News
Crime Watch: Equipment stolen in Milam County
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Hal Dumas, District 21 in Central Texas, reports 4-wheelers and a flatbed trailer stolen in Milam County. The 4-wheelers include two Polaris and one Kawasaki. The gooseneck flatbed trailer is 40 feet with outriggers. Anyone with information on this case is urged…
High fertilizer costs likely to extend into spring planting
Despite price trends, soybean acres not expected to surpass corn in 2022. DENVER (December 1, 2021)—A dramatic rise in fertilizer prices is weighing heavily on U.S. crop farmers and input suppliers as they prepare for the 2022 planting season. Prices for nitrogen-based fertilizers commonly used for corn production have skyrocketed…
Read More High fertilizer costs likely to extend into spring planting
Cow-Calf Corner: Improving hay feeding efficiency
David Lalman, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Most agricultural economists argue that finding ways to minimize the amount of hay fed in a cow-calf enterprise is one of the keys to profitability. In contrast, over the last 50 years, hay production has steadily increased, while the beef cow…
Texas crop progress and condition for November 29
Most of the state received from trace amounts to upwards of 4.0 inches of precipitation. Areas of the Coastal Bend and the Upper Coast received up to 6.0 inches. First frost of the year was reported in areas of South East Texas and some low-lying areas of the Edwards Plateau.…
Cow-Calf Corner: Selection for improved cow efficiency
Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist Reproductive performance in the cowherd is low in heritability, meaning it is largely influenced by the environment, particularly nutrition. Mature Weight (MW) is moderate in heritability (35%) meaning response to selection pressure to downsize cows can be accomplished more…
Read More Cow-Calf Corner: Selection for improved cow efficiency
Governor Abbott appoints four commissioners to TAHC
AUSTIN, TX – On November 19, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Alecysa “Ali” Broyles, D.V.M. and Benjamin Turner, Ph.D., and reappointed Kenneth “Ken” Jordan and Coleman Locke to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), for a term ending September 6, 2027. Alecysa ‘Ali’ Broyles, D.V.M., of Weatherford, Texas, is an…
Read More Governor Abbott appoints four commissioners to TAHC
Cow-Calf Corner: Cattle markets back on offense
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist As 2021 winds to a close, cattle markets seem to finally be able to move out from under the specter of the pandemic impacts that began 18 months ago. Indeed, the constant turmoil of a series of Black Swan events…
U.S. drought monitor and summary report for November 24
This Week’s Drought Summary A couple Pacific weather systems moved across the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) during this U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) week. The storm track kept to the northern states, but the systems dragged cold fronts with them that stretched the width of the CONUS, from the Great Lakes to…
Read More U.S. drought monitor and summary report for November 24
Cow-Calf Corner: Vaccine handling and storage
Bob LeValley, Oklahoma Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator The highest quality vaccine that producers purchase may be of little value if not handled and stored properly. Even experienced producers may overlook key principles when preparing and administering vaccines and other animal health products. Product storage and handling is important to ensure that…
Texas crop progress and condition for November 22
Most of the state received from trace amounts to upwards of 3.0 inches of precipitation. Areas of the Lower Valley and South Texas received up to 4.0 inches. Areas of the Cross Timbers and the Trans-Pecos reported the first freeze of the year, while frost was reported in some areas…