The price and savings represented in this report does not include the following:
Savings from reduction of inputs on the East field.
Additional income from the higher grade of cotton (see loan rate above) Net weight of cotton after filtering of trash.
The results in other applications may differ from the results in this report.
What is “Average Leaf”?
“Avg Leaf” refers to particles of the cotton plant’s leaf which remain in the lint after ginning.
Why Does Average Loan Matter?
“Avg Loan” shows the dollar amount per pound of cotton on which a bank will loan. The higher the value, the better.
What is Average Mic?
“Avg Mic” (Micronaire) is a measure of the cotton’s fineness and resistance to air flow
What is “Average Staple”?
“Avg Staple” is the average length of the longer fibers in a boll.
What is “Average Strength”?
“Avg Strength” is the strength of the fibers. Wet fibers are usually stronger than dry fibers. Cotton is stronger than rayon.
What is “Average Uniformity”?
“Avg Color RD” refers to gradations of grayness and yellowness in the cotton. Rd indicates how bright/dull the cotton is. +b indicates yellow pigmentation.
What is “Average Trash”?
“Avg Trash” refers to foreign matter such as leaf fragments, bark, grass and dirt..
What is “Average Length”?
“Avg Length” is the actual length of the fibers and is directly related to strength, which is critical in processing fibers and yarns. Mostly, a long fiber length is preferable.
“Rumenation” & Cow Farts: Ruminants have a unique digestive system, compared to other animals. They have, as many people say, four stomachs. This is not totally accurate; a ruminant has a compartmentalized stomach consisting of four chambers. One of those is the rumen. The rumen is basically a big fermentation vat that contains lots of microorganisms. Have you ever had something mold and ferment in an enclosed container? When you pop the lid, gas is released, right? This leads us back to the rumen, and the processes that occur resulting in methane gas production and expulsion, commonly known as “cow farts.”
Cows chew their cud. You’ve watched a cow laying in the grass peacefully resting, yet she is always chewing, like she has a wad of bubblegum in her mouth. She’s chewing her cud, but why? Grasses and other roughages contain lignans and cellulose which are hard to digest. When a cow eats grass and swallows it, the juices flow into her digestive system and the solids – cud – are regurgitated from the reticulorumen to be chewed for a second time, also known as rumination. Rumination stems from the presence of roughage in the upper reticulorumen. Once she has the cud thoroughly broken down, she’s able to swallow and it goes to the lower rumen for digestion.
Let’s talk about the rumen and the “rumenation” process, not to be confused with rumination. “Rumenation” is our own concocted word, which involves the rumen and the actual fermentation process. The rumen is full of bacteria, fungi and protozoa – methanogens – that anaerobically break down the extracts and cud substrates. These microorganisms provide volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins and during this process, they “gas-off” releasing methane gasses, or cow farts.
Extremists have suggested that we rid this earth of cows, to reduce methane emissions. A couple of methods to reduce emissions are antibiotic injections and feeding nitrates. Feeding nitrates is risky on two fronts. First, overfeeding can result in a toxicity which leads to death. Second, too many nitrates kill off the beneficial microorganisms in the digestive system. A third method, which has shown some potential, is the introduction of a particular species of the Paenbacillus bacteria into the rumen’s microbial population. Trials are still being conducted to determine the efficacy of this treatment.
Until a safe and reasonable solution is found to get rid of the cow farts, let’s all enjoy our naturally-grown ribeyes and tenderloins. We have bigger issues to deal with in this world.
This 90-day trial on fresh-weaned calves was performed primarily, to determine the effects of adding Balancer2 to the water supply on average daily gains, derived from feed conversion efficiency. Also observed, but not measured, were overall health of each group and water consumption rates.
The cattle used in this trial are not your average everyday sale barn cattle. The calves used were derivatives of the same ranch, in the same pastures, in the same environmental conditions. The entire herd was brought down from the mountain top and calves were pulled from cows. The calves were hand-sorted, with an even mix of steers and heifers in each group. There were 74 head in the treated group, 75 head in the control group.
Each individual calf was processed with appropriate herd health protocol, then weighed and documented and grouped into two separate pens – treated (Pen 33) and control (Pen 32). The treated cattle had 1 gallon of Balancer2 per 100 gallons of water in their reservoir every time the water was filled, whereas the control group had none. Trial start date was September 16, 2020.
On November 12, 2020, the calves were all run across the scale, individually, and weights were documented. This was 56 days post start. One calf within each group died in late October which is noted on the data. In order to maintain data integrity of each group, the start weights of the two deceased calves were excluded from the final report, bringing the total number of head in each group to 73 (treated) and 74 (control). The final weights were recorded on December 12, 2020, 30 days post mid-weight, using the same method as previously mentioned, ending the 90-day trial on fresh-weaned calves. For ease of explanation of the data, we will be discussing averages for each group (treated and control) collectively.
That extra 15 to 30 lbs can be the difference between making it or breaking it…
“Had these been cattle purchased through a sale barn, we would’ve expected the gain differences to be significantly greater. But you know, these were really, really nice healthy calves to start with. If you’re rolling stocker calves every 3 months, that extra 15 to 30 lbs can be the difference between making it or breaking it. I was satisfied with what we were able to learn from this trial and look forward to more in the future.”
Feed was weighed each day so that each group had the same quantity per head. The “Treated” group gained on average, 2.80 lbs/hd/day versus the “Control” group’s 2.69 lbs/hd/day during the first 56 days. The gain difference is +0.11 lbs/hd/day for the treated group. During the last 30 days, the treated group gained an average of 2.72 lbs/hd/day compared to the control group’s 2.57 lbs/hd/day. Again, there is a positive difference of +0.15 lbs/hd/day in the treated group.
The project manager did state that the treated cattle seemed to eat better with less bawling, and definitely consumed more water. The water volumes were not presented for this report, but he stated they had to fill the troughs more often for the treated cattle. This is important for a producer because as we know, when a calf gets sick, he goes off feed and water causing malnourishment and dehydration. When a calf is not getting the nutrients he needs to heal, he usually dies.
Because these cattle were native to that ranch and were from a well-managed commercial herd, the sickness was less than one would typically find in cattle bought at a sale barn. The primary stress in this group was from weaning. The results were in-line what we expected to find, because of the exceptional herd management protocol. With the feed rationed to the same quantity per animal per day, we can emphatically note that the feed conversion rate was increased within the treated calves, that was presumably a direct result of stress reduction.
Applying Wind River Microbes To Your Soils Provides Crop “Ensurance”
A paid policy that kicks in when a natural disaster occurs in the ag industry is crop insurance. It’s something a farmer must ultimately carry. We never know when mother nature will afford us a severe drought, or the neighbor burning trash on a windy day leads to a wildfire that takes out our crop. But what I’d like to discuss here is crop “ensurance,” which is my own made-up word.
To “ensure” is to make certain. To “insure” is to protect against risk. Both require some type of payment. Have you ever thought of the amount of money you pay in to an insurance company to protect your crop investment? How many times have you actually benefitted from the thousands and thousands of dollars you’ve paid in? Many farmers will admit from zero to two times they’ve benefitted from their insurance payments, yet they still didn’t reap 100 percent of the dollar value they’d paid.
Wind River Microbes are ensurance. They will cost you money to purchase and put down. The difference is, unlike insurance, you will reap 100 percent of your microbe investment, through your soil health and crop development. Call me crazy, but here’s why I make this claim. The ultimate goal of applying microbes to the soil is to balance the ecosystem.
Soil ecosystems are comprised of millions of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, protozoa, archaea, algae, nematodes, etc. Different microorganisms, or microbes, live and function best within certain layers of the soil. Some are responsible for decomposing dead plant and animal material into useable carbon, while others cycle and source nitrogen, or phosphorous. The microbes form colonies or communities. Collectively, these microbial communities working in harmony form the soil microbiome.
When the ecosystem is imbalanced, diseases like root rot and rust take over which lead to crop deterioration or destruction. Another type of imbalance may lead to a nitrogen deficiency or iron chlorosis. On the other hand, when the ecosystem is balanced, you’ll experience little to no deficiencies or soil-borne pathogens.
A plant needs microbes and microbes need plants. It’s known as symbiosis, or symbiotic relationship. Through the rhizophagy cycle (a fancy process of microbes delivering nutrients to plants), a plant will send out a chemical signal to the microbes saying “I’m hungry, I need nitrogen.” A bacteria, such as Azospirillum, that is living near the meristem of the root tip will go source the nitrogen and deliver it into the plant through the root tip. After the nitrogen has been released into the plant, the Azospirillum bacteria will exit the plant to go source more nitrogen. But upon it’s exit from the root, the plant “tips” the bacteria with sugars and carbohydrates, just like you would tip a restaurant waitress for her service.
Applying Wind River Microbes to your soils provides ensurance. You are making certain that you’ve given your soils the tools necessary for a well-balanced ecosystem. Soil-balance, in turn, provides ample nutrient cycling with less inputs. Nutrient cycling increases growth efficiency and root development. Larger root systems and healthier plants lead to greater harvests and yields. Larger yields mean more money in your pocket. Crop “Ensurance”…it’s that simple!
Unveiling The Microbial Marvels of Animal Gut Health
Animal Gut Health & Microbes: Microbes play a pivotal role in shaping the gastrointestinal ecosystem of animals, profoundly influencing feed efficiency, conversion, and overall gut health. Within the complex microbial community residing in the gastrointestinal tract, beneficial microorganisms contribute significantly to nutrient utilization and digestion. One key aspect is the fermentation of complex carbohydrates by microbes such as bacteria and protozoa, yielding short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as by-products. SCFA serve as an important energy source for the host animal and enhance the absorption of nutrients.
This microbial-driven fermentation process enhances feed efficiency by extracting additional energy from dietary components that would otherwise be indigestible. Microbes aid in the synthesis of essential vitamins, such as B vitamins, that are crucial for various metabolic processes. These synthesized vitamins contribute to the overall health and performance of the animal, supporting optimal growth and development. The microbial community plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and stable gut environment. Beneficial microbes help prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria by competing for resources and producing antimicrobial compounds.
They contribute to the integrity of the intestinal barrier, preventing the entry of harmful pathogens into the bloodstream. Certain probiotic strains can improve the gut microbiome and feed conversion rates by promoting beneficial microbial species. Bacteria in the animal but, particularly in ruminants, neutralize acidosis by fermenting fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids and bicarbonate ions. This microbial fermentation stabilizes pH, promotes saliva production (which contains bicarbonate), and regulates rumen pH, preventing excessive acid accumulation. The gut-brain axis represents another fascinating dimension of the microbiome’s influence. Microbial metabolites and signaling molecules produced in the gut can influence brain function and behavior, potentially impacting stress responses and, consequently, animal welfare.
The intricate interplay between animals and their gut microbes is fundamental to achieving optimal feed efficiency, conversion, and health. Understanding and balancing the dynamics of the gut microbiome offer promising avenues for advancing animal nutrition and production practices in a sustainable and efficient manner. At Wind River Microbes, we select only the purest, most stable probiotic strains to enhance animal gut health and optimize feed conversion. Wind River MicrobesBalancer2 formula is general-purpose probiotic solution for ALL classes of livestock and pets. Balancer2 combats E. coli, Salmonella, Streptococcus, enhances digestion, neutralizes acidosis, balances gut microflora, boosts feed efficiency, contains bacteria, fungi, and protozoa for rumen function.
Wind River MicrobesReboot Formula is an all-natural pathogen inhibitor and growth promoting for livestock specifically designed to combat Rhodococcus in susceptible animals. Reboot reduces colic, bloat, enhances hind-gut function, replenishes gut microbes, improves feed conversion, digestive aid, enzyme production for carbs, reduces Rhodococcus, inhibits E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus. Just like us, the health of our beloved animals starts from within. A healthy gut in animals mirror our own need for a balanced microbiome. By nurturing their digestive health, we’re not just ensuring their vitality and wellbeing, but also deepening the bond we share with them. Every measure we take to improve their gut health is a step towards a happier, healthier life – for them, and for us.
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Cation exchange capacity is a crucial process in soil chemistry that plays a fundamental role in nutrient availability for plants. It involves the interchange of positively charged ions (cations) between soil particles and plant roots. In soils, clay minerals and organic matter have negatively charged exchanging sites, which attract and hold onto positively charged cations. As plat roots release hydrogen ions (H+) into the soil, these ions displace cations on soil colloids, releasing essential nutrients like calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+) and others into the soil solution.
The soil’s cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a crucial parameter that reflects its ability to hold and exchange cations. Soils with high CEC have more exchange sites and can retain a greater quantity of nutrients, making them more fertile. Microbes, particularly soil bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in cation exchange processes. Soil microbes contribute to the decomposition of organic matter, releasing organic acids that contribute to the proton (H+) release, facilitating the displacement of cations on soil particles.
This microbial activity enhances nutrient cycling and availability in the rhizosphere, the soil region influenced by plant roots. The question to ask yourself is, “How to improve CEC in soil?” CEC is influenced by the type and amount of clay minerals, organic matter content and soil pH. Coarse-textured, sandy soils have relatively low CEC because they have low clay content and typically low organic matter content. Adding clay or clay-rich materials to sandy soil can improve its CEC because clay soils generally have higher CEC than sandy soils.
Soil pH is essential for CEC because as pH increases and soil becomes less acid, the number of negative charges on the colloids increase, hence increasing CEC. There are various other ways to enhance soil CEC, including the incorporation of vermiculite and crop rotation, alongside implementing cover cropping, limiting chemical fertilizers, mulching, preventing soil compaction, and promoting biological activity.
Cation exchange is crucial for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health. It determines the nutrient-holding capacity of soils, affecting plant growth and productivity. Understanding the dynamics of cation exchange helps in making informed decisions about soil management, nutrient fertilization, and maintaining the overall fertility of agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Kitten appears to be in good health. Eating, drinking well, active, etc. Stool is formed but soft and *incredibly* pungent. Has received regular deworming. Will give kitten time to adjust to change in food/environment and dispense probiotic to see if stool smell will decrease
1/27/22: Stool remains the same for the most part. Formed but soft and occasionally mucousy. While the smell may not be *quite* as bad, it is still abnormally pungent. At this point we usually turn to an antibiotic (Clavamox) as this kind of smell is most commonly due to a bacterial overgrowth in the gut that the kittens aren’t quite able to overcome themselves. However, will dispense microbes instead, starting today.
Kitten is 4lbs. Will give at lower recommended dose of 15mL/100lb which calculates to 0.6mL once a day for this kitten.
1/31/22: Stool now has very little smell at all, even for stool!
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1/18/22: Kitten also presents with small hairless area on front right paw. Suspicious for ringworm but at this time area is only hairless, with healthy skin visible. Will monitor.
1/20/22: Hairless area on paw has now progressed to a crusty appearance consistent with ringworm. Normal skin is no longer visible. Will start regular oral ringworm medication (Itrafungol)
1/27/22: ringworm lesion has progressed as they usually do. Hairless area has progressed from a crusty appearance to slightly less crusty but no normal skin or new hair growth visible at this time.
Will start topical application of microbe solution to lesion to see if it will expedite healing process. Approximately 0.1mL spread on entire lesion once daily.
1/29/22: Almost all flakey portions are gone and there is a substantial amount of hair growth compared to two days ago
1/31/22: full coverage of hair growth over area
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Balancer2 Animal Rescue Trial – Personal Notes From Animal Rescue Agency Volunteer:
This product seems to have definitely been the only reason for Dazzle’s improved stool. Usually this particular smell does not clear on its own. It either persists or progresses to diarrhea. Dazzle was also frequently quite gassy. I haven’t noticed any at all from her in at least 2 days.
As far as the healing for her ringworm spot, I believe it has healed and hair grown has been much quicker than previous kittens. I’ve included pictures from the 27th, 29th and 31st.
I plan to continue giving her oral dose for the rest of the 7 day duration. If there is any change once treatment has been completed, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, assume she’s still doing great!
F.Lower’s BioSoil Case Study: F.Lower’s, a prominent wholesale and retail greenhouse in Southwestern Missouri, recently conducted a month-long trial to evaluate the efficacy of BioSoil as a potential ongoing treatment for their greenhouse plants. The team measured the width and height of plants before and after the treatment. One group of plants was treated with BioSoil, while a control group remained untreated for comparison.
The plants were treated twice per week for 39 days. They used 4 oz of BioSoil per gallon of rainwater. Treatment began 1 week before the first measurements were taken.
The measured results of the F.Lower’s BioSoil Case Study revealed a slight increase in vertical growth for the treated plants. However, the most significant measured impact was observed in horizontal growth, which was three times greater in the treated group compared to the control group. In addition, the photos below show a visible difference in root growth for treated plants. This substantial improvement in plant girth and root matter highlights the potential of BioSoil to enhance plant development significantly.
The F.Lower’s BioSoil Case Study also noted that one plant suffered one day during the heat. It bounced back MUCH faster. Another variety also seemed to suffer less from heat and bounce back faster after minor wilt.
After the F.Lower’s BioSoil Case Study, Caleb contacted us to order enough probiotics to treat the entire greenhouse. He said, “Growth was impressive, as well as just overall plant health. We saw huge root improvement and foliar health and growth improvements in our tropicals, and we’re going to give it a shot across the board. I’m impressed.”
Thanks to Caleb Whaley at F.Lowers Nursery for sharing his results with us!
This growth was measured after 4 weeks of treatment.
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