Land and Livestock Post by The Eagle Advertising Department

December December2013 2013——Issue Issue 2

Well bred Artificial insemination done right can be profitable

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The Land & Livestock Post

Merry

tential spike through your foot. In our cover story, we take a look at artificial insemination, or AI, and its advantages and disadvantages so you can decide if it is right for you. We also have some news about upcoming conferences and programs as well as a stories about water rights, cattle nutrition and wildlife. All this in the last issue of the year, as well as our Annual Ag Directory, which you’ll want to pull out and hang on to. From me and my family and all of us here at the Land & Livestock Post, we wish you a merry Christmas, and we are looking forward to many more stories to share in 2014. ’Til next time,

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

December 2013 — Issue 2

shed. The stand then becomes a booby trap for the next 10 months. Trying to find the light switch in the shed or bumbling in the backyard in the dark becomes a lot more interesting when you know you potentially could impale yourself on a pinescented spike. I’ve tried putting it in a safe place, but then I can’t find it the next year, end up buying a new one, and risk doubling my chances of impalement. The danger period actually may be extended this year, since we are in the process of selling our house: We figured, with the holidays coming, a toddler at home and a second kid on the way, it was the perfect time to do this. But that means our house is immaculately staged and there is no place for a tree. My wife has suggested putting up a small artificial tree, which is nice because if we do sell the house it will give us something else to take down and pack up. Real or artificial, Christmas is coming, no matter where we may be on that day. When it comes to your herd, you may have a similar choice when it comes to insemination — although without the po-

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e have one of those Christmas tree stands that is basically a giant bucket with a spike going through the middle. It’s fairly effective as a Christmas tree stand, provided you don’t knock all the needles off the tree By Courtney Coufal Special to The Post while hammering it in. But, for the other LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Tex- 44-46 weeks of the as A&M University Livestock year, the thing is a Judging Team claimed the 2013 hazard. national championship at the Most holiday decoNational Collegiate Livestock rations are packed Judging Contest on Nov. 18, marking its 12th national live- safely in plastic tubs or cardboard boxes stock judging title. The contest took place at the and tucked away in North American International attics or closets until Livestock Exposition in Louis- next year. The stand ville, Ky. It is the oldest and most doesn’t fit in any tub JESSE WRIGHT prestigious livestock judging or box, and it is adcontest in the nation, according verse to tucking anywhere. Also, my wife to event organizers. is in charge of dispatching ornaments and Collegiate judging teams wreaths and lights. My one duty is the travel throughout the U.S. each tree and the tree stand. So, after Christyear participating in contests in mas, usually I take the tree off the stand preparation for this culminating and put the tree on the curb or in the fire See TEAM, Page 11 pit, and toss the stand in or around my

The Land & Livestock Post

A&M livestock judging team wins national championship

News From the General Manager

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The Land & Livestock Post  December 2013 — Issue 2

News Income Growth Conference to discuss herd rebuilding By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

WACO — A two-part session on Rebuilding the Beef Herd in Texas is one of several program highlights at the 52nd Blackland Income Growth Conference scheduled Feb. 4-5 at the Extraco Events Center in Waco. The center is located at 4601 Bosque Blvd. “The Blackland Income Growth Conference has a long history of providing the latest research information and production management practices for farmers and ranchers throughout the region,” said Ronald Woolley, conference coordinator and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service regional program director at Stephenville. “This year’s conference has several experts in each commodity session. We think we have something for everyone, and producers will take home plenty of strategies they can incorporate into their operations.” The annual conference is sponsored by AgriLife Extension and the Waco Chamber of Commerce. Registration for the main Blackland Income Growth Conference on Feb. 4 is $20 per person and includes lunch. Several sessions will award continuing

education units. Producers are encouraged to download the brochure at bit.ly/17IGNEB to see specific continuing education credit allocations, sessions and speakers. Doug Steele, AgriLife Extension director in College Station, will be the keynote luncheon speaker Feb. 4. At 9 a.m. Feb. 4, part one of the Rebuilding the Beef Herd session will focus on forage, said Vanessa Corriher-Olsen, AgriLife Extension forage specialist in Overton. “Forage recovery and pasture restocking will focus on the art and science of balancing grazing pressure and forage supply,” she said. “When it rains, drought-stricken warm season forages must be allowed to rebound either from root reserves or seed while resource managers begin to restock with cattle. Flexibility has been and will continue to be an essential element.” At 2 p.m., part two of the session will focus on replacement female options and flexibility in resource use. Also Feb. 4, are sessions on grain, rural land management, horticulture, cotton, wildlife and horses.The following are 9-11:45 a.m. session topics and speakers: • Grain session: Fertility Management-Soil Applied and Foliar, Mark McFarland, AgriLife Extension state soil fertility spe-

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gies and Management in Corn and Grain Sorghum, Ronnie Schnell, AgriLife Extension cropping systems specialist in College Station. • Rural land management session: Vision vs. Reality, Barron Rector, AgriLife Extension range specialist in College Sta-

tion; Rainwater Harvesting and Economics, Marty Vahlenkamp, AgriLife Extension agent for Hood County. • Herbicide Application Equipment for Rural Landowners, James Jackson, AgriLife

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American beef exports continue upward trend Special to The Post

Photo by Robert Fears

Strong demand for American beef in Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico and Canada is boosting U.S. exports. U.S. beef, pork and lamb are available online. For more

information about your beef checkoff investment in foreign

December 2013 — Issue 2

Japan remains the top export market for U.S. beef in 2013. Exports to Japan are up 52 percent in volume (405.5 million pounds) and 35 percent in value ($1.1 billion) for the year, accounting for 21.3 percent of the total volume of U.S. beef exports and 24.2 percent of the value. The No. 2 volume market for U.S. beef, Mexico took larger volumes for four consecutive months, with September exports increasing nearly 65 percent in volume (41.8 million pounds) and 56 percent in value ($82 million) over year-ago levels. For the year, it is down just 1 percent in volume (330.4 million pounds) and even in value at $641.7 million. Canada remains a strong market for U.S. beef, second in value and third in volume for the year at 294.9 million pounds (up 6 percent) valued at $912.9 million (up 10 percent). Other key beef export markets for 2013 include: • Hong Kong: up 96 percent in volume (186.2 million pounds) and 137 percent in value ($530.9 million). • South Korea: down 19 percent in volume (167.4 million pounds) and 2 percent in value ($419 million). • Middle East: down 3 percent in volume (246.6 million pounds) and 18 percent in value ($211.8 million) for the year, with the decline coming in the competitive Egyptian muscle cut market. • Central/South America: up 24 percent in volume (71.7 million pounds) and 15 percent in value ($113.7 million) led by strong growth to Peru, Chile and Colombia. • Taiwan: up 135 percent in volume (51.6 million pounds) and 195 percent in value ($185.7 million). Complete export results for

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Paced by sustained strong performances by the Japan and Hong Kong markets and a rebound in Mexico, U.S. beef exports in September remained ahead of 2012 levels, according to statistics released by the USDA and compiled by checkoff contractor U.S. Meat Export Federation. Powered by a 37 percent jump in the volume of beef exports to Japan, 65 percent to Mexico and 102 percent to Hong Kong, U.S. beef exports rose nearly 5 percent in September and are up 1 percent for the year. The value of those exports — up nearly 16 percent to Japan, 56 percent to Mexico, 182 percent to Hong Kong and more than 41 percent to South Korea — drove the value of U.S. beef exports up 14 percent for the month and they remain 10 percent ahead of the 2012 pace that set a record of $5.51 billion. “On the beef side, the industry aggressively pursued the opportunities available for U.S. product when market access was expanded in Japan and Hong Kong, and we are seeing exciting growth in both those markets,” said Philip Seng, U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO. “Strong competition in Japan is driving down our market share, and access issues with Russia continue to hamper our industry, both in pork and beef.” For the month of September, the United States exported 208.7 million pounds of beef valued at $505.5 million, accounting for 13 percent of total beef production and 11 percent of muscle cuts (versus 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively, in September 2012). The export value per head of fed slaughter in September was $249, up from $227.65 a year ago.

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The Land & Livestock Post  December 2013 — Issue 2

News

In Texas, fight over water spills underground By NeeNa Satija The Texas Tribune

As Texas’ rivers run dry and lakes fall to record low levels, part of the fight over water supplies is moving underground. Neighbors who pump water from the same formations beneath their land have long argued over that water. The stakes have become higher as cities and industries, watching their surface water supplies dwindle, see groundwater as a solution to the demands of explosive population growth. But Texas law governing groundwater is murky, and a recent state appeals court decision signals that only years of expensive legal battles will provide clarity. The ruling in Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Glenn and JoLynn Bragg is the first instance of a state appeals court finding that groundwater regulation resulted in a violation of property rights under the Texas Constitution — and it fuels an already fiery debate over whether groundwater can be protected alongside private property rights. “This whole issue will ultimately be resolved by litigation and not legislation,” said Andrew Sansom, executive director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University. “A lot of it will be between private landowners, both of whom have been told by the state that the water is theirs.”

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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

Texas owns the water in rivers, streams and lakes above ground and governs its allocation. But below the surface, everything changes. In 1904, the Texas Supreme Court declared that groundwater is subject to the “rule of capture,” which generally means landowners can pump however much water they want underneath their property and are not liable for depleting a neighbor’s underground supply. But the court also noted that it had practically begged the state Legislature to deal with the issue, to little avail. Nearly 50 years later, lawmakers had passed a bill putting regulation of underwater resources in the hands of local groundwater conservation districts. Drawn across political boundaries rather than aquifer lines, nearly 100 of these districts exist today, and all have different rules with little state oversight. After nearly a century of avoiding a ruling on the issue, in 2012 the Texas Supreme Court finally ruled in the historic Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Day case that regulations limiting groundwater pumping rights could result in “taking” property rights under the state Constitution. The 4th Court of Appeals’ decision in the Bragg case in October found that such “taking” had occurred in Central Texas. The very existence of the authority, one of the largest and most powerful groundwater regulation bodies in the state, illustrates Texas’ underwater conundrum. A federal judge

Photo by Spencer Selvidge

Glenn and JoLynn Bragg invested in growing pecans in Hondo,before groundwater pumping regulations existed there. A recent landmark court decision found that the regulations resulted in a violation of their property rights. ordered its creation in 1993, finding that over-pumping of the aquifer without proper management was threatening endangered species. But Glenn and JoLynn Bragg had invested more than $2 million to grow pecans on 100 acres over the aquifer long before that. When the

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WATER: Solution is with courts, Legislature

Applications for conservation programs due Special to The Post

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with $91 million to accomplish conservation practices such as irrigation efficiency, minimum tillage, brush management and more on 3.6 million acres across the entire state. Additionally, the conservation service funded 200 WHIP contracts with $7.1 million to improve wildlife habitat on over 380,000 acres in Texas. In addition to helping our environment, Farm Bill conservation program funds support rural communities. In Texas, it is estimated that each dollar of conservation service and private matching expenditures on Natural Resources Conservation Service conservation programs generates an additional $2.54 in sales of goods and services locally. For more information, including eligibility requirements, call the USDA Service Center office serving the county where your land is located. Service center locations and program information can be found on the Natural Resources Conservation Service Texas Web site.

December 2013 — Issue 2

TEMPLE — Applications for funding opportunities with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program are being accepted at all conservation service offices across Texas. The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas has received its initial allocation of EQIP and WHIP funding for 2014 and will begin ranking and obligating contracts after Jan. 17. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program are continuous signup programs that allow landowners or operators to apply for financial and technical assistance for the application of specific conservation practices; but the deadline for the first 2014 funding allocation is Jan. 17. Contracts are offered periodically depending on budgetary

allocations. Applications made after the deadline will be considered in the next funding cycle. Higher priority will be given to those applications that address national, state and local priorities and provide higher cost efficiency. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers technical and financial help to install or implement structural, vegetative, and management practices that can benefit the soil, water, air, plants, livestock, and wildlife. Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program applications must address traditional natural resource issues such as water quantity, water quality, grazing lands, forest health, soil management, emerging natural resource issues, and climate change. Each county in the state is funded yearly to assist producers financially with these land management practices. Last year, the conservation service in Texas funded more than 4,500 Environmental Quality Incentives Program contracts

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From Page 6

authority restricted the amount of water they could pump under that land, they sued, saying their property rights were violated. The state’s Fourth Court of Appeals agreed. Writing the court’s opinion, Justice Sandee Bryan Marion said that the restriction “forces the Braggs to purchase or lease what they had prior to the regulation — an unrestricted right to the use of the water beneath their land.” That outweighs even “the importance of protecting terrestrial and aquatic life, domestic and municipal water supplies, the operation of existing industries and the economic development of the state.” The authority has said it will appeal the ruling. The decision has prompted groundwater managers, environmentalists and water lawyers across the state to fear that any regulations they impose will land them in court. But at the same time, failing to impose regulations could harm the aquifers to the point of depletion, or threaten area wildlife. “Despite our best efforts, the aquifers are dropping,” said Greg Ellis, a lawyer for many conservation districts and former general manager of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. The authority has asked its users, which include the city of San Antonio, to reduce demand by 35 percent this year amid the drought. “The district has to have the ability to cut people back,” he added. Property advocates disagree. “Pay them,” said Paul Terrill, the Braggs’ attorney. “You took their property. Just pay them.” (How much the Braggs are owed is still up for debate, according to the court ruling.) But cities and industries

looking for new groundwater supplies are unlikely to be satisfied with compensation. They are pushing state lawmakers to further limit local groundwater regulating abilities, and in some cases, transfer rulemaking authority to the state, which already allocates surface water. “You need regulation, but you’ve got to get to the right type of regulation,” said Steve Kosub, a lawyer for San Antonio’s water utility, whose ratepayers provide the bulk of the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s budget and likely would shoulder most of the cost should the authority ultimately lose the Bragg case. “We would like to see laws that would increase the state’s hand.” Still, “these are all kind of minor solutions,” said Ronald A. Kaiser, a professor of water policy at Texas A&M University. “These cities are going to continue to grow. Drought is going to continue to happen.” The Texas Supreme Court will need to provide more guidance on the issue, he said, if lawmakers won’t take up the challenge. San Antonio and others also have argued that Texas groundwater should be governed according to “correlative rights,” the way that the Legislature has directed for resources such as oil and gas. That means rather than pumping as much of the resource as possible, users would take only their “fair share,” determined in part by the amount of land owned by the pumper. But so many users already are pumping more than their “fair share” that changing the regulations now would alter the economic landscape of the state, and likely prompt more lawsuits. “Texas has had the luxury in the past of living in the world of ‘and,’” said Mark McPherson, a water rights and environmental lawyer who represents oil and gas interests. “We want to use water for irrigation. And we want to use it for livestock. And we want to use it for population. And we want to use it for oil and gas.” “We’re at the point where we’re not going to be able to do that,” he said. “We’re going to have to live in the land of ‘or.’”

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The Land & Livestock Post  December 2013 — Issue 2

News

Getting to the point of proper needle management By RYAN REUTER and ROBERT WELLS The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

How many times do you reuse needles when doctoring calves? For stocker calves, Beef Quality Assurance guidelines recommend that needles be changed at least every 10 animals. We’re sure most of us have used needles beyond that recommendation. Have you then noticed how sharp a new needle is? How easy it is to use? The photo on the left shows a close-up view of a new needle. Once a needle is used, it loses its cutting edge, similar to a knife after repeated use. Even though you may not be able to see the dull edge clearly, the dull/burred needle causes several problems. Skin tissue damage creates excess inflammation and stops the wound from sealing quickly.

Photos by Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

A new needle is sharp and increases the efficacy of medicine. This can allow bacteria in and let the drug seep out. Additional effort is required to administer the shot, resulting in fatigue, frustration, and the potential for misplaced injections and broken needles. The second photo shows a

needle that was bumped against the steel squeeze chute and damaged. Any time a needle is dropped, scraped, bent, etc., it should be considered damaged beyond use. Change it immediately. Needles are cheap, and, more importantly, they are the physical link that delivers important and sometimes extremely expensive drugs to your valuable cattle. Make sure you are always using fresh needles. Needles should be changed often to: • Reduce the potential for disease transmission among animals. • Reduce the potential for broken needles. • Reduce skin tissue damage due to dull or burred needles. • Eliminate contamination of a drug bottle. Needle management tips: • Use a new needle each day, each breeding animal and each

A needle that was bumped against the steel squeeze chute and damaged. Any time a needle is dropped,scraped,bent, etc., it should be considered damaged beyond use.

something, or feels dull. • If a needle breaks off in an animal, immediately remove the entire needle or call your vet. Don’t ignore it. Dispose of used needles in an official sharps container and dispose of properly. Select appropriate needle diameter and length for the product and route of administration. Typically, use 16 gauge for antibiotics and 18 gauge for vaccines — ½ inch to ¾ inch is a good needle length for subcutaneous injections. Properly managing needle use is a key component of ensuring that the beef we produce is safe and wholesome. It is the responsibility of all beef producers to consistently meet these consumer expectations.

10 non-breeding animals. • Use a new needle each time you insert a needle into a drug bottle. • Use a new needle each time it is bent, dropped or scraped on

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By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

body condition of their cows. “The other thing is look at manure,” he said. “It varies, but it tells us what is

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Jason Cleere,TexasA&MAgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station, discusses the importance of nutrition in beef cattle and how it can impact calving.

He demonstrated a cow with a body condition score of 2 with a value of $50-$60 per hundredweight. A cow with a body condition score of 6 was worth $75-$85 per hundredweight. “If we compare the two values on these cows, it equals $920 to $495 in difference between the cows,” Cleere said. “The heavier cow weighs 1,150 pounds versus 900 pounds on the thin cow. When it comes to making culling decisions due to drought, if we let those cows get too thin and calve, it’s going to hurt reproduction rates. If it didn’t rain and we had to sell, we have animals a lot less valuable if you let them get too thin. Some tried to squeeze the value out of their cows and skimp on feeding.” Cleere advised monitoring cows throughout the year not only to optimize reproduction, but to have cattle in condition to bring added dollars if forced to decrease cow numbers due to dry conditions.

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BRENHAM — Heading into the winter months, cattle producers should give careful attention to adequate nutrition of beef cattle, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Jason Cleere, beef cattle specialist in College Station, told producers at the recent South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic in Brenham to monitor body condition of their cattle to ensure those cows will raise a healthy calf and properly re-breed. “Cattle markets have been phenomenal,” Cleere said, “and things are green and the outlook is great.” Lack of nutrition, however, is one of the main causes for cattle not breeding, he said. “Nutrition is extremely important to the cow-calf operation,” Cleere said. “The way we manage cattle to calve at two years of age and have a calf every year, you’ve got to have some nutritional management out there for them.” Cleere said one of the most important things producers should do is look at the

going on with those cattle, what they are eating and the quality of their diet.” Body condition scoring is a numerical system for evaluating the condition or fatness of breeding cattle. The system ranks cattle from 1, very thin, to 10 very fat. Cattle in average condition would receive a score of 5. Cleere said cattle will put on fat first in the brisket area, then behind the shoulder and onward toward the rear of the animal. “The effect of body condition score on pregnancy rates is significant,” he said. “Research indicates that cows should be at least a body condition score of 5 at calving to achieve optimum re-breeding rates. “However, the best time to be looking at body condition score would be when you wean your calves so that nutritional management decisions can be made prior to calving,” he said. “You should look at it year round, and especially during the winter feeding period to make sure the cattle are being supplemented properly.” Cleere said body condition score also impacts how much money cull cows will bring when sold.

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Team, from Page 3

ished seventh high in cattle. “Teamwork is such a vital component of the judging experience. I firmly believe that the team’s success hinged on their ability to push each other to improve daily,” Poe said. “In addition, the judging team traveled to the nation’s most elite livestock operations, honing their evaluation skills viewing quality livestock while hearing management and breeding philosophies of owners and managers. Gaining an appreciation of animal agriculture operations in various parts of the country and insight into successful operations are invaluable experiences. “I am proud of this team, of course, for being crowned national champions, but also for taking full advantage of the opportunities judging offers, and growing in agriculture knowledge as well as life skills.” As the championship team, Texas A&M was presented two highly-coveted valuable works of art. The first is a bronze bull known as “The Spoor Trophy.” Over the past 108 years, approximately 3,000 teams and more than 20,000 contests have competed for the famous bronze bull. The other award is the silver epergne, a perpetual challenge trophy. This trophy was presented first in 1950, and is valued in the six-figure range, according to national livestock exposition officials. The Livestock Judging Team at Texas A&M has built a program rich in history and success, beginning with the first

team in 1904, and has claimed the bronze bull 11 additional times in 1913, 1919, 1959, 1965, 1967, 1987, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006.

RBA

Rio Brazos Acquisitions

December 2013 — Issue 2

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M Agrilife Extension

Members of the Texas A&M University Livestock Judging Team are, front row from left, Justin James, MaKayla Spaman, Keaton Dodd, Everleigh Hayes and Corey Sanchez. Back, row from left, are coach Caleb Boardman, coach Cassidy Hayes, Holly Behrens, Brett Moriarty, Konni Kelso and coach Brant Poe.

tion within the department of animal science. He has worked as a research assistant in cattle nutrition and as a sales intern for a livestock health technology marketer. He coaches the 4-H and FFA livestock judging team in Burleson, and volunteers at the Agricultural Career Exposition at Texas A&M. After graduation, Moriarty said he plans to further his education by pursuing a master’s of business education and hopes to become a successful entrepreneur within the agricultural field. “Brett is very deserving of this award,” Poe said. “By juggling his commitment to the judging team with excelling in his coursework and participating in many other activities, Brett demonstrates strong leadership skills that make him a valuable member of this team and are indicative of the success he will find in graduate school and his career.”



national event and hoping to take away the grand title. This year, 151 individuals from 31 universities participated in the competition. During the judging contest, teams of five students from each university evaluated five classes of beef cattle, four classes of swine and three classes of sheep. Students also were required to present reasons explaining why they placed animals in a particular order for eight of the classes they placed. Texas A&M won the contest with 4,662 of 5,000 possible points, outscoring second place Texas Tech University by 18 points. Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University and Iowa State University finished third through fifth, respectively. As a team, Texas A&M won first place in the cattle and sheep categories, second in swine and third in reasons. “The 2013 team is excited and honored to bring another national championship home to Aggieland and carry on the tradition,” said Brant Poe, lecturer in the department of animal science and team coordinator. “These young men and women understand that they were representing something more than just themselves. They performed their best for their team and the university.” Team members are Holly Behrens, Port Lavaca; MaKayla Spaman, Oakdale, Calif.; Kit Clostio, Sweene; Zach Davis, Willis; Keaton Dodd, Blanco; Katie Eslick, Winters, Calif.; Justin James, Prosper; Kati Keys, Riverton, Wyo.; Brett Moriarty, Spokane, Wash. and Corey Sanchez, Bangs, all senior animal science majors. Rounding out the team is Everleigh Hayes, senior agricultural leadership and development major from Port Lavaca; and Konni Kelso, senior agribusiness major from Seguin. The team is coached by Poe and his assistants, animal science graduate students Caleb Boardman and Cassidy Hayes. Of the 12 students on the team, eight made the “traveling squad” to Louisville and five were chosen to judge in the contest. Competing on the winning team were Dodd, Hayes, James, Sanchez and Spaman. In individual rankings, Hayes won fourth high overall, third high in cattle and reasons, and eighth high in swine; James won sixth high overall and first in sheep; Dodd scored seventh high overall; and Sanchez fin-

“The judging teams in the departmentof animalsciencearea vital component and contribute immensely to the overall success of our teaching program. The teams bring tremendous visibility to our department and to Texas A&M through national championships,” said Russell Cross, head of animal science. “We are proud of this team for joining the elite group of former students who have won before them and for being such wonderful ambassadors for the university.” Moriarty was named to the 2013 All-American Livestock Judging Team. The All-American team recognizes the top 10 livestock judging team members from across the nation who have made a personal commitment to livestock judging and who have excelled in academics, university and industry activities, and community service. A total of 42 students were nominated this year. In addition to livestock judging, Moriarty has been a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, the Saddle & Sirloin Club and the Aggie REPS organiza-

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We are active purchasers of mineral and royalty interests. We are not brokers or resellers. Our management has over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. If you are interested in selling all or part of your interest or would like to find out what your interest is worth, please contact us. There is no obligation on your part to sell. All inquiries are confidential.

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The Land & Livestock Post  December 2013 — Issue 2

News

Birth control

Artificial insemination can be profitable for producers By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

rtificial insemination — AI — is another management tool that can increase productivity and profitability of a commercial beef cattle operation. For artificial insemination to be effective, however, several best management practices must be in place such as a sound nutrition program, a reliable record keeping system, an effective herd health program, good working facilities, defined breeding periods, cow palpation and annual breeding soundness exams of bulls. Once these practices have been implemented and have become standard operating procedures, then it is time to consider artificial insemination. “Even though AI has been commercially available for more than 65 years, it is still dramatically underused in today’s beef herds,” said Kyle Stutts, previously with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and now at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. “Less than 5 percent of the nation’s beef cows are bred using AI, with the majority of this breeding taking place in the seed stock and club calf sectors.”

Advantages of AI

“AI is not just for purebred breeders,” Stutts said. “It has applications at the commercial level, as well. The advantages of using AI are numerous and well documented.” Some of them include: • The ability to use sires of superior genetic merit. • Rapid improvement in genetic traits important to an operation. • The ability to mate specific sires to individual cows. • Elimination of separate breeding pastures. • Reduction of disease transmis-

Photo by Robert Fears

The artificial insemination injection tube is guided into the vagina by a hand inserted into the cow’s anus. Used correctly, artificial insemination can boost cow-calf producers’ profits.

sion from cow to cow. • Increased genetic merit of retained replacement heifers. “When combined with estrous synchronization, a shorter calving season results in a more consistent, uniform calf crop,” Stutts said. “For the commercial cattleman, artificial insemination could mean increased weaning weights, improved post-weaning performance, enhanced carcass value and more productive replacement heifers.” If an objective is to improve cow herd genetics, artificial insemination should be considered seriously. Semen from superior sires can be purchased at a much lower

cost than buying and maintaining an outstanding bull. By studying expected progeny differences of the bulls, semen can be selected that will produce desired traits in your herd within a short period. Artificial insemination provides the opportunity of using semen from a different bull each year or from several bulls within the same year, providing flexibility in breeding program management. Combined use of estrous synchronization and artificial insemination results in cows being in the same stage of reproduction at the same time. This simplifies nutrition and herd health programs because all animals can be treated

and fed as one unit. Labor is used more efficiently and costs are reduced by working the entire herd together. Heavier weaning weights usually result from shorter breeding and calving seasons that provide more pounds of beef to sell. A more uniform calf crop is produced and there is an ability to raise more fertile replacement heifers. With artificial insemination, these heifers can have quality genetics. One of the most important advantages of artificial insemination is that transmittal of sexual diseases is reduced. When a clean

See AI, Page 13

Ag Directory 2

A G RIC U LT U R A L BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Alternative Livestock • Animal Health • Associations & Organizations Buildings • Cattle • Computers / Software • Consultants Equine - Horses / Mules • Equipment and Supplies • Feed Livestock Services • Ranches & Real Estate Sheep & Goats • Working Dogs

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M&J Quail

Phone: 936-394-3891 Address: 21489 FM 244 Iola, TX 77861 Description: M&J Flight Conditioned Quail Services supplies quality flight and weather conditioned Bobwhite quail to hunting clubs, dog trainers, preserves, game enhancement projects, and hobbyists alike.

Bison Ranch

Phone: 713-436-9089 Address: PO Box 459 Pearland, TX 77588 Web: bisonranch@att.net Description: Bison breeding stock All species of Bison including European Weison, American Plains, White, DNA pure and Canadian Woods. Breeding service available. Large herd of Red Deer and Zebras. Call Richard Burns.

Animal Health Sabre Technical Services

Phone: 281-880-4886 Address: 5415 Pebble Springs Houston, TX 77066 Web: mminier@sabretechservices.com Description: We provide chlorine dioxide for water purification, facility sterilization, and odor control.

Shenandoah Vet Clinic

Phone: 979-690-7999 Address: 4210 State Highway 6 S. College Station, TX 77845 Web: kyle.bostick@shenandoahvet.com Description: Offering heard production health management for cow/calf, stocker calf, and sheep/goat operations Individual animal and emergency services available

as well. We are a mobile practice only at this time.

Associations & Organizations Jones & Lowe Agency, Inc.

Phone: 979-774-5683 Address: 725 E. Villa Maria, Suite 2100 Bryan, TX 77802 Web: www.JonesAndLoweAgency.com Description: Jones & Lowe Agency is an independent insurance provider. We can handle anything you need insured from crops, livestock, farm and ranch to your auto, home, business or health. We offer friendly, personalized, hometown-style service! Whether you come to see us

Texas Agricultural Land Trust Phone: 210-826-0074 Address: P.O. Box 6152 San Antonio, TX 78209 Web: bfitzsimons@txaglandtrust.org Description: TALT, a non-profit organization, today has partnered with landowners to conserve 98,600 acres. Created by farmers and ranchers for farmers and ranchers, TALT is proud to play a role in conserving Texas’ legacy of wide open spaces.

Walker County Cowboy Church

Phone: 936-662-4333 Address: 1674 Highway 75 North Huntsville, TX 77320 Web: www.wccch.org Description: Western Culture Baptist Church. Member of the Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches. Helping meet the need of those who long for a walk with the Lord but feel out of place in traditional churches.

Watson Ranch Organic Phone: 903-925-3818 Address: P.O. Box 577

Hawkins, TX 75765 Web: info@watsonranchorganic.com Description: Watson Ranch Organic liquid fertilizer excellent for forage, legumes, fruit production, vegetables and row crops. Soil building and environmentaly safe. www.watsonranchorganic.com For local informantion on dealer call 903/925-3818

Freestone Co. Goat Breeders Association

Phone: Address: P.O. Box 1553 Fairfield, TX 75840 Web: www.freestonecountygoats.org Description: A diverse group of goat breeders serving the citizens of Anderson, Freestone, Henderson, Leon, Limestone, and Navarro Counties. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Location: Freestone Co. Couthouse, Fairfield

Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas

Phone: 512-620-0162 Address: P.O. Box 1168 Lockhart, TX 78644 Web: www.icatexas.com Description: ICA is a grass roots organization run by and fun the benefit of the cow-calf producer. With booming voices in Austin and Washington DC we are able to help and support any ranchers needs.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Phone: 800-242-7820 Address: 1301 West Seventh Street, Suite 201 Ft. Worth, TX 76102 Web: www.texascattleraisers.org/ Description: Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) is a 133-year-old trade organization and is the largest livestock association in Texas. TSCRA offers a broad range of services, including law enforcement, government and public affairs, insurance services,

industry news and information on best practices, educational programs, and discounts for ranching supplies and related services to members and the industry.

Texas CattleWomen, Inc.

Phone: 979-830-8218 Address: 5130 Wonder Hill Rd. Chappell Hill, TX 77426 Web: www.texascattlewomen.org Description: Texas CattleWomen brings the best of volunteerism to the beef industry. Our mission is to support and promote the beef industry. Affiliated American National CattleWomen, we have locals across the state of Texas working to inform consumers of the importance of the industry and the constribution it makes to the economy of our nation.

Texas Rural Mediation Services

Phone: 866-329-3522 Address: P.O. Box 10536 Lubbock, TX 79408 Web: www.co.lubbock.tx.us Description: TRMS provides low-cost mediation services to Rural Texans and anyone affected by actions of the USDA for disputes ranging from adverse decisions by USDA agencies to financial conflicts with creditors, and more.

USDA Farm Service Agency

Phone: 979-680-5213 Address: PO Box 2900 College Station, TX 77841 Web: brenda.carlson@tx.usda.gov Description: Federal farm programs administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stabilize farm income, assist agriculture producers to conserve natural resources, provide credit for farm ownership and operation and help producers recover from the effects of natural disasters.

Phone: 979-828-3927 Address: P.O. Box 692 Franklin, TX 77856 Web: www.wildhorsefoundation.org Description: Equine Rescue and Abuse, Disaster Preparedness for Livestock, Instuctors/Facilitators CERT/Livestock Programs. Wild Horse Specialist. Education and Prevention programs. 501 c3 nonprofit organization

Buildings Buddy Micklitz

Phone: 979-779-0420 Address: P.O. BOX 1497 Bryan, TX 77806 Web: micklitz@verizon.net Description: Residential - Farm - Ranch. Custom designed barns and buildings. All metal construction, wood framed, or combination structures. Horse stalls, equipment sheds, hay barns, barndominiums, and recreational buildings. Call for appointment.

Land and Livestock Post 2014 Ag Directory

Alternative Livestock

Craft Concrete Construction

Phone: 979-257-6484 Address: 11745 Carter Ln. Bryan, TX 77803 Web: lcrafto@live.com Description: Slabs, walks, walls, block, stone, drainage. Quality isn’t paid for, you expect it. Give us a call for prompt and professional service.

Wild Horse Foundation

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Sunset Distributing

Phone: 505-471-0034 Address: 1386 Vegas Verdes Santa Fe, NM 87507 Web: buyersol@aol.com Description: Metal Buildings, Farm Equipment

Vance Welding and Fabrication

Phone: 936-348-1247 Address: 24305 OSR Madisonville, TX 77864 Web: www.VanceWelding.com Description: Full service welding as well as all types of metal structures, cattle guards, and hay rings.

Cattle A&J Angus Farm

Phone: 940-668-6045 Address: 1013 CR 322 Vallet View, TX 76272 Web: www.ajangus.com Description: Breeding age bulls tested on the ranch in ample pastures. They are fed a ration, hand fed twice daily, that insures growth, but not overly fat. Also, open and bred heifers AI sired our of AI sired cows.

AAA Simmentals

Phone: 281-467-0382 Address: 5103 Barkaloo Baytown, TX 77521 Web: www.aaasimmentals.com Description: We have registered Simmental Cattle. Black, red, heifers, cows, bulls, some show steers!

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ABC Consulting

Phone: 575-483-0522 Address: Magic Valley Springer, NM 87747 Web: http://ABigfootCarbon.com Description: Real reasonable priced bred cows, pairs, replacements, feeders and stockers off grass available all the time. Soil Carbon and GHG Offset projects paid to farmers and renchers on rangeland, timber and min till farm acres.

AW Ranch

Phone: 713-725-4505 Address: 37872 FM 2979 Hempstead, TX 77802 Web: www.awranch.net Description: Some of the best breed in USCattle, Horses - Show Calves and Racing Horses. Working Dogs. Small Ranch Special Care to animals

B&B Cattle Company

Phone: 979-220-6043 Address: 10220 FM 2289 Normangee, TX 77871 Web: www.NeedABull.com Description: Custom bull & heifer development programs and a calf-raiser program to assist today’s cattle producer. We realize how slim the profit margin can be in the cattle industry and we work to provide economical solutions for producing the best genetics.

Bradley 3 Ranch, Ltd

Phone : 806-888-1062 Address: 15591 CR K Memphis, TX 79245 Web: Www.bradley3ranch.com Description: Angus and Charolais bulls and genetics.

Center Ranch

Phone: 903-536-7090 Address: 3582 FM 811 Centerville, TX 75833 Web: centerranch@hotmail.com Description: Cattle, Horse, and Hay operation. We have a heifer development program to produce replacement females. Bred and open heifers for sale year round. Extensive hay operation for high quality horse hay. Also raise and train cutting horses.

Circle X Land & Cattle

Phone: 979-450-0819 Address: Po Box 4747 Bryan, TX 77805 Web: circlexbrangus.cm Description: Circle X can meet all of your needs for commercial and registered Brangus cattle. We have quality show heifer prospects for your junior exhibitor, replacement heifers to build your herd and superior bulls to improve the performance and profitability of your operation.

Dolliver Ranch

Phone: 979-229-7108 Address: 6121 Hwy 21 E Caldwell, TX 77836 Web: daviddolliver@hughes.net Description: Gentle Registered Brahman and Brangus Cattle

Dos XX’’s Cattle Company

Phone: 979-277-2295 Address: 18970 Bosse Road Washington, TX 77880 Web: dosxx@netzero.com Description: Raise and produce Registered Red Brangus Cattle and miniature horses.

Double M Ranch

Phone: 361-550-9784 Address: P.O. Box 4733 Victoria, TX 77903 Web: www.doublemmranch.com Description: For Sale: Registered Texas Longhorns, Pairs, Bred Cows & heifers. Bull Prospects & Ropers For Sale at all times

Dunn Ranch

Phone : (979) 575-5451 Address: 930 County Road 357 Gause, TX 77857 Web: tdunnpro@gmail.com Description: Cow calf operation!

Dutton Simmentals

Phone: 936-449-4612 Address: 6583 N FM 1486 Rd. Montgomery, TX 77356 Web: jadutton32@cs.com Description: Fullblood Fleckvieh Simmental seedstock. Polled and horned bulls, open & bred heifers and mature cows for sale at all times.

Foltin Farms

Phone: 281-787-4347 Address: J.A. “Tony” Foltin Hockley, TX 77447 Web: tonyfoltin@gmail.com Description: Red Angus X Beefmaster (polled) calves for sale. Goats fpr sale. Donkeys for sale. Sheep for sale ( when available).

Grand Star Ranch

Phone: 936-894-3017 Address: 7506 CR 204 Plantersville, TX 77363 Web: www.GrandStarRanch.com Description: We raise and sell pure bred Santa Gertrudis Cattle. Replacement and Show Heifers are generally available.

Address: 29909 Roberts Trail Magnolia, TX 77354 Web: www.jandmfarmmini atureherefords. com Description: We Bred, Raise, Show and Sell Registered Miniature Hereford Cattle. Call us today or visit or website.

JC Longhorns

Phone: 361-648-6249 Address: 323 Crawford Dr. Victoria, TX 77904 Web: charabis@hotmail.com Description: For Sale: Registered Texas Longhorn cattle for sale at all times.

KC Beefmasters

Phone: 512-253-0011 Address: 1955 CR 106 Paige, TX 78659 Web: www.kcbeefmasters.com Description: Beefmaster seed stock operation. Heifers, bulls, open cows and bred cows available.

L&L Cattle

Phone: 936-537-5462 Address: 13093 Browder-Traylor Rd. Willis, TX 77378 Web: byronleeinsurance@hotmail.com Description: Fall born club calves - A-I sires; also purebred Charolais bulls and heifers

Lazy L Cattle Company

Phone: 940-362-4519 Address: HC 75, Box 495 Eliasville, TX 76481 Web: jerryligon@hotmail.com Description: We raise registered Black Brangus cattle.

Lazy W Farms

Phone: 936-443-9205 Address: 1411 Hobo Lane Madisonville, TX 77864 Web: gertngauers@yahoo.com Description: Quality Pinzgauer and Santa Gertrudis breeding bulls and females and F-1 crosses

Lone Star Longhorns

Phone: 903-536-3721 Address: P.O. Box 1432 Centerville, TX 75833 Web: www.lonestarlonghorns.net Description: Lone Star Longhorns is a breeder of quality registered TX Longhorns. Breeding for horn, color, conformation and temperment. Cows, bred cows, cow calf pairs, heifers, bulls and steers. Stop by and visit us.

Marsh Ranch

Phone: 979-589-1204 Address: 8691 Old Reliance Road Bryan, TX 77808 Web: jfmarshranch.com Description: Polled and Horned Herefords Replacement Heifers/Recips Show Cattle

Milano Livestock Exchange

Phone: 512-455-7631 Address: HWY 79 E. Milano, TX 76556 Web: milanolivestock@msn.com Description: Livestock Market Sale every Tuesday 10:30 a.m.

No Worries Cattle Co.

Phone: 936-394-3811 Address: 14679 FM 244 Iola, TX 77861 Web: parrisdm@windstream.net Description: LowLine Angus Fullblood Cattle

Nuestra Tierra Ranch

Phone: 713-627-0408 Address: 3802 Piping Rock Ln Houston, TX 77027 Web: filfam@att.net Description: The Place for Quality Cattle

Rimrock Cattle Company

Phone: 325-660-7030 Address: 518 Braune Rd. Abilene, TX 79603 Web: www.rimrockcattle.com Description: Forage Finished beef, conventional feeding, grow yard, commercial cattle, carcass ultrasound

Rockin’ M Cattle Company

Phone: 979-589-1101 Address: P.O. Box 4550 Bryan, TX 77805 Web: milleco1@cs.com Description: Registered Grey Brahman seed stock.

Rose Hill Ranch

Phone: 281-375-8836 Address: P.O. Box 235 Pattison, TX 77466 Web: ww.rosehillgerts.com Description: Pure bred Santa Gertrudis cattle for sale. Hero sires, show heifers, replacement females. Top quality - excellent genetics, performance guaranteed.

Seiter Ranch

Phone: 979-690-9345 Address: 3940 Parrot Cove College Station, TX 77845 Web: seiterranch@yahoo.com Description: Brangus, Hereford cross calves. Black Baldy steers and heifers. Ranch at Keith, TX

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H4 Farms

Phone: 361-935-1208 Address: 5618 Midway Rd Inez, TX 77968 Web: hoodjrw@aol.com Description: Purebred, Star 5, Commercial Santa Gertrudis cattle. Our herd is designed to meet both the purebred and commercial cattleman’s needs.

Hudec Cattle

Phone: 979-263-5829 Address: 1442 C R 204 Weimar, TX 78962 Web: jhudec@cvtv.net Description: Limousin and Angus Bulls and Heifers. Over 30 years of A.I. Very Gentle. Also show steers and heifers. 979 263-5829

J&M Farm Miniature Herefords Phone: 281-252-5080

Boyd Industries, Inc.

Phone: (800) 611-3540

Fax: (940)-433-8540

www.BoydBuilt.com

Phone: 936-520-4926 Address: 20615 Ginger Meadow Lane Cleveland, TX 77328 Web: alanschuler@sbcglobal.net Description: Seedstock producer of registered Limousin cattle selling show heifer prospects and breeding bulls. Web site: www.schulerfamilylimousin.com

Solid Rock Ranch

Phone: 979-777-7571 Address: PO Box 1291 Franklin, TX 77856 Web: www.solidrockranch.com Description: Registered Angus. Focused on breeding functional and attractive females adapted to our environment and the bulls that will produce them. Balanced trait siresutilized in AI and ET program and as herd sires. Bulls for sale

Texas Beef Council

Phone: 512-335-2333 Address: 8708 Ranch Road 620 North Austin, TX 78726 Web: www.texasbeef.org Description: Texas Beef Checkoff Program

Texas Shorthorn Association

Phone: 903-626-4365 Address: P O Box 215 Jewett, TX 75846 Web: txshorthorns@earthlink.net Description: TX Shorthorn Association keeps an up-to-date list of cattle for sale. Also has a free membership directory available to interested cattlemen

Computers / Software CattleMax software by Cattlesoft, Inc.

Consultants Adams Land Improvement Contractor

Phone: 936-522-6098 Address: P.O. BOX 1186 New Waverly, TX 77358 Web: www.adamslandimprovement.com Description: Complete Land Improvement. Land clearing, erosion control, soil conservation, lake and pond design and construction, earth moving.

AG Southwest Crop and Ranch Insurance

Fly Z Ranch

Phone: 512-446-2921 Address: 647 Briar Lane Rockdale, TX 76567 Web: flyranch@sbcglobal.net Description: Specializing in the young Horse

Potter Enterprises

Phone: 979-690-6951 Address: 5609 Straub Rd College Station, TX 77845 Web: gdpotter@startel.net Description: Equine Consulting, Potter Farm

RJ Consultant Services

Phone: 512-868-9306 Address: 104 Orange Cove Georgetown, TX 78633 Web: rjconsultantservices@earthlink.net Description: Freelance Writing, 1.d.1 Appraisals, Pesticide Claims Investigation, Ranch Management Plans, Municipal Wildlife Management

Scasta Partnerships

Phone: 979-589-2328 Address: 9221 Box-S Ranch Rd. Bryan, TX 77808 Description: Custom chemical brush control services. Pastures, fencelines & right-of-ways. Individual plant treatmentBasal, foliar, cut-stump. Small acreage broadcast application.

Equine - Horses Mules B G Ranch

Phone: 512-446-0979 Address: 1767 S Hwy 77 Rockdale, TX 76567 Web: bobgraham69@yahoo.com Description: B G Ranch specializes in Boarding, Training Barrel Horses, and Sales.

Blue Diamond Ranch

Phone: 979-589-1463 Address: 2090 Sand Creek Rd. Bryan, TX 77808 Web: www.bluediamondranch.com Description: Offers Western performance Paint and Quarter horses for cutting, reining and roping. Stallin service by the industry’s leading sires- homozygous black tobianos and roan tobianos.

4.74 Ranch

Phone: 979-589-3272 Address: 7477 Dick Elliott Rd. Bryan, TX 77808 Web: charityjudah@henryjudah.com Description: New- small, private horse boarding facility. Full board available. Exceptional care of facilities and attention to detail.

Phone: 866-936-2767 Address: 3116 Wedgescale Pass Leander, TX 78641 Web: agsouthwest.com Description: Our Crop & Ranch insurance agency offers insurance for farmers and ranchers all across Texas, including PRF Drought Insurance, Crop Insurance, and Hail Insurance. We will be glad to give you a quote and provide you with excellent customer service.

Deep Meadow Equine Services, Inc.

Agricultural Insurance Agency, Inc.

Dos XX’s Miniature Horses

Phone: 979-776-2697 Address: PO Box 4287 Bryan, TX 77805 Web: lspurcell@suddenlink.net Description: We offer insurance coverage for agribusiness and related operations. Specializing in Auction barns, farms and ranches, animal mortality, cargo, bonds-

Phone: 281-290-8884 Address: 24415 Deep Meadow Tomball, TX 77375 Web: www.dmesi.com Description: Equine Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, providing fitness training, Vet prescribed treatments and layups using the latest techniques including a water treadmill. Phone: 936-878-2578 Address: 18970 Bosse Road Washington, TX 77880 Web: dosxxminis@netzero.com Description: Raise and breed registered miniature horses for show, sale and pets

Farriershop

Phone: 800-560-6217 Address: 8982 FM 391 Hearne, TX 77859 Web: Farriershop@wildblue.net Description: Horseshoeing & trimming service. We have a shop to bring your cripple or special needs animals & we provide an in field service for routine maintance. Give us a try!

HR Leather Shop

Phone: 936-355-8222 Address: P.O. Box 1010 New Waverly, TX 77358 Web: moniebell@hotmail.com Description: Saddle Repair shop and custom made cowboy gear. We make chaps, chinks, tack and can make or repair most anything leather

Reined Rope Horse.com

Phone: 254-592-7860 Address: 315 FM 2303 Stephenville, TX 76401 Web: www.reinedropehorse.com Description: Camps/Clinic/Training/ Lessons - reining is the foundation of our program. We offer training in several disciplines including reining, cowhorse, and roping. Kids camps and clinics throughout the year - our place or yours. Finished horses for sale.

Rocking L&D

Phone: 979-218-5285 Address: 1601 Valley View Dr College Station, TX 77840 Web: rockinglandd.com Description: 3yr old double reg. tenn walker stallion for stud service! reg. mares $500 grade mares $300

Shiloh Ranch

Phone: 979-451-1550 Address: Box 429

Chappell Hill, TX 77426 Web: www.Shilohranchtexas.com Description: 10 very nice registered quarter horses,paints and grade horses,brood mares,stallions very reasonable-selling out near future

Silver Star Ranch

Phone: 713-254-7156 Address: P.O. Box 1241 New Ulm, TX 78950 Web: Wayne@silver-star-ranch.com Description: Horse Breeder - Reining, Cow, and Cutting

Sunshine Stables

Phone: 806-570-8904 Address: 10846 FM 2589 Dumas, TX 79029 Web: www.sunshinestablestx.com Description: HORSE MOTEL - Indoor and Outdoor stalls, RV Hookups, Horses for sale or lease, Underwood horse medicine, Authorized PJ Trailer Dealer

Equipment and Supplies ABI Irrigation, Inc.

Phone: 979-530-8764 Address: 18970 Bosse Road Washington, TX 77880 Web: www.abi-irrigation.com Description: Manufacture and sell the ABI Hard Hose Traveling irrigation systems and pumps.

Alexander Livestock

Phone: 512-756-0593 Address: 18431 FM 963 Lampasas, TX 76550 Web: www.alexander-livestock.com Description: Squeeze Chutes, Tubs, Alleys and Scales, Portable and Staionary

Boyd Industries, Inc.

Phone: 800-611-3540 Address: P.O. Box 315 Boyd, TX 76023 Web: www.BoydBuilt.com Description: Manufacturer of all steel bulk feeders, creep feeders, feed troughs, hay racks, round bale feeders, horse feeders portable feeders and other custom feeding equipment since 1961. Available at most local feed stores and livestock equipment suppliers.

Capps Cowboy Leatherwerx

Phone: 281-253-2837 Address: 5950 CR 331 Plantersville, TX 77363 Web: glenn.capps37@gmail.com Description: Saddle & tack repair. Custom leather items built.

French Trading Company

Phone: 28852-8453 Address: 19550 Ramblewood Dr Humble, TX 77338 Web: www.frenchtradingcompany.com Description: Aromatic Red Cedar- Building and Fencing Supplies. Posts, Stays, rails, guard rails, log siding, house logs, lumber and furniture wood. Various sizes and at discount prices shipped directly to your site.

Lonestar Ag

Phone: 979-220-3303 Address: 5369 Caroline Bryan, TX 77807 Web: msuehs@abceq.com Description: Aer-Way Pasture Renovation, Round Bale Hauling

MCB West Sharpening Phone: 979-567-9538 Address: P.O. BOX 210 Chriesman, TX 77838 Web: HdoubleH@txcyber.com

Free Consultation on Federally Subsidized PRF Drought Insurance Speciﬁcally Designed For Livestock and Hay Producers • Primarily insures against drought, covers grazingland and perennial hay production • Producers can insure acres that are important to your operation, not all acres are required • Highly subsidized by USDA making it affordable to you and creating a HIGH RATE of Return • All rainfall averages based on 63 years of NOAA & National Weather Service data

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Phone: 877-454-2697 Address: P.O. Box 2647 College Station, TX 77841 Web: www.cattlemax.com Description: CattleMax is a rancherfriendly software that reduces time spent on record keeping and improves organization. Comprehensive reporting features help make better management decisions.

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North Texas Mini Trucks

Phone: 940-367-1173 Address: P.O. Box 315 Boyd, TX 76023 Web: www.NorthTexasMiniTrucks.com Description: Supplier of Japanese Mini Trucks. Great alternative to conventional ATV’s and side by side UTV’s. Ride in comfort in an enclosed cab with heat and A/C with a full 4’ x 6’ bed, 4x4 and a quiet 45hp gas engine. Many custom options available.

Rockin L Feeders

Phone: 979-578-2589 Address: 1293 CR 313 Louise, TX 77455 Web: www.rockinlfeeders.com

Springs Construction Inc.

Phone: 512-357-6734 Address: P.O. Box 88 Staples, TX 78670 Description: Grain Storage Bins, Bulk Feed Tanks, Grain Conveyers, Feed Mill Equipment.

Sunshine Trailers

Phone: 806-570-8904 Address: 10846 FM 2589 Dumas, TX 79029 Web: pjjenkins@hotmail.com Description: Authorized PJ Trailer Dealer, dump trailers, utility trailers, flatbed, car haulers, custom orders

Feed & Seed Brazos Feed & Supply Inc.

Burkhead Ranch

Phone: 903-684-3284 Address: 5357 county road 4640 DeKalb, TX 75559 Web: bobburkhead@msn.com Description: Cows and calves, raise Netbio feeder calves. Grow hay and baleage.

East Texas Seed Company

Phone: 903-597-6637 Address: P.O. Box 569 Tyler, TX 75710 Web: www.eastexasseedcompany.com Description: All Seeds For Planting: Forage, Turf, and Wildlife. Perennial and Annual. Call for information and available dealer in your area.

Ely Family Partnership

Phone: 979-219-2919 Address: P.O. Box 177 Hearne, TX 77859 Description: Family farming/ranching operation offering quality round or square bale hay on a year-round basis. Square bales baled w/ bale-band-it system grouping 21 bales in one bundle. Easy loading/ handling.

Fairlie Seed Company

Phone: 903-886-2362 Address: 5383 FM 1563 Commerce, TX 75428 Web: www.ballclover.com Description: Ball Clover seed for sale. Cleaned,scarrified,innoculated crop.

JB Farm and Ranch

Phone: 512-630-1588 Address: P.O. Box 341 Calvert, TX 77837 Web: jbfarmandranch@yahoo.com

Lonestar Ag

Phone: 979-220-3303 Address: Bryan, TX 77807 Web: msuehs@abceq.com Description: Mobile vertical feed mixing service,mix round and large square bales with ddg,corn,minerals,limiters,bovatec etc.For a Total Mixed Ration to meet your specific feeding need’s

M&M Farm Supply

Phone: 979-828-3516 Address: 168 Wheelock St. Franklin, TX 77856 Web: lorenhelton@yahoo.com Description: Complete farm/ranch supply store.

Parker Seed

Phone: 830-456-1869 Address: 12235 Hwy 87 W La Vernia, TX 78121 Web: www.pkseed.com Description: Specializing in Hay & Pasture Seed. Texas Forage Legumes: Clover, medic, vetch. Ryegrass, bermudagrass, wildlife, field seed.

Producers Cooperative

Phone: 979-778-6000 Address: 1800 North Texas Ave. Bryan, TX 77803 Web: producerscooperative.com Description: Producers Cooperative Association is one of the largest local agricultural supply cooperatives in the nation. The Association is member-owned by the farmers and ranchers of the Brazos Valley, but membership is not necessary to do business with us. We manufacture livestock feeds and offer a complete line of value-added products and services including fertilizer, seed, petroleum, agricultural supplies and lawn/garden supplies.

Wayne Berrier

Phone: 936-348-5288 Address: 10155 Greenbriar Rd. Madisonville, TX 77864 Web: dberrier@dpisd.org Description: Hay production

Livestock Services 3JS Custom Hay & Dozer

Phone: 512-253-6112 Address: 2523 CR 103 Paige, TX 78654 Description: For all your dozing needs. Tanks, Brush, Rootplowing, Fence Rows, hay baling & planting needs. Serving Lee and surrounding counties

Brazos Valley Livestock Commission

Phone: 979-778-0904 Address: 6097 East SH 21 Bryan , TX 77808 Web: brazosvalleypat@yahoo.com Description: Weekly livestock sales 12:00 noon Tuesdays

Brushline Dozer Works

Phone: 979-733-4342 Address: P.O. Box 44 Columbus, TX 78934 Web: brushlinedozerworks@hotmail.com Description: Dozer Work & Trucking, Roads, Stock Ponds, Clearing, Pads, Demolition, Shredding, Sand, Gravel, Topsoil, Fill, Cattlegaurds, Culverts, Bridges, Fences, Entrances, Metal Buildings, Hay Bailing & Sales

Buddy Micklitz

Phone: 979-779-0420 Address: P.O. BOX 1497

BRYAN, TX 77806 Web: micklitz@verizon.net Description: Residential-farm-ranch horse, barb wire, net wire, and field fencing. 8’Game fence, cable, wood and privacy fences. Pipe fence, custom pens and entrances. Posts drilled or driven. New construction or fence repair. Call 979.218.8674 For appointment.

Address: 6811 Honeysuckle Lane Bryan, TX 77808 Web: www.taylorharris.com Description: Equine and Farm and Ranch Insurance. Mortality, Major Medical, Surgical, Liability, Care, Custody and Control

TCR Genetics

Phone: 979-567-4119 Address: P.O. Box 542 Caldwell, TX 77836 Web: juliea1115@aol.com Description: Cattle Sale every Wednesday at 1:00 pm

Phone: 361-946-1103 Address: 9545 Paula Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78410 Web: joepaschal@yahoo.com Description: TCR Genetics is a full service AI company located in South Texas specializing in Bos indicus influenced breeds.

Capps Cowboy Leatherwerx

TW Cattle Co

Caldwell Livestock Commission Co.

Phone: 936-348-4580 Address: 1174 Musgrove Road Normangee, TX 77871 Description: Saddle Shop

Fine Time Designs

Phone: 979-204-4303 Address: PO Box 11607 College Station, TX 77842 Web: www.finetimedesigns.com Description: Fine Time Designs, owned by Fiona Lockhart,’96, of College Station, Texas. A full service Graphic Design Company, specializing in advertising for the livestock industry. Print and Web Media, Livestock Photography, Sale Catalogs, and Sale Work.

HR Leather Shop

Phone: 936-355-8222 Address: PO Box 1010 New Waverly, TX 77358 Description: Saddle repair and custome made cowboy horse gear. Unique western gifts, rope baskets, picture frames, albums, chinks, chaps.

MCB West Sharpening Service

Phone: 979-567-9538 Address: P. O. Box 210 Chriesman, TX 77838 Web: HDoubleH@txcyber.com Description: Clipper blade sharpening & clipper repair; also sharpening knives, scissors, planer knives, ice shaver blades, tools, etc. Convenient drop off points at Producers Coop in Bryan & Close Quarters Feed in Wellborn. Call for schedule or information.

Rafter P Agriservices

Phone: 979-777-7700 Address: P.O. Box 4706 Bryan, TX 77805 Web: rafterpaag@aol.com Description: We are a farm and ranch services provider. A list of our services include: Disking Shredding No-till drill Hay baling (round and square) Grass sprigging Please feel free to call 979-777-7700. Thanks

Rimrock Ultrasound

Phone: 325-660-4730 Address: 3609 Elaine Dr. Bryan, TX 77808 Web: www.rimrockcattle.com Description: Carcass Ultrasound for seed stock, commercial (feedlot and replacement heifers)

Switzer Auction Service

Phone: 979-865-5468 Address: P.O. Box 333 Bellville, TX 77418 Web: www.switzerauction.net Description: SwitzerAuction Services specializes in equipment, livestock, and real estate. Offering Bilingual auctioneering capabilities and currently licensed as an auctioneer in the states of Texas and Louisiana.

Taylor Harris Insurance Services Phone: 979-774-4330

Phone: 402-245-7076 Address: P.O. box 186 Falls City, NE 68355 Web: twitt@sentco.net Description: Bonded livestock dealer

Wes Hillin Trucking

Phone: 254-366-3941 Address: 682 Coopers Crossing Rd China Spring, TX 76633 Web: www.weshillintrucking.com Description: Wes Hillin Trucking specializes in hauling cattle to, from and through the Central Texas area.

Ranches & Real Estate Funding Edge

Phone: 210-249-2111 Address: 234 w. Bandera Rd. #313 Boerne, TX 78006 Web: www.fundingedge.com Description: Assist with Commercial Financing for land, ranches, farms and most commercial properties. Full doc and private money available. Farmer mac programs with competitive rates and terms available.

Ingram Property Manangement Phone: 254-799-2932 Address: 2155 Buster Chatham Rd. Waco, TX 76705 Web: gary_ngrm@yahoo.com

Kuper Ranch Sales

Si Harris & Associates

Phone: 936-523-0483 Address: 15008 St. Hwy 105-E Plantersville, TX 77363 Web: www.siharrisandassociates.com Description: We specialize in farms, ranches, acreage, residential development and commercial properties in Montgomery and Grimes County. If we don’’t have have the real estate you are needing, we can usually locate it very quickly.

Sheep & Goats Clay Creek Farm

Phone: 254-593-4425 Address: 185 CR 409 Buckholts, TX 76518 Web: bangc@vvm.com Description: Boer Goats and Show Goats

Foltin Farms

Phone: 281-787-4347 Address: 22504 Roberts Cemetery Rd. Hockley, TX 77447 Description: Boer - Kiko - Spanish Goats, Dorper - Barbado Sheep, Guardian Dogs, Chickens, Beefmaster - Red Angus Cattle, grass-fed beef.

Pittman Show Lambs

Phone: 903-322-1277 Address: 11861 Hwy 75 N Buffalo, TX 75831 Web: txbluho1@msn.com Description: 26 years experience in raising show lambs. We raise club lambs to sell to 4-H and FFA members. We currently have babies born in April, 2010 for sale

Rancho Volsa Basias

Phone: 903-388-8528 Address: 278 F.M. 489 East Buffalo, TX 75831 Web: clwyer@gmail.com Description: We raise Boer and Boer X goats for the meat and show industries.

Rojo Ranch

Phone: 979-567-9895 Address: 305 CR 108 Caldwell, TX 77836 Web: elliottsheepfarm@gmail.com Description: Registered Katahdin sheep, grass-based genetics, consistent winners. Registered Akbash dogs for protecting livestock.

Phone: 210-287-3776 Address: 1201 S. Main, Suite 101 Boerne, TX 78006 Web: steven.bennett@sothebysrealty.com Description: Welcome to Kuper Ranch Sales, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. Whether you’re looking for fertile agricultural land, prime hunting tracts, or simply a peaceful retreat from the city, we have the expertise to help you find the right property at the right price. Let us help you find your dream farm, ranch, or hunting property in the heart of Texas!

Phone: 936-396-2603 Address: 5588 Dawkins Rd Normangee , TX 77871 Web: kenloe65@gmail.com Description: Augie ( Toy Austrailian Shepherd X Corgi) puppies for sale. Hybrid Registration- National Designer Canine Registry.

Lone Star Ag Credit

Rojo Ranch

Phone: 214-668-9961 Address: 1612 Summit Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76102 Web: www.lonestaragcredit.com

Ranches PLUS Realty LLC

Phone: 210-559-1675 Address: PO Box 130 Falls City , TX 78113 Web: gregg@RanchesPLUS.com Description: Ranch Sales Commercial Investment properties Wildlife Management

Rob Foster PE

Phone: 281-359-9301 Address: 1710 Palomino Ln Kingwood, TX 77339 Web: robfosterpe@aol.com Description: For sale by owner- 235 Acres. FM Rd 1246, Thorton , TX Cattle pasture, two large tanks. $2450 per acre.

Working Dogs Enloe Ranch

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Phone: 979-779-1776 Address: 1200 S. Texas Ave. Bryan, TX 77803 Web: brazosfeedsupply.com Description: We handle a full line of Purina feed, hay, shavings, non-gmo feed, Victor Dog Food, baby, poultry supplies, and much more. In January we will have been in business 31 years.

Description: Hay sales. Coastal and Jiggs Hay. Tifton soon. All hay is net wrapped, fertilized either pickup or delivery in the Brazos Valley area. Square bales by request and pre-order. Pre-ordered round bales picked in the field and quantity loads discounted.

Land and Livestock Post 2014 Ag Directory

Description: Sharpening clipper blades, knives, tools, scissors & more. Cipper Repair. Call for conveninet drop off pointscall for schedule or information.

White’s Texas Aussies

Phone: 903-389-7810 Address: 124 FCR 241 Oakwood, TX 75855 Web: whitestxaussies@aol.com Description: Australian Shepherds And Miniature Australian Shepherds AKC, ASCA & ASDR All colors & sizes 903-3897810 903-388-8238

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Your SOURCE for Top Quality Registered & Commercial Brangus Cattle Registered & Commercial Females Available Now!

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AI, from Page 12 diseases is reduced. When a clean cow is artificially inseminated with semen from a reputable supplier, disease related abortions will not occur and healthy calves will be born.

See CHUTES, Page 14

Photo by Robert Fears

Good cattle working facilities are required for artificial insemination. A chute suitable for holding an animal for palpation and artificial insemination is described by Bruce Carpenter and L.R. Sprott in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Bulletin B-1077.

December 2013 — Issue 2

Les Anderson, beef extension specialist at the University of Kentucky listed, reasons expressed by commercial beef cattle producers for not using artificial insemination: • Beef production systems are extensive. • Limited by facilities. • Not important enough. Are you intimidated? Arguments against artificial insemination added to the list by Stutts include: • Lack of time. • Additional labor re-



Expressed reasons not to use AI

quirement. • Cost of implementing the program. If penning your cattle is a difficult task and you always miss one or two hiding in the brush, then artificial insemination probably is not for you. The ability easily to move cattle into safe working pens are important for an artificial insemination program. A chute suitable for holding an animal for palpation is described by Bruce Carpenter and L.R. Sprott in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Bulletin B-1077. The same type of chute is ideal for artificial insemination. Carpenter and Sprott wrote that a good chute allows the animal to stand in a normal position. It should have a front wall or gate and a bar just above the cow’s hocks

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News

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The Land & Livestock Post  December 2013 — Issue 2

News Chutes, from Page 13 This bar keeps the cow from kicking and protects the inseminator. Include an entrance gate in the chute at the rear of the animal to allow the technician to enter and exit easily. Provide a gate to swing across the crowding chute and fasten it in front of other animals coming behind the inseminator. Yo u may use squeeze chutes, but the cow’s head does not need to be caught for the procedure. The question of whether artificial insemination is important enough to use on a commercial operation needs to be addressed by each individual cattle producer. Factors to consider are ranch management systems, environment, objectives and animal dispositions. If artificial insemination fits the ranch operation and has the potential of increasing productivity and profits, then it should be considered seriously. Some of us who have not artificially inseminated cattle are intimidated by the practice. The best way to rid ourselves of this fear is to sit down with a professional inseminator and learn about the process and requirements. At the beginning of an artificial insemination program, it is wise to hire a professional to manage the breeding protocol. After there is confidence in the program and a desire to do the work yourself, an artificial insemination training school available from several semen suppliers can be utilized.

“In the past, the greatest demand on time and labor came from proper estrus or heat detection,” Stutts said. “Research in reproductive physiology has improved and refined estrous synchronization systems to the point that time is not required for heat detection. Several estrous synchronization programs allow producers to successfully inseminate cows at a predetermined, fixed time, resulting in pregnancy rates similar to those achieved with estrus detection.”

Breeding protocols

“Before cost requirements of AI are examined, breeding protocols need to be understood,” said Charles Looney of OvaGenix. “Our protocol begins on Day 0 with a CIDR (Controlled Intravaginal Drug Release Device) inserted into the cow’s vagina. A CIDR is a device impregnated with progesterone that prevents cows from coming into heat. At the time of CIDR insertion, we inject each animal with a hormone preparation that resets follicular growth. This is done to better control ovulation timing, an important component in timed breeding protocols. “After seven days, the CIDR is removed and the cows are given an injection of Lutalyse (dinoprost tromethamine) Sterile Solution,” Looney said. “Lutalyse is prostaglandin which starts the cow’s reproduction cycle. The day

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

(979) 778-0904

Photo by Robert Fears

Questions About Cattle Health?

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

See BREEDING, Page 15

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

Artificial insemination provides the opportunity to breed cows to better bulls for less money.

WIKSE

Submit your questions to:

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

MEET: Extension director to keynote From Page 5

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

Without artificial insemination, net cash farm income averaged $17,320 per year for the operation, or approximately $86.60 per cow per year. With artificial insemination, net cash farm income averaged $21,780 or about $108.95 per cow per year. A net increase in net cash farm income of about $22.35 per cow per year was obtained by using artificial insemination. Producers need to use their own cost and revenue estimates to determine if estrus synchronization and artificial insemination will add profit to their operation. There is a good chance that they will, particularly with the current cattle prices.

December 2013 — Issue 2

Approximately 10 days after artificial insemination, bulls are put with the cows to breed the remaining 40 percent.” Economic studies have shown artificial insemination to have a positive impact on commercial cattle operation profits. John Anderson, formerly at Mississippi State University and now with Farm Bureau, estimated in 2008 that profits could increase by approximately $5,000 through the use of artificial insemination on commercial herds. This estimate represented the value of additional weaning weights, higher calving percentages and savings in bull owner-

mance Horse, demonstration, Sigler. Session topics and speakers from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 5 are: • Private Applicator Training. • Blackland Income Growth Recertification Program — Sprayer Calibration and Drift Management, Justin Lehrmann, Wylie Sprayers; Weed and Brush Control, David Stichler, DuPont Crop Protection; Aquatic Weed and Pond Management, Steven Barden, Texas Pro Lake Management; Laws and Regulations, Don Renchie, AgriLife Extension agriculture and environmental specialist; Insect Management for Forages, Sonja Swige r, AgriLife Extension entomologist. Also, a Cooking Up Health demonstration will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. featuring cooking methods and nutritional information on the basics of beef. For additional information, contact the AgriLife Extension agent in your county or call 254968-4144.



Extension program specialist, and Will Hatler, DuPont Crop Protection. • Horticulture session — Growing Under Cover, High Tunnel Production, Joe Masabni, Ag riLife Extension horticulturalist-vegetables in College Station; MarketMaker, Marco Palma, AgriLife Extension economist in College Station. The 2-4 p.m. session topics Photo by Robert Fears and speakers are: Artificial insemination reduces bull maintenance cost. • Cotton session, Tom Isakeit, AgriLife Extension plant paship/maintenance minus Breeding, from Page 14 thologist in College Station; the additional expenses as New Herbicide Resistant Techafter the CIDR is removed, a result of artificial insemi- nologies, Robert Lemon, Dow another hormone injection AgroSciences cotton developnation. ment specialist, and Luke Ethis given to cause heat and In 2009, Cody Ringer and eredge, weed management spepromote ovulation. Thirty others showed that articialist, Monsanto; Variety and hours after the last horficial insemination offers Technology Update, Gaylon mone injection, the cows Morgan, AgriLife Extension the potential to impact sigare bred by artificial insem- nificantly profitability of a agronomist in College Station; ination. With this protocol cow-calf operation in South Blackland Cotton and Grain Association meeting. we have approximately 60 Texas. • Wildlife session: Overview percent pregnancy rates.

of Feral Hog Situation in Texas, Dan Gaskins, AgriLife Extension assistant; New Feral Hog Trapping Technology Demonstration, John Gaskamp, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation; Hands-on Hog/Coyote Snaring Demonstrations, Lee Harris, Blackland Income Growth Conference chairman and Terry Shriver, Texas Wildlife Services. • Horse session: Emergency Pre paredness — What You Can Do In Case of Flood, Fire, Tornado to Give Your Horses a Fighting Chance, Buddy Faries, AgriLife Extension veterinarian in College Station; What Texas Horse Owners Need to Know About Toxic Pasture Plants, Tam Garland, section head, Texas A&M Ve terinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, and Dennis Sigler, AgriLife Extension horse specialist in College Station; Hoof Management, Pat Burton, American Farriers Association Certified Journeyman Farrier, HoofPros; Building a Foundation for the Western Perfor-

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The Land & Livestock Post  December 2013 — Issue 2

News

‘Cotton SNP chips’ are a ‘quantum leap forward’ By Kay Ledbetter

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

In the past, narrow germplasm base and limited technology have made it difficult for cotton researchers to identify specific DNA markers needed to locate genes that confer desirable traits. But that’s no longer the case. David Stelly, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research cotton breeder in College Station, said cotton is ready to merge into the breeding fast lane with the expected release of “cotton SNP chips” loaded with single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs. SNPs are variations within the DNA. “The new chip will be the first of several quantum steps DAVID STELLY fo r wa rd ove r the next couple of years that will open many doors for cotton breeding research and improvements,” Stelly said. “While DNA markers are not a panacea in themselves, they can turbocharge the breeding process.” Joining Stelly and Amanda Hulse, his Texas A&M University doctoral student, and Fei Wang, his post-doctoral researcher, on this massive project are researchers from the

Texas A&M AgriLIfe Research photo

The lower branch of a potentially valuable breeding line of cotton with fruiting sites that are numerous and closely spaced. By analyzing variations among lines, like branch length and internode distance between fruiting sites, and dovetailing that with SNP data, scientists can typically figure out which SNPs can be used to select for the desirable genetic combinations. with prospectively complemenUniversity of California-Davis, sive to use for most purposes. “Breeders of cotton and oth- tary genetic differences and sift Brigham Young University and the U.S. Department of Agri- er crops traditionally create through subsequently inbred culture-Agricultural Research genetic advances by hybridiz- generations to find genetically Service, all with support from ing, inbreeding and selecting,” recombined lines with attriStelly said. “We hybridize lines butes superior to both parents.” Cotton Inc. Markers differentiating cotton lines are essential to applying genomic technologies in breeding research, Stelly said. For maximum utility, the DNA markers must be numerous, variable among breeding lines and relatively cheap to screen and use. Across all crops, SNPs are the most numerous, widely a subscription to distributed type of DNA marker. They also are the least expen-

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A new breeding product must be equal to or better than all other available cultivars to compete well in the marketplace, he said. To enhance the odds of finding excellent genetic recombinants, breeders almost always rely on parents that are themselves elite and, as a result, closely related. Even so, the breeder’s selection process must be comprehensive, Stelly said. Lines must be tested in diverse growing environments and address all important traits, involving multiple genes, many of which are expensive to evaluate. Some processes can be aided significantly by molecular markers, including parental selection, dissection of genetically complex traits and selection for beneficial genes and regions. This need for high-throughput marker-based capabilities in cotton motivated these researchers to establish large-

See COTTON, Page 18 NEWS YOU CAN USE RIGHT IN YOUR MAILBOX

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By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

December 2013 — Issue 2

Photo courtesy Dale Rollins, Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch

and bad. In 2014, AgriLife Extension will work with landowners via the agency’s network of county Extension agents to expand educational programs such as Quail Appreciation Days and Quail Brigades to cover best management practices for habitat that foster quail survival and growth. Steele is a firm believer that “good stewardship is one of the keys to improving quail numbers and the Texas Quail Index is a great way for AgriLife Extension agents to interact with landowners in gathering data and assessing how well quail are doing in local areas.” The research, which will be conducted at various universities in the state, is intended to provide support where the research capabilities and focus already exist. Collaboration among all interested parties can help in an effort to stop the downward decline of quail populations, officials said.

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The Texas A&M University System and Texas A&M AgriLife are on a mission to address the state’s dwindling wild quail populations, and a recent $2 million state-funded initiative reflects the importance of quail to the Texas. The biennial exceptional item slated for fiscal years 2014-2015 was funded by the state Legislature and became effective Sept. 1. The initiative will support integrated approaches by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, collaborating with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, to marshal the resources of the A&M System to address quail decline. John Sharp, chancellor for the Texas A&M University System, said, “We appreciate the support of the state in funding potential solutions to this critical statewide issue. Based on our AgriLife Extension studies, every time a pickup and dogtrailer pull into a West Texas community, they’re worth about $8,500 to the state’s economy, with about 60 percent of those dollars going to local coffers.” According to a recent study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, quail are ranked third behind deer and dove as the state’s most popular game species in an industry that exceeds $1.5 billion annually. AgriLife Extension studies show about 65 percent of Texas hunters come from urban areas. So dwindling bird numbers not only threaten rural economies, but also reduce hunting opportunities for many urban residents. “Reversing quail decline in Texas is built around both education and research focused on landscape improvements to increase quail populations and investigations into diverse factors that interact to cause quail decline,” according to Doug Steele, AgriLife Extension director. Quail are an important game species, but they are one among many other grassland birds whose populations share the same downward population trend. Investments in quail research and educational efforts will benefit quail while also providing information on a wider range of game and nongame species. Jim Cathey, AgriLife Exten-

Cathey and Rollins are working closely with the funding agency, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and within AgriLife Extension to lead and coordinate both the education and research activities. This is all in a state where hunters are champions for wildlife, they noted, explaining that the excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, license sales and particularly the Upland Game Bird Stamp funds represent direct investments in the management, research and education aspects of this effort. AgriLife Extension educational programs and demonstration work are significant in addressing current and future quail populations, Rollins said. One major demonstration effort will be the Texas Quail Index, which he said empowers landowners and other stakeholders to better understand local quail dynamics and how their land and livestock management affects quail habitat, both good

The Land & Livestock Post

News Reversing decline of Texas quail could save other birds

A volunteer releases a covey of radio-collared quail at the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch in Fisher County. Radio telemetry research provides information on quail movement, mortality factors and nesting ecology. sion wildlife specialist and project leader for the quail decline initiative, has just released a limited call for research proposals to identified quail researchers across Texas. The proposals that are funded are intended to produce results that help better understand the causes of these population declines and how to provide remedies. Areas identified for consideration of funding include impacts of parasites, toxins and even various predators that affect quail hatches through maturity, and field work addressing health factors as influenced by the environment. Targeted work in genomics that considers infectious diseases and parasites is part of

the whole picture, Cathey said. There is also some need to further consider bird translocation for repopulation with monitoring of survival data. “The quail decline of bobwhites and scaled or ‘blue’ quail over most of West and South Texas has become critical since 2008,” said Dale Rollins, state coordinator for this AgriLife Extension initiative. “The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s latest quail surveys reported their lowest counts on record for the third consecutive year.” Rollins concedes that while some areas have observed an uptick in quail numbers this fall, most still are well below long-term averages.

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December 2013 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

Texas A&M AgriLIfe Research photos

In this cotton breeding field, the red Upland cotton rows separate different chromosome substitution lines of Upland cotton that each contain a different pair of alien chromosomes from a different wild non-cultivated species. Each line contains about 2,000 new genes not found in cultivated cotton.

Cotton, from Page 16 scale cotton SNP development efforts, he said. They formed a consortium to develop a “cotton SNP chip” for global use by breeders, geneticists and other researchers to enhance cotton. Internationally, the g roup was joined by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia, the Centre for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development in France and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Organization-National Botanical Research Institute in India. Dow AgroSciences is participating as a commercial contributor. “The launch of the chip marks an important step forward for cotton,” Stelly said. “This signals the capturing of genomic technology and our ability to put it into a platform that researchers can use to breed better cotton.” After many years of work, the international cotton community has identified large numbers of SNPs and chosen 70,000 public SNPs as “base content” to be included in every cotton SNP chip, with fully disclosed DNA sequences, he said. In addition, each chip will have capacity for “add-on content” for another 20,000 non-public SNPs, as might be desired by private industry. Stelly said AgriLife Research worked especially close with University of California, Davis, to develop many of the SNPs in the chip. “It was great teamwork, our lab working with that of Allen Van Deynze and his post-doctoral researcher, Hamid Ashrafi, at UC Davis. There was a lot of cross-talk in all aspects — for years,” he said.

Stelly said the Texas A&M g roup led in development of the inter-specific SNPs, which differentiate between cultivated cottons and closely related species, and Allen’s lab was the lead in developing intra-specific SNPs, which differentiate among cultivars and lines of cultivated cotton. He explained the SNPs are basically a tool “to find your way around the genome. Breeders can use sets of these markers as tools for determining where traits of economic interest are located.” For instance, a breeder trying to incorporate longer fiber length will use SNPs to do indirect selection for that trait, knowing specific SNPs are close to specific genes at different genome locations in different varieties. “We aim to enable SNP applications that help create superior genetic combinations and foster greater and faster success by breeding programs,” Stelly said. “Some of the most immediate applications will be for simply inherited traits for which plant-screening experiments are inaccurate and/or expensive, such as nematode resistance.” The consortium has announced an agreement with Illumina, a genomics technology company, to produce “BeadArray” panels or chips for analysis of cotton SNPs, Stelly said. Each array will include up to 70,000 public SNPs. With an overall collection of 10,000 different cotton lines available, a researcher may only want to select 300 lines and access the most diversity, he said. By using these markers, they will be able to detect which chromosome segments of their genomes are similar or different. Such knowledge becomes a powerful tool in choosing par-

ent, experimental and breeding goals, as well as strategies for conventional breeding. “This will open many doors for more effective utilization of naturally occurring wild accessions of cotton and open the door to things we previously could not do feasibly as public researchers,” Stelly said. “We want to be able to better use natural biolog y to enhance and bring genetics to breeding,

Amanda Hulse, a Texas A&M University doctoral student, works in the lab for David Stelly, Texas A&M AgriLife Research cotton breeder. so producers and other parts of the industry can optimize natural resources, yet maintain economics.” Moving higher and higher on the priority list for breeding are those traits related to natural resource sustainability, he said. Yield will always be important, but land and water conservation have become very important, too. “Breeding is most successful when you can break down a trait to specifics and get down to relatively small numbers of

genes. Otherwise, there is so much ‘noise’ in the system, you can’t see where the important genes are. But if you can take a complex trait and simplify it, then you have more and more success. SNPs help us do this, as they are a great analytical tool for trait dissection.” Cotton is an economically important crop to the nation, and this tool will better enable breeders to develop the crop to produce more with less, thus making agriculture more sustainable, he said.

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The Land & Livestock Post  December 2013 — Issue 2

News

A novel approach works to restore Texas wetlands By Kathleen PhilliPs Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

HOUSTON — More than 135 acres of prairie wetland habitat have been restored north of Channelview near Houston with a new method that may help additional acreages be recovered, according to experts with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The prairie wetlands at Sheldon Lake State Park have been restored over a 10-year period using a novel approach of re-excavating soil covered by other land-use situations, particularly agriculture, said Marissa Sipocz, AgriLife Extension wetland program manager in Houston. “The method we have used has changed how freshwater prairie wetland restoration and creation will take place along the Gulf Coast,” Sipocz said. “The genius of this method relies on its simplicity: re-excavation of the original soils.” The method, called “SheldonSipocz,” uses high-tech, precision equipment to dig added soil out of an area until the original soils are exposed. These hydric soils are more conducive to the growth of plants that thrive in shallow water. The method was pioneered by Andy Sipocz, biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Prior to this method, wetland areas commonly were created by digging a depression or pond randomly on the landscape, often not in the type of environment and soils that encouraged wetland plant growth, Marissa Sipocz explained. She said beginning in 2003, AgriLife Extension partnered with Texas Sea Grant, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to begin restoration of Shel-

don Lake State Park. Originally built in 1942, the eastern side of Sheldon Lake Reservoir later was drained and leveled for farming until the 1970s, when it was designated a wildlife management area. It became a state park in 1984, and the land management goals shifted from providing hunting and fishing opportunities to being a landscape conservation and restoration area. “The goal was to transform the park into a recreational haven within the city limits of Houston,” Sipocz said, “and to provide the public with a glimpse of the region’s natural landscape.” The area originally was coastal prairie with pine and oak tree savannas dotted by marsh basins, a landscape that once covered millions of acres along the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast, according to the wetland team, which includes people with the Texas Master Naturalist program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and AgriLife Extension. “Wetlands also store rainfall runoff and remove pollutants from surface waters, thus reducing downstream flooding and improving the water quality of Carpenters Bayou and Galveston Bay,” she said. Restoration of Sheldon’s wetlands thus far has occurred in three phases with the Wetlands Restoration Team, Texas Master Naturalists and local high school students planting the water-inundated basins. “Our group collects plants in large clumps with a substantial root ball and dirt,” she said. “We break them into smaller, fistsized pieces, or sprigs, with soil knives.” The sprigs are plunged into the soil under the water as one volunteer uses a wedge-shaped

The prairie wetlands at Sheldon Lake State Park have been restored.

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Merry Christmas

See WETLANDS, Page 21

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December 2013 — Issue 2

tool called a “dibble” to make a hole while a second person puts the sprig in. “It’s important to keep the dibble in place until the planter finds it because you can’t see through muddy water to plant. Once the planter has the sprig in the hole, the digger slowly removes the dibble and can move to another site. Repeat

that 55,000 times and voila, the wetland is restored,” Sipocz quipped. “We also collect specific wetland seed like hibiscus or juncus, clean them and then mix with clay, compost and water to make a ‘ball’ having the consistency of a child’s molding clay. The seed balls then are tossed out in the margins of the wetlands.” In all, more than 7,500 hours

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Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Marissa Sipocz, in foreground, planting a wetland with volunteer Jim Branch, right, and Mary Edwards. Sipocz and Edwards are both with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Sea Grant.

Wetlands, from Page 20

LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT

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were volunteered along with some 3,000 hours given by students to plant about 123,000 native wetland plants. The project team has conducted numerous field days on the site to demonstrate the process to others. Though it took 10 years to develop and perfect the process, Sipocz said, a wetland probably could be restored in half that time depending on weather and funding. Sipocz says the fourth and final phase is set to begin restoration in 2014 with plans to have wetland plants growing on an additional 50 plus acres by 2016. The upcoming Phase 4 restoration is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality/Galveston Bay Estuary Program.

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