April April2015 2015——Issue Issue22
Making hay while the sun shines
Growing high-quality hay PAGE 10
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23
JAMES THOMPSON STEPPING DOWN
JAMES THOMPSON BOOSTING TEXAS CROP
PAGE 4 3
PAGE 9 3
JAMES SICK OF THOMPSON WILD PIGS
JAMES THOMPSON REDEFINING FARMING
PAGE 6 3
PAGE 16 3
StraightAbrameit Archie from theretires horse'sasmouth. Stiles Farm manager.
Straight Feral hogs from are the disease horse's risksmouth. for animals, humans.
Straight Study points fromway the to horse's increased mouth. corn yields.
Straightrules USDA fromwould the horse's limit agriculture mouth. payments.
2
April 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News From the General Manager
R
ecently, I slept wrong and woke up with a terrible pain from my neck to my elbow. I don’t know how this happened, because sleeping is one of the few things I do well. But I somehow managed to mess that up. That entire week was a mixture of Icy Hot, ibuprofen and trying to sleep in weird positions. Needless to JESSE WRIGHT say, I haven’t slept well. I also don’t think I’ve driven in the left lane all week long — it’s much more comfortable not to have to check my blind spot. I think I am on the mend though, which is a good thing because there is too much to do this time of year to be stuck puttering in the slow lane. But, I should probably take it easy,
so I won’t be able to help any of you load or stack any hay this spring. To make up for it, we have our cover story, which is probably a bigger help than I’d be. We look at hay harvesting and offer a few tips on the whys, hows and whats of that springtime process. We also have some news about feral hogs, as well as info about upcoming classes and workshops. Hope you enjoy it, and as always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,
• For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@theeagle. com.
Niche marketing can expand cow-calf producer opportunities By Evan WhitlEy The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Cattle prices once again were favorable for most cow-calf enterprises throughout the 2014 production year. Yet, it was about this time last year that analysts were warning that our bubble was about to burst and prices would soon “level off” and possibly start to decline. Their reasoning was based primarily upon consumer sensitivity to red meat prices compared to alternative (poultry and pork) animal protein sources, an export market that offered few expansion opportunities and heifer retention that already was underway. For the most part, these demand-side prognostications held
true. Omitted during these discussions was a reduction in supplyside expenditures, most notably corn, keeping cattle prices elevated beyond early projections. Will 2015 be the year we finally see a softened cattle market? The reality is, no one knows. Yet, we must remind ourselves continually that commodity markets — including cattle — are cyclical and somewhat unpredictable due both to internal and external factors. A complacent mindset is adopted easily. Therefore, reminding ourselves of a potential market softening often is overlooked when conditions are good — yet this is the best time to plan for the next market bottom.
See NICHE, Page 7
The Land & Livestock Post
April 2015 — Issue 2
3
News Archie Abrameit retires as manager of Stiles Farm By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
THRALL — As only the second Stiles Farm Foundation manager in its history, Archie Abrameit says he always has viewed the 2,600-acre Stiles Farm as a “validation center” for Blacklands farmers in Central and South Texas. The farm, owned by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is located near Thrall, about 40 miles northeast of Austin. After 18 years of helping lead the Stiles Farm to employ such pioneering practices as conservation tillage, Abrameit retired last month. The farm serves as a research and teaching platform for Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Ryan Collett, who was AgriLife Extension agent for Hill County, has become the new farm manager. The Stiles Farm produces a variety of crops: corn, grain sorghum, wheat, oats, cotton and new alternative crops such as sesame. It also runs a cow-calf operation on both improved and native pastureland. “The Blackland soils here are unique,” Abrameit said. “Some things that might not work in the northeast might work here. You’ve got to be open-minded and give it a try. “The Stiles Farm is self-supported through sales of various commodities and livestock. We approach everything we do here as a commercial farmer and rancher seeking a return on investment. “With new technology we ask ourselves ‘Can I get return from it?’” Abrameit came to the Stiles Farm in 1997, taking over for longtime manager Calvin Rinn. Abrameit previously had spent 19 years leading the Luling Foundation farm. He said he always has
4
NEW
!
SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2015 12 NOON
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin
After 18 years as Stiles Farm manager, Archie Abrameit recently retired. enjoyed “growing things and working with animals” while growing up in Goliad County. He was one of eight children whose parents were children of the Great Depression. Abrameit said he and his siblings “learned to chop cotton and survive. “We didn’t have much, but neither did anybody else,” he said. The family’s conservative values through the years helped mold Abrameit for many things he has approached in life, he said. Abrameit was active in 4-H and FFA in high school and later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education at Texas A&M University. He later taught agriculture in the La Grange school district for two years and another five years at Seguin. Along the way, he worked on his master’s degree at Texas A&M on a fellowship. When he first took the job at the Stiles Farm, Abrameit identified some key areas that have helped both Texas A&M Agri-
DATE
, 201 IL 26 APR
5
See STILES, Page 5
April 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News Stiles, from Page 4 Life Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service educate Blacklands producers. In particular, he identified the need to switch from a stocker cattle operation to a cow-calf program, adding more profit to the farm. The beginning of several drought years in Texas when he first came on board served as another impetus for the change. “1998 was a dry year and we saw the opportunity to buy some cows really cheap,” he said. A 50-cow Angus-Brangus purchase helped form the base herd for the Stiles Farm the next several years. Drought also shifted focus from the farm’s commercial catfish operation. There was no irrigation to fill the ponds, and the only available water source was from a reservoir. Abrameit said drought depleted much of the water supplies, and good labor became hard to come by. That, coupled with the expansion of commercial fish operations in the Southwest, was another. Later, conservation tillage became one of the farm’s signa-
ture research and Extension programs that continues to be on the annual field day agenda. “We looked at the deep tillage operations to control cotton root rot,” Abrameit said. “It was really an intensive activity that took away much-needed soil moisture. We looked at no-till, strip-till practices and decided we should conduct some long-range studies. We have that luxury here to see how it compares to a commercial farm.” The annual field day is also one of the Stiles Farm signature activities. The field day draws as many as 400 producers from across the Blacklands region, Texas and even out-of-state producers. “We’ve always received good community support for the field day and activities in general here at the farm,” Abrameit said. “The people here recognize this as an agricultural community, and it’s one with a very good school system. It’s a small, community-oriented school system. The teachers are very interested in the students and a lot of kids that have come out of here have done very well in college and vocationally as well.”
CALDWELL LIVESTOCK COMMISSION
REGULAR SALE EVERY
WEDNESDAY, 1:00 PM
MAY 16, 2015
These cattle have all been screened to ensure you only the best quality conmmercial cattle will offered. Cattle will be palpated and sold in uniformly sorted groups to fit any cattleman’s needs. On Thursday, May 7th, a complete listing of all sale cattle will be at
www.johnsoncattlemarketing.com
Carl Herrmann (979)820-5349 Hwy 36 South, P.O. Box 542, Caldwell, TX 77836 Sale Barn Phone: (979) 567-4119
The Land & Livestock Post
April 2015 — Issue 2
5
News
Feral hogs present disease risk for livestock and people By Joshua Gaskamp The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Feral hogs can carry numerous diseases of importance to commercial livestock producers and human health. As the nation’s feral hog population increases, so does the rate of exposure to infected hogs and potential for disease transmission. Pathogens of most concern to livestock producers include brucellosis and pseudorabies virus. These pathogens can bring devastating impacts (e.g., decreased production, animal deaths, quarantine) if infections reach commercial livestock operations, resulting in economic burdens to producers. Private and governmental agencies continually are collecting samples from feral hogs to
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services photo Feral hogs present a risk of disease to livestock and humans.People should exercise caution when handling feral hogs. monitor for various pathogens. • Pseudorabies (PRV) PRV is a herpesvirus, sometimes referred to as Aujeszky’s disease or mad itch. PRV infects the nervous system of livestock, as well as many species of wildlife. In most species, infection rapidly leads to death with mortality rates approaching 100 percent. Only pigs are able to survive an acute infection and are the natural reservoir for the virus. Humans cannot contract PRV. • Brucellosis Brucellosis, also known as Bang’s disease or undulant fe-
See HOGS, Page 7
ver usually is caused by the bacterium Brucella suis in hogs and Brucella abortus in cattle. Feral hogs, however, are capable of contracting and transmitting both pathogens. Brucellosis is primarily a reproductive tract disease that causes abortions, infertility, inflammation of testicles, reduced milk production and lameness. Infected hogs are long-term carriers and can infect wildlife, livestock and humans. • Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) The PRRS virus causes lateterm reproductive failure and post-weaning respiratory disease in hogs. Transmission occurs through pig-to-pig contact, and some strains can aerosolize over short distances. The virus often is found in sa-
liva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and semen. Indirect transmission can occur through external parasites. No evidence exists that humans can contract PRRS. • Tularemia Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. In most susceptible mammals, the clinical signs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, signs of sepsis and possibly death. Rodents, rabbits, white-tailed deer and feral hogs are capable of contracting and transmitting tularemia. Humans are most often infected by tick bite or through handling an infected animal. • Q Fever Q fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella
burnetii. This organism may be found in hogs, cattle, sheep, goats and other domestic mammals. An infection results from contact with the milk, urine, feces, vaginal mucus or semen of infected animals. The disease can be tickborne. Humans are vulnerable to Q fever and may exhibit flu-like symptoms if infected. • Plague Yersinia pestis is an anaerobic bacterium that typically is found in rodents. Humans and other mammals that get plague usually have been bitten by a flea carrying the bacterium or by handling an infected animal. Plague killed millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages. Modern antibiotics are effective in treating plague, but without treatment, the disease
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!
6
April 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News Hogs, from Page 6 can cause serious illness or death. Population monitoring and research in south-central Oklahoma conducted by the Noble Foundation demonstrated the following feral hog exposure rates to these diseases: pseudorabies, 22 percent; brucellosis, 0.7 percent; PRRS, 0.3 percent; tularemia, 20 percent; Q fever, 3.4 percent; plague, 1.4 percent. The rates reflect the percentages of 283 animals tested with antibodies to these diseases detected in their blood. Although most of these exposure rates are relatively low, it is important to exercise caution when handling feral hogs. Hunters who bag a few hogs a year never may encounter an infected animal, while trappers may catch enough animals to encounter one
Niche, from Page 3 One such way to minimize the impact of a cyclical low is by taking steps to differentiate your operation from others, particularly those in your geographic area (i.e., your direct competition). At the surface, this sounds relatively easy — just do the opposite of what your neighbor is doing. Two very important concepts, especially for cow-calf producers, however, have to be employed to find a successful niche: scalability and market acceptance. In other words, the addition of true long-term value for cow-calf producers depends on implementing management practices that provide positive differentiation and do so at a level that meets logistical needs (i.e., approximately 100 calves weighing 500 pounds). The average U.S. cow herd is roughly 40 head, so scalability is often the most difficult obstacle to overcome due to the size of an individual producer’s cow herd. The implementation of management practices such as a defined calving season, purchasing bulls to meet specified objectives, adopting a well-thought-out preventative vaccination program and recognizing the importance of proper animal husbandry can
per month. Hunters and trappers always should wear gloves when handling feral hogs and cover any open cuts, scrapes or other wounds. Feral hogs can be excellent table fare, but when cooking wild pork for dinner, be sure to raise internal meat temperature to 165 F. Some of the aforementioned diseases are of little concern to human health but are of a great concern to the health of livestock and wildlife. Prohibiting relocation of infected feral hogs to new areas is important for controlling the spread of livestock diseases. Additionally, the practice of providing small water points or supplemental feed for wildlife or livestock may increase the risk of transmission by concentrating other animals and feral hogs at these sites.
go a long way in meeting both scalability and acceptability requirements, however. These practices are often minimum requirements for participation in any value-added calf marketing program or alliance due to their positive contribution to overall animal performance and meeting consumer preference. Central to this discussion is the importance of record keeping. If the proper paperwork is not in place, then the benefits of implementing the management practice can’t be realized fully in many marketing programs. The same information kept and utilized during the managerial decision-making process often is required to meet participation criteria. The demands of export markets as well as heightened consumer awareness have increased the potential benefits for producers to participate in a value-added program. The difficulty arises in finding one that fits your management style and is available in your location. The decision on whether or not to participate in one of these programs ultimately will determine what information is required to be kept and the required level of scrutiny (e.g., affidavits, certification, etc.).
The Land & Livestock Post
BRAHMAN BULLS/HEIFERS Registered Gray Brahmans • F1 Brafords
ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL & PIPE Steel Buildings
979-589-2333 1-866-959-2333 pioneerboys.com
979-776-2600 • www.ingram-wallis.com 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
Cleere Earthworks L.L.C.
Twos and coming twos. One breeding season guarantee. sires include AIAI sires include In Final Focus,AnCAR swer, Thunder, Ridge & Efficient, DannyCedar Boy, Mainline VDAR Windy 4097. & Really Retail Product. Matt Jones. Franklin, TX. 979-777-7571, 979-828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com
979-324-8746
Bryan Office BryanCredit Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Ste 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarm Credit.com CapitalFarmCredit.com
TEXAS A&M CLASS OF ‘02
Land Clearing • Ponds • Roads • Pads Dozer • Excavator • Scraper • Dump Truck
Travis Cleere www.cleereearthworks.com
Cattle & Domestic Hog Processing Theiss Sausage Company Normangee, TX 936-396-9300
www.theisssausageco.com
BUDDY MICKLITZ Karl (Buddy) Micklitz Jr. Bryan, TX micklitz@verizon.net (C) 979.218.8674 (H) 979.779.0420
Specializing in Deer Commercial Ranch Exotics Fencing, Barns, Project Design, Game Fence, Welding, Stalls, Selective Brush Clearing, Commercial Chain Link, Custom Projects
BULLS ANGUS CHAROLAIS HEREFORD SIM/ANGUS
A large selection of two year olds, performance records, range raised and range ready, fertility tested, all virgin. Quality to compare anywhere!
PAT GRISWOLD CATTLE CO Goldthwaite, Texas
817/946-8320 mobile
Get Your Name
Out There
To advertise in MarketplaceContact:
Jesse Wright 979.731.4721
jesse.wright@theeagle.com
April 2015 — Issue 2
7
News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s March 24 sale: Head: 304 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $350-$450; 300-400 lbs., $290-$430; 400500 lbs., $265-$315; 500-600 lbs., $270-$290; 600-700 lbs., $220-$250; 700-800 lbs., $210-$225. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $280-$345; 300-400 lbs., $275-$320; 400500 lbs., $255-$290; 500-600 lbs., $225-$270; 600-700 lbs., $205-$240; 700-800 lbs., $190-$210. Slaughter bulls: $130-$152. Slaughter cows: $90-$128. Bred cows: $1,650-$2,350. Cow/calf pairs: $1,800-$2,250.
Buffalo Results of the Buffalo Livestock Exchange’s March 21 sale: Head: 606 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $380-$570; 200-300 lbs., $350-$445; 300400 lbs., $315-$405; 400-500 lbs., $285-$365; 500-600 lbs., $235-$325; 600-700 lbs., $220-$250; 700-800 lbs., $195-$220. Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $330-$510; 200-300 lbs., $275-$425; 300400 lbs., $245-$335; 400-500 lbs., $225-$340; 500-600 lbs., $215-$320; 600-700 lbs., $195-$240; 700-800 lbs., $165-$225. Slaughter bulls: $115-$142. Slaughter cows: $75-$123. Bred cows: $1,350-$2,800. Cow/calf pairs: $1,100-$2.625.
Caldwell Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s March 25 sale: Head: 347 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $450-$485; 300-400 lbs., $385-$420; 400500 lbs., $315-$375; 500-600 lbs., $275-$310; 600-700 lbs., $250-$320. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $350-$480; 300-400 lbs., $310-$365; 400500 lbs., $290-$310; 500-600 lbs., $265-$305; 600-700 lbs., $230-$275.
8
Slaughter bulls: $128-$140. Slaughter cows: $95-$145. Stocker cows: $1,475-$2,350. Cow/calf pairs: $2,050-$2,700.
Jordan Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s March 19 sale: Steers: 200-300 lbs., $340-$365; 300-400 lbs., $300-$357.50; 400-500 lbs., $285-$337.50; 500-600 lbs., $245-$285; 600-700 lbs., $220-$262.50; 700-800 lbs, $200-$226. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $300-$335; 300-400 lbs., $280-$325; 400500 lbs., $250-$297.50; 500600 lbs., $220-$345; 600-700 lbs., $195-$270; 700-800 lbs., $180-$235. Slaughter bulls: $134-$146. Slaughter cows: $100-$123. Bred cows: $1,350-$3,000. Cow/calf pairs: $1,925-$4,050.
Milano Results of the Milano Livestock Exchange’s March 24 sale: Steers: 300-400 lbs., $375-$430; 400-500 lbs., $290-$370; 500600 lbs., $260-$287; 600-700 lbs., $212-$255. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $320-$405; 400-500 lbs., $261-$320; 500600 lbs., $245-$345; 600-700 lbs., $196-$232. Slaughter bulls: $138-$143. Slaughter cows: $85-$130.
Navasota Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction Co.’s March 21 sale: Head: 600 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $225-$570; 300-400 lbs., $225-$425; 400500 lbs., $185-$335; 500-600 lbs., $175-$282.50; 600-700 lbs., $170-$245. Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $195-$475; 300-400 lbs., $185-$330; 400500 lbs., $185-$272.50; 500600 lbs., $175-$260; 600-700 lbs., $170-$240. Slaughter bulls: $110-$147. Slaughter cows: $85-$115. Stocker cows: $1,300-$2,650. Cow/calf pairs: $1,500-$2,925.
1-800-750-9608
www.hudsonlivestock.com Email: hudliv@aol.com 8150 Thompson Road Miles, Texas 76861
— Special to The Post
April 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News
Study may lead to increase in a drought tolerant corn crop By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Aground-breakingTexasA&M AgriLife Research-led study on corn has identified useful gene variations for yield increases, drought tolerance and aflatoxin resistance that could make a real difference to Texas producers in the years to come. The study, titled “Genome Wide Association Study for Drought, Aflatoxin Resistance, and Important Agronomic Traits of Maize Hybrids in the SubTropics,” recently was published in PLOS ONE, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication. The study included the growing years of 2011, a drought year,
and 2012, and was conducted on dryland and irrigated corn in College Station and in Mississippi, all with similar results, said Seth Murray, an AgriLife Research corn breeder in the soil and crop science department of Texas A&M University at College Station. Murray said at this time all corn seed available to growers in Texas comes from commercial breeding conducted in the Midwest. As a result, there’s been no significant increase in corn yields in Texas for many years, as reflected in previous publications. Murray designed this recently published study to see if there was a genetic reason, possibly the
See CORN, Page 17
The Land & Livestock Post
TJS S Hardware
Jet Dealer & Service For Over 30 Years
Texas Jet Systems, “Specialists in Waste Water Treatment”
9 miles N. of Carlos 19685 FM 244, Iola, Tx 77861 (936) 394-2507
Cattle Guards Custom Cattle Guards Also ATV Cattle Guards
Concrete leg feed trough
Concrete Products
190 Gallon Concrete Water trough
We Carry Certified Dealer
Cable Fencing Supplies
Water Troughs, Cattle Guard Beams, Septic Tanks, Storm Shelters
The J Bunk Length: 10 ft Width: 24”/20” Back: 30”/22” Weight: 2680 lbs
The H Bunk WINCO Generator Tractor Driven PTO
Cattle Panels • Water Well Supplies • Waste Water Chlorine • Corral Panels Aerobic Sewer Systems • Gates Poly & Galvanized Culverts
April 2015 — Issue 2
New Pipe
No Threads - No Bell Ends
Length: 8 ft Back: 26”/10” Width: 5”/4.5” Weight: 3260 lbs
9
News
Hay there
How to produce the best hay for your herd By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post
H
ay production is a valueadded operation for many Texas producers. Not only is it used to feed their own herds when adequate forage isn’t available, but selling the excess hay can be a source of income. As can be said: There’s hay and then there’s hay. It does a producer little good to grow an inferior quality product. The value of hay is dependent on its nutrient content and its utility as a feed supplement. Production of poor quality hay usually is not a profitable enterprise. Soil fertility, weather, correct planting procedures, weed management and proper harvesting techniques all play a role in production of good hay. Harvesting techniques of good hay production include timing, process steps and the importance of plant moisture content.
When to harvest Crude protein content decreases as forage plants mature. Mature plants contain more lignin, which either is indigestible or only slowly digestible. Lignin provides no energy to the animal. The bottom line is that forage nutritive value declines as the plant matures. “Optimum nutritive value and maturity of a forage plant depends on the target animal,” said Vanessa CorriherOlson of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Bermudagrass, for example, should be harvested at approximately 15 inches tall if the target animal is a dry, pregnant cow. This height is a good compromise between dry matter yield and nutritive value in the plant at that stage.” But, she said, “Mature horses, on
10
Cut hay high enough to support plant photosynthesis and to encourage a more rapid recovery from harvest. Modern equipment usually allows height adjustment. On the cover: Cured forage is raked into windrows that are the width of the take-up header on the baler. the other hand, typically have higher nutrient requirements. For horses, bermudagrass should be harvested seven to 10 days earlier, or at approximately 12 inches in height, to capture a higher level of nutrients. Cool-season grasses should generally be harvested in the early boot stage.” Hay crops often are harvested when dry matter yield is the highest to get maximum tonnage. More is not better in this case. Since nutritive value of these
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photos
forages is generally low, animals will need supplements during winter or during droughts. It is usually less expensive to fertilize appropriately and harvest at the correct stage of maturity than it is to purchase supplements. The goal is to harvest hay when yield and nutritive value are balanced for the target animal species and class.
Harvest steps
Harvest steps and equipment can vary
April 2015 — Issue 2
depending on climate, terrain, type of crop, nutrient requirements and the animal to which it will be fed. The first step in any hay production is the actual cutting of the forage. Hay mowers are usually of two classes: sickle-bar cutters and disk mowers. Sickle-bar mowers have long cutting heads with reciprocating teeth, whereas disk mowers have cutting heads with several small rotating cutters.
See HAY, Page 11
The Land & Livestock Post
News Hay, from Page 10 “In the past, it was difficult to adjust cutting height and most mowers left stubble height of two inches or less,” CorriherOlson said. “Cutters today are more adjustable and a higher cut provides more leaf material for photosynthesis and a more rapid recovery from harvest.” Corriher-Olson said ,“After cutting, hay should remain in the field to dry or field cure. The dried or cured forage is then raked into windrows that are the width of the baler take-up header. “Sometimes a heavy dew, high relative humidity, or rain will cause windrow to be dry on top but wet underneath. When this happens, a tedder can be used to turn the windrow over to help it dry. Once moisture content in the windrow has reached the appro-
priate level, the forage is baled into round or square bales.”
Moisture content
“Most forage contains about 70 to 80 percent moisture when it is cut,” said Larry Redmon of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Field curing or drying forage as quickly as possible will help preserve its nutritive value, especially the energy portion. “How quickly forage dries depends on humidity, temperature, wind speed and solar radiation. Hay cures quickly on hot, sunny, windy days with low relative humidity. It cures more slowly when conditions are cool, cloudy or humid.” As long as forage moisture content is greater than 40 percent, hay will continue to respire or burn up carbohy-
See MOISTURE, Page 12
Ability and strength come standard. Take on more with reliable John Deere equipment.
5085E Utility Tractor
3032E Compact Utility Tractor and D160 Loader
1023E Sub-Compact Utility Tractor
• 85 hp4 engine • Cab or open operator station models available • Standard 12F/12R PowrReverser™ Transmission
• 31.1 hp4 engine • Equipped with R1 tires • Hydro transmission with Twin Touch™ pedals for ease-of-use
• 22.4 hp4 engine • Auto-Connect™ Mid-Mower deck • Easy-to-operate two-speed hydrostatic transmission • Standard 4WD and power steering
2,000
$
17,549
$
9,277
$
off
0
OR
%
cash price only
1
for 60 months3
Quality and Integrity at Prices you Can Afford. | cptractor.com
cash price only1
Bryan, TX 979-822-7684
Navasota, TX 936-825-6575
Cameron, TX 254-697-6551
Temple, TX 254-773-9916
Taylor, TX 512-352-5296
(1)Offer ends April 30, 2015. Prices and model availability may vary by dealer. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Available at participating dealers. (2) $2,000 off or Fixed Rate of 0.0% for 60 months on 5E (4 Cylinder) Tractors. Excludes 5D, 5003, & 5005 Tractors. Offer ends April 30, 2015. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Valid only at participating US Dealers. 4Manufacturer’s estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/EC.
The Land & Livestock Post
April 2015 — Issue 2
11
News Moisture, from Page 11 drates, leaving less energy for livestock. Harvested forage that is left to be rained on may exceed 40 percent moisture content for an extended period of time and lose substantial energy content due to leaching of certain carbohydrates. Rain also can shatter leaves off harvested forage and reduce both crude protein and energy levels. It is better to wait for good curing conditions than to take a chance that rain will fall on mowed hay, Redmon said. “At baling, moisture content of hay for large round bales should not exceed 18 percent and for small square bales, it should not exceed 20 percent,” Redmon said. “Although experienced producers can estimate moisture content by touch, a moisture
meter provides a more accurate reading. One way to get consistent readings with a moisture meter is to use an 18-inch length of two-inch diameter PVC pipe with a threaded cap on one end. Pack harvested forage into the PVC pipe and then insert the moisture meter into the hay to obtain a reading. “It is important to pack the tube to the same density each time,” Redmon said. When finished simply unscrew the cap and push the hay out with a wooden dowel. Then replace the cap and you are ready to sample other fields.“ “Temperature of baled hay will increase during the first few weeks after baling,” Corriher-Olson said. “This increase is called ‘sweating’ or going through a sweat.’ It is mainly caused by
See HEAT, Page 13
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photo
Mold consumes hay nutrients and makes it less palatable.
Your SOURCE for Top Quality Registered and Commercial Brangus Cattle Proud Members of
Bulls Available May 1st
Circle Land & Cattle Co., Ltd.
Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch • Camp Cooley Ranch Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch
12
1415 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 Office: (979) 776-5760 • Fax: (979) 776-4818 Website: www.circlexbrangus.com Steve Densmore, Cattle Mgr., (979) 450-0819, cell • (979) 778-1055, home Chris Duewall, Operations Mgr., (979) 777-6803, cell
April 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News Heat, from Page 12
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photo
microbial activity, though it can include some final plant respiration. “As the hay dries it loses roughly one percent of dry matter for each percent of moisture.“ “At a moisture content of greater than 20 percent up to 35 percent, mold production becomes a great concern because it consumes nutrients in the hay and reduces its value,” Redmon said. “Mold also creates heat from respiration and produces toxins that make hay less palatable,” Redmon said. “While mold-related heat up to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit does not damage hay nutritive value, higher temperatures can reduce it. “Protein breakdown begins at temperatures above 120 degrees F and browning begins at about 140 degrees F. This carmelization can further increase temperature and take forage nearly to the point of combustion. These high temperatures also bind up much of the protein in forage, making it unavailable
5 $19.9
Most beef cattle producers prefer round bales because they require less labor to feed than square bales. to the animal.” Hay temperatures less than 120 degrees F are considered safe. Monitor hay closely when it is between 120 degrees F and 140 degrees F. Between 140 degrees and 180 degrees, hay is likely spontaneously to combust. “Hay moisture and temperature are not constant and should be monitored periodically,” Redmon said. “Hay normally reaches its peak temperature from seven to 14 days after baling, but temperature may rise for as long as 30 days. “If high bale temperatures are observed and you are unsure about what is happening to the bales, store suspect bales outside and away from other dry haystacks. Safety and nutritional considerations make it critical that you bale hay at the appropriate moisture content and exercise other proper harvesting techniques.”
sues s I 4 2
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!
q q
New Subscription
Mail or Register Online:
c/o Land & Livestock Post
Address Change
P.O. Box 3000 Bryan, TX 77805 OR www.landandlivestockpost.com and click “subscribe”.
Name: City:_____________________ St: ________ Zip: Phone #: Old Address (if applicable): City: _____________________St: _______Zip: Email Address: PAYMENT INFORMATION q
Check Enclosed (Please make checks payable to The Eagle)
q
Please Bill my:
q VISA
Good Selection of 16-20 month charolais bulls for Sale!
Address:
q Mastercard
Rio Ranch
NEWS YOU CAN USE RIGHT IN YOUR MAILBOX
q American Express
q Discover
Account#:_____________________________CIV#:_____________ Name on Card: Signature: Date:
The Land & Livestock Post
Scott Milligan - Manager
39606 FM 1736 West • Hempstead, TX 77445 806.683.6435 • scottm@rioranchtx.com
Amount: _________________________Expiration Date:
April 2015 — Issue 2
13
land & livestock Post
Classifieds Farmers market haY-grain COASTAL HAY: Quality & fertiilized, round bales, 2013 $25; 2014 $40 each; (979)571-2043
FERTILIZER
Excellent Foliar Fertilizer for Hay and Cover Crops. Will promote Microbial Growth. Liquid & Organic Starts $18 per acre Dealerships Available WatsonRanchOrganic.com
817-558-1778 936-544-3579 903-692-0009 903-569-8793 832-364-0008 210-863-3565 903-573-9796
HAY FOR SALE Horse quality coastal square bales. $6. Call 979-906-8292
Saturday Open Houses Only $19.95!
Call 776-SELL (7355)
14
haY-grain
LiVESTOCK WanTED
SURPLUS HAY EQUIPMENT: New Holland square bale hay loader wagon, (Stackliner) loads, carries and stacks, $800. 16 ft. square bale elevator (electric), $100. JD 260 rotary six disc mower (just rebuilt including bearings, seals, gears etc.) $4,000. Also, 500 gallon orchard sprayer $500.00 and all hydraulic Austin Western Motor Grader w 12 ft. blade. IHC UD-14 gas/diesel. Includes original parts and operators manual. $1,000. All above for $5,000. Querida Ranches, (Hearne area. (979)279-5420
BULLS: Black Angus Bulls, 14 mos. Fertility Tested, Wellmuscled Gentle, Developed on Forage (979)220-0316 or 219-0143
COWS FOR SALE: 10 Angus and Brangus, bred females, Calving now, excellent, $2500 each; 713-249-5154
ANGUS BULLS: Two year old bulls. Solid Rock Ranch, Matt Jones, Frankl in, TX, 979- 7777571, 979-828-3410. www.solidrockranch.com.
18
HAY: Fertilized Coastal, Square Bales, Barn Kept, $6 each. Call 936-394-2606.
$
Call 776-SELL (7355) San Saba, TX “Authorized Dealer” • A Large Selection of Trailers in Stock • Custom Ordering Avail. Call (325) 372-5159 www.jordancattle.com
PaSTUrES-STaLLS BULLS: Black Angus, Calving ease, raised on grass & hay, well muscled on a moderate frame EPDs, Tested & gentle. Wickersham Angus 979-219-0143
MiSC FOr SaLE
Saturday Open Houses Only $19.95!
Jordan Trailer Sales
hOrSES-CaTTLE
PET Litter Special
merCHaNDIse
PASTURE LEASE(S): Needed Matt Jones, Franklin, TX 979/777-7571, 979/828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com
ShEDS-CarPOrTS
15
5 Lines for 3 Weeks*
*Only ad content change allowed is price & number in litter.
Call
BARN: 30 x 50 x 12 with an attached 15 x 50 porch $15,495. Delivered and erected on your property. Other sizes available. Wolf Barn Company, since 1979. 979-258-0161 www.wolfbarns.com
April 2015 — Issue 2
776-SELL(7355) To Place An Ad
The Land & Livestock Post
News
The Land & Livestock Post
April 2015 — Issue 2
15
News USDA proposes definition of farming, limiting some subsidies By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The USDA is revising its definition of what it means to farm, and some people who receive farm subsidies but don’t do any of the work would receive less government cash. Congress charged the Agriculture Department last year with creating a new definition for what it means to be “actively engaged” in farming, the criteria to receive some subsidies. USDA proposed March 24 that farms must document that their managers put in 500 hours of substantial management work annually or 25 percent of the time necessary for the success of the farming operation to qualify. “We want to make sure that farm program payments are going to the farmers and farm families that they are intended to help,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. The rules only apply to some farm businesses, however. Congress exempted family owned
entities, which make up some of the country’s largest farms, as part of a provision in the wideranging farm bill that directed USDA to issue the new rules. USDA said as many as 1,400 operations could lose eligibility under the rules, saving around $50 million over a three-year period. The rules are in response to concerns that some people were abusing the idea of “actively engaged” to qualify for subsidies. A report by the Government Accountability Office in 2013 looked at some farms that received hundreds of thousands of subsidies a year and claimed that 11 or more people were engaged actively in the operation. For some operations, unlimited numbers of socalled managers now can receive payments. Under the new rules, up to three managers per operation could receive subsidies. Farmers receive roughly $5 billion a year under the activelyengaged requirements. The definition until now has been broad, allowing people to claim vague
CARC ASS DATA
TE PRIVA Y T A E TR
rk Angus Ranch L.L.C. a l C Since 1952 CROCKETT, TEXAS
100% Guaranteed
Semen Tested
“active personal management” to receive subsidies. People who don’t even visit a farm can receive money, and USDA employees often have a difficult time verifying how engaged an individual is. The proposed rule still would allow people to claim “active personal management” but defines that as the 500 hours of work or 25 percent of time. To receive payments, managers would have to document that they were directly involved in farm finances, labor management, planting, marketing or other activities directly contributing to the success of the operation. The rule is focused on farm businesses that are organized as general partnerships, in which multiple members share management, and non-family joint ventures, which are short-term business associations among in-
dividuals or entities. Farms that organize under those two types of business models can sometimes sidestep farm subsidy limits. The GAO report found that general partnerships and joint ventures received a very high proportion of their subsidies through multiple mem-
bers claiming that they were actively engaged in farming. Craig Cox of the Environmental Working Group, which has fought farm subsidies for the wealthy, called the rule “a tiny step forward.” “It doesn’t get at the heart of the problem,” he said.
Brazos Valley Livestock Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, Inc. Commission, Inc.
Sales: Tuesdays @ 12 Noon 6097 East Hwy. 21 • Bryan, TX
(979) 778-0904
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! BRING IN THIS AD TO ENTER A DRAWING FOR A
$
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
16
GENE STOKES, MGR. WEBSITE: clarkangus.com EMAIL: clarkangus.aol.com
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
April 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News Corn, from Page 9 use of Midwest-temperate rather than sub-tropical genetics, limiting production. He was joined in his research by Mike Kolomiets, an AgriLife Research plant pathologist, and Tom Isakeit, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service plant pathologist, both in College Station, along with students Ivan Barrero Farfan, Gerald De La Fuente and Pei-Cheng Huang. Other researchers who grew the test plots and contributed to the analysis were Marilyn Warburton, Paul Williams and Gary Windham, all U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service researchers at Mississippi State University. The study was funded by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative for Plant Breeding and Education grant. Additional support was given by the Texas Corn Producers and Texas A&M AgriLife. Basically, Murray said, there are 2.4 million acres of corn planted in Texas, with each bag
of seed costing at least $150 and covering more than 2 acres, which equates to well more than $180 million of sales in Texas for corn seed. “The idea is if it is bred in the best conditions in the Midwest, it should survive in the not-so-good conditions we see here in Texas,” he said. “So we believe the private breeders for the commercial industry are trying to do the best for most producers, just not our producers. There has not been an effort to develop corn that addresses the unique needs of southern locations, especially not in the way they have for the Midwest.”
yield and aflatoxin resistance, ultimately improving everyone’s bottom line” He said in their search for genes or gene variants that improve corn for the southern U.S., most of the best diversity came from Mexico, where wild corn was domesticated, and South America, not the Midwest. “There’s a lot of benefit to having the tropical material brought up and crossed with temperate material generally sold by commercial companies,” Murray said. The AgriLife Research study used a diverse corn association mapping panel to identify ge-
said. “We are finding genes that can benefit temperate corn,” Murray said. “We looked at a number of traits, but the best advantage was found with three genes that improved production by about 15 bushels per acre under both irrigated and dryland conditions. They seem to work synergistically.” He said this is only one study, but the results are exciting
enough to follow up on because they were the same over multiple years and in multiple environments. The follow up will concentrate on the three genes. “We don’t know if they will work in a producer’s corn field yet,” he said. “So we are validating in some new populations this summer and will see if they actually have an effect on yield.
See MARKERS, Page 18
Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo by Li Zhang
Seth Murray, Texas A&M AgriLife Research corn breeder in College Station, looks at corn plants during a field day. Murray said addressing the needs of the southern locations is not as simple as adding more traits. “A lot of it will come from identifying and using the right native genetics,” he said. “Growers are smart and will find those companies that are selling adapted hybrids, which will improve both
nomic regions associated with grain yield, aflatoxin resistance and important agronomic traits in southern U.S. environments. This study also was one of the first in corn to test hybrids, he
SALE EACH SATURDAY
TEXAS TOUGH + BRAND BERMUDAGRASS America’s Number One Seeded Forage Bermudagrass! 903-597-6637 800-888-1371 www.easttexasseedcompany.com seeds@easttexasseedcompany.com
SEEDED BERMUDAGRASS STUDY ANNUAL DRY MATTER FORAGE YIELDS 2011, 2012, & 2013 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
3390 Winbrook Dr. Memphis, TN 38116
Rural Land Loans
CAPITAL
Country Home Loans
FARM CREDIT
Farm & Ranch Loans
Number one yielding seeded bermudagrass in production trials at TAMU Agrilife Extension & Research Center, Overton, TX and Mississippi State University. Lower planting rate (10# per acre) due to being pure seed and not coated.
2012
2013
AVG
RANK
Texas Tough +
4,646
11,488
7,618
7,917
1
Sungrazer +
3,516
11,281
6,599
7,132
2
10,881
6,428
7,096
3
10,054
7,301
6,927
4
15% higher yield (four year average) than Coastal Bermudagrass. Planted in twenty states surpassing 500,000 acres since 1994.
Equipment Loans
2011
3,979
Virtually disease free, drought tolerant and easy to establish. Stands stay productive year after year.
The Land & Livestock Post
3 YEAR
3,426
TEXAS’ LARGEST RURAL LENDER
LB / ACRE
Cowboy
Livestock Loans
Leasing
LB / ACRE
Buckaroo
Hay show winner with quality at 22.5% digestible crude protein.
Operating Capital
Total Yield
Harvest Date LB / ACRE
Economically priced to avoid the high cost and risk of sprigging hybrid-bermudagrass pastures and beefing up existing bermudagrass pastures.
Bryan Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Dr., Ste. 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarmCredit.com
Variety
Ranchero Frio
3,051
10,374
7,013
6,713
5
Numex Sahara
3,201
10,293
6,772
6,755
6
Amarillo King
3,586
9,873
6,561
6,673
7
Laredo
3,410
9,975
6,654
6,680
8
Highlander
2,379
10,880
6,159
6,473
9
Mohawk
3,163
9,739
6,321
6,408
10
Cheyenne II
3,612
9,334
5,941
6,295
11
Rancher
2,830
9,740
6,085
6,218
12
Planting Date: 6/4/11 (Replanted 7/13/11) 10 lbs (P.L.S.) Planting Rate, LSD (0.05) Commercially available varieties only included in these results.
I first planted Texas Tough + Bermudagrass in the Spring of 2009 for grazing and baling. My Texas Tough + has been free of disease with no loss of stands. My yields have remained consistent with no loss in production even through our drought of the last four years. It establishes fast with excellent forage quality and much finer stems than Coastal Bermudagrass. It has increased my grazing time from 90 days on native grasses to 150 days on my Texas Tough stands. I plan on planting more in 2015. Denny Chaney- Bertram, TX
April 2015 — Issue 2
17
News Markers, from Page 17 We’ve already advanced the crosses, made hybrids and the DNA markers have been collected on all of them. This summer we will get our yield data, and we should know if they are real or not.� Murray said each of the three gene markers have two variants: one good and one bad. In the follow up to this study, he said they will look at other breeding material and select for the markers and screen for anything with bad markers and get rid of that. Two of the three genes have not been associated with functions previously, so the next scientific step is to figure out what these genes actually do; how they change the biology of the plant, he said. “We have absolutely no idea how it is affecting yield and why, but that is where the science will take us,� Murray said. “We are a lot closer to having a quality outcome. They appear to have effects in both dryland and irrigated conditions, so that is what is so exciting.� Murray said this research has provided additional guidance for improvement of corn in Texas and other southern states and will enhance Texas A&M AgriLife’s breeding programs.
Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc. (979) 776-4444 or (800) 299-7355
President - Crystal DuprĂŠ .....................................................Ext. 4613 Publisher and Editor- Kelly Brown.........................................Ext. 4656
Processed Meat Technology School set for April 22-24 Special to The Post
The 2015 Aggie Processed Meat Technology School will be held April 22-24 at Texas A&M University in College Station. Dan Hale, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service meat specialist, said based on input from past participants, the school has been expanded by one day. “Anyone who wants to learn the basic science and art of making processed meat products should attend,� Hale said. That includes people directly involved in processed meat production, “as well as others in your company, such as quality
Circulation Director - Greg Parker ........................................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.
• • • •
w u B t u R t agr t r
meTal componenTs • sq r T b g • c p r • Tr
50’ X 100’
h B r /ar - R f o * a G v
Ranger ETX model# R15RMA32AJ
Fuel Injected Entry Model Ranger Diesel
13,500
$
00
+TaX *side walls available
model# R15RTAD1AA
also
24X30 s /G r g
Includes
1 - 10X8 fr g 1-3070 k t r r
4,850
$
00
+TaX
1 2 5 0 3 H W Y 6 N AVA S O TA , T X 7 7 8 6 8 • 9 3 6 . 8 2 5 . 0 5 0 0 w w w. h i l c o s u p p ly . c o m • F O L L O W U S O N
18
safety.� The Southwest Meat Association, North American Meat Institute and Texas Association of Meat Processors have partnered with the department of animal science at Texas A&M and AgriLife Extension to conduct the school.
special
meTal BuildinGs
Advertising Sales/General Manager - Jesse Wright ...............Ext. 4721 Production Director - Mark Manning.....................................Ext. 4671
participate in demonstrations on making sausage and cured and whole-muscle products. “Then on the final day, experts will demonstrate cooking, smoking and thermal processing considerations and participants will learn about ways to evaluate the finished product for quality and
m t s
Advertising Director - Ron Prince ........................................ Ext. 4740 Financial Director - Rod Armstrong .......................................Ext. 4605
control, business management, public relations and sales and marketing personnel, who need a thorough overview of how processed meat products are made and the hows and whys of the process.� Hale said the school website features a tentative schedule, and more general and registration information can be found at aggiemeatschool.blogspot.com/. The first day will focus on what to consider when choosing the meat products and other ingredients to include in the processed meat item, Hale said. The second day, attendees will
Receive a
in the Brazos Valley!
Inverter
with the purchase
979.779.3000
or Ranger
April 2015 — Issue 2
ď‚Ť
The Land & Livestock Post
The Land & Livestock Post
April 2015 — Issue 2
19
20
April 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post