AgriLife Extension Wildlife & Fisheries
AgriLife Extension Wildlife & FisheriesTeaching, Research, Extension and Service

Texas Master Naturalist program garners Texas Wildlife Society award

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Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Contact: Michelle Haggerty, 830-896-2504, mmhaggerty@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION — The Texas Master Naturalist program was recently honored by the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society with its Outstanding Achievement Award.

The award was presented during the recent Texas chapter’s annual conference for the program’s impacts on the conservation industry throughout the program’s 20-year history, according to a news release distributed by the society.

The program, led by Michelle Haggerty, Texas Master Naturalist program state coordinator at Kerrville, and Mary Pearl Meuth, assistant coordinator, College Station, is designed to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the state of Texas.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sponsor the program, which is supported by an extensive network of experts from both agencies. Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society stated the program teaches advanced training and also supports the outreach and stewardship projects of its more than 11,000 volunteers.

Dr. Neal Wilkins, past president of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society and current executive director of the East Foundation, presented the award commenting, “The Texas Master Naturalist program has been an unbelievable asset to this state. Volunteers for the program are committed. They are the heart and soul of what really goes on out on the landscape.”

The Texas Master Naturalist program was also honored as it “brings skilled volunteers together and works with communities and organizations across the state to implement youth outreach programs, operate parks, nature centers and natural areas, and provides leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts,” Wilkins said during the presentation, according to the release.

The Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society was established in 1965 and represents the state’s interest in involving resource professionals and stimulating involvement by all concerned individuals in science-based conservation practices.

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AgriLife Extension offers Pond Management Program April 6 in Baird

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Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Karl Winge, 325-854-5835, karl.winge@ag.tamu.edu

BAIRD – Pond management will be the topic of a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program set April 6 in the agency’s Callahan County office, 100 W. 4th St., Suite 201 in Baird.

Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. with the program to follow at 9 a.m.

“With spring upon us, it’s time to start setting and implementing pond management goals,” said Karl Winge, AgriLife Extension agent in Callahan County. “Our area is blessed with a number of ponds that with a bit of added management done correctly, could easily return a profit. The goal of this program is to introduce, and in some cases demonstrate, the fundamental tools and techniques needed to achieve those goals.”

Topics and speakers will include:

– Pond Location, Design and Stopping Leaking Ponds, Gary Franke, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service soil conservation technician, Albany.

– Fish Selection and Management, Steven Bardin, Texas Pro Lake Management, fisheries biologist, Comanche.

– Aquatic Plant ID and Management, Dr. Michael Masser, AgriLife Extension fisheries specialist, College Station.

The program’s last presentation will be a hands-on electrofishing demonstration and assessment to be conducted on the Pruet Ranch, 2 miles south of Baird on U.S. Highway 83.

Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general category will be offered.

Individual registration is $20, which includes lunch. For more information and to RSVP by April 2, call the AgriLife Extension office in Callahan County at 325-854-5835.

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Ranch Management University spring event set April 2-6 in College Station

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Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Larry Redmon, 979-845-4826, l-redmon@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Ranchers wanting to brush up on or learn the fundamentals of soils and soil fertility, forage establishment, pasture management and utilization by livestock can attend the spring Ranch Management University April 2-6 in College Station.

The Ranch Management University is an intensive five-day event targeting new ranchers and landowners, said Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas A&M University soil and crop sciences associate department head and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program leader, College Station.

Ranch Management University is held each spring and fall at the G. Rollie White Visitors’ Center, 7707 Raymond Stotzer Parkway on the Texas A&M campus.

Registration is $500 and attendance is limited to 40 people, Redmon said. To register online and for more information, go to http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu and enter “ranch management” in the search window.

Online registration will end March 23. All meals and snacks and a Ranch Management University workbook with all presentations, contact information, glossary and a flash drive containing hundreds of relevant publications are covered by the fee.

The course will begin at 12:20 p.m. April 2 and conclude at noon April 6. Enrollment is limited to the first 50 individuals to ensure there is adequate opportunity for interaction with faculty, Redmon said.

“If you are interested in attending this special workshop, please contact us immediately,” he said.

Some of the subject matter that will be covered during the event will be:

– Basic livestock management practices such as castrating and vaccinating calves.

– Grazing management, stocking rates and body-condition scoring.

– White-tailed deer, turkey, quail, feral hogs and farm ponds.

– Field demonstrations of various how-to methods of soil sampling, planting, calibrating sprayers and inoculating legume seed.

– Various forage species, including Bermuda grass, small grains, annual ryegrass and clovers.

– Demonstrations covering deer necropsy, hog trap management and pond fisheries management.

Plenty of time will be allowed for interaction with Texas A&M University faculty with expertise and experience in all management facets of the soil-plant-animal interface and wildlife management, Redmon said.

For more information, contact Linda Francis in the Texas A&M soil and crop sciences department at 979-845-2425 or l-francis@tamu.edu.

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Fifth annual Hill Country Land Stewardship Conference offered April 26-27 in Kerrville

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Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Larry Redmon, 979-845-4826, l-redmon@tamu.edu

KERRVILLE – “Tools for the Trade” is the theme and exactly what will be offered at the fifth annual Hill Country Land Stewardship Conference hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service April 26-27 in Kerrville, according to the program coordinator.

The annual event will feature speakers on everything from grazing to prescribed fire, herbicide control to hunting leases, and legal issues to consider while managing a ranch, said Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension program leader and associate department head in the Texas A&M University department of soil and crop sciences in College Station.

“The Hill Country is a special part of Texas with an attraction to millions of individuals who ranch and come to vacation, hunt, rest and relax each year,” Redmon said. “Along with the spectacular beauty of the area, the Hill Country has its own special needs for management and this conference is designed to help landowners and managers address those needs.”

The conference fee is $75 and includes all meals, break refreshments and tour transportation costs. Registration will be available through April 16 at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/BennettTrust or 979-845-2604.

The conference will open with on-site registration, check-in and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. April 26 at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel, 2033 Sidney Baker St. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m.

The following topics and speakers are set for April 26:

— Grazing Livestock: Cattle, Goats, Sheep and Wildlife, Dr. Robert Lyons, AgriLife Extension range specialist, Uvalde.

— Prescribed Fire: Rejuvenate and Prevent Wildfire, Dr. Morgan Russell, AgriLife Extension range specialist, San Angelo.

— Herbicide Control Options: Is it Necessary?, Dr. Megan Clayton, AgriLife Extension range specialist, Corpus Christi.

— Setting Some Goals: Knowing When To Do Nothing, Clayton.

— U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency – Resources/Programs, Ricky Neffendorf, Farm Service Agency county executive director, Fredericksburg.

— Hunting Leases: Hunting for Success, Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall.

— Ag or Wildlife Tax Valuation: What Your Choice Ultimately Means, Tomecek.

— Fence Laws: How to Not Get Your Britches Ripped, Jim Bradbury, attorney, Austin.

— Wildlife Signs and ID’s, Annaliese Scoggin, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist, Abilene.

— Rural Living: How Population Increases in the Edwards Plateau Will Affect You, Dr. Rebekka Dudensing, AgriLife Extension economist, College Station.

The second day of the conference will be dedicated to tours. Attendees will pick from tours of the Hillingdon Ranch in Kendall County, “Wine and Roses” in Kerr and Gillespie counties, or the Kerr Wildlife Management Area in Kerr County.

For more information, contact Redmon at l-redmon@tamu.edu or an AgriLife Extension agent in the region, or go to http://agrilife.org/bennetttrust/.

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Texas A&M AgriLife bids farewell to Vice Chancellor, Dean Mark A. Hussey

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West campus agriculture complex, teaching gardens among AgriLife career highlights

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

COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Mark A. Hussey is quick to credit the people of Texas A&M AgriLife for his successful nine years as vice chancellor and dean for agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M University.

“You are only as good as the people around you, and I will tell you that I’ve had absolutely the best working with me, from the dean’s office and throughout Texas A&M AgriLife as a whole,” Hussey said. “I will always be forever grateful.”

Dr. Mark A. Hussey, who for the past nine years has served as vice chancellor and dean of agriculture for the College of Agriculture and Life Sceinces at Texas A&M, is stepping down at the end of February. During Hussey’s tenure has been leadership of an unprecedented construction campaign that has made the Texas A&M West Campus home to 13 of 14 academic departments. It includes the multi-million-dollar Agriculture and Life Sciences Complex on the Texas A&M University campus, providing the first-of-its-kind headquarters for Texas A&M AgriLife. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

Dr. Mark A. Hussey (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

Hussey will be stepping down at the end of February and returning to the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, where he will specialize in forage breeding and management. On Feb. 8, he had the new title of Vice Chancellor and Dean Emeritus for Agriculture and Life Sciences bestowed by the Texas A&M Board of Regents, who recognized him for 35 years of exemplary service and leadership to the A&M System.

Dr. Patrick Stover, director of the division of nutritional sciences at Cornell University, has been appointed as the new Texas A&M vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences, effective March 1.

For Hussey, Texas A&M has been a part of both his graduate work and agriculture career for 40 years. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Hussey came to Texas A&M to earn a master’s degree in science and a doctorate in plant breeding.

He spent 25 years as a plant scientist – his first stop at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco in 1983. Hussey would later move back to College Station and ultimately become a full professor in the department of soil and crop sciences in 1997.

Hussey’s move to administration came in 2001 when he was named department head for soil and crop sciences, followed by joining Texas A&M AgriLife administration as associate director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research in 2004. He also served as AgriLife Research agency director for two years before becoming vice chancellor and dean in 2008.

In 2014 Hussey was also called upon by Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp to serve as interim president of Texas A&M.

Career achievements aside, Hussey said he’s most proud of the accomplishments of Texas A&M AgriLife’s faculty, researchers and agencies “for exceptional work in solving the challenges of providing enough food and fiber for an ever-expanding global population.”

Perhaps the most visible mark during Hussey’s leadership is an unprecedented construction campaign that has made the Texas A&M West Campus home to 13 of 14 academic departments. It includes the multimillion-dollar Agriculture and Life Sciences Complex on the Texas A&M University campus, the first-of-its-kind headquarters for Texas A&M AgriLife.

Additionally, Hussey created the vision and raised funds to build the first phase of The Gardens at Texas A&M University, a unique and beautiful outdoor classroom for Aggies and the community, set to open later this year. He also initiated the AgriLife Advanced Leadership Program, which provides leadership training for AgriLife faculty leaders in the making.

“This type of faculty-driven, inclusive leadership is typical of Dr. Hussey’s efforts to bring together thought-leaders and provide incentives to fund big picture and interdisciplinary thinking,” said Dr. Bill Dugas, associate vice chancellor for business and strategic management at Texas A&M, College Station.

Another key area of Hussey’s leadership was establishing five grand challenges of the College and the agricultural agencies: feeding our world, protecting our environment, improving our health, enriching our youth and growing our economy.

Hussey is an advocate for the land-grant university system of research, teaching and extension, holding numerous national leadership positions in the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. Some major highlights during his tenure:

– Texas A&M AgriLife Research: For the fifth year in a row, the agency leads the nation in the amount of research expenditures with $179 million. Other ongoing agency work Hussey highlighted included in-depth research in the areas of vector-borne diseases, including the cattle fever tick.

– Texas A&M Forest Service: Hussey commended the work done in assisting with Hurricane Harvey, the Panhandle wildfires and ongoing efforts to mitigate potential fire threats in that region of Texas. He also noted the agency’s response and assistance provided to the Texas Department of Transportation during this season’s winter storm weather by blading roads. Another highlight is the agency’s work with Ponderosa Pine in the Davis Mountains.

– Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Considered the front line of defense for animal diseases, Hussey noted its new million-dollar College Station facility. Additionally, he anticipates breaking ground for a new facility in the High Plains that will bring increased capacity for protecting animal and human health to Texas.

– Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Hussey said the agency has a presence in each Texas county and its leadership in the Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts “is setting a new paradigm not only statewide, but nationwide.” He also touted its Healthy South Texas initiative and Path to the Plate program.

– College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: The college ranks second at Texas A&M with the most STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) graduates, behind only the College of Engineering. Hussey attributes the college’s growth in the number of corporate internship programs to the faculty, many of whom are also part of leading AgriLife Research initiatives.

“Both our new faculty and veteran faculty are making a difference. It’s a family atmosphere here in the college, everyone goes the extra mile to help students. We strive to have one of the lowest student-to- advisor ratios,” he said.

Hussey said he could not have had a greater mentor than the late Dr. Norman Borlaug, considered the father of the Green Revolution, with whom he shared an office suite in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.

“Dr. Borlaug was always talking about innovation and technology but was impatient because it was not moving fast enough to solve the world’s problems,” Hussey said.  “I’m that way as well. We’re not moving fast enough to meet these complex challenges. I firmly believe agriculture- and natural resource-based systems are poised to solve some of these big problems globally.”

Growing up in rural Illinois, Hussey said he developed a passion for agriculture in junior high. He was particularly interested in how science and technology can improve food production. That passion continues today as he seeks new research and leadership opportunities.

“It’s been 40 years since I first stepped foot on this campus,” he said. “It’s been a fun, excellent ride and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

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Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy – Time is Running Out!

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Time is running out to register for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Wildlife & Fisheries Extension Unit’s first annual Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy.The purpose of the Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy is to provide advanced training whereby master volunteers can support or expand specific county educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The goal of the Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy is not to produce “experts”, rather to identify Master Volunteers who have received highly specialized training to support specific natural resource-related programs or projects. Such projects may include educational projects such as training other master volunteers, clientele presentations, and/or applied research and demonstrations.

The Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy will be held Tuesday February 13th and Wednesday February 14th in College Station. Classroom sessions will be held in the mornings at the AgriLife Turf Research Facility (3100 F&B Road, College Station, TX) and field based sessions in the afternoon. Materials and lunch will be provided each day.

8:30am – 5:00pm – Tuesday February 13th – Aquatic Ecosystem and Vegetation Management

9:00am – 5:00pm – Wednesday February 14th – Texas Native Wildlife and Habitat Management

Registration is on a first come/first serve basis. Registration will cover handouts and reference materials, meals (lunch Tuesday & Wednesday), coffee & snacks during the day and classroom instruction. Not included will be lodging. Registration will be $50 for both days or $30 for single day admission. Please note that there will be an additional late registration fee of $10.00 for any registrations after February 5th. To register, please email Kathrine Bradshaw at kathrine.bradshaw@exchange.tamu.edu. Please make checks payable to TAMU AgriLife Extension. Registration payments can be mailed to 534 John Kimbrough Blvd, 2258 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843.

Dietary restrictions will be collected through registration.

For a look at the Academy agenda, click here!

2018 Ranching & Wildlife Seminars – Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

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For everyone going to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Expo, we are pleased to share the adult educational seminars schedule! The Educational Seminars are put on for three days (Tuesday, February 27th through Thursday March 1st) during the Expo with live animals, experts from across the industry, a variety of presentation topics, and a cooking demonstration to round out the afternoons on Wednesday and Thursday. Pre-registration is available with free day and parking passes mailed directly to you! For pre-registration,click here  https://hlsrrwexposeminars.eventbrite.com.

There will also be a number of wildlife and ranching industry exhibitors present throughout the entire week at the Expo. Come stop by, say hi and learn something new.

For more details, see the Educational Seminars flyer here.

Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society – 2018 Conference

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This year’s meeting of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TCTWS) will be held at the Sheraton Dallas and will focus on the topic “The relevance of conservation to a diverse society: how to make it a reality.” The excellent list of plenary speakers includes Dr. Steve Williams, President of the Wildlife Management Institute; Ms. Becky Humphries, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation; Dr. John McDonald, President of The Wildlife Society, and Ms. Tina Yturria Buford, Director of Education for East Foundation.The annual TCTWS conference is a great place to learn about the latest wildlife research, meet with biologists, land managers, and other wildlife professionals, and to get a good dose of inspiration on all things wildlife.

Early bird registration ends 1/31/18 and can be completed online at http://tctws.org/annual-meeting-2/registration/.

Hope to see you there!

A Quail’s Tale

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Kirby the Quail helps spread message of wildlife conservation

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

Contacts: Amanda Gobeli, 720-333-6224, amanda.gobeli@ag.tamu.edu

Dr. Jim Cathey, 979-458-2565, james.cathey@ag.tamu.edu

Dr. Maureen Frank, 830-278-9151, mgfrank@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – One of the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute’s most popular “spokespersons” for quail appreciation and conservation isn’t a person at all, but a sociable  6-inch-tall northern bobwhite named Kirby.

“We have been using Kirby as a ‘life model’ for a variety of educational programs and activities related to the conservation of quail and quail habitat,” said Dr. Jim Cathey, an associate director of the institute in College Station. “Texas is home to four quail species and quail are a vital part of the economy and ecology of the state. Unfortunately, the number of quail, especially northern bobwhite, has been declining for decades. Some possible causes are land use changes and land fragmentation, drought, habitat loss, predation, invasive species and disease.”

Cathey said the institute, which has offices on the Texas A&M campus in College Station and in San Antonio, as well as additional personnel based in Texas and other states, has an extensive wildlife conservation and mitigation program that helps address today’s wildlife and habitat management issues.

Kirby and Amanda Gobeli at a statewide  conference of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society. (Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute photo)

“We promote stewardship of wildlife populations, including game, nongame, endangered and threatened species and their habitats through the application and translation of sound science and outreach,” he said. “Among those outreach efforts is providing educational opportunities for youth and adults to better understand the challenges wildlife such as quail face in the wild — and what can be done to help them overcome those challenges.”

He said using Kirby as part of the institute’s educational component connects people with nature.

“A lot of youth and even adults, particularly in urban areas, may never have seen a quail,” he said. “Having Kirby during educational events provides an opportunity to talk about quail physiology and how quail are built to occupy a particular niche in nature.”

Cathey said quail have a short wingspan so they aren’t strong long-distance fliers; consequently, they spend much of their time on the ground. They also have large feet, which they use to scratch the ground to find food, like prairie chickens and other wild — and most domestic — fowl.

“Since most of their life is localized within a square mile or two, they are strongly affected by changes to their habitat,” he said.

Dr. Dale Rollins, retired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist, San Angelo, has worked for more than five years on the statewide Reversing the Quail Decline in Texas Initiative and on other quail and quail habitat conservation initiatives for the past 35 years.

Rollins said a 2000 survey of more than 250 members of Quail Unlimited in Texas showed the average expense for a quail hunter is more than $10,350 per person, including travel, accommodations and lease fees. A 2012 follow-up survey showed only a small reduction in the amount spent.

“In many of the counties where there is quail hunting, smaller communities really depend on those hunters,” Rollins said. “So if there are an inadequate number of quail, the hunters won’t come, and their absence will have a significant negative economic impact on these communities.”

Rollins also noted in ecological terms quail can be thought of as the “canary of the prairie” in that they serve as an early indicator of problems with the habitat or ecology of the landscape.

“Quail are subjected to all sorts of predation by other animals and face many environmental challenges,” he said. “So if you have abundant quail on land that’s suited for them, then there’s likely been proper use and stewardship of that land. But if there aren’t many quail, that means the land likely also is not suited to and will not sustain an abundance of other species.”

Amanda Gobeli, institute associate based in Dallas, is Kirby’s keeper and caretaker and takes him to educational “gigs” throughout the state.

“Kirby was hatched from an egg a breeder provided and I was the first person he saw, so he imprinted on me,” Gobeli said, “He is basically a pet, staying in my house and interacting with the other birds in the household. He lives in a large enclosure lined with pine shavings. He has a jar with sand where he can take his dust baths. And he has a heat lamp. He eats a gamebird crumble, a nutritionally complete food, and he gets sunflower and chia seeds as treats. I also hide treats he has to scratch for, so he can use that natural food-finding behavior.”

She said Kirby has been around people since he was a chick, so he is comfortable interacting with and being handled by humans.

Gobeli said Kirby is an excellent conversation starter and popular with both youth and adults. (Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute photo)

“He has been part of presentations at schools, quail appreciation events, and wildlife conferences and conventions throughout the state,” Gobeli said. “He’s always the star of the show when I do a presentation. Kirby gets people’s attention just by being there, and then sometimes he will whistle or do a covey call that draws people to him. He’s a big hit, especially with the kids.”

She said one particular question frequently asked about Kirby often leads to meaningful discussion about the many challenges quail face.

“Many people ask me how old Kirby is,” she said. “When I tell them he’s 3, I also add that, in the wild, the average life span for a quail is less than a year — and most of them never make it to their first breeding season. This usually leads into a meaningful conversation about the various reasons for quail decline and what can be done to help protect quail and quail habit in Texas. He’s a great ambassador for engaging people so we can start a dialogue with them.”

Gobeli said while estimates of how long quail live in captivity vary, she expects Kirby’s life span should be at least five years.

Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist in Uvalde, has presented at several events, lectures and conferences where Kirby has been shown. A few of the more recent events at which they appeared were the first-ever Urban Quail Appreciation Day last fall at the Witte Museum in San Antonio and a quail appreciation program last summer at the El Progreso Memorial Library in Uvalde.

“People are drawn to wildlife and it’s a unique and memorable experience for them to see wildlife in person,” she said. “Attendees may not remember everything about a presentation, but they’ll definitely remember seeing and interacting with Kirby.”

More information about habitat requirements of Texas quail can be found on the institute website at http://bit.ly/2D0ttX7.

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Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy – February 13 & 14th

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Wildlife & Fisheries Extension Unit is hosting their first annual Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy.

The purpose of the Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy is to provide advanced training whereby master volunteers can support or expand specific county educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The goal of the Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy is not to produce “experts”, rather to identify Master Volunteers who have received highly specialized training to support specific natural resource-related programs or projects. Such projects may include educational projects such as training other master volunteers, clientele presentations, and/or applied research and demonstrations.

Presentation Topics will include:

Texas Terrestrial Ecosystems

Wildlife Disease Control & Management

Aquatic Ecosystem and Vegetation Management

Pond Ecology

Invasive Species Control – both Terrestrial and Aquatic

. . . with an expanded agenda coming soon.

The Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy will be held Tuesday February 13th and Wednesday February 14th in College Station. Classroom sessions will be held in the mornings at the AgriLife Turf Research Facility (3100 F&B Road, College Station, TX) and field based sessions in the afternoon. Materials and lunch will be provided each day.

8:30am – 5:00pm – Tuesday February 13th – Aquatic Ecosystem and Vegetation Management

9:00am – 5:00pm – Wednesday February 14th – Texas Native Wildlife and Habitat Management

Registration is on a first come/first serve basis. Only 30 participant spots are guaranteed for this academy training. Registration will cover handouts and reference materials, meals (lunch Tuesday & Wednesday), coffee & snacks during the day and classroom instruction. Not included will be lodging. Registration will be $50 for both days or $30 for single day admission. Please note that there will be an additional late registration fee of $10.00 for any registrations after February 5th. To register, please email Kathrine Bradshaw at kathrine.bradshaw@exchange.tamu.edu. Please make checks payable to TAMU AgriLife Extension. And registration payment can be mailed to 534 John Kimbrough Blvd, 2258 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843.

Dietary restrictions will be collected through registration.

For more information, click here.

Texas Master Naturalist program seeks applicants, sets spring training

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

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

COLLEGE STATION – The Texas Master Naturalist program has announced training opportunities for those wishing to participate in the statewide program.

Twenty-three Texas Master Naturalist chapters will conduct training classes in the spring for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource and conservation management, said the program’s assistant state coordinator.

Mary Pearl Meuth of College Station said the Texas Master Naturalist program’s 48 chapters across the state develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

“The main qualification to become a certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning 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.”

She said the training topics will include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions in Texas and natural systems management.  Volunteers are expected to provide 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects in order 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,” she said. “However, many go beyond their basic requirements once involved, and are encouraged to develop personal projects connected to the mission of their respective chapter and statewide program.”

Meuth encouraged those seeking more information to watch the winning submission for the 2015 Texas Master Naturalist annual meeting video contest submitted by the North Texas Chapter in Dallas:

https://youtu.be/bPksINno0Iw

For a complete list of all the chapters providing training go to: http://www.txmn.org.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service co-sponsor the Texas Master Naturalist Program.

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

More information about the Texas Master Naturalist program is available at: http://txmn.org. Highlights of chapter projects, state-wide initiatives and program achievements can also be found on the Texas Master Naturalist Programs Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TexasMasterNaturalistProgram

 

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East Texas Master Naturalist application deadline Jan. 22

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OVERTON – The deadline to participate in 2018 East Texas Texas Master Naturalist classes is rapidly approaching – Jan. 22. Classes begin Jan. 30 and conclude April 17.

Classes run from 6-9 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays at the Tyler Nature Center, 11942 Farm-to-Market Road 848 in Tyler. There will also be one Saturday class and three Saturday field trips.

The East Texas Master Naturalist program is a chance to learn about the natural world and its preservation for future generations. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Steve Byrns)

“If you want to learn about our rich East Texas ecosystem and volunteer with like-minded people, this program is for you,” said Larry Pierce, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service regional program leader, Overton.

“Whether you are into bugs, birds or botany, you will enjoy these classes and the fun ways Master Naturalists find to enjoy the outdoors while helping preserve natural treasures for future generations.”

The program is sponsored by AgriLife Extension and Texas Parks and Wildlife. It is for residents in Smith, Cherokee, Anderson, Henderson, Van Zandt, Rains, Upshur, Gregg, Rusk and Wood counties.

Cost is $150, which covers tuition, materials, instruction and more.

The program includes more than 40 hours of classroom study and field trips. Classes cover topics such as wetland ecology, forest ecology and tree identification, mammalogy, herpetology, ornithology, plants, geology, archeology and more.

For more information and an application, contact Beverly Guthrie, East Texas chapter member, at finwren@sbcglobal.net, or visit the Texas Master Naturalist website http://txmn.org/etwd/.

“We’ve really stepped up the list of instructors to offer a great program,” Guthrie said. “I’ve heard many times that going through the program is a life-changing experience.”

 

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Texas Crop and Weather Report — Nov. 21, 2017

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Catfish production down but Texas producers faring well

COLLEGE STATION – Texas catfish production is down, but that’s not bad news for fish producers around the state, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Dr. Todd Sink, AgriLife Extension fisheries specialist, College Station, said Texas catfish producers were slowly entering the annual catfish harvest and production was expected to be down about 5 percent. The drop, however, is attributed to producers’ shift to production of higher value species such as red drum and striped bass.

Catfish harvest is underway in Texas and will escalate as temperatures continue to drop. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Todd Sink)

“They’re just seeing better profit margins on those species,” he said. “Catfish prices have been low to stagnant for the past 20 years as production costs have continued to rise, so they’re looking at options.”

Sink said post-harvest live-weight values for catfish, $1.34, was much better than it has been. Texas produces around 19 million pounds of catfish annually and is No. 4 in the nation behind Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas.

There are 15 major producers in the state, but Sink said there are numerous “mom-and-pop” operations that market local fish to restaurants, grocers and individuals.

Sink said producers harvest fish throughout the year, but major harvests occur each winter as temperatures drop.

“Once the temperature dips below 50 degrees fish stop eating,” he said. “They start losing weight and producers want to take them to market before they start losing money.”

Sink said expectations for above-average temperatures could allow producers to push harvest longer than typical. Producers typically begin harvesting in earnest during November and catfish supplies should build through December.

“Consumers should expect prices to go down as supply numbers increase,” he said.

Sink said competition with Chinese catfish producers has affected U.S. prices some. About 10 percent of catfish in U.S. markets are produced in China, which has transitioned some capacity to production of North American species including channel catfish versus native species to appeal to U.S. consumers.

“If it doesn’t say U.S. farm-raised, there’s a good chance it’s Chinese,” he said. “They’re adapting their production because they can produce fish much cheaper and export it for better prices in the states. At this point they produce about 20-25 percent of the seafood we consume in the U.S.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

The 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Districts

CENTRAL: Warm temperatures following rain helped small grain growth. Overall, winter wheat and oats were doing well. Cotton harvest was completed. Field work for corn planting began. Pastures continued to decline with cooler temperatures. Supplemental feeding was necessary. Livestock and wildlife were active and in good condition. Fly numbers were still high. Stock tank levels showed signs of drought stress. Nearly all counties reported good soil moisture. Overall crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were good in most counties.

ROLLING PLAINS: Temperatures were unusually warm. Cotton harvest came to a halt in some areas due to damp, cloudy days. In drier counties, weather was ideal for cotton harvest. Topsoil moisture was low, and rain was needed. Feral hog movement was up, and there were reports of cotton crop losses. Pastures were dormant, and cattle were on supplemental feed where needed. A few wheat pasture stockers were turned out on adequate forage.

COASTAL BEND: Warm and dry weather continued with a few scattered showers reported. Producers continued to fertilize where moisture was available. Winter oats and ryegrass have come up in some areas. However, lack of measurable rainfall left topsoil in dry condition, and winter pastures continued to be stressed by low soil moisture. Heavy fall armyworm pressure continued to be a problem. Pecan harvest continued. A second crop of rice was being cut, and harvest was expected to continue until mid-December. Some producers were finishing up the last bit of hay cutting for the season. Cattle remained in good condition, and many producers were sending calves to market with slightly higher prices reported, which made for large runs at local auctions.

EAST: Cooler temperatures and sparse rainfall continued across the district. The Anderson County wheat crop made only moderate growth due to a lack of rainfall. Pecan harvest was in full swing with some varieties producing heavy crops. Anderson County battled pecan scab disease on several varieties of pecan trees. Producers across the district who planted late cool-season forages have seen crops start to emerge. Henderson and Smith counties reported large amounts of volunteer ryegrass growing along with fall crops of greens. Pasture and rangeland conditions were mostly fair across the district with the exception of Rusk and Smith counties, which reported good conditions, and Harrison, Marion and Newton counties, which reported poor conditions. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short in Gregg, Harrison, Marion and Wood counties, with all other counties reporting adequate conditions. Producers continued supplemental feeding with protein, energy and hay throughout the district. Cattle market prices continued to hold firm with classes $2-$3 higher per hundredweight and large numbers at the sale barns. Producers reported livestock body conditions as fair to good. Wild pig damage was reported in Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Upshur and Wood counties.

SOUTH PLAINS: Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels continued to dry out. High humidity and cool, damp weather kept farmers out of fields to strip cotton for a couple of days. Yields were average to better than average. Corn, sorghum, sunflower and peanut harvests continued. Winter wheat continued to mature. Pastures and rangeland remained in fair to good condition. Cattle were in good condition.

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were cold one day and warmer the next, then cold again. Soil moisture was short to adequate in most areas. Lipscomb County cotton harvest continued at a slow pace due to high humidity. Corn harvest was complete. Sorghum harvest was still ongoing. Wheat could use some rain. Yields for all crops were above average. Corn yields were 160-180 bushels per acre. Dryland sorghum yielded 3,000-4,000 pounds per acre while irrigated fields yielded 5,000-7,000 pounds per acre with harvest 60 percent completed. Dryland cotton produced 1.5-2 bales per acre while irrigated yielded 2.5-3.5 bales per acre with harvest near 70 percent complete. Rangeland was dormant, and supplemental feeding of cattle continued.

NORTH: There was some precipitation reported by a few counties but no measurable amounts. The moisture was helpful, but much more was needed for the small grains and the annual winter pastures. Small grain planting was 90 percent complete. Temperatures ranged from the mid-80s in the daytime to the low 40s at night. Soil conditions were very dry, with topsoil and subsoil moisture levels ranging from mostly short to adequate, with some counties reporting very short. Livestock were in good condition, and a lot of producers were starting to supplement hay. Cotton harvest continued to be very good, with most fields yielding two bales per acre. Wheat that was planted earlier was doing well, and the producers will be able to turn cattle on those wheat and oat pastures soon. Calving should begin soon.

FAR WEST: Temperatures were in the high 90s with lows in the 30s. Rain reports of 0.1 to 0.5 of an inch was reported. Wind was severe on several days. Pima and upland cotton harvests continued with producers making steady progress. There was still some very good yielding cotton left to be harvested. The wheat crop looked a little better as spraying for fall armyworms relaxed. The last cut of alfalfa was baled. Chili pepper harvesting was underway. Western Schley pecans were expected to be harvested as soon as a decent freeze arrives. Grass was browning and created a high chance of fires due to wind. Cattle maintained body condition scores, and producers continued to feed livestock and wildlife.

WEST CENTRAL: Weather was unseasonably warm and dry. Soil moisture was short. All areas needed rainfall. Stock tank levels continued to drop, and there was concern for those who have no other water sources for livestock. Winter wheat and oats were in mostly good to fair condition. Mild temperatures improved growing conditions for small grains. Many producers had to replant wheat due to armyworm damage. Rain was needed in newly planted fields. Cotton harvest was back in full swing with good harvest conditions. Yield reports were slightly better than projected at average to above average with good grades as well. Mild temperatures and recent rains improved both rangeland and pasture conditions. Warm-season grasses and forages were played out. Cool-season grasses were beginning to grow. Livestock continued to look good and remained in fair to good condition heading into winter. Supplemental feeding increased, and fall cattle work continued.

SOUTHEAST: Livestock were in good condition. Many cattle producers established winter forage. Ratoon rice harvest was complete, and row crop farmers continued field work. Rainfall was needed. In Waller County, a cold front brought windy conditions. Temperatures were slightly above normal. Cooler temperatures were in the forecast. Pasture conditions remained on the poor side; however, winter cover crops such as ryegrass appeared to be coming on strong. Soil-moisture levels throughout the district ranged from adequate to surplus with short being the most common. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied from excellent to very poor with fair being most common.

SOUTHWEST: No report provided.

SOUTH: Conditions were warm, and most of the district did not receive rain. The southernmost areas reported good rains but no measurements. Some western parts of the district reported morning fog and mist. Peanut harvest continued. Wheat planting was complete. Pasture and rangeland conditions remained fair to good and were improving in areas that received recent moisture. Summer perennial grasses were going into dormancy and curing. Native rangeland and improved pastures continued to provide good supplies of forage, which eliminated any supplemental feeding. A few areas reported poor rangeland and pasture conditions and supplemental feeding of cattle. Body condition scores on cattle remained good. Some cow herds were being worked, and calves were being shipped. Vegetable crops were done for the season in most counties, and Coastal Bermuda grass was dormant. In Starr County, fall vegetable crops were progressing well. In Zavala County, fresh market baby leaf spinach harvest was very active. Cabbage harvest started in early planted fields. Onion and tomato crops were maturing in southern parts of the district. Wheat and oats under irrigation made good progress. Pecan harvest was complete. Armyworm pressure on wheat and oats was reduced following chemical control applications, but some areas reported damages from the pest. Most fields were prepared for the winter. The sales barn in Brooks County marketed 830 head and prices were down.

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Invasive zebra mussels have spread to Lake Georgetown and Lake Livingston

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This destructive species, originating from Eurasia, can damage boats, clog water intakes and litter shorelines with sharp shells. The way boaters can help slow the spread? Clean, drain and dry all boating equipment before leaving the boat ramp. 

Remember, it is unlawful to possess or transport zebra mussels, dead or alive, in the State of Texas. It is required that boaters drain all water from their boat and any on-board receptacles before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water to prevent the transfer of zebra mussels. The draining requirement applies to all types and sizes of boats: personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks/canoes or any other vessel used on public waters. Zebra mussel larvae are microscopic. Both the larvae and adult mussels can survive for days on boats transported from a lake. This is especially so during cooler fall months.

Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department‘s website for the full story.

For more information on Zebra Mussels and learn more about stopping their spread in our lakes, visit the Texas Invasives’ website.

Registration open for 2018 Birding on the Border program

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April 23-26 program will include sites in Kinney, Val Verde counties

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

Contact: Dr. Maureen Frank, 830-278-9151, mgfrank@tamu.edu

BRACKETTVILLE – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a Birding the Border program from April 23-26 of next year at locations in Kinney and Val Verde counties.

The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. April 23 and conclude at 10:30 p.m. April 26. Birding locations will include sites at Fort Clark Springs, private ranches, Kickapoo Caverns State Park and San Felipe Creek.

Fort Clark Springs will be one of the Birding on the Border program sites. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

“The goal of this program is to provide attendees with a unique birding experience in southwest Texas that goes beyond a typical birding tour,” said Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde. “It will feature both public and private lands, and educational talks about bird ecology and management.”

Frank said while she expects many experienced birders to be interested in this program, birders of all experience levels are welcome to participate.

Frank said “target birds” for the program include the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, white-collared seedeater, gray vireo, green jay, great kiskadee, varied bunting, black-tailed gnatcatcher, elf owl and three species of kingfishers.

During the program, Frank will also provide educational presentation on migration phenology, building a native bird habitat and preventing invasive species, and basic bird biology, habitat and behavior.

Lodging for four nights and meals will be provided, as well as transportation to the various birding sites. All nights will be at the same lodging locale in Fort Clark Springs.

The program cost is $625 per person, $525 if sharing a room and $425 if there’s no lodging. To register online, go to https://birdingtheborder-tamu.ticketleap.com/bb2018/.

“The field trips will include easy to moderate terrain and a combination of walks, short to moderate hikes and roadside birding,” Frank said.

Upon arrival, participants will have a meal at historic Fort Clark Springs in Brackettville where they will learn about the area and the bird species they can expect to encounter.

“We will spend time birding at Fort Clark Springs, where dozens of species of migratory birds pass through on their way north,” Frank said. “We will also have the opportunity to bird at a local private ranch with golden-cheeked warbler habitat, then enjoy a catered picnic at Kickapoo Ranch State Park in time to watch the bats depart and listen for owls.”

Attendees will spend one morning at a local ranch known for its populations of painted buntings, northern bobwhite and orioles. Lunch on that day will be in the native plant garden at the ranch and will include a program on habitat management for songbirds.

Frank said the birding experience will also provide numerous photographic opportunities for those who would like to bring cameras.

“April in southwest Texas usually offers beautiful weather with warm days and mild nights, but rain is possible,” Frank said. “Please check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.”

To see an event flyer, go to http://counties.agrilife.org/kinney/files/2017/07/Flyer.pdf .

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