With the fall semester under way, the SHSU Gibbs Ranch is full of activity. Recently, 98 calves were sold from last spring's calf crop. The average weight of the calves was 713 lbs. for steers and 629 lbs. for heifers. The registered Angus and Brangus herds are bred for fall-calving, with calves dropping until mid-November. Currently there are 278 head of mature beef animals on the 1600-acre ranch. The cattle are used in a variety of instructional and research projects in addition to producing operating income.

     We recently received word that funds have been allocated for construction of an all-weather livestock working facility at the ranch. The existing pens and chutes will be relocated and a building will cover the working portion of the pens so animal science labs can be conducted in relative comfort at any time of the year. Seventy-six thousand dollars have been set aside for the construction of this facility. Dr. Ken Craycraft, Dean of the College of Education and Applied Science, Dr. David Payne, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Mr. Jack Parker, Vice President for Finance and Operations were instrumental in securing the funds for this and other new construction projects for the department.

     With the termination of the USDA Swine Research project this past summer, the university's swine were moved from the Agriculture Center into that vacated facility, with plans for major renovation being made.

     The department maintains a flock of about 35 outstanding boer cross meat goat nannies at the ranch, thanks to donations in recent years. These nannies are bred in November and May with one goal being to utilize goats and kids to provide additional experiences for our students in learning the proper management and care of small ruminants. The offspring are offered as show prospects for 4-H and FFA youth.

     This past summer, new bermudagrass hay pastures were established on a portion of the ranch. With timely rains and excellent soil conditions, the Tifton-85 and Jiggs bermudagrass pastures produced two cuttings later in the summer. Sprigs for the new pastures were donated by Lovelady Alumnus Larry Shupak.

     For the second year, organic fertilizers (municipal biosolids) were applied to about 400 acres of the ranch. We recently received approval from the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission to use the biosolids to improve pastures across the remainder of the ranch. Students and staff have prepared well for the upcoming winter, planting oats, rye, ryegrass and clovers this fall. Ball clover was seeded on 40 acres for spring grazing and production of seed for sale next summer. Alumnus David McDougald has agreed to combine the seed for us. The ranch continues to be valued for a number of agricultural field days each year, making it an important educational resource for community members as well as our own students.