Most cattlemen could give you a list of reasons why they're in the business... but always included is to make a profit.   To do so, bulls, cows, calves and pastures must be managed well and kept in great condition.

    It is also important to maximize the genetic potential of your herd.  One way to do this is to ensure that each of your cows is bred. In recent years more and more research has been done in the area of sustained nutrition.  Cattle that remain in good condition year round experience higher conception rates, breed back sooner, wean heavier calves and experience fewer health problems.   
 
     Our Purina Accuration Range Liquid along with your forage will do a great  job of keeping your herd in good condition.  Accuration Range Liquid is a 32% protein, 10% fat premium liquid product.  Compared to other products, Accuration Range Liquid has a lower moisture content (so you pay for nutrients, not water), better suspension system to keep ingredients from settling out and a higher TDN(Total Digestible Nutrient) value.  

    So how does it work?  You call us to have us deliver a feeder or refill an existing feeder.  Your cows greet the guy who brings the feed, and start licking the thick, molasses-based feed supplement off the wheels of the feeder.  Daily intake will vary according to the quality and quantity of forage in your pasture as well as the cow's current nutrient demand (open or bred, lactaction stage).    Instead of "treating" your cows to cubes every day or two, you're providing them with consistent, high quality nutrition at all times.  You're also saving yourself the drive to town to pick up feed every few days... although you're always welcome to come just visit with us instead!

The primary advantages of this system are:
    (1) cows get the nutrition needed even as forage quality fluctuates through the winter, 
    (2) ALL cows can access it, not just the bossy ones who normally hog the cubes, 
    (3) lower costs of putting out feed compared to hand-feeding cubes.  
     An important key to remember is that cattle on liquid feed still need roughage in their diet.  You cannot feed them this supplement on a dry lot or pasture with no grass, unless you also add hay.  However, in our area this is typically not a problem.
 
     Fall is the prime time to refill or introduce this product to your cows.  Don't wait until they are already losing condition:  it's harder and more expensive to put weight back on than it is to maintain good weight.  Loss of cow body condition means smaller calf crop, weaker and lighter weight calves, and a bottom line of less money at the sale.  This is a product intended to save you money and time while keeping your herd in great shape.  Call or come by to discuss any concerns you may have and get started today!

For more information, visit Purina's Cattle Nutrition page.

An old proverb says: "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.  The second best time is now."

And by "now", we mean fall!   Especially here in Texas, where we have relatively mild winters, the fall is the optimal time to plant trees, shrubs, hardy perennials, and even sod. 


1.  Trees and shrubs planted in the fall experience less drought stress.  This means they are less likely to die in the first few months.  Those planted in the spring are immediately challenged with surviving the Texas summer... and we all know how hard that can be!

2. Fall planting leads to better root systems.  Since you're putting the plants in the ground at the time of year when they go dormant, the majority of the plant's energy goes to root growth.  Better roots mean healthier and longer-living plants that can endure extreme weather better. 

3.  Things planted small in the fall are big in the spring!  Smaller fall plants can catch up to bigger spring plants.... which means if you're on a budget, you can buy smaller sizes of shrubs and trees if you're planting in the fall with same results. 

Please note that this does not apply to tropicals or tender perennials. 

    The key to a healthy lawn year round is proper care in the fall.  Special attention around September through October will give resilience through the winter and faster, healthier green-up in the spring.   To give your lawn a boost this fall, follow these simple tips:


1.  Fertilize.    We recommend using a fertilizer with low phosphous (middle number) and a ratio similar to 3-1-2.  EasyGro Premium Winterizer is our most popular, but Medina Organic Fertilizer also does a great job and there are a number of other options that do well.  Stay away from products like 13-13-13 and 12-24-12 in the fall unless a soil test specifically recommends to do so. 

2. Apply Pre-emergent Herbicide.   Tired of weed problems every year, especially sticker burrs?  Your best defense is to prevent the weeds from germinating in the first place.  Products such as Amaze, XL2G, and Dimension are best applied in October in our area.  For maximum spring weed prevention apply pre-emergents again in February.

3.  Don't forget to water!    A common misconception is that lawns don't need to be watered in the wintertime.  While lawns require slightly less water in winter than in the heat of the summer, a dry winter is just as stressful.  Moderate soil moisture protects against cold damage and helps the grass return sooner in the spring.

4.  Watch for Brown Patch and Take All Patch/Root Rot.    These common fall lawn diseases can take a toll and leave your yard looking bare.  Early detection and treatment with fungicides can be very effective, so come see us for a treatment recommendation as soon as you notice signs of disease.

5.  Mulch lawn clippings & leaves.    Mulch/chop leaves and clippings then lightly spread them across your lawn for added organic matter and to improve soil moisture retention.

6.  Aerate.   If possible, use an aerator to help loosen soil and counteract compaction. 

7.  Be careful not to scalp.       Set your mower deck height to about 2.5" for St. Augustine or 1.5" for Bermuda.  Cutting grass too close leaves it more susceptible to drying out, insects, and disease.

Because of cooler temperatures, fall is also the best time to lay new St. Augustine sod.  Bermuda grass seeding can be done up until September.