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Posted on June 18th, 2013 in Uncategorized
The cantonal authorities in Uri, central Switzerland are trying to keep the tradition of hay making alive, because the hay not only provides winter fodder for livestock, but growing grass for hay in the high mountains encourages biodiversity and stops the pastures returning to forests. The canton organises an annual course for would-be haymakers. swissinfo joined the students on their adventure.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
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Posted on June 17th, 2013 in Art
“Sorting”
My good friend Cat Robert Parks recently turned me on to a great artist in Newton, New Jersey – Maria D’Angelo. She has her work displayed at the Mountain Trails Gallery here in Santa Fe, New Mexico.You can get more information at Maria’s website by clicking HERE.
From her website:
“She stands in beauty”
“I studied fine art in college, but I feel that my talent is natural and consider myself primarily self taught. I’ve spent many years traveling in the western US visiting countless museums, galleries, historic sites and cultural events such as powwows, equine competitions, shows and rodeos where I get a lot of my inspiration. My works usually start with images I’ve taken at one of these events, then evolve into compositions in which light against dark and fine details are the primary focus. It is the fine details that my clients most often remark about when they see my drawings. The detail in my work is usually the first thing that draws a person to it. They are always amazed by it.
“While I have worked in different media in the past, it is the pencil that I always come back to. It is my tool of choice because it gives me great control and versatility. I especially love Nero pencils. They have a totally different feel than a regular graphite pencil as they contain a small bit of oil in them. Strathmore 500 Series Bristol is hands down my favorite paper to work on. I love the smoothness of this paper and it enables me to capture the tiny details in each piece.
“Can you keep a secret?”
“I am an associate member of Women Artists Of The West, a national organization with over 300 award winning, professional women painters and sculptors from across the country and participate in their annual group exhibits. I am represented by Mountain Trails Galleries in both Santa Fe, NM and Sedona, Arizona and Common Ground Gallery in Red Lodge, MT. Aside from the galleries and shows that I participate in, I enjoy doing commission work.”
Tags: Cat Parks
Posted on June 16th, 2013 in Trainers
Attending a three day clinic starting next week with trainer Jeff Griffith at Trinity Ranch in Lamy, New Mexico. Really looking forward to it!
From the Facebook Page about the clinic:
“Jeff Griffith grew up on Montana’s 130,000 acre Flying D Ranch, made famous in part because of legendary ranch hands like Tom Dorrance. Jeff cowboyed on ranches like the historic King Ranch in Kingsville, Tx. He managed the 88,000 acre La Cense Montana Horse Program. He has done private clinics for everyone from the NYPD Mounted Police in New York City to the Cavalry for the Republican Guard in Paris, France. He has been the keynote clinician for events such as the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin, the Vaquero Show in Santa Ynez, California, and the AQHA Quarterfest in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Jeff has instructed college level horsemanship/equitation at The University of Montana Western and at Kirkwood College at the Iowa Equestrian Center. In addition to his incredible talent starting colts, teaching horsemanship, and improving roping skills- and perhaps best of all- Jeff is a man of principle and a cowboy that embodies the Code of the West. This cowboy has a lot to offer and there is a lot to like about him.
“We hope you will join us at The Trinity Ranch on June 21-23 for our Jeff Griffith Horsemanship Clinic 2013.
“Horsemanship 1 and Mechanical Cow Work will be offered. Horsemanship 1 is all three days from 9-12; Mechanical Cow Work is 1:30-4:30. Our Horsemanship and Mechanical Cow Class are half full… but we are still taking riders at this point.
“Pre-registration is required; numbers will be limited. $25/day to audit. Please email now for an auditor sign-up packet or direct further questions to: John and Cat Parks, thetrinityranch@gmail.com”
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Ranching is in a certain Ivy League cowgirls’ blood. Jen Johnson holds a degree from Princeton – yet, unique against many other graduates, shes returned back to the land and agriculture which runs strong through generations in her family. She’s tending to cattle the exact same way her ancestors did over 100 years ago!
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
Tags: Jen Johnson
If you’re in the market for cattle, there are a few things you need to know before making your first purchase. This video features Rod Gilbert, assistant professor of animal science and livestock operation manager at Delaware Valley College who explains what to look for in good beef cattle.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
Tags: Rod Gilbert
Posted on June 13th, 2013 in Cattle
WARNING: This is a graphic video that may not be for everyone to view.
Let me repeat that.
WARNING: This is a graphic video that may not be for everyone to view.
You know I’m a big fan of Temple Grandin and post many of her videos here.
This video is a tour of a beef plant guided by Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and widely considered to be the world’s leading expert on humane animal handling at meat packing plants. This video provides a look at how cattle are handled at meat packing plants. At least the good ones.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
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A peek at the DVD series with Buck Brannaman.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE
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Posted on June 11th, 2013 in Tack
By Wilson Capron
First appeared on the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association website.
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The bit can be an intimidating piece of equipment to understand. However, if you break down the five structure points of a bit and examine how they affect the four pressure points of a horse’s mouth, bit function becomes something easier to comprehend.
A bit applies pressure to a horse’s palate, tongue, bars and curb. A bit’s design affects how it applies pressure to these four points. When a horseman understands the individual physical characteristics of a horse and the goal of riding, the better that rider can communicate though the bit to meet his needs. The more comfortable the horse is with the rider’s communication, the better the horse and rider will get along.
By applying pressure to one or more of these four pressure points, the horse will react in certain ways. The challenge: the way in which a signal is applied will be unique to each rider, and the reaction to that signal will be unique to each horse. This is why there has never been a menu or checklist created for bitting a horse. However, if you understand those four pressure points, and how you affect these points by changing the structure of the bit, you can come as close a possible to creating your own menu. And it will be your menu, because each of us is unique, including the way in which each of us handles a horse.
A Bit’s 5 Structure Points
Capron solid shank. A solid-jawed bit moves in its entirety as one or both reins are pulled. In comparison to a loose-jawed bit, a solid-jawed bit can keep a horse quieter, as there will be no inadvertent signals created by the horse’s own movements. (Bit made by Wilson Capron for the 2007 Traditional Cowboy Arts Association exhibit.)
The next point to discuss is the shank length, which is the distance from the butt of the mouthpiece to the bottom of the shank. This measurement is taken along an imaginary vertical line that carries straight down from the center at the top of the bridle ring through the butt of the mouthpiece; if the shank swoops back, the angle is not measured, simply the vertical distance. Shank length affects a rider’s leverage. As the distance increases in relation to the purchase length, the leverage and speed of the bit is increased. A bit ratio of 2:1, for example, means the shank length is twice as long as the purchase. Most spade bits are around this ratio because of the speed of the bit.; it creates a maximum amount of signal with a minimum amount of hand movement, which is the purpose of the spade.
Shank design and point of pull are the next two structure points. Shank design is the path the shank takes to get from the butt of the mouthpiece to the bottom ring. Point of pull is defined as the distance from the vertical center line to the back of the bottom ring, where the reins are attached. If the shank travels straight to the point of pull with minimal amounts of material, less weight is created in the bit, which affects the signal of the bit. As weight is added to the bit, it becomes easier for the horse to feel the movement in his mouth.
Shank design can also affect the leverage of the bit by changing the point of pull. If a shank’s design puts the point of pull straight down from the mouthpiece on the vertical line, leverage is at a maximum. An example of this is the Las Cruces shank. The Santa Barbara is an example of how a bit can maximize leverage and signal. A lot of material is needed to create the design, which adds more weight and increases the signal.
The next and final point to discuss is the placement, angle and height of the mouthpiece. As the mouthpiece is moved further in front of the vertical line, the bit’s speed is slowed. Height can be added to the port of the mouthpiece to affect palate pressure. A spade, for example, applies palate pressure where a straight bar with no post does not.
The angle of the mouthpiece affects two things:
Capron Santa Barbara. A Santa Barbara bit offers a straight shank, significant leverage, and overbalance, which helps the bit rest in a comfortable position for the horse. (Bit made by Wilson Capron for the 2010 Traditional Cowboy Arts Association exhibit.)
Second, the mouthpiece angle affects the balance of the bit. Again, with the vertical line in mind, as the mouthpiece angle is moved behind this line, the balance of the bit becomes flatter — the bit becomes overbalanced. As the mouthpiece is kept vertical and the shank design has little to no weight behind the vertical line, the shank is underbalanced, hanging vertically. This produces a bit that continues to apply pressure if the horse doesn’t pack his head in a vertical position.
One last element to consider is the difference between a loose-jawed bit and a solid-jawed bit. This is how the shanks attach to the mouthpiece. A loose-jawed bit has shanks that swivel independently of the mouthpiece. This accomplishes several things:
First, signal is increased because there are more moving parts to cue the horse that a command is being asked as the rider pulls on the reins. The shanks move, signaling to the horse through lateral movements without necessarily engaging the mouthpiece.
A loose-jawed bit also makes it easier for the horse to differentiate between signals given from one side versus the other. Since the shanks move independently of one another, a rider can cue using single rein pulls to help a horse with lateral signals and movement. This can be a great advantage in young horses that are not yet neck-reining.
A solid-jawed bit moves in its entirety as one or both reins are pulled, requiring the horse to know what the rider is asking based on other signals being given simultaneously. However, with the bit being solid, there isn’t much movement, which might keep your horse quieter in the mouth, given that there’s little signal being inadvertently produced by the horse’s own physical action.
Practical Application
Equipped with knowledge of the four pressure points, a bit’s structure, and how these elements work together, you can now take your favorite bit and break down how it affects your horse and why the horse gets along with that bit (or why he might not).
The Santa Barbara shank for example, offers a straight shank, more leverage, with weight behind the vertical line, adding overbalance, which helps the bit rest in a more comfortable position for the horse to carry during a day’s work. Each Santa Barbara is unique, though, so the rider must check the balance and leverage of the bit. A 2:1 ratio, for example, gives a rider leverage and signal speed.
The amount of weight behind the shank’s vertical line, and the angle of the mouthpiece, will determine your bit’s balance. Comparing the bit’s balance to the natural carriage angle of your horse’s head could determine if you two are on speaking terms at the end of a long day.
This analysis can be done with each shank design and each mouthpiece. The better you understand yourself, your horse, and how a bit reacts, the better you will be able to accomplish your riding goals.
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Wilson grew up in far West Texas, where his family was involved in the ranching industry. During Wilson’s high school years, the family ranched 150,000 acres with about 1,000 mother cows. It was here that he developed an appreciation for horsemanship and the skills of a cowboy.
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Posted on June 10th, 2013 in roping
Learn to swing a loop the cowboy way. Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch teaches little cowpokes the parts of the rope, how to build a loop and the all so important throw and follow through.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
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Posted on June 09th, 2013 in Clothes
If you like wild rags I highly recommend Wildrags By Lois. I have several and they are not only beautiful but wear extremely well.
You can get more information at her website by clicking HERE.
From her website:
“I have the largest selection of 100% silk Charmeuse scarves you’ll find on the internet!
“Custom made quality handmade 100% silk scarves in large sizes -with a hem to last. Made to your size Jacquard, sueded or sandwashed silk, solid and printed Charmeuse silk…ONLINE!
“We also carry a nice selection of Wyoming Trader Western Clothing click here!
“Wild Rag is a term used by the old cowboys for their bandanas or western scarves. They are a natural insulator that is warm, breathable, and wicks away moisture. They have become known as part of the working cowboy’s dress. Today they are an old west tradition in a modern cowboy world. Wild Rags are very luxurious yet durable. Each 100% silk Wild Rag is sewn with a machine roll-stitched hem that will last an eternity. The hems are of such quality that they won’t become frayed and torn after wearing a short time. 100% silk Wild Rags are large sized and can be easily wrapped around the neck and tied as well as around the shoulders for ladies.
“Wild Rags are available in many sizes to fit your needs. The standard sizes are 36″ or 44″ square. Also available in these sizes: 7″x36″,7″x60″, 36″ triangle bias cut (with less bulk), 22″ hanky or bandana size square, and limited stock of 52″ XX-Large Wild Rags. All 100% silk. ”
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Posted on June 08th, 2013 in Horses
I wrote recently about preparing for wild fires and here’s another good article about hurricane preparation.
Bottom line: get out of the area early, before there are formal evacuation warnings.
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From The Horse website.
With the hurricane season upon us, it is important that horse owners ready themselves in advance for evacuation and other recommended tasks related to hurricane preparedness. The Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) and the Equine Health Studies Program at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine released some tips for horse owners in hurricane-prone areas May 23.
Before The Storm
-Be sure your horse is current regarding vaccinations for tetanus and the encephalitis viruses (Eastern, Western, and West Nile).
-Network a “plan” with the horse or farm animal-owning neighbors in your community (get to know your neighbors, plan a meeting, talk through different scenarios, and identify the local resources for dealing with disaster situations) and be prepared to help one another.
-Know your parish emergency managers (e.g., Sheriff, Animal Control). They are in charge during a disaster.
-Be sure that your horse has two forms of identification somewhere on his body: (1) Permanent identification such as a microchip, tattoo, or brand; and (2) Luggage-type tag secured to the tail and halter (be sure to use a leather halter for break-away purposes). Fetlock tags are useful and can be acquired on-line or from a local farm supply store or you can use a paint stick or non-toxic spray paint. Be sure to place your name, address, and phone number (a phone number for someone out of state is best in the event of local phone outages) legibly on the tags.
-Store the record for the microchip number (typically the Coggins form) in an accessible location. It’s also recommended to have a second copy of this information with a family member or friend in another location (i.e., out of state) but where it can be easily accessible.
-Prepare a waterproof emergency animal care kit with all the items you normally use, including medications, salves or ointments, vetwrap, bandages, tape, etc. Place the kit in a safe place where you can easily access it after a storm.
Evacuation
-If you plan to evacuate in the event of a storm, have a destination and route(s) mapped out well in advance. It is important to evacuate your horses a sufficient distance from the coast.
-Locate any large animal shelters in your state well in advance of an emergency; January to March would be good months to prepare this plan.
-Try to leave a minimum of 72 hours before the arrival of the storm. The worst thing that can happen to you is to get stuck in traffic with a trailer full of horses and a hurricane approaching. Provide your neighbors with your evacuation contact information.
Weathering The Storm
-The choice of keeping your horse in a barn or an open field is up to you. Use common sense, taking into consideration barn structure, trees, power lines, condition of surrounding properties, and the likelihood of the property and structure to flood. Horses on farms subject to storm surge or flash flooding should be turned out so they don’t become trapped or drown.
-Remove all items from the barn aisle and walls, and store them in a safe place.
-Have at least a two- to three-week supply of hay (wrapped in plastic or a waterproof tarp) and feed (stored in plastic water-tight containers). Place these supplies in the highest (out of reach of flood waters) and driest area possible.
-Fill clean plastic garbage cans with water, secure the tops, and place them in the barn for use after the storm.
-Have an emergency barn kit containing a chain saw and fuel, hammer(s), saw, nails, screws, and fencing materials. Place this kit in a secure area before the storm hits so that it is easily accessible after the storm.
-Be sure to have an ample supply of flashlights and batteries and other non-perishable items.
-Listen to local radio stations in your area. If Internet access is available, access state-run websites that contain accurate status information (i.e., State Police, State University, State Dept. of Agriculture), and take all cautions/warning seriously and act accordingly.
After The Storm
-Start early to clean up your property and remove all debris that might have been tossed around by storm and hurricane force winds. Be careful of downed power lines that might be “live” and represent a danger to people and animals.
Visit the Louisiana State Animal Response Team website for more detailed information regarding horse hurricane preparations and other emergency and health-related information.
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Posted on June 07th, 2013 in Ranches
From Cattle Today.
West Lafayette, Ind. – More efficient land use, a stalled demand for corn ethanol and increased demand for meat in developing countries should help boost the livestock industry in coming years, according to a Purdue University agricultural economist.
Farzad Taheripour, a research assistant professor of agricultural economics, used Food and Agriculture Organization and U.S. Department of Agriculture data, paired with Purdue’s Global Trade Analysis Project model, to guide analysis of global economic issues.
“Due to consumer taste preferences, global growth in income and population, the livestock industry will grow, particularly toward poultry and pork,” Taheripour said. “The demand for poultry and pork will increase significantly.”
Taheripour said less land is being used for feed crops these days, but increased efficiency makes each acre more productive. More feed from those acres should help livestock producers manage their production costs.
Corn ethanol demand has also hit a wall. Over the past decade, diverting grains from food and feed to fuel has increased feed prices for livestock producers, Taheripour said, but the ethanol industry in the United States has now reached the Renewable Fuel Standard mandated level. This may mean little growth in corn use for ethanol in coming years.
An ethanol production byproduct, dried distillers grains, has been used for livestock feed, helping to somewhat mitigate feed price increases. However, this offset was not large enough to keep feed prices from rising sharply. In coming years, any new growth in corn production could go toward livestock producers, which will likely help them with feed prices.
“During the past 10 years, ethanol expansion contributed to feed price increases, but now it will not push feed prices upward,” Taheripour said. “In the future, livestock producers may struggle with other factors that affect feed prices, but because of the lack of increased demand in the ethanol industry, they will likely see lower overall feed prices.”
Taheripour said livestock producers would also face increased demand for meat in countries such as China and India, which have booming populations and are becoming wealthier. Those countries are expected to demand more pork and chicken since those products are cheaper than beef.
One issue that could affect livestock producers is cellulosic biofuels produced from dedicated energy crops. If that technology becomes economically feasible, Taheripour said there would be competition for land currently used to grow livestock feed. Converting some of that land to cellulosic biofuel feedstocks could once again drive up feed prices.
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Posted on June 06th, 2013 in Tack
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
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Posted on June 05th, 2013 in Competitions/Shows, Cowboys
At his age I could barely tie my shoes……
Dylan’s second ride of the day on Rusty at Antares Dressage on Dec 5, 2010.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
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Posted on June 05th, 2013 in Horses
From the CarsonNow.org website.
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An independent report released today by The National Academy of Sciences is critical of the Bureau of Land Management’s oversight of free-ranging horses and burros on federal public lands in the western United States and urges changes to its current roundup policies.
The Wild Horse and Burro Program has not used scientifically rigorous methods to estimate the population sizes of horses and burros, to model the effects of management actions on the animals, or to assess the availability and use of forage on rangelands, the report by the 14-member panel of the National Research Council states.
Evidence suggests that horse populations are growing by 15 to 20 percent each year, a level that is unsustainable for maintaining healthy horse populations as well as healthy ecosystems. BLM’s current policy regarding the removal of wild horses, may be causing more harm to populations than the BLM’s intentions, the report says.
The panel says there are promising fertility-control methods available to help limit this population growth as well as science-based methods for improving population estimates and predicting the effects of management practices in order to maintain genetically diverse, healthy populations, and estimating the productivity of rangelands.
Greater transparency in how science-based methods are used to inform management decisions may help increase public confidence in the Bureau of Land Management, according to the report.
Horse advocacy groups such as the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign has called for an immediate halt to the roundup and removal of wild horses from western public lands.
“The NAS report is a powerful validation of what wild horse advocates have been saying for years — that the BLM’s ‘business as usual’ is expensive, unproductive and must change,” said Suzanne Roy, AWHPC director. “The report delivers a strong case for an immediate halt to the roundup and removal of wild horses from the range, an increase in wild horse and burro population levels and implementation of in-the-wild management using available fertility control options.”
The BLM, which requested the independent assessment by the NAS, welcomed the findings and will review the recommendations.
“We commend the National Academy of Sciences for their diligent work on this complex issue,” said Neil Kornze, BLM Principal Deputy Director. “The BLM looks forward to reviewing the report in detail and building on the report’s findings and recommendations to meet the formidable challenges facing the agency in managing wild horses and burros. Our agency is committed to protecting and managing these iconic animals for current and future generations.”
Kornze added, “The BLM shares the committee’s view that although no quick or easy fixes exist to this pressing issue, investments in science-based management approaches, exploring additional opportunities for population control, and increased transparency could lead to a more cost-effective program that manages wild horses and burros with greater public confidence.”
Below is a summary of the report:
Management of free-ranging horses and burros is not based on rigorous population-monitoring procedures. At the time of the committee’s review, most Herd Management Areas did not use inventory methods or statistical tools common to modern wildlife management. Survey methods used to count animals were often inconsistent and poorly documented and did not quantify the uncertainty attached to counts.
On the basis of information provided to the committee, the statistics on the national population size cannot be considered scientifically rigorous. The links between BLM’s estimates of the national population size and its actual population surveys – the data that underlie these estimates – are obscure. The procedures used to develop population estimates for the Herd Management Areas from counts of animals are not standardized and frequently not documented.
It seems that the national statistics are the product of hundreds of subjective, probably independent judgments and assumptions by range personnel about the proportion of animals counted during surveys, population growth rates, and other factors. As a result BLM’s reported annual population statistics, which are based on the assumption that all animals are detected and counted, probably underestimate the actual number of animals on the range.
Developing and using a centralized relational database that captures all data on animal counts and removals generated by BLM’s field offices and by animal processing and holding facilities would provide a clear connection between the actual data collected and the reported statistics. To improve transparency and public confidence, survey data at the Herd Management Area level, as well as procedures used to modify it to generate population estimates, and should be made available to the public.
The majority of free-ranging horse populations on public rangelands in the western United States are growing 15 to 20 percent a year. The committee reviewed the ages of horses removed from the range during the years 1989 to 2011 and found that these data can provide a reasonable assessment of the general growth rate of the horse populations. That growth rate was supported by the published literature the committee reviewed.
Management practices are facilitating high rates of population growth. Free-ranging horse populations are growing at high rates because BLM’s removals hold populations below levels affected by food limits. If population density were to increase to the point that there was not enough forage available, it could result in fewer pregnancies and births and lower young-to-female ratios and survival rates. Decreased competition for forage through removals may instead allow population growth, which then drives the need to remove more animals.
Predators will not typically control population growth rates of horses.
Because predators like mountain lions and wolves are not abundant in Herd Management Areas, the potential for predators to affect free-ranging horse populations is limited. Mountain lions require habitats different from those favored by horses, and the committee was unable to find any examples of wolf predation on free-ranging horses in the United States.
The most promising fertility-control methods for free-ranging horses or burros are porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccines and GonaConTM vaccine for females and chemical vasectomy for males. This conclusion is based on criteria such as delivery method, availability, efficacy, duration of effect, and potential for side effects. Although applying these methods usually requires gathering horses and burros, that process is no more disruptive than the current method of population control – gathering and removal — without the further disruption of removing animals. Considering all the current options, these three methods, either alone or in combination, offer the most acceptable alternative to removing animals for managing population numbers.
Management of horses and burros as metapopulations is necessary for their long-term genetic health. Genetic studies of horses on 102 Herd Management Areas show that the genetic diversity for most populations is similar to those of healthy mammal populations, although genetic diversity is not static and could change over time. Little is known about the genetic health of burros; the few studies that have been conducted reported low genetic diversity compared to domestic donkeys. To achieve an optimal level of genetic diversity, managers could consider the collective populations of several Herd Management Areas as a single population. Management options include intensively managing individuals according to their genetic makeup within Herd Management Areas, translocating horses and burros among these areas, or both.
Recording the occurrence of diseases and clinical signs and the age and sex of the affected animals would allow BLM to monitor the distribution and prevalence of genetic conditions that affect population health. Such data have not been recorded and integrated to date. Some conditions that cause genetic mutations in horses are not lethal, so it is possible for the mutations to increase in frequency in Herd Management Areas, especially if inbreeding occurs. Surveillance of these mutations would be possible if blood or hair samples are collected from horses during gathers. Over time, regular sampling would reveal whether a particular Herd Management Area has a higher occurrence of a given mutation that might affect the fitness of the herd.
It is unclear whether or how the results of the WinEquus model are used in management decisions, and the input parameters are not transparent. BLM currently includes the results of WinEquus, a program that simulates how horse populations would change with management actions, in its gather plans and environmental assessments. However, WinEquus results depend on the values of input parameters – for example, age-specific foaling rates or the sex and the age composition of a herd – and various management options selected by the user when setting up the simulations. These parameters were rarely provided in gather plans and environmental assessments. In addition, in most of the reviewed documents, there was no explanation or interpretation of WinEquus output, making it difficult to determine if results were used to make management decisions or were offered as justification for decisions that were made independently.
The Wild Horses and Burros Management Handbook lacks specificity. Issued by BLM in 2010, the handbook provides some degree of consistency in goals, allocation of forage, and general habitat considerations. Currently the handbook lacks the specificity needed to adequately guide managers on establishing and adjusting Appropriate Management Levels – the number of horses and burros BLM deems appropriate for a given Herd Management Area . It does not provide sufficient detail on how to conduct various kinds of assessments. In addition, the handbook does not clarify the important legal definitions related to implementing and assessing management strategies for free-ranging horses and burros, leaving these concepts uninformed by science and open to multiple interpretations.
How Appropriate Management Levels are established, monitored, and adjusted is not transparent to stakeholders, supported by scientific information, or amenable to adaptation with new information and environmental and social change. Appropriate Management Levels are a focal point of controversy between BLM and the public. Standards for transparency, quality, and equity are needed in establishing these levels, monitoring them, and adjusting them. The public should be able to understand the methods used and how they are implemented, and to access the data used to make decisions. In addition, data and methods used to inform decisions must be scientifically defensible. Appropriate Management Levels must be adaptable based on environmental change, changes in social values, or the discovery of new information.
Resolving conflicts with polarized values and opinions regarding land management rests on principles of transparency and public participation in decision making. Participatory decision-making processes foster the development of a shared understanding of the ecosystem, an appreciation for others’ viewpoints, and the development of good working relationships. Thus, BLM should develop an iterative process between public deliberation and scientific research and co-design the participatory process with representatives of the public.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE
.Tags: Guy Palmer
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Posted on June 04th, 2013 in roping
Buck Brannaman (heeling on the right as the video opens) and the voice from the crowd is his daughter Reata. Even the best ropers miss sometimes.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE
.Tags: Buck Brannaman, Reata Brannaman
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Posted on June 02nd, 2013 in Media
I blogged last year about a concert version of Templeton Thompson’s song “When I Get That Pony Rode” and here’s another version with a full video.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.
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Posted on June 01st, 2013 in Trainers
The poster pretty much says it all. I’ve blogged before about Tommie with a
funny video and he is obviously a talented man.
You can learn more at Tommie’s website by clicking HERE.
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Posted on May 31st, 2013 in Cattle
by: Stephen B. Blezinger
Ph.D., PAS
First appeared on Cattletoday.com
This may seem a little early to be discussing weaning calves and the management of these cattle while in transition. Normally, we see larger numbers in the spring and fall when huge numbers of freshly weaned cattle are shipped from the ranch to grass and grazing programs. This year may find some deviations from this pattern due to sustained elevated feed costs and drought conditions in different parts of the country but lots of calves will still make the “normal” transition for this time of the year. Even for these calves, it’s not too early to begin thinking and planning for how these animals will be managed.
A large number of these cattle typically move from some part of the south or southeast to fall and winter pastures in the mid-south, high plains and mid-west and will eventually end up in a feedyard. A lot has been written and endless research conducted concerning this practice and how steps can be taken to improve performance and ultimately profits at this phase in the cattle production cycle. This article will attempt to review and discuss some of the more practical procedures and practices which can be utilized to improve overall performance and economic returns for these cattle.
Stress – a major hurdle to production
Unfortunately, in many cases young cattle are weaned directly off the cow, loaded on a truck and driven for many hours to the next stage in the cattle “pipeline.” Needless to say, this is exceptionally stressful from many standpoints. Let’s look at a few:
• To begin, if these cattle are freshly weaned or rather, if this is the weaning process, these calves are unaccustomed to fending completely for themselves. They still have had at least some dependence on the cow for part of their nutrient intake needs, especially protein and energy.
• In many cases these cattle have very limited immunity. Having been only on the ranch their entire life, their exposure to various antigens bacteria and viruses may be very limited. If they have not been vaccinated, their susceptibility to pathogens for which they have limited or no resistance is great, leaving them wide open to infection. This combined with the stress of handling, shipping, movement through auction facilities, co-mingling with other cattle that may already be in more advanced stages of infection, etc. can have a significant effect on health.
• The transit process is very stressful. Imagine being loaded on a truck in Florida and not unloaded for 12 to 24 hours (or more) with no rest, no water, no feed. Also there is a constant subjection to diesel fumes, which, when inhaled, dries the moist tissues of the airways causing them to dry and crack, allowing for infiltration of the respiratory system by pathogens. The stress also results in increased urination and defecation resulting in a dehydration of the animal and loss of important nutrients. This is especially true of certain trace minerals such as copper and zinc which are both important to the proper function of the immune system. These traces are excreted at higher than normal rates when the animal is stressed.
• Finally, on arrival, cattle may be put through a processing program in which they may be poked, prodded, injected, branded, de-wormed and dehorned. Once again, this is very stressful on already wrung out animals.
Fortunately, in many cases we are seeing buyers, both grass operators and feedyard managers, requiring at least some preconditioning of cattle prior to or shortly after weaning. In other words, proactive buyers are looking for cattle that have been weaned, given appropriate injections and trained to eat from a bunk and drink from a water trough or similar. Preconditioning of cattle either on or near the ranch helps prepare them for the stress of transit to a new locale and into a new environment. If cattle have been managed in this manner they are better suited and prepared physiologically and nutritionally for the stress they will encounter. This helps reduce sickness upon arrival and also reduces death loss. This trend continues to grow as many buyers are seeing the performance benefits (health and growth) in cattle that have been prepared for this transition. If the opportunity presents itself to purchase cattle which have been managed in this way it is normally economically favorable to consider paying somewhat more for cattle that you will have less sickness and mortality.
After cattle have arrived the need to manage stress continues. Numerous techniques have been examined and several are listed below:
• Off load cattle in as calm and quite a manner as possible.
• Provide fresh water with ample room per head in a conspicuous location.
• Provide plenty of good quality hay if hay feeders or line the bottom of the bunk with hay and layer with a receiving feed.
• Provide a properly balanced receiving feed with a full complement of protein, energy, minerals and vitamins.
• Maintain cattle in a relatively small pasture or trap for a few days before turning them out. This keeps new arrivals within close proximity to feeders, waterers and hay if necessary. After several days and cattle have been acclimated a bit more they can be turned out into the pastures.
Enhancement of Performance
A couple of tools which consistently work well in pasture cattle include implanting and feeding of ionophores. Implants have been around for numerous years and will, under typical conditions, produce an 8 to 15% increase in gains and feed efficiency. Implants induce a small shift in hormonal levels within the animal which improves the overall efficiency of growth. Numerous products of this nature exist, all of which will provide a positive response. While responses have differed in different studies the greatest or most notable difference is in the length of effect. Products range in effective times from 90 to 150 days. The greatest overall response is seen when implants are kept in place continuously. Various programs suggest alternating implants each time while others suggest staying with the same product all the way through.
Ionophores such as Rumensin and Bovatec, fed at a rate of 180 to 360 milligrams per head per day will also provide positive responses in gain and feed efficiency. Ionophores create a population shift in the ruminal microbe population which promotes the growth and development of more efficient bacteria. Improved gains of 8 to 12 percent have been recognized quite commonly with the feeding of these products. The feeding of ionophores is accomplished by inclusion in a supplement of some type be it a protein/energy mix or a high quality free-choice mineral.
Understand, however, that these compounds are not silver bullets and will not take the place of sound management. They will make a good management program more productive and profitable but will not solve the short comings of a poor program.
Managing Nutrient Intake from Pastures
In the late fall cattle are going onto winter annuals such as wheat, oats, ryegrass (a bit later), rye, etc. These pastures, under appropriate moisture conditions and temperature patterns as well as planting and fertilization can produce immense amounts of forage for grazing. Subsequently, this type of program can provide excellent nutrient intake for grazing cattle. It must be noted however that these pastures can be made more productive by taking a few, relatively simple steps.
Take a moment to look at the nutrient needs of the typical steer or heifer coming into this type of a program. Table 1 below outlines dry matter, protein, energy, etc. needed by this type of animal at various rates of gain.
Several points you may note as you review this table. First, at a given rate of gain, as the calf grows it requires more dry matter intake to support that gain. Second, as rate of gain increases, the allowable roughage content of the daily ration decreases. Ration means the total amount of grass, hay, supplement, etc. that the calf takes in within a given 24 hour period. Third, maintenance energy (Nem) requirement at a given weight remains the same but energy for gain (Neg) requirement increases as the rate of gain increases. Both Nem and Neg increase at a given rate of gain as the calf grows.
So what does this tell us? To begin, in order to increase gains we have to increase dry matter and energy intake. On winter annual pastures such as wheat, oats or rye, remember that this grass is very “wet.” In other words, the grass contains a high amount of moisture and a given sample may be as high as 78% water or more in some situations. This helps explain why producers note that the manure of cattle placed on these pastures becomes very thin. Because of this high moisture content, in many cases, it is difficult for a calf to consume enough grass to take in the necessary dry matter level required for higher rates of gain. Also, because of the high water content of the plant material, digesta passes through the tract very quickly, reducing the amount of time the rumen bacteria have to breakdown the fiber and extract necessary nutrients. The animal itself has less time to absorb the nutrients as they pass rapidly through the intestinal tract.
Given these considerations there are steps that can be taken to improve performance on winter pastures.
• Provide free-choice hay or some other type of dry roughage for cattle on pasture. In general, cattle will eat some hay even while on pasture. This provides more dry material, reducing the overall moisture content in the daily ration. This helps slow down rate of passage, providing more time for effective bacterial action in the rumen and more time for absorption in the intestinal tract. This can also help reduce the incidence of bloating in these types of cattle. Finally, this practice will help stretch pastures or allow you to stock pastures more densely, increasing returns per acre.
• Provide a few pounds (normally about one percent of body weight) of a relatively low protein, high starch supplement. This provides extra energy in a more compact form, more dry matter and finally provides starch which is necessary for the rumen bacteria. As the rumen bacteria break down the soluble protein in the plant material this releases nitrogen in the form of ammonia. If the other necessary components are available (i.e. starch molecules) the bacterial can combine the ammonia with portions of the starch molecules to create protein in their own bodies. This increases the overall yield of bacterial protein which is ultimately the main source of protein to the calf. This helps increase growth and performance. In addition the extra energy also helps increase the activity of the bacteria, increases bacterial population and simply makes for a more active rumen which can more effectively breakdown the fiber in the diet. The sum total effect here is an increase in gains on pasture of .5 lb. per head per day or more in many cases. Once again, as with the dry hay or roughage, feeding a supplement in this manner will reduce consumption of pasture and help stretch available forage supplies thereby increasing length of time pasture is available or increasing the allowable stocking density.
Conclusions
More than ever, because of continued high feeding and supplementation costs grazing programs are seen as a cost effective way in which cattle can be grown out and taken to a size more suitable for entry into the feedyard. Through proper management and utilization of a few common sense techniques, profits and performance can be improved nicely. And in markets such as we’ve experienced of late, every little bit helps!
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Dr. Steve Blezinger is a nutritional and management consultant with an office in Sulphur Springs, TX. He can be reached at 667 CR 4711 Sulphur Springs, TX 75482, by phone at (903) 885-7992 or by e-mail at sblez@verizon.net.
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Last weekend I rode with Amy Lee Campbell Mowins, a really nice person and an excellent horsewoman. She and husband John live in Bosque Farms, New Mexico.
I was surprised to learn she’s also an accomplished artist. One of the things she likes to do is paint her images on furniture, leather, murals, vases or anything else interesting. Recommended!
You can get more information at her website by clicking HERE
Work in Progress chestnut on wooden box, need to add the flowing mane yet… painting is 10″X5.5″
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Posted on May 29th, 2013 in Media
Dorothy Page and Dave O’Brien
Tolen is after the Harkins ranch where his men have found gold. After they kill Harkins, Dorothy and Dick step in and discover that the gold actually washes down from Tolen’s own ranch. When Harkins’ brother arrives to take over they test Tolen by having the brother offer to swap ranches.
Directed by: Samuel Diege. Stars: Dorothy Page, Dave O’Brien, Vince Barnett.
Release date: June 2, 1938. Runtime: 57 min
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE
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Posted on May 27th, 2013 in Uncategorized
Today is the last day at the Legal Tender restaurant, bar, dance hall and meeting place near my home in Lamy, New Mexico. A misguided “museum” Board of Directors decided to close it. The restaurant will close tonight and the hitching post will be removed Wednesday. A sad day.
So instead of a wake on the last day it was a celebration. I’m estimating 1,000 people came over the course of the day to drink, eat, drink, dance, drink, meet with friends, and then have a drink. You had to park as far away as the church and more people were coming. It was wonderful. Progress – not. We’ll miss you!
Here are a few pictures for history.
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