During 2002, the Blairs used a 463-acre hayland field for breeding. Usually they use a 397-acre pasture but the condition of the pasture has been declining due to grazing at the same time of year for several years in a row.

Throughout the summer, fecal samples were collected and tested to determine if the forage the livestock were eating was adequate to maintain body condition and gain weight. Samples were tested for crude protein, digestible organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Forage in each paddock was clipped prior to the livestock being moved into the pen. Forage was clipped again after the livestock were moved out of the paddock. The samples were dried and weighed to determine pounds per acre. Vegetation height was also recorded.

The dry conditions during the 2002 growing season did not allow for normal regrowth of plants after a minimum of 30 day rests.

Rainfull received a the Blair Brothers Ranch headquarters was as follows:

Date

05/26/02
05/30/02
06/03/02
06/04/02
07/04/02
08/09/02
08/10/02

Rainfall Amount

0.20 inches
0.03 inches
0.90 inches
2.30 inches
0.70 inches
0.40 inches
0.30 inches