January 2026 Newsletter
In Our Store
- We still have 2026 Hanging Calendars, Stickem Dash Calendars, along with Farmers Almanacs available in the store. Ask someone at the counter if you would like to get one.
- In the last month, customers mentioned that there is some whole corn present in the 1-3, 1-2, and DeWitt Creep. We accidentally put whole corn in with our cottonseed meal, and we had to run the bin out. This variance will be resolved within the next few weeks. We apologize for the change in consistency.
- Purina’s Gonzales Plant has seen an increase in their production volume due to our current weather conditions. This has triggered them to pull cubes from other mills to meet the demand. You might see the size of the cubes vary from 7/8”to 3/4” in size.
In the Yard
- The weeds are starting to come along in our yards. If you are waiting for the perfect time to get them, before they take over, now is the time! If they are already up, consider using a post emergent herbicide like the ones below. It is best to spot spray these chemicals with a pump- up sprayer.
- Fertilome Weed Free Zone = $47.90/Quart
- Bonide Weed Beater Ultra = $24.55/Pint
- 2-4-D Concentrate = $18.10/Quart
- If you have not put out a preemergent in your yard, it is still not too late to do so. Consider the options below.
- Barricade ($29.15/50LB Bag) use 3#/1000 SQ FT to combat broadleaf and grassy weeds
- Dimension ($35.20/35LB Bag) use 3.5#/1000 SQ FT to combat broadleaf and grassy weeds
- Balan ($43.30/40LB Bag) use 1.5#/ 1000 SQ FT to combat grassy weeds.
In the Pasture
It looks like this year may bring its challenges for our pastures. The most important thing that we can do at this time is to stick to a plan. In years past I have recommended a few strategies for the month of January and here they are again.
- If you have Wolf Weeds in low lying areas or in river bottoms, now is the time to shred them. While difficult to shred, it will put you in the best position to kill them in a few months by applying chemicals. Make sure and get this done as soon as possible. It may take a few times to shred them properly.
- If you annually have issues with THISTLES, now is the time to be vigilant. The warmer weather has created the perfect environment for them to grow and flourish. The best time to spray them is when they are at their crown/rosette stage coming out of the ground. If we do not see a freeze in the next few weeks, we are sure to start seeing them grow toward the sky. The best chemical to use is 2-4-D at the rate of 1QT/Acre if you have an applicator license. If you do not have a license, consider using Duracor at 16oz/Acre. Make sure and put out plenty of water to make sure they get soaked.
- If you consistently have grass burrs in you hay fields or pastures, this is a suitable time to consider a preemergent program including Rezilon. Over the years the window for an effective application has moved into the month of January. Our recommendation is to make that application around the middle to end of January. If you have standing grass in those areas, please let the cows graze it down or shred it as short as possible to the ground. This will allow the chemical to make contact with as much of the dirt as possible ensuring successful use of your money and time. This first application should use 3oz of Rezilon with 15 gallons of water per acre. If you are interested in us making the application, current cost will be $45.98/Acre applied. If you have questions about this or would like us to make the application, please let us know.
In the Animal Pen
- If you are still pulling heifers or steers off the mommas to maintain the cow’s health, consider adding Purina Precon B-30 to your feed program to help with the stress of weaning or a change in environment. This month we will take off $1.50/50LB Bag.
- We know that many of you are nursing cows and bulls back in prime condition for breeding season. To help with this effort, we are discounting our Purina RanchHand Beef Builder by $1.00/50LB Bag for the entire month.
In the Great Outdoors
- It is hard to believe that Deer Season has ended for most of you. If you have committed to a year-round protein feeding program, you are in luck. This month, we will take off $1.50/50LB Bag for the Purina Antlermax 20% Deer Protein. If you have considered adding this to your program, now is the time.
What is Coming up in our Area?
-January 10, 2026 = 6:00 PM – Cuero FFA Booster Club “Cattleman’s Ball” = Anne Friar Thomas Homemaking Building – Cuero, TX = Social hour starts at 6:00 PM, followed by a dinner, silent auction, and dance provided by Jake Hooker and the Outsiders. For more information, contact Greg Nemec at 361-275-1245.
-January 31, 2026- 41st Annual DeWitt County All Breeds Bull and Female Sale =Cuero Livestock Commission- Cuero, TX = The day will start with the bull sale at 11:00 AM, with the females selling immediately afterward. Come out early to view the sale animals and visit the breeders. For any questions, contact Anthony Netardus at 361-275-0816.
Manager’s Words
We thank everyone for being patient for the time we closed around inventory and New Years. That was a good reset for the coming year. We are excited for what the New Year will bring and ask that you continue to make us a part of your property and animal herd improvements. We will certainly have educational and other information to share this year, stay tuned.
Thank you for your business,
Willis Braden
[email protected]
361-275-3441
