Texas Spring/Summer Thread

[Jisgren]

4 corned beef briskets ready for smoker. Have salmon and 8 Cornish Game Hens waiting In the wings


Jerky drying in the dehydrator

 

[Western]

Sounds like your almost equipped to start a farm:thumbsup: You will enjoy it for years. I have had Kioti, JD,IH (Case) and MF. If I get another, I will look into Mahindra, or another Kioti. From what I have read and heard, they outclass most the others in weight and Hydraulic systems. I probably will lean towards Mahindra this time, mostly because Brandi hasn't came on here Biatching about hers and it has rave reviews world over now (has become the #1 worldwide)

It depends on JD model, where they where built, (from what the JD dealer told me last). Mine ran great for 12 years until I sold it.

 

[Western]

Jim, notice anything 750' of hose:thumbsup::laughing:

 

[bindian]

Sounds like your almost equipped to start a farm:thumbsup: You will enjoy it for years. I have had Kioti, JD,IH (Case) and MF. If I get another, I will look into Mahindra, or another Kioti. From what I have read and heard, they outclass most the others in weight and Hydraulic systems. I probably will lean towards Mahindra this time, mostly because Brandi hasn't came on here Biatching about hers and it has rave reviews world over now (has become the #1 worldwide)

It depends on JD model, where they where built, (from what the JD dealer told me last). Mine ran great for 12 years until I sold it.

Dennis,
MtnViewRanch (here on TBN) suggests to give LS Tractors a good looking over. I agree. My Big RED Beast is the benchmark Mahindra sits out to hit with every tractor. She's a sweetie even when I tried to bury her the other evening trying to disc a wet strip on the backside of my island pond's dam. Gotta figure somewhere else to plant the Chufa.

With Mahindras, look close at series siblings gpm hydraulic pump output. For $2000 more, I could have had 6 gpm more pump output, 10 more HP, and a turbo. Not to mentiong bigger tires all around. So I didn't research my choices well enough.
hugs, Brandi

 

[farmgirl19]

In the Springtime hustle, I manage to make a run towards the border, the OK border, that is. I didn't cross the border, because our very own BlueRiver and his wife were on the Texas side, picking up some hogs they had processed at a Texas facility. I had placed my order with them a few weeks ago, and so met them to collect my goodies! We visited for a few minutes, and let me tell you, they are both wonderful people!! And Mrs. BlueRiver is mighty pretty too!! I wish we had all had more time to sit a spell, but this time of year, there is just too much that needs to be done.

I have a package of the brats that I bought defrosting in the fridge. I plan to cook them today! Something tells me, I won't be happy with any store bought items, after this. It's a good thing that I have a freezer!

BlueRiver, It was certainly nice to meet you, your wife, and the new puppy that was traveling with you!

 

[blueriver]

In the Springtime hustle, I manage to make a run towards the border, the OK border, that is. I didn't cross the border, because our very own BlueRiver and his wife were on the Texas side, picking up some hogs they had processed at a Texas facility. I had placed my order with them a few weeks ago, and so met them to collect my goodies! We visited for a few minutes, and let me tell you, they are both wonderful people!! And Mrs. BlueRiver is mighty pretty too!! I wish we had all had more time to sit a spell, but this time of year, there is just too much that needs to be done. I have a package of the brats that I bought defrosting in the fridge. I plan to cook them today! Something tells me, I won't be happy with any store bought items, after this. It's a good thing that I have a freezer! BlueRiver, It was certainly nice to meet you, your wife, and the new puppy that was traveling with you!

Yes Farmgirl it sure was nice meeting you .. Turns out we not only have TBN in common but a lot of other likes and interest !!! I'm betting we could talk the day away!!! Next time I'll get you to come a little further and spend the day .. For those that have not met her .. Well she's as true as her handle .. She's a Farmgirl !!!

 

[C4Ranch]

This one is supposed to be made in Georgia, but I am not sure what that means anymore as parts are made all over. I did not have much choice in tractor brands. My father has wanted to be a farmer his entire life, but lives in the Chicago suburbs. Ever since he was little he wanted a JD tractor. So I am living his dream for him.

Got a bunch of toys (I mean tools) to go with it. Grapple, flail mower, box blade, rake, stump grinder, harrow, forks and spear. Instead of paying someone to clear a small portion of timber one time, I am trying to get where I can do it myself and then maintain the rest.

I was surprised that the Kubota in this range was not significantly less expensive.

Welcome! Great package you got there! Will keep you busy for sure.

Looks like you're gearing up well. I would like to hear about about your plans, is your land mostly timber? Gonna put any in crop production?

J

 

[Jisgren]

Welcome! Great package you got there! Will keep you busy for sure.

Looks like you're gearing up well. I would like to hear about about your plans, is your land mostly timber? Gonna put any in crop production?

J

I'll start a build out thread in a bit. This all started with a goat...my daughter got started in FFA and the moved on to heifers. We now have three red brangus and three low lines. The goal is to keep the herds going even after she graduates. I have really fallen in love with raising cattle. I don't get to go as often since my daughter started to drive, but one of my favorite times is to be in the barn at about 5:00 am when no one else is there yet. We will continue to breed show cattle, but I would also like to do some low-scale beef production. I think we will end up with 10-20 head tops.

The property is all timber right now, but about a third of it is a bayou with massive cypress and oaks along the banks. We will clear enough for a house, barn and small pasture (4-5acres) and the. See where we go from there. Instead of clear cutting for more pasture, I am looking into silviculture where you thin the trees enough to grow grass, but still have timber. Supposedly this is good for the cattle as they like the shade, and good for the trees as they get the fertilizer. I need to get a forester and county agent in to help me evaluate options.

Immediate plans are to have a driveway/culvert put in, clear a small meadow to put up a pole barn for the equipment. This will eventually be a sawmill shed also. Then put up about 2000 ft of fence along the road (I have 10,000 ft of perimeter fence to put in, plus all of my cross fencing)

We are still debating what we want to do for housing; either build a 24x48 house myself on piers, or have a 36x60 barn built with a 2 bdrm bardominium upstairs.

 

[Jisgren]

Double post

 

[Western]

Hey J (C4ranch) havent seen you here in a spell. Hows the land coming along?

Light drizzle right now, hope for some heavier rains over the next day or so, sure could use some in my little tank.

I have been chasing turkeys for 8 years here, I have them on the place during winter, but I wont take one then, I like to call them in during Spring. I get them to the back fence, but they usually wont fly over, hard hunting on 15 acres:laughing: I guess I got spoiled when we had near 400. I "aint" shooting over a fence either:laughing: Anyway, have 2 hens nesting near my pond, so keeping water available is important.

 

[Jisgren]

I will cal the ag extension agent tomorrow, but I am going to be clearing some areas soon. I know I will have to get soil tests and add lime, but is there a grass seed that I can throw done in the meantime to prevent erosion?

 

[Western]

I will cal the ag extension agent tomorrow, but I am going to be clearing some areas soon. I know I will have to get soil tests and add lime, but is there a grass seed that I can throw done in the meantime to prevent erosion?

Ag gent is a best 1st step, as far as land management ideas. You may not need lime, many places in Texas don't need it.

Go here and you can find out how and where to send your soil sample, easy peasy and quick turnaround. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory


I agree with you on the trees too, getting over zealous could take a lifetime to replace. s far as quick grass, Rye would be hard to beat, but you need to do that soon before it heats up.

 

[Jisgren]

I agree with you on the trees too, getting over zealous could take a lifetime to replace. s far as quick grass, Rye would be hard to beat, but you need to do that soon before it heats up.

One of the attractions of this property is its multiuse- hunting, cattle, timber, and hiking

 

[C4Ranch]

Jisgren, sounds like a great plan!

Dennis, thanks for asking! It's been just about 1yr to the day from when I took possession. Here's reflecting over the past year:

- my dream of owning land since I was boy has met every expectation, I love it out there
- wish I could spend more time there but my full time job has been demanding (live 2 hrs away from it)
- often felt that owning land must be like having a kid in college.. Can bleed u dry, always needs something.
- about 3 mths after I got it we had a huge rain and filled the 3 tanks by 10'! Grew one from about a 1/2 acre to almost 2acres..
- already building memories. Teaching my boys how to trap, hunt and fish, youngest shot (and ate) his first rabbit and hog.
- found out we have a hog problem, shot/trapped 7 and haven't made a dent yet, freezers full and havin a blast doing it. Must have a coyote prob too as they've taken entire hog carcasses and picked bones clean in just a few days
- put in 2 food plots, still learning how to get good germination and soil composition
- still want to do livestock but have a lot of prep I want to do first, fences are in terrible shape pens in disrepair, etc. I'm in no rush and learning along the way.
- decided to put in Wildlife exemption for now while I get everything worked out which matches my primary use currently.
- drilled water well, hit 12gpm at 330' ($,$$$). Driller said that's really good for the area. Meeting with electric coop guy tomorrow to talk about getting power to it. Have to replenish funds beforegetting pump installed.
- will probably do some mesquite grubbing this year to prevent the fields from being taken over.
- really glad I found a place with a small A frame (2br w/loft). I think my wife has enjoyed it much more than she would have with a camper.
- really enjoyed the cold winter (oddly enough).. cabin only has a wood stove for heat, no TV, so it's been fun going back in time and having to stoke fire at 3am, spending time at night talking, watching the fire, playing board games with the family instead of sitting around watching tv.

Been a great year, looking forward to many more....

J

 

[C4Ranch]

One of the attractions of this property is its multiuse- hunting, cattle, timber, and hiking

This was exactly my criteria in my place too.. Several tanks, some acres in old fields, some wooded areas with a few oaks, decent elevation changes....

 

[bindian]

Ag gent is a best 1st step, as far as land management ideas. You may not need lime, many places in Texas don't need it.

Go here and you can find out how and where to send your soil sample, easy peasy and quick turnaround. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory


I agree with you on the trees too, getting over zealous could take a lifetime to replace. s far as quick grass, Rye would be hard to beat, but you need to do that soon before it heats up.

If you have pine trees, you don't need lime. It may be too warm, now, down here for rye grass seed.
hugs, Brandi

 

[Western]

C4, if you need help learning how to trap, I sure could get you going. Starting right in the beginning wont make a smart coyote population. Hogs are destructible and should be cleaned out as much as possible, they will run deer off. I have seen them chase deer from a feeder.

If you didn't have things to be done on the land, it wouldn't be so much fun IMO. I have worked on miles of fence, gates and working pens and it is almost therapeutic (if it "aint" HOT):laughing: If you can get the wildlife exemption and keep it, cattle would be a PITA, but they are fun (to me)

 

[lostcreekranch]

I was out mowing the yard (7+ acres) at the ranch today and noticed small green worms hanging on single web filaments from trees. They're anywhere from 3/8" to about 1" long and slightly larger in diameter than a pencil lead. They were not specific to any tree as they were on post oaks, pin oaks, live oaks, etc.

We have owned this ranch since 2006 and I have never seen these worms before.

Anyone have any ideas on what they are?

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Western]

Moths, I see them every year. Rick, you need to get out more:laughing:

 

[Western]

So far over 1" of needed rain:thumbsup: