Land and Livestock Post

October 2018 – Issue I

MARKET SKILLS

FEELING BULLISH

Ways to maximize your profits in a bull market.

PAGE 3

STUCK IN THE MUD How safely to unstick your stuck farm machinery.

How to keep your sire at his very best PAGE 22

PAGE 18

GOODBYE, STEVE BYRNS

Agrilife Extension writer retires after 36 years.

PAGE 28

BURNING DESIRES

Forest Service posts online tools for prescribed fires.

PAGE 34

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October 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post

Annual Bull Issue From the General Manager

I

recently broached the subject of finances with my wife. I recommended we rein in some spending. We are in the home stretch now, but we are in year six of paying for daycare, and it has taken its toll. I suggested a few ways she could help: not spending as much at Target, maybe JESSE WRIGHT ease up on the Amazon clicks. It took all of two seconds for her to offer some suggestions of her own, such as not playing golf or eating out at lunch. That’s about the time I realized the error of my ways, and decided to back off on the issue of finance control.

That doesn’t mean we still don’t need to try to save money, but I think I’ll try to find other ways. No more beer bottles for me, just aluminum cans, that way you are practically making money while you drink beer. I’ll be laughing all the way to the recycling plant. I also could sell plasma. I bet I have too much of it anyhow. And I’m not sure what a kidney is going for these days, but I know I have two of them and thanks to my get-richdrinking-beer scheme, I know they work.

Yeah, I just don’t see a need to give up golf or lunches when there are so many other ways to cut corners. And my wife can just go crazy at Target. In fact,

I’ll probably have her add sugar cookies to the shopping list since I’ll need them, you know, since I’ll be giving plasma.

I think I’ve got this whole money situation figured out now, and I think it will probably help my marriage as well.

Another thing I have figured out is this whole segue thing.

People always ask me how I can meander so gracefully from one subject to another in my articles.

Well the answer is simple: I start with one subject then try to find a thread of similarity for the next one and just weave them together seamlessly.

This is our Annual Bull Issue.

This issue is the largest one of the year, and we have a lot of good stuff inside. We have several stories about bulls, including our cover on bull management.

We also have news about upcoming events and sales as well as other agricultural tips and advice from around the industry. Hope you enjoy it and, as always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

z For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@theeagle.com.

Skills needed for a bull market

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

If your herd genetics are of the quality that other producers are willing to buy for herd improvement, then you have a potential bull market. To create a true breeding bull enterprise, purebred or crossbred animals that are subject to registration with a breed association are desirable. As with any enterprise, marketing skills and a product, that people want, are required to create a market.

Bill Pendergrass with Beefmaster Breeders United discussed ways of creating a bull market during the 2017 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Course. Some of the information in this article was taken from Pendergrass’ presentation. Even though the focus was on bulls, Pendergrass offered information on marketing techniques that are applicable to any beef cattle enterprise.

Market characteristics

An understanding of how the current market operates and how it will function in the future is important for successful marketing.

In today’s beef cattle markets, sectors are vertically aligned with the cow-calf producer often selling to a stocker/backgrounding operation. The stocker operation delivers its product to a feedlot and the feedlot markets to the processor. Processors sell

to wholesalers and they sell to retailers who sell to consumers.

Some producers successively have integrated two or three sectors along the supply chain in an effort to create better returns on their investment. Various market

sectors are now learning to communicate with each other and share data to enable the delivery of a value-based product.

The National Cattleman’s Beef

See Market, Page 4

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also home of:

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The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

3

Bull Issue

Photo by Tom Johnson, Johnson Cattle Marketing at W4 Ranch

Bulls for sale should have good eye appeal in order to bring the best price.

Market, from Page 3 Association describes valuebased marketing as a marketing system that transmits consumer preference for taste and leanness throughout the beef distribution and production chain. Branded beef products have evolved as one of the avenues for marketing value-based products. Companies that market these products have management protocols that their suppliers must follow.

Branded products are marketed on taste and leanness and other value-added traits such as hormone and antibiotic-free beef from cattle that consumed only forage. These products meet the consumer’s desire for particular attributes for which they are willing to pay a premium price.

During the past 20 years, emphasis was on terminal breeding where the calf crop was sold for beef as heifers and steers. Replacement heifers and bulls were purchased from outside sources.

Angus influence increased in herds and efforts were expended toward improving animal production such as calving percentages, birth weights, weaning weights and average daily gain.

There was an average increase in weight and size of weaned calves, which resulted in bigger carcasses. A considerable improvement has occurred in carcass quality grades, and the steady increase

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of U.S. beef exports resulted in better market prices.

What is going to happen in the next 20 years? Production efficiency will continue as an objective in all market segments.

More emphasis will be placed on brood cow quality, maternal traits and planned crossbreeding programs. Sustainability will remain as buying criteria for many consumers and the beef industry will continue efforts to satisfy their demands.

There is definitely a need for bulls in Texas, which is confirmed by the following example presented by Pendergrass. Beef USA Directions 2017 Statistics shows Texas to have 14.1 percent of the U.S. cattle, which is 4 million head. At the ratio of 20 cows per bull, 200,000 bulls are needed annually in the state of Texas. If the annual bull replacement rate is 15 percent, 30,000 new bulls are needed every year. Using $5,000 of the average bull price, the annual Texas bull market is $150 million.

Capturing the market

Texas needs bulls that create a market. How do we capture our share? First, we need to identify the market niche where our product fits and the buying characteristics of the customers. Then we must produce a quality product and advertise it effectively.

See SKILLS, Page 6

October 2018 — Issue I

ď‚Ť

The Land & Livestock Post

PROFITABILITY POWER.

Reliable, registered Angus genetics deliver better calving ease,

more growth and superior marbling.

USDA analysis shows the superiority of Angus at every stage.

There’s a lot of talk when it comes to certain genetics. But no breed can back it like registered Angus.

Reliable, registered Angus genetics offer lower birth weight, greater growth and substantially better marbling than Hereford, Red Angus and Simmental.a That’s based on real data, not hype.

Plus, they’re backed by the world’s largest and most reliable genetic evaluation program.

Angus calves also bring higher prices than similar calves of any other breed, a combined average of nearly $7/cwt.b more, on average. In fact, packers pay Angus producers $1 million in premiums per week.c

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Average 2014-born bulls, adj. to Angus base, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Across-breed EPD Adjustments, BIF 2016. b Here’s the Premium study, 2014, Certified Angus Beef LLC c Packer Premium Survey, 2015, Certified Angus Beef LLC a

To subscribe to the Angus Journal®, call 816.383.5200.

Watch The Angus Report 7:30 a.m. CST every Monday on RFD-TV.

Year after year, Angus simply offers the best genetics and payout possible.

Take the guesswork out of bull buying. Invest in reliable, registered Angus genetics.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS.

The Land & Livestock Post



October 2018 — Issue I

3201 Frederick Ave. | St. Joseph, MO 64506 www.ANGUS.org © 2017-2018 American Angus Association®

5

Bull Issue

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Photo by Robert Fears

Keep records of dates when cattle are worked and the treatments they received.

Skills, from Page 4 Know your customers and how they operate. Learn and understand their cull criteria, production environment, annual rainfall, forage base, supplemental feeding strategy and weaknesses.

Design the marketing program to show how your product will fit into these situations.

A successful marketer knows the industry. Stay current on industry trends by attending feeder calf/replacement heifer sales, video sales and state and county cattleman association meetings.

It is important to understand the type of animals that are wanted by the various market segments.

Visit backgrounders, feedyards and processors.

There are advances in beef cattle production technology almost daily and it is important to stay abreast of the developments.

Some of the areas to follow are reproductive techniques (artificial insemination, embryo transfers, in vitro fertilization), purebred and commercial applications of genomics, selection indices and feed efficiency data collection methods.

It is also important to stay abreast of changes in the customer base. There is a young set of

6

decision makers on the way. How do we prepare for them? These young people are top tier, successful professionals who are retiring early to take over the ranch due to family progression. They are business people with a lot of market savvy. These people don’t know anything about cattle, but they understand business numbers. They are educated on performance data, think outside the box and are technology driven.

Cow-calf producers need to remember that once you start selling young bulls for breeding, you have become a seedstock producer and will be held to a higher set of standards. A herd health plan, written in consultation with a veterinarian that includes vaccination protocols is expected.

Buyers will want to see records of dates when cattle are worked and the treatments they received.

Breeding soundness exams and trichinosis testing are a must.

Accurate data is essential for selling breeding bulls. Register calves with the appropriate breed association and participate in their whole herd reporting system. Whole herd reporting is a system for registration and performance tracking. The

See DATA, Page 7

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October 2018 — Issue I

If it’s remotely possible, FieldNET can do it™



The Land & Livestock Post

Annual Bull Issue Data, from Page 6 basic concept of beef cattle performance records is to measure genetic differences between animals for traits of economic importance.

Nobody wants to buy ugly bulls, so animals offered for sale should have good eye appeal.

They should exhibit structural soundness, good body condition and the ability to locate and successfully breed cows. Breeding bulls for sale need proper conditioning for shipment to reduce hauling stress, which allows Photo by Robert Fears them to arrive at their new home There is a need for more bulls in Texas. in good condition.

Once there is a firm under- dividual animal performances, standing of customer purchase expected progeny differences, motivators, the marketer has to pedigrees, breeding soundness let buyers know their desired exam scores and prices. Include product is available. One way to key influencers in your distriadvertise products is to maintain bution such as veterinarians, and distribute handouts that list sale barns, order buyers, video/ current sales inventory with in- internet sales representatives

and extension personnel. Build a communications network with these people.

Some local newspapers offer a means of advertisement, usually within a 200-mile radius. Other avenues available for advertisement are breed-specific commercial publications, regional publications with emphasis on commercial cattle operations, internet and social media. Quality photographs and videos are essential tools for advertising.

Successful marketers know the industry, market and customers.

They provide customers with quality products that meet their needs and desires. Marketers reach their customers through reputation, advertisement and third-party influencers.

For more information, contact sale managers: Brian Malaer - 830.203.1030 Bill Hyman - 830.857.3500 The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

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Annual Bull Issue LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Anderson

Brazos Valley

Brenham

Buffalo

Caldwell

Results of the Mid Tex Livestock Commission’s Sept.

13 sale.

Head: 990 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $160-$210; 300-400 lbs., $155-$210; 400-500 lbs., $145-$195; 500600 lbs., $130-$158; 600-700 lbs., $125-$143; 700-800 lbs., $120-$138 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $125-$210; 300-400 lbs., $130-$190; 400-500 lbs., $125-$190; 500600 lbs., $125-$155; 600-700 lbs., $120-$135; 700-800 lbs., $105-$130 Slaughter bulls: $55-$83 Slaughter cows: $30-$58 Bred cows: $600-$1,400 Cow/calf pairs: N/A

Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s Sept. 11 sale.

Head: 1,158 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $175-$210; 300-400 lbs., $165-$195; 400-500 lbs., $150-$181; 500600 lbs., $140-$156; 600-700 lbs., $130-$148; 700-800 lbs., $133-$137 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $150-$195; 300-400 lbs., $130-$162; 400-500 lbs., $135-$158; 500600 lbs., $128-$134; 600-700 lbs., $120-$125; 700-800 lbs., $125-$129 Slaughter bulls: $65-$77 Slaughter cows: $40-$64 Bred cows: $750-$1,500 Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,350

Results of the Cattleman’s Brenham Livestock Auction’s Sept. 7 sale.

Head: 1,147 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $148-$208; 300-400 lbs., $145-$208; 400-500 lbs., $138-$192; 500600 lbs., $120-$158; 600-700 lbs., $115-$147; 700-800 lbs., $113-$135 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $146-$215; 300-400 lbs., $144-$247; 400-500 lbs., $138-$245; 500600 lbs., $127-$202; 600-700 lbs., $118-$136; 700-800 lbs., $105-$128 Slaughter bulls: $62-$80 Slaughter cows: $31-$64 Bred cows: $600-$900 Cow/calf pairs: $850-$1,100

Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Sept.

8 sale.

Head: 1,391 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $150-$215; 300-400 lbs., $145-$205; 400500 lbs., $135-$180; 500-600 lbs., $130-$165; 600-700 lbs., $120-$155; 700-800 lbs., $115-$148 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $135$185; 300-400 lbs., $125$175; 400-500 lbs., $120$155; 500-600 lbs., $115$145; 600-700 lbs.,$110$130; 700-800 lbs., $105$125 Slaughter bulls: $60-$110 Slaughter cows: $35-$63 Bred cows: $750-$1,050 Cow/calf pairs: $950-$1,510

Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s Sept.

12 sale.

Head: 535 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $190-$212; 300-400 lbs., $175-$205; 400-500 lbs., $161-$187; 500600 lbs., $145-$159; 600-700 lbs., $138-$142; 700-800 lbs., $128-$139 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $150-$160; 300-400 lbs., $142-$175; 400-500 lbs., $140-$182; 500600 lbs., $136-$155; 600-700 lbs., $130-$134; 700-800 lbs., $120-$123 Slaughter bulls: $60-$82 Slaughter cows: $40-$67 Bred cows: $500-$975 Cow/calf pairs: $730-$1,135

41st Annual

See LIVESTOCK, Page 10

Plan to be a Part of this landmark event!

Cattleman Bull & Female Sale

January 26, 2019

12:00 Noon • El Campo Livestock Auction • El Campo, Texas Consignments now being aCCepted!

early consignors

www.cattlemansale.com

Nieveen Farms - Sim-Angus West Charolais- Charolais Rocky Bottom Cattle Co. - Sim-Angus Bayvue Farms - Angus, Charolais

For more inFormation:

sale managers:

Adrian Knight

Kelly Conley

903.452.7591 903.857.2594 8

October 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post

“It was about five years ago when I tried a new ryegrass, Nelson.

I planted my usual ryegrasses, Gulf and Prine also.

Nelson out-performed both Gulf and Prine that year. . .

I have been using Nelson ever since.

Like most producers, I want the most days with the most production.

Nelson gives me that and more. It takes grazing pressure and comes back faster and last longer. By February, I add a third more cattle per acre just to keep up with Nelson.

Most years by mid-May other ryegrasses stop growing, but Nelson

keeps on producing even into the middle of June or longer depending on the year.

I’ll say it again...

THE MOST DAYS WITH THE MOST PRODUCTION. That’s Nelson ryegrass. That’s all I want.”

Phillip McDougald

“Our experience last year with Nelson was outstanding. We ran a test with 65 acres of Nelson and 44 acres of Jumbo, a very good product we have used for a number of years. They were planted on adjacent fields on October 14 in well-prepared seedbeds. While Jumbo looked good, Nelson was truly outstanding. I would estimate that we produced 10% more forage with Nelson over Jumbo. I could only describe Nelson as ‘lush’. It was beautiful and the cows never wanted to move for recovery. It is a great product and I will use it again this year.”

“After this year, no more Gulf ryegrass for me, my Nelson was wonderful. We started grazing it 4 – 5 weeks after planting, it bounced back really fast after each grazing and we made 7,000 pounds of hay per acre.

I have never seen anything grow like Nelson, it is like a miracle grass with leaves as wide as sorghum. Even my neighbors say it was the best ryegrass patch they have ever seen. Me too.”

John Ring - Anahuac, Texas

Ronald Klump - Round Top, Texas

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The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

9

Bull Issue LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Livestock, from Page 8

Groesbeck Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s Sept. 13 sale.

Head: 464 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $175-$210; 400-500 lbs., $170-$197; 500600 lbs., $155-$170; 600-700 lbs., $135-$155 Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $150-$180; 400-500 lbs., $145-$160; 500600 lbs., $130-$150; 600-700 lbs., $120-$145 Slaughter bulls: $70-$84 Slaughter cows: $30-$65 Bred cows: $800-$1,100 Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,300

Jordan Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s Sept. 13 sale.

Head: 1,389 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $185-$225; 300-400 lbs., $185-$223; 400500 lbs., $170-$216; 500-600 lbs., $150-$174; 600-700 lbs., $140-$168; 700-800 lbs., $130$150

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $150-$172; 300-400 lbs., $150-$168; 400500 lbs., $140-$174; 500-600 lbs., $135-$152; 600-700 lbs., $125-$143; 700-800 lbs., $120$129 Slaughter bulls: $65-$78 Slaughter cows: $41-$63.50 Bred cows: $710-$1,175 Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,450

Navasota

Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s Sept.

8 sale.

Head: 1,513 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $115$220; 300-400 lbs., $115$215; 400-500 lbs., $115$187.50; 500-600 lbs., $110-$160; 600-700 lbs., $110-$148 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $115$190; 300-400 lbs., $115$170; 400-500 lbs., $115$157.50; 500-600 lbs., $110-$138; 600-700 lbs., $105-$135 Slaughter bulls: $55-$80.50 Slaughter cows: $30-$63.50 Bred cows: $700-$1,200 Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,075

Saturday • October 13, 2018 • 12 noon

SAVE THE DATE!

— Special to The Post

Help online for crapemyrtle bark scale

By GaBe Saldana Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

DALLAS — A new video by a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service urban entomologist gives viewers step-by-step instructions on treating trees for crapemyrtle bark scale.

“Maybe its worst feature is that it produces a sugary excrement that makes the leaves sticky,” said Mike Merchant in Dallas about the pest. “It turns the beautiful honey-colored trunks of crapemyrtle into black sticks and also appears to reduce blooms and weaken some trees.”

His video on controlling crapemyrtle bark scale is available at tinyurl.com/merchantbarkscale.

It provides examples of infested

10

trees as well as instructions on selecting, mixing and applying the proper treatments.

“The good news is we now have some strong insecticidal control methods for [crapemyrtle bark scale] and we are seeing more natural control with the help of beneficial insects,” Merchant said.

He encourages Texas gardeners encountering crapemyrtle bark scale for the first time to take a picture and submit it at www. eddmaps.org/ — a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species distribution.

Information on controlling a range of insect pests, including crapemyrtle bark scale, is available at Merchant’s website at citybugs.tamu.edu and by contacting him at m-merchant@tamu.edu.

October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

11

Bull Issue Equine event set for Oct. 12-13

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

SANGER — The second annual Red River Equine Summit, a twoday educational event featuring Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists, veterinarians and other experts, will be held Oct. 12-13.

The event will be at the Ridin’ For the Brand Cowboy Church, 5926 F.M. 455 in Sanger.

The program on Oct. 12 is 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The Oct. 13 program is 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The program is $75 per person and includes lunch on both days.

Registration will be limited to 150 attendees and must be received by Oct. 8. Registrations received after capacity is reached will be notified by phone or email, and payments will be returned.

Mail or drop off payment at the

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Science

A horse is led inside a Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Science equine facility at College Station.

AgriLife Extension office, 401 W. Hickory St., Suite 112, Denton, TX 76201, attention Robin Hill. Make checks or money orders payable to DCEC. To register, go to bit. ly/2Oi2rvU. For questions, contact Hill at 940-349-2894 or robin.hill@ ag.tamu.edu.

See EQUINE, Page 19

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October 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post

Annual Bull Issue Modern bull buying involves more predictive tools and resources

By Cheramie Viator Special to The Post

Cattle producers today have more predictive tools and resources than ever before in the history of the beef industry. This applies to both cattle buyers and cattle sellers. How and whether you utilize these tools and resources may very well determine your future success or failure in the beef business.

A friend of mine commented recently that he was struggling to get his bulls sold. He is a thirdgeneration cattleman and always has been known for raising highquality bulls. I thought this was odd because I have seen his bulls and know them to be the stout, good-doing kind. So, I asked him several questions and had a big reality check about the importance of expected progency dif-

Photo by Robert Fears

It is important to use all the tools available to you as a cattle marketer and buyer/ ferences and how they can affect marketing cattle.

When I asked what performance and EPD information he provides to his prospective bull buyers he told me, “Well, I used to just take guys out into the bull trap and they picked out the bulls that looked good to them. But recently, I lost a very large customer because he asked for a list of performance data and EPDs to study before coming to select his bulls. I told him I didn’t have that stuff and he apologized and said he could not buy bulls without performance data and EPDs.” As cattle marketers, in both the seedstock and commercial

See RESOURCES, Page 14

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October 2018 — Issue I

13

Bull Issue Resources, from Page 13 segments of the beef industry, our customers today are much more sophisticated buyers than those our grandparents knew.

Buyers today can have a wealth of information at the tap of a button on their phone, tablet or computer. While just 20 to 30 years ago, a progressive cattle seller may have provided ratios and actual weaning weights to his bull buyer.

Today, the necessity for data is real and you should incorporate EPDs and genomic information into your selling tools.

On the flip side, if you are buying cattle for your seedstock cattle operation, the days of walking out in to the pasture and subjectively selecting bulls or females just on “look” are diminishing.

If you are making purchase and genetic decisions based on phenotype only, you are doing yourself and your banker a disservice by not utilizing all the tools available to make your cattle buying decisions.

Two of the most tenured and storied cowherds in the country are Beckton Red Angus and Bradley 3 Ranch. Both have been in the cattle business for more than 50 years, the families make their living in the cattle business and neither ever have had a dispersal.

Additionally, both of these operations hold some of the industry’s most successful annual bull sales.

While these two outfits are some of the most traditional cattle operations you will ever find, they are also two of the most progressive in the country. Yes, I realize this sounds pretty antagonistic, kind of like a low birth weight EPD, big growth EPD, power bull!

The commonality between Beckton Red Angus and Bradley 3 Ranch is that the management teams have embraced performance measures across the decades. At both ranches, as progress was made, more “tools” were added to their breeding/selection decisions and sale catalogs.

While they started out making decisions back in the 1960s with actual weights and ratios, they never stopped accepting new ways to more accurately make genetic predictions. From ratios they progressed to EPDs and indexes and then on to genomics.

On a personal basis, I will tell you that I have learned to make mating and selection decisions that incorporate EPDs and genomics. First, I challenged myself to gain a better understanding of what EPDs are and how data is incorporated into each piece of the puzzle. Then, I had to step up and learn more about genomics and how this will accelerate our selection accuracy for young cattle.

Along the way, I always have maintained my selection pres-

See GENOMICS, Page 16

CALDWELL LIVESTOCK COMMISSION REGULAR SALE EVERY

WEDNESDAY, 1:00 PM Carl Herrmann 979.820.5349 Hank Herrmann 979.820.5277 Hwy 36 South, P.O. Box 542, Caldwell, TX 77836 Sale Barn Phone: (979) 567-4119

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October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

p

Forage Developed Brangus Bull Sale

Saturday, October 27, 2018 – 12:30 p.m.

Oak Creek Farms Sale Facility, Chappell Hill, Texas

Selling 125 Forage Tested OCF Bulls 75 Brangus • 40 Red Brangus • 5 Angus • 5 Red Angus All Bulls Are Oak Creek Farms Bred and Raised 100 Source Verified Commercial Heifer Sale To Follow Bull Sale Pre-Sale activities Friday, October 26, 2018 6:00 pm - Seminar followed by Ribeye Steak Dinner Seminar Speakers: Dr. Tommy Perkins, IBBA Executive Vice President Ranch Tours Available Thursday and Friday Discounts

51 YEARS

OAK CREEK FARMS Breeding Brangus Since 1967

OAK CREEK FARMS LOW MAINTENANCE BRANGUS EXCEL IN CARCASS QUALITY!!

OCF — YOUR BRANGUS SOURCE • OCF Brangus has the superior traits of Angus and Brahman cattle • Genetics stabilized at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus.

• Traits for disease resistance, hardiness and maternal instincts from the Brahman.

• Not treated for parasites or flies while calf at cow’s side.

• Superior carcass qualities & females excelling in fertility & milking from the Angus • Resistant to heat & high humidity • Produce enough hair for cold climates EXCELS IN CARCASS QUALITY — Produces Restaurant Quality Beef — up to 95% Choice & Prime Harvest Data on 120 OCF Brangus steers and heifers: • 47% Premium Choice • 45% Choice • 3% Prime • 5% Select Using ultra sound results for 46 years and DNA results for heritable trait for 15-years has been utlilized in selecting cattle that improves the herd genetics.

75 Brangus • 40 Red Brangus • 5 Angus • 5 Red Angus

Our Top 125 Coming Two Year Old Forage Tested OCF Bulls Will Sell!

John & Carolyn Kopycinski • Chappell Hill, Texas 77426 • 979/836-6832

OAK CREEK FARMS • oakcreekfarms@hughes.net www.oakcreekfarms.com

Directions from Houston: Hwy. 290 (60 mi. west) then 4 mi south on FM 1371 Accommodations: Comfort Suites, Brenham, Texas - 979/421-8100 Special rate under Oak Creek Farms OCF Phenom 854G born 12/15/1996 was a first generation 3/8 Brahman by 5/8 Angus Bull with V8 and Williams Brahman breeding on his top side and Hoff’s renowned Scotch Cap Angus Bull on his maternal side. This iconic sire’s genetics runs deep in Oak Creek Farms’ herd.

THE FLORIDA CATTLEMAN / SEPTEMBER 2018 / 23 Oak Creek Farms — Celebrating our 51st Year — Breeding Brangus Since 1967

The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

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Bull Issue

persal of Complete Dis Cowherd Robert Haynes d Bull Selling 1 Her with 27 calves and 42 cows

Bull and Female Sale

Genomics, from Page 14 sure for traits such as good feet and udders, temperament, added muscle and overall design. With time and patience, I have found that I can have the best of both worlds: phenotype and genotype advancement.

Today is the day to ask yourself where you are in the world of utilizing all the tools available

to you as a cattle marketer and as a cattle buyer?

Are you incorporating EPDs and genomics into your purchase decisions? Are you providing EPDs to your commercial bull buyers?

If you answered no to any of these questions, chances are you are going to be left behind in the race to survive in the beef industry.

LOT #128 • REDI 207 MISS SENSATION 1418 43630951 • 11/19/14 Sire: KMK Domino Effect 207 [DLF,HYF,IEF] BW +4.8 / WW +45 / YW +76 / REA +0.32 / MARB +0.07

Lot #107 • IMR BAR-S- MR 216 474 ET, 43509216 • 03/01/14 Sire: CL 1 Domino 216Z 1ET {DLF,HYF,IEF] BW +1.0 / WW +47 / YW + 74 / REA +0.16 / MARB +0.06

Consigned by Robert Haynes, Rio Vista, TX

Consigned by Robert Haynes, Rio Vista, TX

Consignors: Atlas Farms, Grandview, TX B&C Cattle Co., Miami, TX Dauer Herefords, Panhandle, TX Foster/Meeks Herefords, Whitesboro, TX GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, TX Harry Grett, Elgin, TX Robert Haynes, Rio Vista, TX Hidden Oaks, Hamilton, TX Humphreys Land & Cattle, Grandview, TX Iron Lake Ranch, Athens, TX Kelly Jacobs, Floresville, TX

Ira Lee, Lockhart, TX Mann Cattle Co., Lubbock, TX Pied Piper Farms, Hamlin, TX Rafter J Cattle Co., Abilene, TX Rafter M Herefords, Woodville, TX Ricketson Herefords, Dalhart, TX Spearhead Ranch, Copperas Cove, TX West Star Ranch, Kenton, OK White Rock Hereford Ranch, Hillsboro, TX Curtis Younts & Son, Belton, TX

SALE EACH SATURDAY 16

October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

Bull Issue Early weaning provides boost for young, thin cows

By Glenn Selk Oklahoma State University

The common tradition for weaning spring-born calves is to wait until late October and even early November. Most mature cows that have been feeding on adequate summer forages will be in good body condition, despite the pressure of nursing a rapidly growing calf. These cows usually will be in a body condition score of about 5 to 6 at weaning time each fall.

Often, however, 2-year-old cows and even some 3-year-old cows will be in marginal body condition at the end of summer. They have a nutrient requirement for continued growth and in the case of the 2-year-old, they are replacing baby teeth with adult teeth and are not as effective at harvesting forage. Therefore, many of these young cows go into the fall season in a body condition score of 4 to 5 or less.

If the rancher chooses to wait until late October to wean the calves from these marginal young cows, there is very little time between weaning and the first killing frost. This is a time when a young cow could recover considerable body condition, if she has access to a plentiful supply of late summer, warm season grass. Without the nutrient drain of producing and delivering milk, she can use this pre-frost period to great advantage and replenish her own body stores.

South Dakota State examined this scenario (using mature cows) by comparing the effect of weaning date on performance of the beef cows. Scienetists weaned half of the cows at the time of the first real cool spell (Sept. 14). The

other half of the cows had their calves weaned at a traditional time (Oct. 23). The scientists then monitored body condition and rebreeding performance of the cows.

We should note that this study included two different nutritional levels: a low group to mimic an early winter or a dry summer; and a moderate group to mimic more ideal summer and early winter seasons. Only the data for those cows exposed to the low nutritional group are presented here. They more nearly reflect what may happen for 2 and 3 year olds than will the moderately fed mature cows.

This data indicates that the 40 days earlier weaning allow the cows to regain 1hald of a body condition score going into winter. More of the early weaned cows were cycling at the start of the breeding season, conceived early in the breeding season and should wean heavier older calves the following year. In addition, a small amount of high-protein supplement (i.e. cottonseed meal or soybean meal) will enhance the cow’s ability to utilize the declining quality of the late-summer forage. Therefore, this protein supplement can add more body condition to the young cows before frost arrives. This combination of management techniques should be a cost-effective way to increase re-breeding rates of young spring calving cows.

The data from the cows that were in the “moderate” group indicate that middle-aged cattle in excellent body condition in the fall did not significantly benefit from the earlier weaning.

The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

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Bull Issue

Photo courtesy of Penn State Extension

Weather continues to change and impact field conditions this time of year.

Got mud? Safe extraction of your farm machinery

By Michael Pate Penn State Extension

Weather continues to change and impact field conditions this time of year. Rain can complicate a day’s work in the field when soil becomes water logged. Often we are in a hurry and ready to begin field preparations for spring planting, whether tillage or spreading manure. Equipment becomes stuck and extraction takes time.

With time being a precious commodity on the farm, make sure you ensure safety is a priority when attempting to extract stuck equipment. An extraction can go horribly wrong in a matter of seconds, leading to property damage as well as severe or fatal injuries.

Be sure to note field conditions by walking or using an unmanned aerial vehicle to monitor prior to entering the field with equipment. Field areas that are prone to poor drainage and have a history of stuck equipment should be recorded. Consider avoiding wet fields or problem areas to reduce the chance of being stuck. Having a plan of attack in dealing with these areas will help avoid the need for an extraction.

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Newer tractors often will have wheel slippage monitors to gauge when losing traction. Ballasts should be used to maintain proper traction and wheel slippage. This reduces compaction in the field, which is important to ensuring a healthy root zone for your crop, and improving drainage.

Be sure to maintain your equipment. Checking tire pressures, brakes and fluid levels is critical to keeping your operation running smoothly. A little amount of preventive maintenance keeps large breakdowns from delaying your work.

Tractors have a high center of gravity so proper hitching to the drawbar is critical in preventing a roll-over.

In the event of you need to extract stuck equipment, Purdue Extension offers a publication resource titled “Extracting Stuck Equipment Safely: How to Avoid Expensive and Painful Incidents.” This publication provides an in-depth analysis for safe equipment extraction. Some points to highlight are: • Never assume a routine situation — You don’t know

See MUD, Page 30

October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

Bull Issue

Do you have your Boyd Built Feeder?

• Fully assembled and ready to use.

• Made of heavy-duty materials to withstand the toughest conditions.

• Used all over the Southwest for over 50 years.

• 1,500 lb. to 60,000 lb. capacity.

• Feeders to meet all your feeding needs.

• Available at:

Courtesy of Michingan State University

Equine, from Page 12 “Speakers will discuss a variety of topics relevant to you and your horse,” Zach Davis, AgriLife Extension agent, Denton County, said. “This is a great opportunity to stay current on the latest equine information for both

novice and professional horse owners.”

The event features concurrent sessions on various topics.

Attendees can participate in the sessions of their choice.

A full agenda of speakers and topics on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 can be found at bit.ly/2NDQTGa.

Boyd Industries, Inc.

Phone: (800) 611-3540 Fax: (940)-433-8540

www.BoydBuilt.com

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The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

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Your Texas Beef Checkoff is elevating the Beef Loving Texans brand through an advertising campaign celebrating Texas pride, heritage and our shared love for beef.

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October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

DIGITAL TV

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Annual Bull Issue

Bull market

Protecting your investment with basic bull management

T

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

wo years ago, Bruce Carpenter of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension gave a presentation on basic bull management at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. Due to the completeness and applicability of the subject matter, it is worthy of repeating.

The following information was mostly taken from Carpenter’s presentation.

Carpenter described bulls as expensive, subject to injury, possible unexpected death and dangerous.

They tear up stuff and don’t stay home. Even with all of these undesirable characteristics, they are necessary in a cow-calf operation.

Health

One of the most important ways to protect your investment in a bull is to keep the animal in good health.

Work with your veterinarian to develop a herd health program for your ranch. A herd health program should start with calf vaccinations for diseases such as clostridial (blackleg) and bovine respiratory disease complex (infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza 3, bovine viral diarrhea and bovine respiratory syncytial virus).

To maintain immunity against these organisms, booster shots are required at weaning. In addition, annual pre-breeding boosters are recommended for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea and maybe parainfluenza 3, de-

22

Photo courtesy of Powell Ranches

Bulls need good nutrition to develop properly. Bulls are expensive, subject to injury, possible unexpected death and are dangerous.They tear up stuff and don’t stay home. Even with all of these undesirable characteristics, they are necessary in a cow-calf operation.

On the cover, bulls contribute the greatest amount of genetics to your herd, so buy the best bulls you can afford and then manage them properly.

Photo by Tom Johnson, Johnson Cattle Marketing at W4 Ranch

pending on the area and herd health history.

Bulls can act as reservoirs for lepto and vibrio, two venereal diseases. Indications of lepto are abortions, decrease in milk production and possibly a decrease in fertility.

Additionally, infected animals have a high temperature, are lethargic, show a loss of appetite and are reluctant to move.

Symptoms of vibrio are not visible in bulls. Repeat breeding activity, irregular estrus cycles and abortions may indicate the presence of vibrio in the herd. A good health program calls for pre-breeding annual booster shots for these two diseases.

Every health program should include a plan for keeping trichomoniasis out of the herd, because it is a disease you don’t want. Trich is

October 2018 — Issue I

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a neighborhood disease because it often is transmitted across the fence.

Prevention is the best cure.

Trich is a venereal disease caused by protozoa that lives in a bull’s sheath and in the cow’s reproductive tract. Due to the sites of infestation, it is hard to get vaccine to the infection. The disease does not cause any

See MANAGE, Page 23

The Land & Livestock Post

Annual Bull Issue Manage, from Page 22 visible signs in bulls or cows. Symptoms are repeat breeders, open cows and late breeding cows. The disease also causes early abortions at 50 to 70 days of pregnancy and sometimes through the fifth month of pregnancy.

Bulls and some cows are life-long carriers of the organism. Older cows eventually will develop some immunity, but persistently infected bulls and cows are always a source of reinfection.

Good fences and buying only virgin yearling bulls are the best trich prevention practices. If “sale barn” cows are purchased,

Photo by Robert Fears

Don’t forget to give idle bulls supplements and minerals when needed.

quarantine them and herd bulls for at least one to two years to monitor breeding success. If there are any breeding problems, do a polymerase chain reaction test on the bulls.

Samples for polymerase chain reaction testing are obtained by scraping inside a bull’s sheath. At least two negative tests from samples taken at weekly intervals are necessary for identifying a bull as trich free. These criteria apply to bulls that come from suspect or infected herds and old bulls that have lots

See CONDITION, Page 24

OCTOBER

Oct. 17 • Red Alliance Red Angus Sale, Buffalo, TX

Oct. 4 • Dudley Bros. Hereford Bull Sale, Comanche, TX

Oct. 19 • W4 Ranch Hereford Production Sale, Morgan, TX

Oct. 5 • McKellar Ranch Angus Fall Sale, Mount Pleasant, TX

Oct. 19 • Cowmaker Angus, Brangus and Santa Gertrudis Bull Sale, Groesbeck, TX

Oct. 6 • Heart of Texas Special Replacement Female Sale, Groesbeck, TX

Oct. 20 • Queens of the South Replacement Female Sale, Crockett, TX

Oct. 6 • Isa Beefmasters LLC Performance Tested Bull Sale, San Angelo, TX

Oct. 20 • Beef on Forage Beefmaster Performance Bull Sale, Brenham, TX

Oct. 6 • Lyssy’s Heart of the Herd Beefmaster Production Sale, Luling, TX Oct. 6 • Dennis Charolais Farm/007 Charolais Fall Edition BeefGene Bull Sale, Sulphur Springs, TX Oct. 8 • Indian Mound Ranch Hereford Production Sale, Canadian, TX Oct. 9 • JP Family Limited Partnership Hereford Production Sale, Ft. McKavett, TX Oct. 10 • R.A. Brown Ranch Angus, Red Angus and SimAngus Bull Sale, Throckmorton, TX

Oct. 20 • Carr & Others Beefmaster Fall Sale, Floresville, TX Oct. 20 • Jordan Cattle Auction October Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX Oct. 20 • Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Brangus Production Sale, Poteet, TX Oct. 25 • Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Featuring Martin-Bruni Cattle Co., San Saba, TX Oct. 26 • Rutherford Ranches Angus Female Sale, Buda, TX

Oct. 13 • Texas Angus Assn. Breeders’ Select Sale, Salado, TX

Oct. 26-27 • 44 Farms Angus Bull and Commercial Female Sale, Cameron, TX

Oct. 13 • Mann Cattle Co. Hereford Production Sale, Navasota, TX

Oct. 27 • Oak Creek Farms Forage Developed Bull Sale, Chappell Hill, TX

Oct. 13 • Cox Excalibur CX Advantage Brangus Sale, Weimar, TX

Oct. 27 • South Texas Hereford Assn. Fall Sale, Beeville, TX

Oct. 17 • Thomas Charolais Bull Sale, Raymondville, TX

Oct. 27 • South Texas Hereford Assn. Fall Sale, Beeville, TX

Oct. 17 • Texas Hereford Assn. Fall Classic Sale, Buffalo, TX

Oct. 29 • Jordan Cattle Auction Special Stocker & Feeder Sale, Mason, TX

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

The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

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Bull Issue Condition, from Page 23 of folds in their sheaths. One negative test is probably ample for clean herds. Collecting and culturing samples is very difficult, so work with your veterinarian.

If trich is discovered in the herd, try to manage the problem. First, test all bulls twice and sell all positive animals for slaughter. Replace the culls with virgin yearling bulls that have passed a breeding soundness exam.

Also sell all open and shortbred cows or quarantine and vaccinate them. Palpate and monitor breeding patterns in subsequent years.

There is a vaccine for trich, but it is very expensive and offers only three to four months immunity. The vaccine sometimes is used to clean up trich-infected herds by vaccinating twice prior to the breeding season and then every three to four months, if the breeding season is extended. Another use of the vaccine is in high-risk herds where neighbors have trich in their herds. The protocol for this situation is two vaccinations during the first year — the first at two to four weeks before putting bulls with cows and the second is given two weeks later.

Then an annual vaccination is required two weeks before breeding.

Nutrition and development

A healthy bull will stay well and perform as expected when it receives good nutrition. Bulls do not reach their mature weight until 3 or 4 years old. Their weight will vary throughout the

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year and they normally will lose weight during breeding season.

Don’t ignore bulls when they are not in use. Provide them supplement and mineral as needed. Bulls should not get fat, because they won’t travel or work. Too much fat also can decrease sperm quality. Score body conditions of all bulls about 60 days before breeding season. A body condition score of 5 to 5.5 at this time is ideal.

“Cottonseed is a great supplement but it has some limitations due to gossypol content. Gossypol is a yellow pigment found throughout the cotton plant, but is concentrated in the seed. Large quantities of gossypol are toxic to cattle, but the biggest concern is its ability to cause reproductive failure in bulls. Normally, young developing bulls are more affected than mature bulls,” said Lawton Stewart of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. “Females seem to have more resistance to gossypol-induced reproductive failure than bulls.”

Whole cottonseed should constitute less than 10 percent of the total diet for young bulls and less than 15 to 20 percent of the total diet for mature bulls. Never allow bulls free access to whole cottonseed. A bull’s diet should contain less than 6 percent solvent extracted cottonseed meal or a maximum of 15 percent mechanically extracted cottonseed meal.

Bulls are athletes, so make them walk to get in shape

See BULL, Page 37

for sale

Scott Milligan - Manager

806.683.6435

Charolais & Brangus

39606 FM 1736 West • Hempstead

scottm@rioranchtx.com

bulls & females

Raul Montez • 832.331.6800

Improve your herd’s productivity

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(903) 344-2331

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

October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

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Bull Issue A Cowman’s Best Friend at Calving Time!

Now available with digital scale!

Photo courtesy of Noble Research Institute

Feral hogs cause significant ecological damages that hinder agriculture and cause economic burdens to landowners and recreationists.The Noble Research Institute will host a feral hog management training on Oct.4 at the Noble Research Institute Pavilion.

Technical training focuses on feral hog control Noble Research Institute

ARDMORE, Okla. — Feral hogs cause significant ecological damages that hinder production agriculture and cause economic burdens to landowners and recreationists.

The Noble Research Institute will host a feral hog management training from 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 4, at the Noble Research Institute Pavilion.

This technical training will provide an opportunity for landowners and hunters to see the tools available to manage feral hogs. Noble consultants and specialists will teach best management practices and demonstrate conventional, innovative and integrated strategies to control feral hogs.

“Feral hogs are a tremendous

problem in the United States, having invaded more than 40 states,” said Josh Gaskamp, Noble Research Institute= wildlife and range consultant. “This invasive species is causing serious problems for agricultural producers and many others. They compete with native wildlife and damage pastures and crops, creating a need for effective control methods.”

Participants can expect handson training, discussion on the future of hog control, and opportunities to share successes and failures with fellow trappers and researchers.

There is no cost, but preregistration is requested. For more information and to register, go to www.noble.org/events or call 580-223-5810.

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

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

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October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

PROVEN MATERNAL

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Bull Issue

After 36 years, Steve Byrns retires from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Steve Byrns, who brought real-life experiences as a livestock producer in West Texas to his job as a communications specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, has retired after 36 years with the agency.

Byrns joined AgriLife Extension in 1982 after working as the agriculture writer at the San Angelo Standard-Times.

Based at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo, Byrns served almost 70 AgriLife Extension county offices in the South Plains, West Central and Far West regions. In addition to providing communications support to these county offices, he handled media

relations for the wildlife and fisheries sciences and entomology departments at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Byrns wrote more than 120 BYRNS news articles annually, which were published in media outlets locally, nationally and internationally. His news articles reached more than 1 billion readers worldwide through thousands of news outlets. “The San Angelo AgriLife Research and Extension Center was fortunate to have Steve as the communications specialist because in addition to being good at his job, he was a rancher and

See BYRNS, Page 32

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October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

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Bull Issue

Purdue Pesticide Programs photo

Pulling out vehicles stuck in mud requires the right equipment and proper technique to avoid vehicle damage and physical injury.

Mud, from Page 18 what you don’t know. Make sure you assess the situation and do not panic. Evaluate your options and seek help if needed.

• Select and maintain the right equipment — Extraction tools are specialized. Routine maintenance and upkeep are necessary. Not all chains are equal in tow capacity. In some cases, chains are not recommended, especially grandpa’s trusty logging chain. Yo ur tool is only as good as its weakest link. Be sure to know your equipment’s limitation.

• Select your connection points carefully — Sharp edges can cut a tow strap in two when forces are applied when pulling.

Use clevises or other means to protect straps or cables.

• Maintain a zone of safety

Rural Land Loans Country Home Loans Farm & Ranch Loans

when extracting — This is to prevent flying debris or potential vehicles from striking bystanders or other equipment. A minimum of 100-foot diameter is recommended around the extraction point.

• Inspect equipment — Check your equipment for damage as well as the condition of your extraction tools. Replace damaged extraction tools. If you have a damaged pin or strap, do not use it. Repaired extraction or homemade extraction hitches are unpredictable and often will fail when under the extreme forces during extraction.

For more information on safe equipment extraction see the Purdue Extension publication or check out the University of Kentucky Extension Yo uTube video on safe extraction.

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Bull Issue Byrns, from Page 28 knew how to write and present things so that our clientele could see the importance of them,” said John Walker, director of the AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

Byrns received a Texas A&M Ag riLife Vice Chancellor’s Award in 2014 for his work, credited with “innovative solutions to communications problems.”

Among those solutions was naming an educational effort to clear Texas pastures of useless plants “Brush Busters” in order to make it more approachable to landowners needing the information.

“One of the best known trademarks that he came up with was Brush Busters to promote the use of individual plant herbicide treatments,” Walker said.

“He did that in part by surveying the support staff at San Angelo to determine which of several suggested names would be most memorable. He was also

invaluable in planning field days because he knew what everyone was doing and what would be most important to the producers who attended.”

Byrns was named Specialist of the Year in Texas Agriculture for District 7 by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association and was also part of an awardwinning media relations team that received AgriLife Extension Superior Service team honors.

Byrns twice received the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association Outstanding News Reporting Award in 1998 and 2010.

Byrns served as president of the Texas Extension Specialists Association from 2006-2007.

Byrns was designated the coordinator of public information for the Texas Department of Emergency Management’s Drought Task Force in 2009, leading its Joint Information Center to help all affected state agencies generate common data for use by the public and news media.

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32

October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

Bull Issue Nominate A Veteran for The Eagle

Military service is among the most meaningful duties. Generations of men and women form a core part of this nation’s identity: personal sacrifice to uphold the freedom of others. We want to honor veterans by asking them to share their stories. We will publish the names, branch of service and years of service in a special insert on Sunday, November 11.

The Eagle will also profile some of these veterans to tell their stories of service. If you are a veteran or an immediate family member of a veteran and would like to participate, please complete the form on the website listed below.

Submissions will be included in an online photo gallery on theeagle.com.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photo

North Central Texas Cattleman’s Clinic set for Oct. 10 in Graham

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

GRAHAM—TheannualNorth Central Texas Cattleman’s Clinic, hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Young, Jack, Palo Pinto and Archer counties, will be held Oct. 10 in the Young County Arena, 120 Barclay Blvd. in Graham.

The program, sponsored also by the Texas Beef Council, will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by speakers at 9 a.m., and will end by 2 p.m. There is a $10 fee, payable at the door, but participants are asked to RSVP by Oct. 5 to one of the hosting AgriLife Extension offices.

Three general Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered.

Lunch will be provided by Charlie Martin, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Jack County.

Following lunch, attendees will be able to visit with trade show vendors.

Topics and speakers will include: • Path to the Plate presentation, featuring beef certifications, yield grades and quality grades — Justin Rogers, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Young County.

• Beef nutritional data facts — Jason Westbrook, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Palo Pinto County.

• Ribeye taste demonstration of various labeled products and cooking guidelines, as well as Dinner Tonight cooking demonstrations — Lynette Babcock, Alinda Cox and Penny Berend, AgriLife Extension family and community health agents in Palo Pinto, Jack and Young counties, respectively.

• Marketing update and the economics of alternative feed sources through the use of the Oklahoma State University “cowculator” computer program — Jason Johnson, AgriLife Extension economist in Stephenville.

• Update for U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency programs — Jerry Gleason with Young County Natural Resources and Conservation Service, and Jeannine Wendel with the FSA. For more information, contact Rogers at the AgriLife Extension office in Young County, 940-5490737 or Justin.rogers@ag.tamu. edu, Westbrook in Palo Pinto County at 940-659-1228 or jason. westbrook@ag.tamu.edu, or Martin in Jack County at 940-5672132 or cpmartin@ag.tamu.edu.

The Land & Livestock Post



Thank you for your service!

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

To submit a nomination, visit

theeagle.com/honoring-our-veterans  Complete the form  Tell their story  Submit 2 photos

October 2018 — Issue I

(service photo and current photo)

979-731-4738

33

Annual Bull Issue Prescribed fire online tools available through Texas A&M Forest Service Special to The Post

Fire, field and forestry professionals now have additional tools, resources and online checklists to conduct prescribed burns in Texas safely and effectively.

Texas A&M Forest Service is launching an online toolkit with comprehensive step-by-step information to assist burn managers in planning and conducting a prescribed burn. The toolkit includes forms, templates, links and guidance on safe burning conditions.

“As we head into the fall and winter seasons, this is a justin-time resource that will add to the pool of prescribed fire information that is already out there,” said Andy McCrady, a Texas A&M Forest Service fuels coordinator. “This is our contri-

bution to support qualified professionals and burn managers to safely and effectively conduct prescribed burning.”

Among its contents, the new Texas A&M Forest Service webpages have templates, checklists and notification forms to plan prescribed burns, provide notification of when a burn is scheduled and a guide to manage fuels and smoke during a prescribed burn. Partner agencies, county officials and emergency dispatchers will benefit from the reporting system for public notification about prescribed burns being conducted in their area.

“Trees are one of Texas’ top renewable resources and our forests have developed with fire for centuries. These [Texas A&M Forest Service] tools will help expand the natural and neces-

sary tool of prescribed burning which improves tree and forest health,” said Rob Hughes, Texas Forestry Association executive director. “Working together to develop policy, through the Texas Burn Managers Council and the Prescribed Burning Board, will promote sustainable ecosystems that enrich all our lives.”

Texas A&M Forest Service works with statewide forestry, wildfire operations and prevention partners to manage wildfire risk safely and effectively but does not conduct prescribed burns on private land. Prescribed burning is the application of fire to the landscape under predictable conditions safely to manage and restore ecosystem health. Controlled burning is a fire ecology application used by conservation experts under spec-

Courtesy of National Park Service

ified weather conditions to help restore forest health and manage land and natural ecosystems.

Foresters and land managers use prescribed burning to thin overgrowth and mitigate wildfire risk by reducing fuels, such as slash piles, timber litter and

overgrowth of brush and grass.

Prescribed fire helps to restore wildlife habitat, regenerate plant and tree growth and stop the spread of invasive plants.

Check out the webpage at tfsweb.tamu.edu/prescribedburns/.

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October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

35

Bull Issue Ag law workshop set for Oct. 3 in Big Spring

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

BIG SPRING — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Howard, Martin, Midland and Andrews counties and Ag Workers Insurance will co-host an Ag Law Workshop Oct. 3 at the G.C. Broughton Jr. Ag Complex, 2411 Echols St. in Big Spring.

The program will open with a meal from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the speakers from 6 to 8 p.m.

There will be no fee, but those planning to attend must RSVP

by Oct. 1 to the AgriLife Extension office in Howard County at 432-264-2236 or enchandra.mendoza@ag.tamu.edu.

“The oil and gas industry is

booming around us and with the boom comes new lease agreements,” said Tommy Yeater, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Howard County.

“The Howard County Crop and Range Committees recommended putting this program together to inform area landowners of their rights and what current prices are for lease agreements and damages,” he said.

Guest speakers will be Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist in Amarillo, and Joe Will Ross, attorney in San Angelo. They will discuss landowner rights, pipeline agreements and damages, followed by a question and answer session.

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36

October 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post

Annual Bull Issue Bull, from Page 24 before putting with cows. Acclimate them to rough or rocky country because they must find females in estrus, travel to their location and service them. Regardless of the environment, bulls successfully must impregnate multiple females, often in a short period.

Properly developed yearling bulls can breed females, but don’t work them too hard. One yearling with 15 cows is about the right ratio.

The general consensus is that one mature bull can service 25 cows successfully.

Some bulls are “studs” — some are “duds.”

Although breeding soundness exams don’t come with guarantees, they are the best practical predictor of a bull’s fertility. Conduct body soundness exams annually prior to breeding season and at the same time, examine bulls for injuries and disease.

Social dominance sometimes can become a problem among bulls.

This behavior is not related to libido or breeding soundness. It is related to age, weight and horns, however, and may or may not be related to prolificacy. Social dominance often is mini-

Photo courtesy of Robert Fears

Bulls should have a desired body condition score 60 days prior to breeding is 5 to 5.5.

mized by grouping bulls based on how well they interact with each other.

Yearling bulls cannot compete with heavier, more mature bulls and as a result, they will breed fewer cows. If older bulls have been used more than two breeding seasons, they can become territorial and will spend more time fighting than breeding.

Bulls contribute the greatest amount of genetics to your herd, so buy the best bulls you can afford and then manage them properly.

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The Land & Livestock Post

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October 2018 — Issue I

37

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October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

The Land & Livestock Post



October 2018 — Issue I

39

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October 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post