November November 20162016 — Issue — 1
Feeling the squeeze
Lessening stress at the chute PAGE 13 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23
JAMES THOMPSON WHAT’S COOKING?
JAMES THOMPSON MARKETING STRATEGIES
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PAGE 9 3
JAMES THOMPSON GETTING ATTRACTIVE
JAMES THOMPSON VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE
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November 2016 — Issue 1
The Land & Livestock Post
W
News From the General Manager
hen I was a kid, my neighborhood was outside the city limits and consisted of about 12 houses. It was not the prime environment for trickor-treating. But, that never stopped me from trying. Most Halloweens, I’d come JESSE WRIGHT back home from going door-to-door with little more to show than a few Smarties and those generic peanut butter candies — you know, the ones that have the taste and consistency of wet clay. One year, I had a friend over and we hit the streets — literally two streets — together. Most
years, people in my neighborhood went to carnivals or good neighborhoods on Halloween night, but this one year most were home. We actually made a pretty good haul. We were on the way back to my house, and my friend’s mask broke. I stopped to help him fix it, and the second I set my bag of candy down the neighbor’s dog snatched it. Bubba was fast, much faster than me. I gave chase all over the neighborhood, as the dog spilled candy in lawns, ditches and along the streets. In retrospect, maybe chasing him didn’t help things. He eventually dropped the bag and all that was left was a bag of Raisinets. I found a few pieces of candy here and there, but most was
gone. I was basically ScoobyDooed: A person in a mask whose hopes and dreams were foiled by a meddlesome dog. We went home and I dejectedly ate my Raisinets while my friend laughed and gorged on his fruit-free candy. At that point in my life, that was a stressful moment. Not only was my Halloween ruined, I also grew to distrust dogs when bags of candy are involved. Stress on your cattle can have negative consequences as well. Working cattle can put a lot of stress on them, and what type of squeeze chute you use can have a big impact. In our cover story, we look at squeeze chutes and what to consider when choosing the one that is
right for your operation. We also have news and information 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,
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News
Texas Barbecue Town Hall Meeting scheduled Dec. 12 By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
A Texas Barbecue Town Hall meeting organized to brief those involved in the commercial barbecue business is scheduled for Dec. 12 at Texas A&M University in College Station. “This is the third year for the Town Hall meeting,” said Jeff Savell, one of the leaders of the Texas barbecue program, as well as a Regents professor and E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal chairholder in the department of animal science at Texas A&M. The meeting will be held at the Kleberg Animal and Food Sciences Center and the Rosenthal Meat Center. It will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. The meeting will involve both lectures and hands-on demonstrations.
which may allow for some operators to bring key in-house staff with them,” Savell said. “Hopefully, people can drive in, attend the meeting and be back home later that night without having to spend too much time away.” The meeting is sponsored by the E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chair in the department of animal science. To register for the meeting, contact Savell at jsavell@tamu.edu or 979-845-3992.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin
Ray Riley,manager of the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center at Texas A&M University, slices beef tenderloin to serve attendees at the 2015 Barbecue Town Hall meeting. Featured speakers include David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock economist, who will provide an update on livestock and meat markets, and Kerri Gehring, associate professor in the Texas A&M department of animal science and president of the International [Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point] Alliance. Gehring will give an overview of the current food safety/regulatory issues. “We chose a Monday for the meeting knowing that many restaurants are closed that day,
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News Providing proper nutrition for wintering cows can pay dividends By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
OVERTON — Providing forage and feed supplies with the proper nutritional value for cows is an important consideration for producers as winter approaches, said Jason Banta, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in Overton. Testing hay for quality can provide information producers need to meet the nutritional requirements of cows and keep them in good condition through the winter, Banta said. By determining the hay supply’s crude protein content and total digestible nutrients, or TDN, which is the measurement of available energy in the forage, producers can determine whether supplemental feed will be necessary, Banta said. Knowing what type and how much supplemental feed is needed can
save producers money long term. “Sometimes we find hay is better than we thought, and we can save some money on supplementation,” he said. “At other times we find the hay wasn’t as good as we wanted, so we do need to provide our cows with some more protein and energy supplements to make sure they are in the condition we want before calving so we optimize their pregnancy rates in the future.” Banta said body condition scores for 4-year-old or older cows should be 5 or better at calving. Scores for 2 to 3 year olds should be 6 or better. Nutritional needs vary for various animals in a herd, Banta said. For instance, lactating cows require more protein and total digestible nutrients than dry cows. Tested hay should show a minimum of 11-11.5 percent crude
See WINTERING, Page 7
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November 2016 — Issue 1
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News
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Wintering, from Page 6 protein and 63 percent total digestible nutrients on a dry matter basis to maintain most lactating cows, he said. Banta recommends visiting with a nutritionist to determine appropriate tests for specific hay species being tested. The nutritionist also can recommend a reputable lab. “Labs can vary on how accurate their tests are and how quickly they can turn samples around for producers,” he said. “So selecting the right lab is important.” Banta said producers should test each cutting and pull samples from at least 10 percent of the bales. Bales should be picked at random whether in the field or stacked. Producers also should sample 10 percent of each load when buying hay. He recommends using a probe that can be inserted into the hay bale to collect a good cross sec-
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Adam Russell
Beef cattle producers should test hay for quality to identify possible nutritional supplemental requirements for cows.
tion of hay for sampling. The cost of testing hay can range from $25 to $60 per sample, but Banta said it’s an investment that will help producers optimize their cows’ nutrition and future breeding success. “It may sound like a lot of money, but if we can do a better job feeding cattle, you’re going to make that money back on calves in the long-run,” he said.
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November 2016 — Issue 1
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News Magnets can help prevent hardware disease in cattle herds By Curt Larson The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Cattle often swallow foreign objects, such as nails and wire, found in the field or their feed. These objects do not always cause problems, but they can cause a disease commonly known as hardware disease. Foreign objects ingested by cattle make their way into the animal’s rumen and reticulum. Sometimes, the animal’s body will push the objects into the peritoneal cavity, causing severe inflammation (hardware disease). In extreme cases, a sharp metal object can damage the animal’s abdomen wall and pierce the heart sac, causing pericarditis. Typical signs of hardware disease are poor appetite, lack of
movement and indigestion. If the animal’s heart is damaged, fluid can build up and cause abnormal heart sounds. It is unlikely that an animal will recover fully from hardware disease, and slaughter may be suggested. If the animal is a dairy cow or highly valuable for breeding purposes, there are a couple treatment options. The animal’s front legs may be raised 6 to 8 inches off the ground to stop the object from moving further into the abdomen. This needs to be done continuously for 10 to 20 days. Antibiotics can be given to slow the infection. It is also possible to manually remove the foreign objects by making an incision into the rumen wall. The best way to deal with hard-
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November 2016 — Issue 1
The Land & Livestock Post
News Consultant offers strategies for cattle marketing decisions By Dan ChilDs The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
The cattle industry has experienced plenty of grief since the market started its downward spiral in June 2015. Feeder cattle prices declined nearly 40 percent during the sixmonth period ending just before Christmas 2015, resulting in a roughly $600 per head lower price for a 750-pound feeder steer. Today, many cattle producers’ balance sheets indicate a lower net worth than a year earlier. What is the best strategy going forward to regain profitability or at a minimum stop the bleeding of balance sheets? Cow-calf producers who have spring-calving herds are facing decisions on what to do with the calves. Many options are available. A selected list include: • Strip and sell • precondition 45 to 60 days and sell • Retain ownership through spring. The March 2017 Feeder Cattle futures contract is trading at a $10 per hundredweight discount to the September 2016 Feeder Cattle futures contract. It is difficult to gain cattle cheap enough to overcome that kind of price decline. Without getting too deep in the weeds discussing assumptions, my calculations reveal that a bawling 5-weight steer will net
roughly $750 per head in early October. If that calf was preconditioned, gained 1.67 pounds per day for 60 days and was sold in early December, the value increases to more than $900 per head. Again, that is based on current Feeder Cattle futures quotes. Does that strategy make a producer any more money? It depends, but likely turning a bawling calf into a yearling, then selling it will generate a favorable rate of return. What about retaining ownership of the animal until early March and selling the calf at 850 pounds? Turning a profit from this strategy is a bit more of a stretch, but it is doable assuming one can keep the cost of gain in check. Futures quotes indicate a value of gain near 60 cents per pound. If you have your own small grain pasture or access to 30-cents-to-35-cents cost of gain, it can work. The key to making money on retained ownership to 850 pounds is keeping cost of gain much lower than the 60 cents per pound value of gain. Purchasing calves this fall for a winter stocker enterprise also has fairly thin margins projected. It appears a strategy worth considering is waiting until late 2016 or early 2017 before buying the calves. Most of the $10 per hundredweight adjustment from September 2016 to next March through May 2017 is completed by
See PRODUCERS, Page 10
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November 2016 — Issue 1
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Producers, from Page 9 year end. Therefore, by waiting, a stocker producer can buy and sell on a nearly flat market, which allows for a much higher value of gain. The higher value of gain provides more potential margin if cost of gain is monitored and kept relatively low. In summary, if you have homeraised calves to market this fall, the best strategy is to turn the bawling calf into a yearling and sell immediately. Marketing the calf through a value-added sale would be even better. If you are buying stocker calves, plan to acquire them later in the year or early next year to minimize the negative buy/sell price spread. Individuals with unique situations and/or conditions could experience different outcomes than discussed here. Risk management should be a consideration when contemplating retained ownership. And as always, market conditions can change, some-
Photo courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Cow-calf producers who have spring-calving herds are facing decisions on what to do with the calves. times quite rapidly, that could positively or negatively impact the result of these strategies. Calf prices have experienced considerable volatility in recent months. There is no reason to think volatility will lessen in the future. Astute producers will want to monitor markets closely as marketing decisions draw closer.
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News Veterinary Feed Directive rule seeks to reduce antibiotic additives By Dr. MereDyth Jones Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
I
f you have been paying attention to livestock producer publications this year, you likely have come across articles discussing the Veterinary Feed Directive and changes to the rules regarding the use of antibiotics in the feed of livestock. As this year comes to a close and the implementation of this rule looms, I thought it would be helpful to provide one last “just the facts, ma’am” summary of what this rule means for livestock producers. Here are the top 10 things you need to know about the updated Veterinary Feed Directive rule: • In order for a feed mill to manufacture a feed that includes antibiotics that are of the same drug classes as antibiotics used in humans (including Aureomycin, chlortetracycline,
Vet’s Voice Pulmotil, Tylan, etc.) it will now be required that a veterinarian write a Veterinary Feed Directive (similar to a prescription). • This rule was developed in response to longstanding concerns about antibiotics used in livestock contributing to the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance in bacteria affecting humans. • It is not legal (and never has been) to use a feed-additive in any way different than is listed on the label. This includes using it in a different species of ani-
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November 2016 — Issue 1
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News Additives, from Page 11 mal, for a different disease, at a different dose, or for a different length of time. • All growth promotion and feed efficiency claims have been removed from the labels of the medically-important antibiotics as part of this change. • Feed additives that do not share a class with drugs used in human medicine are not considered “medically important” and therefore are not affected by this updated Veterinary Feed Directive rule. These would include decoquinate (Deccox), lasalocid (Bovatec), and monensin (Rumensin). • If you have previously been using chlortetracycline to control pinkeye or footrot (or anything else not on the label), it will not be legal for a veterinarian to write a Veterinary Feed Directive for it to be used for those purposes. • It always has been illegal to use these products in goats or cervids (no products are labelled for these species) or in sheep at a dose that is different than the one on the label (some chlortetracycline products include sheep on the label). We currently do not know what allowable uses there may be, if any, in sheep, goats, and cervids
when this rule goes into effect. • Stocking up on feed now is not to your advantage in this situation. All feeding of medicallyimportant antibiotics starting Jan. 1 will fall under this rule, not just the purchasing of these products and feeds. • You should contact your veterinarian now to discuss your intent to use in-feed antibiotics so that you can develop a plan. The veterinarian must have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship based on timely visits to your place with knowledge of the animals being fed, and complete and distribute paperwork to you and to the feed mill. These requirements are not easily met on short notice. • While you’re talking to your veterinarian, ask him or her what strategies can be used to reduce the need for antibiotics in feed on your place, or even if you need them at all. Sometimes folks use antibiotics as a kind of insurance policy against illness and, often, antibiotics are not the best route to achieve that goal. If we hope to continue to be allowed to use antibiotics when they are needed and hope to see them continue to be effective, then we need to be sure that we are using them only when need-
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News
Oh, Chute!
Low-stress handling often stops at the squeeze chute
S
By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post
tress on cattle reduces profits because of decreased feed consumption, poor weight gains, increased susceptibility to diseases, a shorter life span and a less desirable carcass. In addition, stressed cattle require more labor. It can take 10 people to handle a herd of nervous cattle compared to one person handling the same-sized herd of docile animals. Positive impacts of low-stress handling on ranch profits are recognized by progressive producers. “Stress causes can be broken into two basic categories: nutritional and environmental,” said Ron Gill of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Common nutrition causes are protein and energy deprivation from overgrazing or under supplementation. “Other nutritional causes include dehydration, emaciation, mineral imbalance or deficiency, and parasite load. “Some of the more common environmental stressors are improper handling, sorting, loading and transport; extreme temperatures; and management practices such as weaning, dehorning and castration,” Gill said. Poorly designed and maintained cattle handling facilities also can cause animal stress, and the squeeze chute often is the core of the problem. I earned part of my college expenses by working cattle for various ranches. Squeeze chutes, often encountered, were home-made or appeared to have been drug from someone’s junk heap. Rust was abundant and no amount of grease could remedy the sticking hinges and levers. The apparatuses were dangerous for cows and cowboys. Cattle physically had to be forced into the suicide boxes and usually left them stressed, bruised and scratched. Most producers realize
The Land & Livestock Post
Photo courtesy of Robert Fears
A good squeeze chute secures cattle comfortally. Selection of a squeeze chute should be influenced by number of cattle worked at one time, breed and type of cattle, available labor and budget size. Photo courtesy of Alexander LivestocOn the cover: The neck extender gently extends and holds the animal’s head still, providing up to 15 inches of injection area. Hydraulic chutes feature head gates with neck extenders operated by a separate set of pressure controls,
that this is a poor way to treat cattle and have invested in decent squeeze chutes. Selection of a squeeze chute should be influenced by number of cattle worked at one time, breed and type of
cattle, available labor and budget size. Research options before making a purchase. Study product descriptions on manufacturer websites and talk to other producers about what has and has not
November 2016 — Issue 1
worked for them. Look at squeeze chutes not only for the ability to minimize stress and injury
See CHUTES, Page 14
13
News Chutes, from Page 13
from kneeling down in the chute or small calves from lying down. “Generally, drop gates can also be locked in the up position at two different heights for ease of loading the chute.” “Hydraulic chutes feature head gates with neck extenders operated by a separate set of pressure controls,” Alexander said. “The neck extender gently
to cattle, but also to stockman.
Available features
“Manufacturers who strive to make high-quality products have added several features to both their mechanical and hydraulic squeeze chutes that improve animal and operator safety and comfort,” said Rusty Alexander of Alexander Livestock in Lampasas. “Animal stress is reduced by minimized noise in chute operation achieved through use of rubber inserts at pivot and slam points. Rumber floors and Rumber sheet-covered doors also help reduce noise in certain models. Manufactured from 100 percent recycled tire rubber and plastic, Rumber is strong and durable material, making it ideal for use in squeeze chutes,” Alexander
14
extends and holds the animal’s head still, providing up to 15 inches of injection area on both sides of the neck. “Whether mechanical or hydraulic, chutes are now equipped with mechanisms that firmly latch and gently hold the animal without overly squeezing. Bottom-width adjustments
LOW STRESS, Page 15
Photo courtesy of Robert Fears
A squeeze chute lasts longer and is easier to maintain when placed under a roof. said. Cleated rubber floors improve traction, which helps keep cattle from slipping. Floor traction is improved further by an increased number of cleats spaced 12 inches apart. “Stress is minimized in de-
sign of present-day squeeze chutes by keeping the animal in a calm standing position,” Alexander said. “A standard feature on some brands is a chest rest, which is mounted on the chute floor near the front. It prevents cows
November 2016 — Issue 1
The Land & Livestock Post
News Low stress, from Page 14 allow adjusting chute size to fit the animal, providing a comfortable retention. Side escape gates are important for releasing an animal in the event of an emergency.”
Low-stress entry
Purchasing a good squeeze chute that allows safe, lowstress cattle handling is a first step. The second step is its installation in properly designed corrals. Without an easy flow of cattle from the pasture into a squeeze chute, the purchase price is wasted. “Corral design should allow working cattle by their natural flow,” AgriLife’s Gill said. “When cattle come from a pasture through the holding pen gate, there should be a second gate behind the animals.
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Their natural instinct is to turn around and come back out. “If the next open gate is adjacent to the one you just closed, cattle will naturally flow through it without being pressured because that is the direction they want to go.” Gill said, “Always design pens where you don’t have to get behind cattle. Work from their sides where they can see you. This action maintains cattle flow, and that is the objective. “The decision of whether to use a Bud box or a tub for a crowding pen is basically a matter of personal preference. “A Bud box is simply a small rectangular corral named after Bud Williams, one of the livestock low-stress handling pioneers. Williams used it on a ranch he managed and has since built and promoted Bud
See SQUEEZE, Page 16
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Brazos Valley Livestock Commission 19th Annual Fall Replacement Sale
Highway 21 East • Bryan, Texas • Saturday December 3, 2016 • 11:00 AM
CALL TO CONSIGN QUALITY CATTLE TO THIS REPUTATION SALE IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SELL CATTLE WE ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING ON ADDITIONAL CONSIGNMENTS OF YOUNG QUALITY REPLACEMENT FEMALES THAT INCLUDE: OPEN HEIFERS · PAIRS · BRED FEMALES
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November 2016 — Issue 1
15
News Squeeze, from Page 15 boxes for ranchers willing to work cattle using the techniques he taught. “If it is properly designed and the handler works it correctly, cattle flow in to the Bud box, hit a dead end and then turn back in the direction from which they came,� Gill said. “After the cattle turn, they flow into the crowd alley singlefile as long as someone is standing in the correct position near the entrance.� “The round crowd pen (tub) works most efficiently if it is a full half-circle, 180 degrees,� said Temple Grandin of Colorado State University. “A full half-circle takes advantage of the natural tendency of cattle to go back to where they came from. “A single-file crowding alley is very efficient if it has a single
BullS FOR
180-degree or 90-degree curve. Multiple curves do not improve efficiency. The serpentine design, with two 180-degree curves should only be used in places where space is restricted.� “Although solid sides are common on Bud boxes and tubs, I prefer that only the lower halves be covered,� Gill said. “It is critical to cattle flow that a Bud box not be solid on the outside end. Open top halves allow cattle to see the handler on the opposite side of the fence where he controls flow. Working cattle from the outside avoids necessity of having to get behind the animals.� Gill said that a Bud box or tub needs to be large enough to hold the number of cattle needed to fill the crowd alley. Cattle never should be left in the box or tub
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Water Troughs, Cattle Guard Beams, Septic Tanks, Storm Shelters
Authorized Sprayer and Sprayer parts dealer
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
16
New Pipe
No Threads - No Bell Ends
Length: 8 ft Back: 26�/10� Width: 5�/4.5� Weight: 3260 lbs
November 2016 — Issue 1
ď‚Ť
The Land & Livestock Post
The Land & Livestock Post
November 2016 — Issue 1
17
News Magnets, from Page 8 ware disease is prevention. Most grain elevators and feed dealers run their feed under magnets to catch any hardware. However, some objects may not be picked up. Cow magnets, which are administered like a pill, also are used to collect metal in the reticulum. Here at the Noble Foundation, we use a grinder and feed boxes to feed cattle. We decided to do a test to see how much, if any, hardware is found in our feed. We placed three magnets on two feed box chutes and poured two types of feed, a pelleted receiving ration and a commodity mix in pellet form. These feeds were put in the feed box and poured directly into a feed bunk. No prior mixing was done on our part after purchasing. Our initial findings showed magnets picked up some pellets that contained metal flakes. The magnets also picked up metal not from the feed, in-
cluding metal pieces from inside the rusted feed box, bolts, nails and welding rods. The cattle magnets on the feed box chutes work but can fall off easily during use. We are working to mount permanent magnets to the chutes, so they will be more stable and a have better chance of catching more unwanted objects. We are also in the process of installing magnets on our mixer wagon. While grinding hay, we did our magnet test and found pieces of rake teeth, fence posts and wire that was picked up by the hay baler. When feeding without the magnets, we weren’t finding many objects in the feed bunks. This tells us the objects we are catching now were going somewhere else — more than likely into the cattle’s stomach.
REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE November 12 • 12 NooN Mid-Tex Livestock Auction, LLC (4 miles east of Navasota, Texas on Hwy. 90)
Accommodations (Navasota) Best Western (936) 870-4100 Super 8 (936) 825-7775 Comfort Inn & Suites (936) 825-9464
meta R f ng meta B d ng s HAYBARNS CARPORTS STORAGE SHEDS AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTRUAL NEEDS LET US HELP YOU CUSTOMIZE YOUR NEXT METAL PROJECT. DELIVERY AVAILABLE
1,250 Head of Quality Replacement Females 30X60X12 EAVE 1-10X10 FO ALL GALVALUME $ 6495.00 +TAX
SAVE MONEY MANUFACTURER DIRECT
Including Pairs, Bred Cows, Bred & Open Heifers
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 Thursday, November 3rd, a complete listing of all sale cattle will be at
www.johnsoncattlemarketing.com
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
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November 2016 — Issue 1
The Land & Livestock Post
News
Improve your herd’s productivity
LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Buffalo Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Oct. 8 sale. Head: 1,492 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $145$200; 200-300 lbs., $135$160; 300-400 lbs., $1330$155; 400-500 lbs., $120-155; 500-600 lbs., $100-$130; 600700 lbs., $95-$126; 700-800 lbs., $90-$118. Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $135$185; 200-300 lbs., $130$152; 300-400 lbs., $110$140; 400-500 lbs., $90-$125; 500-600 lbs., $90-$120; 600700 lbs.,$85-$110; 700-800 lbs.,$82-$109. Slaughter bulls: $60-$84. Slaughter cows: $40-$63. Bred cows: $1,100-$1,450. Cow/calf pairs: $1,100$1,625.
Caldwell Results of the Caldwell Live-
stock Commission’s Sept. 28 sale. Head: 605 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $130$135; 400-500 lbs., $120$129; 500-600 lbs., $110$119; 600-700 lbs., $96-$162; 700-800 lbs., $91-$102. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $100$117; 400-500 lbs., $100$125; 500-600 lbs., $95-$130; 600-700 lbs., $95-$152.; 700800 lbs., $90-$95. Slaughter bulls: $65-$77. Slaughter cows: $55-$77. Bred cows: $675-$1,350. Cow/calf pairs: $925$1,350.
Groesbeck Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s Oct. 13 sale. Head: 634
AL IND T R M A H OW S DS FEE
WIX E TL C AT R & OILE RAL E MIN ERS D FEE ONE T R O VIG ERALS MIN ND A TUB S DER FEE
See LIVESTOCK, Page 20
The Land & Livestock Post
E
November 2016 — Issue 1
LIMOUSIN CATTLE
WILL GUARANTEE HALF OF YOUR CALF CROP WITH: s Angu ow N s Bull able Avail
• Calfing Ease - Gentle • Growth and Muscle Means $$$ de • Virgin - Red or Black Bulls A Wi tion c e l • Replacement Heifers Se hoose to C rom! • All w/E.P. D. Papers F • Certified Bangs & TB Free • LimFlex - Limousin Angus Hybrid
C.F.L.X. Ranch 21314 O.S.R. Madisonville, TX 77864
(903) 344-2331
Cell 281-808-5511 or (281) 808-3473
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News Livestock, from Page 19 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $130$145; 400-500 lbs., $129-$141; 500-600 lbs., $130-$147; 600700 lbs., $115-$138; 800-900 lbs., $80-$95. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $122$135; 400-500 lbs., $115-$127; 500-600 lbs., $110-$127; 600700 lbs., $95-$115. Slaughter bulls: $63-$80. Slaughter cows: $51-$65. Bred cows: $900-$1,500. Cow/calf pairs: $1,200$1,600.
Jordan Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s Oct. 13 sale. Head: 1,678 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $130$142.5; 400-500 lbs., $120$148; 500-600 lbs., $110-$132; 600-700 lbs., $100-$111; 700800 lbs., $95-$105. Heifers: Under 200 lbs., $120$134; 200-300 lbs., $120-$134; 300-400 lbs., $110-$131; 400500 lbs., $100-$121; 500-600 lbs., $90-$122.50; 600-700 lbs., $90-$142.50; 700-800 lbs., $90-$129. Slaughter bulls: $65-$77. Slaughter cows: $48-$66. Bred cows: $800-$1,375 Cow/calf pairs: $1,175$1,425.
Navasota Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s Oct. 8 sale. Head: 1,548 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $100$175; 300-400 lbs., $100-$175; 400-500 lbs., $100-$167.5; 500-600 lbs., $90-$126; 600700 lbs., $85-$109. Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $100$170; 300-400 lbs., $90-$135; 400-500 lbs., $90-$150; 500600 lbs., $90-$130; 600-700 lbs., $85-$125. Slaughter bulls: $60-$80. Slaughter cows: $40-$66. Bred cows: $800-$1,450. Cow/calf pairs: N/A. — Special to The Post
DEDICATED TO LAND AND LANDOWNERS SINCE 1946 THREE MILE FORKS | FRANKLIN, TEXAS Situated on 184± acres, Three Mile Forks boasts the setting and improvements most coveted in the area. Home, bunkhouse, shop, barns, improved pastures, wildlife and wooded areas, all combined in one ranch. $1,800,000 CAÑONES | SAN SABA, TEXAS Cañones, a legacy ranch situated along 4.5± miles of the upper Colorado River, consists of nearly 1,080 acres with outstanding canyon formations, pristine views and fertile habitat for wildlife and livestock. $6,500,000 RANCHO DOLJOCA | KINO BAY, MEXICO Rancho Doljoca is a desert bighorn sheep and mule deer hunting ranch near Kino Bay in the coastal desert mountains in the state of Sonora, Mexico, with a large 6,000± sq. ft. hacienda and supporting improvements. $6,500,000 EAST CAROLINA CREEK | OAKHURST, TEXAS Located near Huntsville, this 832± acre game ranch offers enchanting variety, three living quarters, immaculate shop improvements, a large lake, abundant water resources, and exceptional timber assets. $3,669,000 ROBBINS FARM | CHAPPELL HILL, TEXAS Located immediately west of beautiful Chappell Hill, this 238± acre farm has been endowed with rolling hills, wildflowers and abundant road frontage, providing beautiful potential homesites and/or a sound investment. $2,995,000 FIRE TOWER RANCH | ALTO, TEXAS At 279± acres, this beautiful game ranch in the rolling hills of east Texas contains a central kitchen/dining complex, multiple lodges, and is ready to be enjoyed by family and friends. $1,295,000
FOR MORE INFORMATION: TYLER JACOBS tjacobs@hallandhall.com College Station, TEXAS 979.690.9933 FARM & RANCH BROKERAGE | RANCH MANAGEMENT SERVICES SALES | AUCTIONS | FINANCE | APPRAISALS | MANAGEMENT
WWW.HALLANDHALL.COM
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November 2016 — Issue 1
The Land & Livestock Post
Solid Rock Ranch
Angus Bulls Cleere Earthworks L.L.C.
Green Meadows
TEXAS A&M CLASS OF ‘02
RANCH
Land Clearing • Ponds • Roads • Pads Dozer • Excavator • Scraper • Dump Truck
Registered Angus
979-324-8746
BULLS • Heifers
Travis Cleere www.cleereearthworks.com
Breeding Bulls
Bryan Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Ste 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarm Credit.com
Agricultural
Madisonville, TX
JCS
Insurance Agency, Inc.
Miniature Herefords
All Your Agri- Insurance Needs
Reg. Miniature Hereford Calves Photos at jcsminihereford.com
979.776.2697
936-349-1955
Holladay & Associates, Inc. Tax Preparation Payroll Bookkeeping Notary
ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL & PIPE Steel Buildings
Debbie Holladay
NORTH ZULCH, 979-224-2135
Cattle & Domestic Hog Processing Theiss Sausage Company
979-589-2333 1-866-959-2333 pioneerboys.com
1733 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 110 • Bryan
979-704-6264
debbie@holladayassociates.com
Normangee, TX 936-396-9300
www.theisssausageco.com
To advertise in Marketplace Contact: Jesse Wright - 979.731.4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com
Farmers market Farm suPPliEs
Carports, RV Covers & Garages
from 12’ to 30’ wide and 12 walls. Come by 9638 E. State Hwy 21, Bryan 979-589-3777 bcsportablebuildings.com
HaY-GraiN
HOrsEs-CaTTlE ANGUS BULLS: Two year old bulls. Solid Rock Ranch, Matt Jones, Frankl in, TX, 979-777-7571 or 979-828-3410. www.solidrockranch.com CHAROLAIS A+ BULLS: Reg Top Qualilty, Gentle, Polled, Tested. LBW, Fancy Charolais Heifers. Ranch Bred & Raised, (254)729-8644, (254)747-2701 COWS FOR SALE: Brangus, Angus and Cross Bred, Bred cows in pairs (Cow and calfs) excellent quality, large frame, gentle, Call 713-249-5154
liVEsTOCK WaNTED
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 Mobile: 817.946.8320
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
DOGs AKBASH LGD PUPPIES: DOB 4/17 out of working parents. elliottsheepfarm@gmail. com. Robert Elliot 979-567-9895 leave message
For the latest breaking sports news
news
(nooz) n.pl. 1 new
information; information previously unknown 2 a) recent happenings b) reports of these
HAY FOR SALE: 5x6 Net Wrapped Round Bales, Weed sprayed and fertilized, $40 and up. Delivery available 979-820-5206
San Saba, TX “Authorized Dealer” • A Large Selection of Trailers in Stock • Custom Ordering Avail. Call (325) 372-5159 www.jordancattle.com
HOrsEs-CaTTlE
PasTurEs-sTalls
Farm-laND-TimBEr
ANGUS BULLS: Reg black Angus Bulls, 21 mos., calving ease, EPD’s, raised on forage, tested, gentle, 979-219-0143 or 979-220-0316.
PASTURE LEASE(S) Needed, Matt Jones, Franklin, Tx 979/777-7571, 979/828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com
LEE COUNTY: LAND FOR SALE 10-75 acre tracts in Lee County with HWY 21 frontage, owner financing available. Contact Randy 210-860-0093
Bulls
Pets & sUPPLIes
Jordan Trailer Sales
The Land & Livestock Post
979-776-2600 www.ingram-wallis.com
Twos and coming twos. One breeding season guarantee. AI sires include Final Answer, Thunder, Cedar Ridge & VDAR Really Windy 4097. Matt Jones. Franklin, TX. 979.777.7571, 979.828.3410 www.solidrockranch.com
EXAMPLE: For the news that
reaL estate-saLe
November 2016 — Issue 1
matters to you, pick up a copy of The Eagle.
21
News Crowd pen, from Page 16 after the crowd alley is filled. Any remaining cattle should be allowed to go back into the holding pen. “The crowd alley is the chute leading from the Bud box or tub to the squeeze chute,” Gill said. “For cows, it is between 24 and 32 inches wide, depending upon size of the animals being worked. “Like the Bud box or tub, it is better to use half-panels to cover the bottom of crowd alley sides than building complete solid walls. Half-panels allow cattle to see the handler and facilitate controlling animal flow into the squeeze chute while standing at the animals’ sides.” “A standard feature on some squeeze chutes is a manually operated crowd-ahead bar that allows the operator to encourage animals to continue to
each use, replace hydraulic hoses that leak or show signs of wear. Ensure that all hinges are working smoothly and quietly. Grease or oil where necessary. Check the chute and corrals for protruding objects that can injure cattle or employees. Primary criteria for purchasing squeeze chutes is quality because you want it to last long enough to recover your invest-
ment and for years beyond. You want a heavy-duty steel frame with reinforced stress points for added strength. Examine the welds to ensure they are solid and will not deteriorate over time. Look at the paint. Is all metal fully coated with a smooth appearance? Once quality is selected, other options and features can be added to fit the budget.
Photo courtesy of Robert Fears
If cows are to be palpated, a palpation cage on a squeeze chute makes the job easier. move forward through the chute,” Alexander said. “This prevents the animals from backing out into the crowd alley.” A good quality squeeze chute
will last 20 or more years if it is under a roof and maintained properly. The chute should be thoroughly cleaned after each period of use with a highpressure water hose. Prior to
You can’t
ARRETT’S
qualitY service!
MEAT SERVICE
g n i t a r b e Cel ! s r a e 30 y
335 crossroads • Madisonville • 936-348-3868 22
November 2016 — Issue 1
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The Land & Livestock Post
November 2016 — Issue 1
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EXPO DEC. 3rd 24
November 2016 — Issue 1
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