I. Humor
"Tick Talk"
I have a friend I have known for 29 years who really likes the outdoors. He hunts, he fishes, and he's got his own place in the country raising cattle to pass time. In fact, more than once he has used our Hereford bulls to enhance the genetics of his calf crop, and I have helped him working his calf crop and palping his cows. (The last sentence was merely a marketing point) We have made several hunting trips together over the years, and I think every outing had something comical happen. On one particular trip we went out to scout a potential deer hunting area. This was deep woods and we planned on spending a good part of the day looking for trails and sign. We took the standard precaution of spraying our boots and socks with insect repellent since we would be tromping around in high grass and brush. With an early start we were able to wander around in those woods and brush for hours. It almost got cut short at one point when I chased down a water snake in a creek, grabbed him up out of the water...and it bit me! He was worried the snake might be poisoness (a cottonmouth), but I assured him it was not. It took a while before I could convince him any different. The rest of the time was uneventful...or so we thought!
When we got back to the house we started to get out of our woodsmen clothes, when we noticed a tick, then another, and another. We went into the garage to get out of the clothes and folks, you would not believe what we saw. Our whole bodies were covered in seed ticks! Now I'm not exaggerating when I say it looked like we had a tick about every square inch on our legs and torso, with a generous amount everywhere else. It's amazing that we did not feel these little bugers climbing all over us. Somehow or another we got into an area that was outright infested in them. Well, the next hour was literally spent scraping these ticks off with a pocket knife, and by any other means we had at our disposal. Now there are areas on the body a man just can't get to on his own...well at least see on his own, much less manipulate a mirror and a pocket knife safely around! So....my friend and I became very close that day, and I'll leave it at that. I'm sure if he were to ever read this newsletter he would blush at the thought of being named in these circumstances...so I'll leave Jim's name out of it! :)
The moral of the story:
A little humility can strengthen the bond in any friendship
From a cattle raisers point of view:
Parasite control in cattle is simple...especially since they're always in their birthday suit!
II. INFORMATIVE
Parasite Control
Just to reaffirm what has been mentioned above, I will talk a little about parasite control in cattle. Just as my "From a cattle raisers point of view" stated above, parasite control in cattle is simple. There are two basic things to consider, external parasites/pest, and internal parasites. Both can be easily treated and will definately make a difference in the health, longevity, and productivity of your cattle. It is true that selective management and proper nutrition play a big part in the overall health of a herd, but it does not cover all the diseases, parasites and pest that an animal is subject to throughout it's lifetime. A good vacination program, combined with treating for seasonal parasites, and checking the cattle regularly ensures good herd health.
Not everyone has the benefit of a working pen, but it doesn't take a working pen, or veteranarian to treat cattle for internal and external parasites and pests. Flys can spread parasites and their eggs. Flys on animals and in pens in pens can be controlled with a simple garden spayer. A simple back rub hung low between a gate opening, or a broom handle with a cup taped to the end for pouring on the back of an animal when they being given cubed or fed, is all it takes to combat external and internal parasites. Worming can easily be done with pour on, injectable, or injestible type methods. It is important to worm your cattle at the very least once, but preferably twice (fall and spring), in a year. This will prevent weight loss, and have a positive affect on a cow's fertility and a newborns surviveability. If you take your animals to the vet, or have your own lane or shute to put them in, all these things can even be coordinated at the same time you give your annual vaccinations.
Keeping a healthy pasture to prevent animals from grazing too close to the ground, or limiting crowded and dirty ground conditions will also prevent the animals from picking up these parasites and unwanted hosts. Having clean water or at least a tank (pond) that refreshens with periodic runoff is also beneficial. Drought conditions can create some nasty parasitic waters when the tanks get very low. Finally make sure you isolate sick cattle, or cattle coming into the heard unless you are certain they have been treated. If not, or you are unsure, then isolate them until treatment or preventive measures have been given. Consultation with a veterinarian can ensure any special situational needs are met, and your cattle are recieving the proper treatment.
III. FARM NEWS:
Our daughter is breaking in our new grandson the right way!
We are looking forward to giving him his first opportunity to
show his very own Polled Hereford.
Joshua Harvey will be deploying overseas soon, he will be in our prayers.
Thank you! - Tatum Smith for your recent purchase of "702"
Thank you! - Gerald Murphy (repeat buyer) for your cattle purchase
** Two young bulls availble in fall of 2012
** There are two older cows for sale, one is a pair.
IV. CURRENT/ UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 21st - East Texas State Fair Junior Show, Tyler, Tx
September 29th - East Texas Sate Fair Hereford Show, Tyler, Tx
October 10th - State Fair of Texas Hereford Show, Dallas, Tx
October 13th - State Fair of Texas Junior Hereford Show, Dallas, Tx
V. HEREFORD HIGHLIGHTS:
WPH RA Victor 711 100Y
(02/16/11)
Farms
Double
Farms
Double
Farms
doubleh@vzinet.com
Double
Newsletter
Performance on the Hoof!
Performance on the Hoof!
Performance on the Hoof!
Fall 2012
Thanks, and keep coming back!!
Table of Contents:
100Y was bred by Windhorst Polled Herefords in Nebraska. The Windhorst family has been breeding Herefords for many years, holding their own production sale for 35 of those years. They have remained focused on functional, highly productive stock, producing some very fine specimens. After speaking with Duane and Ryan about the bull, his cow family, and seeing a few pictures, we decided this bull met the outcross package we were looking for. 100Y has an outstanding set of EPD's to go with his good looks. We will see Victor's first calves in 2013.
When I saw this reflection I thought it would make a good picture.
Look for his calves in 2013
The Harvey's
Tom and Tina
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