Tag: ranch (Page 1 of 2)

How to reclaim your pasture from cedar

how to reclaim your pasture from cedarCedar, more accurately known as juniper, can be a very difficult plant to control. It is a very aggressive woody plant that grows here in Texas as well as in other places. It is often viewed as invasive because if left unchecked it can quickly take over a pasture choking out any grass growth.

Along with quickly taking over a pasture it has been shown to be a very thirsty plant. They can quickly suck a spring dry leaving you with no water. I knew a rancher near here that when he started removing cedars on his place he had a spring start producing water again.

While getting control of cedar is possible it is not a one-and-done type of thing. It will take many applications to get this little pest under control.

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How to determine the value of that hay bale

how to determine the value of that hay baleUsing a hay bale to supplement your cattle is a tried and true method that many producers use. It is reasonably priced compared to other feedstuffs. Though just like other feedstuffs the quality can vary depending on many different factors.

While looking at using a hay bale many people tend to just look at the upfront cost. While this may be good initially it is not always best to be the only way. You will want to look at how much that particular will cost per unit of energy or protein.

Like with other feedstuffs it is always a good idea to break the price down into these simple units so you can compare apples to apples. This is because though a hay bale may look to be a good deal initially in reality it may not be that good of a deal. Once you have broken down the price into those units you will find it will actually cost you more.

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Simple guidance for you in bull value

simple guidance for you in bull valueThe value of a bull is something we have always tried to figure out. It is a question that we have been asking for as long as we have been trying to make the next generation better. It is a question that is asked a lot during this time when many bulls are being marketed and we are getting ready for spring breeding season.

This can be a little tricky to nail down since the value is different for each producer. What one producer sees as important is viewed by another as a problem. It is up to each individual to decide this.

It is important to not forget how important the role that the bull will play. Even though it is just one animal it will provide half of the genetics for your herd. So it is very important that you decide what is of value before making that purchase. Here are some things to help you with that.

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The economics of creep feeding

economics of creep feedingCreep feeding can be a very useful tool for producers raising young calves. Using this tool can both improve your overall bottom line as well as your profitability. Not to mention also helping calves in being more productive.

What this tool is able to do is add a few more pounds on your calves which can translate to more dollars for you when it comes to sale time. Also, it has been shown to make weaning a little bit less stressful for them. It can almost seem like creep feeding is a no-brainer but unfortunately, like with everything else with ranching, it is not always that simple.

Like with everything there are pros and cons to using it. It is up to each producer individually to decide if it is something that will work for them or not. Not only must you look if it will work from a production standpoint but you must also see if it will make sense financially. Here are some things to consider:

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5 steps to control mesquite

5 steps to control mesquiteMesquite trees are the most popular “trash” tree out there. Though mostly that popularity is due to the excellent firewood that it provides. Despite it being able to provide us with some really good firewood it does pose some problems for range managers.

Now do not completely get me wrong in this. Despite being viewed by some as a poor quality rangeland plant mesquite does have some benefits. One such benefit is that it can provide both food and cover for both wildlife and livestock. Also, since it is classified as a legume it has the ability to fix nitrogen back into the soil.

Despite its benefits listed above if it is left unmanaged ut can very easily dominate rangeland. In the process of doing that it will choke out any grass that you may have in the pasture. What that means is that there will be less for your animals to eat. With it also being a very thirsty plant it will also suck your place dry if you let it get out of hand.

I do feel that a disclaimer is needed here so the thing to remember is that complete eradication is unlikely, not to mention unnecessary, but getting them under control is possible. here are 5 steps that you can follow to get better control of your pastures.

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Which salt block do I need?

which salt block do I need?Salt blocks are available to producers in a variety of different colors. This is something any trip to your local feed store can tell you. Each color represents different things about it.

The specific color of the block will tell you two things about it. The first is what kind of nutrients are present in the block. The second is what kind of use it is intended for. Such as the yellow sulfur block or the basic white salt block, there are many different options to go with.

With the different varieties out there it can be quite confusing as to which block is best for you. The one that is best for you will depend on what mineral(s) are deficient in your particular option. Also what you are wanting to accomplish will also play a factor in this decision.

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Guide to Prescribed Burning

guide to prescribed burningPrescribed burning, also known as controlled burning, is for lack of a better term just a fire that you have set intentionally. Despite the fact that the word “fire” often brings up negative images of nothing but destruction a prescribed burn can be a good thing. It is a management tool that is used by land managers and land owners to improve the diversity of their vegetation. It can also be used to control any invasive plants that are present in your pasture.

When used along with other management methods prescribed burning can be used to improve the overall health of your pasture. Getting the most out of doing this takes more than just simply setting some fires. To ensure the safety of both you and your neighbors it requires some serious planning.

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How do you get control of cedar?

how do you get control of cedar?Cedar, more accurately known as juniper, can be a very difficult plant to control. It is a very aggressive woody plant that grows here in Texas. It is often viewed as invasive because if left unchecked it can quickly take over a pasture chocking out any grass growth.

Along with quickly taking over a pasture it has been shown to be a very thirsty plant. I knew a rancher near here that when he started removing cedars on his place he had a spring start producing water again.

While getting control of cedar is possible it is not a one-and-done type of thing. It will take many applications to get this little pest under control.

Continue reading

How to Start Ranching

how to start ranchingPerhaps it has been a dream of yours to start ranching. You want to be able to wake up in the morning and see cows grazing in a pasture. You could also want to raise a family in more wide open spaces.

Raising cattle can be a viable option for people that own some property. They can utilize certain types of pastures that are not suitable for other types of animals.

Though it may be seem like an easy life it is not without it’s issues and problems. The thing to remember is that even though it may seem like an easier life it is still a business. Like a business it requires some planning on your part in order to get it off the ground. Here are some things to consider when looking to start ranching.

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Beginners Guide to Fencing

beginners guide to fencingThere is one constant in the livestock industry, if you have animals then you will have to build fencing. Fencing is a barrier to both keep your animals where you want them and to keep predators out.

It has been said that good fences make good neighbors and that is certainly true. As a responsible animal caretaker it is your responsibility to keep them out of your neighbor’s place as well as getting out on the road and cause an accident.

When it comes to fencing there are many options that you can go with and that can be confusing to someone who doesn’t have much experience with it. Now which is the best to go with? Well that is up to the individual but here are some things for you to consider the next time you are shopping for a new fence.

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