May May2015 2015——Issue Issue11
Here, my deer
Using cattle to increase deer populations PAGE 10
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23
JAMES THOMPSON AG-GRAVATING?
JAMES THOMPSON REMEMBERING WEST
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JAMES THOMPSON GOING GREEN
JAMESVOICE VET’S THOMPSON
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Straight New ag commissioner from the horse's annoys mouth. some officials.
Straight from Research aimsthe to reduce horse'swater mouth. in vegetable growth.
Straight from Legislation designed the horse's to stop mouth. another blast.
Straight Earn more from at sale the horse's by treating mouth. calves well.
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May 2015 — Issue 1
The Land & Livestock Post
News
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From the General Manager
had a pretty good childhood. I was never abused or neglected or given a good reason to look back on my youth with bitterness in my heart. Until recently. I pulled my old push mower out of the shed at the start of spring, tuned it up, gave it a pull and it started right up. Then it died. I couldn’t get it started again. I fiddled with it for a few hours, but still couldn’t get it going. My wife came outside, saw me tinkering and insisted I go buy a new one. She made a good point, that I spend a lot of time fooling with the mower and it would be worthwhile to get a new one so that time could be spent actually mowing. Plus, the mower was almost 9 years old, so it had a good run.
I went to the store to pick out my new machine. As I perused the line of shiny new mowers, I noticed there was only a $30 price difference between a regular push mower and a self-propelled mower. I decided to spoil myself and splurge. I’d never had a self-propelled mower, but maybe it was a little better, and I was willJESSE WRIGHT ing to spend $30 to find out. When I got it home and put it together and filled with gas, I cranked it up and started mowing. I had no idea mowing could be that easy. It wasn’t just a little better, it was way, way
better. I’m talking the kind of better like the way a chain saw is better than an ax, or the way DVD is better than VHS, or the way that bacon is better than anything that is not bacon. As happy as I was to have this new technology in my life, I couldn’t help to think of the childhood squandered pushing a mower. Maybe it built character, maybe that was the plan all along. I mean, it’s hard to argue that I didn’t turn out pretty great. But, still, part of me thinks my parents did it so they could watch me sweat and toil as I mowed while they sat in the shade, cooling themselves with a fan made of thirty $1 bills. Innovative techniques can help in places other than the lawn. In our cover story, we
take a look at mob grazing and how it may improve your pasture, cattle and wildlife. We also have news about upcoming conferences and workshops as well as our Vet’s Voice feature and some news from the Legislature that could affect many in the ag industry. Hope you enjoy it, and as always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,
• For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@theeagle. com.
National ag center reopens BONNER SPRINGS, Kansas (AP) — Like many farmers, the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame has struggled. After being closed last year except for special events, the 50-year-old hall in Bonner Springs reopened April 25, thanks to a financial windfall, volunteers and a new executive director. Board president Clausie Smith says this will be a pivotal year for the center, which opened in 1965 and has struggled financially for years. He says the board will work on a strategic plan for a campaign to bring in new exhibits and increased programming. The Kansas City Star reports (bit.ly/1IRpZlj) the sale of 5 acres last year allowed the organization to pay off some of its debts and provide cash sufficient to reopen.
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News
Despite rocky start, new ag chief defends record Muslim country?� Miller stood by that comment in last month’s inerview. “You can quote me on this — I’m not for either one of those. I’m for our traditional Texas values, our family values, our Texas heritage.� He said he was focused
by Jay Root and Jim malewitz The Texas Tribune
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told lawmakers a few weeks ago that he wouldn’t do what a lot of his predecessors have done: use the agency as a “political tool,� a mere stepping stone to higher office. Given all the controversy the Republican has sparked since taking the reins in January, that seems like a safe bet. In just more than three months, the former state representative has irked lawmakers with his aggressive lobbying for agency funding, faced questions about a proposal to renovate his office and come under fire for hiring a felon who, according to a newspaper report, continued to represent private clients while on the state payroll. The collection of unflattering headlines has lawmakers and one of Miller’s predecessors questioning whether the worldchampion calf roper was ready fully to steer a billion-dollar state agency. “In Sid’s defense, I don’t think he really understood what it means to be a statewide elected official. I think this happens to a lot of people,� said Susan Combs, a former Texas agriculture commissioner who most recently served as state comptroller. “It’s not just that you’ve got two or three House staffers. You’ve got hundreds. You manage all kinds of money.� But Miller is brushing off the criticism, touting his first 100 days as a wild success. He said his office has accelerated international trade, beefed up the marketing of Texas agriculture and doled out grants and completed contracts “faster than they ever moved before.� In an interview, Miller said, “I tell you what, I’ve never had this much fun in my life “I think we’ve had a rocky start with the media that’s been hounding us, and unfortunately
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on issues facing the agriculture sector, including giving farmers and ranchers more sway in discussions about water policy. “As they say in Austin, if you don’t have a seat at the table,
See MILLER, Page 6
Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller gives away cupcakes at a press conference on Jan. 12. not telling the good stories.� Miller roared into office promising bold action and flashy reforms. In what he described as his first official act, the cowboyhat-wearing commissioner granted “amnesty� to cupcakes — a symbolic gesture meant to publicize that school children can bring cupcakes and other sugary snacks into the classroom. But the ban on such treats, instituted by Combs — a Republican who was agriculture commissioner from 1999 to 2007 — already had been lifted by her successor, Todd Staples. Miller said he was worried that many parents and kids didn’t know
they could now bring the snacks to class. Keeping to other people’s political scripts is not really Miller’s forte. Shortly before he was sworn in, Miller appeared at a Texas Public Policy Foundation forum. Asked what keeps him up at night, Miller replied: “The thing that keeps me up at night, usually, is bad Mexican food,� prompting laughter. “Actually, I sleep pretty well, but I do have some long-range concerns as I hold those two grandbabies on my lap, and I happen to wonder: When they have grandbabies to hold in their lap, will we be a socialist country? Will we be a
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News Miller, from Page 4 you’re probably on the menu,” he said. Like his predecessors, Miller said he’s held trade meetings — on topics including Texas beef and horses — with a host of international officials, including some from Germany, China, Nicaragua, France and Paraguay, with more scheduled. “We have already facilitated hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales to these international markets,” he said. Miller also has focused on finances. He grabbed headlines for sounding alarms about the impact of years of budget cuts — including some he voted for and still touted on his campaign website as of mid-April — have inflicted on his agency. He said the department was doing a lousy job carrying out core agency functions — such as inspecting gas pumps and grocery store scanners — and as a result consumers were “getting screwed.” Miller on April 10 said he recently inspected scales at two pawn shops — one in Waco and another in Fort Worth, finding they did not comply with state rules. But as he took his budget concerns to the Legislature, Miller came on too strong for some lawmakers, including his former colleague Rep. Larry Gonzales, the Round Rock Republican who oversees the department’s budget on the House Appropriations Committee. “I have never been so aggressively lobbied by a state employee in all my years here,” said Gonzales, in office since 2011 and a longtime legislative staffer before then. “He came out of the gate very aggressive, very demanding of what he thought his agency needed.” Gonzales said his colleagues approved increases in the budget to hire new inspectors and made sure they “took care of consumers.” But he passed on the millions Miller was seeking for marketing efforts and other programs lawmakers didn’t see as necessary. Miller said he has a good relationship with lawmakers and called Gonzales’ statement “one
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of the best compliments” he’s ever received. “I’ll take that any day — that I’m aggressive and working harder than expected.” Earlier in April, The Texas Tribune reported that Miller initially had backed a renovation of his office, which was to include handscraped wood floors, terrazzo tile and a shower. The renovation eventually was put on indefinite hold. The department has declined to provide the Tribune with a total cost estimate, but records show the department was preparing to shell out $64,000 to replace carpet with Hill Country Innovations Envy Wood Flooring. “All of these stories are shocking to me,” Gonzales said. In a statement to the Tribune, spokesman Bryan Black said Miller “put a stop” to the upgrade due to concerns about the agency’s budget woes. Meanwhile, Miller’s relationship with the Legislature appears to be deteriorating in other ways. In the past few weeks, he was asked to move his car off Capitol grounds after parking where he wasn’t supposed to; he was denied access to the secured driveway circling the building; and while advocating for a bigger budget, Miller was asked to leave the part of the House chamber generally reserved for current members. Miller’s personnel decisions also have drawn scrutiny. For instance, the head of Miller’s government relations team has a criminal record stemming from campaign finance abuses in Oklahoma. Walt Roberts, assistant commissioner for legislative affairs and external relations, pleaded guilty to federal felony and misdemeanor charges in 2003. Roberts, a former Democratic state representative from McAlester, Oklahoma, participated in a conspiracy to funnel more than $200,000 into his unsuccessful 1998 campaign for Congress, according to a 2003 U.S. Department of Justice press release. State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, said he was surprised and disturbed to learn those details, reported by the Tri-
MAY 16, 2015 For information Call Tom Johnson 817.291.5121
These cattle have all been screened to ensure you only the best quality conmmercial cattle will offered. Cattle will be palpated and sold in uniformly sorted groups to fit any cattleman’s needs. On Thursday, May 7th, a complete listing of all sale cattle will be at
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See AG, Page 7
May 2015 — Issue 1
The Land & Livestock Post
News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley
Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s April 14 sale: Head: 710 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $380$455; 300-400 lbs., $310-$385; 400-500 lbs., $270-$320; 500600 lbs., $230-$275; 600-700 lbs., $205-$242; 700-800 lbs., $205-$215. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $280$350; 300-400 lbs., $280-$330; 400-500 lbs., $250-$290; 500600 lbs., $215-$252; 600-700 lbs., $190-$220. Slaughter bulls: $125-$145. Slaughter cows: $90-$127. Bred cows: $1,400-$2,450. Cow/calf pairs: $1,750$3,150.
Buffalo
Results of the Buffalo Livestock Exchange’s April 11 sale: Head: 1,028 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $380$570; 200-300 lbs., $350-$425; 300-400 lbs., $315-$365; 400500 lbs., $285-$340; 500-600 bs., $235-$382; 600-700 lbs., $220-$255; 700-800 lbs., $195$222. Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $330$500; 200-300 lbs., $275-$430; 300-400 lbs., $245-$335; 400500 lbs., $225-$320; 500-600 lbs., $215-$305; 600-700 lbs., $195-$250; 700-800 lbs., $165$240. Slaughter bulls: $125-$146. Slaughter cows: $75-$131. Bred cows: $1,350-$2,850.
Cow/calf pairs: $1,100$3.050.
Caldwell
Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s April 15 sale: Head: 341 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $370$530; 300-400 lbs., $325-$400; 400-500 lbs., $265-$290; 500600 lbs., $255-$2280; 600-700 lbs., $2250-$250; 700-800 lbs., $205-$225. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $350$400; 300-400 lbs., $320-$350; 400-500 lbs., $265-$290; 500600 lbs., $240-$265; 600-700 lbs., $220-$255; 700-800 lbs., $200-$215. Slaughter bulls: $127-$144. Slaughter cows: $85-$130. Stocker cows: $1,500-$2,000. Cow/calf pairs: $1,475$2,200.
Jordan
Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s April 16 sale: Steers: 300-400 lbs., $300$330; 400-500 lbs., $275-330; 500-600 lbs., $240-$292.50; 600-700 lbs., $225-$255; 700800lbs., $210-$235. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $270-$300; 400-500 lbs., $245-$297.50; 500-600 lbs., $220-$277.50; 600-700 lbs., $210-$231; 700-800 lbs., $190$203. Slaughter bulls: $125-$149. Slaughter cows: $100-$129. Stocker cows: $1,875-$2,275. Cow/calf pairs: $2,150$4,450.
Milano
Results of the Milano Livestock Exchange’s April 14 sale: Steers: 300-400 lbs., $341-
Groesbeck
Results of the Groesbeck Auction & Livestock Co.’s April 9 sale: Head: 361 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $360$420; 400-500 lbs., $320-$375; 500-600 lbs., $260-$315; 600700 lbs., $220-$285. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $300$360; 400-500 lbs., $290-$395; 500-600 lbs., $220-$310; 600700 lbs., $185-$265. Slaughter bulls: $139-$153. Slaughter cows: $87-$124. Bred cows: $1,000-$3,000. Cow/calf pairs: $1,200$3,500.
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lbs., $170-$240. Slaughter bulls: $110-$150. Slaughter cows: $85-$121. Stocker cows: $1,300-$2,200. Cow/calf pairs: $2,100$2,400. — Special to the Post
High Country Update set for May 6 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Navasota
Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction Co.’s April 11 sale: Head: 1,152 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $225$570; 300-400 lbs., $225-$380; 400-500 lbs., $185-$330; 500600 lbs., $175-$285; 600-700 lbs., $170-$242.50. Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $195$480; 300-400 lbs., $185-$330; 400-500 lbs., $185-$305; 500600 lbs., $175-$275; 600-700
MARFA — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct the High Country Beef and Range Management Update from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. May 6 at the Marfa National Bank. Individual registration is $10 due upon arrival, but those planning to attend should RSVP by calling the AgriLife Extension office in Presidio County at 432729-4746 or Brewster/Jeff Davis counties at 432-837-6207.
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May 2015 — Issue 1
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News Grass-fed beef conference to be May 28-29 By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
With consumer interest about where food comes from increasing, grass-fed beef producers will have the opportunity to learn more about marketing opportunities and production trends during a May 28-29 conference in College Station. Rick Machen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in Uvalde, said producers can learn about all aspects of grass-fed beef production techniques at the conference, which will be held at the Rosenthal Meat Science Building on the Texas A&M University campus. “One of the highlights will be Dr. Monte Rouquette, Texas A&M AgriLife Research forage agronomist from Overton,” Machen said. “Monte has clearly demonstrated
how to produce forage-finished beef in East Texas. He’s among the best forage agronomists in the southern U.S. and has years of experience.” Given the ongoing drought across much of the South Central U.S., sustainable forage production is atop everyone’s items of interest list, Machen said. “As always, a significant emphasis in this year’s conference will be the importance of a sustainable forage supply in both quantity and quality, perhaps the most difficult part of a grass-fed beef production system.” The conference will cover a broad range of important topics pertaining to grass-fed beef production and is open to both beef producers and consumers. The following topics will be discussed: overview of the beef industry; defining natural, grass-
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fed and organic beef; foragegrowing fundamentals; cattle types suited for grass-fed beef; forage-based nutrition for cattle; preventive herd health; handling cattle for wholesome beef; carcass fabrication; consumers and their expectations; marketing a unique product; and economics and sustainability. A live carcass fabrication demonstration will be a second day highlight. The cost is $250 through May 15 and $300 after. To register online, go to agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ and enter keyword “grassfed” or call 979845-2604. The conference is sponsored by AgriLife Extension with funding from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (www.sare.org/), which provides grants and education programs to advance agricultural innovation.
May 2015 — Issue 1
Water quality training May 7 Special to The Post
KOSSE — A Texas Watershed Steward workshop on water quality issues related to the Navasota River will be from 1-5 p.m. May 7 at the Kosse Community Center, 200 Texas 14. The workshop is presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board in cooperation with the Texas Water Resources Institute. The training is free and open to anyone interested in improving water quality in the region, program coordinators said. Participants are encouraged to preregister at the Texas Watershed Steward website at tws.tamu.edu. “This training is designed to help watershed residents
improve and protect their water resources by becoming involved in local watershed protection and management activities,” said Michael Kuitu of College Station, AgriLife Extension program specialist and coordinator for the Texas Watershed Steward program. Kuitu said the workshop will include an overview of water quality and watershed management in Texas, but will focus primarily on area water quality issues, including current efforts to help improve and protect the Navasota River. The workshop will address issues related to the Navasota River but will be applicable to all waters in the region, he said. The training will include a discussion of watershed sys-
See WATER, Page 17
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News
Mob hit
Grazing cattle to boost whitetail deer numbers By ROBERT FEARS Special to The Post
N
ew management ideas can be obtained by driving across the state line and observing what producers are doing in neighboring states. The mob grazing of cattle to grow whitetails concept was brought to my attention by Brett Addison’s presentation at the 2013 Grazingland Conference in Fort Worth. Wanting to learn more, I drove to the Addison Ranch near Marietta, just a few miles north of the Texas/ Oklahoma line. Primary focus of the Addison Ranch is hunting. It offers a variety of guided hunts including trophy whitetail deer, management whitetail deer, bow, feral hog, turkey, duck and combination packages. The lodge is located on one of the highest points on the ranch with breathtaking views of the lower creek bottoms. It contains four bedrooms and three baths and can accommodate up to six hunters comfortably. Cow-calf and stocker operations on the ranch are managed to improve and maintain good wildlife habitat. “Lisa, my wife, and I drafted a mission statement for the ranch operation which guides our management practices,” Addison said. “Our mission is to utilize enterprises on our land to pay for the land while building a cash reserve for operational expenses. Management must be based on producing a healthy product while improving the land for future generations. Decisions for the ranch should be made with the following ranked priorities in mind: faith, family, fun, financial and friends.” Previous to buying the Oklahoma ranch, Brett ranched with his father in North Texas, where they intensively, short-term grazed 50 pastures of the
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Brett Addison uses the mob method of raising cattle as a way to enhance the deer population on his hunting ranch near Marietta, Oklahoma.
Photo by Ben Tedrick
Cover photo by Ben Tedrick
same size and containing the same habitat. There are approximately 100 pastures on the Oklahoma ranch with extremely diverse habitat, which dictates a variance in pasture size of 10 to 400 acres.
Pasture improvement
“I use mob grazing because I have learned that it improves pastures and increases animal productivity,” Addison said. “Many producers, including myself, have shown that stocking rates can
be increased after utilizing mob grazing for a few years; however, you should be careful with increasing animal units, because of the continued threat of drought. “You don’t want to get caught with too many cattle during dry periods and have to destock in a depressed market. I also like mob grazing because it is accomplished primarily with management and very little money is required.” “Mob grazing involves moving cattle at least daily between small paddocks,
May 2015 — Issue 1
sized to match the number of grazing cattle, and split by portable electric fence,” said Jason Johnson, public affairs specialist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. “The goal is for every plant in the grazing cell to be either eaten or walked on and trampled. “Plants in each paddock then rest for 60 to 120 days or more. Benefits of mob grazing compared to continuous grazing include: allowing more cattle on the same or fewer acres, better weed con-
See MOB, Page 11
The Land & Livestock Post
News Mob, from Page 10 trol, less fertilizer cost, extended grazing season, improved livestock health, more plant diversity, and better soil health through built-up organic matter and reduced erosion.” “It’s not a big deal if I move the cattle daily or weekly,” says Bill Totemeier, a producer near New London, Iowa. “What’s important is managing around the weather, your forages, and always watching animal performance. “Think holistically, be flexible and vary rotations from year to year to allow seed production on all paddocks.” Putting a large number of cattle in a pasture for a short period of time causes the animals to graze more of the whole landscape and to select a wider variety of plant species. Removing the canopy of existing plants by grazing creates space for additional plants to establish and encourages a greater diversity of plants. Plant diversity causes an increase in soil microbe activity resulting in better soil health. A more even distribution of urine and dung occurs with mob grazing which improves soil fertility. Better distribution of litter, due to mob grazing, protects the soil from heat and catches rainfall for percolation into the soil. “In the spring, I like to see yellow and brown vegetation mixed with the green,” says Addison. “The yellow and brown
last year’s growth tells me that the pasture wasn’t overgrazed. The old growth mixed with lush, nutrient-rich spring vegetation provides a balanced diet for the cattle.”
Deer improvement
“We high-fenced the property in 2000 and in 2010, we started mob grazing,” Addison said. “By 2012, deer with maximum antler scores of 208 inches were harvested. In 2014, 10 bucks scoring more than 190 inches and five with more than 200 inch antlers were identified. The largest buck was harvested and scored 254 6/8 Boone and Crockett gross. “Our deer currently have more antler mass and points than anytime during the 14 years of being in the hunting business. We also have more deer than before. Was mob grazing responsible for the improved deer population? “I can say that mob grazing of cattle has improved deer habitat,” Addison said. “Mob grazing allows me to impact everything growing in a given area, which creates a more diverse plant community. Cattle break and tramp down brush promoting sprouting of new green growth that deer relish. “There is very little woody plant understory in our native hardwood groves due to the cattle. The result is a mixture of
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May 2015 — Issue 1
11
News Deer, from Page 11 grass, forbs and sprouts which entice the cattle and deer to feed in these areas.” Deer on the Addison ranch eat only native vegetation. There are no food plots or supplemental protein feeding. Corn is fed during hunting season to make the deer more visible. Wildlife on the ranch is cared for through management, not money.
Cattle improvement
The same principle of lowcost management is utilized in the cattle enterprises also. There are no purchases of feed, hay, fertilizer or cattle insecticides. The only health treatment is vaccination for the Clostridia diseases when they are dehorned and castrated. Short durations of grazing and long rest periods for pastures prevent completion of parasite life cycles, so they are not a threat to livestock. Addison also maintains a closed herd, so disease organisms are
not introduced from the outside. Addison’s cattle breeding program is based on information obtained from Dick Diven, who conducted Low Cost Cow/ Calf Production Schools at the University of California. “Animals are sunbathers,” said Diven. “The sun plays an important role with regards to reproduction. The amount of daylight is referred to as photoperiod. “Many wild animals are seasonal breeders that use photoperiod as the indicator for cycling and breeding. Photoperiods vary with latitude and interact with animal body condition score. At 40 degrees north latitude, postpartum interval (time between calving and normal cycling) increases at body condition score 5 or 5.5 and decreases at body condition score 7. It is because of this interaction that you cannot make the blanket statement of being in body condition score 5 at calving. Maybe it needs to be 5.5, 6
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or 4.5. It depends on your location.” Probabilities of conception by 85 days post calving for the latitude of the Addison Ranch is shown in the table on page 11. If a calf is desired every year then a cow has to conceive within 85 days after calving. Assuming a 280-day average gestation period, then 365 days in a year minus a 280-day gestation period equals 85 days in which to breed back. Probabilities are expressed in percentages, so a “1.0” in Table 1 means that there is a 100 percent chance that a cow will calve by 85 days post calving. Addison’s cows calve from June 12 until late August. According to Table 1, if his cows are at BCS 6 when they calve, they will have a 100 percent chance of breeding back within 85 days. It is interesting to note that
at the Addison Ranch latitude, cows calving at below BCS 6 have a fairly low chance of breeding back within 85 days. Another advantage in Addison’s calving period is that his cows are lactating when forage quality is good and their nutrient requirements are at the highest level. Calves are weaned around March 15 and are held as stockers until late August. Flexible sale dates allow for market fluctuations, drought or other factors. “Do not become overly concentrated on land condition and forget the cattle,” Addison said. “Learn how to score animal body condition and monitor it constantly. “Look at rumen fill. If a cow’s rumen is not full in the middle of day, she couldn’t get enough to eat that morning. “Observe cow pats to deter-
mine diet quality. If they are stacked high, the cow is eating a lot of lignin which is not nutritious. I like to see them rather flat with a moist dimple in the middle indicating that the cow is getting a balanced diet. “If monitoring shows a problem, either use bigger pastures or move the cattle more often.” Mob grazing works for Addison because he is flexible. If he gets tired, he doesn’t move cattle for a week. He gives them an extra big pasture where they don’t have to be moved as often. Addison also is flexible in selecting locations for his temporary fencing. He picks the easy spots for poly-wire installations and does not necessary put the fence in the same spot every time he moves cattle. Addison is quick to say, “Mob grazing might not work for every operation — but it sure works for me.”
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News Three-day prescribed fire ‘rancher roundtable’ slated for May 13-15 By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
ABILENE — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and several state and federal agencies will conduct the Rancher Roundtable: Facilitating the Use of Prescribed Fire through Grazing Management symposium May 13-15 in Abilene. The meeting will be held in the Big Country Hall, 1982 Lytle Way, located on the Taylor County Expo Center grounds. Morgan Russell, AgriLife Extension range specialist at San Angelo, said the event will highlight key speakers from her agency, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oklahoma State University, The Samuel
Roberts Noble Foundation, Texas Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative and industry professionals. “The goal of the program is to bring private, commercial and governmental prescribed fire experts together to share their thoughts among each other and with landowners and managers interested in the art and science of using prescribed fire as a range management tool,” Russell said. “Topics will cover all aspects of prescribed fire as they relate to long term-range, livestock and wildlife management goals.” Individual preregistration is $150. Preregister at agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ and search for “rancher.” For more information contact Russell at 325-653-4576, Morgan. Russell@ag.tamu.edu; Jeff Good-
win, Natural Resources Conservation Service rangeland specialist in Temple, at 254-742-9951, Jeff. Goodwin@tx.usda.gov; or Tim Steffens, AgriLife Extension range specialist in Canyon, at 806-651-2781, Tsteffens@wtamu. edu. May 13 activities will begin with a noon to 12:45 p.m. registration and program until 5 p.m., followed by a networking hour . The afternoon’s topics and speakers will include: • Ecological Processes – What Drives Texas Systems?, Jim Ansley, AgriLife Research range scientist, Vernon • Grazing Management to Accomplish Drought, Fuel, Plant Community and Landscape Goals, and Grazing Management Tools, Rules and Guidelines, Steffens. • Prescribed Fire and Why?,
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota — A bird flu strain that’s deadly to poultry has been confirmed in a second commercial turkey flock in eastern South Dakota, federal officials said April 9, bringing to 15 the number of Midwest farms infected. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the strain of avian influenza in the flock of 34,000 turkeys in Kingsburg County, which sits between Huron and Brookings. The U.S. in recent months has seen an increase in cases of the highly pathogenic H5N2 strain affecting poultry in multiple states, including nearby Minnesota. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to people to be low. So far the total number of outbreaks across the Midwest has reached 15, including the new finding in South Dakota. Minnesota has been hit the hardest with
nine farms struck by the virus. The disease has killed or forced producers to destroy well over 500,000 birds since early March. The first case of the virus in South Dakota was found in early Appril at Riverside Farms near Huron in Beadle County. That flock is one of the Hutterite colonies that own and supply turkeys to Dakota Turkey Growers LLC. State officials said they had quarantined the latest farm and that birds on the property would be killed. Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, South Dakota’s state veterinarian, said, “We do anticipate that we could find additional cases, additional farms infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza,” Oedekoven said. The virus poses a very low risk to humans — none have been infected so far — but Lon Kightlinger, the state epidemiologist, said they are still asking those who are directly exposed to infected birds to self-monitor for 10 days.
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and Prescribed Burn Strategies, John Weir, Oklahoma State University research associate. • Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Requirements, Blair May 15 activities will last from 8 a.m-noon. Topics and speakers will include: • Prescribed Burn Insurance and Liability, Russell Stevens, strategic consultation manager, The Noble Foundation. • Fire, Grazing and Their Wildlife Implications, Dale Rollins, retired AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist in San Angelo, who continues to serve as the quail project leader for the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative and as executive director of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch at Roby. • Panel Discussion to be conducted by producers and agency and industry personnel.
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Charles “Butch” Taylor, superintendent of the AgriLife Research Station at Sonora May 14 activities will start with a 7:30 a.m. breakfast followed by a chartered bus ranch tour with speakers Steffens, Russell and Keith Blair, commercial prescribed burn manager at Sonora, speaking. They will discuss and demonstrate grazing management planning considerations, prescribed fire and safety as well as onsite results-planning through implementation The assembly will reconvene in the Big Country Hall for lunch followed by presentations and speakers, including: • Working with Natural Resources Conservation Service and Prescribed Burn Associations, and Post Burn Management, Goodwin • Planning a Prescribed Burn,
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News Vegetable study targets water savings in the High Plains AMARILLO — Vegetable production is not new in the Texas High Plains, but it is being re-examined in a Texas A&M AgriLife Research study to see if it might offer a water-savings alternative to some cereal grain production. “Everybody knows we are generally water short in the Texas High Plains and can no longer meet 100 percent of all crop water needs,” said Thomas Marek, AgriLife Research senior research engineer for irrigation water conservation and management in Amarillo. “We g row a tremendous amount of corn for the cattle industry. And we know from our regional water plan that corn production is going to have to be reduced in the future.” Marek said production changes, preferably to higher valued crops such as certain types of vegetables, may be a partial solution to sustaining future profitability for Texas High Plains’ producers, particularly those facing water shortages within the northwestern area. “Water is the largest input factor in economically feasible crop production, so numerous water management strategies have been proposed by the region’s water planning committee, the Panhandle Water Planning Group,” he said. “One of those strategies being considered is that of crop changes to reduce irrigation water use. “While water use for vegetables may not be less per acre than that of some currently produced cereal grains, less overall regional acreage may be required to potentially maintain or even increase existing profit levels for producers,” Marek said. He conducted a relatively small demonstration in 2014 with several categories of vegetables at the AgriLife Research James Bush Farm north of Bushland. This study was supported by
ing and water use were recorded for each harvest event. Marek said several things determined with the first round of the study were: earlier planting would help increase yield output
Each vegetable was evaluated on a bedded, two-row, 20-feet long plot size. Row spacing was 30 inches. Vegetables were handharvested on a two-to-three-day basis. Data regarding plant count, harvested fruit number, total harvested weight per pick-
By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
See VEGGIES, Page 17
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Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo Texas A&M AgriLife Research student workers harvest peas from a study plot at the AgriLife Research James Bush Farm north of Bushland.
the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service’s Ogallala Aquifer Program, AgriLife Research and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Marek said they grew the higher value runner-type vegetables such as squash, zucchini, cucumbers, as well as peppers, onions, melons, tomatoes, black-eyed peas and okra. “We have a pretty definite range of what we are evaluating at this point,” he said. “The potential has been promising to date.” All vegetables were grown under a single irrigation level targeted at a high evapotranspiration — known as ET — level. A weather station, which is part of the Texas High Plains Evapotranspiration Network, was located near the plots and was used to compute daily reference evapotranspiration to know what the actual water demand was. Plots were planted on May 29 and again on June 10. This was later than desired, but scheduling conflicts prevented earlier operations. Irrigation was applied using surface-flow irrigation. As the total plot area was relatively small, Marek said irrigation efficiencies were high, and the total amount of irrigation applied from plant-
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ing to harvest was 17.46 inches. The in-season rainfall in 2014 was 12.61 inches.
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News Legislation aims to prevent another fertilizer plant blast By Eva HErsHaw Associated Press
Looking to prevent another tragedy like the 2013 explosion at a West fertilizer blast that killed 15 people, a lawmaker recently promoted legislation that calls for increased facility inspections and tighter storage regulations to reduce accidents in the fertilizer industry. House Bill 942, authored by state Rep. Kyle Kacal, R-College Station, would regulate the storage of ammonium nitrate and require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to collect hazardous chemical reports filed by facility operators, a task currently assigned to the Department of State Health Services. Last year, discussions of similar legislation were met with opposition by some Republicans who were hesitant to impose regulations on fertilizer storage facilities. “Our state has gone through a great deal of work to study the issues thought to have contributed to the [West} disaster,” Kacal said, speaking to the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. The city of West lies in the northern part of his district. “HB 492 seeks to follow up on the actions taken by the state to regulate the fertilizer industry.” Specifically, the bill would establish strict guidelines for the storage of ammonium nitrate, which would need to be stored at least 30 feet from any combustible or flammable material. The legislation would require a state or local fire marshal to inspect storage facilities to identify potential fire hazards and allow local fire departments to tour facilities for “pre-fire planning.” In addition, the bill would increase reporting requirements for facility operators storing ammonium nitrate. Kacal’s original bill had proposed increased penalties for violations related to the improper handling of hazardous chemicals at manufacturing plants and new penalties for violations at storage
16
Photo by Mike Stone/Bay Area News
A vehicle near the remains of a fertilizer plant burning after a 2013 explosion in West, north of Waco. facilities. Kacal presented substitute legislation to the committee on April 14 that did not include those penalties. On April 17, 2013, a fertilizer plant in West caught fire and then exploded as firefighters attempted to douse the flames. In addition to the 15 people who were killed, more than 200 others were injured. While the cause of the original fire remains unknown, the explosion occurred when the flames reached a tank of ammonium ni-
trate, a common fertilizer stored at the facility. “We have stored ammonium nitrate for at least 35 years,” said Jim Farley, the owner of Farley Farm Supply in De Leon, who testified in support of Kacal’s bill. Others expressed support of HB 492, but urged lawmakers to include local authorities in the inspection process. “The state fire marshal has no connection to the local fire department,” said Brad Johnson, the general manager of the
Northeast Texas Farmers Coop, which represents more than 7,000 farmers across 10 counties. “Shouldn’t the local fire chief know about a violation that the state fire marshal has found? I want our folks included.” Tom “Smitty” Smith, the state director of Public Citizen, a consumer protection group, also urged lawmakers to keep information about ammonium nitrate facilities available to the public. House Bill 417, filed by state Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, would impose penalties for improper storage of ammonium nitrate and create a rule-making authority on ammonium nitrate facilities that the lawmaker described as “a living, breathing forum.” “The rule-making authority is a way to make changes without
the Legislature being in session,” Pickett told the committee, explaining that the authority would work with state agencies. “If we don’t do something, we will have another West explosion.” While bills by Kacal and Pickett aim to improve the storage of ammonium nitrate, two additional bills heard by the committee aimed to address other issues related to the 2013 blast. House Bill 2470, filed by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, would require anyone who produces, stores, transfers, or blends ammonium nitrate to have public liability insurance, while House Bill 3810 by Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, would establish a statewide notification system in the case of a hazardous chemical leak from a manufacturing facility.
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The Land & Livestock Post
News Veggies, from Page 15 per plant; and plant establishment with transplants needs to be augmented by the use of protective wind cylinders due to early season high wind speeds in 2014. “We had area folks driving by the field who asked ‘what are all those white things out there in the field and what are y’all doing?’ so I knew the local community was paying attention to what we were doing,” he said. Marek said they will need to look at the heat unit requirements to be sure vegetables routinely can be produced. Also, more research is needed regarding production water use and management within the region before adequate assessment can be made with vegetables as a
Water, from Page 9 tems, types and sources of water pollution, and ways to improve and protect water quality. There also will be a group discussion on community-driven watershed protection and management. “Various segments and tributaries of the Navasota River above and below Lake Limestone to its confluence with the Brazos River are on the state list of impaired waters for elevated levels of bacteria” said Lucas Gregory, Project Specialist for the Texas Water Resources Institute, based in College Station. “It first appeared on that list in 2002.” “The supportive role the Navasota River plays in regards to regional water supplies, wildlife habitat, and agriculture is vital. It is a truly important water resource,” said David Groschke, AgriLife Extension agent for Limestone County. Groschke encourages local residents and other stakeholders to attend the workshop to gain more information about water resources and water quality improvement and protection. Along with the training, participants will receive a copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Handbook and a certificate of completion. The program offers
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viable water-saving alternative to current cereal grains production. The demonstration-type assessment is planned again for 2015 and will be complemented with related projects in the Texas A&M AgriLife cropping system program with wheat stubble involving AgriLife Research scientists and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists, he said. “The results so far have been promising that we can produce vegetables,” Marek said. “What’s going to be needed ultimately is to develop the needed market structure again. What we will continue to determine are the production aspects and water-use efficiency of various vegetables and determine what is most efficient over time.”
four continuing education units in soil and water management for certified crop advisers, four units for professional engineers, professional geoscientists, and certified planners, four credits for certified teachers, and two credits for nutrient management specialists. It also offers three general continuing education units for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders, four for certified landscape architects and three for certified floodplain managers. “Participating in the Texas Watershed Steward program is a great opportunity to get involved and make a difference in your watershed,” said Gregory. For more information and to preregister, go to tws.tamu. edu or contact Kuitu at 979-8624457, michael.kuitu@ag.tamu. edu or Groschke at 254-729-5314, dwgroschke@ag.tamu.edu. For more information about watershed protection efforts for the Navasota River, contact Gregory at 979-845-7869 or lfgregory@ ag.tamu.edu. The Texas Watershed Steward program is funded through a Clean Water Act Section 319 nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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News Vet’s Voice: How do you to do right by your calves? By Dr. Meredyth Jones Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
T
he arrival of a healthy calf is the culmination of months and years of work with a cowherd. As a cow-calf producer, you are the first step in the beef production cycle and a critical control point for animal health, welfare, and the production of a safe, wholesome final product. It may seem that if you send to market a calf that is healthy and has been handled appropriately, then you have met your obligations for the support of animal health and welfare. I would argue, however, that the most important animal health and welfare step you can take is to make sure it is prepared for the next step. A calf being marketed off the ranch is going to experience at least two major transitions during his lifetime. Performing certain procedures while he still is home can go a long way toward ensuring that his risk of illness is minimized during the stocker and
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There has been a lot of research in recent years regarding the various methods of castration and which produce the least stress response in calves. Regardless of the procedure you select, get it done well in advance of weaning to give that calf time to heal.
Vet’s Voice
feedlot phases of growth.
Castration and dehorning
Vaccination and parasite control
Castration and dehorning are unquestionably the most stressful procedures performed on calves in the beef production cycle. Intact bulls and the presence of horns introduce undesirable qualities into the carcass and beef product which the feedlot and packers wish to avoid. For this reason, after a calf leaves a cow-calf operation, the operator of the next step more than likely will perform one or both of these procedures immediately or nearly immediately after the calf arrives. The most important thing to know about these procedures is that the stress associated with them can be minimized by performing them when calves are younger and still with the dam. Delaying these procedures until a calf arrives at a new facility results in more complicated procedures being performed on the calf during a time when it already is stressed due to shipping.
During the beef production cycle calves are exposed to an abundance of bacteria and viruses which significantly impact the individual calf and the industry as a whole. From a numbers standpoint, the most significant of these are associated with the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, or pneumonia. The transition times as a calf moves to the stocker and feedlot phases produce conditions which allow for these pathogens to set up shop and cause disease early after the move. Think about sending a child to daycare or school. While there, he or she is going to encounter bacteria and viruses brought in from children from a variety of backgrounds. It’s important that kids be immunized against the most common of those bugs in order to minimize illness. We are fortunate to have very effective vaccines against the most important of these bacte-
ria and viruses. When planning to give vaccines, remember that most vaccines require at least two weeks to begin to provide solid immunity against their target and most will require a booster a few weeks after the initial dose. What this means is that, in order to make sure a calf has the immunity it will need to fend off the bugs it will encounter at transition time, we need to plan ahead and get it vaccinated early. Making sure that calves have been treated for parasites helps to ensure maximal weight gains prior to sale and also bolster the calf’s ability to mount strong immune response. An outstanding vaccination and nutrition program can be undone completely by a para-
site burden. The selection of the best vaccine and deworming plan for your operation can be tricky. Be sure to work with your veterinarian to determine which types of vaccines will produce the best immune response in light of your herd management and which parasite treatments are indicated. At a minimum, calves should be protected against clostridial diseases (blackleg) and viral respiratory diseases, including IBR and BVD, with parasite considerations to include stomach worms, coccidia and external parasites. Then, make sure that products are being stored, handled and administered properly .
See VET’S VOICE, Page 19
and/or
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May 2015 — Issue 1
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News Landowner conference set for May 8 By RoBeRt BuRns Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
LUFKIN — “The Value of Land,” a conference on issues affecting landowners, will be May 8 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office, 2201 S. Medford Drive in Lufkin. Topics will include: • “Affecting Landowners: Oil and Gas Leasing, Water Rights and Easements” • Estate planning • Groundwater issues • “Fracturing: Hype or Health Hazard?” “The issues discussed at the seminar represent those faced by absentee and agricultural landowners alike,” said Cary Sims, AgriLife Extension agent for Angelina County. “This seminar will address concerns for those who care for the land today as well as those of future generations.”
Vet’s Voice, from Page 18
Nutrition
When a calf arrives at a feeding operation, it immediately must know how to drink water from a tank and eat feed from a bunk. A calf weaned on the truck to the facility can take a few days to figure these out and the calf pays a significant price for this delay. By providing calves high quality creep feed and forage, weaning at home and starting them on feed, calves arrive at the next step ready to go. Starting calves on feed prior to departure not only benefits the calf, but also increases weight gain prior to sale. Some will advocate that calves be kept at home up to 45 days postweaning to give them an opportunity to recover from the separation from the dam, develop strong immunity, and produce weight gain that increases profitability. So what’s in it for you? Healthy, prepared calves have
Registration includes lunch and is $40 per person or $50 for a couple if done by May 1. Registration at the door will be $50 per person or $60 per couple, and also includes lunch, Sims said. Registration on the day of the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m. Participants may preregister by contacting the Pineywoods Resource Conservation and Development office at 936-568-0414 or through the Agrilife Extension office for Angelina County at 936634-6414, extension 102. Speakers will include Judon Fambrough, senior lecturer with Texas A&M Real Estate Center in College Station; Susan Struver, senior research scientist with the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resourcesin College Station; and Jackie Risner, general manager of the Pineywoods Groundwater Conservation District in Nacogdoches.
added value to subsequent phases of the industry. Even simple eartags can be a silent indicator to a buyer that a calf has gone through the chute and likely been vaccinated. If you are marketing through a local livestock market, let the market owner know so that it can be announced. Data from Superior Livestock Auction for 2014 indicates that calves that have been weaned and vaccinated average a price advantage of just more than $12 per hundredweight. Preventable illness, specifically from respiratory disease, is a substantial detriment to animal well-being in our industry. Getting calves ready for the next phase of production by dehorning, castrating, vaccinating, and starting on feed can reduce significantly their risk of disease down the road. Make sure your calves don’t pay the high cost of arriving without the tools they need to safeguard their health. It’s just the right thing to do.
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