BenyBenson

02/27/2025

Spring Shots & Vaccines Plan (DFW Region)

PICSES Operational Planning Format

Plan Overview:

In spring, Dallas-Fort Worth area cattle should receive core vaccines and treatments to prevent regional diseases and parasites. A well-timed spring health program boosts herd immunity before peak disease and pest seasons. Below is a structured PICSES plan dividing self-administered tasks and veterinarian-only procedures for optimal cattle health.

Self-Administered Shots & Vaccines (Producer-Given)

Core Vaccinations:

Administer essential vaccines yourself to address local cattle diseases:
• Clostridial 7-way/8-way (Blackleg) Vaccine:
Protects against blackleg and other clostridial diseases endemic in Texas. Given to calves by 4–6 months old and boostered annually.
• Cost: ~$1–2 per dose (e.g. 10-dose bottle ~$18).
• 5-way Respiratory + Lepto/Vibrio Vaccine:
Covers IBR, BVD (Types 1&2), PI3, BRSV (the major respiratory viruses) and leptospirosis; include vibriosis (Campylobacter) for breeding cattle. Use a modified-live or killed combo shot prior to spring breeding or calf branding.
• Cost: ≈$3 per dose in bulk (50-dose ~$150). Use a killed formulation for pregnant cows.
• Optional Pinkeye Vaccine:
If past outbreaks of pinkeye (infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis) have occurred, vaccinate ahead of fly season.
• Cost: ~$1.10 per dose (e.g. 50-dose ~$56). This vaccine helps reduce summer pinkeye cases when used with good fly control.
• Anaplasmosis Prevention (if Needed):
North Texas herds with a history of anaplasmosis (tick-borne disease) should consult a vet about control. Options include a veterinary prescription for chlortetracycline in mineral or an autogenous anaplas vaccine (available via veterinarians). This is an optional step for high-risk areas, as Anaplasma can cause severe anemia in cattle.

Parasite Control:

Spring deworming and fly control keep cattle healthy and productive:
• Deworming:
Treat for internal parasites as pastures green up. Use an ivermectin pour-on or similar broad-spectrum dewormer. Apply per label (e.g. 1 mL/22 lbs along the back).
• Cost: ~$80–90 for a 5L jug (treats ~100 adult cows, ~$0.80 per 1000 lb animal). Spring deworming (and again in fall) is recommended in Texas to reduce worm loads.
• Fly Control:
Implement fly control as temperatures rise to prevent pinkeye and weight loss. Use insecticidal ear tags or pour-ons to combat horn flies and face flies.
• Cost: $40–65 per box of 20 fly tags (≈$2–3 each tag).
• For example, Y-Tex Patriot tags run about $47 for 20 tags.
• Tag each animal (one per ear for best results) in late spring.
• Alternatively, use pour-on insecticides (e.g. permethrin or organophosphate) per label ($0.50–$1 per head per treatment).

General Herd Health Practices:

Perform management tasks during spring round-up while cattle are in the chute:
• Castration of Bull Calves:
Castrate male calves at 4 months of age (spring working) to minimize stress.
• Tools: Elastic band castrators (elastrators) are inexpensive (~$8–$10 for a calf ba**er tool; bands just cents each) or use a clean knife/open castration if experienced. Early castration promotes better healing and growth.
• Dehorning:
If calves are not polled, dehorn in spring while horn buds are small. Use caustic paste in newborns or a scoop/tube dehorner for young calves. This prevents injuries and is easiest on calves when done early. Always sanitize equipment and consider a tetanus toxoid if using elastic bands or if tetanus risk is high.
• Growth Implants (Optional):
For stocker or feeder calves, consider a growth implant at spring turnout to boost weight gains.
• Common implants: (e.g. Synovex-S for steers) provide estrogen/androgen compounds for ~100–120 day improved gain.
• Cost: ~$1.50–$1.75 per implant dose.
• The one-time applicator gun costs about $80 but can be reused for years. (Use implants only in non-breeding cattle per label.)

Necessary Equipment & Supplies:

To safely administer the above vaccines and treatments, prepare the right gear:
• Handling Equipment: A sturdy squeeze chute or headgate to restrain cattle during injections and procedures (vital for safety). Also use nose tongs or a calf cradle as needed for smaller calves.
• Syringes & Needles: Multiple disposable syringes or an automatic repeater syringe for efficiency.
• For example, a 50 cc pistol-grip syringe costs about $46.
• Stock plenty of needles (16–18 gauge for IM/SQ injections in adult cattle). Needles run ~$0.30 each in bulk (100-pack ~$31). Change needles frequently to prevent abscesses.
• Accessories: Keep a cooler with ice packs chute-side to protect vaccine potency. Use disinfectant and cotton to swab vial tops. Have gloves for hygiene, and a sharps container for used needles. Fly tag applicators (if using tags) and an implant gun (if implanting) are also needed. Ear tag pliers for identification tags can be used during the same workday.
• Medications: Stock dilute iodine or antiseptic for navel/castration wound care if needed. Have antibiotics on hand for complications (note: as of 2023, many antibiotics require a vet prescription). Keep records of all treatments (product, dose, date) for each animal for follow-up and Beef Quality Assurance compliance.

Veterinary-Only S&Vs (Procedures Requiring a Vet)

Some vaccines and treatments must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or with veterinary oversight in Texas. Plan and budget for these professional services as part of your herd health program:
• Brucellosis (Bang’s) Vaccination:
By law, only an accredited vet can administer brucellosis vaccine to heifers. Heifer calves 4–12 months old should be vaccinated against brucellosis in Texas. The vet will tattoo and tag each heifer after the shot.
• Cost: Often low per head (on the order of $5–10 each) but includes a farm call fee. This protects against Brucella abortus, which causes contagious abortion (“Bang’s disease”).
• Breeding Soundness Exam (Bulls):
A veterinarian-conducted fertility exam on bulls each spring ensures they are ready to breed. This includes a physical exam and semen test.
• Cost: About $50–$100 per bull (often ~$65 on average).
• Many vets also offer Trichomoniasis testing at the same time, which checks bulls for the venereal Trich parasite (required in TX for non-virgin bulls).
• Cost: ~$50–$85 per bull for a trich test.
• Pregnancy Exams (Cows):
To maximize herd productivity, a vet can pregnancy-check cows about 60–90 days after breeding (via palpation or ultrasound). Open (non-pregnant) cows can then be sold or re-bred.
• Cost: Typically $5–$10 per head in herd exams, plus the vet call fee.

Based on the herd’s specific composition and health needs, here’s a detailed, itemized list of recommended vaccines, dewormers, fly control products, and necessary equipment, along with their unit prices and total costs.
All prices are approximate and sourced from reputable suppliers; actual prices may vary. As you’re Texas tax-exempt, taxes are excluded

02/25/2025

(Strom, consider this part II)

With regards to only political alignment, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and progressive policies in general, these have played an increasing role in purging traditional apolitical senior military selections since 2010 across every U.S. military department and Corps .

Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Selections (2010–2024): A Shift in Leadership Priorities

Since 2010, the selection of Commandants of the Marine Corps (CMC) has deviated from the long-standing tradition of prioritizing senior infantry generals. While some selections upheld this norm, others introduced significant changes, notably the appointment of the first aviator (2010) and first logistics officer (2023) to hold the position. These shifts reflect institutional, strategic, and political influences, particularly regarding modernization efforts, budget constraints, and diversity initiatives.

CMC Selections & Passed-Over Infantry Generals (2010–2024)

2010 Selection – Gen. James F. Amos (First Aviator Chosen)

Why Amos Was Selected:
• First aviator in history to serve as CMC, breaking Marine Corps tradition.
• Obama administration’s choice, reportedly due to his support for post-Iraq/Afghanistan drawdowns.
• Assistant Commandant (ACMC) at the time, a role that historically provides an advantage in the selection process.

Infantry Generals Passed Over:
• Gen. James N. Mattis – Combat-tested leader; later became CENTCOM Commander and Secretary of Defense.
• Gen. John F. Kelly – Senior infantry officer; later served as SOUTHCOM Commander and White House Chief of Staff.
• Possibly LtGen Richard P. Mills – Respected combat leader, though not widely reported as a finalist.

2014 Selection – Gen. Joseph F. Dunford (Infantry General Chosen)
• A return to infantry leadership following Amos.
• Previously served as Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
• No widely reported infantry generals were passed over.

2019 Selection – Gen. David H. Berger (Infantry General Chosen)
• Selected due to his leadership in Force Design 2030, a controversial modernization initiative.
• Ensured continued infantry leadership at the time.
• No widely reported infantry generals were overlooked.

2023 Selection – Gen. Eric M. Smith (First Logistics Officer Chosen)

Why Smith Was Selected:
• First logistics officer in modern history to become CMC, marking another shift away from traditional infantry leadership.
• Force Design 2030 alignment – Smith was a key advocate of the Marine Corps’ restructuring efforts.
• ACMC at the time, giving him an institutional advantage.
• Politically acceptable – While not overtly political, Smith’s stance on modernization and diversity policies aligned with Pentagon and administration priorities.

Infantry Generals Passed Over:

General Experience & Credentials Possible Reasons for Not Being Selected
LtGen James W. Bierman Jr. Senior combat leader; CENTCOM & Indo-Pacific experience Strong infantry background but possibly less supportive of Force Design 2030
LtGen William M. Jurney Key operational commander; deeply involved in training and modernization More combat-oriented than aligned with restructuring efforts
LtGen David Furness Highly regarded infantry officer; former 1st Marine Division commander LtGen John Love Respected leader; senior military advisor to NATO, former 2nd Marine Division commander

Key Trends in CMC Selections (2010–2024)

1. Shift Away from Infantry-Dominated Leadership
• 2010: First aviator (Amos) chosen.
• 2023: First logistics officer (Smith) chosen.
• Infantry generals were still selected in 2014 (Dunford) and 2019 (Berger).
• Suggests a growing willingness to break with tradition when institutional priorities demand it.

2. The Role of Assistant Commandant (ACMC)
• Amos (2010) and Smith (2023) both served as ACMC before selection, reinforcing the trend that ACMC experience provides a strong advantage.

3. Force Design 2030’s Influence on Selection
• Launched under Berger (2019), this modernization plan prioritizes stand-off warfare, drones, and technology over traditional infantry units.
• Infantry-heavy generals (e.g., Bierman, Jurney, etc.) were likely overlooked in 2023 due to their resistance or skepticism toward the plan.
• The 2023 selection of Smith reinforced institutional commitment to modernization despite internal resistance.

4. Political and Social Acceptability in Military Leadership
• Since 2010, political alignment and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies have played an increasing role in senior military selections.
• Amos (2010) was the first CMC selected after the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which he supported.
• Berger (2019) pushed for progressive policies, including gender-neutral job titles.
• Smith (2023) was not politically outspoken but aligned with institutional priorities, making him a less controversial and more strategic choice.

Summary of Passed-Over Infantry Generals (2010–2024)

Year CMC Selected Passed-Over Infantry Generals
2010 Gen. James F. Amos (Aviator) Gen. James Mattis, Gen. John Kelly, possibly LtGen Richard Mills
2014 Gen. Joseph Dunford (Infantry) None widely reported
2019 Gen. David Berger (Infantry) None widely reported
2023 Gen. Eric Smith (Logistics) LtGen James Bierman Jr., LtGen William Jurney, LtGen David Furness, LtGen John Love

Final Thoughts
• The biggest infantry general snubs occurred in 2010 (Mattis, Kelly, Mills) and 2023 (Bierman, Jurney, Furness, Love).
• Aviation (2010) and logistics (2023) officers were chosen over infantry leaders, signaling a shift in leadership selection criteria.
• Force Design 2030 and DEI policies have influenced recent selections, favoring candidates aligned with modernization and restructuring efforts.
• Infantry leadership in the Marine Corps has declined, though whether this benefits or weakens the Corps remains debated.

10/15/2024

This top 50 list covers key staples, diverse food sources, herbs and spices, sugar, fiber, and key utility crops to help meet self-sufficiency goals for a family of 6 farming 10 acres.

Essential Staple Crops (Food, Livestock Feed, and Multiple Uses)

1. Corn – For food, livestock feed, straw, and biofuel.
2. Potatoes – High-calorie food, easily stored.
3. Sweet Sorghum – For sugar production and livestock feed.
4. Wheat – For bread, straw, and livestock feed.
5. Barley – Livestock feed, straw, and food.
6. Rice – Staple grain if water resources permit.
7. Beans (various types) – Protein-rich, soil nitrogen fixer.
8. Soybeans – Protein source, livestock feed, and soil enrichment.
9. Sunflower – Seeds for food, oil, and livestock feed.
10. Alfalfa – Excellent livestock feed and soil improvement.
11. Oats – Livestock feed, cereal grain, and straw.
12. Flax – Fiber for textiles and oilseed production.
13. Cotton – For textiles.
14. H**p – For textiles, rope, and livestock bedding.

Key Food Crops for Family and Livestock

15. Squash – High yield and easy to store.
16. Turnips – Food for family and livestock.
17. Beets – For sugar (beet sugar) and food.
18. Carrots – Nutritional food, easy to store.
19. Peas – Protein source and soil fertility boost.
20. Garlic – Essential culinary ingredient, medicinal uses.
21. Onions – Versatile cooking ingredient, long-term storage.
22. Tomatoes – For sauces, canning, and year-round use.
23. Cabbage – For fresh eating, fermentation (sauerkraut), and livestock feed.
24. Peppers (various types) – For spices, fresh eating, and preservation.
25. Kale – Highly nutritious, cold-hardy green.
26. Lettuce – Fast-growing salad green.
27. Spinach – Nutrient-rich leafy green.

Essential Herbs and Spices (Culinary and Medicinal Uses)

28. Basil – For sauces and pest deterrent.
29. Thyme – Culinary and medicinal herb.
30. Oregano – For cooking and medicinal uses.
31. Sage – Culinary herb with medicinal properties.
32. Rosemary – For cooking and pest control.
33. Mint – For tea, culinary, and medicinal uses.
34. Cilantro – Culinary herb, also provides coriander seeds.
35. Parsley – For cooking and rich in vitamins.
36. Lavender – For essential oils, scent, and pest control.
37. Chives – Quick-growing herb for flavor.

Specialty Crops for Sugar, Fiber, and Rope

38. Sugarcane – For sugar production (suitable if low frost risk).
39. Jute – For making rope, burlap, and textiles.
40. Kenaf – For paper, fiber, and rope.
41. Mulberry (for silkworms) – For silk production.
42. Agave – For fiber, sweetener, and beverages.

Nut and Fruit Trees (For Long-Term Sustainability)

43. Apples – For food, cider, and long-term storage.
44. Pears – Long-term storage fruit.
45. Peaches – For fresh eating, drying, and preserving.
46. Figs – Nutritious and excellent for preserves.
47. Pecans – For protein and healthy fats.
48. Walnuts – Essential for protein and fats.
49. Almonds – For protein and oil production.

Other Utility Crops

50. Pumpkin – Food, livestock feed, and seeds for oil.

09/06/2024

Looks like an early Fall this year. It’s as if the weather decided on 1 September that the Summer drought ends, the sun takes a vacation and the heat nosedives 5 degrees (Celsius).

Y’all do know 2023/24 is an exceptionally odd year?
1) From Autumn 2023 to Spring 2024 the grass never went dormant. Stayed green all winter.
2) Winter 23/24 was abnormally mild.
3) Spring 24 brought far above average rainfall mid March and abnormally continued through June.
4) My initial observation above.

05/25/2024

I'm considering putting in a slatted patio type roof the width of the front yard. Then I wanted to know the best slate angle that would allow Fall-Spring sunlight thru but block and shade June-Aug. So...

To determine the Sun’s inclination (altitude) from June to August 2025 at the given coordinates (latitude 32.5429779° N, longitude 96.1991383° W), we can follow:

Solar Position Calculations for 2025

1. June 21, 2025 (Summer Solstice):

• On the summer solstice, the Sun’s declination is about +23.44°.
• The altitude at solar noon can be calculated as:

\text{Altitude} = 90^\circ - |\text{latitude} - \text{declination of the Sun}|

For 32.5429779° N:

\text{Altitude} = 90^\circ - |32.5429779° - 23.44°| = 90^\circ - 9.1029779° = 80.897°

2. July 15, 2025 (Mid-July):

• Around mid-July, the Sun’s declination is approximately +21.14°.

\text{Altitude} = 90^\circ - |32.5429779° - 21.14°| = 90^\circ - 11.4029779° = 78.597°

3. August 1, 2025:

• Around early August, the Sun’s declination is about +17.55°.

\text{Altitude} = 90^\circ - |32.5429779° - 17.55°| = 90^\circ - 14.9929779° = 75.007°

4. August 15, 2025:

• By mid-August, the Sun’s declination is about +12.66°.

\text{Altitude} = 90^\circ - |32.5429779° - 12.66°| = 90^\circ - 19.8829779° = 70.117°

5. August 31, 2025:

• By the end of August, the Sun’s declination is about +7.99°.

\text{Altitude} = 90^\circ - |32.5429779° - 7.99°| = 90^\circ - 24.5529779° = 65.447°

Summary of Solar Altitudes at Solar Noon for 2025:

• June 21, 2025: 80.9°
• July 15, 2025: 78.6°
• August 1, 2025: 75.0°
• August 15, 2025: 70.1°
• August 31, 2025: 65.4°

These calculations indicate the Sun’s inclination at solar noon for various dates from June to August 2025. For exact times and more detailed information, you can use online solar position calculators or astronomical software, which provide hourly data and take into account finer variations in solar declination.

09/25/2023

In Situ Draft 230922




: Lemon Juice/vinegar is a a counter productive waste of time, effort and money. It not only doesn’t work it makes the end product worse than the plain unactivated carbon!

Methods of Activating Carbon” requires simplifying and organizing the information for a HS graduate audience.

Here’s a presentation outline:

Slide 1: Title

• Title: “Methods of Activating Carbon”
• Subtitle: Producing Valuable Materials for a Cleaner World

Slide 2: Introduction

• Welcome.
• Briefly explain the importance of activated carbon in various applications.

Slide 3: What is Activated Carbon?

• Definition: Activated carbon is a special material used to clean air and water, and much more.
• Mention its high surface area and tiny pores, like a sponge.

Slide 4: Why Do We Need Activated Carbon?

• Discuss the importance of clean air and water in our daily lives.
• Explain that activated carbon helps remove impurities and pollutants.
But Not: Minerals, salts, hardness, calcium, manganese.

Slide 5: Methods of Activation

• Introduce the four methods of activating carbon:
1. Steam Activation. (My fav)
2. Chemical Activation. (Expensive, dangerous)
3. Physical Activation. (Expensive, dangerous)
4. Microwave Activation (Never tried but will test/compete with Steam, evaluate, compare, contrast, conclude and opine.

Slide 6: Steam Activation

• Explain steam activation:
• Heating carbon with steam to create pores.
• Mention it’s cost-effective and common.
-Really easy to make multiple filled “Kuereg” style coffee inserts er’day w/only a my cheap generic one cup espresso maker and permanent stainless steel filter.
-Picture


Slide 7: Chemical Activation

• Explain chemical activation:
• Using chemicals like (real) acids or bases to create pores.
• Mention the control over pore structure.
-Not Lemon Juice/vinegar.

Slide 8: Physical Activation

• Explain physical activation:
• Using gases to create pores.
• Mention its use for sensitive materials.

Slide 9: Microwave Activation

• Explain microwave activation:
• Using microwaves to heat carbon.
• Mention precise control and energy efficiency.

Slide 10: Quantity and Duration

• Discuss how much material to use and how long to activate it:
• Start small, increase if needed.
• Monitor to prevent over-activation.

Slide 11: Agitation

• Explain why agitation is important:
• It helps distribute energy evenly.
• Can be done in-situ or externally.

Slide 12: Monitoring and Testing

• Discuss the importance of monitoring and testing:
• Measure properties like surface area and pore size.
• Adjust parameters based on results.

Slide 13: Safety Precautions

• Emphasize safety:
• High temperatures and chemicals require precautions.
• Always follow safety guidelines.

Slide 14: Conclusion

• Summarize key points:
• Activated carbon is crucial for clean air and water.
• Different methods suit various applications.
• Safety and monitoring are essential.

Slide 15: Questions and Thank You

• Invite questions from the audience.
• Thank the graduates for their attention and congratulate them again.

Slide 16: Additional Resources

• Provide references or further reading for those interested in learning more about activated carbon and its applications.

Slide 17: Contact Information

• If appropriate, offer contact information for further inquiries or assistance.

Slide 18: Q&A Session

• Open the floor for questions and engage with the audience to address any queries they may have.

Remember to use engaging visuals, simple language, and real-world examples to make the presentation accessible and interesting for high school graduates. Encourage them to explore careers in fields related to environmental science and chemistry, where knowledge of activated carbon can make a positive impact on the world.

08/22/2023

Boldness in the Day of Judgement?! Not the previous envisage. That is, the schema (mental picture) or theoretic view in advance of or prior to an event taking place. Pretty sure l wasn’t the only member of the, “…every knee will bend and every mouth will confess Jesus The Christ is Lord…” club. Where the “proper” game face would be “our best behavior:”e.g. respectful, serious, somber, solemn. We all know it as our natural physio-reflex fallback posture when we are in way over our heads.
Been long in developing the view that what is natural for humanity is to sin (aka sin nature). The reason our world is so messed up, why most if not all decisions end proving the wrong choices were made. The first instinct of every creature and critter, bred, born, resides then dies is deceitful & every decision made is selfish.
Meaning, just like todays devotion validates again that what Jesus teaches us is unnatural. To not be deceitful, selfish, conniving or vengeful but giving, forgiving, honest and humble. Iow’s; be/do/decide/choose what is opposite our nature. I’ve reckoned they’ll be two lines in heaven for Judgement Day.
And now perceive two attitudes as well. The lost unsaved souls w/pucker factor 11 that through arrogance and pride consciously choose to not follow Jesus.
And the JOYOUS, EXCITED, JUBILANT saved souls whose works in His name will be judged.
I LOVE how The HOLY SPIRIT blesses those who seek truth and knowledge er’day w/insight and inspiration!

‎Show Enduring Words for Troubled Times Archives - Enduring Word, Ep Boldness in the Day of Judgment - 1 John 4:17 - August 22, 2023 - Aug 22, 2023

02/22/2023

Of all the vids about aka this guy and his design is the best.
Great for shop, forge, kiln, lead, brass, aluminum, iron , etc.
Burns hot, cleaner, less creosote residue. If possible use it to replace .

Watch the whole day of the Biochar Workshop led by Bob Wells, soil scientist Jon Nilsson and Patryk Battle. Learn how to make biochar and its many beneficial...