Recent rains and improved pastures could help South Texas ranchers rebuild their cattle herds sold off during the drought.
Proof of renewed activity could come when ranchers start submitting their livestock in the annual Bull Gain Test, a part of the Rio Grande Valley Beef Development Program, according to The Monitor.
The program began 16 years ago and is designed to feed livestock for 112 days at a feedlot while documenting cattle weight gain, important characteristics and performance data. The livestock are evaluated at entry, midway through the program and at the end.
The first date to submit bulls and heifers in breeding programs is Oct. 23. The first date to accept “pen of steers,” or livestock destined for the beef market, is Nov. 14. The program is open to all cattle producers.
For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Hidalgo County at 956-383-1026 or click here.