Land and Livestock Post

January January2017 2017——Issue Issue22

Water, water everywhere To apply or not to apply?

How to ensure its availability PAGE 10 XXXXXXXXXXXXXX PAGE 12

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23

JAMES THOMPSON REMEMBERING FRANK LITTERST

JAMES THOMPSON ARMED SERVICE FOCUS

PAGE 3

PAGE 9 3

Straight from Thousands of Aggies the horse's benefited mouth. from his wisdom.

Straight Jan. 21 workshop from the horse's aimed at mouth. military personnel.

JAMES ICE MAYTHOMPSON BE NICE, BUT LICE ARE NOT THE JAMES RIGHT THOMPSON CHOICE Straight How to deal fromwith the horse's parasites mouth. attacking you herd.

Straightmore Spend fromupfront the horse's to get mouth. the best bull.

PAGE 3 7

PAGE 16 3

2

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

T

News From the General Manager

his year marks my 15th year here at the paper.

A week or so after I started working here, I got caught doing a crossword puzzle when I was supposed to be studying the advertising rate card for the 20th time. I got called into the office and told that “even though you may not be here very long, you should take the job seriously.” Well, now that person is no longer here, and I’m still plugging away.

This year also marks my 11th consecutive year as employee of the month. Allow me to explain.

When I first started this job, the company gave out an award for employee of the month. Each month a select-

ed person would get a little trophy and his or her name added to a tile on a plaque that chronicled all the previous winners. Somewhere along the line — April 2006 to be exact — the program ran out of gas, and it abruptly stopped.

JESSE WRIGHT Guess it did not turn out to be the great morale booster the higherups had hoped for.

There was still, however, an entire wall in the building covered in plaques with all the names of all the employees of the months going back

to the early ’90s. But there was one blank tile left.

I deftly removed the tile, took it to the trophy shop, and had them engrave my name and “May 2006 — Present.”

I then placed the tile back on the plaque and didn’t say a word about it to anyone.

It took about a year before someone noticed, but by then it was too late, and I was grandfathered in to the employee of the month club, and remain the reigning EOM to this day.

Yes, I took what wasn’t mine, but it was all in good fun. When it comes to water though, it is no laughing matter when it comes to ownership. The very livelihood of any operation relies on water.

In our cover story we take a look at Texas water rights and who owns what, and how you can protect your rights.

We also have news and information from around the ag industry to help keep this new year rolling in the right direction. 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.

Texas beef industry mourns Frank Litterst

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

COLLEGE STATION — Frank Litterst Jr., whose colorful teaching style of beef cattle production hit home with more than 7,000 Aggie students and hundreds of Texas beef cattle producers spanning two decades, died Dec. 26.

He was 94.

Known by his students as “Mr. Frank,” Litterst was described by colleagues as a living legend for the Texas beef industry.

He operated numerous ranches during a 20-year period. In July 1965, he became a beef cattle specialist for a cooperative program between Texas

See LITTERST, Page 18

Circle Land and Cattle Co., Ltd.

Proud Members of

Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch • Camp Cooley Ranch Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch

Located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR 1415 East OSR • Bryan • (979) 776-5760 • Steve: (979) 450-0819

The Land & Livestock Post



January 2017 — Issue 2

www.circlexbrangus.com 3

News Play catch-up during winter off-season

39th Annual

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

STARRVILLE — Ryan Roberts, a ranch hand at 7P Ranch near Winona, put his cutting torch flame to the cracked and bent pipe-pocket hinge on a gate leading to separating pens.

A bull didn’t want to be loaded on an outgoing trailer in latesummer and the damaged gate was the result, said ranch manager Tom Barker. Sometimes repairs have to wait until the off-season.

After Roberts heated the hinge to a glowing orange, Chase Clifford hammered away at the hot metal to straighten the tear.

Roberts followed with a few spot welds and more hammering before he and Roberts placed the mended gate back on its posts.

Barker said there are always fences to be tightened or repaired and that winter months provide time to concentrate on general ranch maintenance.

“It’s easy to keep busy,” he said.

“Even in the off-season there’s a fence to fix or clear. There’s always something.”

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent Chad Gulley if Smith County said the off-season is the perfect time to catch up on maintenance and repairs that might have been put off as producers scrambled to keep up with tasks at hand.

Gulley said equipment also should be winterized before hard freezing temperatures arrive. Equipment, such as sprayers, that might have moisture remaining should be checked and protected from freeze damage. Coolants in equipment also should be checked.

Blades on bush-hogs and mowers can be sharpened or replaced, he said.

“Some things have to be put off during the season when you’re trying to keep up with the work,” he said. “You’re just keeping equipment running to keep up with cutting and baling. Winter months give you some time to

4

ACCEPTING QUALITY CONSIGNMENTS FOR:

Cattleman Bull & Female

SALE

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Adam Russell

January 21, 2017 12 Noon

Ryan Roberts, a ranch hand at the 7P Ranch near Winona, tack welds a tear in a gate hinge that was damaged by a bull. Roberts has been busy during the winter off-season making repairs and catching up on maintenance around the ranch.

El Campo Livestock Market

make those repairs and do those things you’ve put off.”

As with Barker, winter months are also a good time to mend and clear fences, he said. It’s cooler, there are no snakes or bugs, such as mosquitoes and wasps, to contend with, and winter weather oftentimes brings wet conditions that are ideal for burning debris.

“It’s good to clear fence rows and fix places where limbs have fallen across them,” he said.

Winter months also allow rowcrop producers in other regions of the state time to catch up, said Jourdan Bell, AgriLife Extension agronomist in Amarillo.

“Winter is an ideal time to make equipment repairs, specifically planters as planting

EXPECTING 75 BULLS AND 50 FEMALES

season will begin in four to five months,” she said. “In addition to repairing equipment, a large percentage of northern High Plains row-crop farmers also have cattle on wheat, or they lease out their wheat for winter pasture. Consequently, they also have fences to maintain and cattle to look after through the winter.”

Robert Brooks, owner of Rose Country Tractor and Equipment in Tyler, said January, February and March are the best time to drop off equipment for servicing because most producers procrastinate.

“Most people wait until the spring, a few weeks before they

See WORK, Page 8

Brazos Valley Livestock Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, Inc. Commission, Inc.

Sales: Tuesdays @ 12 Noon 6097 East Hwy. 21 • Bryan, TX

Early Consignors Include:

Nieveen Farms West Charolais Rocky Bottom Cattle Co. Texas Hill Country Cattle Bayvue Farms Placid Land & Cattle Co. Caney Creek Ranch LaFonda Ranch Piper Simmental Lightning P Charolais

www.cattlemansale.com For More information: Adrian Knight (TX Lic 11102) •903-452-7591 Kelly Conley (TX Lic 9558) •903-857-2594

(979) 778-0904

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News

Cow herd expansion will keep market prices lower

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

WACO — Cattle inventory across the U.S. will continue to expand and that likely will 9+keep prices in moderation through 2017, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist.

Jason Johnson, AgriLife Extension economist in Stephenville, discussed cattle market trends during the recent Blackland Income Growth Conference in Waco.

“There’s more cattle and cheaper prices,” Johnson said.

Cattle prices began a rapid downward spiral leading into the fall.

“It seems like we fell off a cliff fast,” he said. “We started building back the cow herd at about a 3 percent clip and then prices fell nearly 40 percent this year.”

Johnson said during 2015 when cattle prices hit historic highs, feedlot operators were bidding up on feeder cattle to keep pens full and operations going. Feedlots operate much like hotels, attempting to

keep occupancy rates high.

“When they closed the books on those pens of cattle, they were losing $300 to $400 a head,” he said. “They started getting more judicious on what they paid for them in 2016. Overall, I think the bubble has been burst. We are now back down to more historic spread levels.

“I don’t think we will see another drop quite so dramatic as inventory and price expectations have returned to levels that should permit some participants at all levels of the supply chain to be profitable.”

Johnson said there will be buildups in cattle inventory over the next two to three years.

“That doesn’t mean that prices will continue to decline,” he said. “That dislocation of what feedlots were losing has gone away.”

Feedlot placements for 2016 have been on the increase, he said.

“You’ve got a pen of calves ready to market, do you take them to sell right now? I

TJS S Hardware

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Cattle inventory across the U.S. will continue to expand and that will likely keep prices in moderation through 2017,according toTexasA&MAgriLife Extension Service economists. can tell you a lot of folks are holding back a little bit. But that can’t go on forever. There could be some spillage in the first quarter of 2017 and we could see some (more) downward prices.”

Other protein meats such as broilers and pork have increased production.

“Broiler production is at all-time highs.

There’s a lot of protein on the market right now, as much as there has ever been. We also have a lot of beef.”

Johnson said there are export trade opportunities that will help market the excess beef. Japan, Canada, Mexico and South Korea are the current top U.S. export markets. With a new presidential administration, there could be further trade

See EXPAND, Page 8

Jet Dealer & Service For Over 30 Years

Texas Jet Systems, “Specialists in Waste Water Treatment”

9 miles N. of Carlos 19685 FM 244, Iola, Tx 77861 (936) 394-2507

Cattle Guards Custom Cattle Guards Also ATV Cattle Guards

Concrete leg feed trough

Concrete Products

190 Gallon Concrete Water trough

We Carry Certified Dealer

Cable Fencing Supplies

Water Troughs, Cattle Guard Beams, Septic Tanks, Storm Shelters

Authorized Sprayer and Sprayer parts dealer

The J Bunk Length: 10 ft Width: 24”/20” Back: 30”/22” Weight: 2680 lbs

The H Bunk WINCO Generator Tractor Driven PTO

Cattle Panels • Water Well Supplies • Waste Water Chlorine • Corral Panels Aerobic Sewer Systems • Gates Poly & Galvanized Culverts

The Land & Livestock Post



New Pipe

No Threads - No Bell Ends

Length: 8 ft Back: 26”/10” Width: 5”/4.5” Weight: 3260 lbs

January 2017 — Issue 2

5

News

Winter pond management can mean better spring fish

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Billy Higginbotham

Measuring fish and maintaining records of fish caught from stocked ponds is a good management practice that allows landowners to chart the pond’s progress.

OVERTON — Winter pond management can mean better fish production in the spring, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist.

Billy Higginbotham, wildlife and fisheries specialist in Overton, said there are several important winter management tips to consider for pond owners who want to produce good fishing in their private impoundments.

Typically, in East Texas, higher precipitation rates in winter months often lead to many stock ponds catching new water from their watersheds, he said.

“This can change the pond’s water chemistry and if the pond is located on acidic soils, a water test should be conducted in Jan-

uary to determine agricultural limestone needs,” he said.

Ponds typically need lime when the pH is below 6 and they have a total alkalinity reading of less than 20 parts per million, Higginbotham said. A pH level of 6.5-8.5 is desirable for fish production.

The lower the alkalinity, the more agricultural limestone is required, he said.

Higginbotham said applications vary from 1-4 tons of lime per surface acre. Landowners

See FISH, Page 8

Brien Water Wells Experts in Water Well Drilling & Irrigation Systems Serving your water needs for 4 generations.

PUMP SALES & SERVICE • Pressure Tanks • Home & Farm Pumps & Parts • Submersible & Lineshaft Turbines for Irrigation & Public Systems WATER WELL DRILLING • Agricultural • Residential • Commercial

Brien Water Wells circa 1940s.

Brien Water Wells present day.

Hwy 6 South, Hearne, TX

979-279-2427

Brien Water Wells has the experience and know-how to assist you in all your water needs, call today!

6

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News

Lice are a wintertime threat to any producer

By Dr. MereDyth Jones Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

W

hen we think about parasites that affect livestock externally, we typically think of battling things such as flies and ticks through the summer and consider the winter to be a welcome respite. We do, however, have lice to contend with in the winter.

Lice are wingless insects that live on the skin of various species, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats and, of course, humans. Lice are spread by direct contact between animals, but are species specific, meaning that they cannot be transmitted across species. The lice that affect cattle cannot affect a horse, sheep or goat or vice versa.

And the best news: the lice that affect livestock cannot infest humans.

There are two main families of lice: biting (or chewing) and sucking lice. Biting lice feed on skin and skin secretions, while sucking lice have a long, piercing mouthpiece which allows them to draw and feed on blood.

Lice infestations cause intense itching and can cause livestock to spend a tremendous amount of time rubbing and licking in an effort to alleviate their discomfort. They can spend so

Vet’s Voice much time doing this that it impacts feed intake, feed efficiency, weight gain and growth, which results in a significant financial hit for the enterprise.

Further, sucking lice, because of their ability to drain blood, can cause severe anemia and devastate young calves.

Lice are adapted to thrive in the environmental conditions of winter and their survival and transmission is further enhanced by other factors at play in the wintertime, duch as long haircoats and huddling behavior.

The first indications of lice infestations in livestock are excessive rubbing (on things such as fenceposts and buildings) and licking. Remember that healthy cattle naturally groom daily, licking their sides and upsweeping the hair. Lice, however, will induce rubbing and licking to the point of removing the hair and damaging the skin beneath.

Hairballs causing obstruction in the stomach and intestines of

3390 Winbrook Dr. Memphis, TN 38116

animals have occurred in animals due to the extreme grooming that lice can induce.

Patchy hair loss typically will start on the neck and back, extending down the sides of the body and legs. The animals should be examined along the topline to look for the lice or their eggs, which most easily are seen on black hair. As veterinarians, we then do the “Scotch tape test” in which we stick a piece of tape onto the animal, picking up any lice that are present. An examination of the lice on that tape under a microscope lets us look at the mouthpiece, identifying the offending lice as biting or sucking. The classification of the lice found helps guide treat-

ment.

Because the animal itself serves as the only source of food for the lice, they cannot survive off the animal for more than a day or so. For this reason, our primary focus for control of these parasites is the animal rather than the environment. Caveats to this include situations where cattle may be sharing tack or bedding, as happens with exhibition animals.

A halter taken from one animal and placed on another or an animal placed immediately in a stall just evacuated by another animal are examples of how transmission can occur aside from animal-to-animal contact.

There are many products available for the control of

lice, including dusts, sprays, pour-ons, and charges for backrubbers. Selection of these products is based on number of animals, facilities, labor, and cost. Regardless of the product used, the eggs are not killed and so a repeat treatment is necessary once those eggs have had a chance to hatch. This second treatment two to three weeks after the first helps to break the life cycle and stops further generations from coming along.

All animals in the group need to be treated, regardless of how many are showing signs of infestation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the product and follow

See VET’S VOICE, Page 17

Improve your herd’s productivity

DA L N I T M A R H OW S DS FEE

E

WIX E TL C AT R & OILE RAL E MIN ERS D FEE ONE T R O VIG ERALS MIN ND A TUB S DER FEE

LIMOUSIN CATTLE

WILL GUARANTEE HALF OF YOUR CALF CROP WITH: s Angu ow N Bulls able Avail

• Calfing Ease - Gentle • Growth and Muscle Means $$$ de • Virgin - Red or Black Bulls A Wi tion c e l • Replacement Heifers Se hoose to C rom!

• All w/E.P. D. Papers F • Certified Bangs & TB Free • LimFlex - Limousin Angus Hybrid

C.F.L.X. Ranch 21314 O.S.R. Madisonville, TX 77864

(903) 344-2331

Cell 281-808-5511 or (281) 808-3473

The Land & Livestock Post



January 2017 — Issue 2

7

News Work, from Page 4

Expand, from Page 5

Fish, from Page 6

need to be in the field,” he said. “We try to reach out to repeat customers and have them come in early because we are so busy around that time, but a lot of folks don’t want to spend the money until they have to.”

Brooks said balers and disk-mowers are high-maintenance equipment. Tractors are typically low-maintenance, needing only oil and oil filter changes and greasing.

Most maintenance can be and is done by producers, Brooks said. But some things, especially on newer equipment, require professionals.

One thing every producer should protect against year-round but especially during winter down time is mice, Brooks said.

Cleaning out hay and keeping rat poison scattered in equipment with electric wiring is a good idea.

“At least in East Texas we have so many mice, and you’ll have them nesting and chewing on wires,” he said. “We probably have more trouble with that than anything.

Sometimes it’s not what you expect when you try to crank up your equipment when it’s time to get to work.”

opportunities for beef.

Overall, steer prices in 2017 for 500- to 600-pound feeders will be $127-$132 per hundredweight in the first quarter, $131-$138 per hundredweight for the second quarter, $127-132 per hundredweight for the third quarter, and $122$132 per hundredweight for the fourth quarter, AgriLife Extension livestock economists project.

“We’re seeing slow and steady work down as prices slide,” Johnson said.

“That’s attributed to the inventory build we expect to continue to see in 2017 and beyond.

“With lower prices, the impetus will be on the cowcalf producer to continue exploring ways to become more efficient in their operations.”

should apply the lime as evenly as possible over the surface via boat or barge or dump the lime at the upper end of the pond to allow distribution by natural water flow.

All AgriLife Extension county agents in the acid soil region of East Texas can perform the pH and total alkalinity tests for area pond owners, he said.

If agricultural lime is required, Higginbotham said applications should be made between January and March to give the lime time to react prior to spring fertilization in April.

Supplemental feeding activity slows greatly when water temperatures decline, he said. He recommends turning off automatic feeders and only supplying measured amounts at specific times to ensure fish are eating supplemental feed.

“The rule of thumb is to not feed if the fish are not eating,” he said. “Switch to offering a little feed in late afternoons after several warm sunny days in a row. The fish will not feed as vigorously as they did back in September, but a little supplemental feed throughout the winter will keep the fish in good condition going into the spring growing season.”

Overfeeding leads to wasted money and pos-

8

January 2017 — Issue 2

sibly a change in water chemistry as feed decomposes, he said.

If aquatic weeds were problematic during the summer, they will surely return as the weather warms this spring, Higginbotham said. If possible, pull samples of weed growth and have it identified for control recommendation purposes.

“Have the samples analyzed by a county AgriLife Extension agent, fisheries biologist or consultant so appropriate biological, chemical and mechanical control options can be considered,” he said. “Depending on the plant species, weed control efforts generally can be initiated in April.”

This is also an excellent time to review catch records from throughout 2016 to determine if the pond is moving in the right direction to achieve production goals for fishing, Higginbotham said.

“If you were unhappy with what you were catching in 2016, nothing will change in the new year unless you take the appropriate management steps to correct problems,” he said. “Catch records cost nothing and data such as length and weight of all largemouth bass caught as well as information on other key species such as catfish, bluegill and crappie help chart the course for future recommendations.”



The Land & Livestock Post

News

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo

A free “Battleground to Breaking Ground” program for current and former military service members and others will be held Jan. 21 in Overton.

Agricultural workshop for military slated for Jan. 21

By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

OVERTON — Active suty and military veterans are the focus of a free agriculture workshop Jan. 21 in Overton, sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas AgrAbility Project and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Coordinators said the workshop, “From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey,” while designed for active duty and veteran military service members, is open to others.

The program will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1710 N. F.M. 3053.

Lunch is included and will be sponsored by Heritage Land Bank.

“This program workshop gives current and former military with or without disabilities interested in farming or ranching the opportunity to get information on starting, developing and funding an agricultural business,” said Cheryl Grenwelge, AgriLife Extension specialist in disability transition – family and community health in College Station.

“While the program is mainly for current and former military,

beginning farmers and ranchers, women, and small-acreage landowners are also welcome to attend and can benefit from the workshop information,” Grenwelge said.

Presentations will address how to develop an agricultural business plan, starting an agricultural business, possibilities and options for farming or ranching with a disability, resource networking and the National Farmer Veteran Coalition. There also will be a presentation by a military veteran involved in production agriculture and a panel discussion on funding resources and opportunities.

The workshop will include a farm tour highlighting how aquaponics can be used in agricultural operations.

“Texas AgrAbility focuses on connecting, assisting and empowering agricultural producers, their family members and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture,” said Erin PilosiKimbrough, AgriLife Extension coordinator for family and community health in College Station.

She said the program was developed with input from AgriLife Extension, AgrAbility, the

See WORKSHOP, Page 19

The Land & Livestock Post



January 2017 — Issue 2

9

News

Protecting the drops we drink

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

A

Who owns Texas water?

s Texas population continues to increase, so will demands for water. The answer to the question of who owns Texas water will continue as a point of argument.

Water availability has become such a critical issue that many statewide meetings, legislation and court cases revolve around the subject. A recent state-wide conference, devoted to water, was the Texas Section Society of Range Management annual meeting held in Uvalde.

The opening remarks presented by Charles Porter addressed the question of water ownership.

Porter suggested looking at three geological water containers – natural surface, diffused surface and groundwater – to determine ownership. Each container has different ownership and regulations.

Porter is an author, speaker, fulltime visiting professor at St. Edward’s University, and a water rights and real estate expert nationwide.

Natural surface water

“All natural surface water found in watercourses is owned by the state and held in trust for the people,” Porter said.

“It includes the ordinary flow, underflow and tides of every flowing natural watercourse with a definite bed and banks.

Storm water and floodwater found in natural lakes, rivers and streams are also considered state water.”

“With only a few exemptions, a person must file a permit to use state water and obtain a water right from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality,” said Tiffany Dowell Lashmet of Texas A&M University. Lashmet has served as an agricultural law specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service since 2013.

10

Photo by Robert Fears

Diffused surface water captured in a pond is property of the landowner. Who can use water in Texas is subject to a myriad of state laws, rules and regulations.

“A water right is defined as a right acquired under the laws of Texas to impound, divert or use state water,” Lashmet said. “A water right does not transfer ownership from the state, but instead merely grants the holder a right to use it.”

“One of the few exemptions from surface water use permits applies to landowners with property adjacent to a river or stream,” said Judi Pierce of the Brazos River Authority. “These landowners can divert and use water for domestic and livestock purposes on their property

without obtaining a permit. Included are household use, watering a lawn or garden and water for livestock. Irrigation of crops or hay sold commercially are not exempted and require a permit.”

“Texas surface water law is governed by the doctrine of prior appropriation,” Lashmet said. “Most western states, including Texas, define prior appropriation as ‘first in time, first in right.’ Essentially the first person to receive a permit to put surface water to beneficial use has a ‘senior water right’ that is superior to all junior water right holders.

January 2017 — Issue 2



“In the most basic sense, prior appropriation means ‘first come, first served.’ In times of shortage, a senior water right holder receives all the water to which he or she is entitled before a junior user can use any water.”

To make water use rights more confusing, there are 17 river authorities in Texas which hold permits for surface water use. The river authorities sell water to individual land owners, industry and municipalities through contracts

See WATER, Page 11

The Land & Livestock Post

News Water, from Page 10 which contain water conservation clauses. Most readers of Land and Livestock Post farm and ranch within the river basin managed by the Brazos River Authority.

“The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States organized specifically for developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin,” the authority’s Pierce said. “Responsibilities of the Brazos River Authority are to develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs.”

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the regulatory authority over sur-

holders must report their water usage.

“The Brazos Watermaster Program was established by petition from water right holders and subsequent Order issued by the [the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality] commissioners on April 21, 2014. The program has jurisdiction over the Lower Brazos River Basin below and includ-

ing Possum Kingdom Lake.

“Five watermaster deputies patrol the counties (Table 1) in the basin from offices located near their jurisdictional areas,” Pierce said.

Surface water

“Under Texas law, diffused surface water is a subcategory

See SURFACE, Page 12

Photo by Robert Fears

State owned surface water is any flow of any natural watercourse with a definite bed and banks. face water in the state. Responas, Rio Grande, Concho River and Brazos,” Pierce said. sibilities of the commission “Watermasters monitor are monitoring water use and enforcing Texas surface water water use and enforce water rights in their areas every day law throughout the state. by checking meters, monitoring “Watermaster programs are stream flows and determining a division of [the Texas Comwhether water right holders mission on Environmental Quality] and include South Tex- can divert water. All permit

SALE EACH SATURDAY

w.wctractor.com ww

WCTRACTOR 75 Ye e ars of Servic

WCTRACTOR BRYAN!

BRYAN 1960 N. EARL RUDDER 979-778-0325

The Land & Livestock Post



January 2017 — Issue 2

NAVASOTA 10044 STATE HWY 6 936-825-7577

11

News Surface, from Page 11

quality.

of surface water,” A&M’s Lashmet said. “Diffused water is defined as water on the ground surface that has not yet entered a watercourse with defined bed and banks.

“Prior to entering a watercourse, a flow of water and a permanent source and supply, such as farm ponds and springs, are not owned by the state. Instead, these waters belong to the owner of the land over which they flow.

“Diffused surface water is generated by rain or melting snow. Once this water reaches a watercourse, it becomes stateowned surface water,” Lashmet said.

Diffused surface is the one source of water that is owned totally by the landowner, so it is wise to capture as much of it as possible by maintaining a

Groundwater

12

“Groundwater is defined as water beneath the land surface,” Porter said. “It fills pore spaces of rock and soil material and supplies wells and springs.

Texas Senate Bill 332, enacted in the 2011 legislative session dictated that groundwater is private property. This owner-

Rural Land Loans Country Home Loans Farm & Ranch Loans Photo by Robert Fears

See GROUND, Page 13

CAPITAL

FARM CREDIT

Livestock Loans

Landowners with property adjacent to a river or stream can divert water for livestock.

Equipment Loans

in more percolation into the soil and availability for use by plants.

Reduced runoff also prevents soil erosion and improves water

Operating Capital

continual grass cover through good range and pasture management. Under good management, diffused surface water runoff is reduced which results

ship was further confirmed in the Day McDaniel court ruling on Feb. 24, 2012.”

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates treatment of groundwater as a potable municipal supply, but it doesn’t regulate its use in most cases. In areas with groundwater conservation districts, they

Bryan Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Dr., Ste. 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarmCredit.com

Leasing

TEXAS’ LARGEST RURAL LENDER

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Ground, from Page 12 regulate use and in areas without GCDs, use is unregulated.

Three primary groundwater conservation district legislatively-mandated duties include: permitting water wells, developing a comprehensive management plan, and adopting necessary rules to implement the management plan. The principal power of a groundwater conservation district is to prevent waste of groundwater by requiring all wells, with certain exceptions, to be registered and permitted.

Permits are usually required by a district for all wells except for those specifically exempted by a conservation district and statutorily-exempt wells including wells used solely for domestic use or for providing water for livestock or poultry purposes; the drilling of a water well used

Table 1. Counties in the Brazos Watermaster Area Austin Coryell Hood Bastrop Eastland Jack Bell Erath Johnson Bosque Falls Lampasas Brazoria Fayette Lee Brazos Fort Bend Leon Brown Freestone Limestone Burleson Grimes Madison Burnet Hamilton McLennan Callahan Hill Milam Comanche solely to supply water for a rig actively engaged in drilling or exploration operations for an oil or gas well permitted by the Railroad Commission of Texas;

The Land & Livestock Post

ď‚Ť

and the drilling of a water well authorized by the that commission for mining activities.

Wells with permits are subject to groundwater conserva-

January 2017 — Issue 2

tion district rules governing spacing, production, drilling, equipping, and completion or alteration. Even exempt registered wells are subject to

Mills Palo Pinto Parker Robertson Somervell Stephens Travis Waller Washington Williamson district rules governing spacing, tract size, and construction standards to prevent unneces-

See RULES, Page 15

13

Solid Rock Ranch To advertise in Marketplace Contact: Jesse Wright - 979.731.4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com

Green Meadows

RANCH Registered Angus

BULLS • Heifers Breeding Bulls

Cattle & Domestic Hog Processing Theiss Sausage Company

936-349-1955

Holladay & Associates, Inc. ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL & PIPE Steel Buildings

Debbie Holladay 1733 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 110 • Bryan

979-704-6264

debbie@holladayassociates.com

Business & service directory

979-589-2333 1-866-959-2333 pioneerboys.com

HaY-grain

tractor Work-grading TRACTOR MOWING 6’ Shredder, Loader, Mower, Reliable Retiree Call 979-224-5939

FArMers MArKet HaY-grain 2016 Coastal Square Bales, natural twine, $3.50 Hearne area in barn Querida Ranches 979-279-5420 or 979-906-0225 COASTAL MIX HAY: 4x5 Net round bales, fertizlized, clean, $35 per bale in semi loads plus freight.

FOB Austin Tx 512-422-8850

Saturday Open Houses

Only $19.95!

Call 776-SELL (7355)

14

GOOD COASTAL HAY: 5 x 5 ½ Big Bales Good Coastal $45, $50 delivered within 25 miles radius of Wheelock. 4 x 5 ½ Bales Good Coastal $30, $35 delivered within 25 miles radius of Wheelock. Minimum delivery 12 bales.

Johnny Patranella 979-450-2883 HORSE QUALITY COASTAL R O U N D S : 4x5 net wrapped, fertilized, no weeds, $45/bale in Semi loads plus freight, FOB Austin Tx 512-422-8850

Saturday Open Houses Only $19.95!

Call 776-SELL (7355) HorSES-cattLE ANGUS BULLS: Two year old bulls. Solid Rock Ranch, Matt Jones, Frankl in, TX, 979-777-7571 or 979-828-3410. www.solidrockranch.com CHAROLAIS A+ BULLS: Reg Top Qualilty, Gentle, Polled, Tested. LBW, Fancy Charolais Heifers. Ranch Bred & Raised.

Reg Black Angus Bulls.

(254)729-8644, (254)747-2701

Bryan Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Ste 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarm Credit.com

Angus ChArolAis hereford sim/Angus

www.theisssausageco.com

Tax Preparation Payroll Bookkeeping Notary

TEXAS A&M CLASS OF ‘02

Land Clearing • Ponds • Roads • Pads Dozer • Excavator • Scraper • Dump Truck

979-324-8746 Travis Cleere www.cleereearthworks.com

Bulls

Normangee, TX 936-396-9300

Madisonville, TX

Cleere Earthworks L.L.C.

A large selection of two year olds, performance records, range raised and range ready, fertility tested, all virgin. Quality to compare anywhere!

PAt griswold CAttle Co Goldthwaite, Texas Mobile: 817.946.8320

Angus Bulls

Twos and coming twos.

One breeding season guarantee.

AI sires include Final Answer, Thunder, Cedar Ridge & VDAR Really Windy 4097.

Matt Jones. Franklin, TX. 979.777.7571, 979.828.3410 www.solidrockranch.com

Agricultural

Insurance Agency, Inc.

BUDDY MICKLITZ

All Your Agri- Insurance Needs

979.776.2697

Karl (Buddy) Micklitz Jr. Bryan, TX micklitz@verizon.net (C) 979.218.8674 (H) 979.779.0420

Specializing in Deer Commercial Ranch Exotics Fencing, Barns, Project Design, Game Fence, Welding, Stalls, Selective Brush Clearing, Commercial Chain Link, Custom Projects

979-776-2600 www.ingram-wallis.com

Sold in 1 Day MALLARD: 1998, 27ft Travel Trailer, 1 owner, very clean, a/c, awning, $7,500 Need to sell your stuff fast?

Call The Eagle Classifieds!

776-SELL (7355)

LiVEStock WantEd

news

(nooz) n.pl. 1 new

information; information previously unknown 2 a) recent

Jordan Trailer Sales

San Saba, TX “Authorized Dealer” • A Large Selection of Trailers in Stock • Custom Ordering Avail.

Call (325) 372-5159 www.jordancattle.com

happenings b) reports of these

EXAMPLE: For the news that matters to you, pick up a copy of The Eagle.

PaStUrES-StaLLS PASTURE LEASE(S) Needed, Matt Jones, Franklin, Tx 979/777-7571, 979/828-3410 www.solidrockranch.com

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News

DEDICATED TO LAND AND LANDOWNERS SINCE 1946 LIVERMORE RANCH

“LAST OF THE GREAT PLACES” FT. DAVIS, JEFF DAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS 5,086± acres in the heart of the Davis Mountains, with alpine elevations offering some of the most spectacular views in Texas.

Exceptional big game, diverse ecology, and comfortable improvements. $17,500,000 TYLER JACOBS | 979.690.9933

Rules, from Page 13

ing, so it is a good idea to visit with the involved state agency before making any management changes concerning surface and ground water.

Good contacts on surface water are the watermaster, river authority and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

For proposed actions on water wells, contact the groundwater conservation district first and, secondly, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

It is always wise to ask before making changes in water management to avoid penalties for violating regulations.

sary discharge of groundwater or pollution of the aquifer.

As of January 2016, a total of 101 groundwater conservation districts have been created in the state. The total includes 100 established (confirmed) districts and one unconfirmed district.

The 100 established districts cover all or part of 180 of the state’s 254 counties. Groundwater conservation districts within the principal LLP reader area are listed in Table 2.

Texas water ownership is complex and confus-

Subscribe to the award-winning ng and receive 24 issues of the latest ag news and u u! information about the issues that affect you!

For only $19.955

q q

New Subscription Address Change

Mail or Register Online:

c/o Land & Livestock Post P.O. Box 3000 • Bryan, TX 77805 OR www.landandlivestockpost.com and click “subscribe”.

LUCKY STAR RANCH

BRIDGEPORT, WISE COUNTY, TEXAS A unique 2,465± acre ranch with a spectacular residence in a private setting on Lake Bridgeport, just one hour from downtown Fort Worth. This working ranch is home to tremendous wildlife and offers multifaceted recreational appeal. Reduced to $9,200,000 MONTE LYONS | 806.698.6882

CAÑONES

SAN SABA, SAN SABA COUNTY, TEXAS Cañones, a legacy ranch situated along 4.5± miles of the upper Colorado River, consists of nearly 1,080 acres with outstanding canyon formations, pristine views and fertile habitat for wildlife and livestock. $6,500,000 TYLER JACOBS | 979.690.9933

ROBBINS FARM

Name: Address:

CHAPPELL HILL, WASHINGTON COUNTY, TEXAS

City:_____________________ St: ________ Zip:

Located immediately west of beautiful Chappell Hill, this 238± acre farm has been endowed with rolling hills, wildflowers and abundant road frontage, providing beautiful potential homesites and/or a sound investment. $2,995,000 TYLER JACOBS | 979.690.9933

Phone #: Old Address (if applicable): City: _____________________St: _______Zip: Email Address: PAYMENT INFORMATION

q Check Enclosed (Please make checks payable to The Eagle) q Please Bill my: q Mastercard q VISA q American Express q Discover

Account#:_____________________________CIV#:_____________ Name on Card:

FARM & RANCH BROKERAGE | RANCH MANAGEMENT SERVICES SALES | AUCTIONS | FINANCE | APPRAISALS | MANAGEMENT

Amount: _________________________Expiration Date:

WWW.HALLANDHALL.COM

Signature: Date:

The Land & Livestock Post

KIAMICHILINK RANCH

FINLEY, PUSHMATAHA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA The 11,000± acre Kiamichi Link Ranch is located 140 miles south of Tulsa, OK. Outstanding working ranch, great fencing, sale barn, tech barn w/lab, trophy-class hunting, large lakes and well-watered. $1,635 per acre.

JOHN WILDIN | 620.474.0533



January 2017 — Issue 2

15

News

Proper bull selection can increase return on investment

By RoBeRt Wells The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

The past few years have seen a dramatic downturn in calf prices from historic highs to the lowest prices in four or five years.

Unfortunately, some input prices are slow to come down while other inputs still remain high; thus causing a strain on budgets. This has reduced greatly the net profit of most cattle raisers.

There is a desire and justifiable need by producers to reduce costs proportionally with the reduced calf prices to remain economically viable in the next few years until prices improve again.

One area some producers have considered cutting back on is the amount spent for replacement bulls. This can translate to using a bull of reduced quality. Prices for bulls have moderated along with the calf market, but some producers are extremely

Photo courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

See BULLS, Page 19

During hard economic times, bull quality is not an area that should be shorted. Spending more upfront should pay off in the long run.

JANUARY Jan. 21

FEBRUARY Feb. 1-4

Jordan Cattle Auction January Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX

Jan. 26

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering, San Saba, TX

Jan. 27

The Cowtown Classic Limousin Cattle Sale, Fort Worth, TX

Jan. 28

Fort Worth Red Angus Showcase Sale, Fort Worth, TX

Jan. 28

Emmons Ranch Beefmaster Bull Sale, Groesbeck, TX

Jan. 29

NCBA Cattle Industry Convention, Nashville, TN

Feb. 2

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Stocker & Feeder Sale, San Saba, TX

Feb. 4

Jackson Co. Cattle Raisers Assoc. Premium Bull & Replacement Female Sale, Edna, TX

Feb. 7 TSCRA Ranch Gathering, Stephenville, TX

Feb. 11

Bradley 3 Ranch Ltd. Bull Sale, Estelline, TX

Feb. 16

48th Whiteface Replacement Hereford Female Sale, Fort Worth, TX

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Martin-Bruni Cattle Co., San Saba, TX

Jan. 29

Feb. 25

Cowtown Invitational Hereford Sale, Fort Worth, TX

Jan. 30

National Hereford Show, Fort Worth, TX

44 Farms Angus Bull Sale, Cameron, TX

Feb. 25

Jordan Cattle Auction Early Spring Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX

MARCH Mar. 2

Mar. 10

Houston Magic Beefmaster Sale, Houston, TX

Jordan Cattle Auction Stocker-Feeder & Premium Weaned Sale, San Saba, TX

Mar. 10

Mar. 2

International Brahman Sale, Houston, TX

South Texas Beefmaster Breeders Assn.

Sale, Houston, TX

Mar. 4

Mar. 11

Foundation Angus Alliance Sale, Luling, TX

Mar. 7

Genetic Edge Brangus Sale, Houston, TX

Mar. 16

Houston International Simmental/Simbrah Jordan Cattle Auction Special Replacement Sale, Houston, TX Female Sale, San Saba, TX

Mar. 8

R A Brown Ranch Angus, SimAngus, Red Angus Bull Sale, Putnam, OK

Mar. 18

Mar. 8

Mar. 18

44 Farms Angus Bull Sale, Abilene, TX

Houston All Breeds Commercial Female Sale, Houston, TX

Tested by Time Brangus Sale at Mound Creek Ranch Leona, TX

Mar. 8

Houston All Breeds Registered Range Bull Sale, Houston, TX

Mar. 9

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Cattleman’s Kind Simmentals, San Saba, TX

Mar. 23

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering JE Red Angus Ranch, San Saba, TX

Mar. 25

Bluebonnet Classic Santa Gertrudis Sale, Hallettsville, TX

Do you have a sale or event you’d like listed? Call Jesse Wright (979) 731-4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com

16

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Vet’s Voice, from Page 7

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

all withdrawal times.

Some injectable and pour-on dewormers, such as Ivermectin and its cousins Doramectin and Moxidectin, also kill lice.

In the wintertime, worm control is not a high priority because the conditions are not right for transmission. Treatment with dewormers at times of year where transmission is low encourages development of a populations of worms that are resistant to the drugs.

In addition, injectable products only kill sucking lice, as biting lice do not ingest blood which contains the drug.

Several years ago, I was called to look at a group of stocker calves who were losing their hair and scratching constantly.

The accompanying photo is of one of those calves. On arrival, this group had been given an

Lice are a pest with which ranchers have to contend, even in the winter. injectable dewormer with activity against sucking lice and yet they were showing clear signs of lice. We ran a few through the chute, did the Scotch tape test, and when we looked under the microscope, they were all biting lice.

Because the anti-louse medication was in the blood, they weren’t accessing it. We recommended that the calves all be put through the chute and poured with an insecticide and the problem cleared. For all these reasons, I generally recommend wintertime lice control using pure insecticide products applied topically in some fashion, saving your dewormers (and their associated cost) for timely use in the spring and fall.

meta R f ng meta B d ng s HAYBARNS CARPORTS STORAGE SHEDS AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTRUAL NEEDS LET US HELP YOU CUSTOMIZE YOUR NEXT METAL PROJECT. DELIVERY AVAILABLE

30X60X12 EAVE 1-10X10 FO ALL GALVALUME $ 6495.00 +TAX

SAVE MONEY MANUFACTURER DIRECT

1 2 5 0 3 H W Y 6 N AVA S O TA , T X 7 7 8 6 8 • 9 3 6 . 8 2 5 . 0 5 0 0 w w w. h i l c o s u p p ly . c o m • F O L L O W U S O N

The Land & Livestock Post



January 2017 — Issue 2

17

News Litterst, from Page 3 A&M University and the Texas Education Agency, traveling more than 350,000 miles to provide agriculturally-oriented short courses across the state for a 10-year span.

“Mr. Litterst was loved and revered by all he touched and mentored — faculty, producers, stakeholders and students alike,” said Larry Boleman, associate vice chancellor for Texas A&M AgriLife. “He was an icon in both the Texas beef industry and as a lecturer in the department of animal science at Texas A&M. “He combined the unique ability to translate science-based information into common language to teach beef producers and students to better their ranches and further their knowledge of cattle.

He used his wit, humor, ranching experiences and unquestionable love for his students and ranchers to teach them both the art and science of beef production as only he could.”

Boleman said “Mr. Frank” loved Texas A&M “and was the epitome of the ultimate Aggie” and “he will be missed by those of us he mentored, young and old alike.”

Joe Paschal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist in Corpus Christi, said, “with Mr. Litterst, we celebrated his life and successes many times with him. Not many folks can say that.

“Too often our friends and colleagues pass before we can honor them,” Paschal said. “While I worked for him, he once told me that familiarity breeds contempt, and I have always remembered that around him as well as my elders.

“He made us pay attention to detail. ‘Write things down’ he said. When you went to work for him, he made sure you had a notepad for your pocket and something to write with — a pencil preferably since ink might run if it got wet. He was an excellent teacher and spoke from experience.”

“Litterst had “some skin in the game” of beef cattle production, and the students in his classes knew it.

18

FRANK LITTERST Jr. “When I first met him I knew that. After his first semester, his classes swelled to capacity. Other professors knew their subject, Mr. Litterst had lived it. I was privileged to have known him for over 40 years. I was a student, a graduate student, an employee and a friend of his throughout.

Any student could approach him.

He had a lot of international students that maintained contact with him over the years and often visited him or arranged for him to come see them. He bridged the generations; older ranchers as well as young students could relate to him and respected him,” Paschal said.

During those travels, Litterst visited more than 2,400 ranches, helping cattlemen improve herds and increase profits. He also served as both junior market steer superintendent with the Houston Fat Stock Show, now the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was also superintendent of the Junior Beef Heifer Show at the State Fair of Texas from 1968-1975.

During his time with the Houston Fat Stock Show, he helped design a scoring system which is still used today by major livestock shows and contributed to the development of U.S. Department of Agriculture Feeder Cattle Grades now used throughout the nation. In 1975, he joined the animal science faculty at Texas A&M to manage the beef cattle center.

After retiring as senior lecturer with the Texas A&M department of animal science in 1989, he remained active in AgriLife Extension cow-calf clinics and as

a popular speaker at beef cattle demonstrations.

The 2003 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course was dedicated in honor of Litterst. At the time, Lee Pritchard of Crowley said Litterst was “more of a father figure than a professor.”

Litterst’s lecture style was “down-to-earth,” Pritchard said.

“He was one of you, really.”

Jim Banner, publisher of the Southern Livestock Standard in San Antonio, who also studied under Litterst at Texas A&M, said in 2003 “He taught with a common-sense approach. He didn’t like his students; he loved his students.”

Litterst was raised on a small farm between Katy and Houston.

He was the son of former Aggie quarterback Frank Litterst Sr. He followed in his father’s footsteps and came to Texas A&M, where he became a Corps of Cadets captain and a Ross Volunteer. Along with most of his classmates, he joined the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II. His first job was in feed sales, but one of his father’s former classmates, Her man Hee p, helped him get started in raising cattle. For nearly 20 years, he operated ranches in Texas and other states. In 1965, Litterst became a beef cattle specialist with the Texas Agricultural Education Adult Specialist Program.

In 1975, O.D. Butler, head of animal science at Texas A&M, recruited Litterst to teach and manage the Beef Cattle Center in College Station. Litterst’s unique combination of classroom lecture, personal experiences, ranch stories and jokes made him a favorite among beef cattle production students.

Litterst was a longtime supporter of animal science students through generous scholarships and served as class agent for the Class of 1943. In 2009 the Association of Former Students recognized him with its highest honor, the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and he was named an Outstanding Alumnus of the department of animal science in 2013. In 2014 he was awarded the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award.

CALDWELL LIVESTOCK COMMISSION REGULAR SALE EVERY

WEDNESDAY, 1:00 PM Carl Herrmann 979.820.5349 Hank Herrmann 979.820.5277 Hwy 36 South, P.O. Box 542, Caldwell, TX 77836 Sale Barn Phone: (979) 567-4119

TE PRIVA Y T A E TR

rk An a l C

CARC ASS DATA

gus Ranch L.L. Since 1952 CROCKETT, TEXAS

C.

100% Guaranteed

Semen Tested

100 REGISTERED BULLS, 18-24 MONTHS, EPD’s READY FOR HEAVY SERVICE OPEN & BRED HEIFERS - COWS AVAILABLE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT CODY THOMPSON, MGR. WEBSITE: clarkangus.com EMAIL: clarkangus.aol.com

BILL CLARK 936/544-9013 888-252-7501

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Bulls, from Page 16 hesitant to pay for quality bulls.

Rather, they opt for lower priced and lower quality bulls.

During times such as now, however, bull quality is not an area that should be shorted.

Bull selection will impact profit for many years to come in the form of the following potential adverse impacts: heavier birth weights, lower weaning weights, lower carcass quality or less desirable heifers to be kept for replacements.

Beef producers who continue to produce quality calves with desirable genetics and value-added traits will have the greatest likelihood of remaining profitable during the low of the cattle cycle.

Those who do not likely will be in the red and will be “paying to stay in the business” for the next few years.

So the question becomes, how can one justify spending more on a quality bull in difficult economic times? We will use the following two scenarios: • Scenario 1 — use an average quality bull that cost $2,750 to purchase.

• Scenario 2 — purchase a high quality bull in the top 20 percent for weaning weight expected progeny difference that cost $3,500 to purchase.

Both bulls will remain in the breeding herd for four years and breed 25 cows per year, totaling 100 calves. The annual cost for each bull on a cow basis is $35.60 and $43.10 for Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, respectively. Annual bull cost consists of all ownership costs, including pasture, feed/mineral, veterinary and depreciation expenses. Therefore, Scenario 2 bull only costs $7.50 per cow more annually to purchase and own compared to the lower quality bull in Scenario 1. This means that bull’s calves only have to bring $7.50 to breakeven and pay for the better quality bull.

Now, let’s take a look at the revenue side of the equation. All calves will be weaned at the same time in early October. Calves from Scenario 1 bull will wean at 535 pounds, valued at $1.35 pound or $722 per head. Scenario 2 bull will

sire calves with heavier weaning weights at 600 pounds valued at $1.32 per pound or $789 per head.

This is an increase in total value of $67 per calf for the heavier calves from the better bull. The better bull from Scenario 2 will wean a calf that has a positive net difference of about $59 more per calf ($67 minus $7.50) or a total of $1,475 more for the 25 head of calves sired by this bull annually.

The total additional purchase cost of the better bull can be easily be made up in the first calving season.

As calf prices decline and total ranch profit diminishes, producers must look to increase profits by purchasing inputs that provide a profitable return to the ranch. The above example demonstrates how reducing input costs by decreasing the quality of genetics likely does not result in increased profits.

Workshop, from Page 9 USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farm Service Agency, USDA Risk Management and Texas Department of Agriculture.

To ensure adequate space, attendees should RSVP by registering online in advance at txagrability.tamu.edu/workshops/.

A form also can be downloaded and mailed to either Pilosi-Kimbrough or Makenzie McLaurin at 578 John Kimbrough, 2251 TAMUS, College Station, Texas 77843-2251.

For more information, go to the Texas AgrAbility website or contact Pilosi at 979-847-6185 or empilosi@ag.tamu.edu, or McLaurin at 979-862-1913 or makenzie. mclaurin@ag.tamu.edu. A flyer on the program can be found at bit.ly/2gvfFUW.

The Land & Livestock Post

Sign up for the

Electronic Newsletter

Ag news you can use, now at the click of a mouse!

Sign up today at

landandlivestockpost.com

for LLP news delivered right to your e-mail inbox! 

January 2017 — Issue 2

19

20

January 2017 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post