Land and Livestock Post

May May2017 2017— —Issue Issue22

Hog wild To apply or not to apply?

Know the laws before going after feral pigs XXXXXXXXXXXXXX PAGE 12

PAGE 12 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23

HOW TOTHOMPSON RECOGNIZE FOOT ROT JAMES

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2

May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

From the General Manager

I

cleaned my desk recently.

We had some corporate big-wigs come to visit, and apparently it would have been a great travesty for them to have seen my desk in the condition it was in. So, in order to save the company, I volunteered to spruce up the place a bit. And, by “volunteered,” I mean I was told I “had to, or else.”

When you work in an office, you tend to accumulate a lot of papers. When you work in a newspaper office, you accumulate paper, newspapers, magazines, sales pieces, and about six-month’s worth of Styrofoam coffee cups. They wouldn’t let me drive a skid-steer in the office, and a prescribed burn seemed out of the question, so

I just rolled up my sleeves and went to work.

It took about half the afternoon, but I finally found my desk. With the help of a hand-truck and several trips to the dumpster, I finally had a clean work space. I had daydreams of JESSE WRIGHT the president of the company strolling past my desk, giving a nod of approval of its immaculate state, and maybe a thumbs up.

Of course that never happened. No one saw my desk, no one even came by my part of the building. And, on top

of that, I scared myself for a split second the next day when I showed up to a clutter-free desk. In that one second when I turned the corner to my cubicle I had a flood of panicked thoughts. My first thought was I was robbed, then thought maybe I’d been fired overnight.

Then I realized that it was just clean.

I was a little disheartened after the fact for two reasons.

The first is because it felt like I lost. I’m a messy person, but I’m married to a woman who is not, so therefore, I am no longer a messy person. My desk was the one corner of my life that I didn’t have to tidy up on a regular basis. I enjoyed the chaos. The second reason

Butler Field Day to be May 19 Special to The Post

The 2017 O.D. Butler Forage Field Day is scheduled for May 19 at the Camp Cooley Ranch Division of Circle X Land & Cattle Company. Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m.

The GPS address is 4297 Camp Cooley Ranch Road, Franklin.

This year’s field day will have something to offer for everyone. The morning program will feature concurrent sessions addressing: • Avoiding Expensive Hay Loss • Ryegrass & Grass bur Control • Utilization of Agricultural Lime to Correct Acidic Soils The field day also will feature more than 20 Ag Industry booths.

Sufficient time will be given for participants of the field day to visit booths. The booth sponsors also will donate items to be given away as door prizes throughout the day.

A catered roast beef lunch will be followed by a discussion focusing on laws and regulations related to feral hog management

and control. At the conclusion of the lunch program, participants will move back outside for the afternoon portion of the program.

The afternoon program will feature several hay equipment companies demonstrating and discussing some of their latest equipment used for cutting, raking and baling hay.

Producers will receive three continuing education units toward renewal of the pesticide license for participating in the program. The program will conclude around 4 p.m. with closing remarks and the final door prize drawings.

Registration is necessary to get an accurate count for lunch.

Call 979-828-4270 to pre-register.

The registration fee of $25 can be paid at registration from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on May 19.

Anyone needing special assistance in order to participate in this event should contact Edward Schneider at 979-828-4270 at least three days in advance so accommodations can be arranged.

The Land & Livestock Post



I was a little sad, was because I know it won’t last. As I wrote this, someone came by and put a stack of papers on my desk, along with a stack of magazines. I pushed them aside for now, but soon the mountain will be back.

Trying to keep a clean office environment is a lot like trying to keep the hog population under control. It’s a battle that doesn’t seem to have an end. In our cover story, we look at laws and regulations regarding feral hogs.

In this issue we also have news from around the ag industry as well as information on upcoming sales and events.

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.

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News Things to consider when looking at artificial insemination

By Evan WhitlEy, Ph.D. The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

The Noble Foundation owns and operates about 14,000 acres that spans seven ranches and three counties. These properties are used in various ways including conducting applied research and demonstration as well as providing a venue for educational and training events.

The process of undertaking these important endeavors starts with implementing an overall management plan that is consistent with commercial beef cattle production.

Practically speaking, it is only possible to represent the commercial cattle producer in information collection and dissemination if we operate as a commercial cattle producer. Doing so opens opportunities to share our thought process and decisions as we develop and adapt this overall management outline.

I would like to share prioritized considerations, from one cattle producer to another, as we prepare to implement our spring calendar of events, which includes artificially inseminating more than 500 cows.

It’s important to note that these considerations are only meant to provide a framework for producers to build upon.

Prioritized Considerations: • Predetermine outcomes prior to implementation based upon listed goals and objectives.

I realize setting goals isn’t fun, but it is necessary, especially as we determine the value in branching into something new.

These goals need to include optimizing soil and forage resources exhibited at the ranch level, minimizing costs of production, and maximizing marketing opportunities.

At the Noble Foundation, we are interested keenly in ensuring a supply of calves for all of our research, demonstration, teaching, herd maintenance/ expansion and marketing needs,

4

Photo courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Agricultural Division faculty and staff artificially inseminate, visually identify and provide pre-breeding vaccination to primiparous females as part of ongoing research by Evan Whitley, manager of the Center for Advanced Agricultural Systems and Technologies at the Pasture Demonstration Farm in Ardmore, Oklahoma. taking full advantage of opportunities across all segments of beef production. Thus, our breeding program, including artificial insemination, must reflect this goal.

• Determine limitations to implementation.

Inadequate facilities and inaccessibility to qualified labor are very real obstacles. Keep in mind that an artificial insemination program will get you closer to your cattle, but you don’t want them too close. Therefore, adequate facilities and access to labor (quality and quantity) are extremely important.

• Differentiate the AI from the bull-bred calves.

Although benefits of a typical commercial artificial insemination program include less bull dependency and synchronized heat cycles (assuming timed breeding), utilize this effort as an opportunity to meet additional objectives by selecting the artificial insemination sire on different/additional criteria than cleanup bulls.

Here at the Noble Foundation, we select our artificial insemination bulls (Angus) for maternal, paternal and carcass traits. We select our cleanup bulls (Charolais) for paternal and carcass traits. Doing so accomplishes three goals: increases access to the maternal genetics that positively will influence our cow herd long-term, utilizes bull purchases to increase the marketability of younger calves, and genetically stamps the calves so we readily know the difference.

• Don’t get hung up on indi-

See AI, Page 10

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May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

Learn how to recognize foot rot and how to treat it

By KENDRA WADE and Dr. MEREDYTH JONES Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

S

pring and summer are times when we often see lameness issues in cattle.

The most common cause of lameness identified on the ranch this time of year is foot rot, an infection of the skin between the toes of cattle that extends into underlying tissues and can cause swelling, severe lameness and dying tissue between the toes. The key to successful treatment is proper identification of the condition and timely treatment with appropriate medications.

It is important to recognize the symptoms of foot rot and

to differentiate it from more severe joint infections: Step 1 — View the affected foot from the front. Cattle with foot rot will have roughly equal swelling of both toes that frequently extends up to the fetlock, with the swelling often great enough to cause separation of the toes. If, however, one toe or side of the foot is more swollen than the other, this indicates a joint infection, which is more serious and will not respond to the treatments discussed below. A veterinarian should be consulted for these cases.

Step 2 — If it can be done safely in your facilities, pick up the affected foot with a rope and look between the toes. When

Vet’s Voice examining in between the toes of a cow, never run your finger through the space to clean it, use another tool. It is possible for sharp objects to be in that area causing the lameness and may result in a severe cut on your finger. Normally, once the mud and manure are cleared, the skin should be nice and smooth.

Step 3 — In the presence of

symmetrical foot swelling and dead tissue with a foul odor is detected between the toes, it is appropriate to presume footrot as the cause of lameness and treat as discussed below.

Foot rot is a multifactorial problem usually secondary to an abrasion or damage to the skin between the toes. Animals at high risk include those living in moist, muddy lots, those on wet pasture, or those in areas where sharp gravel, concrete or stubble exist. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the bacteria that invades this tissue and causes the foul odor and infection along with other bacteria.

These bacteria are present in all environments, but when introduced into the damaged skin

and then covered in mud for instance, they proliferate well.

Foot rot can be costly if it is not treated appropriately.

The good news is that if diagnosed and treated properly, the recovery is relatively uneventful and improvements can be seen within a few days. Injectable antibiotics are the most appropriate choice for this condition, with both over-the-counter and prescription options available. Several antibiotics are labeled for the treatment of foot rot, such as oxytetracycline (including Bio-Mycin 200 or Liquamycin LA-200, others), florfenicol, (Nuflor) ceftiofur (Excede or Excenel) and tulathromycin

See FOOT ROT, Page 6

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The Land & Livestock Post

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May 2017 — Issue 2

www.circlexbrangus.com 5

News Foot Rot, from Page 5 (Draxxin). Oxytetracycline is available over the counter; the others are available by prescription through your veterinarian.

It is important to use these products exactly as directed on the label and with attention to Beef Quality Assurance guidelines.

In some situations, your veterinarian may suggest more aggressive treatments, including cleaning and careful removal of dead tissue, which can be painful and may require a local anesthetic. After this treatment the lesion can be treated with a topical antimicrobial ointment and bandaged, which will require housing in a dry area for the duration of the bandaging.

The good news is that, with timely and appropriate treatment, most animals will transition from severe lameness to soundness within a few days of treatment of foot rot. If this does not occur, it is important that your veterinarian be contacted to evaluate the animal.

More severe causes of lameness, such as joint infections or sole abscesses, can be mistaken for foot rot and require a different course of treatment. Foot rot also can progress into deeper tissues, causing more severe infections. For these reasons, a correct diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to maintaining an animal’s soundness.

Although early and uncomplicated foot rot generally responds well to treatment, production losses and animal welfare concerns make prevention of this condition an important goal. Keeping cattle in a well-drained environment may not always be possible, but should occur whenever possible. Trace mineral supplementation should be a part of every nutritional program and the inclusion of iodine, copper, selenium, zinc and biotin have been shown to support overall foot and hoof health.

6

Special to The Post

The foot of a beef cow shows a very typical foot rot lesion. The space between the toes has been cleaned to reveal a grooved area of dead tissue with irritated pink tissue surrounding it. This area has a foul odor and is painful.

There are commerciallyavailable vaccines against the primary bacteria which causes foot rot and, while they can be useful as part of a control program, they cannot be expected to overcome an environment conducive to foot infection.

Keeping cattle comfortable is a key to maintaining productivity. Being mindful of the conditions in a pasture that may result in foot problems, providing solid nutrition, monitoring cattle more closely during times of increased risk, and identifying and treating any animal with lameness in a timely fashion are important steps in protecting your herd’s very foundation.

• Kendra Wade is a fourth-year veterinary student at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine graduating this month.

She has an interest in food animal production agriculture and was mentored in writing this article by Dr. Meredyth Jones.

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May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News New ag law podcast is available from AgriLife Extension

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

AMARILLO — All things relating to agricultural law soon can be found with a click of a button as Tiffany Dowell Lashmet begins a new podcast called “Ag Law in the Field.”

Lashmet, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agricultural law specialist in Amarillo, will host guests weekly for a 30-minute segment to talk about a wide variety of ag law topics.

The podcast will be available every Thursday online at aglaw. libsyn.com/, on iTunes or on the Podcast app on cell phones, all for free.

“One of the best things about a podcast is that people can listen

to them anywhere, from their computers on the website or on their phones while driving down the road, plowing on the tractor or even running on the treadmill,” Lashmet said.

“From law students to seasoned attorneys, to lawyers with experience in international firms and those who hung out their own shingle in small-town America … we plan to visit with them all and discuss their thoughts, experiences and interests related to agricultural law,” she said.

“So, for example, our first episode is a law student discussing what law school is really like, our second will be an attorney who handles environmental issues for ag clients, and then later on I’ve got attorneys coming to talk

Texas A&M AgriLife photo

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet is starting a new Ag Law podcast. about the probate process, having your own ag law practice, divorces, estate planning and water law,” Dowell Lashmet said.

She said she and her guests will discuss policy, cases and interesting stories, all while keeping things practical and providing some perspective of ag law issues going on in Texas and around the country.

Lashmet already publishes Texas Agriculture Law Blog, which has been named one of the top 100 legal blogs in the nation three years in a row, according to editors of the ABA Journal, the professional publication of the American Bar Association.

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The Land & Livestock Post

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May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant pathology team plants tomatoes in the high tunnels near Bushland.

Tomato production in high tunnels studied

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

AMARILLO — Winds whipped around at almost 25 mph, but the Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant pathology crew didn’t have to battle the blowing dirt as they sank one tomato seedling after another into the soil inside one of four high tunnels.

With planting taking place a full two months earlier than last year’s replanting, the high tunnel tomato project led by Charlie Rush, AgriLife Research plant pathologist in Amarillo, is ready to learn some more lessons, and he has high hopes.

Rush began his research for the Texas Department of Agricul-

8

ture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program vegetable project in 2016. The project is aimed at highvalue vegetable crop production under high tunnels, which are

Quonset hut-type structures similar to greenhouses in appearance but lacking artificial heat.

See TOMATOES, Page 9

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WWW.HALLANDHALL.COM May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Tomatoes, from Page 8 “We are in the second year of planting tomatoes,” Rush said.

“The project went pretty well last year, and we were able to get some good quality produce in the high tunnels.”

Kevin Crosby, an AgriLife Research tomato breeder in College Station, and another breeder with a private company in California each identified the best varieties for the project and provided seed for the study.

Those seeds were planted in a greenhouse and then transplanted in early May. Drip tape was installed to water the 20 plants of each line in each of the four tunnels, but Rush said the entire irrigation system had some issues last year that he hopes will be fixed this year.

Some of the first year’s lessons learned included: rabbits like young seedling plants, so fencing was installed; extreme heat in the high tunnels caused a number of the newly planted seedlings to die, so the entire study had to be replanted on May 16; and finally, a high incidence of tomato spotted wilt in the transplants required the entire study to be replanted on June 30.

“We learned a tremendous amount last year, including an important lesson during the offseason. Right before Christmas we had a 70 mph wind that tore the cover off all four of the high tunnels. So this year we put in additional straps across the tunnels, put posts on the doors and installed other security measures to keep the billowing down.

It helped secure the structure.”

In spite of the late planting, Rush said they were able to produce about 1,500 pounds of tomatoes in 2016, some of which he sold through United Grocery Markets in Amarillo in late October and early November.

He estimated, based on that limited production the first year, a high tunnel with six rows, about 240 plants, could produce almost 2,300 pounds of tomatoes.

These could be sold for $1 to $3 per pound, depending on if they are sold to a retail grocery store or at a farmers market.

Things are running a little

Texas A&M AgriLife photos by Kay Ledbetter

Above,seedlings grown in theTexasA&MAgriLife Research greenhouse are transplanted into beds in the high tunnels. Right,The Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant pathology crew get the first planting of tomatoes done on April 24. smoother this year, with the first seedlings planted on April 24 and the irrigation infrastructure is almost complete and will be tied in within a few weeks, Rush said.

This year, as was done last year, they will have a similar layout of plants outside the high tunnels, he said.

The replicated plots will test the same tomato varieties and irrigation regimens as under the tunnels to determine the difference a high tunnel might make for commercial producers.

“What we found was the production in the high tunnels was better than that outside last year; the yields were certainly higher,” Rush said.

The project is being expanded this year through support provided by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Vegetable Initiative. This program is supporting renewal of the Texas Vegetable Industry and research projects to identify the best tomato, pepper and melon cultivars for differ-

The Land & Livestock Post

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ent growing regions conducted

by AgriLife Research scientists in Amarillo, Uvalde, Weslaco and College Station.

“This year we will be focusing on the same cultivars we planted last year to see if we can see the same quality and yield differences,” he said. “We also hope we can initiate some different irrigation treatments as we originally planned in this study.”

Rush said he hopes to be able to post the progress of the vegetables in the high tunnels and outside plots on his webpage, bit.ly/2q4uh62, about every two weeks so anyone interested can follow the program and ask questions along the way.

“We want to let people follow along and see how everything is progressing during the season, and we will be able to tell you about any issues and updates that are happening at the time,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the season.”

May 2017 — Issue 2

Scott Milligan - Manager 39606 FM 1736 West • Hempstead, TX 77445 806.683.6435 • scottm@rioranchtx.com

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9

News Our Selection Criteria

AI, from Page 4 vidual pedigrees, but execute a repeatable process.

Please don’t interpret this to mean that individual data is not important and shouldn’t be used during the selection process. The viability of an artificial insemination program, however, will come down to artificial insemination pregnancies and cost of semen.

Increasing artificial insemination conception is a stand-alone topic; however, minimizing semen cost is a balance between selected traits, accuracy of those traits and popularity of the individual sire.

If the popularity of the bull grows over time, so will his semen cost.

You need a backup proven selection process to maintain your breeding goals and objectives using another bull. We try to keep our semen costs below $20 per straw. Last year, our average se-

10

There are many factors to consider if starting an artificial insemination program. men cost was approximately $15 per straw.

• Develop a good relationship with a reputable artificial insemination or breeding service representative.

This especially will be beneficial during the first year’s transition. There are many out

Photo courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

there to choose from, but a point to consider is access to a robust database of available sires. Last year, we sorted through almost 300 potential sires to a list of seven and made our pick from a list of four due to unavailability of semen for the other three, which is a good lesson. Just because a

sire is listed in the catalog doesn’t mean he is a viable choice.

Start the selection process early and keep your breeding service representative abreast of your progress so he or she can keep you informed of important company information.

May 2017 — Issue 2

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Specifically, our selection criteria consisted of an artificial insemination sire being in the top one-third of the Angus breed for calving ease (direct and maternal), growth (weaning and yearling) and marbling, and moderate (top 50 percent) on other important traits such as birth weight, milk, mature weight/height and the price indexes.

We feel this complements our cleanup bulls, which have been selected for high growth and carcass merit and ultimately will provide us with the greatest number of viable options to either retain or market the resulting calf crops.

Again, this is not an exhaustive list but points to consider based upon experiential knowledge regarding a progressive management practice that could add significant value to a well-managed commercial cow-calf operation, under the right circumstances and for the right reasons.

The Land & Livestock Post

News Test plots , online database offer winter pasture information

Gerald Smith,AgriLife Research legume and grass breeder, shows ryegrass test plots at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton.

and Extension Center, Overton website.

“Ryegrass is a very important winter pasture option here and across the Southeast U.S.,” he said.

Smith said about 50 ryegrass varieties are being tested this year, including experimental varieties. Plots are typically planted in September and harvested through spring.

Ryegrass plots are harvested around every three to four weeks and yields are posted online on the Overton website, Smith said. The website includes information on Overton ryegrass variety trials from the last 10 years. Varieties tested include Winterhawk, Gulf, Diamond T and the Texas A&M varieties TAM 90, Nelson and TAMTBO. The database also includes information including nitrogen applications and date planted.

Most varieties in the database have been tested multiple years, Smith said. Three-

Grains Evaluation page — bit.ly/2oLztKx

See PASTURE, Page 21

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

OVERTON — Annual ryegrass and small-grain test plots and online historical trial results provide solid winter pasture information for East Texas producers, said a Texas A&M researcher.

Annual ryegrass cultivars and small grain cultivars are evaluated each year at Overton for cold tolerance, disease incidence and seasonal forage yield, said Gerald Smith, Texas A&M AgriLife Research legume and grass breeder in Overton. The trials are conducted in replicated, randomized complete-block designs using fertilizer and lime recommendations based on annual soil tests.

Smith said the forage trials are conducted to help regional producers choose the best cultivars for their operations and to help seed companies evaluate experimental lines. Each year of forage production data for dozens of varieties is collected and compiled in the Ryegrass and Small

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Adam Russell

— on the Texas A&M AgriLife Research

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The Land & Livestock Post

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May 2017 — Issue 2

11

News

Getting a pig in a poke

There are laws and regulations concerning feral pigs

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Eagle

W

ild or feral pigs are classified in the United States as an invasive exotic species. Most other wildlife species don’t associate with wild pigs. The less mobile wildlife, such as lizards, toads and snakes, may be a pig’s next meal while others such as white-tailed deer typically vacate the area. Feral pigs compete with native wildlife for certain food supplies such as acorns and limit availability of those food sources for less aggressive species. Since feral hogs can be hunted year-round in Texasand you can kill as many as you want, it is natural to assume there are no laws or regulations concerning their handling and control.

This assumption is wrong and it is important to understand what is legal and what is not.

Cooper Terrill, county agriculture Extension agent in Georgetown, gave a presentation on the feral hog laws during a Farm and Ranch Seminar last December. Most of this article is taken from Terrill’s presentation.

History and habits

Pigs were domesticated approximately 8,000 to 10,000 years ago and it is believed their origin occurred in multiple areas of Europe and Asia.

Feral pigs are descendants of domestic pigs brought to the United States by Spanish explorers.

Feral pigs are opportunist omnivores, meaning they scavenge and feed on both plant and animal matter. They are indiscriminate as to whether they eat vertebrates or invertebrates, but 85 to 95 percent of their diet is vegetation, including crops. Pigs eat 3 percent to 5 percent of their body weight daily.

12

Photos special to The Post

Damage caused by feral pigs in the United States is estimated at $1.5 billion annually. This golf course shows the damage wild pigs can do.

On the cover: Current population estimates are 4 million to 8 million feral pigs in the United States, with 2.6 million of them in Texas.

Pigs first were introduced into the United States in 1539 at Tampa Bay. Hernando de Soto brought them to Texas in 1542. Today’s feral pig is a cross between Eurasian boars and domestic swine.

Eurasian boars were imported into the United States for hunting and the domesticated swine escaped from their pens or were abandoned when early settlers moved from their farmsteads.

May 2017 — Issue 2

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Wild pigs developed into a problem in the mid-1980s and since then, many research and extension agencies have

See FERAL, Page 13

The Land & Livestock Post

News Feral, from Page 12 worked to abate damage through education and research. The first educational program on feral pigs conducted in Texas was on March 22, 1990, by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Current estimates show there is an average return of $26.52 for every dollar invested in feral pig control. These returns result from reduced costs for repairing hog damage to property.

The lifespan of feral pigs is four to eight years, with sexual maturity occurring at eight months. Sows can produce litters of five to six pigs every 150 days.

Current population estimates are 4 million to 8 million feral pigs in the United States, with 2.6 million of them in Texas.

Feral swine are apex animals which means that they have very few enemies.

Feral pig damage

Feral pigs have gone from a strictly rural problem to an urban/suburban Special to The Post

See Laws, Page 14

There are no closed season and no bag limit for feral hogs, but there still are numerous laws and regulations that must be followed by hunters and land owners.

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May 2017 — Issue 2

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News Laws, from Page 13 issue as well. Urban damages primarily occur in areas adjacent to greenbelts or other undeveloped tracts that provide cover, security and food. All but one Texas counties have reported wild hog problems.

Hunters and landowners have contributed to the spread of feral pigs through illegal transfer of animals between properties. The Texas hunting industry also aids feral pig population explosions with deer feeders. Access to deer feed provides the pigs with a higher plain of nutrition, which results in higher pregnancy successes and larger litters.

Damage caused by feral pigs in the United States is estimated at $1.5 billion annually. This equates to $200 damage per wild pig.

Recent studies conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service showed annual damage to agriculture in Texas alone at $52 million. More than $7

See PIGS, Page 15

14

Any landowner who plans to trap or snare hogs should have a valid hunting license, since these activities could affect other wildlife species.

May 2017 — Issue 2

ď‚Ť

Special to The Post

The Land & Livestock Post

News Pigs, from Page 14 million were spent by landowners in an attempt to control pigs and/or correct the damage.

Feral pigs carry approximately 15 different diseases, but the most common are pseudorabies, swine brucellosis and tularemia. Pseudorabies should not be confused with rabies.

They are two different diseases.

Humans don’t contract pseudorabies, but we can become infected with rabies.

Pseudorabies is a disease caused by a virus which primarily affects swine. The virus occasionally is transmitted from pigs to cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats and wild animals.

Infection usually is transmitted between pigs by nose-tonose contact because the virus is present in nasal and oral discharges. The disease also can be transmitted through contaminated feed and water buckets and by people carrying the virus from contaminated to clean premises on their boots, clothing or bodies.

Hunters are urged to use proper precautions, such as wearing latex gloves and eyewear, when field dressing hogs.

Symptoms of the disease in pigs are abortion, coughing, fever and death. Cattle and dogs experience intense itching and often die.

Swine brucellosis is caused by bacteria that are transmitted between pigs through breeding and ingestion. Symptoms in swine are abortion, lameness, abscesses and infertility. In humans, the disease is called undulant fever and its symptoms are dizziness, fever, chill and pain. Brucellosis causes large economic loss in the domestic swine industry.

Tularemia is another bacterial disease and also is known as rabbit fever. Humans can contact tularemia through a wound, infected meat or vectors such as ticks or biting flies.

Symptoms of the disease are ul-

Photos special to The Post

There are many laws that deal with hunting and trapping feral hogs, from how to pen them after capture and how to transport them for processing. Landowners should know the laws before dealing with a feral hog problem. cers, gland swelling, weakness, pain and fever.

The organism survives very well in wet environments.

Laws and regulations

Feral hogs are not considered a game species in Texas. Instead they are considered exotic livestock which means they belong to the landowner, not all residents of the state. This does not mean, however, that a landowner can hunt feral hogs without a license.

For those who hunt feral hogs for trophy or food, a Texas hunting license is required.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department outlines license requirements and specific legal hunting methods in its annual hunting and fishing regulations publication, Outdoor Annual. A hunting license permits use of firearms, snaring and trapping.

Landowners or their agents are allowed to kill feral hogs on their property without a hunting license if they are causing damage. Any landowner who plans to trap or snare hogs should have a valid hunting license, since these activities could affect other wildlife species.

The Land & Livestock Post

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As mentioned earlier, exotic species, including feral hogs, may be hunted throughout the year. This means there is no

closed season and no bag limit.

Feral hogs can be hunted at night with the aid of night vision, thermal scopes or a spot-

light. It is a wise idea, however, to let the local game warden

See HUNT, Page 16

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May 2017 — Issue 2

15

News Hunt, from Page 15 know when you intend to hunt at night.

Aerial gunning is allowed for feral hog control with a permit from Parks and Wildlife. It is a good idea to communicate with neighbors to let them know when aerial gunning will be executed and to build their comfort level with the operation.

It is legal to use suppressors on firearms to hunt feral hogs.

In order to purchase a suppressor, ATF Form 4 must be completed. Dogs, snares and traps can also be used in feral pig control.

The Texas Animal Health Commission regulates movement of feral hogs, holding facilities and release on hunting preserves. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires registration of land where persons pay to hunt feral swine.

Animal Health Commission regulations apply when live feral swine are moved from the premises where they were trapped or captured.

Transportation of sows is regulated differently than boars because they are the production factory which contributes to population increases. Sows may not be transported and released onto another property.

The requirement is that they be removed from the population by slaughter.

While awaiting transport to slaughter or to a holding facility, feral swine may be held in escape proof pens on the premise of origin or in an escape proof cage on the transport vehicle. They can be held on the transport vehicle for as long as seven days. They also can be taken directly to slaughter, or sold to an approved holding facility that will then transport

them to slaughter. County Extension agents have lists of approved holding facilities.

Wild boars captured alive and moved under Texas Animal Health Commission authority can go only to a hunting facility permitted by Parks and Wildlife. If a hunting ranch does not receive or release live wild hogs onto the property, Texas Animal Health Commission feral swine regulations don’t apply to the operation.

Only boars and barrows may be moved to a hunting preserve.

Prior to release, swine must have individual identification approved by the Texas Animal Health Commission. Feral swine hauled to slaughter from the holding facility don’t need to be identified individually.

Hunting preserve fences must be kept in good repair to prevent escape of feral swine. A hunting preserve may lose its

Texas Animal Health Commission authorization if escaped wild swine are detected outside preserve fences. A hunting preserve must be inspected by the commission prior to approval.

Applications may be obtained by contacting the nearest commission office.

The Texas Animal Health Commission makes every attempt to obtain compliance by providing information and sound reasoning for protecting livestock herds. Feral swine transportation laws and regulations, however, include both criminal and administrative penalties, which may be imposed for violations. Text of laws and regulations are found on the Texas Animal Health Commission website at www. tahc.texas.gov.

Feral swine cause many problems and are increasing in numbers daily. They must be

brought under control, but let’s do it in a legal manner.

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 Sales and Marketing Director - Sean Lewis .......................... Ext. 4740 Advertising Sales/General Manager - Jesse Wright ...............Ext. 4721 Finance Director - Rod Armstrong.........................................Ext. 4605 Production Director - Mark Wilson........................................Ext. 4671 Circulation Director - Greg Parker ........................................Ext. 4752

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May 20 Genomic Gems Angus Sale, Giddings, TX

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June 15 TSCRA Summer Meeting, Galveston

Do you have a sale or event you’d like listed? Call Jesse Wright (979) 731-4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com

16

May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

May 17 field day to highlight AgriLife wheat research

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

AMARILLO — At least 3 billion loaves of bread in the Texas Panhandle alone every year — that’s the difference Texas A&M AgriLife Research is making, according to hosts of the annual Wheat Field Day. Wheat research, and the difference it makes in the food supply chain, will be highlighted during the annual field day May 17 at the Texas A&M AgriLife facilities near Bushland.

“This year we want to invite the general public, along with producers, seed dealers and other key business associates, to come see our latest research in the fields and also see the difference it makes throughout our community and region,” said Jackie Rudd, AgriLife Research wheat breeder in Amarillo.

AgriLife Research is co-hosting the event with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and West Texas A&M University.

The field day is free and will include breakfast tacos, sponsored by Texas Wheat Producers Board, and a lunch, sponsored by

the USDA-ARS Ogallala Aquifer program.

“We are very excited this year to show off our new hybrid wheat research, discuss the latest genetic discoveries and let producers walk through our field trials to see how different varieties are performing,” Rudd said.

Additionally, attendees will get a chance to spend an hour viewing booths ranging from Texas Wheat’s display for producers and consumers to United Supermarkets’ explanation of what types of wheat flour are used to make products ranging from desserts to tortillas to bread. AgriLife Extension will host a display, Going with the Grains, focusing on the value and importance of wheat in the diet.

Rudd said wheat breeding research and studies surrounding production practices of the crop have been conducted there since the 1940s. During that time, tremendous strides have been made to improve yields, drought resistance, insect and disease control, and production practices in general.

Since it started near Bushland, wheat research has improved dryland yields in farmers’ fields from about 11 bushels per acre in the 1940s to more than 36 bushels

per acre average today, he said.

With a bushel of wheat yielding 42 pounds of flour and making 90 loaves of bread, every acre of wheat is producing about 2,250 more loaves of bread annually. There are about 1.34 million acres of wheat harvested in the Texas Panhandle alone.

“Sometimes we don’t do a good job of letting our neighbors and community know what is going on out on the research farm and what an impact it has on not only this region, but the nation and world,” Rudd said. “We hope this event will help us reach out to more people and explain the importance of the work being done here.”

Some highlights of the noon program will be “Texas Wheat’s Role in the World” by Steelee

See WHEAT, Page 21

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Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Jason Baker

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www.theeagle.com/blogs/fish_tales/

May 2017 — Issue 2

17

News Beef producers must be vigilant to mitigate herd health risks tamu.edu and the Texas Animal Health Commission’s website at www.tahc.texas.gov/regs/code. html for information on tick treatment options, tick quarantine and associated regulations, as well as the latest updates on current quarantines.

Meanwhile, because of a case in Florida, though now eradicated by animal health officials in that state, screwworm is still something producers should watch for.

Tom Hairgrove, AgriLife Extension program coordinator for food and livestock systems in College Station, said watchfulness is key.

“We still need to be very observant,” Hairgrove said. “It’s a maggot and will feed on live flesh in animals. If you see maggots in a live animal, take some of those

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

SAN ANTONIO — Beef cattle producers should be observant when conducting annual health vaccination protocols on their cattle, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Though not a statewide threat, the fever tick has resulted in some herds in far South Texas to be subject to a quarantine zone.

This topic, as well as proper vaccination protocol and techniques, were discussed at the recent Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention in San Antonio.

“Surveillance is key,” said Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in Corpus Christi. “We want to enlist veterinarians and ranchers to be more observant of ticks on cattle. These fever ticks tend to prefer soft tissue along the dewlap, brisket, forearm and back in the flank area.

“It’s a one-host tick and we can use the cow as a control method.

Right now, we can dip or spray the cow. If producers or veterinarians see ticks on cattle that are unusual, even if they are not, they are encouraged to collect those ticks and put them in a little bottle of isopropyl alcohol and send it to Texas Animal Health Commission veterinarians.”

Paschal said if they are identified as fever ticks, “we need to know where they are coming from and get a handle on them.

“More than 99 percent of the time they are going to be common ticks, and we are going to know what they are,” he said.

“There are some things to look for, and they are very easy to take off the animal. They are typically not very deep and not very colorful. When you pull a tick off and put it in your hand, it starts crawling off pretty fast. These ticks do not. They are very slow.”

The technical name for Texas cattle fever is bovine babesiosis, which relates to the organisms

18

maggots, put them in isopropyl alcohol and send them to [the Texas Animal Health Commission]. We want to get ahead of it.

“With the Florida outbreak, it might have been around a while on some small animals and was missed. It could have been going on a lot longer than most people thought.”

Hairgrove said this helps with surveillance and helps keep a record of where the samples are coming from.”

Hairgrove said he also advises beef cattle producers to develop a relationship with a local veterinarian.

“Sit down with your local practitioner,” he said. “Develop a good herd health program. A vaccination is just like insurance.

We are just trying to mitigate against risk.”

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Beef cattle producers should be observant when conducting annual health vaccination protocols on their cattle, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. that infect the red blood cells of cattle. It is their destruction of the red blood cells that results in anemia, fever and death.

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May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

Is it cost effective to fertilize bermudagrass pastures? then would generate a revenue of $650 per head ($1.30 per pound × 500 pounds).

In total, we would generate $552 of additional revenue per cow ([$650 per calf × 17 cows × 85 percent weaning rate] ÷ 17 cows).

Let’s assume with a $400 out-ofpocket variable cow cost per year, this would leave $152 per cow as a return to fixed costs and management. This calculates to an additional $25.84 per acre profit over not fertilizing ($152 per cow

By MYRIAH JOHNSON and EDDIE FUNDERBURG The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Fertilizer prices have fallen in recent months. Unfortunately, so have cattle prices. Does it pay to fertilize bermudagrass pastures to increase carrying capacity in times such as these?

To answer this question, first you must determine how much carrying capacity is increased by fertilizing a pasture.

Assume you have a 100-acre bermudagrass pasture in the Southern Great Plains on soils with average productivity and the year has average precipitation. Also assume pH, phosphorus and potassium are not limiting growth so the focus can be on nitrogen fertilization.

A pasture such as the one described usually will produce 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of dry matter forage per acre in a growing season with no fertilizer. This will vary depending on precipitation and bermudagrass variety, but this figure is applicable to most situations in this area.

For our example ranch, we will assign the unfertilized grass a yield of 2,500 pounds of dry matter per acre. To maintain grass stand and soil health, we should leave at least 1,000 pounds of dry matter per acre in the field after grazing. This equates to a plant height of 3 to 4 inches. This means our field produces 1,500 pounds of grazeable dry matter per acre.

An average cow will consume about 10,000 pounds of dry matter per year. Using simple math, you can run one cow per 6.67 acres (10,000 ÷ 1,500) if you bale your own hay on the operation and do not fertilize. If you bring in a three-month supply of hay from off the ranch, you can increase the carrying capacity to one cow per 5 acres if you do not fertilize. This means your 100 acres can run 15 to 20 cows, depending on if you bale your own hay or bring it in from elsewhere.

× 17 cows ÷ 100 acres).

Under these assumptions, fertilizing offers a benefit. The assumptions used will be close to most producers, on average.

As always, it is important to know your own costs and figure these numbers for yourself.

• Myriah Johnson is an agricultural economist consultant and Eddie Funderburg is senior soils and crops consultant for The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.

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

Special to The Post

Bermudagrass response to nitrogen fertilizer varies by variety, soil productivity and precipitation, but an average figure is that 1 pound of actual nitrogen will produce 30 pounds of dry matter forage above that amount produced with no fertilizer.

A common nitrogen fertilizer rate in the Southern Great Plains is 50 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre (109 pounds of urea per acre). Thus, 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre will produce an additional 1,500 pounds of dry matter forage per acre (50 pounds N × 30 pounds of dry matter per pound of N). When this amount is added to the 2,500 pounds of dry matter forage per acre produced with no nitrogen fertilizer, the total amount of forage produced is 4,000 pounds per acre. We still leave 1,000 pounds of dry matter forage in the field for grass and soil health. This means we have 3,000 pounds of grazeable dry matter forage per acre in the fertilized field.

The cow still eats 10,000 pounds of dry matter forage per year.

This means the carrying capacity of the field is now one cow per 3.33 acres if hay is produced on

The Land & Livestock Post

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the operation (10,000 ÷ 3,000), or one cow per 2.5 acres if a threemonth supply of hay is brought in from off the ranch.

By fertilizing with 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre, your 100 acres can run 30 to 40 cows. This means that fertilizing increased your carrying capacity on your ranch by 15 to 20 cows.

Current nationwide urea price is about $350 per ton. This equates to 38 cents per pound of nitrogen from urea, making the cost of 50 pounds of urea per acre about $19 per acre. Application is about $5 per acre, resulting in a total fertilization cost of about $24 per acre. Multiplied by the fertilized area of 100 acres, it costs $2,400 to run an additional 15 to 20 cows.

This means it costs $125 to $167 for fertilizer to provide forage to run each additional cow.

So, does this investment pay for itself ? Let’s assume you will run an additional 17 cows. We will figure their calves will be sold in October at 500 pounds for $130 per hundredweight. This uses a current futures price of $120 per hundredweight + $10 per hundredweight basis to equal $130 per hundredweight. Each calf

May 2017 — Issue 2

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News

Sign up for the

Courtesy of msue.anr.msu.edu

Proper injection sites to remember at calf-working time

By Glenn Selk Oklahoma State University

T h e m o n t h o f M ay i s traditionally the time when “spring round-ups” take place.

This is the time that large and small cow-calf operations schedule the “working” of the calves.

As the majority of the calves reach their second month of life, it is time to castrate the male calves and immunize all of the calves to protect them against blackleg. In some situations, calves may be vaccinated for the respiratory diseases, i.e. IBR and BVD. Check with your large animal veterinarian about these immunizations.

Correct administration of any injection is a critical control point in beef production and animal health. There is a negative relationship between meat tenderness and injection sites, including injection sites that have no visible lesion. In fact, intramuscular injections, regardless of the product injected, may create permanent damage regardless of the age of the animal at the time of injection.

Tenderness is reduced in a three-inch area surrounding the injection site. Moving the injection-site area to the neck stops damage to expensive steak cuts.

Therefore, cow-calf producers should make certain that their family members, and other hired labor are trained sufficiently as to the proper location of the injections before the spring calf-

20

working begins.

Give injections according to label instructions. Subcutaneous means under the skin, intramuscular means in the muscle.

Some vaccines (according to the label instructions) allow the choice between intramuscular and subcutaneous. Always use subcutaneous as the method of administration when permitted by the product’s label.

Remember to “tent” the skin for subcutaneous injections unless instructed otherwise by the manufacturer. Proper injection technique is just one of many components of the Beef Quality Assurance effort that has had a positive impact on the entire United States beef industry.

Another important aspect of the Beef Quality Assurance effort is keeping of accurate treatment records. Treatment records should include: • Individual animal/group identification • Date treated • Product administered and manufacturer’s lot/serial number • Dosage used • Route and location of administration • Earliest date animal(s) will have cleared withdrawal period • Name of person administering the product Treatment records for cattle should be stored and kept for a minimum of three years after the animal(s) have been sold from your operation.

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May 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley

Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s April 25 sale. (updated) Head: 853 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $175$216; 300-400 lbs., $170-$205; 400-500 lbs., $144-$180; 500600 lbs., $140-$160; 600-700 lbs., $144-$151; 700-800 lbs., $138-$151; 700-800 lbs., $132$140 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $157$185; 300-400 lbs., $140-$163; 400-500 lbs., $130-$155; 500600 lbs., $126-$143; 600-700 lbs., $118-$135; 700-800 lbs., $115-$121 Slaughter bulls: $74-$90.50 Slaughter cows: $52-$70 Bred cows: $850-$1,300 Cow/calf pairs: $1,100-$1,600

Buffalo Results of the Buffalo Livestock

Commission’s April 22 sale.

Head: 1,463 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $160$215; 300-400 lbs., $155-$200; 400-500 lbs., $150-180; 500-600 lbs., $145-$175; 600-700 lbs., $125-$155; 700-800 lbs., $110$140 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $140$185; 300-400 lbs., $130-$177; 400-500 lbs., $120-$165; 500-600 lbs., $115-$158; 600700 lbs.,$105-$150; 700-800 lbs.,$100-$127 Slaughter bulls: $70-$91 Slaughter cows: $45-$84 Bred cows: $850-$1,300 Cow/calf pairs: $850-$1,650

Caldwell

Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s April 26 sale.

Head: 746 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $180$215; 300-400 lbs., $170-$192; 400-500 lbs., $160-$167; 500600 lbs., $150-$164; 600-700

Pasture, from Page 11

Wheat, from Page 17

year average yields are available for many varieties so producers can gauge how they performed in various seasonal conditions.

“One year of data isn’t indicative of how a variety might perform,” he said. “We try to give people a chance to look at how a variety might perform three years in a row because each year’s data is very dependent upon weather conditions.”

The Overton website has yield information going back more than a decade for some varieties, Smith said.

“A producer can go to the historical evaluations all the way back to 2003 for some varieties,” he said. “The whole purpose of the evaluations and compiling the data is to give producers the information so when they go to the seed store they have a good idea what might work best for them. It might make them aware of a variety that may be better than the variety they’ve always planted.”

Fischbacher, Texas Wheat Producers Board director of policy and marketing in Amarillo, and “Valuing Wheat Quality”

by Dave Green, the Wheat Quality Council executive vice president in Lenexa, Kansas.

In addition to variety trials, one of the tour stops will include discussion about how wheat breeders look for new and helpful traits by looking back to wheat relatives that might be considered weeds, Rudd said.

Presentations also will cover

The Land & Livestock Post

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lbs., $140-$149; 700-800 lbs., $125-$134 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $175$205; 300-400 lbs., $160-$180; 400-500 lbs., $155-$162; 500600 lbs., $142-$177; 600-700 lbs., $140-$175; 700-800 lbs., $120-$125 Slaughter bulls: $70-$87 Slaughter cows: $55-$75 Bred cows: $700-$1,350 Cow/calf pairs: $925-$1,300

Groesbeck

Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s April 27 sale.

Head: 553 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $135$200; 400-500 lbs., $147-$182; 500-600 lbs., $135-$172; 600700 lbs., $122-$157 Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $150$180; 400-500 lbs., $132-$165; 500-600 lbs., $115-$155; 600700 lbs., $112-$150 Slaughter bulls: $87-$98

Slaughter cows: $55-$72 Bred cows: $750-$1,500 Cow/calf pairs: $1,200-$1,500

Jordan

Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s April 27 sale.

Head: 2,644 Steers: Under 200 lbs., $170$190; 200-300 lbs., $165-180; 300-400 lbs., $160-$179; 400500 lbs., $150-$180; 500-600 lbs., $143-$175; 600-700 lbs., $133-$156; 700-800 lbs., $125$145 Heifers: Under 200 lbs., $150$170; 200-300 lbs., $150-$165; 300-400 lbs., $145-$165; 400500 lbs., $140-$187.5; 500-600 lbs., $135-$175; 600-700 lbs., $125-$139; 700-800 lbs., $115$164 Slaughter bulls: $77-$96

Slaughter cows: $50-$75 Bred cows: $800-$1,500 Cow/calf pairs: $950-$1,700

Navasota

Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s April 22 sale.

Head: 1,358 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $115$225; 300-400 lbs., $110-$180; 400-500 lbs., $100-$175; 500600 lbs., $100-$167.5; 600-700 lbs., $100-$159 Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $100$210; 300-400 lbs., $100-$180; 400-500 lbs., $100-$157.5; 500600 lbs., $100-$152.5; 600-700 lbs., $100-$140 Slaughter bulls: $65-$91 Slaughter cows: $40-$73 Bred cows: $700-$1,350 Cow/calf pairs: $800-$1,750 — Special to The Post

water-use savings, wheat curl mite issues, residue management for water conservation, management issues and genomics.

Once the tours are over, Ron French, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist, and Ed Bynum, AgriLife Extension entomologist, both in Amarillo, will be available to discuss disease and pest issues.

Producers are welcome to bring samples for one-on-one consultations.

For more information, contact Rudd or Shannon Baker at 806-677-5600.

May 2017 — Issue 2

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Solid Rock Ranch To advertise in Marketplace Contact: Jesse Wright - 979.731.4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com

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Saturday Open Houses

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The most up to date

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PasturEs-stalls PASTURE LEASE(S) Needed, Matt Jones, Franklin, Tx 979/777-7571, 979/828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com

May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

The Land & Livestock Post

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May 2017 — Issue 2

23

MAY 20, 2017

TOM JOHNSON

440 FM 246 • Wortham, TX 76693 • 903.599.2403 Mobile 817.291.5121 • Find us on Facebook!

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These cattle have all been screened to ensure you only the best quality commercial cattle will be offered. Cattle will be palpated and sold in uniformly sorted groups to fit any cattleman’s needs. On Friday, May 12th, a complete listing of all sale cattle will be at www.johnsoncattlemarketing.com May 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post