Llp 101413

October 2013 — Issue 2

Breeding for success

COMBINING DIFFERENT BREEDS CAN PAY BIG DIVIDENDS

Page 12

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

JAMES THOMPSON YEAR-ROUND BATTLE

JAMES THOMPSON BORDER STRUGGLE

PAGE 4 3

PAGE 10 3

JAMESEASY AIN’T THOMPSON BEING GREEN

JAMES THOMPSON TIMES ARE A’ CHANGING

PAGE 3 6

PAGE 16 3

Straight from Preventing anaplasmosis the horse's ismouth. a never-ending fight.

Straight New guide from shows the horse's how to mouth. grow great veggies.

Straight U.S. rules from hurtthe cattle horse's industry mouth. on the border.

Straight from AgriLife farm the manager horse'slooks mouth. back on 29 years.

2

October 2013 — Issue 2 

The Land & Livestock Post

Agricultural apps to be presented in From the General Manager a series of South Texas workshops I

By Rod Santa ana Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

of agricultural apps, Yates said.

“Both of us have reviewed and/or used hundreds of apps in an effort to help farmers and ranchers quickly get to the apps that will help them the most,” Smith said. “We will discuss our favorite two or three apps in several different categories, including weather, record keeping, decision aids, livestock, agronomy, markets, precision ag, ag news and general utilities.”

The mobile device boom is putting cameras, touch screens, high-speed Internet and GPS in the hands of farmers and ranchers regardless of where they are, Yates said.

“These basic capabilities of tablets and smartphones have paved the way for the development of thousands of useful apps, and we can expect their numbers to continue to increase as we move forward in time,” he said.

For information on the content of the workshops, contact Yates or Smith at 806-746-6101.

For workshop location information, contact the county of-

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

Office: 817-332-6797

Thank you.

TLSCOTT@PRAIRIEMINERAL.COM WWW.PRAIRIEMINERAL.COM

Cell: 817-980-9697 Tom L. Scott

fices of AgriLife Extension at the following: Wilson County, 830-393-7357; Colorado County, 979-732-2082; Refugio County, 361-526-2825; and Matagorda County, 979-245-4100.

October 2013 — Issue 2

Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo/J. Stapper

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present workshops on agricultural apps for smartphones and tablets in late October in four South Texas counties.

on to what is in this issue.

In this issue ‘s cover story, we take a look at heterosis, cross breeding two things to get desired traits. This process can be used in cattle and it can increase the value and stability of your herd.

We also have some news about upcoming classes as well as new opportunities via technology available for farmers and ranchers.

There are a few other stories sprinkled in that deal with everything from border politics to anaplasmosis, so you’re sure to be able to find something you like.

Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading. ’Til next time,



CORPUS CHRISTI — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will teach a series of workshops on agricultural apps for smartphones and tablets at several South Texas locations in late October.

The first will be held in Wilson County on Oct. 22, followed by workshops in Colorado County, Oct. 23; Refugio County, Oct. 24; and Matagorda County, Oct. 25.

“The goal is to teach farmers and ranchers to use their iPhones to make decisions to improve their bottom line, whether in the field, on the tractor or in the pickup,” said Jackie Smith, an AgriLife Extension economist in Lubbock and one of the workshop instructors.

The hands-on part of the workshop will be conducted on Apple iPads, but Microsoft and Android tablets also will be demonstrated during the class, Smith said.

Jay Yates, an AgriLife Extension program specialist in Lubbock who also will provide instruction, said the workshop will use a lab of 25 iPads to lead participants in hands-on sessions to better utilize some of the hundreds of agricultural apps available.

“We have been involved in a grant project to study the use of tablets and smartphones in agriculture to teach farmers and ranchers how to use the technology to become better decision makers,” he said.

Time will be spent to make sure all participants understand the basics of using an iPad and iPhone, but the majority of workshop time will be spent evaluating a wide range

f you didn’t know, I am an Aggie. Being an Aggie is always a great thing, but these past two years have been exceptionally good. If you don’t follow football, or read newspapers or magazines or watch television or listen to the radio, then let me clarify that I am talking about the whirlwind success our foot- JESSE WRIGHT ball team has had with Johnny Manziel.

Every media outlet has dedicated a ton of coverage to No. 2, offering opinions, advice and criticism. Since I am part of the media, I would be remiss if I did not chime in with my thoughts. So here is the Land & Livestock Post’s official stance on Johnny Manziel: He is an outstanding player.

OK, now that my in-depth analysis is over, we can move

The Land & Livestock Post

News

• Send suggetions and questions to jesse.wright@theeagle.com.

Improve your herd’s productivity

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

E

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

LIMOUSIN CATTLE

WILL GUARANTEE HALF OF YOUR CALF CROP WITH: • Calfing Ease - Gentle • Growth and Muscle Means $$$ ide • Virgin - Red or Black Bulls A W tion c • Replacement Heifers Sele hoose C to rom!

• All w/E.P. D. Papers F • Certified Bangs & TB Free • LimFlex - Limousin Angus Hybrid

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

(903) 344-2331

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

3

The Land & Livestock Post  October 2013 — Issue 2

News

Anaplasmosis prevention is an all-season program

By Dr. Dave SparkS Oklahoma State University

Many beef producers associate anaplasmosis with horse flies, and keep up a prevention program only during the fly season.

Unfortunately, many of these same producers still are experiencing anaplasmosis problems year around because biting flies are only a minor vector compared to other ways the disease can be transferred.

In many areas, especially wooded or brushy pastures, ticks are more important vectors than biting flies. Ticks are an all-year problem in many areas of Oklahoma and Texas, so the control program also needs to be maintained all year.

Stockmen also spread the disease from carriers to susceptible animals by not removing all traces of blood from equipment when processing adult cattle.

The organism can be carried by needles, dehorners, castration knives, ear taggers, or any other implement that draws blood It is sometimes possible to determine the source of the outbreak by the way cases develop.

When insect vectors are responsible there usually will be one sick animal, followed several weeks later by multiple cases. If human transfer is the cause, several sick animals will show up at the same time two to four weeks after the cattle were worked.

The most popular means of anaplasmosis prevention is the

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

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

use of mineral mixes that contain chlortetracycline. When fed at a rate of 0.5 mg/lb. of body weight, chlortetracycline will prevent anaplasmosis infections.

It is important to note, however, that chlortetracycline is added to minerals for several different reasons, including use as a growth promotant for yearlings, and these other uses require different levels of drug in the mineral.

Make sure that the product you choose states on the label that it is formulated at a rate for the prevention of anaplasmosis, and gives the specific amount of daily consumption needed to supply that level.

The next step is to monitor your herd to make sure that the product is being consumed at the appropriate rate. If not, you may need to look at other products or change your management practices in order to correct consumption deficits.

It is possible to have a few cases even when medicated minerals are provided because some individuals may not consume them.

For problem herds or as an alternative preventative, a killed vaccine is available in selected states, including Oklahoma.

It especially may be valuable for use in bulls, who often do not consume enough mineral to meet the chlortetracycline requirement for their body weight.

Another control factor is the elimination of carriers. Recovered animals will be carriers of the disease and a source of infection for susceptible individuals.

Clear them of the organism with high levels of antibiotics administered parentally, isolate them from susceptible animals, or cull them from the herd.

Learn to recognize anaplasmosis From Agriculture.com

Circulation Director - Jack Perkins .......................................Ext. 4752

Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805.

E-mail: thepost@theeagle.com All offices are located at 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan,Texas 77802.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eagle, P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805-3000 The Post is printed in part on recycled paper and is fully recyclable.

4

Signs of animals infected with the disease include orange coloration of the mucous membranes due to breakdown pigments released from red blood cells that are destroyed.

As more red blood cells are destroyed, the animals become slow and short of breath. They may exhibit aggressive behavior due to a shortage of oxygen supply to the brain.

By the time signs are noticed, the disease is usually far along and you may easily cause the death of the infected animal while trying to bring them in for treatment. If you suspect an anaplasmosis problem, contact your veterinarian, who can make a definitive diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment before other animals are exposed.

Sick animals are about 10 times as infective as recovered carriers are, so it is important either to move them away from their herd mates, or if this is not possible, move the herd mates away from them.

If infected cows do not abort, their calves can become infected in utero. These calves likely will not show symptoms but remain carriers for life.

It is popularly believed that anaplasmosis only affects mature animals. Recent information out of Kansas State University, however, shows that young animals can be infected and suffer with the disease, although not as severely as older animals. This is due to young animals’ ability to produce new red blood cells much faster than adults.

In young animals, anaplasmosis can easily be confused with bovine respiratory disease because in both instances the animal has a fever and experiences labored breathing. With anaplasmosis, however, the in-

Combating diseases such anaplasmosis is a vital part of herd management because it can quickly cut into your profit margin.

“A clinical case of anaplasmosis is conservatively estimated to cost about $400 per animal. And the total cost of anaplasmosis to the beef industry is estimated to be over $300

million per year,” said Dr. Denny Hausmann, Alpharma cattle technical service manager.

Of even greater concern is when anaplasmosis, an infectious disease that is considered endemic to the southern part of the U.S., begins to infiltrate areas where producers are not familiar with or have ever heard of it.

According to Alpharma Ani-

See DISEASE, Page 5

creased respiratory rate is due to a decreased capacity for the blood to carry oxygen rather than to any lung involvement.

The two syndromes can occur together.

If you live in an area where ticks are active in the winter, or you sometimes work your cows in cool weather, using chlortetracycline-medicated mineral all year can save both the hard work involved with treating active anaplasmosis cases and the losses associated with the disease.

Summer cases of anaplasmosis often are more dramatic and associated with more deaths because cattle are not watched as closely as in the winter when supplemental feeding is required.

In the summer months it is easy to get involved in farming or haying operations and not check the cattle as frequently

as they should be checked. This leads to outbreaks being more advanced and widespread before they are discovered. The disease progresses quickly; with each passing day, the number of red blood cells affected by the organism doubles, until the immune system arrests the infection, treatment limits the course, or the animal dies.

In conclusion, beef producers can minimize the impact of anaplasmosis by utilizing good sanitation concerning hypodermic needles and surgical instruments, utilizing a preventative such as tetracycline in the mineral or incorporation of a vaccine program and observing cattle regularly.

If you are experiencing anaplasmosis problems your local veterinarian can help to design a preventative program that is best suited for your location and operation.

ROUND OVERHEAD FEED STORAGE BINS

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

• Spray-on liner inside bin.

• Effective for both livestock and wildlife feed.

• Truckload holding capacities in various sizes available.

• No more feed damage by rodents or varmints.

• No more feed sacks to handle.

• Environmentally Friendly.

• Heavy pipe structure.

• Skid mounted.

Authorized T & S Trip Hopper Dealer

Southwest Fabricators

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

From Page 4

Lauderdale Aerial Spraying, LLC Kenneth Lauderdale Cell Phone: 979.255.1380 Office Phone: 979.535.8024 www.lauderdalespraying.com

A r m y w o r m Tr e a t m e n t • R y e G r a s s S e e d i n g

also fall or lie down and be unable to get up.

Treatment of animals depends on the stage of the disease, which include incubation, developmental, convalescent and carrier.

Alpharma Animal Health has

released a booklet, Answer Book for Anaplasmosis, to help with common questions about the disease.

Request a free copy by calling 800-834-6470 or by emailing uscattlemarketing@alpharma. com.

CALDWELL LIVESTOCK COMMISSION

REGULAR SALE EVERY

WEDNESDAY, 1:00 PM Carl Herrmann (979)820-5349

October 2013 — Issue 2

when it becomes weak and lags behind the herd.

The animal refuses to eat or drink. Skin becomes pale around the eyes and on the muzzle, lips, and teats.

As the disease progresses, the animal may be constipated, become excited and show rapid weight loss. It may have yellowtinged skin and rapid respiration, which may cause producers to confuse the anaplasmosis symptoms with bovine respiratory disease. An animal may



mal Health, anaplasmosis has been diagnosed in all of the contiguous 48 states, which means awareness and understanding of this disease has become increasingly important.

Yet a recent cow-calf survey revealed that a high percentage of producers are unclear about what the disease is. Completed by the USDA, the survey reports that: • 13.7 percent know some basics, • 16 percent are fairly knowledgeable, • 22.7 percent recognize the name but not much else, • 47 percent had never heard of the disease.

Anaplasmosis is caused by a minute parasite, Anaplasma marginale, that attacks red blood cells in cattle.

“It can be transmitted biologically through ticks and mechanically from biting flies or contaminated needles,” Hausmann said.

Cattle of all ages may become infected with anaplasmosis, but the severity of illness increases with age. Calves under 6 months old rarely show enough signs to indicate they are infected.

Cattle 6 months to 3 years old become increasingly ill, and more deaths occur with advancing age. After 3 years old, 30 percent to 50 percent of cattle with clinical anaplasmosis die if untreated.

First symptoms of an anaplasmosis-infected animal are

The Land & Livestock Post

News DISEASE: Anaplasmosis can cost up to $400 per sick animal

Hwy 36 South, P.O. Box 542, Caldwell, TX 77836 Sale Barn Phone: (979) 567-4119

Your SOURCE for Top Quality Registered and Commercial Brangus Cattle Proud Members of

Circle Land & Cattle Co., Ltd.

Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch • Camp Cooley Ranch Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch

located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR 1415 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 Office: (979) 776-5760 • Fax: (979) 776-4818 Website: www.circlexbrangus.com Steve Densmore, Cattle Mgr., (979) 450-0819, cell • (979) 778-1055, home Chris Duewall, Operations Mgr., (979) 777-6803, cell

5

The Land & Livestock Post  October 2013 — Issue 2

News

Cattleman’s Brenham Livestock Auction

Pocket guide to vegetable diseases available for gardeners and commercial growers

By Kathleen PhilliPs Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Ye l l o w s p o t s o n l e ave s, d e fo rm e d g ro w t h , r o t t e d roots. All can spell disaster for the gardener anticipating a bountiful basket of tasty produce at harvest.

But a handy book that will

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

L A R G E S T

fit in a pocket could help growers get a handle on key diseases before they cut into yields, according to lead author Joe Masabni, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service vegetable specialist in College Station.

“The pocket guide is an

Fall Special Replacement Female & Bull Sale

Saturday • October 26, 2013 • 12 noon 2405 Highway 105 East • Brenham, Texas

See GUIDE, Page 11

Featuring Bryan Credit Office

1714 E. 29th Street 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404

700 Head of Quality Replacement Females Early Consignments Include:

Braford Pairs & Breds | Brangus Pairs & Breds | Crossbred Pairs & Breds Bred Crossbred Heifers | Open Brahman Heifers

CapitalFarmCredit.com

R U R A L

L E N D E R

Call us for consignment updates and current information on this special sale. Consignments are coming in daily. Call us today!

Early Bull Consignments Include:

Angus Bulls | Charolais Bulls | Hereford Bulls

Cattleman’s Brenham Livestock Auction Sale Every Friday P.O. Box 1207 Brenham, TX 77834 979-836-3621

cattlemansbrenhamlivestock.com

6

979-830-7769 Scottie Schwartz 979-277-4987 Mark Schwartz 979-877-4454 Doug Bass

The Land & Livestock Post 

October 2013 — Issue 2

7

The Land & Livestock Post  October 2013 — Issue 2

News Outlook for grain market will be powered by livestock, export demand

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Future demand for grain in both the export market and U.S. livestock feeding sector should give farmers profitable opportunities in the years ahead, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist.

A special AgriLife Extension outlook program recently was hosted by the department of agricultural economics at Texas A&M prior to the Texas A&M-Alabama football game.

AgriLife Extension economists provided updates on several agricultural commodities.

Mark Welch, AgriLife Extension grains marketing economist, said that through the years there has been amazing growth in grain consumption. That momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing, he said.

Even though biofuel growth has leveled, Welch said the live-

stock and export markets are poised for anticipated growth in the coming years. That’s due to a rebound in U.S. cattle inventories at numbers not seen since the 1950s as herd rebuilding will begin once more if drought conditions lift, and the expected growth in China develops.

Overall, Welch said, “things are going to stay exciting” with more demand for corn to help further livestock feeding and a continued surge in export market demand.

Meanwhile, John Robinson, AgriLife Extension cotton economist in College Station, said China controls a large surplus of cotton, which is affecting prices for both the short and long term.

He said it’s likely prices will continue a back-and-forth weakness.

“The futures market has already forecasted that,” he said.

He advised producers to

See GRAIN, Page 14

Ask for it by name!

• High-Quality forage • Excellent reseeding • Tolerates continuous grazing • Fills the gap between crimson & summer grass FREE

SOURCE OF NITROGEN

• Grows in sandy loam to clay

979-575-0272 ballclover.com

Limited Quantity

8

Call Today to reserve your seed!

4400 East Hwy 21, Bryan, TX 77808

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

50 GIFT CARD

$

TO THE RESTAURANT OF YOUR CHOICE!

(979) 778-0034

See our complete Parts Inventory and order online at:

www.goosenecktrailerparts.com www.gooseneck.net

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

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo

22 – 24 Month Old Open Brahman Heifers Ready to Breed.

Good Selection of Gentle Breeding Age Bulls Available.

Anthony Kubicek (979) 324-7391 cell.

(979) 567-4201 ranch.

Email: RoyalKRanch@yahoo.com

A free agricultural workshop for military veterans will be held Oct. 19 in Edinburg.

Swords to plowshares

By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

EDINBURG — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas AgrAbility Project and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will present an agriculture workshop for military veterans Oct. 19 in Edinburg.

The free workshop will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The University of Texas-Pan American, 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive.

Called “From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey,” the workshop will give military veterans interested in farming or ranching the opportunity to get information on starting, developing and funding an agriculturebased business, according to program coordinators.

Presentations will include an address by a veteran currently involved in production agriculture, as well as an overview of the AgrAbility Program, and information on resources available for funding options, business plan development and resource networking.

“The workshop also addresses the possibilities for ranching or farming for veterans with disabilities,” said Cheryl Grenwelge, AgriLife Extension specialist in disability transition with the Texas AgrAbility Project.

“We’re hoping military veterans will take advantage of this program, which has been designed with input from AgriLife Extension, AgrAbility, the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation

Service, the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farm Service Agency, USDA Risk Management and Texas Department of Agriculture.”

Grenwelge said the local point of contact for the workshop is Carlos Gutierrez, the University of Texas-Pan American Veterans Business Outreach Program in Edinburg at 956665-7567 or cgutierrez@utpa. edu. More information on the veterans business outreach program can be found at www. utpa.edu/vboc.

To ensure adequate space, attendees are requested to RSVP by registering online in advance at txagrability.tamu. edu/. A registration form also can be downloaded from the site and mailed to the attention of either Cheryl Grenwelge or Erin Pilosi at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 578 John Kimbrough, College Station, Texas 77843-2251 or emailed to EMPilosi@ag.tamu.edu.

“The Texas AgrAbility Program’s focus is on connecting, assisting and empowering agricultural producers, their family members and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture,” Grenwelge said. “About 45 percent of returning veterans are from rural areas and we want to enable veterans with or without disabilities to return to the area of production agriculture if they choose.”

For more information, go to txagrability.tamu.edu/ or contact Grenwelge at 979-845-3727 or chgrenwelge@ag.tamu.edu.

Bryan Credit Office 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarmCredit.com

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

DEER • RANCH RANCH FARM COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

B

y Micklitz udd

Solid Rock Ranch Angus Bulls Twos and coming twos.

One breeding season guarantee.

AI sires include In Focus, CAR Efficient, Danny Boy, Mainline & Retail Product.

Matt Jones. Franklin, TX. 979-777-7571, 979-828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com

Green Meadows

RANCH Registered Angus

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

www.theisssausageco.com

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

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

BULLS • Heifers

979-324-8746

Madisonville, TX

BULLS BULLS BULLS

936-349-1955 903-445-7817

October 2013 — Issue 2

979-589-2333 1-866-959-2333 pioneerboys.com



ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL & PIPE Steel Buildings

The Land & Livestock Post

News

Travis Cleere www.cleereearthworks.com

Angus, Charolais, Herefords & SimAngus 2yrs. old, performance records, range raised & range ready

C 979.218.8674 979.779.0420 H 979.779.0420 979.218.8674 call for appointment or

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

virgin bulls, large selection, • On-Site Mobile welding and metal fabrication • Specialty Projects • Metal Signs • Gated Entrances

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

fertility tested.

Quality to compare anywhere!

PATGRISWOLDCATTLECO. Goldthwaite, Texas 817/946-8320 Mbl.

To advertise in MarketplaceContact:

Jesse Wright 979.731.4721

jesse.wright@theeagle.com

9

The Land & Livestock Post  October 2013 — Issue 2

10

News Border cattle industry struggles after U.S. policy change

By Julián AguilAr The Texas Tribune

OJINAGA, MEXICO — This remote town on the TexasMexico border used to enjoy the distinction of being one of the busiest ports for importing Mexican cattle into the U.S. But citing concerns about escalating drug violence in Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture last year moved its cattle inspectors across the Rio Grande into Texas — a decision residents on both sides of the border say has crippled the local livestock industry.

“We feel we’ve been wronged.

We feel the area is safe and we’re victims of circumstances [occurring] along many other borders with many issues,” said Carlos Nieto, special projects manager for Presidio, the Texas city across the border from Ojinaga. “In Washington and in [the Mexican presidential palace] Los Piños, we’re a no-man’s land. They don’t know about our way of life.”

Before the change, cattle were inspected and weighed — and sales finalized — on the Mexican side of the border at a multi-acre facility that could hold 15,000 animals. Ranchers from at least nine of Mexico’s 31 states would send their cattle for inspection and subsequent import, said Mexican customs agent Severo Santiago Baeza.

“We don’t want anything except what we used to have,” he said. “We don’t expect anything more.”

But when the USDA left Ojinaga for Presidio, the Mexican ranchers began taking their business elsewhere, uninterested in dealing with the bureaucracy and hassle of a border crossing.

The USDA did not respond to requests for comment on the decision.

Between 2011 and 2012, more than 280,000 cattle were exported in Ojinaga. That dipped to 68,700 from September 2012 to July of this year, according to statistics from the Mexican cattle raisers union, the Unión Ganadera Regional de Chihuahua.

During that same time period, expenditures associated with cattle export — payments to customs brokers, taxes, corral space and transport — dipped by about $5.5 million.

That lost business has extended to Presidio; the temporary

Photo by Julian Aguilar

Customs or Border Patrol.”

Last month, Rodríguez wrote to U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, DBrownsville, who also sits on the House Agriculture Committee, seeking answers and help. He said it’s unfair that inspectors are allowed to work in parts of Mexico that border Laredo and New Mexico.

“This is unacceptable, and it seems only to be applied to Presidio-Ojinaga,” he wrote. “In my opinion, swift action needs to be taken in order to have the USDA allow its inspectors to Ojinaga and help restore the levels of cattle inspections to the numbers reflected in previous years.”

Rodriguez copied several state officials on the letter, including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, who often visits ranchers and farmers in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley to hear their concerns. In an email, Staples said the economic troubles on the Ojinaga border — and the drug violence that appears to have led to them — were a cause for concern.

“Drug cartel violence continues to take a heavy toll, not only on our rural landowners, but our entire agriculture industry along the Texas-Mexico border,” he said. “We must absolutely stop the cartels in their tracks and normalize trade relationships to restore lost jobs.”

Veterinarian and cattle buyer Jesús Baca discusses how cattle were inspected before the USDA pulled its American inspectors from Mexico. pens the USDA established, help of U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego, USDA officials and expects a which can hold only a few hun- D-Alpine, who sits on the House response soon explaining what dred animals already, now sit Agriculture Committee, and El prompted the departure.

“I like evidence-based deciempty half the time. Locals say Paso state Sen. José Rodríguez, it’s only adding to the town’s a Democrat whose district now sions, and if they are going to poverty rate, which is current- includes part of the Big Bend make that decision, we need to have the evidence for it,” he said. ly about 34 percent, double the area.

They reached out, they say, “I am not hearing [concerns] state’s 17 percent average.

Nieto said the red tape comes because for a year they couldn’t from the State Department; I from the addition of a step in get a clear answer on who made am not hearing that from U.S. Presidio, where cattle now must the ultimate decision: the U.S. be unloaded and inspected, then State Department or the USDA. Ojinaga has seen its share of reloaded and shipped again for firefights, though violence there weight and payment.

“Every time the cattle are has not risen to the level of othmoved, what are they doing? er cities in the Mexican state of They are [urinating and defecat- Chihuahua — particularly Ciuing],” Nieto said. “And what’s dad Juárez and Chihuahua City. [all that]? Weight. What do you In March, gunmen in Ojinaga killed a Mexican news editor, get paid on? Weight.”

He said it could also contra- and in August, two Mexican feddict the government’s stated eral agents and a civilian were There’s a new church in Aggieland... goal of keeping diseased live- killed after they tried to stop a stock from breaching U.S. bor- vehicle they believed carried people suspected of crime. ders.

Need a place to belong or just need to Dr. Jesús Baca, the chief vet“Now you’re bringing cattle that may have diseases, ticks, erinarian at the Ojinaga inspecget back in the saddle...Cowboy Fellowship whatever,” Nieto said. “Be- tion site, said members of the welcomes you just how you are. fore, they would get dipped and cattle raisers union and others checked in Mexico and the re- would do whatever was asked of Good Music & God’s Word presented the Cowboy Way them to improve security and jects would stay there.”

Jimmy McNeil, a cattle im- put U.S. officials at ease. But he Cowboy Fellowship porter who has been buying added that inspectors don’t apAll truth, No bull! in Ojinaga for 30 years, said pear to be afraid.

“On their days off, they go to the Mexican ranchers can’t be Sundays at 10:00AM www.aggielandcowboy.com blamed for moving their prod- Ojinaga to shop, their families (Donuts and Coffeee at 9:30AM) uct to the New Mexico border live in Ojinaga,” he said. “The 979.777.8109 4119 Greens Prairie Road instead. “They have a legitimate only thing they can’t do is go Wellborn Community Center work there.” gripe.”

Gallego said he has met with The towns have enlisted the

Cowboy Fellowship

The Land & Livestock Post

News Guide, from Page 6



Photo by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Velvety yellow spots on the undersides of leaves indicate bean rust. tension plant pathologist in College Station, whose expertise on plant disease yielded the photographs depicting the most common diseases. Isakeit’s graduate student, David Laughlin, translated the information into Spanish.

The guide was published by a grant from Texas A&M AgriLife Communications.

CARC ASS DATA

TE PRIVA Y T A E TR

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

100% Guaranteed

Semen Tested

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

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

FALL BULL & FEMALE SALE

October 2013 — Issue 2

idea I’ve had for a while,” Masabni said. “I thought it would be a useful tool to carry in a pocket, with photos and specific information on the most common diseases of the most common fruit and vegetable crops in Texas.”

Masabni said the pocket guide is designed for growers, home gardeners and Master Gardeners — anyone who attempts to grow vegetables, whether in pots or on larger acreages.

The durable, 3-inch by 4-inch spiral-bound guide has photos of diseased plants along with easyto-read information in English and Spanish on the name of the disease, cause, symptoms and control. There are more than 100 pages describing 50 diseases on 14 commonly grown fruits and vegetables.

The guide can be ordered for $10 at the AgriLife Bookstore, www.agrilifebookstore.org/.

Masabni collaborated with Thomas Isakeit, Agrilife Ex-

CAMERON, TEXAS SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 at 12pm

SELLING 225 ANGUS BULLS EMAIL INFO@44FARMS.COM FOR A SALE BOOK OR CALL 254-697-4401 FOR MORE INFORMATION 1945 County Rd. 227 • Cameron, TX 76520 • (254) 697-4401 info@44farms.com • 44farms.com • 44steaks.com

11

The Land & Livestock Post  October 2013 — Issue 2

News

Well bred

Significance of heterosis in breeding cattle

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

T

he ability to produce good beef animals is dependent upon three factors: herd nutrition, health and genetics. All three of these requirements are important equally, and if any one of the three is not sufficiently satisfied, production will suffer.

Genetics not only is responsible for animal traits, but it also determines animal response to nutrition and its ability to develop disease immunity.

A majority of the commercial producers crossbreed cattle, mating parents of different breeds. They primarily use this breeding system to produce heterosis in their herds. Heterosis is often called hybrid vigor. Joe Paschal of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service defines heterosis as the level of performance of the crossbred descendents or progeny compared to the average performance of the parents.

in direct heterosis include environmental adaptability, longevity, reproduction, growth and production.

Maternal heterosis occurs in the offspring of a crossbred cow. Maternal heterosis is the indirect effect of a crossbred dam’s gene combinations influencing her calf’s performance through the maternal environment she provides. An example of maternal heterosis is the dam’s improved milk production that positively affects her calf’s weight.

“Overall, heterosis has the largest positive effect on survivability, reproduction, disease resistance and general fitness,” Paschal said. “Heterosis has the least positive ef-

Examples of combination breeds Combination breeds should not be confused with crossbreeding systems. Examples of American combination breeds include: • Braford = Brahman + Hereford • Brangus = Brahman + Angus • Beef Master = Brahman + Hereford + Shorthorn • Charbray = Brahman + Charolaise • Red Brangus, = black Angus + grey Brahman • Santa Gerturdis = Brahman + Shorthorn • Simbrah = Brahman + Simmental

Cover photo by Spring Johnson

are produced in the herd, the system is continuous. The system is terminal if heifers are not put back in the herd, but are brought in from outside.”

“A calf that is a cross between two parents of different breeds is called an F1 and

Heterosis effects

12

“Heterosis usually improves performance of the offspring, with the greatest amount of improvement in progeny of the least genetically related parents,” Paschal said.

“For example, heterosis is greater in a cross between Hereford and Brahman than between Hereford and Angus. Since both Hereford and Angus originated on the British Isles, they are likely to be more genetically related to each other than with the Brahman, whose ancestors originated in India.

“Progeny inherit one-half of their genes from each parent and these genes are paired on the chromosomes.

Heterosis is created by the interaction of genes on the chromosomes. This phenomenon has been recognized as a powerful genetic tool for commercial beef producers for over 100 years.”

Heterosis can be separated into two basic types: direct and maternal. Direct or individual heterosis is the effect of hybrid vigor in the crossbred offspring.

Performance traits normally improved

Photo by Robert Fears

Angus/Braham combination,

fect on carcass traits, and its effects are intermediate on feedyard characteristics such as rate of gain and feed efficiency. In a first-cross female, heterosis increases growth rate which results in a decreased puberty age and increased fertility over and above that caused by reduced puberty age.”

Breeding systems

“There are two basic breeding systems in commercial production,” said Stephen Hammack, professor and Extension beef cattle specialist emeritus with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “If replacement females

has the highest level of hybrid vigor,” Paschal said. “If the F1 is mated back to one of its parental breeds, the progeny will be a backcross. The level of hybrid vigor is theoretically reduced by 50 percent in a backcross. This same level of reduction in hybrid vigor occurs when two F1s of the same genetic makeup are mated.

“If an F1 cow is mated to a bull of a third breed, the F1 cow will exhibit 100 percent maternal heterosis and the calf will exhibit 100 percent direct heterosis. Usually such three-breed terminal sire crosses are rated among the highest in production efficiency since 100 percent of both the direct and maternal hybrid vigor is utilized.”

Three-breed terminal crossbreeding has been popular for some time among producers because of the high degree of heterosis that can be produced. An example of this breeding system is mating F1 Hereford/Brahman cows

with a Charolais bull. All calves from the Charolais bull are sold whereas only F1 bull and cull heifer calves are sold. The remaining F1 heifers are kept as herd replacements to breed with Charolais.

Price Ranch near Sterling City uses a fourbreed terminal crossbreeding system.

The owners, Frank and Sims Price, buy F1 Hereford/Brahman heifers, breed them to an Angus bull and then mate the progeny to a Charolais bull. One hundred percent direct and maternal heterosis is obtained from the three-way cross, since all of matings are done between parents of different breeds. In addition, the Angus contributes marbling and the Charolais adds muscle in the four-way cross terminal progeny.

Combination breeds

“Existing breeds are sometimes blended to form combination breeds, with new packages of traits,” Hammack said. “Sometimes these combination breeds are called composites. Because they are formed by crossbreeding, there is some residual heterosis.

The amount depends on how many breeds are included, in what portions they are included and how much inbreeding occurs as the breed develops.

With these combination breeds it may be possible to obtain some heterosis using a single combination breed in a straightbred system, which simply

See BREEDING, Page 21

CHEVROLET SILVERADO

October 2013 — Issue 2

THE ALL NEW 2014



NOW HERE!

The Land & Livestock Post

Chevrolet

Caldwell Country

979.567.1500 • 800 E. Hwy 21, Caldwell, TX

www.caldwellcountry.com

13

The Land & Livestock Post  October 2013 — Issue 2

News GRAIN, from Page 8 watch China. If it begins to import less U. S. cotton and consume its own supplies more, he said there will be 60-cent cotton if China begins unloading its surplus of supplies.

“We may then be looking ahead at a couple of years of low prices,” he said.

David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist College Station, said the U. S. beef cattle industry is set for a slow rebuilding process since drought has further delayed herd rebuilding. Beef consumption and strong export demand,

however, signal a continuation of strong beef cattle prices ahead.

But dry weather and lack of forage have prevented many ranchers from retaining replacement heifers and building back herds.

The Texas beef cow inventory is 1 million fewer since the drought started in 2011. Once beef cattle producers can clear the drought hurdle, there are favorable opportunities for the beef cattle market in the future, Anderson said.

“Calf prices are at a profitable

See OUTLOOK, Page 17

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

254-985-2242

14

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

on

facebook

facebook.com/texasllp

Photo courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Carroll Collier and his wife,Jean,receive the 2013 Leonard Wyatt Outstanding Cooperator Memorial Award at last month’s Noble Foundation all-employee meeting. Collier Farms has been in operation in Wise County, Texas, since the early 1920s. the business of growing grass, not weeds.”

In the past, Collier and his family have operated a dairy, owned a retail supply store,

managed a peanut buying point and farmed peanuts. Collier began his relationship with the Noble Foundation in 2005 when he transitioned solely to a beef cattle operation.

“If you have a question about something, you can call them, and you can weigh it out and discuss it,” Collier said. “Should we do this or should we not do it? We go over all that and see if something is feasible.”

Collier weighs the value of each of the decisions he makes.

When asked about the value the Noble Foundation holds for him, however, Collier said, “There is no way to set a value on it. It’s priceless.”

As winners of the Wyatt Award, Collier will receive a plaque and belt buckle; his wife, Jean, will receive a bracelet. Their names will be placed on a permanent plaque that is displayed in the Agricultural Division Building lobby on the Noble Foundation’s Ardmore campus.

TX. 830-393-7576 Oct. 26 – The Sale at 44 Farms.

Cameron, TX. 254-697-4401 Oct. 26 – Oak Creek Farms October Tested Registered Bull Sale.

Chappell Hill, TX. 979-836-6832 Oct. 18 – W4 Ranch Annual Production Sale. Morgan, TX. November 903-599-2403 Nov. 9 – Double Creek Farms Oct. 19- Central Texas BBA Beef 2013 Fall Production Bull Sale.

“On” Forage Performance Tested Meridian. TX. 254-435-2988 Bull Sale, Brenham, TX. Nov. 23 – Collier Farms Oct. 19 – Bug Country Bull Sale. Beefmasters Performance Bull Abeline, TX Sale. Brenham, TX. 979-251-4175 Oct. 23 - Texas Hereford Association Fall Classic Bull Sale.

Do you have a sale or event Buffalo, TX. 903-322-4940 you’d like listed?

Call Jesse Wright at Oct. 25 – Central TX All Breed (979) 731-4721 or email Bull & Female Sale. Gonzales, jesse.wright@theeagle.com

October 2013 — Issue 2

ollow us

Division.

Besides running his 318-acre beef cattle operation, Collier Farms, Collier serves on various agricultural boards and committees, including the Integrity Beef Program, and volunteers with the Chico High School FFA Chapter. “Carroll exhibits a high moral character and has always demonstrated an unselfish attitude towards helping others,” said Tracy Meadows, Farm Service Agency county executive director.

Collier’s operation was started by his grandfather in the early 1920s, making it a few years shy of being a century old; nonetheless, his practices are nothing but innovative. Collier recently has purchased a GPS system to assist him in spraying to better manage his pastures.

“I work hard on pasture management,” Collier said. “I have a problem with these weeds in my pastures. They take nutrients from the soil and can cause eye problems in cattle. We are in



ARDMORE, Okla. — The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation honored Carroll Collier with the 2013 Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award during the organization’s all-employee meeting last month.

As part of the organization’s mission, the Noble Foundation provides farmers, ranchers and other land managers with guidance to help them achieve their financial, production, stewardship and quality-of-life goals.

Collier, a rancher from Wise County, Texas, is one of the 1,400 agricultural producers who participate in the Noble Foundation’s no-cost consultation services and educational programs.

“The Noble Foundation offers unmatched counsel and insight,” said Collier about his

relationship with Noble. “I can come to them if we are going to purchase a piece of equipment and see how it will pay out over the years.”

A farmer or rancher who works with the Noble Foundation — called a cooperator — is selected annually to receive the Wyatt Award, which the organization bestows on one of its most notable cooperators.

“Carroll is an outstanding rancher,” said Robert Wells, livestock consultant. “He is an amazing steward of the land.

It has been a joy to work with somebody as business-minded, progressive and conscientious as Carroll.”

Criteria for the Leonard Wyatt Memorial Outstanding Cooperator Award are based on accomplishments within the famer’s or rancher’s operation, community service and willingness to assist other producers, said Billy Cook, senior vice president and director of the Foundation’s Agricultural

The Land & Livestock Post

News Carroll Collier receives Noble’s Leonard Wyatt award

Events Calendar

15

AgriLife farm manager sees great change, growth operations.

A career highlight for Nelson was a four-month stay in Iraq in 2009, part of an agricultural team from the Norman Borlaug Institute at Texas A&M University helping to restore Iraqi food and fiber production.

“I got into it not knowing what to expect. I went into it with an open mind and it was absolutely an incredible experience,” Nelson said.

Nelson’s group was assigned to the Anbar Province. Each day the team would conduct field activities and assess various aspects of agricultural production. At the end of the day, Borlaug team members would compile field notes and discuss solutions for addressing the problems.

Nelson said the whole Iraqi experience was one he will never forget — from the wide variety of food to the camaraderie shared with a cross-section of people.

October 2013 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News

19.95

$

s

sue 24 Is

Irrigation methods have also changed through the years.

“I came away from that experience with a sense of accomplishment,” he said.

NEWS YOU CAN USE RIGHT IN YOUR MAILBOX

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

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photos by Blair Fannin

 

New Subscription

Mail or Register Online:

c/o Land & Livestock Post

Address Change

P.O. Box 3000 Bryan, TX 77805

OR www.landandlivestockpost.com

Al Nelson, farm manager, shows off cotton grown on the 1,500-acre farm near College Station that serves as a research and teaching platform for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

16

COLLEGE STATION — In his 29 years as farm manager, Al Nelson has seen much change take place on the sprawling 1,500-acre farm near College Station that serves as a research and teaching platform for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

“When I first got here, we had a 4020 John Deere with 8,000 hours on it,” he said. “That was about the best tractor we had.

Now we have a 310 horsepower Case IH.”

And through the years irrigation methods also have changed.

He said the current drip tape technology is innovative, but has a way to go.

“I’m not sure if you can put fertilizer through it, but it’s coming,” he said. “Nozzles on center pivot irrigation have been converted to a LESA (Low Elevation Spray Application) system. That’s been a change for the better.”

Perhaps the most drastic change has been drought, which altered irrigation intervals throughout 2012. The farm’s permit to draw irrigation water from the Brazos River temporarily was suspended

by the Brazos River Authority last year, but lifted in January through May, Nelson said. After that, the farm has purchased water from the Brazos River Authority for irrigation.

Nelson said about 350 acres of research trials can use water from wells, but the water flow had to be cut in half to maintain pressure, he said.

Nelson said the farm crew — Edward Macik, Donald Jakubik and Tom Moser — maintains the farm’s infrastructure for AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension efforts. Cash cropping allows for purchases of new equipment and pays for ongoing maintenance of farm

and click “subscribe”.

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

Check Enclosed (Please make checks payable to The Eagle)



Please Bill my:

 Mastercard

 VISA

 American Express

 Discover

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

Outlook, from Page 14 level, but you can’t expand due to drought,” he said.

Joe Outlaw, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M and Extension economist, provided a farm program update.

He said versions of a new Farm Bill by the U. S. House and Senate differ and it’s still unclear when new legislation will be passed. In the meantime, Outlaw said, when and if a new program is approved, it will be a switch from traditional commodity program tools to more insurance tools.

TJSS Hardware

Jet Dealer & Service For Over 30 Years

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

Concrete leg feed trough

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

The Land & Livestock Post

News

Cattle Guards

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

Sales: Tuesdays @ 12 Noon

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

Certified Dealer

6097 East Hwy. 21 • Bryan, TX

(979) 778-0904

WINCO Generator Tractor Driven PTO

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

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

October 2013 — Issue 2

New Pipe

Custom Cattle Guards Also ATV Cattle Guards



190 Gallon Concrete Water trough

From the Full Line, Full Service Seed Company!

Apache Arrowleaf Clover

Prine Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass

Virus Resistance

Apron XL Treated for Fungal Diseas & Pre-Inoculated

Improved TDN Excellent Disease Resistance Leading Variety in Texas: 2002 - 2013

EAST TEXAS SEED COMPANY P.O. BOX 569 • TYLER, TX 75710 • 979-597-6637 WWW.EASTTEXASSEEDCOMPANY.COM • SEEDS@EASTTEXASSEEDCOMPANY.COM AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL SEED DEALER • CALL 800-888-1371 • FOR ALL YOUR SEED NEEDS

17

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

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

October 2013 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News

Low Maintenance

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

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

Brien Water Wells Experts in Water Well Drilling & Irrigation Systems

Serving your water needs for 4 generations.

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

Brien Water Wells circa 1940s.

Brien Water Wells present day.

Hwy 6 South, Hearne, TX

979-279-2427

18

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

2013 FALL Production BULL SALE

WE ALSO SELL BULLS EACH YEAR AT THESE REPLACEMENT SPECIALS BRAZOS VALLEY LIVESTOCK REPLACEMENT SPECIAL Saturday, December 7th, 2013 Brazos Valley Livestock, Bryan, TX

MERIDIAN LIVESTOCK YEAR END REPLACEMENT SPECIAL Tuesday, December 17th, 2013 Meridian Livestock, Meridian, TX

Our bulls are raised in Central Texas – These bulls are big footed heavy boned and ready to work. No Acclamation Necessary!

October 2013 — Issue 2

Saturday, November 9th, 2013 • Meridian Livestock, Meridian, TX



SELLING 100 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS & 30 SELECT FEMALE LOTS

The Land & Livestock Post

DOUBLE CREEK FARMS

Complete EPDs & $ Values With Performance Data Big Spread Bulls With Extra Growth • Many Low Birth Weight Bulls Will Sell

MIKE, BARBARA & MATTHEW DOMEL 254-435-2988 • 254-749-2240 MATTHEW’S CELL: 254-749-3253 - Bull Sales MERIDIAN, TX Call for more information or sale book.

19

The Land & Livestock Post  October 2013 — Issue 2

BROADER LEAF. BIGGER YIELDS. BETTER GRAZING. “Nelson Ryegrass was faster growing (started grazing 6 weeks after emergence), made a lot more leaf (like oats) and produced more tonnage than the other ryegrasses we have used the past 4 years.

Nelson stands up to heavy grazing pressure and eliminated our hay and supplemental feed needs. Being a forage based program here, forages are the back bone of our program and Nelson will a big part of that.

Nelson ryegrass makes economic sense for us.”

TRAVIS ROITSCH • Farm Manager / Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Systems / Animal Science Dept

“I used Nelson Ryegrass this year and was really impressed with its quality and production. It has a leaf like oats. In our Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer program, nutrition is very important and Nelson provides that. My calves gained great and our rebreeding was excellent.

Nelson will definitely be a big part of my forage program from now on.”

STEED SMITH • Olde Oaks Angus Ranch Huntsville, Texas

BWI Companies

Teaxas A & M - Overton, Texas 2013 Ryegrass Variety Trial

6,200 6,100

pounds per acre

6,000 5,900 5,800 5,700 5,600 5,500

NELSON

Tamtbo

Jumbo

Prine

Big Boss

Texas A&M - College Station, Texas 13,000 12,500 12,000 11,500 11,000 10,500 10,000 9,500 9,000

2009-2010 Variety Trial Report

pounds per acre

NELSON TAMTBO Prine

Jumbo TAM 90

Gulf

Passerel Plus

Texas A&M - College Station, Texas

Five Year Average 2006 - 2010 using Beaumont for 2006 - 2009

7,000

pounds per acre

6,500 6,000 5,500 5,000

NELSON Prine Jumbo TAMTBO TAM 90

Gulf

Passerel Plus

Texarkana 800 442 8443 Schulenburg 800 460 9713 Dallas 800 752 6632

The Wax Company 888 CALL WAX Unauthorized propagation is prohibited. U.S. Plant Variety Protection applied for.

20

©2013 The Wax Company, LLC

BREEDING: Crossing the right cattle can improve herd strength From Page 12

 October 2013 — Issue 2

means using the same breed for both sires and dams.

“The first combination breed in the United States was the American Brahman, created by combining several Bos indicus (humped) breeds imported directly from India or by way of Brazil,” Hammack said.

“A number of breeds have been created in the southern United States, especially in Texas, by combining different biological types. Most of these contain Brahman and British or, in a few cases, Brahman and Continental European breeds.

“These combinations are generally called American breeds. More recently, some British and Continental com-

binations have been made.

These are less common, but are increasing in number,” Hammack said.

“There are few drawbacks from the use of hybrid vigor in commercial cow-calf production if a few simple concepts are followed,” Paschal said.

“Select a crossbreeding system that is efficient and feasible for your level of management and is easily maintained.

“Choose breeds that have productive value as crosses within your cowherd, in your environment and for your market.”

Additional information is found in Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies IV. Breeding Systems that can be accessed at animalscience.tamu.edu/ main/academics/beef/pubs. html.

The Land & Livestock Post

News

Questions About Cattle Health?

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

Photos by Robert Fears

Top right, is an example of a Brahman/Braunvieh combination. Above is an example of Angus/Charolaise/Braham combination. Below, is a Brahman/Angus/ Hereford combination.

WIKSE

Submit your questions to:

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

21

22

October 2013 — Issue 2 

The Land & Livestock Post

Metal Roofing & Building Supply Navasota, TX

LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley

Results of the Buffalo Livestock Marketing’s Sept. 21 sale: Head: 1,051 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $200-$265; 200-300 lbs.,$195-$260; 300-400 lbs., $165-$232; 400-500 lbs., $150-$212; 500-600 lbs.,$135-$170; 600-700 lbs., $129-$159; 700-800 lbs., $120-$140.

Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $180-$235; 200-300 lbs.,$165-$230; 300-400 lbs., $150-$190; 400-500 lbs., $135-$177; 500-600 lbs.,$135-$157; 600-700 lbs., $120-$142; 700-800 lbs., $110-$133.

Slaughter bulls: $82-$99.

Caldwell

Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s Sept. 25 sale: Head: 725 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $200-$260; 300-400 lbs., $200-$250; 400-500 lbs., $160-$195; 500-600 lbs., $150-$170; 600-700 lbs., $140-$160; 700-800 lbs., $125-$140.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $200-$220; 300-400 lbs., $180-$210; 400-500 lbs., $155-$190; 500-600 lbs., $140-$170; 600-700 lbs., $135-$145; 700-800 lbs., $120-$130.

Slaughter bulls: $83-$95.

Slaughter cows: $60-$82.

Stocker cows: $800-$1,350.

Groesbeck

Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Exchange’s Sept.19 sale: Head: 803.

Steers: 300-400 lbs., $190-$220; 400-500 lbs., $178-$195; 500-600 lbs., $160-$170; 600-700 lbs., $145-$160.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $180-$200; 400-500 lbs., $165-$175; 500-600 lbs., $145-$160; 600-700 lbs., $135-$155.

Slaughter bulls: $90-$101.

Slaughter cows: $63-$83.

Hwy 90 (toward Anderson) & FM 3455

9 ANNUAL FALL FEMALE & BULL REPLACEMENT SALE th

Stocker cows: $800-$1,600.

Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,600.

Milano

Results of the Milano Livestock Exchange’s Sept. 24 sale: Head: 490.

Steers: 300-400 lbs., $132-$215; 400-500 lbs., $120-$197; 500-600 lbs., $125-$177; 600-700 lbs., $110-$153.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $130-$193; 400-500 lbs., $125-$179; 500-600 lbs., $117-$157; 600-700 lbs., $111-$151.

Slaughter bulls: $90-$95.

Slaughter cows: $60-$88.

Stocker cows: $985-$1,350.

Navasota

Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction Co.’s Sept. 21 sale: Head: 909.

Steers: 150-300 lbs., $150-$250; 300-400 lbs., $150-$210; 400-500 lbs., $125-$200; 500-600 lbs., $120-$157; 600-700 lbs., $115-$157.

Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $135-$230; 300-400 lbs., $130-$180; 400-500 lbs., $120-$165; 500-600 lbs., $115$152.50; 600-700 lbs., $115-$140.

Slaughter bulls: $80-$100.

Slaughter cows: $65-$84.

Stocker cows: $750-$1,450.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,200-$1,425 — Special to The Post

METAL BUILDINGS

METAL ROOFING

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

• Pipe • Latches • Fence Cable

936-825-0500

11,16500 + TAX

$

ALSO

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

1-800-91-HILCO

October 2013 — Issue 2

Buffalo

Slaughter cows: $55-$86.

Bred cows: $975-$1,425.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,700



Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s Sept. 24 sale: Head: 1,068 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $195-$230; 300-400 lbs.,$180-$225; 400-500 lbs., $162-$210; 500-600 lbs., $140-$168; 600-700 lbs.,$138-$155; 700-800 lbs., $133-$138.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $174-$205, 300-400 lbs.,$165-$195; 400-500 lbs., $144-$167; 500-600 lbs., $132-$153; 600-700 lbs.,$120-$136; 700-800 lbs., $122-$134.

Slaughter bulls: $82-$95.50.

Slaughter cows: $65-$82.

Bred cows: $950-$1,550.

Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,690

The Land & Livestock Post

News

12503 HWY 6 NAVASOTA, TX 77868

www.hilcosupply.com

FOR HAYLAND & RANGELAND

november 15, 2013 Deadline for 2014 Policy Year

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 14th 10:00 A.M.

SALE EACH SATURDAY For Information Call

936-825-6545 or Greg Goudeau 936-661-8432 For a Free Weekly Market Report Log on to:

www.navasotalivestock.com

Kinchole, LLC.

AGRI-INSURANCE

Hondo, TX 78861 • www.myagri-insurance.com

(830) 426-4175 or (800) 467-3274

CALL FOR A QUOTE!!

Tootie Ilse • Hondo, TX • (830) 317-4175 Dennis Dick • College Station, TX • (979) 820-4201 Connie Giesenschlag • Caldwell, TX • (979) 224-2973 WITH AGENTS IN DRISCOLL, FREER, BRACKETVILLE, COTULLA & LA VERNIA

23

The Land & Livestock Post

Quality and Integrity at Prices You Can Afford.

OUT HERE,

October 2013 Рђћ Issue 2

№ѓФ

THEY GO ALL OUT.

5083E Utility Tractor

41,998

$

┼г KSA 0):' 2SHQ 6WDWLRQ ┼г )URQWLHU 0; 5RWDU\ &XWWHU

FDVK SULFH

0RGHO VKRZQ PD\ QRW UHкаHFW LWHP OLVWHG

GatorРёб RSX Utility Vehicle

ZTrakРёб Mower Z915B 5 5B

Start up fun and power through any environment.

6WHS XS WR IDVW HI├иFLHQW PRZLQJ QJ

┼г KS N: 9 WZLQ HQJLQH ┼г PSK WRS VSHHG ┼г 7UXH ZKHHO GULYH ┼г )XOO\ LQGHSHQGHQW PXOWL OLQN VXVSHQVLRQ

┼г RU LQFK PRZHU GHFN ┼г /DUJH JDOORQ IXHO WDQN AS LOW AS

100/MONTHРђа

$

500 OFF

$

67$57,1* $7

*

Visit the newly redesigned

CPTRACTOR.COM

BRYAN, TX

979-822-7684

NAVASOTA, TX 936-825-6575

TEMPLE, TX

254-773-9916

CAMERON, TX 254-697-6551

TAYLOR, TX

512-352-5296

2IIHU HQGV 3ULFHV DUH FDVK DQG PRGHO DYDLODELOLW\ PD\ YDU\ E\ GHDOHU 6RPH UHVWULFWLRQV DSSO\ RWKHU VSHFLDO UDWHV DQG WHUPV PD\ EH DYDLODEOH VR VHH \RXU GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV DQG RWKHU кЪQDQFLQJ RSWLRQV $YDLODEOH DW SDUWLFLSDWLQJ GHDOHUV A0DQXIDFWXUHU┼цV HVWLPDWH RI SRZHU ,62 SHU (& %HIRUH RSHUDWLQJ RU ULGLQJ DOZD\V UHIHU WR WKH VDIHW\ DQG RSHUDWLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ WKH YHKLFOH DQG LQ WKH 2SHUDWRU┼цV 0DQXDO ┼ф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┼цV ZHE VLWH IRU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ CFP5X111015BCE-4C

24