“Future cattle prices could hinge on weather and subsequent grazing availability and/or input costs such as grain,” said Dr. David Anderson in one of his latest interviews with Morning Ag Clips.
Increase in Wildfires Across the Great Plains
There have been rapid changes in wildfire patterns and increases in acres burned that have been documented on almost every continent. In Europe, forest fires have increased from 40,000 to more than 95,000 per year. In the United States, over 68,000 wildfires have occurred. With the increase in fires, there has been increasing pressure to identify areas that may experience increases in wildfires in future decades. [Read more…] about Increase in Wildfires Across the Great Plains
Targeted Grazing with Goats and Sheep
Before producers can consider adding additional species to their operations, forage production and carrying capacity must be determined. This is crucial and the foundation of any operation. More information on determining stocking rate and carry capacity can be found in this AgriLife Extension Publication – Stocking Rate: The Key Grazing Management Decision.
What is Targeted Grazing?
Factors That Influence Conservation Adoption
Chris Morris, an Iowa State University Ph.D. candidate in rural sociology and sustainable agriculture, recently did a podcast interview on an Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction. This podcast is presented by the University of Illinois Extension and hosted by Todd Gleason.
With research, Morris has found that building a relationship of trust between a conservationist and a farmer has had the most positive impact on having conversation practices implemented.
One particular study looked at the effect of Natural Resources Conservation Service conservation plans on adoption. Morris found that interactions between conversation professionals and farmers along with technical assistance was the driving factor of conservation practice adoption.
[Read more…] about Factors That Influence Conservation Adoption
Prairie Project Winter 2023 Newsletter
Happy New Year from the Prairie Project! The Prairie Project has released their Winter 2023 newsletter. Inside includes research highlights and excerpts, upcoming awards, and important dates to mark on your schedule. Keep up to date by downloading the newsletter in PDF format: Winter 2023 Prairie Project Newsletter
For more information on the Prairie Project, visit https://www.theprairieproject.org/
Comanche County CEU Program
Join us at DeLeon City Auditorium in DeLeon, Texas on February 24th, 2023 for a day of Texas Department of Agriculture CEUs! Click here for the tentative agenda in PDF format.
7th Hill Country Land Stewardship Conference
Coming up April 13-14, 2023 is the 7th Hill Country Land Stewardship Conference! This year’s conference will be held at the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center in Kerrville, Texas. The event will include talks on economics, law, wildlife management, and changes in perspective on ranching. Day two will feature tours of the Hillingdon Ranch and Flagler Ranch.
Click here for more information.
Click here to download the tentative agenda (current to 01/25/2023).
AgriLife Extension and Bennett Trust hope to see you there!
Prescribed Fire Checklist and Wildfire Ready Checklist
Current drought conditions coupled with hot and windy days is a recipe for all things fire. Be ready on your place for a wildfire or put that wildfire to use with a burn plan and burnout operations!
Here are two checklists that will help you prepare you for wildfires and/or assist you in executing a prescribed fire or burnout operations on your property!
To find the full factsheet, click the image above or follow the link below.
https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/prescribed-fire-checklist/01t4x000004P8BE
To find the full factsheet, click the image above or follow the link below.
https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/wildfire-ready-checklist/01t4x000004OUeKAAW
ERM-1466 “Chemical Weed and Brush Control Reference Guide for Rangeland”
The ERM-1466 “Chemical Weed and Brush Control Reference Guide for Rangeland” is a great source for land managers and stewards alike with general suggestions for herbicides used to control various brush and weed species found on Texas rangelands. In addition to this, this publication provides information on the levels of control expected for each specie. Follow the link below to download the publication!
Brush Busters Course Available
This course is designed for the land owner and managers in mind. By going through and completing this course, participants will become familiar with managing invasive and encroaching brush species with the Individual Plant Treatment (IPT) herbicide application method. This course provides guidance in managing species such as Mesquite, Prickly Pear, Redberry and Blueberry Juniper, and more. How to obtain and maintain a TDA herbicide applicator’s license, how to correctly mix herbicides, cleaning equipment and proper disposal of containers after spraying, how to select the correct application method, and others are the man objectives of this course.
Along with these learning objectives, this course offers 3 CEU credits. 1 General Pesticide Factors, 1 General Equipment Characteristics, and 1 Laws and Regulations. In order to obtain these CEU credits, the participant must complete all modules, take a test to gauge knowledge gained, and fill out a course satisfaction survey.
To learn more, or to enroll in this course, go to AgriLife Learn and search for “Brush Busters” or follow the link: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/brush-busters/01t4x000002ciR2AAI
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook at West Texas Rangelands!