Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs
Too Much Emphasis on Winning and Losing at Jr. Fair Livestock Shows by Mario Villarino
Feb08

Too Much Emphasis on Winning and Losing at Jr. Fair Livestock Shows by Mario Villarino

February 8, 2024 – According to Nebraska Extension “It seems far too often we place too much emphasis on winning and losing at Jr. Fair livestock shows. Unfortunately, many times adults consider 4-H and FFA livestock projects a failure if their son or daughter does not win. If our only goal at a livestock show is to win, maybe we need to make some adjustments in our goals and in understanding the benefits our youth are gaining...

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Soil Tests Can be Used to Help by Mario Villarino
Feb01

Soil Tests Can be Used to Help by Mario Villarino

Soil tests can be used to estimate the kinds and amounts of soil nutrients available to plants. They also can be used as aids in determining fertilizer needs. Properly conducted soil sampling and testing can be cost-effective indicators of the types and amounts of fertilizer and lime needed to improve crop yield. The effects of adding a fertilizer often depend on the level of nutrients already present in the soil If a soil is very low...

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Winter Cattle Feeding Can Be Challenging by Mario Villarino
Dec05

Winter Cattle Feeding Can Be Challenging by Mario Villarino

December 5, 2023 – Winter cattle feeding can be challenging when forage supply is short. It is also common that during the winter feeding process that cattle has the tendency to look for green forages to consume causing challenges to fences to keep them confined. When cattle breaks loose, the nature of the consumed forage becomes unknown. It is during these circumstances when intoxication can become a problem, either by the...

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After a Hot Summer the Entire Cow-calf Herd May be Stressed by Mario Villarino
Nov27

After a Hot Summer the Entire Cow-calf Herd May be Stressed by Mario Villarino

November 27, 2023 – As a cow-calf herd goes into the fall season after a hot, dry summer, the entire herd may be stressed. Excessive heat, short grass and low water tanks stress cattle and make them more susceptible to diseases. Unsanitary conditions and abrupt diet changes also can lead to illness, as can other circumstances of stress. At the end of the summer, the cows are likely pulled down to a thin body condition from...

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Injuries to Trees May Allow Insects to Enter the Tree by Mario Villarino
Nov20

Injuries to Trees May Allow Insects to Enter the Tree by Mario Villarino

November 20, 2023 – Injuries to trees that expose the wood or kill the bark may allow insects or disease organisms to enter the tree. Proper treatment protects the tree and promotes faster healing. Few trees reach maturity without receiving one or more wounds from a variety of sources. Yet trees have survived for centuries to become the oldest living creatures on earth despite wounding. Some recent work has involved dissecting...

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Algae Overgrowth a Common Issue Plaguing Pond Owners by Mario Villarino
Nov16

Algae Overgrowth a Common Issue Plaguing Pond Owners by Mario Villarino

November 16, 2023 – When looking at the old fishing hole or stock tank, if there’s a thick mat of bubbly yellow-green substance floating on the surface of the pond, or the pond appears to be colored bright green, blue-green, or sometimes even red, then there may be an algae problem. Algae overgrowth is one of the most common issues plaguing pond owners. The first step to effective algae management is to understand what type of...

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Good Ways to Manage Mosquitoes Around Your Home by Mario Villarino
Nov09

Good Ways to Manage Mosquitoes Around Your Home by Mario Villarino

November 9, 2023 – Concerns about mosquito-borne disease this fall are prompting many of us to learn what to do to reduce the chances of mosquito bites in our own backyards and gardens. Fortunately, there are good ways to manage mosquitoes around your home at reasonable cost. DESTROY OR TREAT MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES The first step in any mosquito control effort is to find and eliminate the mosquito breeding sites from your...

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4-H Livestock Showing Projects are Educational by Mario Villarino
Sep19

4-H Livestock Showing Projects are Educational by Mario Villarino

September 18, 2023 – 4-H livestock showing projects are educational programs offered by the 4-H organization. These projects involve raising and showing livestock animals like cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry. Here’s an overview of what’s involved: Animal Selection: Participants choose an animal to raise and show. They might consider factors like breed, health, and market potential. Animal Care: They learn to...

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Ideal Time for Planting Cool Season Forages by Mario Villarino
Sep09

Ideal Time for Planting Cool Season Forages by Mario Villarino

September 9, 2023 – Late September-early October is the ideal time for planting cool season annual forages such as annual ryegrass, small grains (rye, wheat or oats) and/or cool season annual legumes. Anytime we are incorporating new forages into our production systems it is important to make sure to match the forage species to your location (soil type, average annual rainfall, intended use, etc). Three methods for establishing...

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Advice For Cattle During Drought by Mario Villarino
Aug31

Advice For Cattle During Drought by Mario Villarino

Certainly, drought conditions in Texas can significantly impact the cattle industry. During droughts, the availability of water and forage for cattle can become limited, leading to challenges in maintaining the health and productivity of the animals. Ranchers may need to implement strategies such as supplemental feeding, reducing herd size, or relocating cattle to areas with better grazing conditions to mitigate the effects of...

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