview of the beef cattle inventory in the U.S. and provide some analysis on beef exports, and how these factors will affect the overall market,” Cleere said. Also to be discussed during the general session will be a cattle market outlook, how the cattle industry will look over the next 10 years, and infrastructure changes that have occurred and may occur because of reduced cow numbers. Brian Bledsoe, who provides weather forecasts and commentary for the Southern Livestock Standard, will provide a weather outlook during the Aug. 5 general session. Bruce Vincent, a logger and motivational speaker from Libby, Mont., will present “With Vision, There Is Hope for Ranchers.” The short course has become one of the largest and most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S., Cleere said. The cattleman’s college portion provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said. “These concurrent workshops will feature information on introductory cattle production, retiring to ranching, management practices in the areas of forage, nutrition and repro-

duction, record keeping, genetics, purebred cattle, landowner issues and much more,” he said. In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 7. “There will be demonstrations on fence building, chuteside calf working, cattle behavior, penning and Brush Busters,” Cleere said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use. “The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers. We think we have information for everyone to take home and apply to their operations.” Participants can receive a Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator’s license during the short course and can earn at least seven pesticide continuing education units if they already are licensed, Cleere added. An industry trade show will be held during the event, featuring more than 110 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.

The Land & Livestock Post

News

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin The 59th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled Aug. 5-7 at Texas A&M University in College Station will provide participants an inside look to the future of the industry as well as a snapshot of potential cattle market trends. Registration information and but also can be found on the Registration is $160 per person and includes educational a tentative schedule was mailed short course website at beef. materials, a copy of the 600-page to previous participants in May, tamu.edu. course proceedings, trade show admittance, admission to the Aggie Prime Rib Dinner, lunches, breakfasts and daily refreshments.

Coastal square Bales Heavily Fertilized and Irrigated Hwy 79 – Franklin

$4.50 bale – picked up in field

Must Call In advance to order

979-255-5412

CALDWELL LIVESTOCK COMMISSION

REGULAR SALE EVERY

WEDNESDAY, 1:00 PM Carl Herrmann (979)820-5349 Hwy 36 South, P.O. Box 542, Caldwell, TX 77836 Sale Barn Phone: (979) 567-4119

Metal Roofing & Building Supply Navasota, TX

METAL BUILDINGS

METAL ROOFING

• Weld Up 40’ X 105’ 16’ Clearance • Bolt Up Sided Hay Barn • Residential 3 - (Round Bale) • Agricultural All Galvalume Pipe / Fencing Supplies

• Pipe • Latches • Fence Cable

936-825-0500

11,16500 + TAX

ALSO

30’ X 60’ X 12’ Eave 1 - 10 X 10 FO All Galvalume Call for Pricing!

1-800-91-HILCO

12503 HWY 6 NAVASOTA, TX 77868

www.hilcosupply.com

The Land & Livestock Post  July 2013— Issue 2

News

Protecting the herd

Manage bovine viral diarrhea viruses in cow-calf operations By RoBeRt FeaRs Special To The Post

ovine viral diarrhea, frequently a silent disease, is caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus (Bovine viral diarrhea virus) and has long-term consequences. The virus is one of the infectious agents involved in shipping fever. The immune system is compromised by the virus and, as a result, the virus makes animals more susceptible to other diseases. Controlling bovine viral diarrhea virus alone will not prevent infection from the other shipping fever pathogens, but it can reduce its severity. Occurrences of this expensive disease in the United States have been steady over the past 50 years despite the availability of improved vaccines and diagnostic tests. This is probably because symptoms are frequently mild and not easily recognized and producers don’t realize their herd is infected. Control measures aren’t exercised because of failure to recognize the disease. “Respiratory, immune, intestinal, blood and reproductive systems are affected by bovine viral diarrhea,” said Dr. Tom Hairgrove of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Scientists first believed that the disease was related to diarrhea and intestinal tract damage; hence they named it bovine viral diarrhea. About 70 to 90 percent of Photos by Robert Fears all bovine viral diarrhea infections show Above, a generation of bovine viral diarrhea virus persistently infected cattle can be stopped only by the cow-calf producer. On the cover: Ron Gill examines minimal symptoms. cattle to make sure they are healthy. “The most economically important strain. consequence of this disease to cow-calf “Many respiratory pathogens infect producers is reproductive loss, although the upper respiratory system without economic loss due to suppression of causing disease. If these pathogens miimmune systems is probably under estigrate from the upper respiratory system mated,” Hairgrove said. to the lung, severe disease will result. “Although there are usually no outLoss of immune tissues and function ward signs of bovine viral diarrhea, the following bovine viral diarrhea virus infection severely damages the immune infection makes it easier for respiratory system,” stated Dr. Julia Ridpath of the pathogens to get into the lung. USDA Agricultural Research Service “Another economically important at the National Animal Disease Center consequence of this disease is reproducin Ames, Iowa. “Bovine viral diarrhea tive loss through open cows, abortions, destroys portions of the immune system stillborn calves or delivery of weakand makes animals very susceptible to other diseases. calves,” Ridpath said. “The immune system may repair itShipping fever losses can be limited self over time or it may have long-lasting by vaccinating for infectious bovine rhideficits, depending on the age of the infected animal and strength of the viral See VIRUSES, Page 11

Viruses, from Page 10

Forms of BVD*    

Bagley, Clell V., Douglas S. Hammon and James J. England. 2007. Control or Eradication of BVD from a Beef Herd, Utah State University Animal Health Cooperative Extension, AH/Beef/2007-01. and bacterial infections, so death from parainfluenza-3 virus infections alone is rare. The combinations are more dangerous because parainfluenza-3 virus can enhance the damage of other disease organisms. Parainfluenza-3 virus vaccines are almost always incorporated with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Bovine viral diarrhea and bovine respiratory syncytial virus.” According to Purdue Uni-

versity, bovine respiratory syncytial virus has been recognized as a pathogen in cattle since 1970. Cattle most susceptible are calves 6 weeks to 13 months old. In younger calves mortality rates are increased by secondary bacterial infections. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus infections tend to be acute with discharge from the nose and eyes, fever, coughing and labored breathing.

Persistence

Hairgrove stated, “There are two types of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection: transit or persistent. Transiently infected animals are exposed to bovine viral diarrhea virus after they are born. They will eventually clear the virus and recover. While they are infected, they can spread the virus to other animals.

July 2013— Issue 2

   

Benign Infection/Subclinical Persistently Infected (PI) Fatal Mucosal Disease Reproductive Failure  Decreased follicular development  Abortion – early embryonic death Birth Defects Respiratory Disease Weak Calf Syndrome/Immune Suppression Diarrhea



notracheitis, parainfluenza-3 virus and bovine respiratory syncytial virus in addition to bovine viral diarrhea virus. “Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, also known as red nose, is a complex of diseases occurring throughout the United States,” said John Cothren of North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. “Some of the symptoms include abortions, respiratory and eye infections.” The infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus is one of the most common causes of abortion in cattle. Often abortion is preceded by other Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis symptoms. Abortion has the potential to occur at any stage of pregnancy, but usually in the second half. Calves may be born infected with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, evidenced by diarrhea, weakness and difficulty in nursing. “The respiratory form of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis usually affects concentrated groups of cattle as in feedlots,” Cothren said. “The first signs of the

disease (rapid and labored respiration, nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite) appear about a week after infection. The pinkeye form of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis causes reddened, swollen eyes with clear, watery discharge and sometimes ulcers on the eye,” Cothren said. The infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus is one of the most common causes of abortion, often preceded by other symptoms. Abortion may occur at any stage of pregnancy, but usually in the second half. Calves may be born infected with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, evidenced by diarrhea, weakness and difficulty in nursing. The pinkeye form of Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis causes reddened swollen eyes with clear, watery discharge and sometimes ulcers on the eye. “Parainfluenza-3 virus is another costly disease found in cattle,” Cothren said. “Affected animals exhibit watery to yellow colored discharges from eyes and nose, labored breathing and fever. This organism works in combination with other respiratory virus

The Land & Livestock Post

News

See PREVENT, Page 12

K-Line Irrigation Systems A revolutionary new irrigation system designed for pastures and forage crops K-Line Irrigation benefits include:

PRAIRIE MINERAL CO. Prairie Mineral Company is currently buying royalty and mineral interests in your area. Shoule you wish to consider the sale of your interests, please contact us. Office: 817-332-6797

Thank you. TLSCOTT@PRAIRIEMINERAL.COM WWW.PRAIRIEMINERAL.COM

Cell: 817-980-9697 Tom L. Scott

• • • • •

Cost effective irrigation Simple installation Easy shifting Suits all terrain and property sizes Slow application rate for maximizing absorption • Efficient use of water • Easily expanded

Low Maintenance

ATS IRRIGATION, INC. 2509 Hwy 105 East • Brenham, TX 77833

1-800-656-2197 • www.atsirrigation.com

The Land & Livestock Post  July 2013— Issue 2

News Prevent, from Page 11 “When Bovine viral diarrhea virus is passed from dams to their fetuses in the first third of their pregnancy, the calf becomes persistent because of an undeveloped immune system. If the fetuses live, the calves shed virus continuously for life. “Understanding bovine viral diarrhea virus persistence is essential to designing an adequate disease control program,” Hairgrove said. “Abortions by bovine viral diarrhea virus-infected cows can occur at any time during gestation,” Hairgrove said. “At the beginning of the calving season, premature births and stillbirths are common. Some calves are born alive but they may not thrive. A high percentage of them may die within the first four to six weeks. If a calf lives, it will be infected the rest of its life.”

Eradication

“A bovine viral diarrhea virus eradication program has three important parts,” said Dr. James England of

the University of Idaho. “The first part is to enhance herd immunity with vaccination. A producer should vaccinate all replacement heifers with a modified live virus vaccine after heifers are 6 months of age but at least one to two months before breeding. Protecting heifers is essential. If possible, vaccinate cows annually 30 days before the beginning of the breeding season.” The second part of the program is to eliminate persistently infected carriers. These animals are the main reservoirs of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in the herd. Test to identify all persistently infected animals. Then cull them from the herd and sell for slaughter. “Implementation of a Bovine viral diarrhea virus biosecurity plan is the third step,” England said. “Prevent direct contact of Bovine viral diarrhea virus tested cattle with non-tested cattle by avoiding comingling. Test all incoming animals to ensure they are not persistently infected carriers.” “Persistently infected animals perform poorly in

the feedlot and reduce performance of pen mates,” Ridpath said. “For these reasons, feedlot managers normally test for and eliminate persistently infected cattle.

“However removing persistently infected calves from the feedlot doesn’t stop their production in the next calving cycle. Generation of bovine viral diarrhea virus persis-

TJSS Hardware

tently infected cattle can only be stopped by the cow-calf producer. Producers do not want to build their reputation on selling persistently infected calves,” Ridpath said.

Jet Dealer & Service For Over 30 Years

9 miles N. of Carlos 19685 FM 244, Iola, Tx 77861 (936) 394-2507 Texas Jet Systems, “Specialists in Waste Water Treatment”

Brazos Valley Alfalfa

Concrete leg feed trough

Top Quality Hay

Concrete Products Water Troughs, Cattle Guard Beams, Septic Tanks, Storm Shelters

Cattle Guards Small Squares • Large Squares • Large Rounds Mike Stratta (979) 255-4337 (979) 279-6506 mike.stratta@wildblue.net

190 Gallon Concrete Water trough

Hearne, Texas www.bvalfalfa.com

New Pipe No Threads - No Bell Ends 1050 Ez Weld .100 Wall 1- 5/16 .115 Wall 1- 5/8 .110 Wall 1- 7/8 .110 Wall 2- 3/8 SCH-40 2- 7/8 .145 Wall 4- 1/2 SCH-40

SALE EACH SATURDAY

Certiﬁed Dealer

WINCO Generator Tractor Driven PTO

Custom Cattle Guards Also ATV Cattle Guards

Cable Fencing Supplies 3/8 Guy Wire Cable, Cable Ends, Springs, Clips, Caps

We Carry Cattle Panels • Water Well Supplies Waste Water Chlorine • Corral Panels Aerobic Sewer Systems • Gates Poly & Galvanized Culverts

King Ranch loses battle to move deer fence JOHN MacCORMACK

San Antonio Express-News

ROUND OVERHEAD FEED STORAGE BINS

“This can mean the difference between taking a loss or making a profit in the cattle business.”

• Spray-on liner inside bin. • Effective for both livestock and wildlife feed. • Truckload holding capacities in various sizes available.

• No more feed damage by rodents or varmints. • No more feed sacks to handle. • Environmentally Friendly. • Heavy pipe structure. • Skid mounted.

Authorized T & S Trip Hopper Dealer

Southwest Fabricators

580/326-3589 • Toll Free: 877/326-3574 503 South Industrial - Hugo, OK 74743 www.overheadbins.com

July 2013— Issue 2

See RANCH, Page 14



BEN BOLT — For more than a century, a sturdy, low fence defined part of the northern boundary of the Santa Gertrudis Division of the enormous King Ranch, serving also as the line between Jim Wells and Kleberg counties. Last year, apparently to avoid having prized whitetail bucks from being bagged by hunters on adjacent properties, operators of the 825,000-acre ranch decided to replace several miles of the fence with a much taller one. And when a new survey indicated the existing fence line was as much as 40 feet south of the true boundary line, the ranch took corrective action. The result was a South Texas legal fight cast by one party as “David vs. Goliath,” the San Antonio Express-News reported. “On or about Nov. 8, 2012, the King Ranch, through its employees or fencing crews it had hired, came onto Dr. Garza’s property with a bulldozer, vehicles, people and fencing equipment,” reads a lawsuit filed late last year by Roel Garza, a dentist who owns 400 acres adjacent to the King Ranch. Garza had to call a local sheriff’s deputy to force the King Ranch to stop bulldozing his fence, cutting a new trench north of the old fence line and removing trees, fence posts and a gate on his property, according to the suit. Another landowner also called in the law when the fence crews arrived. District Judge Richard Terrell in Alice quickly granted temporary restraining orders to Garza and the other King Ranch neighbors, halting the

fence project. Ultimately, six landowners in Jim Wells County sued King Ranch, asking the court to affirm the longstanding property line and reject the ranch’s claims to a slice of their land. In his court pleadings, King Ranch lawyer Michael Krueger of Kingsville defended the accuracy of the recent survey, which moved the line north, and also asserted that the century-old fence was never meant to be the definitive property line. “King Ranch has established its legal title in the area of dispute,” he said in a closing brief. But lawyers for the unhappy landowners, who commissioned their own survey that produced different results, said that not only was the original fence line correctly placed, even if it wasn’t, the disputed land belongs to them by way of adverse possession. “The land in the strip was farmed, cultivated, grazed by cattle, hunted, fenced, crossed with roads and otherwise utilized by the plaintiffs to the exclusion of the King Ranch,” asserted lawyer Mike Hummell, who owns land on the fence line. Among the other plaintiffs was Juan Antonio Garcia, 70, who said the long-recognized boundary resulted from a 19thcentury swap between one of his great uncles and the widow of Richard King, the ranch founder. “In 1891, a land exchange between Henrietta King and Luciano Garcia was agreed upon. A fence was erected by the King Ranch and was considered the boundary line. It has been in the same place for the last 122 years,” he said. Garcia, who cast the legal

The Land & Livestock Post

News

AP Photo/The San Antonio Express-News, John MacCormack Tony Garcia moves a fence on the King Ranch in Ben Bolt. For more than a century, a sturdy, low fence defined part of the northern boundary of the Santa Gertrudis Division of the enormous King Ranch, serving also as the line between Jim Wells and Kleberg counties. Last year, apparently to avoid having prized whitetail bucks from being bagged by hunters on adjacent properties, operators of the 825,000-acre ranch decided to replace several miles of the fence with a much taller one.

Improve your herd’s productivity

DA L N I RT M A H OW S DS FEE

WIX E TL CAT R & E OIL R AL E MIN ERS D FEE NE O T OR VIG ER ALS MIN ND A TUB S DER E E F

LIMOUSIN CATTLE

WILL GUARANTEE HALF OF YOUR CALF CROP WITH: • Calﬁng Ease - Gentle • Growth and Muscle Means $$$ ide • Virgin - Red or Black Bulls A W tion c • Replacement Heifers Sele hoose C to rom! • All w/E.P. D. Papers F • Certiﬁed Bangs & TB Free • LimFlex - Limousin Angus Hybrid

C.F.L.X. Ranch 21314 O.S.R. Madisonville, TX 77864

(903) 344-2331

Cell 281-808-5511 or (281) 808-3473

The Land & Livestock Post  July 2013— Issue 2

News Ranch, from Page 13 battle as an Old Testament confrontation between mere mortals and a powerful giant, suspects the whitetail bucks that hunters pay thousands to shoot are the driving issue. “They are just being greedy. They just want to keep the state of Texas wild game from roaming freely,” he said last fall of the King Ranch. “We do our fair share of feeding animals. We feed ’em protein pellets and corn and supplements.” A tour of his 112-acre spread revealed a deer feeder and blinds near the disputed fence line. Each fall, hunters pay Garcia to kill bucks on his land, and he readily acknowledged some of the deer likely were familiar with the King Ranch. But, he said, deer are free to go both north and south over the fence, and that problems only arise when a trophy buck is killed on his side of the line. “Some of our guys on our side get overzealous. They shoot a pretty buck and then put it on the Internet and Facebook. That upsets people who pay thousands of dollars to hunt them on the King Ranch,” he said. “They didn’t go onto the King Ranch to hunt it, but (the buck) probably came from the King Ranch, no ques-

tion about it,” he added. What the King Ranch thinks about the matter, beyond what is revealed in its court filings, is unknown. Its lawyer, Krueger, did not return repeated calls seeking comment, nor did ranch president Robert Underbrink or Justin Feild, its wildlife manager. Wild game is a big part of the ranch’s diverse business plan, and commercial hunts are available for everything from deer to quail to nilgai, an odd-looking Asian antelope. From its website, it’s clear the ranch takes great pride in the trophy bucks that have been “harvested” there in recent years, highlighting those that ranked very high in the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system. As the ranch’s online pricing chart makes clear, a lot of money can go over the fence when a trophy buck decides to roam. The base cost for a successful King Ranch whitetail hunt begins about $6,000. A hunter who bags a monster buck could be charged up to $25,000, depending on how the rack scores in Boone and Crockett Club system, according to the price chart. But footloose whitetail bucks apparently were not considered by Judge Terrell in resolving the fence line dispute. After two short bench trials last month, he ruled in favor of the King

texasland homes.com Charlie Neff Broker/Realtor®

979-828-4000

10 Acres 1406 FM 1940 Franklin 1,600 sq. ft. Home Built in 2007 with Metal Frame, Roof and Siding, 3 bed, 2 bath, foam insulation, full length porches, detached 36’x24’ garage/shop 39’x24’ storage shed, Mostly wooded, small pond, Franklin ISD $218,000

2 Ac, 1152 McNutt Rd, Franklin

Ranch neighbors. He recently signed both judgments, ordering the King Ranch to respect the existing property line and pay the plaintiff’s attorneys fees. Looking back, Garza said the whole matter might have been resolved more easily. “Our feeling is that this could have been handled over a cup of coffee, but they chose to do things in a more con-

frontational way,” he said, recalling how he watched a bulldozer take down his fence and King Ranch employees encroach on his land. “There was not much property involved, maybe two or three acres, but at that point it was a matter of principle. I felt my rights as a landowner were being violated,” he said.

Forage, from Page 8

allowance directly. Sometimes we want all of our paddocks in an experiment to maintain the same forage allowance. This would allow us to compare other treatments without the confusing influence of different forage allowances. In other experimental designs, we seek to maintain different forage allowances so that we can understand the effects of forage allowance on animal and plant responses. At the Noble Foundation, we are developing tools to help measure forage allowance more accurately. When we are able to measure forage allowance, we will then be able to manage it. In the end, we want to understand these relationships so that ranchers can make more-informed grazing management decisions, which will lead to increased sustainability.

residual forage that we desire, consider the size of our cows (and therefore their forage demand), then put enough acres to each cow to achieve the forage allowance we want. Therefore, forage allowance determines a lot of those important economic responses to grazing systems. In a research setting, it is often more valuable-to-measure forage allowance directly rather than crudely measuring just stocking rates. For example, it is more precise to say that we stocked pastures at a forage allowance ratio of 2.5 rather than saying we stocked two steers per acre. Using forage allowance also makes research results more applicable to other situations. In many of our grazing experiments, we seek to measure and control forage

• Distributed by The Associated Press.

Questions About Cattle Health?

Ask the Vet! Steve Wikse - Retired DVM Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University

2,683 sq.ft., stone home built 2002, 4 bed, 2 bath in primary residence, metal roof large covered porch.,attached 575 sq, ft. 1bed/1bath apartment, and detached 750 sq. ft . building with full bath all with central HV&A/C, Frankin ISD

$275,000 62 Ac, 1114 LCR 705, Kosse 10 Ac., 331 CR 272, Bremond 1,980sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath brick home, large living room, new double oven in kitchen, large pantry and utility room, carpet & vinyl flooring, newer HVAC, new shingles 2010, detached 2 car garage, Tri-County Water meter and Water Well, Bermuda pasture, open storage shed , nice pond, Bremond ISD $189,000

4 Ac and/or 21, Dunn Rd., Bremond 4 ac, water & electric available, 35’x40’ metal barn w/loft storage, BISD; $39,900 (adjacent 21 ac available for purchase $79,999)

2,000 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath, 30/70 wooded, improved hay pasture, pond, live creek, fenced, GISD $3,205/Ac

94 Ac, FM 2446, Franklin 15/85 wooded/open, 914 ft. rd. frontage, 2 ponds, Elect & RCW available, FISD $3,450 per ac

99.81 Ac, Hanhart Rd., Franklin

WIKSE

Submit your questions to:

60/40 wooded/coastal Bermuda, new fence on front 1/3, live creek, marsh, small pond, electricity & metered water,1,675 ft. Rd. frontage; Franklin ISD; $,3650 per acre

282 Ac, Little MS Cemetery Rd, Franklin

26 Ac, FM 1940, Franklin

50/50 wooded & rolling terrain, road frontage on 2 sides, several homesites, water meter, elect. 100% surface rights convey; FISD; $194,500

to be divided into two tracts of 112, 170; lots of CR Rd. frontage; electricity, RC water, wooded & coastal, water wells, 50% new fence, 3 bed, 2 bath brick home on 170 ac tract; Franklin ISD; $3,496/ac

P.O. Box 3000 Bryan, TX 77805 or jesse.wright@theeagle.com

By James RogeRs Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Foundation study

Arkansas study

In 2008, fertilizer treatments of ammonium nitrate, urea, liquid urea (23 percent nitrogen), Monty’s Plant Food, Sea 90 Mineral and Fish Emulsion were applied to bermudagrass small plots and replicated four times. Ammonium nitrate, urea and liquid urea were applied at 75 pounds per acre nitrogen. Monty’s Plant Food, Sea 90 Mineral and Fish Emulsion were applied at label recommended rates and in combination with urea at 75 pounds per acre nitrogen. Treatments were applied in June and plots harvested in July.

July 2013— Issue 2

Vitazyme, a bio-stimulant, was evaluated alone or in combination with varying rates of nitrogen (urea) in a replicated, three-year (2010 to 2012) smallplot study at three locations on bermudagrass. At each location, phosphorus and potassium were applied based on soil test reports to 100 percent sufficiency levels. Vitazyme was applied according to the label recommended rate of 13 ounces per acre. Treatments were applied prior to the first harvest and following each harvest during the growing season. Treatments were: 100 pounds per acre nitrogen; 50 pounds per acre nitrogen alone or in combination with Vitazyme; 13 ounces per acre Vitazyme; and a control receiving no nitrogen or Vitazyme.

Due to below-normal rainfall during the trial period, harvests averaged 1.3 per year. Results are presented in Figure 1. summary: Results show that Vitazyme did not statistically improve bermudagrass yield either alone or in combination with urea.



“Just the facts” was a popular saying of Detective Joe Friday when doing witness investigations on the television crime series Dragnet. He did not want witness interpretation of the facts; he wanted to interpret them on his own. Increased fertilizer prices have many producers looking for nontraditional fertilizer sources that could produce the same amount of forage with less expense. Numerous nontraditional fertilizers are being marketed with little replicated research demonstrating their effectiveness compared to traditional commercial sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Here are just the facts from the results of two studies, one conducted by the Noble Foundation and the other by the University of Arkansas, evaluating nontraditional fertilizer effectiveness of several

products — either alone or in combination with traditional fertilizer sources — on bermudagrass yield.

The Land & Livestock Post

News Studies examine nontraditional bermudagrass fertilizers

A second treatment application was made in August and plots harvested in October. All plots received commercial phosphorus and potassium

fertilizer according to soil test recommendations for bermudagrass hay at a 4-ton-per-acre

See GRASS, Page 19

Brien Water Wells Experts in Water Well Drilling & Irrigation Systems

Serving your water needs for 4 generations.

PUMP SALES & SERVICE • Pressure Tanks • Home & Farm Pumps & Parts • Submersible & Lineshaft Turbines for Irrigation & Public Systems WATER WELL DRILLING • Agricultural • Residential • Commercial

Brien Water Wells circa 1940s.

Brien Water Wells present day.

Hwy 6 South, Hearne, TX

979-279-2427

Brien Water Wells has the experience and know-how to assist you in all your water needs, call today!

The Land & Livestock Post  July 2013— Issue 2

News Cotton Chair Advisory Council hears latest in research By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

COLLEGE STATION — The Cotton Chair Advisory Council meeting at Texas A&M University recently yielded several research presentations and demonstrations showcasing the latest in cotton and related engineering work. The Cotton Chair Advisory Council advises Chairman and Regents Professor Calvin Parnell as well as faculty in the department of agricultural and biological engineering at Texas A&M. The advisory council consists of 10 founding organizations: Case IH, Cotton Foundation, Farmers Cooperative Compress, Farmers’ Co-op of El Campo, John Deere Inc., Lummus Corporation/Beltwide, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Texas

Rural Land Loans Country Home Loans Farm & Ranch Loans Livestock Loans Equipment Loans Operating Capital Leasing T E X A S’

L A R G E S T

Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo by Blair Fannin The fluidized bed gasifier that takes gin trash from cotton and creates energy that can be used to produce electricity. Cotton Ginners’ Association and Cotton Industry Support Group. Parnell provided an overview and demonstration of the fluid-

Bryan Credit Office

1714 E. 29th Street 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarmCredit.com

R U R A L

L E N D E R

ized bed gasifier that takes gin trash from cotton and creates energy that can be used to produce electricity. “Somewouldask,‘Whyarewe doing this?’” he told the group. “We’ve got plenty of natural gas here across the country. Do we really have enough electricity, though? Half of our electricity today comes from coal, and it’s not easy for power producers to switch from coal to natural gas overnight.” In Texas, power grids are under heavy loads during summer and sometimes during winter, especially in rural markets. Parnell envisions “taking gin trash delivered to the gin with the seed cotton and producing electricity. “Gins located in rural areas may not have a high priority if we have limited supplies of electricity in the future,” Parnell said. “If we have the ability to take gin trash and generate enough electricity to operate the gin during the ginning season, and

possibly put the excess back on the grid, that would be an advantage.”

Fellow engineer Wayne LePori and Parnell obtained a patent that went idle for 20 years “without anyone using it. Later, Dr. (Sergio) Capareda joined our faculty from the Philippines as he had been one of the graduate students who had worked on the research that resulted in the original patent. He applied for and received a provisional patent on this technology.” Parnell reported that he and his graduate students have constructed a gasifier with a 6-inch bed. He said there are limits on the energy-loading rate, such as how much fuel the gasifier can be fed; the fuel-to-air ratio to maintain the reaction in gasification mode; and bed and gas temperatures. “The new reactor is 6 inches in diameter and is constructed of stainless steel, otherwise it would melt,” Parnell said.

“The size of this research unit facilitates testing a wide range of biomass fuels and conditions that will play a role in the engineering and construction of a system that can produce 1-, 2and 3-megawatt power plants. These are the size of power plants that are needed for 20, 40 and 60 bale-per-hour cotton gins.” Two different feed stocks have been tested. Horse feed contains approximately 6,700 Btu per pound, while gin trash contains approximately 6,600 Btu per pound. “The output of the reactor is a bio-gas with sufficient energy to operate a generator,” Parnell said. The goal of the project is “not to just come up with the best quality and maximum quantity of gas from gin trash, but to maximize removal of the particles that are leaving the bed so the gas can be put directly into an internal combustion engine and generate electricity,” he said.

CHEVROLET SILVERADO

July 2013— Issue 2

THE ALL NEW 2014



NOW HERE!

The Land & Livestock Post

Chevrolet

Caldwell Country

979.567.1500 • 800 E. Hwy 21, Caldwell, TX

www.caldwellcountry.com

July 2013— Issue 2 

The Land & Livestock Post

MarkYour Calendars! July

AuguSt September

The Land & Livestock Post

News



Grass, from Page 15 yield goal. Results are presented in Figure 2. Summary: Results show that Monty’s Plant Food, Sea 90 Mineral and Fish Emulsion did not improve bermudagrass dry matter yield when used in combination with urea. Monty’s Plant Food, Sea 90 Mineral and Fish Emulsion did not improve bermudagrass dry matter yield compared to the control. Just the facts.

• Reference: Jennings, J.A., K.J. Simon, J.W. Boyd, L. Espinoza, and M.S. Gadberry. 2009. Comparison of traditional and nontraditional fertilizers for bermuda-grass yield. Arkansas Agriculture Newsletters. Animal Science E-News.

CARC ASS DATA

rk Angus Ranch L.L.C. a l C Since 1952 CROCKETT, TEXAS

100% Guaranteed

100 REGISTERED BULLS, 18-24 MONTHS, EPD’s READY FOR HEAVY SERVICE OPEN & BRED HEIFERS - COWS AVAILABLE CALL FOr AN AppOiNtmeNt BiLL CLArK 936/544-9013 888-252-7501

TAMU Short-Course Issues August I (Deadline 7/18) Fall Forage Issue September I (Deadline 8/15)

TE PRIVA Y T A E TR

Semen Tested

July 2013— Issue 2

Special Sections Coming Soon!

GeNe StOKeS, mGr. WeBSite: clarkangus.com emAiL: clarkangus.aol.com

The Annual Bull Issue October I (Deadline 9/12) The Annual Ag Directory December II (Deadline 11/28) To reserve Ad Space In Any of These Issues Call or E-mail:

Jesse Wright

979-731-4721

jesse.wright@theeagle.com

GREAT SPECIALS ON EXTRAORDINARY EQUIPMENT.

July 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Issue 2

ï&#x201A;«

The Land & Livestock Post

Quality and Integrity at Prices You Can Afford.

The 45 Special

5045D Utility Tractor

Å¬ KSA John Deere engine, Å¬ :' DQG SRZHU VWHHULQJ Å¬ ) 5 WUDQVPLVVLRQ V\QFKURQL]HG VKLIWLQJ

* Tractor Only

The 22 Special

The 32/38 Special

Å¬ KS engine Å¬ -RKQ 'HHUH ' /RDGHU Å¬ -RKQ 'HHUH ' 0LG 0RXQW 0RZHU

Å¬ KSA HQJLQH 25 KSA engine Å¬ -RKQ 'HHUH /RDGHU Å¬ )5(( )URQWLHU 5& 6KUHGGHU

1023E Sub-Compact Tractor

3032E or 3038E Compact Tractor

0 MONTHS 0 MONTHS % FOR 60

â&#x20AC;

% FOR 72

â&#x20AC; â&#x20AC;

Visit the newly redesigned

CPTRACTOR.COM

BRYAN, TX

979-822-7684

NAVASOTA, TX 936-825-6575

TEMPLE, TX

254-773-9916

CAMERON, TX 254-697-6551

TAYLOR, TX

512-352-5296

*Offer ends 7/31/2013. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Financial Installment Plan. Up to a 10% down payment may be required. Example: based on a purchase of $13,349 with $1,409 down payment, monthly payment of $199 at 0% APR for 60 months. Taxes, freight, set up and delivery charges could increase the monthly payment. Price and model availability vary by GHDOHU Åª2IIHU HQGV 6XEMHFW WR DSSURYHG LQVWDOOPHQW FUHGLW ZLWK -RKQ 'HHUH )LQDQFLDO 6RPH UHVWULFWLRQV DSSO\ RWKHU VSHFLDO UDWHV DQG WHUPV PD\ EH DYDLODEOH VR VHH \RXU GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV DQG RWKHU Æ&#x;QDQFLQJ RSWLRQV )L[HG UDWH IRU PRQWKV ÅªÅª)L[HG UDWH IRU IRU PRQWKV )UHH ZLWK D UHWDLO YDOXH RI IRU WKH 5& ZLWK WKH SXUFKDVH RI D ( DQG /RDGHU 2IIHU YDOLG XQWLO RU ZKLOH TXDQWLWLHV ODVW 2IIHU OLPLWHG WR RQH IUHH 6KUHGGHU SHU SXUFKDVH 2IIHU QRW YDOLG ZLWK DQ\ RWKHU UHWDLO GLVFRXQW DQG VXEMHFW WR DYDLODELOLW\ 7D[HV PD\ EH H[WUD 2IIHU PD\ EH GLVFRQWLQXHG RU PRGLÆ&#x;HG DW DQ\ WLPH )UHH 6KUHGGHU PXVW DFFRPSDQ\ DQ\ UHWXUQV 6HH GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV A0DQXIDFWXUHUÅ¤V HVWLPDWH RI SRZHU ,62 SHU (&

CFP5X110715BCE-4C