Land and Livestock Post

November November 20152015 — Issue — 2

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November 2015 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

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News From the General Manager

ur last issue was about preparing for the next drought, and then we got about 8 inches of rain by the time the issue came out. I may have found a new source of revenue for the Land & Livestock Post if I can make that happen on a regular basis.

No matter what the headline, we always JESSE WRIGHT are thankful for the rain, especially after a dry spell such as the one we just endured across the state. Of course, too much of a good thing can be devastating in flood-prone areas.

This is the time of year when

we reflect upon all the things we are thankful for, eat as much as possible, and then add antacids to the diet. It’s a lengthy list, and I’m always humbled when I go to count my blessings and realize I don’t have enough fingers and toes to do so.

I am part of the agricultural committee for our local Chamber of Commerce. Every year we host a breakfast the week of Thanksgiving to honor the farmers and ranchers in our community.

It is a great event that teaches the attendees a bit about the land and what people in agriculture are able to get out of it, and the breakfast itself is so big that you can fill up Tuesday morning and you probably won’t have to eat again until

you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. I encourage you to go if you are in or around the Bryan-College Station area, and it would be great to bring someone with you who may not be familiar with where the food on their table comes from. There is an ad in this issue that will give you more information or you can visit bcschamber.org/pages/agbreakfast.

One thing folks have never been thankful for is disease.

In our cover story, we take a look at Trichomoniasis, an all-too-common disease in the cattle industry that can have a devastating impact on your herd. We look at ways to detect it and, more importantly, ways to prevent it.

In this issue we also have news and information about winter grazing, cattle theft, and skid-steer loaders. Plus we have several other stories as well as our usual features.

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

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

Outlaw to receive 2015 national Excellence in Extension Award

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

COLLEGE STATION — Joe Outlaw, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist, will receive the 2015 Excellence in Extension Award given by the U.S. Department of AgricultureNational Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The award recognizes Outlaw’s commitment to community engagement and his visionary leadership as an Extension educator, according to the agency. Outlaw will receive the award at the 128th annual meeting of the Association of Public and Land-grant

See OUTLAW, Page 28

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November 2015 — Issue 2

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News

Cattle producers take part in quality assurance training

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

BRENHAM — Area cattle producers recently took part in clinic a to learn more about producing high quality beef in a safe and wholesome environment.

The training was sponsored by the Texas Beef Council, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. It was conducted at the Washington County Fairgrounds Complex.

“Beef Quality Assurance is a grouping of best management practices,” Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in Corpus Christi, told attendees.

Paschal conducted the training, focusing on many issues, including food safety, beef quality, environmental stewardship and animal handling.

“Beef Quality Assurance is an industry-wide participation,” Paschal said. “It demonstrates commitment to beef safety and quality, creates a positive public image and enhances consumer confidence.”

Jason Bagley, senior manager for beef quality and exports with the Texas Beef Council, discussed the Texas Beef Checkoff Program. While the national beef checkoff program has been in place for many years and assesses a dollar per head, a Texas beef checkoff program went into effect in 2014. Like the national beef check off, a dollar is collected from the sale of each beef animal for the Texas Beef Checkoff Program and helps fund research, education and marketing efforts. Currently, Bagley said marketing efforts have included emphasis on millennials (born in the 1980s or 1990s).

“There’s 80 million of them out there, and my wife is one of them,” he said. “She is on her phone all the time getting recipes and information. This generation has completely moved to the digital age. We are trying to put more beef information online so when a consumer is standing

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at the meat case, we can get that cooking information to them right then.”

Bagley also discussed international marketing efforts. In 2014, exports added a record value of $300.36 a head for every fed steer and heifer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Workshop time also was devoted to discussing best animal health practices. Cattle producers always should place subcutaneous injections in the neck, dewlap or elbow pocket. As an industry, however, there are still instances of injection site blemishes in areas such as the sirloin and other high-value cuts, Paschal said.

“Injection site management is a critical component and one that can lead to big economic losses in the beef industry,” he said.

“Any management practice can impact the safety and quality of the beef marketed from your operation, so that’s why it’s important to adopt best management practices.”

Overall, Paschal said beef producers should have a herd health plan and establish a relationship with a local veterinarian.

“Once a year, you should go over your herd health plan with your veterinarian just to make sure you are covering everything that is needed to protect your cows and investment.”

Another area covered was cattle and beef quality. Paschal said cattle producers must have the best genetics they can afford.

“You have to start with as good of an animal as you can,” he said.

Calves should be castrated at 300 pounds or less. Cattle also should be branded in the hip region and not in the center of the hide. Paschal said a lot of hide value is lost when ranchers brand cattle in the center of the carcass, “Brand your cattle so that you have that permanent identification,” he said. “If you have a natural disaster and have cows scattered over four counties, you

have that brand and you know those cows are yours when they are located.”

Paschal also discussed environmental stewardship.

“It’s important not to overstock,” Paschal said. “We want to eliminate any nutritional stress by not putting too many cows on a pasture that can’t support them with good nutrition.”

Paschal said cattle producers also not should wait until it is too late to sell off cull cows and bulls.

“You want to get rid of them while they are still in good body condition,” he said. “Preferably, that’s when they have a body condition score of five or better.”

For more information about the Beef Quality Assurance program and how to receive certification, go to texasbeefquality. com.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin Jason Bagley,Texas Beef Council senior manager for beef quality and exports,discusses how the Texas Beef Checkoff Program helps fund research, education and marketing efforts of beef both in the Lone Star state and nationally.

November 2015 — Issue 2

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News Redmon named Texas A&M associate department head

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

COLLEGE STATION — Larry Redmon, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state forage specialist, has been named the associate department head and AgriLife Extension program leader of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University, effective Nov. 1.

“Larry brings a strong background in new program development to the position,” said David Baltensperger, soil and crop sciences department head in College Station.

Redmon’s new role will include leadership for soil and crop science faculty across the state, including budget development, evaluation, commodity g roup relations, industry partnerships, response coordination and visioning for the future, Baltensperger said.

Travis Miller, AgriLife Extension interim director for state operations in College Station, said in discussion of the state forage specialist position being vacated

by Redmon: “We obviously need a leader in forages for the state; someone to coordinate and plan effective programming for forages and stakeholders who depend on forages.”

He said Redmon, who will be filling the position Miller held for 13 years, will be great for the job.

“Larry has done a lot for the department and for forages in Texas,” Miller said. “He is very innovative, coming up with many new ideas for programs. He’s a team player who puts a lot of different people in the room to solve problems and address issues.”

Redmon said he is sad to be transitioning away from many of his AgriLife Extension and teaching duties but still will be involved in educational programs to some extent.

“It seems the one constant is things are constantly changing, and so it is with my career, but I

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As the AgriLife Extension state forage specialist, Redmon’s programs focused primarily on establishment, management and utilization of forage resources to enhance profit potential for landowners and to protect valuable soil, water and plant resources.

Redmon currently serves as the AgriLife Extension Bennett Trust specialist and manages a unique endowment to AgriLife Extension left by Eskel and Ruth Bennett. He also conducts Ranch Management University, an intensive four-day event targeting new or inexperienced ranchers and landowners, twice a year at the G. Rollie White Visitor’s Center on the Texas A&M University campus.

He was an integral part of Forage Fax, foragefax.tamu.edu, a website that allows subscribers to receive posts such as reminders to obtain a soil test, drought management recommendations, new products and information regarding critical pasture issues.

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November 2015 — Issue 2

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News USDA commits to help build up next generation of producers Special to The Post

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — Over the next two year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will prioritize how to spend $5.6 billion earmarked in the 2015 Farm Bill for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden made last month’s announcement at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Harden also announced a new, tailored web tool designed to connect burgeoning farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.

“Today’s announcement is symbolic of the evolution of USDA’s efforts to better serve the next generation of farmers and ranchers. What began seven years ago with the recognition that the rapid aging of the American farmer was an emerging challenge, has transformed into a robust, transparent, tech-based strategy to recruit the farmers of the future,” Harden said.

“No matter where you’re from, no matter what you look like, no matter your background, we want USDA to be the first stop for anyone who is looking to be a part of the story and legacy of American agriculture.”

The new web tool is available at www.usda.gov/newfarmers. The site was designed based on feedback from new and beginning farmers and ranchers around the country who cited unfamiliarity with programs and resources as a challenge to starting and expanding their operations. The site features advice and guidance on everything a new farm business owner needs to know, from writing a business plan, to obtaining a loan to grow their business, to filing taxes as a new small business owner.

By answering a series of questions about their operation, farmers can use the site’s Discovery Tool to build a personalized set

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of recommendations of USDA programs and services that may meet their needs.

Using the new web tool and other outreach activities, and operating within its existing resources, USDA has set a new goal of increasing beginning farmer and rancher participation by an additional 6.6 percent across key USDA programs — which were established or strengthened by the 2014 Farm Bill — for a total investment value of approximately $5.6 billion.

Programs were targeted for expanded outreach and commitment based on their impact on expanding opportunity for new and beginning farmers and ranchers, including starting or expanding an operation, developing new markets, supporting more effective farming and conservation practices, and having access to relevant training and education opportunities.

USDA will provide quarterly updates on its progress towards meeting its goal.

Harden made the announcements during remarks to more than 60,000 attendees at the National FFA Convention. The National FFA Organization is the largest youth organization in the United States, and focuses on preparing students for a wide range of careers in agriculture, agribusiness and other agriculture-related occupations.

As the average age of the American farmer now exceeds 58 years, and data shows that almost 10 percent of farmland in the continental United States will change hands in the next five years, we have no time to lose in getting more new farmers and ranchers established, Harden said.

Equally important is encouraging young people to pursue careers in industries that support American agriculture. According to an employment outlook report released by USDA’s National

See USDA, Page 30

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News

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A decades-old problem, cattle theft continues to cost Texas ranchers millions of dollars annually.

Cattle theft still a problem in modern-day Texas

By JULIÁN AGUILAR and MILES HUTSON The Texas Tribune

When Larry Gray’s rangers send out an all-points bulletin, they generally don’t know much about the height and weight of the suspects they’re after. But they can describe what was stolen, detailing cattle brands on heifers and estimated weights of steers.

“Special Ranger Marvin Wills and local authorities are seeking information leading to the arrest or indictment of a suspect or suspects involved in the theft of 107 head of steers from a ranch near Waco, Texas,” read a recent release. “According to Wills, the steers weigh between 600 to 700 pounds, and each have an ‘FS’ brand on the left hip.”

Cattle theft, a decades-old problem, continues costing Texas ranchers millions of dollars annually. Although the number of reported rustling cases has dropped in recent years, the value of stolen livestock has risen along with cattle prices driven higher by years of drought.

“It’s been a continuing problem since 1877 when our asso-

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ciation was formed,” said Gray, executive director of law enforcement and theft prevention for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

With 30 officers commissioned by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation or both, the association tracks livestock and property theft in Texas and Oklahoma. Most of the work is in Texas, the nation’s largest cattle producer.

The number of animals stolen — and how much a thief can get for them — has fluctuated in recent years, Gray said, largely because of the drought’s effects on the market and the availability of cattle.

In 2011, ranchers began selling off their livestock, fearing a protracted drought would make feed and water scarce. Fewer animals were stolen from Texas ranches in subsequent years, he said, because there were fewer to take.

In 2011, the association investigated 898 reported cases of theft, including 804 in Texas that included 13,000 livestock stolen or missing. The association helped

See THEFT, Page 15

November 2015 — Issue 2

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News

Budget deal would trim crop insurance program

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The new two-year budget deal produces savings from one of the most popular programs in farm country — federally subsidized crop insurance — and farm state lawmakers are furious.

Senators and House members said on Oct. 27 they weren’t notified of the cut before the deal was struck. The crop insurance companies that depend on federal subsidies said in a statement that the proposed $3 billion in cuts over 10 years could be devastating to the industry.

Budget-writers in Washington long have eyed the crop insurance program, which costs more than $9 billion annually, as a pot of available money. But farmstate lawmakers have fought to protect it, saying it makes more sense than other farm subsidies since it pays out when farmers suffer losses.

Congress got rid of other types of subsidies in a wide-ranging farm bill last year, including payments that went to farmers regardless of crop yield or crop price. In turn, they increased federal support for crop insurance.

Ainsley receives society’s award VERNON — Jim Ansley, Texas A&M AgriLife Research rangeland ecologist at Vernon, was recently recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Texas Section Society for Range Management during its annual meeting in Wichita Falls.

The award is given “in recognition of contributions and a career that are noteworthy in the advancement of the science and the art of range management,� according to the organization.

This is the second-highest award given by the organization, and only one is given each year.

The budget deal would create the savings by lowering the rate of return for companies that sell crop insurance to farmers. The federal government partially subsidizes those companies and insures some of their losses.

The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, Texas Rep. Mike Conaway and Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, issued a joint statement along with the top Democrats on the panels objecting to the cuts, which they said would “undermine a critical riskmanagement tool for American agriculture producers and consumers.�

Both voted against the bill.

Roberts told his colleagues at a Senate Republican caucus lunch on Oct. 27 that his panel was “shut out.� He said that chipping away at crop insurance could mean that farmers have to depend on Congress to approve emergency spending for farmers when they suffer large-scale losses. “Agriculture producers are battling floods while others continue to face ongoing and severe drought,� Roberts said. “Crop insurance has kept them “Maybe we can achieve the same goal by a different path,� Roberts said.

AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke

Outgoing House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio talks with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, during a news conference on Capitol Hill on Oct. 27. House Republican leaders pushed toward a vote on a two-year budget deal despite conservative opposition, relying on the backing of Democrats for the far-reaching pact struck with President Barack Obama who signed the measure on Nov. 2.

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News

Guarding sheep and goat herds is going to the dogs on the right foot and maybe resolve some issues that they’ve seen in the past.”

Proper bonding of the dog with the livestock to be protected is paramount to success, Redden said.

“One of the issues with using guardian dogs is getting them properly bonded to a flock and also getting them adjusted in a manner that’s conducive to protection against predators; making sure they’re not leaving the property and not exhibiting behaviors that are counterproductive to controlling predators; and maintaining the good health of the sheep and goats and themselves.”

Redden, who has used the dogs personally and professionally for more than a quarter century, is convinced they are a key element to maintaining or

By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

S

AN ANGELO — “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

This oft used nod to the U.S. Postal Service just as easily could describe the work ethic of good livestock guardian dogs, according to Texas A&M AgriLife officials in San Angelo.

Personnel from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in San Angelo have completed the publication “Livestock Guardian Dogs.”

The eight-page reference guide is available at sanangelo.tamu. edu under publications and as a publication on the AgriLife Bookstore at agrilifebookstore. org, publication EWF-028 9/15.

The publication complements ongoing field work with the dogs at ranches in Menard and Ozona, managed by AgriLife Research in San Angelo.

“This publication is a guide for sheep and goat farmers and ranchers who are looking at using livestock guardian dogs to protect their sheep and goats from predation,” said Reid Redden, AgriLife Extension state sheep and goat specialist at the center.

Redden was joined in authoring the work by John Walker, AgriLife Research center director, and John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist.

Walker said the large rugged dogs, often topping 100 pounds, have been used for thousands of years for guarding flocks throughout the world. But aside from some interest by U.S. producers in other states, the dogs are a largely untapped resource across much of West Texas, arguably the largest sheep and

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See DOGS, Page 13 Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns

A pair of livestock guardian dogs stands ready to defend their flock as the sheep they protect seem oblivious to any possible threat. goat range production region in the nation. The AgriLife staff in San Angelo is working to change that paradigm.

Walker explained that once bonded to their flock, a good guardian dog stays out in the pasture with his wards yearround with very limited human interaction — no matter what climatic conditions prevail —

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“This publication is for producers interested in using guardian dogs for the first time,” Redden said. “It’s also for those who may have had some previous troubles with guardian dogs protecting their flocks and herds against predators.

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11

News Bull selection discussed at S. Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

BRENHAM — A herd bull is the foundation of a cattle operation and determines profitability in a cow herd, according to experts at the recent 44th annual South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic in Brenham.

Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station, said, “For me, when looking at purchasing bulls, it starts with the data. Good calves bring good money and data on the bulls we are looking to purchase can assist with selecting the right sire for the operation.

“But you can’t just rely on data.

There’s also visual selection.”

Cleere said many producers face the dilemma of how much to spend on a bull.

“I like to view it as ‘how much do I invest in a bull?’” Cleere said.

Half of the genetics produced from a calf crop comes from the herd bull. Things to consider when selecting a bull include visual appraisal, individual records, ultrasound data and genetic markers. Expected Progeny Differences, also known as EPDs, are the most effective genetic selection tool and combine performance and genetic marker data, Cleere said.

“Base your bull selection on what your production goals are,” Cleere said. “I like to sort out bulls that fit into my production parameters. Select a group of bulls with the genetic information you want, then select from them the bull with the visual traits that you like.”

Doug Pierce, division chairman for agriculture at Blinn College in Brenham, said producers

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Doug Pierce, division chairman for agriculture at Blinn College in Brenham, discusses bull selection at the South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic recently in Brenham. want to choose a bull “that acts like a bull and will breed cows.

“You want a bull that likes cows and wants to be with cows the minute you open the gate,” he said.

Indicators of good fertility include curly hair on the head, he said.

“You want a good, broad masculine look,” he said. “You also want a bull that walks smoothly and has good rib shape.”

Pierce said producers want to choose a bull that does not have a pendulous sheath, which could lead to potential infection and other problems.

“Cattle like to huddle together,” he said. “Think about cows huddled up during the night. One of the cows next to the bull gets thirsty. She gets up, starts walking and can step right on the sheath of that bull.”

Sonya Swiger, AgriLife Extension entomologist in Stephenville, provided a presentation on livestock internal and external parasite control. Horn flies cost an estimated $1.36 billion in economic losses in U.S. cattle, while stable flies have led to $672 million in losses. Swiger said it is worth the time and money for cattle producers to fend off potential threats to their cattle since arthropods cause stress and weight loss.

Mosquitoes have been a problem in recent months, so she also advised producers to dump standing water in stalls and barns where they might breed.

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November 2015 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Dogs, from Page 10 expanding sheep and goat numbers across their former West Texas ranges.

“Livestock guardian dogs in my opinion are one of the best predator management tools available because they give a level of protection constantly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” he said.

Redden said the dogs typically protect the stock in three ways; establishing a marked territory, warning the threat away, and finally attacking if necessary. They are very effective against other canids, particularly coyotes, which are the No. 1 enemy to most sheep and goat producers.

“Their presence is one of the best tools there is to manage predators, but there is management that goes along with the guardian dog as well,” he said.

“As the publication outlines, you must get them properly bonded with livestock while they are young. Guardian dogs that are placed well and managed well are undeniably among the best long-term tools available to manage predators for sheep and goats.”

Redden said there is a renewed interest in livestock guardian dogs in West Texas where sheep and goat ranchers have formerly enjoyed “neighbor protection,” a buffer

REDMON, from Page 5 600,000 requests annually.

Redmon collaborated on five “Lone Star Healthy Streams” manuals available to the public.

The Lone Star Healthy Streams program aims to educate Texas livestock producers and land managers on how to best protect Texas waterways from bacterial contributions associated with livestock production and feral hogs and is presented statewide.

Redmon also is a regular contributor to AgriLife’s Stiles Farm

between them and heavy coyote populations.

“But, there’s fewer and fewer people raising sheep and goats now, so those remaining producers are having a difficult time managing predator populations to a level they can control,” he said. “They are looking at livestock guardian dogs to take over where traditional management practices are starting to fail.”

Tomecek said livestock are not the only species to benefit from good, well-placed, wellmanaged livestock guardian dogs.

The predators themselves actually may benefit since comparatively few are killed, as the dogs usually present enough deterrent that the predators go elsewhere for an easier meal.

“Guarding livestock is all wildlife related,” Tomecek said.

“When we think about managing predation the first thing you have to think about is the behavior of the predator you are trying to work with.

“The nice thing about livestock guardian dogs is that you are basically working within canine behavior. A coyote is a medium sized canine and you’ve got yourself a very large canine that works for you.

“So in essence it’s like putting a wolf out there that works for you and your livestock instead of against you. The coyote’s be-

Field Day and the O.D. Butler Field Day, as well as many others, and has been a key resource on issues from hurricane and wildfire recovery to rebuilding herds after years of severe drought.

Redmon earned a bachelor’s of science in agronomy from Stephen F. Austin State University and a doctorate in range science from Texas A&M. He spent six years with Oklahoma State University before joining AgriLife Extension in 1999 as a forage specialist at Overton. He moved to College Station in 2004.

The Land & Livestock Post



havior is interrupted, that natural canine behavior that makes a canid of any species think twice before encroaching into another canid’s territory. The dogs exclude them. The livestock guardian dog shows them that there’s a larger animal out there and that the coyote is in dangerous territory.

“So that does two things: One, it helps you keep the predators away from your stock by interrupting that behavior. But the other wildlife side that we think about is the dog’s potential effect on non-predatory wildlife,” Tomecek said.

“While it is possible for some dogs to chase deer off or bother ground nesting gamebirds, we don’t typically see that’s the case with a well-placed, wellbonded dog. So in fact you have a lot of opportunities to protect wildlife on your ranch, by having a guardian dog out there

guardian dog and proper management, you simply create a moving area of exclusion, of protection, around your livestock.

“As time goes by, I think we’re going to have to find more and more methods of nonlethal control to keep our livestock operations viable and so keep in line with the ethics and opinions of the public which increasingly is an urban audience. I think that livestock guardian dogs are an excellent opportunity to do that.

“We also need to learn more about how they influence and affect wildlife as well as livestock on the landscape, and that’s the purpose of this publication and the work supporting it,” Tomecek saaid.

“And akin to the U.S. mail, nothing will stop a good livestock guardian dog from his appointed rounds.”

keeping the same predators away that may also be negatively influencing wildlife, such as white-tailed deer.”

Tomecek said that in today’s world lethal control is becoming less popular with the general public. And, at the same time, there are fewer operations left to use lethal methods actively.

He also said it’s been documented that killing coyotes actually triggers the survivors to increase their reproduction rate to the point there may be more predators after lethal control was implemented.

“Lethal control of coyotes, especially on a limited scale, can actually get to be less and less effective whereas the use of guardian dogs keying into that basic canine behavior shared among all canids will act as an exclusion and deterrent,” he said.

“So with the right livestock

November 14, 2015

12 Noon • Saturday • Groesbeck, TX Limestone County Fairground (Located on FM 1245 East)

Cattle Viewing After Noon November 13

Heifer Show:

JBBA Heifer Show will be held following conclusion of sale. Show coordinator Casey Ballard, (979) 574-5372 or cowman@aol.com. Flyer and entry form available online at www.beefmasters.org

Accommodations:

Quality Inn & Suites Groesbeck (254) 729-0077

Sale Day Phone: (936) 661-1074

For Catalog Please Contact:

Debbie Bradbury (936) 295-7129 • bradburydebbie@gmail.com

November 2015 — Issue 2

13

News

Despite recent rains, wild fires are always a danger

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The recent Bastrop County fire that burned more than 4,600 acres served as a warning to landowners and rural homeowners that additional wildfires may be on the horizon.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service officials said early spring and summer rains promoted a lot of grass and forage growth, which can serve as wildfire fuel as it dries down. Now is the time to plan – to mitigate damages before the next fire starts, they said.

To indicate how dry things are getting and the potential of fire, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported on Oct. 19 there had been 117 fires on 9,013 acres in the past seven days, primarily in East and Central Texas.

The forecast for fire danger has shifted from primarily Central and East Texas to include the Rolling Plains and the

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo

by Rachel Bauer

Volunteers unload hay at the large animal shelter and livestock supply point set up by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in the wake of the Bastrop County fire. eastern portion of the Texas Panhandle as having high or very high fire ratings and increasingly dry fuel.

Dr. Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in Amarillo, said as the plant life starts drying down with the first freeze in the next couple weeks in the Panhandle and then moves south, landowners need to check to make sure they are fire-ready.

“These ranchers and landowners need to be out tending their fire breaks along their fence lines and checking their water tanks and other firefighting equipment to make sure they are in

See FIRE, Page 20

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November 2015 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News

COLUMBUS LIVESTOCK END OF YEAR BULL & REPLACEMENT SALE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 STARTING AT 12:30 PM

(2000 REESE LANE COLUMBUS, TX) 350 PAIRS/HEAVY BRED HEIFERS (NOTHING OVER 5 YRS OLD) AND 100 ALL BREED VIRGIN BULLS NORTHERN GENETICS, BUT TEXAS RAISED.

Theft, from Page 8 recover livestock worth about $4.07 million.

In 2012, the association investigated 980 reported cases of theft.

About 790 of those were in Texas and included 6,320 livestock stolen or missing. The property recovered was valued at $3.3 million in Texas.

In 2013, the number of cases dipped to 770 including 700 in Texas, where the number of livestock reported missing or stolen was 4,200. The property recovered that year was worth $2.2 million.

Much of Texas is out of the drought stage, and ranchers still are grappling with theft due to the record prices caused by the decline in cattle production.

In 2014 the association investigated 790 cases, including 726 in Texas. But the 5,325 animals reported stolen or missing in Texas were valued at $4.89 million, an

increase of more than $800,000 from 2011.

“It has cycles just like any other crime where it goes up and down,” Gray said. “But cattle are at record levels as far as the prices go. That makes it very attractive to a thief to steal a load of cattle.”

In 2009, the Texas Legislature made theft of less than 10 head of cattle or other livestock a thirddegree felony punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.

In 2014, jail time handed out for thieves totaled 240 years, up from 2013’s 193.

There is one silver lining, Gray said. The state’s ranchers hardly ever get word that cattle thieves crossed the Rio Grande with the stolen goods.

“It has happened, but the border is so secure now with so many monitors and Border Patrol and sensors at all type of devices, it doesn’t happen much,” he said.

100 - All Breed Virgin Bulls (Angus, Sim-Angus, Charolais, Horned Hereford, Brangus & Brahman) (Good, Quality Heavy Boned Bulls - Will be Tested and Ready to go to Work) 20-28 months old 40 - Pairs/Heavy Bred Heifers (Black/Black Baldie) 10 - Horned Hereford Pairs/Remainder Heavy Bred Heifers 20 - Horned Hereford Open Heifers 40 - Heavy Bred Heifers and Brangus Pairs 30 - Red Beefmaster Heavy Bred Heifers 20 - F1 Heavy Bred Heifers 20 - Angus Plus Pairs and Heavy Bred Heifers 40 - Angus Pairs and Heavy Bred Heifers 14 - 4 year old Brangus Pairs 6 - 5 year old Brangus Pairs

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

BRAD HAUERLAND OFFICE: 979-732-2622 CELL: 979-877-8839

These cattle will be heavily screened to ensure top quality replacement cattle. All bulls will be fertility and trich tested even though they are virgin bulls. By December 1st, a complete listing of sale cattle will be available at www.columbuslivestock.com

The Land & Livestock Post



November 2015 — Issue 2

15

News

Trich no treat

Trichomoniasis shaves profit from the beef cattle industry

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special tyo The Post

T

richomoniasis, commonly referred to as Trich, is discussed often at field days and seminars because of its economic impact on the beef cattle industry.

Producers who don’t keep good production records may not know that the disease exists in their herd. Trich does not exhibit visual symptoms in an animal. The only indication of infection is a reduction in the number of weaned or late-born calves.

“Trich is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease in cattle, resulting in abortions and infertility,” said Dr. Douglas Step, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian. “It is caused by a microscopic protozoan parasite, Tritrichomoniasis foetus. In the cow, the organism establishes in the vagina and uterus. In bulls, it lives in microscopic folds, or crypts, on the skin of the penis and prepuce.

“As a bull ages, conditions on the surface of the sex organs are more conducive for these protozoa to survive and multiply,” Step said.

“Infected bulls and cows usually look normal. The only way to confirm Trich infection is by testing.

“Typically, cattle producers become aware of a problem when cows are pregnancy checked and there are too many open cows. Other indications of Trich are a prolonged calving period, or a noticeably reduced calf crop.”

Reabsorption of the fetus or abortion usually occurs early at 1 to 4 months in pregnancy, followed by the females becoming temporarily infertile. Late-term abortions have been described, but are not common. The majority of infected cows will clear a Trich infection after four to five months of sexual rest.

Unfortunately, immunity is short

16

Photo by Robert Fears

Trich was discovered in this herd near Guthrie, east of Lubbock, after testing due to a reduced calving percentage.“Trich is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease in cattle, resulting in abortions and infertility,” said Dr. Douglas Step, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian.

On the cover: One method of controlling Trich is to keep young bulls rather than older ones. lived, and cows are susceptible to reinfection and abortion the following season. Some cows will not clear the infection and occasionally develop a pusfilled uterus.

Bulls become infected with the

Trichomoniasis protozoa when breeding infected females. Young bulls less than 3 years old may clear the infection, but older bulls generally are permanently infected and considered a source of infection.

November 2015 — Issue 2



“The most effective way to control Trich is to prevent introduction of the organism into a herd,” Step said. “This control method is primarily accom-

See TRICH, Page 23

The Land & Livestock Post

The Land & Livestock Post



November 2015 — Issue 2

17

News

Skid-steer loaders can improve efficiency on the ranch

By Deke Alkire The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

For many ranches, a skid-steer loader is just as vital to the operation as a feed truck or a four wheeler. These machines are extremely versatile. They have a small footprint for their capacity, and a good operator can make quick work of common tasks. However, there are several things to consider before purchasing a machine:.

• Skill level — Operating controls can be awkward for new users. It takes time and patience to become a proficient operator.

• Test drive — You wouldn’t buy a new truck without a test drive. The same should be true for machines. Many dealers will allow serious buyers to “demo” a new machine. Always test drive the brand and size of machine you want to buy before making a purchase, even if you have to rent it. Each brand will have different visibility, control options and weight-topower ratios.

18

Photo courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Skid-steer loaders are extremely versatile.

• New or used — New machines always will have the latest upgrades and the shiniest paint. They come without the worries of past abuse but usually cost the most.

If you are the kind of person who always buys a brand new truck, this might be the best option for you. However, there are many good used machines available. Unless you know what to look for, it is best to buy used machines from a dealer. If you don’t buy from a dealer, be suspicious of fresh paint, rust and oil leaks. Always open the inspection panels and raise the cab. Ask for maintenance records and about any repairs. It is buyer beware. Great deals might mean that it’s stolen; check the serial number.

• Size and power — Decide what operations the machine will perform and buy

See LOADERS, Page 19

November 2015 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Loaders, from Page 18 a machine to fit your needs. The biggest machine is not always the best. Evaluate the lift height and tipping load specifications relative to what you plan to move.

Consider height constraints in pens and buildings, the width of openings and how often you will haul it on a trailer. Typically, a skid-steer is easier to haul than a tractor with the same capacity.

• Tracks or tires — Rubber tracks have a larger footprint and tend to be easier on grass.

Consider these for use in muddy areas and when use in pastures is common. They provide better traction but cost more to replace than tires. Steel tracks that install over the tires are also available.

These provide the most traction but are the hardest on grass. If the primary use will be on concrete, consider solid tires over pneumatic for longer life.

• How much is it needed on the operation — Seriously consider what a skid-steer is needed for on your operation. If you can think of uses to justify the purchase, it should be an easy decision because you will find many other uses you hadn’t considered.

• Optional equipment — Think about what attachments youmightneedforyouroperation before buying a machine. Make sure it has auxiliary hydraulics at a flow rate appropriate for any future attachments. Keep in mind that you can rent various attachments that you only need occasionally. Specialty items, such as an auger bucket, will have to be purchased. Finally, a cab with heat and air conditioning is nice but the door can make it difficult to get in and out of the cab.

It is hard to imagine all the uses for a skid-steer around a farm or ranch.

Below is a partial list of possibilities. The ideas are endless with the number and diversity of attachments available. A skidsteer will not replace a tractor, especially for PTO driven implements, but they can increase the efficiency of many ranch operations.

Potential skid-steer loader uses: • Fence building — Remove

REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE Photo courtesy of skidsteersolutions.com

This backhoe is just one of numerous attachments available for your skid-steer loader, a versatile piece of machinery for a farm or ranch. old posts and wire, dig corner and line post holes, drive t-posts, shape water gaps, and clear brush.

• Handling hay — A properly sized skid-steer is faster than a tractor when loading and unloading hay, and can be used to feed hay.

• Handling feed — Mix and deliver rations, and handle pallets of mineral and feed. A skid-steer enables bulk flat storage.

• Manure management — Scrape pens, clean up hay feeding areas in the spring, and load and spread manure.

• Road maintenance —Spread gravel, fix holes and drainage, and push snow.

• Brush clearing — Preparing fire guards, remove small brush and use as tree shears for larger trees.

• Water — Trench lines, install tanks, excavate breaks and add rock around water points.

• Construction — Level and grade building sites, and handle materials.

• Animal handling — Yes, they even make a calf corral that you can lower over a new calf for protection against aggressive cows.

• Endless ideas — Add attachments such as grapple buckets, forks, side flow auger buckets and a 3-point adapter plate for more uses.

The Land & Livestock Post

November 14, 2015 • 12 NooN Mid-Tex Livestock Auction, LLC (4 miles east of Navasota, Texas on Hwy. 90)

1,250 Head of Quality Replacement Females Including Pairs, Bred Cows, Bred & Open Heifers These cattle have all been screened to ensure you only the best quality commercial cattle will be offered. Cattle will be palpated and sold in uniformly sorted groups to fit any cattleman’s needs.

On Thursday, November 5th, a complete listing of all sale cattle will be at

www.johnsoncattlemarketing.com

CATTLE MARKETING Tom Johnson

440 FM 246 • Wortham, TX 76693 903-599-2403 •Mobile 817-291-5121



November 2015 — Issue 2

ACCOMMODATIONS: Best Western, Navasota (936) 870-4100 Super 8, Navasota (936) 825-7775

19

News Fire, from Page 14 working order,” McCollum said.

He said when the higher winds start whipping power lines and electrical sources above these heavy growths of grass and brush, conditions will be ripe once again for more wildfires.

Any locations where an electrical source is present, such as oil and gas well pumps, should be checked to ensure the lines cannot swing into contact with one another and create a spark.

McCollum also said anyone tending livestock might want to have equipment, even a broom, in their pickups to fight fire as the season moves closer. And neighbors should begin talking to one another about potential escape plans for their livestock.

In response to the fire that broke out on Oct. 13 in Bastrop County, AgriLife Extension was requested to open the first of what might be several livestock supply points this wildfire sea-

son. One week later, the responsibilities were turned over to local volunteers.

AgriLife Extension’s Ag Strike Team at Bastrop included seven county agents, three district AgriLife Extension administrators, two regional program directors and two specialists. Four additional members were on standby, according to Dr. Andy Vestal, AgriLife Extension emergency management program director in College Station.

AgriLife Extension gets involved long before conditions elevate to a major threat by supporting the Texas Division of Emergency Management to communicate family, community and business preparedness and mitigation practices through its news network, AgriLife Today, and through county agent communications and educational events, Vestal said.

“And long after the wildfires are extinguished, Ag riLife Extension county agents and

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Rachel Bauer

Feed and supplies were donated at the large animal shelter and livestock supply point set up by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in the wake of the Bastrop County fire. specialists have an important responsibility to revive the economic fabric in the community,” he said.

Vestal said AgriLife Extension

Events Calendar

November Nov. 5 Jordan Cattle Auction Stocker-Feeder & Premium Weaned Sale, San Saba, TX Nov. 11 Barber Hereford Ranch Bull Sale, San Saba, TX Nov. 11 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Barber Ranch Herefords/Express Angus, San Saba, TX Nov. 12 6666 Ranch Legacy Female Sale, Guthrie, TX Nov. 13 Double Creek Angus Production Sale, Meridian, TX Nov. 14 Heart of Texas Beefmaster Sale, Groesbeck, TX Nov. 14 Cattleman’s Top Cut Replacement Female Sale, Navasota, TX Nov. 19 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Pat Griswold Ranch Bull Sale, San Saba, TX Nov. 21 BT Hereford Production Sale, Navasota, TX Nov. 21 Collier Farms Performance Beefmaster Bull Sale, Brenham, TX Nov. 21 South Texas Cattle Marketing Brangus Influenced Female & Bull Sale, Nixon, TX Nov. 21 Caldwell Livestock Fall Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Caldwell, TX December Dec.5 EXPO- Producers Coop . Bryan, TX Dec. 5 18th Annual Fall Replacement Sale, Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, Bryan, TX Dec. 5 Jordan Cattle Auction December Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX Dec. 6 Stockman’s Special All Breed Bull & Female Sale, Industry, TX Dec. 14 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Stocker & Feeder Sale, Mason, TX Dec. 19 Griswold Cattle Co. Classic Female Sale, Stillwater, OK

20

has seven Strike Teams comprised of five to seven county agents who are experienced to perform animal recovery, shelter and care during any crisis,

5 $19.s9 ues 24 Is

including wildfires.

The request for assistance at Bastrop was made by Rachel

See WARN, Page 21

NEWS YOU CAN USE RIGHT IN YOUR MAILBOX

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November 2015 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Warn, from Page 20 Bauer, Agri-Life Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources. Her request included setting up operations for receiving wildfire-threatened livestock, and feed and hay resources at the large animal shelter and livestock supply point.

About 250 animals were checked in during the fires.

Bauer and AgriLife Extension agents from Fayette, Guadalupe, Travis and Wilson counties worked with the Texas Animal Health Commission, Bastrop County officials and volunteers to go to affected areas and locate livestock to determine their condition and relative safety.

“We took in a lot of livestock, mainly horses and cattle, but also some sheep, goats, hogs and poultry,” she said. “Some of the animals have already been claimed by or returned to landowners.”

Bauer said in some instances, they were contacted by landowners who wanted them to come get their livestock.

In other cases, they found loose livestock or livestock in the path of the fire and

coordinated with the owners to relocate the animals to safety.

Feed and other maintenance items for the livestock were provided through individual donations and the generosity of area feed stores and tractor supply operations, she said. Additionally, supplies were made available to those who need to repair fencing.

“Our primary responsibility is to coordinate feed and supplies, assist with livestock evacuation, intake and distribution, and manage the volunteers who come to help,” Bauer said.

She said advanced preparation helped the process go smoother than in past years.

“People are more aware and prepared than we have seen in the past,” she said.

“The planning has been better and things are running more smoothly. It seems like the experiences of the wildfire in 2011 and efforts to better inform people about livestock safety during a fire have had a positive effect.”

For a complete list of wildfire-related documents concerning preparation, mitigation and recovery, go to texashelp. tamu.edu/004-natural/fires.php.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Rachel Bauer

4-H youth and volunteers helped feed and clean up at the large animal shelter and livestock supply point set up

by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in the wake of the Bastrop County fire.

Brazos Valley Livestock Commission 18th Annual Fall Replacement Sale

Highway 21 East • Bryan, Texas • Saturday December 5, 2015 •11:00 AM

CALL TO CONSIGN QUALITY CATTLE TO THIS REPUTATION SALE IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SELL CATTLE WE ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING ON ADDITIONAL CONSIGNMENTS OF YOUNG QUALITY REPLACEMENT FEMALES THAT INCLUDE: OPEN HEIFERS · PAIRS · BRED FEMALES

All cattle are young and screened for quality.

Call us to consign your quality females

REGULAR CATTLE SALES TUESDAYS 12:00 NOON FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (979) 778-0904

Scott Scarmardo Mobile (979) 224-3764 • brazosvalleylivestock@yahoo.com The Land & Livestock Post



November 2015 — Issue 2

21

Land & Livestock Post

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Calving now. Exc. quality Sell in any quantity.

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ANGUS BULLS: Two year old bulls. Solid Rock Ranch, Matt Jones, Frankl in, TX, 979- 7777571, 979-828-3410. www.solidrockranch.com.

CHAROLAIS A+ BULLS: Registered Top Quality, Gentle, Polled, Fertility tested.

LBW, Fancy Charolais Heifers. Ranch Bred & Raised, (254)729-8644, (254)747-2701

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H E I F E R : 20 Black Baldies and Brangus Type Replacement Heiffers. Exc. Quality $1750 ea. 432-349-1290

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Holy Marks & Paints. Have had exc. care. Will require proof of future care. Pick-up only- can not deliver. 979-5357774 or 535-4286 (10a 3p)

STORAGE CONTAINERS

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RENT TO OWN or Purchase Portable buildings with rent starting at $75/mo; 8x12 up to 16x40 buildings. Cabins, utility buildings, lofted barns, play houses. Check us out online bcsportablebuildings.com or at 9638 E. Hwy 21. Not across from Airport. 979-218-0828 We now offer moving services for your Portable Buildings.

GREAT DANE PUPPIES: CKC, DOB 8-2-15. Ready 9-2715.

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November 2015 — Issue 2



reNtaLs hUnTing-FiShing PLC CASH FOR YOUR TANK OR SLOUGH?

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News Trich, from Page 16 plished through testing all new bulls prior to entry into the herd and preventing unwanted bulls from entering through damaged perimeter fences.

Keeping young bulls rather than older ones, and testing all bulls prior to each breeding season are also important tools.

“Establishing a defined breeding season and early pregnancy diagnosis will aid in rapid detection of reproductive diseases,” Ste said.

“As with most infectious diseases, a good biosecurity plan is critical to preventing introduction and/or controlling the Trich organism within a herd.”

Economic impact

When producers fail to maintain Trich-free herds, they not only are impacting ranch incomes negatively, but also the incomes of producers across Texas and possibly North America through fence-line exposure and movement of cattle through marketing channels.

Controlling Trich is a good production practice and also contributes to the economic health of the United States beef industry.

A Trichomoniasis economic impact study was conducted in 2013 by Dr. Tom Hairgrove and David Anderson, agricultural economist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Past research indicated that about 20 percent of the herds in the state had Trich exposure.

Chronic Trich infection was assumed to cut average calving rate from 85 percent to 73 percent. Annual loss, due to Trich, was calculated at 96,000 calves or 2.5 percent fewer calves. At 2013 average market prices, this was a $95 million loss in revenue. Cow/calf value and unrealized revenue was used to calculate the loss.

To the feedlots, the loss was 96,000 fewer calves to feed

which was a total revenue loss of $156 million. An increase of 96,000 calves would fill a fairly good size feedlot and provide the packers 96,000 more cattle to process.

A representative ranch analysis was conducted as part of the economic study using data from the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University. The center develops and maintains data to simulate 12 representative cow/ calf operations in major production areas in 10 states. The chief purpose of this analysis is to project those ranches’ economic viability. The data necessary to simulate the economic activity of these operations is developed through ongoing cooperation with panels of ranchers in each of these states.

Representative ranch data from the Guthrie area were selected for the analysis of the economic impact of Trich. This representative ranch had 335 cows, a reduction from 500 prior to the drought.

Eighty-five percent weaning rate was compared with a typical Trich reduced rate of 73 percent. It was estimated that revenue from this ranch would be reduced by $36,000 in 2016 due to the Trich causing lesser weaning percentage. Net cash farm income would be reduced by $44,000.

Net cash income of a farm or ranch is actual cash receipts and expenses in a given year, regardless of the year in which

Keep perimeter fences in good repair to prevent the neighbor’s bull from infesting your herd with Trich. the sold goods were produced.

In general, the net cash income forecast serves as an indicator of the short-term financial condition of agricultural producers and their ability to pay household expenses, farm operating expenses, loan payments, and to purchase capital assets such as machinery and breeding stock.

It consists of cash receipts from marketing of crop and livestock products, equipment rental to other farmers and ranchers, custom work, ranch recreational enterprises, and direct government payments, less production expenses paid in cash.

It excludes the non-monetary components of gross and net ranch income.

Trich was estimated to cause

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a 2016 revenue decline of 9 percent on the Guthrie area ranches. Eighty-one percent reductions in net cash income were calculated. These declines would have a significant impact on ranch economics. Cumulative annual effects over time

E TE AT IVA RIV PR P Y Y T T A A E E R TR T

n An kA rrk a a l l C C

Photo by Robert Fears

would be huge, which shows that Trichomoniasis can have a significant economic impact of the beef cattle business.

It behooves all of us to keep the threatening disease out of our herds and avoid spreading it to other ranches.

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November 2015 — Issue 2

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News Proper management promotes fall and winter grazing

By James RogeRs The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

I have always been fascinated with animal behavior, especially beef cattle on pasture. They are selective grazers always in search for the highest quality forages.

This explains why you see areas of lush pasture go ungrazed in pastures with light stocking rates and high forage availability. Even when we increase stocking rates up to mob grazing levels (1 million pounds of stock per acre), cattle still selectively graze.

I’ve witnessed stocker cattle at a stock density of slightly over 1 million pounds per acre be turned into a fresh paddock

of native range in late June, quickly consume Basketflower flower heads, strip leaves off johnsongrass and tall native grasses, and trample remaining mature forage. Then they look at us begging to go to another paddock.

We tested Basketflower flower heads; crude protein (CP) was 17 percent and total digestible nutrient (TDN) level was 72 percent. Samples from the paddock were tested for nutritive value prior to grazing; On average, CP was 8.4 percent and TDN was 54 percent. Fecal samples collected from the cattle during grazing had an average CP of 11 percent and TDN of 65 percent.

Obviously, the cattle knew

See GRAZING, Page 30

Photo courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

In the fall and winter months, carryover forage from early in the growing season is low in forage nutritive value, but availability may be good.

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25

News

Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo

Adaptive multi-paddock grazing is an advanced, more efficient form of rotational grazing and is a potential option to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions on a cow-calf operation in the Southern Great Plains.

Grazing practices could mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

VERNON — Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Southern Great Plains could require a change of grazing management by traditional cow-calf producers, according to a study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

Adaptive multi-paddock grazing is an advanced, more efficient form of rotational grazing and is a potential option to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions on a cow-calf operation in the Southern Great Plains.

This occurs because, compared to continuous grazing, adaptive multi-paddock grazing results in more carbon sequestration in the soil and produces a higher quality grass that reduces methane production, the study concluded.

The scientific journal, Sustainability, recently published the findings of the study “GHG Mitigation Potential of Different Grazing Strategies in the United

26

States Southern Great Plains.”

The research team included Richard Teague and Seong Park, both with AgriLife Research, and Stan Bevers, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, all of Vernon, and Tong Wang, formerly an AgriLife Research post-doctoral researcher now in the South Dakota State University department of economics in Brookings, South Dakota.

Ruminants, particularly beef cattle, are perceived by many

as a problem since they are a source of greenhouse gas due to the methane produced by rumen fermentation, Park said.

“We believe that conclusion is premature until full ecosystem analyses have outlined the net emissions by considering all emissions compared to carbon sequestration associated with different options in the beef production chain,” Teague said.

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News Emissions, from Page 26 In this study, funded in part by the Dixon Water Foundation, the team considered both greenhouse gas emissions emissions and carbon sequestration to calculate net greenhouse gas emissions for cow-calf farms grazing only rangeland under different grazing strategies, Park said.

Unlike most published work that isolates the analyses of greenhouse gas emission and carbon sequestration, he said they used field-measured soil organic carbon data to estimate the carbon sequestrations for different grazing management systems.

“Contrary to other publications claiming cow-calf farms are the most significant [greenhouse gas] emission source in the beef production link, our results show that cow-calf farms converting to multi-paddock grazing in the Southern Great Plains region are likely net carbon sinks,” Park

said. “The continuous grazing was less effective in sequestering carbon.”

Beef cattle production management practices in different regions vary greatly in terms of stocking rate, cow size, calving season, forage types and fertilizer use, Bevers said. Analyzing these criteria, the team determined the overall greenhouse gas emissions and main sources of those in the Southern Great Plains region differ from the rest of the U.S. and other countries.

While about one third of U.S. cow-calf only farms are located in the Southern Great Plains, no known net-emission life-cycle assessment study regarding cowcalf production on perennial pastures has been conducted until this one, Wang said.

In this study, the researchers calculated the carbon footprints for cow-calf farms under continuous and multi-paddock grazing strategies using life-cycle assessment modeling, which is a stan-

dard assessment of the environmental impacts associated with a wide range of agricultural systems using a “cradle-to-grave” approach.

Compared to the sector approach, which only includes emissions from direct farm activities, life-cycle assessment also includes indirect emissions generated by farm inputs and pre-chain activities, Wang said.

The researchers did find overall greenhouse gas emissions are higher in the Southern Great Plains than the other regions, with almost 80 percent of those emissions coming from ruminant digestion.

“But this means there is great potential to reduce these [greenhouse gas] emissions by increasing grass quality and digestibility using multi-paddock grazing, which could reduce total [greenhouse gas] emissions by as much as 30 percent,” Wang said.

Compared to continuous grazing, multi-paddock grazing can

28

dotal evidence from producers that, if applied appropriately to produce most advantageous results, multi-paddock grazing can lead to improved water infiltration and soil health, which could lead to increased forage and livestock production, Teague said.

“Combined with its potential to significantly lower [greenhouse gas emissions], we conclude that multi-paddock cattle grazing serves as the best carbon mitigation option for this region,” Park said.

Improve your herd’s herd’s productivity

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The Excellence in Extension Award is a national award given annually to one Cooperative Extension professional in recognition of visionary leadership, excellence in programming and positive impact on their community.

Outlaw, a professor, serves as co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University. His applied research and outreach programs are highly regarded, particularly on the subjects of alternative technologies, renewable fuels, and various agricultural and environmental policies, according to the award nomination.

Outlaw made critical contributions to the 2014 Farm Bill, as he’s done in previous instances of agriculture legislation, according to the award nomination. By mobilizing policy educators, collaborating on curricula, developing a web-based decision aid and conducting training to support producers nationwide, he made vital contributions to the formu-

improve grass quality as well as grass production, according to ongoing research.

Teague has studied three grazing management alternatives on neighboring commercial ranches in three proximate counties in north Texas tall grass prairie: continuous grazing with light stocking, representing the best-case scenario for continuous grazing; traditional heavily stocked, continuous grazing, representing the most commonly used grazing management; and adaptive multi-paddock grazing, representing best-case rotational grazing.

“Under multi-paddock grazing management, one paddock is grazed at a time while the other paddocks recover,” Teague said.

“This grazing strategy uses short periods of grazing, long recovery periods, and adaptively changing recovery periods and other management elements as conditions change.”

There is published and anec-

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News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley

Results of the Brazos Vall ey L i v e s t o c k C o m m i s s i o n ’s Oct. 27 sale: Head: 460 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $260-$300; 300-400 lbs., $205-$250; 400-500 lbs., $185-$220; 500-600 lbs., $170$206; 600-700 lbs., $150-$171; 700800 lbs., $160-$166.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs.,$210-$260; 300-400 lbs., $205-$250; 400-500 lbs., $165-$207; 500-600 lbs., $150-$191; 600-700 lbs., $145$168; 700-800 lbs., $150-$154.

Slaughter bulls: $85-$95.

Slaughter cows: $60-$84.

Bred cows: $1,350-$1,850.

Buffalo

Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Oct. 24 sale: Head: 1,644 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $250-$370; 200-300 lbs., $225-$310; 300-400 lbs., $225-$295; 400-500 lbs., $185-$250; 500-600 lbs., $165$205; 600-700 lbs., $155-$190; 700-800 lbs., $145-$182.

Heifers: 150-200 lbs.,$255-$325; 200-300 lbs., $200-$290; 300-400 lbs., $165-$250; 400-500 lbs., $155-$235; 500-600 lbs., $150$210; 600-700 lbs., $145-$182; 700-800 lbs., $135-$167.

Slaughter bulls: $80-$112.

Slaughter cows: $45-$87.

Bred cows: $1,250-$2,500.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,275-$2,550.

Caldwell

Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s Oct. 28 sale: Head: 408 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $250-$330; 300-400 lbs., $230-$265; 400-500

lbs., $210-$235; 500-600 lbs., $185-$220; 600-700 lbs., $170$195; 700-800 lbs., $165-$185.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $240$320; 300-400 lbs., $220-$240; 400-500 lbs., $200-$230; 500-600 lbs., $180-$210; 600-700 lbs., $170-$195.

Slaughter bulls: $85-$110.

Slaughter cows: $60-$90.

Bred cows: $700-$2,000.

Rio Ranch

Groesbeck

Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livetock Company’s Oct. 29 sale: Head: 754 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $240-$290; 400-500 lbs., $215-$265; 500-600 lbs., $195-$250; 600-700 lbs., $180$210.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $220-$265; 400-500 lbs., $200-$240; 500-600 lbs., $175-$200; 600-700 lbs., $160$175.

Slaughter bulls: $95-$105.

Slaughter cows: $68-$86.

Bred cows: $1,200-$2,500.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,300-$2,900.

Navasota

Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction’s Oct. 24 sale: Head: 752 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $180-$320; 300-400 lbs., $170-$305; 400-500 lbs., $160-$275; 500-600 lbs., $150$220; 600-700 lbs., $140-$185.

Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $170-$260; 300-400 lbs., $160-$225; 400-500 lbs., $150-$212.50; 500-600 lbs., $140-$200; 600-700 lbs.,$130-$185.

Slaughter bulls: $75-$97.

Slaughter cows: $55-$84.

Bred cows: $900-$1,400.

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29

News Grazing, from Page 25 what they were doing. The problem was forage quality availability, and they just could not consume enough of what they wanted to consume to meet intake demands — and consequently protein and energy requirements — for a high daily gain.

This helps illustrate the problem we encounter with fall and winter grazing of perennial forages: forage quality availability vs. forage availability.

If stocking rate is estimated based on a 12-month carrying capacity then, by grazing management and forage deferment, excess forage can accumulate for use after the growing season ends. The problem is that carryover forage from early in the growing season is low in forage nutritive value, but availability may be very good. For example, in December 2014 I tested several paddocks of bermudagrass that consisted of carryover spring growth.

Forage availability was excellent, slightly below 5,000 pounds of dry matter per acre, but the average CP value was 5.52 percent and TDN was 57.34 percent. I would expect cows grazing this type of forage to behave very similar to the steers on native range discussed previously.

Cattle quickly would select for the highest quality, trample the rest and look for somewhere else to go. It should also be noted that a supplement would be required to maintain body condition.

Quality stockpile forage is fresh fall growth; if stockpiled from fresh, fertilized fall growth, bermudagrass can have crude protein values in excess of 10 percent (Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service ANSI-3035). If you are in an area where tall fescue grows well, it, too, can have very good nutritive value well into late fall and early winter (University of Kentucky Cooperative Exten-

30

sion Service AGR-162).

Now, how are you and your cows going to use accumulated forage for fall and winter grazing? Consider how well stockpile forage will resist decomposition through fall and winter to determine order of grazing.

Since cattle selectively graze, utilization of stockpiled forages may be lower than what the book values tell you. Keep this in mind as you manage both forage and cow condition. What appears to you as knee-deep abundant forage may appear to a cow as a pile of pulpwood.

All accumulated or stockpiled forages will lose dry matter following frost and through winter. The rate this occurs varies by species composition.

Of the Southern Great Plains forages, a grazing order could be crabgrass, old world bluestems, native grass, bermudagrass and tall fescue. Take advantage of crabgrass early as it rapidly will deteriorate following a frost and you will not be able to graze it for very long.

Old world bluestem is next.

Nutritive value will be low and utilization will be low, and don’t expect to spend a lot of time on old world bluestem following frost without cattle losing condition.

Next is a toss-up between native grass and bermudagrass.

Native grass stands well following frost but lower leaves will deteriorate and nutritive value will be low, which is why I try to use it ahead of bermudagrass. Cattle on standing native grass will leave stems behind or trampled. Native grass that is stockpiled for multiple years in a row will begin to have coolseason grasses develop in the sward over time. These coolseason grasses can be used in late winter and early spring to keep them from competing with native grass spring green-up.

For this reason, I tend to recommend using a different area of native range for stockpile each year. Bermudagrass

stockpiles well and can have very good quality (greater than 10 percent CP) if fertilized in the fall. Following frost, leaves will become brittle and leaf losses will occur as cattle move through. In areas where it is adapted, tall fescue stockpiles the best of the forages mentioned here. Its waxy leaves maintain quality through the winter, so its use can be delayed until other forages have been used. There will not be major nutritional value losses, though some dry matter losses will occur.

Fine-tune your grazing management by taking an inventory of forage mass and grab samples for forage nutritive value.

Expect animal behavior and performance differences between carryover spring forage and true fall stockpile forage.

All of these forages will more than likely require some type of supplementation to meet animal nutritive requirements, but these can be based from the grab samples. Monitor cow body condition while on stockpile and make feeding adjustments as necessary.

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USDA, from Page 6 Institute of Food and Agriculture and Purdue University, one of the best fields for new college graduates is agriculture. Nearly 60,000 high-skilled agriculture job openings are expected annually in the United States for the next five years, yet only 35,000 graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture related fields are expected to be available to fill them.

The report also shows that women make up more than half of the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment higher education graduates in the United States.

The announcement builds on USDA’s ongoing work to engage its resources to inspire a strong next generation of farmers and ranchers by increasing outreach and technical support.

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We are thankful for our abundance . . . and for those who produce it.

Amen.

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