Over 40 breeds of sheep can be found in the U.S. today. Each one has their own characteristic strengths and weaknesses meaning there is likely a breed (or breeds) best suited for your particular production system and goals. Listed below are several of the country’s most popular sheep breeds categorized into six breed types – …
A simple mention of the word “copper” is likely to strike fear among most sheep raisers. It is true that sheep have a unique process of metabolizing copper which puts them at higher risk for copper toxicity compared to other species. However, the role of copper in sheep diets is too complex to let this …
When you ask Colt Pittman, 13 of Canadian, TX what he loves most about raising a show animal, he says “Always having a friend, and the friends I make along the way. I love going to shows and hanging out with my friends from all over the country. We all like to chip in and …
Colt Pittman – Winning with Friends in the Show Ring Read More »
Lauren Rogers, 17 of Terrell, Texas, knew from a young age agriculture was her future. “My brother was involved in FFA before I was old enough to participate.” She says, “I would go to the barn with him every chance I could and loved every minute of it!” Lauren finally started showing on her own …
“I’ve basically been showing since I was born!” Ashton Floyd, 18 from Denver City, jokes. She is chatting with us on the phone from, where else, the show barn. “My dad raised cattle, and I was always in the barn ever since I was little.” She started showing her own animals with pigs, then moved …
Ashton Floyd: From Toddler to Record Breaker – A Life in the Show Barn Read More »
Dwayne Wieler, 17 of Loop, TX, is fairly new to showing livestock after two years, but his instinct with the animals gives him an edge. “I’ve shown steers both years, and they seem to react very differently one year to the next.” He says, “I’ve learned to adapt to each steer so that I can …
Dwayne Wieler – Connecting with Animals and Winning Big Read More »
Cold Snap on its way? Prepare your backyard flock with these simple, safe, and practical tips! Although most breeds of chickens are hardy creatures that can tolerate the cold, if not kept warm enough you will see a decrease in egg production and risk of increased sickness. If mother winter or a cold front is …
A few key factors should be considered when choosing appropriate breeds for your backyard flock such as egg production capability, space required, hardiness etc. We’ve outlined a few key terms that will be featured in our Meet The Breeds spotlight below: Spatial demands: How much room is required to successfully house? Friendliness: Are they known …
Beyond the obvious of producing eggs, are there benefits to raising a backyard flock of layers? With a little research and conversation, we have compiled a list of benefits to incorporating a laying flock in your backyard this spring. Sense of Pride Raising layers that could produce up to 300 eggs per year not only …
What Are the Benefits of Raising a Backyard Flock? Read More »
Deer are a valuable natural resource, but when overpopulated, can cause extensive damage to their environment and ultimately the herd itself. It is estimated there are 35 million deer in the U.S. with over 15% of the population residing in Texas alone1. Within the state, the Edward’s Plateau region, a.k.a. the Texas Hill Country, has …
