AgriLife Extension Wildlife & Fisheries
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Integrated pest management CEU program set for Nov. 7 in Nacogdoches

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NACOGDOCHES – A continuing education course for agriculture producers, workers, landowners and ranchers will be held Nov. 7 in Nacogdoches.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. inside the Nacogdoches Expo Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service course begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

Cost is $30 for attendees registered by Nov. 1 and $35 on the day of the event. Mail registration to the AgriLife Extension office in Nacogdoches County, 203 W. Main St., Nacogdoches, 75961.

Five continuing education units will be available, including one drift minimization, one laws and regulations, and three general. An agricultural trade show including vendors such as Heritage Land Bank, Rozell Sprayer Manufacturing Co., Express Scale Services, Shelby Savings Bank and more will be onsite during the program.

A barbecue lunch will be provided.

Speakers and topics to be discussed include:

–        Dr. Allen Knutson, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Dallas, Controlling Pasture Insects.

–        Daniel Mielke, Corteva Agrisciences representative, Rudolph, Wisconsin, Herbicide Recommendations and Updates.

–        Dr. Barron Rector, AgriLife Extension range specialist, College Station, Herbicide Application.

–        Dr. Don Renchie, AgriLife Extension pest management program director, College Station, Pesticide Laws and Regulations Updates.

–        Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall, Predator Management, including M-44 and Livestock Protection Collars.

“This event is a great opportunity for applicator license holders to get five CEUs and hear from some the top scientists in pest and weed management,” said Ricky Thompson, AgriLife Extension agent, Nacogdoches County.

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Texas Crop and Weather Report – Sept. 25, 2018

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Reduced wildlife numbers expected going into hunting season

THRALL – Drought conditions throughout much of the state this summer likely will mean lower wildlife numbers this hunting season, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension statewide wildlife specialist, Thrall, said deer, quail and turkey numbers would likely be affected. Fewer forbs and reduced nutritional value in browse and other food crops along with typical predation are contributing factors, he said. Hunters should also be careful not to over hunt quail broods.

Quail hunters should be mindful to not over hunt local birds as numbers declined due to drought. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Steve Byrns)

“Hunters in areas that experienced drought conditions can expect reduced numbers because of the heat and lack of rain and nutrition on the ground,” he said. “Young animals will probably be a little poorly going into the season, though recent rains may help them bounce back a little. But generally, hunters aren’t going to see the quality on a region-to-region basis that they might have seen the last few years.”

Tomecek said he does not expect catastrophic herd declines in deer as happened during the 2011 drought. But along with fewer deer, hunters will likely see a decline in antler quality.

“Genetics play a role in antler quality, but the vast majority of antler production is nutrition,” he said. “It would take an aggressive supplementation regimen for a deer herd to make a difference because it’s very difficult to replace an entire diet with supplemental feed.”

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department quail survey is not complete yet, but long-term AgriLife Extension studies show quail numbers dwindle during drought, Tomecek said. This means hunters and landowners should pay close attention to the quail they are harvesting to avoid a long-term detrimental effect on local bird populations.

Tomecek said landowners are very adept to self-regulation when it comes to quail, and that this season might be the time to dial back on harvest numbers.

“Historically, severe drought conditions can have a sharp effect on quail in the short-term,” he said. “Quail should have a lot of offspring compared to the number of adults during a typical year. So, hunters should age the birds in hand during hunts. If they see higher numbers of mature birds and not many juvenile birds, they may want to stop hunting for the season to avoid cutting into the brood stock too much.”

Turkey numbers will likely be affected by drought conditions, but hens and young birds have a dietary option – insects – that may assist a flock’s survival rate,Tomecek said.

“Turkeys don’t reproduce in high numbers like quail, so hunters might see smaller flocks,” he said. “Hens and younger birds have a more flexible diet and may have zeroed in on insects. We had a decent grasshopper crop this summer, and those birds may have made good use of them.”

Tomecek said dove season has been slow in many areas of the state, but migration numbers could rise quickly with a cold front.

“I would tell hunters to have their shells and shotguns ready for the first real cold front of the season,” he said. “Landowners who have millet, sorghum or another seed crops would be smart to hold off shredding some until then and cut heavy before the cold front. That might mean birds stay in an area for a day or two if there is extra food on the ground.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

The 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Districts

CENTRAL: Most fields and pastures had armyworms, and producers were actively spraying between rains. Pastures and crops continued to recuperate following recent rains. Livestock were in good condition. Hay producers should be able to get one or two more cuttings. A majority of cotton producers were done harvesting. Nearly all counties reported good soil moisture. Overall crop, livestock, rangeland and pasture ratings were good in a majority of counties.

ROLLING PLAINS: Recent rains helped replenish soil moisture and fill stock tanks. Pastures and rangelands improved and were in fair to good condition. Armyworms were very active in pastures, lawns and newly sprouted wheat. Winter wheat planting picked up. Producers were applying fertilizer and defoliating cotton. Cotton started to bloom in some areas.

COASTAL BEND: No report.

EAST: Scattered thunderstorms paired with steady rains continued to replenish soil moisture levels across the district. Gregg County ponds were filling up, and conditions were extremely wet. Marion County reported ponds were still low as was the quality of grasses in pastures. Anderson County reported cotton was fair, and land preparation for wheat planting was at a standstill. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor in Wood, Anderson and Marion counties and good in Sabine and Shelby counties. All other counties reported pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Sabine County reported warm-season grasses rebounded, and producers were hopeful about forage and hay crops and chances of a good third cutting. Subsoil conditions were adequate apart from Marion, Angelina and Houston counties, which reported short conditions. Topsoil conditions were surplus in Panola, Gregg and Polk counties. Anderson, Marion and Houston counties reported short topsoil conditions, and all other counties reported adequate conditions. Anderson and Marion county producers continued supplemental feeding due to drought. Livestock were fair to good in Smith County with some supplementation taking place. Houston County cattle prices were up, and buyers were aggressive with continued optimism for wheat. Gregg County cattle prices were holding steady to lower than average overall. Armyworms were very destructive in all counties despite producers spraying. Cherokee and Panola counties’ producers were reporting the worst infestations they’d ever experienced. Anderson and Shelby counties reported insecticides became hard to find due to armyworm outbreaks. Feral hogs were still a problem in Anderson, Wood and Henderson counties. Horn files were out in full force in Anderson County.

SOUTH PLAINS: Recent frequent rains helped saturate the topsoil and subsoil, but most areas still needed more moisture. Rains varied across counties from 0.5 of an inch to 3-plus inches. Cooler temperatures and more cloudy days prevented moisture evaporation. Crops continued to mature. Producers began the peanut harvest. Armyworms damaged much of the hay crop. Cotton looked very good despite short moisture this season. Producers were beginning to utilize harvest aides and prepare for harvest. Winter wheat needed moisture. Some ranchers reported improved pasture conditions. Pastures and rangelands remained in fair to good condition. Cattle were in good condition.

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were near-normal with some moisture in areas. Rain events also brought fall like temperatures. More moisture was still needed throughout the district. Armstrong County was still very dry but was expecting to receive moisture. Sorghum started coloring, and some wheat was planted. Pasture conditions were still dry, but no fires were reported in the past couple of weeks. Carson County received some rain, but conditions were still very dry. Hall County received county-wide rain, which eased drought pressure and helped pasture and cattle conditions. Cotton looked good and continued to develop, but producers were concerned about fiber maturity due to cooler night-time temperatures. Lint yield potential remained very high. Cotton harvest aid applications were expected to start soon. Peanuts were being harvested. Ochiltree County received some general rainfall, which halted early corn harvest and wheat planting activities. Wheat already planted was off to an excellent start. Grain sorghum continued to develop with record-breaking yields expected. Harvest of early planted fields should begin soon. Soybean harvest was halted due to rainfall, but yields so far were very good.

NORTH: With the recent rain, most of the counties reported adequate topsoil and subsoil moisture. Over the district, reports of anywhere from 4-6 inches of rain fell during the reporting period. Almost every county reported armyworm numbers were almost insurmountable. Despite a vast outbreak of armyworms, farmers did not report significant damages to crops so far. Grasses were green, and pastures and hayfields had rebounded. Hay producers were ecstatic with recent cuttings. Livestock were in good condition.

FAR WEST: No report.

WEST CENTRAL: Rains of up to 2 inches were reported, but all areas needed more moisture. Pastures improved, and forage growth increased. Many producers were waiting for conditions to dry enough to plant small grain. Armyworm activity increased. The market continued an upward price trend with stocker steers and heifers selling $5 to $10 higher per hundredweight. Prices on feeder steers and heifers were steady to $2 higher per hundredweight. Packer cows and bulls were steady. Pairs and bred cows continued to grow in demand with improved grazing conditions and hay production potential.

SOUTHEAST: Rainfall replenished soil moisture. Livestock were in good condition. Some cotton was harvested and weathered the rain well. Wet field conditions in some areas halted cotton harvest, and defoliated cotton fields that received rains were seeing seeds germinating in the bolls. Armyworm numbers were high and were impacting pastures and hay fields. Rains helped green up pastures. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied from excellent to poor with good being most common. Soil moisture levels ranged from adequate to surplus with adequate being most common.

SOUTHWEST: Pasture and rangeland conditions improved significantly due to recent rains. The soil profile was fully saturated. Rivers, creeks and tanks were filled. Cotton farmers found it difficult to harvest due to recent rains. Livestock conditions responded favorably to increased forages. Producers in many counties were battling armyworms.

SOUTH: Parts of the district reported mild weather conditions with the continuation of adequate soil moisture levels. Some parts reported surplus moisture following rains. Rain amounts ranged from 3-21 inches for the reporting period. Very little field activity was reported due to rain. Conditions were good for many cotton producers, but it could be challenging getting the remainder of their cotton out. About 75 percent of cotton was harvested in some areas. Peanut harvest of early planted fields was slowed, and some Southern blight and leaf spot were reported. Armyworms came out aggressively. Pasture and rangeland conditions improved dramatically with recent rainfall. Stock tank levels increased, and forage conditions were improving in quality and quantity. Body condition scores on cattle were good and improving. Some producers reported field conditions should be suitable for wheat, spinach and cabbage planting soon with no additional rainfall. Pecans were reaching split shuck stage in some orchards. No supplemental feeding was reported.

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Menard County Range Workshop set for Oct. 3

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Media contact: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu

MENARD – The 2018 Menard County Range Workshop sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District is set for Oct. 3 at the Murchison/Whitehead Memorial Youth Complex, 190 W. U.S. Highway 190 in Menard.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the program starting at 8 a.m. Cost is $25 per person or $35 per couple. Lunch is included and sponsored by Capital Farm Credit. Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered: two integrated pest management, two general and one laws and regulations.

“From range management and current leasing legal issues to predator control, we have a variety of topics that will be of interest to all producers,” said Lisa Brown, AgriLife Extension agent for Menard County.

Topics and speakers will be:

– Individual Plant Treatment and Sprayer Calibration, Dr. Bob Lyons, AgriLife Extension range specialist, Uvalde.

– Leasing Laws, Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, Amarillo.

– Predator Control Using Livestock Guardian Dogs, Bob Buchholz, rancher.

– Chemical Management of Live Oak Wilt, Dr. David Appel, Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant pathologist, College Station.

– Wild Pig Management, Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall.

– Identifying and Treating Mexican Needle Grass, Dr. Barron Rector, AgriLife Extension range specialist, College Station.

 

To register, call 325-396-4708 or 325-396-4787 by Oct. 2.

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Multi-County Wildlife Management Workshop slated for Oct. 17 in Luling

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Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Julie Zimmerman, 512-398-3122, julie.zimmerman@ag.tamu.edu

LULING – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and others will present the Multi-County Wildlife Management Workshop Oct. 17 at the Luling Foundation Farm, 523 S. Mulberry in Luling.

There will be a Multi-County Wildlife Management Workshop on Oct. 17 in Luling. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

The workshop will begin with registration from 7:45-8:15 a.m., followed by a welcome and presentations to start at 8:20 a.m. The program will conclude at 3:30 p.m.

“Presentations relating to wildlife management will be given by AgriLife Extension personnel as well as experts from the Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Meadows Center,” said Julie Zimmerman, AgriLife Extension agent, Caldwell County.

Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units —  one integrated pest management, one laws and regulations and one general — will be offered to commercial, non-commercial and private pesticide applicators.

There is an early bird registration fee of $15 for registration by Oct. 11. Payment is by check only, payable to “Demonstration Fund” and delivered or mailed to the AgriLife Extension office in Caldwell County, 1403-B Blackjack St., Lockhart, Texas 78644.

On-site registration will be $25, payable by check or cash. No credit cards will be accepted.

Morning workshop topics and presenters will be:

— Wildlife Rules and Regulations, Joann Garza-Mayberry, Texas Game Warden.

— Wildlife Group Membership and Legislative Updates for 2019 Session, David Yeates, CEO, Texas Wildlife Association.

— Range Herbicide Labels and Product Use, Dr. Bob Lyons, AgriLife Extension range specialist, Uvalde.

— Wildlife Habitat Management and Doe Population, Robert Trudeau, wildlife biologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife.

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. attendees will have lunch, participate in a tabletop discussion and have the opportunity to visit educational booths. From 12:45 – 1:15 p.m., tabletop discussion reports will be presented, and there will be an “ask an expert” segment in which they may have questions about wildlife answered.

Afternoon workshop topics and presents will be:

— Nature Tourism: Integrating Alternative Income from Wildlife, Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension state wildlife specialist, Thrall.

— Wild Pig Management – Balancing Population Control and Game Use, Jacob Hetzel, wildlife biologist, Texas Wildlife Services/U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

— Regional Approach to Wild Pig Management, Nick Dornak, watershed services program manager, Meadows Center.

Afternoon presentations will be followed by a short wrap-up and evaluation.

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AgriLife Extension sets Concho Valley Wild Pig Management Workshop Sept. 12 in San Angelo

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Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Josh Blanek, 325-659-6523, j-blanek@tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct the Concho Valley Wild Pig Management Workshop on Sept. 12 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.

The center is located north of town on U.S. Highway 87. The free multi-county workshop opens at 8:30 a.m. with registration, followed by the program from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

The AgriLife Extension counties involved with the event are Tom Green, Irion, Sterling, Coke, Runnels, Concho and Schleicher.

This event is provided through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Coke County Livestock and Wildlife Protection Association and the Sterling Wildlife Conservation Association.

RSVP before Sept. 7 to any of the participating AgriLife Extension offices. More information is available there or by contacting Josh Blanek, AgriLife Extension agent in Tom Green County, at 325-659-6523, j-blanek@tamu.edu .

Four general Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered.

“The old axiom about two kinds of landowners — those with feral hogs and those who are about to — sure rings true in our area,” Blanek said. “We’ve seen a huge influx of the pests here in recent years, which is the reason we are having this workshop and involving so many counties.

“Our goal is to bring landowners, managers and really, anyone facing the influx, abreast of the situation and what can be done to manage it.”

Topics and speakers will include:

-Wild Pig Biology, Impacts and Control, Josh Helcel, AgriLife Extension associate with Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Burnet. Helcel will discuss the biology and impact feral hogs have on the environment and discuss control options including trapping and exclusion fencing.

-Wild Pig Safety and Disease Concerns, Dr. Pete Fincher, veterinarian, Texas Animal Health Commission, Region 6 director, Lampasas. Fincher will discuss health concerns for humans, livestock and wildlife, to include the hunting, handling and processing of feral swine.

-Development of an Oral Toxicant for Wild Pigs, Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall. Tomecek will speak on new developments and projected uses of oral agents for wild pig control once they become available, including their proper use and rules and regulations.

-Wild Pig Trapping and Snaring Demonstration, Doug Steen, Texas Wildlife Services district supervisor, San Angelo. Steen, along with Helcel and Tomecek, will talk about and show different methods to control wild pigs through the proper use of baits, traps and snares.

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Texas Crop and Weather Report – Aug. 21, 2018

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Dove season success likely to depend on food, water sources

UVALDE – Texas hunters taking to fields to hunt dove Sept. 1 should find an average crop, and birds’ access to food and water will be a major factor in harvest success, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde, said dove adjust well to drought conditions because they can move to areas with more food and water, but that means hunter success will vary around the state due to conditions and food and water availability.

Texas dove hunters with access to fields with food and water sources for birds can expect an advantage during the 2018 season due to drought conditions. (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns)

Dove are negatively impacted by drought much less than quail, which rely on insects and native forbs, she said. Agriculture crops such as sesame, sunflowers and sorghum are attractive food sources to dove.

“Dove populations are much more stable than quail because they utilize agricultural fields,” she said.

Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall, said bird populations were spotty in Texas due to drought.

Hunters with access to areas where the birds have food sources, water and roosts should have an advantage over areas without, he said. The loss of commodity crops due to drought allowed annual volunteer plants, including sunflowers, to emerge.

“Birds will be moving between food and water sources as they make their way south,” he said. “Food and water are in short supply in a lot of areas, so the places that do have these, and trees to roost in, should hold a lot of birds.”

Providing food sources for dove can improve hunter success, but it can also be illegal if state laws are not followed, Tomecek said.

In Texas, the official recommendations regarding “normal agricultural operation” are produced by AgriLife Extension, Tomecek said. Recommendations can be found at https://bit.ly/2OULRSE.

Broadcasting seed or grains before and during dove season in an attempt to attract birds is illegal, he said. But broadcasting in the normal act of planting winter forages is legal when standard practices of seed drilling, or broadcasting on prepared beds followed by light disking or dragging is incorporated.

When it comes to dove, farmers are allowed to grow seed- and grain-bearing crops such as sesame or sorghum for the sole purpose of attracting dove and can manipulate stands in any way throughout the season to provide a food source for birds, Tomecek said.

“The best way to explain it is that if you put seed or grain on the ground this time of year, it’s likely illegal,” he said. “If you planted it and it is maturing during hunting season, you can manipulate it in any way to hunt over it throughout the season.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

The 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Districts

CENTRAL: Much-needed rains improved pasture and hay field conditions. One area reported 2 inches of rain. Producers hope the rain will translate into a late-season cutting of hay. Daytime temperatures remained in the upper 90s. Conditions were still dry. Corn harvest was nearing completion with very few fields remaining. Cotton harvest began. Cattle remained in good body condition. Stock pond levels were still low. Supplemental feed was needed for livestock on pasture. Nearly all counties reported poor soil moisture and poor rangeland and pasture conditions. Overall crop and livestock conditions were fair in the majority of counties.

ROLLING PLAINS: Scattered rains fell across parts of the district with amounts ranging from 0.75 of an inch to 6 inches, while some counties reported no rainfall. Although rain may be too late for summer crops, it was needed for fall planting. Most dryland cotton was plowed up, while irrigated cotton was fair to good. Green-up and forage growth was good in areas that received rain. Ranchers were still downsizing cow herds due to lack of hay. There were concerns about prussic acid poisoning in forage sorghums. Wildfires were still a concern in the drier counties.

COASTAL BEND: Hot, dry weather continued to deplete soil moisture. Rice and corn harvests continued. Extremely high aflatoxin levels were reported in several corn fields. Soybean and sorghum harvest neared completion. Cotton harvest continued with a majority of cotton being defoliated. Yields of cotton were average or below at 1-1.5 bales per acre. Native pecans were dropping nuts prematurely due to hot, dry weather conditions. Hay making was in full swing though yields were not promising. Pasture conditions continued to deteriorate and supplemental feeding increased. Cattle remained in fair to good condition despite short forage availability.

EAST: Many counties received small, sporadic rainfall that did not improve deteriorating conditions throughout the district. San Augustine County reported no rainfall, while Jasper County reported good summer rains but overall dry conditions. Surface water was a problem for most producers in the district as ponds and creeks were drying up. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair in Polk, Shelby, Jasper, San Augustine and Gregg counties, and all others reported poor to very poor conditions. Trinity County reported concerns about a lack of grass growth. Wood County reported hay was difficult to find, forcing producers to ship it in. Smith, Marion, Gregg and Cherokee county producers continued to seek hay despite high prices. Topsoil conditions were adequate in San Augustine and Gregg counties, and were short to very short in all other counties. Subsoil conditions were adequate in San Augustine and Gregg counties while all other counties reported short to very short conditions. Cherokee, Gregg and Smith county producers continued to cull cattle. Trinity County conditions forced some producers to sell out completely and others to worry about the near future if conditions don’t change. Gregg County reported calf prices were up per hundredweight, and prices for cows remained steady. Shelby County reported large numbers of cattle at their sale barn. Armyworms continued to eat what little grass came back with recent rains in Shelby, Houston and Henderson counties. Houston County reported multiple fields were wiped out, and many producers lost their next cutting of hay due to armyworms. Fly numbers continued to be high in Henderson County. Wood and Henderson counties reported wild pig control was ongoing.

SOUTH PLAINS: Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels remained adequate to short. Some areas received 1-3 inches of rainfall, but rains were spotty and there were still many areas that missed moisture. Cotton growth ranged from beginning bloom to hard cut-out with zero nodes above white flower. Producers were concerned cotton bolls would develop poorly or drop over the next several days. Bollworm activity was noted along with a few reports of aphids in several fields, including Bt cotton. Producers were conducting pest and weed management. Grain sorghum continued to be scouted regularly for sugarcane aphid activity. Peanuts, sorghum and sunflowers continued to mature. Producers were preparing to plant winter wheat. Pastures and rangelands remained fair to poor. Area crops needed rain. Cattle continued to be in good condition.

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were near average. Moisture was received, but more was needed throughout the district. Soil moisture was mostly short. Amounts ranged from a trace to 2 inches in some areas. Rainfall was beneficial to crops, pastures and rangelands. Irrigation of crops continue. The corn crop was wrapping up with most fields in good shape with recent rainfall and irrigations to finish up the year. The cotton crop was all over the board with some fields already blooming out the top and several fields still having growth regulators applied to them. The cotton looked good in general. Silage harvest was starting with some early planted corn fields being sampled. Producers were starting to plant early wheat and hoping for rain to provide grazing. Lightning caused fires in pastures. Pasture and cattle conditions continued to decline in drier areas.

NORTH: Most counties received 1-5 inches of much needed rain, but intense heat with high humidity was reported. Pastures went from brown to green very quickly. Improved pastures, such as Bermuda and Klein grass, were thriving and should provide another cutting of hay. Some ponds were replenished, but others were still very low. Corn and grain sorghum harvests were delayed due to rain. Wheat and oat crops were excellent, while corn and sorghum were below average. Livestock looked good. Insect numbers were high due to recent rains and were causing light stress on the cattle. Some ranchers in Hopkins County reported fall armyworms.

FAR WEST: Temperatures were in the upper 90s with lows in the 60s. Rainfall averaged a trace to 4 inches. Insect problems on pecan trees were reported. Mosquito numbers were up. Fire danger was still a concern in many parts. Remaining cotton and rangelands should benefit from the rainfall. Conditions were still dry, but drought was no longer severe. Producers continued to water cotton and pecans. Winter wheat was being planted on numerous farms.

WEST CENTRAL: Rangeland and pastures greened up due to recent rains. Despite forage growth, forage availability was still short. Stock tanks remained low or dry and in need of runoff. Livestock were in fair condition with many producers already providing supplemental feed due to lack of grazing. Stocker steers and heifers sold $2 higher, while packer cows, bulls, feeder steers and feeder heifers sold steady. Pairs and bred cow prices were up.

SOUTHEAST: No report.

SOUTHWEST: Most counties received some rainfall last week, but not enough to make a huge difference. Pastures and range conditions continued to decline. Livestock producers continued to supplement with hay. Wildfire potential was still a concern.

SOUTH: Most parts of the district reported a continuation of hot and dry weather conditions with short to very short soil moisture levels. Temperatures reached 100 degrees consistently in some areas. Western portions of the district received scattered rain showers and reported adequate to short soil moisture levels. Producers continued to irrigate crops. Irrigated crops like Coastal Bermuda grass, watermelons and cantaloupes looked to be in good condition. Pecan orchards were in fair condition. Dryland cotton harvest continued, and irrigated cotton was defoliated. Pasture and rangeland conditions started to green up a little following recent rainfall, but livestock supplemental feeding continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions continued to deteriorate in drier areas. Surface water levels were declining with the summer heat, and horn fly populations were increasing. Body condition scores on cattle remained fair. Corn and sorghum harvests were nearing completion. Livestock producers reported supplemental feeding of livestock would continue until areas that received rainfall improved. Some producers were hauling water, and many producers began to cull their herds. Wildlife were being fed.

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Texas Master Naturalist program seeks applicants

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Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Mary Pearl Meuth, 979-845-7294 or mpmeuth@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Twenty Texas Master Naturalist chapters will be conducting training classes in fall and winter for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource and conservation management, said the program’s assistant state coordinator.

Mary Pearl Meuth, College Station, said the Texas Master Naturalist program has 48 chapters across the state tasked with developing a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers.

She said the Texas Master Naturalist program is a collaborative effort between the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“We train citizen volunteers on the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the betterment of all Texans,” Meuth said.

The main qualification for a Texas Master Naturalist certification is an interest in learning about and playing an active part in conservation, she said. Volunteers will receive a minimum of 40 hours of basic training from educators and specialists from universities, natural resource agencies, nature centers and museums.

Training topics include evaluation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions in Texas and natural systems management.

Once certified, Meuth said volunteers are asked to provide 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects to maintain certification as a Texas Master Naturalist. They are also expected to pursue a minimum of eight hours of advanced training in areas of personal interest.

“Invariably, many volunteers will go above and beyond their basic requirements once involved, and develop personal projects connecting to the mission of the chapter and statewide program,” Meuth said.

For a complete list of the 20 chapters offering volunteer training this fall go to: www.txmn.org.

Meuth said enrollment is limited in most chapters and registration deadlines for some chapters are fast approaching, so early registration is advised.

For more information about existing chapters or forming a new chapter, contact Meuth at  mpmeuth@tamu.edu, or 979-845-7294.

For a more in-depth look at the program, Meuth encourages prospective volunteers to view the various videos on the 20th Anniversary YouTube playlist at https://tinyurl.com/y8my8jpw or follow the organization on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TexasMasterNaturalistProgram/ .

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As posted on AgriLife Today: https://today.agrilife.org/2018/07/24/texas-master-naturalist-program-seeks-applicants-2/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AgrilifeToday+%28AgriLife+Today%29

Urban Wildlife Series sessions to be presented in July, August

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Native plants, water conservation and Medina River tour among offerings  

July 17, 2018

Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Sam Womble, 210-631-0400, sam.womble@ag.tamu.edu

SAN ANTONIO — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present two of its 2018 Urban Wildlife Series sessions in San Antonio during July and August.

The registration fee for each is $10.

Native and adaptive plants that use less water can be excellent choices for landscaping. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo)

The first session, titled “Every Drop Counts,” will be from 10 a.m.-noon July 31 at the Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military Highway. This session will address native plants and water conservation.

The second session, from 8 a.m.-noon Aug. 14, will be a field trip to the Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Highway 16 S. Attendees will meet at the area’s pavilion. Breakfast will be from 8-9 a.m. with tour and program from 9-noon.

Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde, and Matt Reidy, wildlife biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Devine, will present on birding. Lee Marlowe and Shaun Donovan with the San Antonio River Authority will present on aquatic vegetation and water quality and testing..

To RSVP for these sessions, contact Carrie Huntzinger at 210-631-0400 or chuntzinger@ag.tamu.edu. Make checks payable to Bexar Ag & Natural Resources Committee. Mail registration fee to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Ste. 212, San Antonio, TX 78230.

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Farm bill, new crop technologies featured at 55th Stiles Farm Field Day

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Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu

TAYLOR – Despite tropical weather forcing the 55th Stiles Farm Field Day indoors to nearby Taylor, there was plenty of discussion on farm issues and new technology that drew more than 150 Blacklands-region producers.

Dr. Joe Outlaw, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in College Station, told farmers despite a low-price commodity environment there will be a farm bill – either extending the current program or passing of new legislation.

Dr. Joe Outlaw, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in College Station, provided a farm bill update at the recent Stiles Farm Field Day. Due to inclement tropical weather, the field day was moved indoors to nearby Taylor. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)

“Either way, you are going to get about the same strong support whether you get a new farm bill or they extend the current one,” Outlaw said. “If they don’t pass a bill, they will extend the current one.”

With the Senate Agriculture Committee recently passing its new version of the farm bill and the House expecting a vote this week, time continues to march on towards the expiration of the current farm bill Sept. 30.  Outlaw said he’s “very upbeat” about current farm bill negotiations as mid-cycle elections draw closer in November. He told attendees he knew he wasn’t delivering the brightest of news amid a backdrop of historically low commodity prices and tenuous trade relations with China.

“Unfortunately, we can’t do anything current commodity prices or trade,” he said. “If we lose our China trade market, will the government do something about it? Absolutely.”

Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at the Stiles Farm, discussed tips on successful feral hog trapping. Blackland farmers as well as farmers across the state have sustained millions of dollars in damaged crops and rangeland.

“Last year, we saw $125 million worth of damage to small grains crops in Texas,” he said. “To put our Texas feral hog population into context, we have 5.3 million wild hogs. Compare that to 4 million whitetail deer.”

Tomecek said Texas’ feral hog population is growing at such an explosive rate that Texans would have to kill two-thirds of the current population to just keep the current population numbers where they are.

“People ask ‘Is the current situation under control?’ I say no,” he said.

Trapping can be effective if done properly. Tomecek provided examples of box traps and teardrop-shaped traps designed to catch large numbers of hogs, including the sounder or female hog. He said it’s critical to capture the sounder hog since it can reproduce up to 50 pigs over a two-year span.

Dr. Gaylon Morgan, AgriLife Extension state cotton specialist from College Station, gave an update on new cotton innovations. He said ginners having problems with getting plastic in their ginned cotton. Additionally, he told farmers to make sure they line up their cotton bales and not place them on standing stalks since they are prone to rip holes in the plastic protective wrap.

Stiles Farm Manager Ryan Collett moderates the program agenda, which included feral hog control, updates on new cotton technologies and integrated pest management strategies. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)

During the noon program, Macie Scarborough of Bishop received a Stiles Farm Foundation scholarship. Scarborough has been a Nueces County 4-H member for 10 years and will be attending Texas A&M studying agribusiness. Emily Murphy of Cleburne also received a Stiles Farm scholarship. She is a Bosque County 4-H member and will be attending Tarleton State University majoring in the agricultural industries program.

Bob Avant, director of corporate relations for Texas A&M AgriLife Research and president of the Williamson County Farm Bureau, presented Terry Poldrack the Producer of the Year Award and Larry Sladek the Agribusiness Award.

The annual field day is conducted by the AgriLife Extension in cooperation with AgriLife Research and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M.

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Mark calendars for Texas Master Naturalist 20 year anniversary gala

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Oct. 25 event to be in Georgetown

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Mary Pearl Meuth, 979-845-7294, mpmeuth@tamu.edu

GEORGETOWN – With sizzling hot temperatures blanketing the state, the Texas Master Naturalist program hopes to cool things down with the announcement of their 20th Anniversary Gala, coordinators said.  

The event will be the evening of Oct. 25 at the Sheraton Georgetown located off Interstate 35 and State Highway 29 at Georgetown. The Texas Master Naturalist program is a collaborative effort between the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Texas Master Naturalist Endowment Fund. The fund’s mission includes enhancing the Texas Master Naturalist Program, its chapters and volunteers, now and into the future, for the benefit of natural resource education, conservation and stewardship, said Mary Pearl Meuth, AgriLife Extension Texas Master Naturalist program coordinator at College Station.

“We urge everyone interested in preserving our state’s native flora and fauna to mark their calendars now for this event,” Meuth said. “This celebration will be one to remember, with a live band, a variety of live and silent auction items and a celebratory presentation by founding Texas Master Naturalists — all befitting our organization’s 20th anniversary. It will be a really cool affair to look forward to this fall as we head into what thus far promises to be a blistering hot summer.”

Michelle Haggerty, state program coordinator at Kerrville, said for the past 20 years the Texas Master Naturalist Program has trained more than 11,000 individuals who have contributed more than 4 million hours of volunteer service. That service includes time spent restoring native habitats, creating outreach events educating the public, building community awareness, conducting research and citizen science efforts while working with state agencies alongside local partnership organizations.

“What makes the work of a Master Naturalist so important is they are not only individuals who love nature and offer their time, but they are trained naturalists with specialized knowledge of different ecosystems, species, habitats and environmental demands,” she said.

Haggerty, who works for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said the mission of the organization is to develop a local corps of master volunteers to provide service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within the volunteers’ own Texas communities.

For more information about the gala, go to https://masternaturalistendowment.org/20th-anniversary-gala/ .

For more information about the endowment, go to https://masternaturalistendowment.org/ .

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Stiles Farm Field Day set for June 19 in Thrall

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THRALL – Feral hog trapping, soybean performance in the Blacklands, pecan tree management and the latest farm bill information will all be discussed at the Stiles Farm Field Day scheduled June 19 in Thrall.

The field day is hosted by the Stiles Farm Foundation and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. There is no registration fee courtesy of the Williamson County Farm Bureau. Lunch and door prizes will be provided to field day participants courtesy of local agribusiness sponsors.

The Stiles Farm Field Day is set for June 19 at the Stiles Farm in Thrall. The program features a number of cropping updates affecting Blacklands producers. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)

Two continuing education units will be given for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license holders: one general and one integrated pest management.

“This year’s field day will feature topics of interest to a variety of producers and landowners in the Blacklands,” said Ryan Collett, farm manager and AgriLife Extension specialist. “The program is geared towards helping Blackland producers stay current with new technology and learn more about operating efficiencies during times of low commodity prices.

“But, with pecan management, fence building and feral hog trapping presentations, we think there is something of interest for everyone.”

Morning session topics and AgriLife Extension speakers include:

–    Tips For Success with Feral Hog Trapping, Dr. John Tomecek, wildlife specialist, San Angelo.

–    Innovations in Cotton, Dr. Gaylon Morgan, state cotton specialist, College Station.

–    Cotton Pest Management Update, Dr. David Kerns, statewide integrated pest management coordinator, College Station.

–    Can Soybeans Work in the Blacklands?, Dr. Ronnie Schnell, cropping system specialist, College Station.

–    Cotton Fertility and Cover Crop Management, Dr. Jake Mower, soil specialist, College Station.

–    Row Crop Weed Identification and Management, Dr. Scott Nolte, state weed specialist, College Station.

Afternoon sessions will include:

–    Farm Bill Update at KC Hall, Dr. Joe Outlaw, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station.

–    Pecan Production in the Blacklands, Dr. Monte Nesbitt, horticultural specialist, College Station.

–    Stay Tuff Fence Building Demonstration.

The noon meal and program will feature the presentation of the Agriculturalist of the Year and Stiles Farm Foundation scholarships.

The Stiles Farm Foundation was established by the Stiles family at Thrall in Williamson County. According to the foundation, J.V. and H.A. Stiles wanted to commemorate their father, James E. Stiles, and the land he worked. They also wanted to help neighboring farmers and others throughout the Central Texas Blacklands region learn new farming practices.

In 1961, the Stiles Farm Foundation was established and became part of the Texas A&M University System. The farm is used by AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, which conduct field experiments and use the facility as a teaching platform.

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Urban Wildlife Series programs will be June through August in San Antonio

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Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Sam Womble, 210-631-0400, sam.womble@ag.tamu.edu

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas will present a series of urban wildlife education programs with water resources as its main focus.

Riparian areas that are a natural occurrence along creeks and around ponds provide the basics for both wildlife and livestock � water, shade, cover and food. (Texas AgriLife Research photo by Kay Ledbetter)

Wildlife and water will be the focus of the Urban Wildlife Series from June to August in San Antonio. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

The Urban Wildlife Series runs from June 14 to Aug. 14 in San Antonio.

“The Bexar County Ag and Natural Resources Committee is sponsoring this program,” said Sam Womble, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agriculture and natural resources agent, Bexar County. “Last year, we had a very successful series of wildlife educational programs targeting urban residents. This year, we are expanding on that effort by collaborating with the San Antonio River Authority, or SARA, and Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute.”

Womble said series programs will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Program dates, topics, locations and presenters will be:

— June 14, Why Conservation Matters for People and Wildlife and San Antonio River Authority and the Clean River Program, AgriLife Extension office for Bexar County, Conroy Square business complex, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 208. This program will be presented by Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde; and Amanda Nasto, environmental investigations coordinator, and Shawn Donovan, senior aquatic biologist, both from San Antonio River Authority.

— June 28, Water and Wildlife of Texas, AgriLife Extension office, Bexar County. This program will be presented by Frank, along with Jessica Alderson, urban biologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife, San Antonio.

— July 10, Stormwater Management for Wildlife and Water Quality; Ponds, Birdbaths and Wildlife, Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military Drive. This program will be presented by Frank, along with Lee Marlowe, sustainable landscape ecologist, SARA.

— July 31, Native Plants and Water Conservation, Urban Ecology Center, Phil Hardberger Park. This program will be presented by Forrest Cobb, research assistant, and Amy Carroll, senior programmer, both with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, San Antonio.

— Aug. 14, Field trip (TBD). This program will be presented by Frank, along with Matt Reidy, wildlife biologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Devine.

The cost is $10 per program or $25 for the series, payable at the door. The deadline for registration is June 8. To reserve a spot, contact Denise Perez at 210-631-0400 or dsperez@ag.tamu.edu.

Make checks payable to Bexar Ag and Natural Resources Committee and mail to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 3355 Cherry Ridge Drive, Suite 212, San Antonio, Texas, 78230.

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Cancelled: AgriLife Extension’s Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference set May 3-4 in San Angelo

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Editor’s note: The following educational program has been cancelled:

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Josh Blanek, 325-659-6523, j-blanek@tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – The Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference set May 3-4 in San Angelo at the McNease Convention Center and the accompanying tour of area ranches has been cancelled, the conference coordinator said.

“Members of the planning committee decided to cancel this week’s Bennett Trust program in San Angelo,” said Josh Blanek, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent in Tom Green County.

“We are postponing this event to a later date in order to fully capture the land stewardship audience and address emerging issues.”

Bennett Trust Land Stewardship educational activities are funded by the Ruth and Eskel Bennett Endowment, and are hosted by AgriLife Extension.

For more information, contact Blanek at 325-659-6523, j-blanek@tamu.edu.

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AgriLife Extension’s Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference May 3-4 sets tour of historic ranches

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Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Josh Blanek, 325-659-6523, j-blanek@tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – Attendees to  the upcoming Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference May 3-4 in San Angelo are in for the rare treat of touring two area ranches, the conference coordinator said.

“We will be touring two historic Concho Valley ranches — the Duff Ranch and the Head of the River Ranch — the second day of the event and ending the conference that evening at the beautiful Christoval Winery,” said Josh Blanek, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent in Tom Green County.

The conference, funded by the Ruth and Eskel Bennett Endowment and hosted by AgriLife Extension, will start at 8 a.m. May 3 in San Angelo’s McNease Convention Center, 501 Rio Concho Drive. The May 4 tour portion will also depart from the convention center after an on-site breakfast served at 7:30 a.m.

The historic Head of the River Ranch near Christoval will be part of the Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference May 3-4 in San Angelo. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Steve Byrns)

Individual registration for the public event is $75. Registration will be accepted the day of the event. More information on the trust and complete conference information is available at https://agrilife.org/bennetttrust/ or by contacting Blanek at 325-659-6523.

The first tour stop will be on the Duff Ranch, which recently received the Texas Department of Agriculture Family Land Heritage Award for continuous operation by the same family for 100 years. Stops on the ranch will feature various aspects of responsible brush management, Blanek said.

“We’ll see examples of the benefits of prescribed fire on southern Tom Green County rangeland and see pasture being prepared with fire breaks for future burning as well as recently burned sites and another site two years post-burn,” Blanek said.

“Dr. Morgan Russell, AgriLife Extension range specialist at San Angelo, will also be on hand to demonstrate individual plant treatment equipment and explain the latest in chemical brush control using these methods. Trip Hallman of the ranch will discuss how landowners can work with energy companies to benefit their properties.”

After lunch served at the Duff Ranch headquarters, the tour will travel to the Head of the River Ranch, a property Blanek described as being steeped in a rich history.

“This beautiful ranch is where the South Concho River originates from springs bubbling from the rock,” he said. “Ryland Howard and son Anson will discuss the ranch’s considerable history, which includes the beginnings of the American quarter horse. We’ll also hear how the owners plan to pass the ranch down to future generations through well thought out successional plans.”

Other presentations at the ranch will include discussions of establishing riparian buffers, and livestock and wildlife management in the ranch’s riparian areas. Speakers will be Dr. Reid Redden, AgriLife Extension state sheep and goat specialist at San Angelo, and Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at Thrall.

“The tour’s last stop is the Christoval Winery, located among the large live oak trees on the South Concho River,” Blanek said. “There participants will end the conference in high style while being treated to a wine production and wine tasting session before traveling back to the convention center in San Angelo.”

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AgriLife Extension’s Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference May 3-4 in San Angelo

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Water conservation, livestock watering options to be discussed

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Josh Blanek, 325-659-6523, j-blanek@tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO — The Texas Water Development Board reports San Angelo’s average annual rainfall as 21.3 inches; that’s 13.27 gallons per square foot a year or 578,037 gallons per acre.

How to make the most of that water, not only to grow forage but also to water livestock and wildlife in a semi-arid climate, will be among several topics discussed May 3-4 during the Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference in San Angelo’s McNease Convention Center, 501 Rio Concho Drive.

The conference is funded by the Ruth and Eskel Bennett Endowment and hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Cost of the two-day conference is $75, which includes all training materials and meals.

Solar-powered pumping systems will be among the topics covered during the Bennett Trust Land Stewardship Conference May 3-4 in San Angelo. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Steve Byrns)

More information on the trust and conference is available at https://agrilife.org/bennetttrust/ or by contacting Josh Blanek, AgriLife Extension agent in Tom Green County and event coordinator, at 325-659-6523 or j-blanek@tamu.edu.

“Obviously, livestock and wildlife should have access to clean, fresh water every day,” said Dr. Bruce Carpenter, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist at Fort Stockton. “But on ranches that depend solely on the capture of surface water, it becomes more critical during drought. We often hear of livestock being sold, not because the ranch ran out of grass but because it ran out of surface water.”

Carpenter’s talk on ranch water resource development will couple with a solar-powered pump discussion by Charles Swanson, AgriLife Extension landscape irrigation program specialist at College Station.

“West Texas is among the sunniest regions in the nation, making it ideal for solar-powered water well systems,” Swanson said. “Designing and selecting a solar-powered pumping system can be rather simple if you know your pumping needs like pressures and flows. These are easy to learn and will be something I’ll cover during the conference program.”

Blanek said this is the first time the conference will be in San Angelo.

“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to host this event, which will include not only classroom instruction, but a tour to two area ranches to see first-hand conservation practices in action,” Blanek said.

The first day starts at the convention center with breakfast and registration at 8 a.m. followed by the ranch water presentations and talks on livestock guardian dogs, agricultural law issues, prescribed fire, individual brush management practices and ranch rainwater harvesting.

Afternoon topics will include Edwards Plateau geology, integrating livestock and wildlife, and introduced grasses for the region. The day’s activities will end with dinner and entertainment.

The second day will start with a 7:30 a.m. breakfast followed by a ranch tour designed to demonstrate the previous day’s educational efforts. Stops at the Head of the River Ranch and Duff Ranch will include examples of livestock/wildlife compatibility, discussion on water resources, individual plant treatment and prescribed fire, and a look at introduced grasses.

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