N RANCHING
atural Resources
are planning a prescribed burn to consider burning now. Burn a pasture as a defense if there is a threat of wildfi re — on your terms and under desired weather conditions. Talk to a local NRCS offi ce, Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension or a local prescribed burn association about implementing a defensive prescribed burn. An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. If we do have another wet fall and winter, our spring
weeds will make themselves at home again and com- pete with our desirable forages for moisture. Rains are predicted to stop falling by next summer. I encourage you to consider budgeting for spring weed control, as this can make a huge difference in recovery and for- age production later. Finally, I predict a good hunting season. All of our
wildlife has had plenty of groceries all spring and sum- mer. If you would like assistance or more information in the Southern Rolling Plains, contact your local NRCS offi ce or Matt Coffman at 325-573-6317 x3.
Trans-Pecos Scott Bryan, rangeland management specialist, USDA-
NRCS Throughout this summer, the Trans-Pecos has re-
ceived a slightly higher than normal precipitation pat- tern. The monsoonal rains and thunderstorms came early, unfortunately followed by dry weather and coupled with high temperatures. With an increase in forage production, the risk of wildfi re was a concern due to high fuel loads. The eastern half of the Trans Pecos received thunder-
storms until the latter part of July. There was a marked increase in forage growth, particularly in areas with continuous follow-up rain showers through the end of July. Once the rains stopped in late July, it became hot and grasses turned dormant again. The western half of the Trans-Pecos had a steady
monsoon season, including the anticipated seasonal gaps free from showers. There was green up in the beginning of the summer, which is uncharacteristic for this area. The majority of the area has since dried and moved into dormancy. The Trans-Pecos area received much needed early
rain and we hope it will come back through this fall, winter and spring to help the land recover from drought conditions. If you would like assistance in the Trans-Pecos
region, call your local NRCS offi ce or Scott Bryan at 432-336-5206.
62 The Cattleman December 2015
Prescribed burning and prescribed grazing can help producers manage fuel loads and reduce the risk of wildfi re.
Concho Valley Grant Teplicek, rangeland management specialist,
USDA-NRCS The Concho Valley Region received higher than nor-
mal rainfall in May and early June, but drought condi- tions returned for the remainder of the summer. Early summer rains promoted increased forage production from grasses and forbs. Pastures have since suffered the effects of drier conditions and turned to dormancy. Above average forage production, due to well-timed
spring and early summer rains, has increased fuel loads. Multiple devastating wildfi res caused by lightning strikes were reported in Concho, Kimble, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton, and Tom Green counties. Wildfi res will remain a risk until cooler, wetter conditions occur. Prescribed burning and prescribed grazing can help
producers manage fuel loads and reduce the risk of wildfi re. Producers who intend on prescribed burns in winter or spring should begin working on burn plans and fi reguards within the next few months. Grazing plans need to be developed in advance
based on forage availability. Producers should rotate the herd based on heights of key grazing species. A key component of winter grazing plans is estimating the standing forage and anticipating the potential need for supplemental feed. Any recent rainfall received in the area has been
scattered and in small amounts. If conditions do not improve, there is an increased risk of failure for plant- ing the small grains used for winter grazing. Within the next month, wildlife food plots need to be prepared for planting. Producers are hoping weather forecasters are correct
in predicting a wet fall and winter due to El Niño. If you would like assistance or more information in the Concho Valley, contact your local NRCS offi ce or Grant Teplicek at 325-655-3521.
Edwards Region Kason Haby, rangeland management specialist, USDA-
NRCS In the Edwards Region, the abundance of forage
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