Fly Control

Southern Plains Bison: May 2015

by

  We have been getting so much water where I am, that I have actually observed fish in my pasture! They are Gambusia, and because they are involuntarily migrating to small run-off catches and working their little butts off eating mosquito larvae by intent and design of my system is good, but I am still observing; freaking-fish-in-my-pasture!! I have also observed snails on my grass, and yes, tons and tons of green feed. In nature, every paradigm contains paradox, and when balance is disrupted by an excess of anything, there is payment due. In the case of too much rain, … Read more

Botanical Solutions for Internal Parasites

by

While internal parasites are a fact of life in ranching, there are alternative holistic solutions available to assist in their suppression. A high priority should be rotational paddock shift grazing and the encouragement of dung beetle populations. A healthy mixed sward pasture including medicinal forbs is also very important. Access to tannin rich browseable trees such as oak, mesquite, hickory, locust, elm, etc have a strong negative effect on the worms. Specific plants proven to possess vermicidal/anthelmintic properties are Wormwood (Artemesia), Wormseed or Epazote, Garlic, Senna, Pumpkin seed, Prickly Ash, Monarda, Black Walnut, Tobacco, Neem and Pomegranate root, among others. … Read more

Southern Plains Pointers: Aug 2013

by

Southern Plains Pointers The dog-days of summer are upon us in the southern plains and hopefully we have all our preparations for a strong breeding season in order and working. If you’re catching up, then exhaust solutions to herd management that do not_ require high levels of stress, handling or hauling. If this is not possible, then plan activities at night, dusk or dawn. In July and August, if I have to haul bison, I prefer to do it at night. This decision transcends humane to shrewd-business whereas heat-stress will_ directly effect my bottom line. Keep an eye on your … Read more

The Buzz about Natural Fly Control

by

Natural Fly Control June 2013 I’m sure you enjoy annoying flies and nuisance neighbors as much as I do.  House flies, stable flies, face flies and biting flies are synanthropic pests of the muscidae family that can build up into a population explosion almost overnight due to a 5 day life cycle in the warmer months.  From an ecological point of view, they are a ‘gift from heaven’ to the entire food chain as many species consider them a delicacy.  When you are the bottom of the food chain your survival strategy is to reproduce rapidly.  As is often the case, we humans … Read more