Heat stress killing cattle.
(www.dtnpf.com)
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Tks cowboy, Informative post, what breed of bovine do you raise? CAFO (confined animal feeding operation) has always been the most unhealthy and stressful on the stock, however cheap or productive it may be.
I've got black angus crosses (various kinds) and longhorns. I'm learning how to keep them alive right now.
I plan on acquiring some registered angus, crossing them with wagyu, and making Texas Wagyu. I also want to experiment with Brangus -- brahman angus crosses. I am told they make the best steaks. But really, I want to see what i can do on grass alone. Rain + sun + cows = more grass.
As you know certain breeds are much more heat tolerant than others.
Brahmans are well suited to high humidity high heat. Many a herds in south Louisiana and Florida start there.
Sounds like you're tuned into rotational grazing polyface farms Joel Salatin style.
Salatin claims each cow drops about 40lb of fertilizer per day. That grows a lot of grass.
Most cowboys won't admit it, but they're all glorified grass farmers. What grows best in your part of the world?
Southeast Texas is pine country you don't struggle with soil ph?
East Texas is just before the foothills of the Ozarks.
Yes, I am doing Joel Salatin type stuff. After 1 year of rotational grazing, I already have the best pasture among my neighbors.
There are some native grasses that do best with the heat and humidity and climate. Unfortunately, most pastures, mine included, have been seeded with more "profitable" warm season grasses. I forget which kind I have, but I'd prefer the native grasses. I'm hoping I'll get some as the soil improves.
I had somewhat low pH in my soil when I first got it. I spread the recommended amount of lime. I think there has been a good improvement. I am told that as the earthworms do their business the pH will improve. I seeded clovers last year and we saw a lot this year, and clovers don't do too well in low pH so I think my soil is getting better.
Never ceases to amaze me how fields can spontaneous change when soil composition is changed.
"Plant Psychology" is so cool, to manipulate them into constantly being in the folage production state, Joel's little secret.
Sounds like you've got a great plan, good luck.
Tks for sharing your expertise.
Happy trails, Cowboy