Wisdom or the World? rabbitbrush, cheatgrass, shadscale, and greasewood are commonly associated species. Before flowering halogeton resembles immature Russian thistle [Salsola tragus L.] or kochia [Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrader]. Unlike halogeton, immature Russian thistle has linear leaves ~ 0.5-1 mm wide and lacks hairs in the axils. Kochia does not have a stiff bristle at the tip of the pubescent leaves. Forage value is poor to fair for both cattle and sheep. It provides useable forage only when mixed in small quantities with other forage plants. Sheep are the most susceptible to poisoning from halogeton. Plants contain toxic amounts of sodium, potassium, and calcium oxalates. Signs of poisoning include: depression, weakness, reluctance to move, drooling, coma, and death. The first signs of poisoning occur 2 to 6 hours after an animal ingests a fatal amount, and death occurs in 9 to 11 hours. However, it was learned that halogeton plants are not very poisonous when they were full of moisture since an animal could not ingest enough of the plant to cause poisoning. One can, even late in the fall of the year, squeeze moisture out of the foliage. However, if the plants are dry then enough of the poison could be ingested to cause livestock fatalities. This did not happen very often since, when dry, the plant is not very palatable. However, in another study, Al Bruner found that if a hoar frost added moisture to the dry plants then poisoning could be rapid and fatal. Plant tissues accumulate salts from lower soil horizons. The salts leach from dead plant material, increasing topsoil salinity and favoring halogeton seed germination and establishment. As little as 12 ounces of foliage can be fatal to poorly nourished animals. One-half pound of this plant will kill a full-grown sheep. Three pounds of it will kill a full-grown steer. Total oxalate concentration varies from 3-30% of plant dry weight. The leaves have the highest concentrations and oxalate concentrations increase with maturity of the plant. Availability of other forages is also important as sheep can tolerate large amounts of halogeton if they eat it slowly with other forage at the same time. The first signs of halogeton poisoning occur 2 to 6 hours after an animal eats a fatal amount; death usually occurs in 9 to 11 hours. So watch out for a hoar frost in the winter when grazing or trailing animals through areas with stands of dry halogeton
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by Pastor Diana Gonzalez Let’s open our Bibles and read I Corinthians chapter 1, verses 18-31. Let’s look at verse 18 again, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the Power of God.” (KJV) And verses 23 and 24, “23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (KJV) So what is the definition of wisdom? Having prudent discernment, good judgment, learning, enlightenment and knowledge. But take note of this: wisdom is a skill. God is the starting point in any quest for wisdom. James 1:5 says if you ask God for wisdom He’ll give it generously, without reproach. Godly wisdom is the skill that gives us the ability to use our judgment correctly; wisdom is the skill that causes our minds to take action based on our knowledge and understanding of the Bible and Biblical principals, Christian enlightenment. James 3:13, who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. (NAS) We need our owner’s manual (the Bible) and the enlightenment that we get from it. If you’re not in the light, then you’re in the dark. It’s hard to see in the dark, hard to know which way to go, which way to turn. Psalm 119:105 says Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (KJV) Godly wisdom will light your path so you will know where to go, what to do, what to say and how to say it. It’s a skill you learn as you fill yourself with the Word of God. Let’s read Proverbs 1:2-7. Let’s look at verse 7 in the Amplified Bible, “The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge; but fools despise skillful and Godly wisdom, instruction, and discipline.” In this world there are two kinds of wisdom: Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. The born again, redeemed, spiritual man has Godly spiritual maturity and has found the wisdom and skill to operate in this world free from strife, and has a mature nature that responds to the Truth, the Word of God, with faith and love. The unredeemed, worldly man (or woman) finds this hard to understand. Why? Because he (or she) is used to leaning on his (or her) own understanding. Let’s read Proverbs 3:5-8. Again, verse 5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Let’s ready Proverbs 16:16-29. Your Godly wisdom, your Godly skill will not leave you unchanged. The Bible says we are changed from glory to glory. As God’s Word and wisdom is taught to you, God’s truth and promises will begin to influence you. Any of you who knew me in years past know that’s true. The wisdom of the Truth will influence your heart (your spirit); your heart will influence your speech; your speech will influence your conduct; your good conduct will influence your disposition; your good disposition will bring about desirable human relationships and release divine grace in your daily living, leading to happiness and health. If you humbly acknowledge the power and the might of God, with both your speech and with good manners, you can be that believer who overcomes the world and lives in victory. Here are the keys: 1. Pray. Have a relationship with God. 2. Read your Bible. Get in the Word. 3. Go to church and Bible studies. James 1:5 says He’ll give you wisdom if you ask. Happy trails. May God richly bless you. We love you and would love to hear from you. If you would like someone to pray with, or just have a question, please give us a call at (775) 8673100. ‘Til next time….
The Progressive Rancher
July-August 2016 39