Out and About with the Field Staff

Odell Ward P.G.

Trees in the Panhandle are about as common as Buffalo, but they can be very useful to your farming operation or livestock. In honor the 88th anniversary of “Black Sunday”, April 14th, 1935, I wanted to highlight the importance of conservation windbreaks.

Windbreaks are the planned planting of trees and shrubs near fields, houses, outbuildings, or roads to reduce or redirect the wind. Windbreaks enhance a property’s aesthetics, increase wildlife’s protective habitat, reduce soil erosion, protect buildings and/or equipment, and decrease evaporation within the protection belt.

There are six types of windbreaks that can help protect your property from the wind. Texas A&M Forest Service West Texas Nursery recommends these:

• Home/Farm Windbreaks increase the heating and cooling efficiency in farm homes and enhance the aesthetics of the property.
• Livestock Windbreaks serve to protect livestock in extreme weather by reducing the amount of energy livestock use to keep warm or cool, thus increasing animals’ overall health and decreasing costs..
• Field Windbreaks can protect edge crops, reduce moisture evaporation, and reduce soil erosion.
• Dry Corner Windbreaks establish habitat for birds and animals, can improve the watering efficiency of nearby irrigation systems, and protect grazing livestock.
• Living Snow Fence Windbreaks prevent snow from drifting onto roads and highways, protect livestock, and increase wildlife habitat.
• Wildlife Windbreaks establish permanent vegetation, providing food and cover for wildlife in times of drought or during winter months.