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The Land & Livestock Post

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News From the General Manager

f your house is anything like mine, by the time you are reading this, all the decorations and ornaments are dragged from the depths of closets and attics and put on display. Lights are strung, wreaths are hung, and there is an aroma of “Cinnamon Holly Mist” in the air from some festive-looking candle that cost $30.

But as I am writing this, it is the day before Thanksgiving. I have yet to climb up in the attic, almost kill myself hanging lights, or get in an argument over why we need a $30 candle. I am not looking forward to it.

There was a time I railed against putting up decorations just to take them down a few weeks later. I guess I’m getting used to this marriage thing, because I’ve come to accept that I’m not going to win this battle.

I still hold some ground. For instance, I don’t allow as much as a string of tinsel to go up before the last Thursday in November, and I don’t get on the roof. But I’ve lost ground too. It used to take five or six requests for me to drag all the Christmas stuff out of the attic, now it only takes three or four gentle reminders.

As my children get older, our collection of Christmas-themed crafts grows and grows. Each item they bring home that took them 15 minutes to make, has the potential to be a part of my home decor one month a year for the next 30 years.

I know my mother still has some macaroni art that is going on 35 years old now.

Side tip: if you can find a way to utilize elbow macaroni and spray paint in your ranching applications, I highly recommend it. That stuff is tougher and more resilient than a bundle of baling wire wrapped in duct tape.

Speaking of Christmas art

That is why agriculture is so important, and such a noble profession. Here’s hoping for the best to all in 2017, and to all our readers, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. ’Til next time,

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

JESSE WRIGHT work, we have some holidaythemed ads in this issue, so if you’re in a pinch, it would make great wrapping paper — after you read it cover-to-cover, of course. This issue will wrap it up for 2016. I don’t know what 2017 has in store for the country or the world for that matter, but I know we all have to eat.

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December 2016 — Issue 2

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December 2016 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Paul Schattenberg

A popular presentation at the Kids, Kows and More event was the milk cow demonstration by the Southwest Dairy Farmers organization. $5,350

$16,399

Kids, Kows and More program gives close-up look at agriculture

By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

SAN ANTONIO — More than 1,100 third- and fourth-grade students from elementary schools throughout Bexar County got a close-up look at agriculture during the recent “Kids, Kows and More” program in San Antonio.

The three-day program, presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Southwest Dairy Farmers, was held on the grounds of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Students visited several educational stations where they were given presentations on a variety of agricultural products. The stations included a mobile dairy with milk cow and hands-on and interactive displays relating to cheese-making, beef cattle, bee and honey production, nutrition and water use, and conservation.

Presenters included representatives from AgriLife Extension, Southwest Dairy Farmers, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Bexar County Master Gardeners and Texas Cattlewomen’s Association. Each presenter spent about 20 minutes on his or her topic, engag-

ing students by calling on them to answer questions and showing them agricultural product samples.

Lisa Lagescharr, who is this year’s Miss Rodeo Texas, was the event’s guest of honor. Lagescharr assisted with the beef presentation and made herself available for photographs with the students.

“It’s really important to have events to educate youth on the role agriculture plays in all our lives,” said Nelda Speller, AgriLife Extension county director in Bexar County. “Kids, Kows and More shows them the basics of agriculture and how it fits in with things like nutrition, health, wellness and taking care of the environment.”

Speller said she appreciated the efforts of the agencies and organizations involved in presenting the Kids, Kows and More program and the San Antonio Livestock Exposition for allowing the program to be held on the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo grounds.

Nora Tapia, AgriLife Extension youth outreach educator for Bexar County, was one of the program coordinators.

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December 2016 — Issue 2

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News Kids, from Page 5 “Through this program, youth learn more about agriculture and where their food comes from,” she said. “They also learn about the fiber that’s used to make the clothes they wear and get to see some of the animals used for agricultural production.”

Tapia said the program also helps give “city kids” an idea of what rural life is like.

“I really liked the food and nutrition part,” said Jocelyn Ochoa, a third-grader from Sun Valley Elementary School in San Antonio. “I also got to learn about how to milk a cow and how cheese is made and the different kinds of cheese.”

Sam Womble, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Bexar County, said the visual and participatory aspects of the program are ideal for youth.

“The kids get to learn about agriculture in a hands-on and

interactive way,” Womble said.

“They get to see the animals and equipment used in agricultural operations.”

Womble said parents who accompanied their children also seemed to enjoy the event.

“I think many of the parents had never been so close to a milk cow or seen a milking machine,” he said. “They seemed to be just as interested and engaged as their kids. It was great the moms and dads who came were involved in the program and supported this learning opportunity for their kids.”

Elisa Tellez-Trevino, a thirdgrade teacher and group leader from Raybur n Elementary School in San Antonio, coordinated bringing students from all third-grade classes at her school, located in the Harlandale Independent School District.

“I brought about 60 kids with me from three third-grade classes at Rayburn,” she said. “The program was very educational,

Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Paul Schattenberg

Employees of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program instructed students on the importance of eating the right foods. and a lot of what the kids learned correlates with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards set by the state.

Speller said Kids, Kows and More also introduces young people to farming, ranching and other agriculture-related activities so one day they possibly may consider a career in commercial agriculture.

“With less than 2 percent of the population of the U.S. producing almost all of the food, it’s vital that we let young people know just how important agriculture is and why they might want to be involved in some aspect of agricultural production,” she said.

For more information on Kids, Kows and More, contact Tapia or Natalie Cervantes at 210-631-0400.

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December 2016 — Issue 2

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News What a Trump presidency could mean for agriculture

By GreG TroTTer Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO — Some food industry titans worry President-elect Donald Trump’s tough talk on trade eventually could hurt business in numerous ways, including limiting food and agriculture exports.

O t h e r s i n a gr i c u l t u re s e e Trump’s election as an opportunity to improve the viability of family farming.

In other words, anticipation of Trump’s policy actions is prompting the same type of anxiety and hope found elsewhere throughout the American economy. In an interview at a Chicago event organized by the nonprofit Food Tank, Cargill CEO Dave MacLennan said he hoped Trump’s pick for secretary of Agriculture would carry forward the same pro-trade policies of outgoing Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

“Trade is good for the world and good for our economy. And in the world today, there’s not a lot of warm and fuzzy sentiment about ‌ open trade and open borders,â€?

MacLennan said. “So that’s probably an area at the top of our list (of concerns), how this new administration implements some of the anti-trade rhetoric we saw from both candidates.�

Cargill — a privately held livestock processor and grain producer that’s headquartered in Minnesota and operates in 70 countries — was a staunch supporter of the TransPacific Partnership, the 12-country trade pact that’s considered dead in the water after Republican gains in the Nov. 8 election. Trump has vowed to withdraw from the trade deal, which hasn’t been ratified.

When Mel Coleman sees the large swaths of the country that supported Trump, he doesn’t see Trump Country, per se. Coleman,

vice president of strategic partners for Perdue-owned Niman Ranch, sees rejection of the status quo. “And so I think there’s this window of opportunity we have. If I can put it in agricultural terms, we can narrow the rows between what some people call factory farming and small local farming. We need to narrow that row and getting us going in one place,� Coleman said.

More specifically, Coleman said he hopes the new secretary of Agriculture will ease the tax burden on farmers and reform the farm subsidy program to benefit more smaller and environmentally minded operations.

Kenneth Quinn, president of the Iowa-based World Food Prize Foundation, said agriculture has long served to bridge disagreements between political parties and nations.

Quinn said he hoped the next Agriculture secretary can carry that torch.

LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Buffalo

Bred cows: $950-$1,700.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,050$1,800.

Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Nov. 19 sale.

Head: 1,717 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $150-$200; 200-300 lbs., $145-$187; 300400 lbs., $140-$172; 400-500 lbs., $135-165; 500-600 lbs., $120$152; 600-700 lbs., $115-$141; 700-800 lbs., $100-$117.

Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $135-$210; 200-300 lbs., $130-$185; 300400 lbs., $120-$160; 400-500 lbs., $115$156; 500-600 lbs., $100-$138; 600-700 lbs.,$95-$125; 700-800 lbs.,$85-$112.

Slaughter bulls: $60-$90.

Slaughter cows: $35-$55.

Navasota

Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s Nov. 19 sale.

Head: 1,291 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $100$190; 300-400 lbs., $100-$175; 400-500 lbs., $95-$170; 500-600 lbs., $85-$147.5; 600-700 lbs., $80-$132.5.

Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $100-$170; 300-400 lbs., $90-$145; 400-500 lbs., $90-$145; 500-600 lbs., $85-$135; 600-700 lbs., $80-$130.

Slaughter bulls: $58-$70.

Slaughter cows: $40-$56.

Bred cows: $800-$1,950.

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News Texas A&M helps step up conservation documentation, efficiency

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Are conservation investments and programs achieving their intended goals on U.S. rangelands?

A recently published paper in Ecological Applications determined the answer is no, and outlined ways to improve their effectiveness and outcomes.

The findings recommend developing a network that will create a more comprehensive and integrated platform to support evidence-based conservation and archive program results to better assess effectiveness.

David Briske, T.M. O’Connor Professor in the department of ecosystem science and management with Texas A&M University in College Station, recently authored the paper with experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Utah State University and the University of Wyoming.

The paper, titled “Assessment of USDA-NRCS Rangeland Conservation Programs: Recommendation for an Evidencebased Conservation Platform,” examines the effectiveness of conservation practices on U.S. rangelands. To view the paper go to bit.ly/2fTr0iy.

Briske, who conducts rangeland research through Texas A&M AgriLife Research, also served as academic coordinator and editor of an earlier study, “Conservation Benefits of Rangeland Practices: Assessment, Recommendations and Knowledge Gaps,” published in 2011.

The 2011 study resulted from a request by the Office of Management and Budget for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to document the societal benefits anticipated from a major increase in conservation funding authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill.

Conservation funding in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program or EQIP, the primary program funding conservation practices, increased from

8

$200 million in 1996 to $1.3 billion in the 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, with a goal to maximize the environmental benefits of conservation funding, he said.

Briske said the Conservation Effects Assessment Project, or CEAP, was created at that time to assess these future conservation benefits. CEAP produced an unprecedented assessment of rangeland conservation practices conducted by a team of 40 scientists, interacting with 30 Natural Resource Conservation Service partners.

They assessed the effectiveness of seven major conservation practices — prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, brush management, range planting, riparian herbaceous cover, upland wildlife habitat management and invasive plant management.

He said the paper recently published in Ecological Applications examines the underlying causes contributing to minimal documentation of the outcomes of federally funded conservation practices on U.S. rangelands as described in the initial assessment.

The authors concluded that existing conservation programs are insufficiently designed to support efficient, cost-effective and accountable conservation investments on rangelands.

They further stated that modification of the standards used to implement these conservation practices alone will not achieve the goals explicitly requested by CEAP. The problem, he said, is the practice standards are not sufficiently grounded in scientific evidence, relevant USDA databases or knowledge of production and environmental outcomes originating from conservation practices.

“There is no capacity to learn from the results of previously implemented practices so that this knowledge can be applied to future conservation activities,” Briske said.

“We recommend that these conservation programs be restructured to establish a Conservation Programs Assessment Network to provide a more comprehensive and integrated platform to support evidence-based conservation,” he said.

The paper outlines the general structure of this conservation network, which would be based on collaborative monitoring of conservation practice outcomes among landowners, agency personnel and scientists to establish the missing information feedback loops between conservation practices and their agricultural and environmental outcomes.

“Monitoring would be selectively conducted on the most important conservation practices and in the major ecoregions where they are applied,” Briske said.

He said the team concluded that restructuring conservation programs as recommended would address directly two major challenges confronting USDANRCS conservation programs.

The first is the need for collaborative management to provide site-specific information,

learning and accountability as requested by CEAP, Briske said.

Secondly, it will further advance efforts to balance delivery of agricultural production and environmental quality goals by documenting the tradeoffs that exists among them in conservation programs.

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December 2016 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

The Land & Livestock Post

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December 2016 — Issue 2

9

News

The ins and the get-it-outs BVD robs profits from cow-calf operators

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Eagle

M

any cattle producers consider BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) as a stocker or feeder calf problem because of sickness and death the disease causes in young cattle.

They fail to realize, however, that the virus can take a huge bite out of calving percentages. It commonly causes infertility, abortion or stillbirth in susceptible cows and heifers.

Caused by a virus, BVD attacks both beef and dairy cattle. Occurrences of this expensive disease remains a serious concern in the United States, probably because it often is undetected and control measures aren’t exercised. Due to its significance, BVD is discussed at numerous beef cattle seminars and field days, including every Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.

“The virus can affect the respiratory, immune, nervous, blood or circulatory and reproductive systems,” said Dr. Tom Hairgrove of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “The most economically important consequence of this disease is reproductive loss.

“Scientists first believed that the disease was related to diarrhea and intestinal tract damage; hence, they named it bovine viral diarrhea. About 70 to 90 percent of all BVD infections go undetected.”

Spread and symptoms

A virus propagates in one of two ways.

An animal becomes transiently infected or persistently infected (PI). Cattle infected with BVD usually recover or die within about a week. If a transiently infected animal passes the BVD virus to another bovine before it recovers or dies, the virus survives. If the virus isn’t

10

Photos courtesy of Robert Fears

If a calf tests positive for BVD, test the dam to see is if she is positive as well. If the calf tests negative, so will the dam. Dr.Tom Hairgrove of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, said, “The most economically important consequence of this disease is reproductive loss.”

On the Cover: Buy replacements from people who maintain BVD-free herds. passed to another animal, the microorganism dies.

“When BVD is passed from dams to

their fetuses in the first third of their pregnancy, the calf may become PI because of an undeveloped immune sys-

December 2016 — Issue 2

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tem,” Hairgrove said. “If the fetuses live,

See DISEASE, Page 11

The Land & Livestock Post

News Disease, from Page 10 the calves will remain infected all their lives.

“Understanding BVD persistence is essential to designing an adequate disease control program.” “[Persistently infected] animals do not shed virus continuously, but often in large amounts when under stress,” said Dr. James England of the University of Idaho. “The quantity of shed virus may overcome the natural or vaccine immunity of other cattle in the herd, causing acute BVD development. Perhaps the greatest hazard is that the shed virus may infect a fetus, either within the PI cow or in a previously uninfected cow. This fetus may then become a PI calf and continue the infectivity cycle.”

“Abortions by BVD infected cows can occur at any time dur-

Photo courtesy of Robert Fears

Abortions by BVD infected cows can occur at any time during gestation. into a non-immune pregnant herd. Once BVD-PI animals establish infection in the herd, losses continue but not as dramatically.”

Control

“Primary tools for BVD

ing gestation,” Hairgrove said.

“At the beginning of the calving season, premature births and stillbirths are common.

Some calves are born alive but may die quickly. Even with

control include a proper vaccination program, practicing bio-security and identifying PI animals and selling them for slaughter,” England said.

“A producer should vaccinate all replacement heifers after they are six months of age but at least one to two months before breeding. Cows should

See CONTROL, Page 12

intensive care many infected calves die within a few hours.

“Losses are usually epidemic when BVD is first introduced

See Market, Page 13

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December 2016 — Issue 2

11

News Control, from Page 11 be vaccinated annually, 30 days before the breeding season commences.”

Research studies have shown that more than 95 percent of BVD fetal infections result from exposure of dams to PI animals. Dams of most PI newborn calves are BVD negative, indicating the dams themselves are not PI. Vaccination without identification and removal of BVD-PI animals may not prevent BVD problems in cattle herds.

“An effective biosecurity plan reduces chances of introducing disease into the herd,” said Dr. Lee Jones, field investigator for the University of Georgia Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. “New arrivals are kept separate from the herd for one to two months and watched for signs of disease before put-

Photo courtesy of Robert Fears

PI calves always are capable of transmiting the virus to other animals. ting them with other animals.

During this quarantine period, testing can occur to determine if the animals carry or have been exposed to BVD or other pathogens.

“This is also a good time to vaccinate the new additions and get them on the same health program as the main herd. If the new cattle are pregnant, test the calves soon after birth to determine if they are BVD negative. Cows that have been exposed to BVD virus can pass it to their developing fetus without developing any outward signs of infection,” Jones said.

“Biosecurity focuses on preventing introduction, while bio-containment is focused on

See BVD, Page 15

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www.circlexbrangus.com December 2016 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Southwest Beef Symposium set for Jan. 11-12 in Roswell, N.M.

By Steve ByrnS Special to The Post

ROSWELL, New Mexico — The Southwest Beef Symposium, a two-state educational program jointly hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, is set for Jan. 11-12 at the Roswell Convention Center, 912 N. Main St. in Roswell, New Mexico.

This year’s theme will be “What’s to Follow Historic Times?” said Bruce Carpenter, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in Fort Stockton.

“After several years of very favorable cattle prices for cowcalf and stocker producers, the drastic drop we’re seeing in the cattle market now has various segments of the industry wondering what to do for income, production and profit. The goal of this symposium is to provide answers to those questions.”

Individual early registration is $75 by Jan. 2 and $95 thereafter. The fees include a steak dinner on Jan. 11, lunch on Jan. 12, refreshments and symposium proceedings. To register, and for more information, go to the symposium website, swbs.nmsu.edu, or contact Carpenter at 432-3368585 or BCarpent@ag.tamu.edu.

The opening session from 1-5 p.m. Jan. 11 will address emerging big-picture issues in the global beef industry, he said. Issues and speakers will be: • Global Factors Affecting U.S. Beef Demand and What Are Others Expecting from the U.S. — Leann Saunders, IMI Global president.

• Sustainability, What Is It? What Does It Really Mean? — Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef specialist in Amarillo.

• What Happened to the Calf Market? — Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University professor of agricultural economics and agricultural business in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

• Key Performance Indicators for Cow-Calf Producers — Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist in San Angelo.

The second day will focus on cow-calf and stocker ranching and production operations.

Speakers and topics will include: • EPDs Tool for Progress — Marcy Ward, NMSU Cooperative Extension livestock specialist in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

• Beef Genomics: Present and Future — Kent Anderson, Zoetis Animal Health strategic account manager in Lincoln, Nebraska.

• Residual Feed Intake: What Is It and How Can It Be Used to Improve the Bottom Line?

— Gordon Carstens, Texas A&M University professor of animal nutrition in College Station.

• Residual Feed Intake: What Is It? How Should It Influence Management? — Eric Scholljegerdes, NMSU associate professor of ruminant nutrition in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

• Developing Immunity in Calves — Dr. John Wenzel, NMSU Cooperative Extension veterinarian in Las Cruces.

• Prescribed Burning in the Southwest — Morgan Russell, AgriLife Extension range specialist in San Angelo.

Landowners can take brief questionnaire Special to The Post

AUSTIN — Understanding Texas private landowner needs, preferences and concerns in operating and managing their land and natural resources is the purpose of a brief online questionnaire developed by the Texas

Parks and Wildlife Department Private Lands Advisory Committee in partnership with Texas A&M University Institute of Renewable Natural Resources.

The surveyisavailablethrough Dec. 20, takes about 10-15 minutes and is accessible at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BNPNBXR.

The Land & Livestock Post

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ACCEPTING QUALITY CONSIGNMENTS FOR: th 39 Annual

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El Campo Livestock Market EXPECTING 75 BULLS AND 50 FEMALES Early Consignors Include:

Nieveen Farms • West Charolais Rocky Bottom Cattle Co. Texas Hill Country Cattle • Bayvue Farms Placid Land & Cattle Co. Caney Creek Ranch • LaFonda Ranch Piper Simmental • Lightning P Charolais

www.cattlemansale.com For More information: Adrian Knight (TX Lic 11102) • 903-452-7591 Kelly Conley (TX Lic 9558) • 903-857-2594

December 2016 — Issue 2

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979-324-8746

BULLS • Heifers

Travis Cleere www.cleereearthworks.com

Breeding Bulls

Bryan Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Ste 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarm Credit.com

Agricultural

Madisonville, TX

Miniature Herefords

All Your Agri- Insurance Needs

Reg. Miniature Hereford Calves Photos at jcsminihereford.com

Holladay & Associates, Inc. ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL & PIPE Steel Buildings

Debbie Holladay 1733 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 110 • Bryan

979-704-6264

debbie@holladayassociates.com

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

979-776-2600 www.ingram-wallis.com

JCS

Insurance Agency, Inc.

979.776.2697

936-349-1955

Tax Preparation Payroll Bookkeeping Notary

Bulls Angus ChArolAis hereford sim/Angus

NORTH ZULCH, 979-224-2135

Cattle & Domestic Hog Processing Theiss Sausage Company

tractor Work-grading

2016 Coastal Square Bales, natural twine, $3.50 Hearne area in barn Querida Ranches 979-279-5420 or 979-906-0225

ANGUS BULLS: Two year old bulls. Solid Rock Ranch, Matt Jones, Frankl in, TX, 979-777-7571 or 979-828-3410. www.solidrockranch.com CHAROLAIS A+ BULLS: Reg Top Qualilty, Gentle, Polled, Tested. LBW, Fancy Charolais Heifers. Ranch Bred & Raised.

Plus Reg black Angus Bulls.

(254)729-8644, (254)747-2701

TRACTOR MOWING 6’ Shredder, Loader, Mower, Reliable Retiree Call 979-224-5939

FArMers MArKet FarM SUPPLiES

GOOD COASTAL HAY: 5 x 5 ½ Big Bales Good Coastal $45, $50 delivered within 25 miles radius of Wheelock. 4 x 5 ½ Bales Good Coastal $30, $35 delivered within 25 miles radius of Wheelock. Minimum delivery 12 bales.

Johnny Patranella 979-450-2883 HAY FOR SALE: 5x6 Net Wrapped Round Bales, Weed sprayed and fertilized, $40 and up. Delivery available 979-820-5206 HAY: Square bales, bermuda/ coastal, horse quality, $7/bale, 936-661-8021 & 936-348-4176

Carports, RV Covers & Garages

from 12’ to 30’ wide and 12 walls. Come by 9638 E. State Hwy 21, Bryan 979-589-3777 bcsportablebuildings.com

14

San Saba, TX “Authorized Dealer” • A Large Selection of Trailers in Stock • Custom Ordering Avail.

Call (325) 372-5159 www.jordancattle.com

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ANGUS BULLS: Reg black Angus Bulls, 2 years, calving ease, EPD’s, tested, gentle, $2000. Call 979-219-0143 or 979220-0316.

PASTURE LEASE(S) Needed, Matt Jones, Franklin, Tx 979/777-7571, 979/828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com

PET Litter Special

Pets & suPPLies dogS

35

AKBASH LGD PUPPIES: DOB 4/17 out of working parents. elliottsheepfarm@gmail. com. Robert Elliot 979-567-9895 leave message

LiVEStock WantEd

Jordan Trailer Sales

Specializing in Deer Commercial Ranch Exotics Fencing, Barns, Project Design, Game Fence, Welding, Stalls, Selective Brush Clearing, Commercial Chain Link, Custom Projects

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Karl (Buddy) Micklitz Jr. Bryan, TX micklitz@verizon.net (C) 979.218.8674 (H) 979.779.0420

PAt griswold CAttle Co

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Business & service directory

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AI sires include Final Answer, Thunder, Cedar Ridge & VDAR Really Windy 4097.

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776-SELL (7355) December 2016 — Issue 2

Call

776-SELL (7355) To Place An Ad



The Land & Livestock Post

News BVD, from Page 12 preventing spread of disease,” Jones said. “Implementing a good general management plan to identify and manage known risks in the herd will help interrupt spread of BVD and many known pathogens.

“One of the most effective management tools for improvement of animal health, performance and fertility is to use controlled breeding and calving seasons. Eliminating exposure of the breeding herd to a source of BVD prevents future PI calves.

“Calving is an especially vulnerable time for cows and calves, so reducing pathogen exposure during this time gives cows and calves time to recover from this stressful period. Shortening the calving season, moving dry cows onto fresh pasture to calve and

in as much fresh tissue as possible from the aborted fetus or the whole fetus with placenta. A blood sample from the dam, at this time, may help determine if she is acutely infected.

“Looking for antibodies in the serum could make diagnosis easier but a second sample 30 days after the first sample (convalescent sample) is necessary for comparison. Accurate, rapid results are needed to know how to treat effected animals and protect other members of the herd.”

Knowing the origin of purchased cattle and the producer’s reputation helps to ensure that you are buying BVD-PI free animals. If you purchase pregnant, BVD-free heifers, you must test their calves to determine if they are BVD free. Individual blood samples or tissue samples, such as ear notches, are applicable for testing.

calving first calf heifers separately from the main cow herd are strategies that limit the exposure of cows and calves to pathogens such as BVD. “These practices also facilitate more efficient management.”

Laboratory testing

“There are several situations in which laboratory testing is needed such as diagnosing the cause of disease, identifying infected animals, herd surveillance and marketing BVD free animals,” Jones said. “Requirements for good diagnostic tests are accuracy, economical and rapid.

“If an animal is showing clinical signs of illness, a whole blood sample (purple cap tube) needs to be taken and sent to the lab. If abortions have occurred it is imperative to send

TJS S Hardware

“Not all BVD positive cattle are PI,” Jones said. “It is recommended to retest BVD positive animals four to six weeks after the initial test.

“In some cases, BVD positive animals are acutely infected but not persistently infected.

Animals with acute infection may be able to recover from the disease and not become BVD carriers.

“Whole herd screening involves testing all animals, which is appropriate if there is suspicion that BVD might be affecting the herd’s health or reproductive performance.

Screening is also important for maintaining a BVD negative herd,” Jones said.

If a calf is negative then the

See RETEST, Page 19

Rural Land Loans • Country Home Loans Farm & Ranch Loans • Livestock Loans Equipment Loans • Operating Capital • Leasing

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December 2016 — Issue 2

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On the 12th Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

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

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1415 East OSR • Bryan • (979) 776-5760 • Steve: (979) 450-0819

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16

Limousins

December 2016 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News East Texas: Timing fertilization of winter pastures proving tricky

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

OVERTON — Fertilizing to produce quality winter annual forages, such as ryegrass or small grains, has been difficult for East Texas producers to time as above-average temperatures and moderate drought continue, said Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service forage specialist in Overton.

Corriher-Olson has received many calls from producers recently regarding the best time to fertilize, especially with nitrogen. They want to know if it’s best to fertilize before or after rains.

Other nutrients such as phosphorous and potassium can be applied when winter grasses

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Adam Russell

Rows of planted small grain rye emerged in a Bermuda grass field at the Overton Center’s South Farm. Producers have had difficulties in properly timing fertilizer applications this fall because of above-average temperatures and dry conditions. are planted, but Corriher-Olson said producers should be mindful about when they apply nitrogen.

She recommends fertilizing prior to a forecasted rainfall, but said it has been difficult this year

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The Land & Livestock Post



for producers to gauge whether precipitation will materialize.

“The best scenario is to fertilize and then get moisture,” she said.

“Producers watch the forecast

before an application but the issue this year is that the forecast a week out may call for a 60 percent chance of rain, then the chance of rain diminishes and it may not happen.”

Much of East Texas is experiencing moderate drought, she said. Above-average temperatures compound the problem because warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass have not gone dormant.

She said producers typically plant winter pastures in late September or early October but that many planted in August hoping to capitalize on late-summer rains. But cool temperatures have not arrived.

In East Texas, fertilizer is typically applied in mid-November, around the time of the first frost as lower temperatures begin to induce dormancy of warm-

season forages. Fertilizing near or after the first freeze ensures winter grasses are not competing with Bermuda grass for nitrogen.

Corriher-Olson said the most important aspect of fertilizing for forage production is soil testing, which identifies the soil pH and nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, that might be deficient for optimum forage production.

Another consideration is the timeframe producers want pastures ready for grazing or forage, she said. Pastures require a fertilizer application for fall and early winter forage production and another for spring growth.

“Fertilization can be a major cost in winter pasture production and should be done based on soil test recommendations and with moisture, if we are so lucky,” she said.

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December 2016 — Issue 2

17

News There are many benefits to leasing private land to hunters

By Sean HuBBard Oklahoma State University

STILLWATER, Oklahoma — Leasing land for recreational hunting can provide Oklahoma landowners will a little extra cash in their pocket, labor resources for their land, perhaps a few new friends and a reduction in trespassing.

“Leasing for recreational hunting has become a major source or revenue for landowners,” said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist.

“In fact, in many areas, revenue generated for hunting leases has surpassed lease rates for more traditional agriculture production.”

While leasing land for hunting seems very simple, there are some precautions that need to

be considered by landowners to have a successful lease.

It is important for a landowner to screen carefully and select good lessees to reduce liability.

To do so, it is advised that landowners should take time to visit with potential lessees.

Selecting the right lessee will help reduce liability of the landowner, as the lessee also should possess liability insurance. The lease should also have conditions for termination, a legal description of the property, rights granted or withheld, terms of payment, effective dates, liability waivers and acknowledgements of risk, Elmore said.

Property owners should consider leasing their private land for reasons besides monetary.

“Often, services provided by the lessee are of greater value to landowners, particularly older

TA LIVESTOCK O S A V NA AUCTION CO. Hwy 90 (toward Anderson) & FM 3455

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University

There are many benefits to leasing private land to hunters. or absentee landowners who may not be able to take care of the land as they would like to,” Elmore said. “Many lessees would be willing to offer labor

in exchange for access to private land.”

A final consideration for landowners is the compatibility of a lease with current land

management. Management for wildlife can be very compatible with cattle and crop production, with the primary consideration of having abundant native plant communities.

“Introducedpasturesaremuch less productive for wildlife, and will almost always yield much lower lease rates,” Elmore said.

“Cultivated cropland can provide good wildlife habitat, and hence, good lease rates, assuming most of the landscape is rangeland or forest.”

Elmore offered one more tip to get the most bang for your buck: “Farmers can help diversify their farm income by maintaining wide fence rows and field corners in native range or forest,” he said. “Having larger blocks of native habitat between fields also will increase the value of this land for lease hunting.”

HAVE A SWEET HOLIDAY SEASON!

WE WILL BE CLOSED DEC. 24TH AND DEC. 31ST. FIRST SALE OF 2017 WILL BE JANUARY 7TH.

To find a dealer nearest you:

1-800-750-9608 www.hudsonlivestock.com 8150 Thompson Road Miles, Texas 76861

Raising the Benchmark in Cooked Molasses Tubs!

18

December 2016 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Retest, from Page 15 mother is negative as well, so we get the benefit of testing the pair for one test fee. If the calf is positive, test the dam to see if she is BVD positive. If the dam is negative (not a PI), the likely source of BVD fetal infection was dam exposure during gestation to another infected animal.

The dam became acutely infected and was able to overcome the disease.

“Having documentation of BVD test-negative animals aids in marketing cattle,” Jones said.

“BVD negative feeder calves have sold for premiums in some marketing programs. After a herd has been test-negative for a few years, it is only necessary to test market animals and all additions to keep adequate surveillance on herd BVD status.”

There are many laboratories from which to choose for BVD testing, but the one most commonly used in the Land and Livestock Post reader area is the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station. It is important to select a lab with a verifiable quality control process and uses the correct tests in the correct way. False negative tests are worse than false positive because it gives a false sense of security and increases chances of infecting other cattle. The Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory has a record of accuracy and reliability.

BVD management should be part of ranch operational procedures because of the disease’s negative impact on calving percentage which results in reduced profits.

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December 2016 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post