Archive for the ‘articles’ Category

How to Care for North Texas Wildlife in Late Spring

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

How to Care for North Texas Wildlife in Late Spring photo of deerAre you wondering how to care for North Texas wildlife in late spring? Late spring here brings rising temperatures and shifting nutritional needs for local wildlife. As animals prepare for the scorching summer, you can help them thrive by providing reliable food, water, and safe shelter.

Provide Essential Food and Water

Natural forage begins to dry out as May turns into June. Supplemental feeding ensures deer and other wildlife maintain healthy body weights and grow strong antlers. Set up high-quality feeding stations across your property and fill them with protein-rich wildlife feed. At J & N Feed and Seed, we carry durable All Seasons Feeders that dispense feed reliably, even during unpredictable spring storms.

Pair these feeders with clean, accessible water troughs to keep the local herd hydrated. Check and clean these water sources weekly to prevent harmful algae buildup before the deep summer heat arrives.

Create Safe Shelter

As animals seek refuge from the climbing heat and heavy rain, safe habitats become critical. You can monitor wildlife health and establish a low-impact presence on your property by installing hunting blinds early in the year. We offer a great selection of hunting blinds right here in Graham, Texas. Placing these structures now lets animals acclimate to them long before hunting season begins.

Take Action Today

Support your local ecosystem now to guarantee a robust wildlife population later. Stop by J & N Feed and Seed at 450 Pecan Street to grab your feeders, blinds, and wildlife management supplies today. Our experts will gladly help you choose the right gear for your property.

How to Protect Cattle With Weatherproof Supplements

Monday, April 20th, 2026

How to Protect Cattle With Weatherproof Supplements? photo of cattleAre you wondering how to protect cattle with weatherproof supplements? North Texas weather brings unpredictable challenges for your herd. Sudden heavy rain and high winds can quickly ruin your mineral program, leaving your cattle without the vital nutrients they need. You need a reliable way to keep your livestock healthy year-round.

Stop wasting money on loose minerals that wash away or clump up during heavy storms. Purina’s weatherproof cattle supplements solve this problem completely. These advanced formulas resist moisture and wind, ensuring your herd gets consistent nutrition in any weather condition. Consistent mineral intake improves reproduction rates, boosts immune systems, and helps your calves grow faster. J & N Feed and Seed proudly carries these specialized Purina animal nutrition products right here in Graham, Texas.

Proper placement maximizes your supplement investment. Place your mineral tubs or feeders near water sources or shaded areas where your cattle naturally gather. Rotate the feeding locations occasionally to prevent overgrazing in one specific spot. Furthermore, check your feeders weekly to ensure a steady supply and clear out any mud or debris.

Keep your herd strong, regardless of what the unpredictable Texas sky decides to do. Visit J & N Feed and Seed at 450 Pecan Street to find the right Purina weatherproof supplements for your cattle operation. Our local experts will gladly help you build a resilient nutrition plan that works for your specific herd.

Best Seeds and Fertilizers for Spring Gardening in North Texas

Monday, April 6th, 2026

bermuda grass, pictured here, is one of the Best Seeds and Fertilizers for Spring Gardening in North TexasWhat are some of the best seeds and fertilizers for spring gardening in North Texas? Springhere means it is time to prep your soil and plant your seeds. Choosing the right products makes all the difference for a healthy lawn and thriving garden. This guide helps you pick the perfect seeds and fertilizers for local soil conditions.

Pick the Right Seeds for Texas Heat

North Texas weather demands tough plants. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Buffalo grass thrive here. At J & N Feed and Seed in Graham, we stock over 40 varieties of grass and pasture seed. Whether you need to cover a small backyard or seed a massive grazing pasture, we have exactly what you need to grow a resilient lawn.

Match Fertilizer to Your Soil

North Texas soil often lacks essential nutrients like nitrogen. Applying the right fertilizer gives your plants a strong root system to survive the upcoming summer heat. Test your soil first to see exactly what it needs. Then, apply a high-quality fertilizer to build a solid foundation. Our knowledgeable staff can help you read your soil test and select the best blend.

Practical Spring Gardening Tips

  • Clear the ground: Remove winter debris and early weeds before planting.
  • Water deeply: Encourage deep roots by watering thoroughly rather than frequently.
  • Feed early: Apply fertilizer right after the last spring frost.

Ready to transform your property this spring? Visit J & N Feed and Seed at 450 Pecan Street in Graham, Texas, to grab your seeds, fertilizer, and expert advice today.

Planting Seed Potatoes

Friday, January 2nd, 2026

Planting Seed PotatoesPotatoes are a staple in many households across the world. They are versatile, tasty, and easy to cook. However, not many people know about seed potatoes and how they can significantly affect the quality and quantity of your potato crop. We’ve put together some information about seed potatoes and tips for planting, so you can reap the benefits of seed potatoes too.

What are seed potatoes?
Seed potatoes are potatoes that have been carefully selected, stored, and saved from the previous year’s potato crop. These potatoes are precisely picked based on their size, shape, and quality and are free from any diseases or pests. Seed potatoes ensure that only the best potatoes get planted the following year, resulting in a higher yield and crop quality.

Why are seed potatoes important?
Seed potatoes are critical for any gardener who wants to produce a healthy and fruitful potato crop the following year. Using seed potatoes from a previous crop means that gardeners are not only using potatoes that have been carefully selected and verified but are also avoiding any possible disease or pest infestation.

How to choose the right seed potatoes?
Choosing the right seed potato is essential for producing a healthy potato crop. Gardeners should select potatoes that are firm, free from blemishes, and have a good shape. The chosen potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place before planting. Before planting, gardeners should also inspect the potatoes to ensure that they are disease-free.

How to plant seed potatoes?
Gardeners should plant their seed potatoes in the spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. The selected potatoes should be cut into small pieces, each containing at least 2-3 eyes. Patios should be planted in the ground with the eyes facing upwards, ensuring that they are covered with soil. As the potatoes grow, gardeners should continue to cover the plants with soil to promote growth.

When to harvest seed potatoes?
Seed potatoes should be harvested in the summer or fall when the plants start to die back. The potatoes will be ready for harvest when the leaves turn brown and start to wilt. Gardeners should carefully dig the potatoes out of the ground to avoid damaging them.

Seed potatoes are a great option for gardeners who want to get a head start on their potato crop. They help produce a healthy, high-yield potato crop. Keep our tips in mind when choosing and planting seed potatoes in your garden for a successful yield. Remember, a healthy and fruitful potato crop results from using healthy seed potatoes!

Planning Your Garden

Friday, January 2nd, 2026

If you’re looking to grow your own food and enjoy the rewards of a flourishing garden, you’re in the right place. January marks the perfect time of year to start planning and getting everything ready. Whether it’s your first time starting a garden or you’re a seasoned green thumb, there are a few steps you need to take in order to achieve a thriving garden. In this guide, we’ll help you through the essential steps that need to be taken so you can have a successful garden come spring.

Step 1: Decide What to Plant

When it comes to planning your garden, you must first decide on what type of vegetables you would like to grow. Start by deciding what your family enjoys eating and make a list of the produce they love. Next, check which crops are best suited for the climate you live in and what will grow best in your soil type. Consider planting perennial crops that come back year after year, or focus on annual plants that produce food more quickly. Keep in mind that you should space out your plantings to ensure you get fresh vegetables throughout the entire growing season.

Step 2: Choose Your Site

Choosing the right site for your garden is crucial to its success. Look for a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Avoid areas that tend to flood or are too rocky, as this can stunt plant growth. Also, pay attention to nearby trees that may cast shade over your garden bed and rob your plants of sunlight. If you are planting a container garden, make sure it has proper drainage holes to avoid over watering.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Soil preparation is essential to having a bountiful harvest. Start by removing any weeds or debris from the site that you have chosen. Next, consider tilling the soil to make it easier for your plants’ roots to grow. Adding organic matter to the soil can also provide necessary nutrients for your plants to thrive. Compost is a natural option for enriching your soil and can be added in the fall or early winter before planting.

Step 4: Planting and Care

It’s now time to get your soil ready and begin planting. Make sure to check the seed packet for the ideal planting time and depth, as well as how far apart the seeds should be spaced. Once planted, regular watering is essential for plants to grow healthy and strong. Consider drip irrigation or a hose with a low-pressure nozzle that can help water the plants at the root level. Regularly fertilizing with organic fertilizers will also keep nutrients flowing to your plants.

Step 5: Pest and Weed Control

Pests and weeds can be a common issue when planting a garden. To avoid problems, consider using organic means to control and keep weeds at bay rather than using toxic herbicides, which can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Consider using natural pest control methods such as companion planting and crop rotation to help control pests and insects. Also, try using natural pest deterrents like plant oils, insecticidal soaps, and beer and yeast traps.

Now that we’ve walked through the various steps involved in planning your garden, you’ll be well-equipped to get started. Sure, there might be a little hard work involved in the process, but the rewards of a flourishing garden that provides fresh, organic produce are more than worth the effort. Remember, planning is paramount to a successful garden, so take the time to choose your site and plant accordingly, and you’ll be on your way come springtime.

Guide to Growing Onion Sets

Friday, January 2nd, 2026

Growing Onion SetsAre you a gardener who wants to add more variety to your vegetable garden? If so, you might want to consider growing onion sets. Onion sets are small onions that are grown from seeds and then transplanted into your garden. They’re a great option for gardeners who want to get a head start on their onion crop without waiting for a full year. In this guide, we’ll talk about the benefits of planting onion sets and how to grow them successfully.

Let’s go over some of the benefits of using onion sets. One of the biggest advantages is time. By planting onion sets in the fall, you’ll be able to harvest your crop in the spring or early summer, rather than waiting an entire year for onions to mature. Onion sets are also easier to plant than onion seeds, as they don’t require a lot of time or effort to get started. Additionally, onion sets are less prone to disease and pests.

So how do you grow onion sets? The first step is to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Onions prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.8. You can test your soil’s pH using a kit from your local garden center. We have pH kits to choose from in the garden department of our store that are perfect for the job. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, prepare the soil by tilling it and adding compost or other organic matter.

When planting your onion sets, make sure to space them about 4-6 inches apart and plant them at a depth of about 1 inch. Push each set into the soil until the tip is barely visible. Onions don’t need a lot of water, but make sure to keep them well-watered during dry spells. You can also mulch around your onions to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

As your onions grow, be sure to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Common onion pests include onion maggots, thrips, and onion flies, while common onion diseases include downy mildew, onion smut, and white rot. If you notice any issues, remove affected plants and treat the surrounding soil with an organic fungicide or insecticide.

Finally, you can harvest your onion sets. Onions are ready to harvest when the tops dry out and start to fall over. At this point, stop watering your onions and let them cure in the garden for a week or two. Once the outer skin is papery and the tops are dry and brittle, you can harvest your onions. Hang them in a cool, dry place for a few weeks to allow them to fully cure before storing them in a cool, dry spot.

Growing onion sets is a great way to add a quick and easy crop to your vegetable garden. With the right growing conditions and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown onions in just a few months. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a bumper onion crop in no time!

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

Puppy Wearing Antlers by Christmas TreeAs the holidays approach, it’s a joyous time for us, but it can be quite stressful for our pets. With colder weather, decorations, and fireworks, there are a lot of things that can make our furry friends feel uneasy. It’s important to take measures to ensure that our pets stay warm, comfortable, and safe during the holiday season. In this guide we will discuss some common concerns pet owners face during the holidays and how to take care of our pets.

Keeping Pets Warm During Cold Weather
The winter season can be harsh for our pets, especially those who are not used to the cold. It’s important to keep your pets warm and comfortable during the winter months. For dogs, consider getting a coat or sweater to keep them cozy. For cats, consider providing them with a warm bed near a heat source or a heated pad. Keep in mind that pets may need more food during colder months to keep warm, so don’t forget to adjust their diet accordingly.

Preventing Pets from Getting into Holiday Decorations and Food
Decorations and holiday food can attract our pets’ attention, but they can also pose a threat to their health. Ribbons, tinsels, and ornaments can easily be ingested by pets, causing digestive problems or even blockages. Avoid using materials that are easily chewed or broken. Keep holiday food away from your pets! Some foods, like chocolate, can be toxic to pets. If you want to give your pet a treat, consider giving them a small amount of pet-friendly food.

Keeping Pets Safe During Fireworks Displays
Fireworks displays can be a source of anxiety for our pets. The loud noises and flashes of light can be overwhelming. If you plan to attend a fireworks display, consider leaving your pets at home. If you’re staying at home, make sure to close all windows and doors and turn on some background noise, like the TV or radio, to help mask the noise. If your pet becomes anxious, try to comfort them, but don’t punish them for their behavior.

Keeping an Eye on Your Pets
During the holidays, it’s important to monitor your pets for signs of stress or illness. Pets can become overwhelmed, anxious, or show signs of distress. Keep an eye on their behavior and make sure they have a place to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Spend Time with Your Pets
The holidays can be a busy time, but it’s important to make time for your pets. Spending quality time with them can help alleviate their stress and anxiety. Take them for a walk, play with them, or snuggle with them on the couch. Your pets will appreciate the extra attention and love.

The holidays can be a wonderful time for us and our pets, but it’s important to keep in mind their safety and comfort amidst all the festivities. Be sure to follow these tips to keep pets safe and relieve pet stress for both you and your pet.

Three Tips To Help Molting Chickens

Tuesday, November 25th, 2025

It’s autumn. Time for comfy sweaters, pumpkin-flavored everything, and… vacation? For backyard chickens across the country, shorter days often signal time for a break. Birds may stop laying eggs, lose old feathers, and grow new ones. This annual vacation from egg laying is called molt.

Molt is driven by season and usually occurs in the fall when the hours of sunlight decrease. For our birds, fall means it’s time to prepare for winter, which requires quality feathers. That’s why hens take a vacation from laying eggs and redirect their energy to regrowing feathers.

 When do chickens molt?

This feather loss phenomenon first happens when birds are approximately 18 months old and then occurs annually. Backyard flock owners should expect about 8 weeks of feather loss and regrowth but could take up to 16 weeks for some birds.

Though the general process is similar, not all molting seasons are created equal.

The onset and length of the molt look different for each bird. How long chickens molt for depends on factors such as age, consumed nutrients, and the environment. You’ll often first notice that feathers are losing their sheen. Hens may then gradually lose a few feathers or it could happen overnight. We’ve noticed that more productive egg-layers and younger hens recover from molt more quickly than older or less productive hens. In any case, proper nutrients and management can help birds through molt.

Three tips for molting chickens

  1. Pack the protein Just like humans, birds need a different diet depending on their current activity or life stage. Protein is the key nutrient to pack in a flock’s diet during molt. The number one nutrient switches from calcium to protein during molt. This is because feathers are made of 80-85 percent protein, whereas eggshells are primarily calcium. When you notice your chickens losing feathers, switch to a complete feed that’s 20 percent protein and includes probiotics, prebiotics, and key vitamins and minerals. Purina® Flock Raiser® chicken feed is a key option. A high-protein complete feed can help hens channel nutrients into feather regrowth and get back to laying eggs.For organic flocks, try switching hens to Purina® Organic Starter-Grower when molting begins in order to maintain organic status and provide a higher level of nutrition they need for feather regrowth.
  2. Keep stress low
    While on vacation, people generally want plenty of comfort and room to relax. It isn’t so different inside the coop during molt. Keep molting chickens comfortable by preventing stress. During molt, the area where the feather shaft meets the skin can be very sensitive, so reduce handling and provide plenty of clean bedding. Offer enough space for your birds to rest and relax in private. For each bird, four square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet outside of the coop can keep them comfortable. In addition, provide access to plenty of fresh, clean water and proper air ventilation. Hydration and ventilation can help keep the backyard coop spa-like for feather regrowth. Avoid introducing new flock members during this time, as adding in new friends and potentially re-shuffling the pecking order could add stress.
  3. Transition back to layer feed
    Once birds are ready to return from vacation and begin producing eggs, it’s time to adjust the nutrient profile to match their energy needs once again. When hens begin laying eggs, transition back to a complete layer feed that matches your goals. Gradually mix the complete layer feed with the high-protein feed over the course of 7 to 10 days. This can help avoid digestive upsets and allows birds to get used to the taste and texture of their new feed. Once they’re back on a complete layer feed and have vibrant new feathers, get ready again for farm fresh eggs for your family.

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

Saturday, August 17th, 2024

Attracting Birds to Your BackyardSummer is a season of warmth, vibrant colors, and the joyful chirps of wild birds. For many, there’s something magical about having a variety of feathered friends visit your backyard. Whether you’re an experienced bird enthusiast or just starting out, attracting wild birds during the summer months can turn your garden into a bustling hub of nature’s beauty. Here’s how you can transform your outdoor space into a bird paradise.

1. Provide Fresh Water Sources

Water is a magnet for birds, especially during the warm summer months. Installing a bird bath or a water fountain in your backyard can attract a wide variety of birds. Ensure the water is clean and shallow enough for the birds to bathe and drink comfortably. Adding a few stones or branches inside the bath can give smaller birds a place to perch. Remember to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and prevent mosquitoes.

2. Offer a Variety of Foods

Different birds have different dietary needs, so offering a variety of food can attract a broader range of species. Here are some options to consider:

  • Seed Feeders: Fill them with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, or mixed seeds to attract finches, cardinals, and sparrows.
  • Suet Feeders: Great for attracting woodpeckers, nuthatches, and titmice. Suet is especially important during summer when birds need extra energy to feed their young.
  • Nectar Feeders: Perfect for attracting hummingbirds. You can make your own nectar by dissolving 1 part sugar in 4 parts water.
  • Fruit Feeders: Slices of oranges, apples, and grapes can attract orioles, tanagers, and even some woodpecker species.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Stop by our store for an expert opinion for your goals. We’re happy to help you out on your bird-watching journey!

3. Create Natural Habitat Features

In addition to food and water, birds are attracted to backyards that mimic their natural habitat. Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers not only provides shelter but also natural food sources like berries and insects. Consider leaving a section of your yard a little wild to provide nesting materials and spaces. A pile of leaves or a dead tree can offer invaluable nesting sites and foraging opportunities for birds.

4. Install Nesting Boxes

Putting up nesting boxes is a fantastic way to encourage birds to not only visit but also reside in your backyard. Different species prefer different types of boxes, so research which birds are common in your area and install appropriate nesting boxes for them. Position the boxes in quiet, sheltered areas to provide a safe environment for birds to raise their young.

5. Keep Cats Indoors

Cats are natural predators of birds and can significantly decrease the chances of birds visiting your backyard. Keeping cats indoors, or at least away from bird feeding areas, can help create a safer environment for birds to feed, nest, and bathe.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

One of the most important, but hardest steps! Attracting a variety of wild birds to your backyard can take time and patience. Consistently provide fresh food, water, and maintain the habitat features you’ve created. Over time, birds will start to visit your yard more frequently and in greater numbers.

Creating a bird-friendly backyard is a rewarding experience that brings the beauty of nature right to your doorstep. By offering fresh water, a variety of foods, and natural habitat features, you can enjoy the delightful sight and sounds of wild birds all summer long. Remember, every small step you take can have a big impact on the local bird population, turning your backyard into a thriving wildlife oasis.

Deworming: Plan, Purge, Protect

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

Horse in Field, Horse DewormingInternal parasites are a common problem in horses, particularly those managed on pasture. In addition to being a nuisance, internal parasites can cause serious health problems such as weight loss, poor performance, colic, and intestinal obstruction. Establishing and maintaining a routine deworming schedule for your horses is an essential step to keep them healthy. However, a good deworming program should be tailored to the individual horse based on factors such as age, pasture type, climate, and management style. Strategic deworming not only takes these factors into account, but also helps prevent the development of resistance and strives to keep the deworming medications you use on your farm effective.

Strategic Deworming for Horses

In the past, deworming horses often meant giving a broad spectrum deworming medication to every horse in the barn a few times each year. Nowadays, it is recommended that horse owners use a strategic deworming program that addresses the needs of each individual horse. A strategic deworming protocol involves three steps:

Plan

Planning is perhaps the most important step in any strategic deworming program. To start, your veterinarian can help you monitor fecal egg count for the horses on your farm. This easy testing will identify high, moderate, and low egg shedders, and this information will be used to determine the frequency of deworming needed for each horse. In addition to fecal egg counting, you will also need to understand the types of parasites that are prevalent in your region and their infection cycles. This will help you make informed decisions regarding your horse’s management and the types of deworming medications available to target these species.

Purge

Purging involves the use of a broad spectrum deworming medication such as ivermectin to interrupt the infection cycle and kill the parasites that are currently established in your horse. Purge dewormers like Farnam IverCare (ivermectin) Paste 1.87% target a wide variety of parasites including small and large strongyles, pinworms, ascarids, and bots in a single dose. This medication is easy to administer using the adjustable dosing syringe. The frequency of purge deworming should be customized to fit the needs of the individual horse. High egg shedders may need more frequent purges, while low egg shedders may only need a purge dewormer twice per year. Monitoring fecal egg counts before and after the use of purge dewormers can also be useful to identify resistant parasites and ensure the deworming medication you have chosen is effective.

Protect

Daily deworming medications such as Farnam PyrantelCare Daily Dewormer 2.11% (pyrantel tartrate) provides continuous protection against more than 31 of the most common species and stages of equine parasites. This product utilizes pyrantel tartrate, a safe and effective anthelmintic that targets large and small strongyles, pinworms, and ascarids. The palatable medicated pellets are simply added to the horse’s normal feed daily. Once ingested, the medication works in the horse’s digestive tract to control parasites and help to prevent parasites from migrating through your horse’s digestive system, which can cause serious damage. While daily dewormers are a great tool for controlling new parasite infections, they do not treat all stages of parasites, so it is important to use these products in conjunction with a routine purge deworming plan.

Summary

There are many different deworming products on the market today, and choosing the best options for your horse can seem daunting. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to equine deworming, a strategic deworming program is easy to implement and provides your horse with protection to meet their unique needs. With the right products and a customized approach, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are doing what you can to help your horse remain healthy and protected from parasites.

At J&N Feed and Seed, we can help you implement your own deworming program today. Visit our store for all your horse needs!

Original article from Farnam

Elizabeth Racine