HORACE MCQUEEN: Developing A Winter Strategy
Even with the dry weather of the last couple of months, most cattle folks grew lots of grass. Cattle have done well overall with very little expense over the summer. Even though calf prices have slid down considerably from record highs, prices are up from what they were a month or so ago. Now, it’s crunch time. Winter feeding is ready to start—and already underway on some overgrazed or poor forage pastures. A few producers have been feeding hay a month or more, but most are just now getting ready for the “cow welfare” program that will last for the next four months.
Lack of rain has made ryegrass and other winter pastures a dicey solution—and with December coming on soon, it is too late to grow the green stuff before spring heads our way. Some farmers have volunteer ryegrass coming on, if moisture is present. That could be an opportunity to grow some grazing early in 2017 if we get rain and fertilizer is added.
Biggest need on most farms will be protein and energy for the livestock. Cubes, liquid feed, syrup blocks and good hay will see us through the cold months. But look at starting early—especially for those cows that have a calf at side. Their nutritional needs are high and to keep that baby growing, they both need supplementing. If you are lucky enough to have real good hay—10% protein or above—this will save some dollars versus feeding junk hay and having to spend lots of extra dollars on supplements. Only way to know for sure about the hay is testing. Feed stores and county agents can help in getting hay samples tested. Cheap insurance against overspending on extra feed this coming winter.
The Trump-Clinton race is over and Trump won! Those immature crybabies of every age need to get over their drama-queen syndrome and get back to work or attending class. Forget the “protesting” and sign
carrying. You will have another chance to make your mark four years from now. Meantime, just cool it!
It’s dismaying that some moronic college leaders have carved out “cry rooms” on college campuses for those students –and professors—that were “traumatized” by the election of Donald Trump. The powers-that-be at Texas A & M–Commerce got into the act. They sent out a notice to all students and faculty offering counseling and “safe spaces” for those afraid of President-Elect Trump. What a crock! Those protesting students at the Texas A & M facility at Commerce are what we Aggies have always called the “two percenters”. That’s –30—[email protected]