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...
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...
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...
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...
Agricultural Awareness for Children is Important by Mario Villarino
October 13, 2023 – Agricultural awareness for children is important for several reasons: Understanding Food Sources: It helps children understand where their food comes from, fostering an appreciation for the effort that goes into producing it. Environmental Awareness: It can teach kids about the environmental impact of agriculture and the importance of sustainable farming practices. Healthy Eating: Agricultural awareness can...
October Gardening Tasks to Consider by Mario Villarino
September 26, 2023 – In Texas, October is a great time for gardening as the weather starts to cool down. Here are some gardening tasks to consider: Plant Fall Vegetables: You can plant cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and carrots. They thrive in the milder temperatures. Prune and Trim: Trim back overgrown shrubs and perennials to prepare them for winter. Remove dead or diseased branches. Mulch: Apply mulch...
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...
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...
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...
Texas 4-H is Like a Club for Kids and Teens, and it’s BIG! by Mario Villarino
Texas 4-H is like a club for kids and teens ages 5-18, and it’s BIG! It’s the largest youth development program in Texas with more than 550,000 youth each year. No matter where you live or what you like to do, Texas 4-H has something that lets you be a better you! You may think 4-H is only for your friends with animals, but it’s so much more! You can do activities like shooting sports, food science, healthy living, robotics, fashion,...
