Highlights from Deaf Smith Range Seminar and Tour

The 100 plus ranchers, farmers, business professionals and others interested in the ranching industry found that their time was well spent when they attended the Rangeland Seminar and Tour held in September at the Bridwell West Ranch in Deaf Smith County, Adrian, Texas.

The seminar, sponsored by the Tierra Blanca and Oldham County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, featured speakers who provided information on such topics as range management, brush control on mesquite, cholla and yucca, water distribution,
cross- fencing, stocking rates and more. Individuals attending the seminar were treated to a catered barbecue meal and a presentation on the history of ranching in this part of the Texas Panhandle.

Following lunch, the afternoon session was devoted to a tour of the Bridwell West Ranch – Moser Unit, where one could see first hand the conservation practices that have been installed and the difference it has made in the management of the ranch.

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Bridwell Ranch has accomplished conservation practices that include brush management, prescribed grazing, cross-fencing, a water storage facility, livestock pipelines and troughs. The livestock watering system and brush management system improved grazing management, where past livestock water was lacking and grazing was hampered by brush encroachment and diminished forage quality. Brush management coupled with the recommended deferment and above average rainfall increased forage quantity and quality.

The new livestock watering system improved grazing distribution and decreased spot-over grazing around the only reliable watering sources. Grazing schedules and cross-fencing has enabled the ranch to improve forage utilization, grazing efficiency and has initiated better rest and grazing periods for the ranch.


The seminar and tour was a great success! Hats off to the Tierra Blanca and Oldham County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. They would like to thank all of those who helped, for a job well done!