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

Wildlife Field Day set Sept. 17 in Brady

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Deer in field

The Brady Wildlife Field Day will cover a wide range of topics, including many deer-related issues. (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Paul Schattenberg)

BRADY — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a multi-county Wildlife Field Day Sept. 17 at Heart of Texas Trophy Whitetails, 755 Private Road 922 in Brady.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the program to follow from 9 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The cost is $25, and lunch will be provided. Three Texas Department of Agriculture general continuing education units will be offered.

The deadline to RSVP is Sept. 10.  RSVP by phone to the AgriLife Extension office in any of the participating counties: Gillespie, 830-997-3452; Mason, 325-347-6459; Llano, 325-247-5159; McCulloch, 325-597-1295; or Menard, 325-396-4787.

Organizers said the program will offer the latest wildlife management information in several areas of interest to land managers across the Edwards Plateau Hill Country.

Topics and speakers will include:

– Wild Turkeys – John Tomecek, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, San Angelo.

– Beneficial and Problem Plants – Bob Lyons, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension range specialist, Uvalde.

– Recreational Deer Feeding Program – Alicia Erwin, Record Rack, Lubbock.

– High-Fenced and Deer-Breeding Feed Program – Corey Schlensker, Record Rack, Lubbock.

– Whitetail Breeding Pen Tour – Grant Evridge, owner Heart of Texas Trophy Whitetails, Brady.

“We have assembled a great group of experts, and I think any landowner with wildlife will benefit tremendously from this field day,” said Justin Klinksiek, AgriLife Extension agent for McCulloch County.

For more information, contact Klinksiek at 325-597-1295 or Lisa Brown, AgriLife Extension agent for Menard County, at 325-396-4787.

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Dove season 2019: Food, water sources likely to drive hunter success

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COLLEGE STATION – Dove season 2019 should provide a good opening weekend starting Sept. 1, but birds’ access to food and water will be a major factor in harvest success, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Dove

Texas dove season begins Sept. 1. Check local regulations to ensure compliance with Texas state law regarding these migratory game birds. (Courtesy photo)

John Tomecek, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall, said hunters with access to areas where the birds have food sources, water and roosts should have an advantage over areas without.

Tomecek said drought conditions around the state will concentrate dove near resources as they migrate south. So if you want a successful hunt, go where dove can find food, water and shelter.

“Birds can spread out when there is plenty of water and food sources everywhere, but dry, hot weather over the last few months will limit where they will be found,” he said. “Having water sources like ponds or troughs to hunt over, especially in western parts of the state, should improve success.”

Dove food sources

Agriculture crops such as sesame, sunflowers and sorghum are attractive food sources to dove. Providing food sources for dove can improve hunter success, but it can also be illegal if state laws are not followed, Tomecek said.

AgriLife Extension has publications regarding legal supplemental feeding for dove. “Normal Agricultural Operations and Dove Hunting: How to Legally Provide Food Sources and Improve Hunting Opportunities,” co-authored by Tomecek can be downloaded for free at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Bookstore.

Know what’s legal

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, landowners and managers 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.

However, he said, it is important to note that in areas where waterfowl harvest also occurs, grains may be planted and grown, but must be harvested for commercial production. “Restrictions on Waterfowl Hunting and Baiting,” can also be downloaded for free from the AgriLife Extension Bookstore.

“The best way to explain it is that if you put seed or grain on the ground this time of year from a sack, 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.”

Advice for crop shredding

Tomecek recommends grain-bearing crops intended for dove not be shredded all at once.

“Divide the coverage area by the number of weeks of the season and shred a percentage each week to keep food on the ground,” he said. “Mourning dove need the grain or seed to be on the ground since they cannot perch and eat at the same time.”

White-winged dove are capable of lighting and picking grains and seeds from food sources, he said. They are a larger dove species that has continued to expand its range farther north.

“Overall, we are hoping for a good dove season,” he said. “Bird numbers will depend on location, but it’s really about getting out to the field with friends and family or taking someone who has never been dove hunting before. It’s a tradition that makes lasting memories.”

 

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Central Texas cow, calf clinic set Sept. 18 in Lampasas

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LAMPASAS — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is holding a cow and calf clinic Sept. 18 in Lampasas. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. with registration and refreshments; presentations will run from 9 a.m.-noon.

The event is presented by the AgriLife Extension offices of Burnet and Lampasas counties, and will be held at the Lampasas County Farm Bureau, 1793 N. U.S. Hwy 281. Three Texas Department of Agriculture general continuing education units are available.

The cost is $15. Call the AgriLife Extension office in Lampasas County at 512-556-8271 to preregister by Sept. 16. The featured speaker is John Tomecek, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall.

“We wanted this clinic to include discussions on additional ways your ranch can provide income, beyond cattle,” said Heath Lusty, AgriLife Extension specialist, Lampasas County. “We are excited to have Dr. Tomecek on hand to share his experiences and expertise with our attendees.”

Topics to be discussed by Tomecek include:

  • Diversifying Ranch Income: Alternative wildlife enterprises.
  • Is it Right for Me? Developing a wildlife-watching business on your property.
  • What’s in a Lease? Considerations for setting hunting and wildlife watching lease terms.

 

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Texas A&M AgriLife aquaculture specialist addresses algae-related dog deaths

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An extreme case of cyanobacteria shows the bright turquoise color that gives them their common name of blue-green algae. However, this is an extreme, not a common case. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Todd Sink)

COLLEGE STATION – A rash of recent companion animal deaths related to cyanobacteria toxins prompted a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Serviceaquaculture expert to offer information to alleviate fears.

Todd Sink, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist, College Station, wanted to address recent stories involving companion animal deaths linked to toxins in surface water to assuage fears and provide information to help the public protect themselves and their animals.

Sink is also Texas A&M University Wildlife and Fisheries associate department head and program leader, and director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory.

Sink said cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae as they are often incorrectly referred, are everywhere in the environment, and exist in virtually every single body of water in the world. There are hundreds of different species in the U.S. alone.

His office has been inundated with emails regarding cyanobacteria and how to test for it since national news agencies picked up on and began running stories of a series of dog deaths that occurred after they swam and/or drank from contaminated water undergoing a toxic cyanobacteria bloom. The deaths first started in early August with three dogs that swam in a pond at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, followed by more deaths in Wisconsin and North Carolina.

“Many people are very concerned regarding the safety of their dogs in the wake of these national news stories, which in my opinion is sensationalism to attract an audience,” he said. “So far seven to eight dogs out of the millions of dogs in the U.S. have died due to toxic cyanobacteria blooms this year. These are localized, isolated incidences.

“As a fellow dog owner, I sympathize with those who tragically lost their beloved pet. However, thousands more dogs in the U.S. die every year due to preventable illnesses or conditions such as heartworms, heat stroke, starvation, exposure, accidental poisoning or being run over by a vehicle. Sensationalizing these cyanobacteria-related deaths has only served to scare dog owners.”

Sink said he typically receives six to eight cases of livestock or wildlife deaths due to cyanobacteria toxicity per year at the Aquatic Diagnostic lab.

“There are 1.3 million ponds in the state of Texas, and the vast majority of livestock animals are solely reliant on these as a source of drinking water, yet I only receive six to eight cases a year,” he said.

Sink and other AgriLife experts suspect as many as an additional six to 12 livestock cases go unreported per year because producers may not know cyanobacteria could be a potential source of toxicity. But prior to this year, Sink had only received one suspected case of cyanobacteria toxicity in a companion animal such as a dog in the last five years.

He has received dozens of requests to test surface water that dogs swim in in the past two days and believes the surge in requests is due to fear generated by news stories.

RED FLAGS

In most cases, there is no need to fear allowing pets to play in bodies of water, nor is there necessarily a need for owners to submit samples for expensive testing, Sink said. There are other no-cost common-sense methods to protect their pets.

Microcystis, which produces the potent hepatotoxin microcystin-LR, forms as round or egg-shaped, gelatinous, floating clumps. It’s presence should be a red flag to owners. Dead aquatic species, such as fish, frogs and turtles, can also be a sign of toxins in surface water. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Todd Sink)

The first is to learn to detect and identify cyanobacteria, he said.

“The first thing you should know is the presence of a bluish-green surface scum or mat is an immediate red flag, and you should not allow your animals to swim in or drink the water,” he said.

For images of cyanobacteria including bluish-green surface mats and scums and more identification features and prevention and management options see the AquaPlant website.

The blueish-green color is a clear sign of cyanobacteria, but the absence of this color in most cases means absolutely nothing because most cyanobacteria are not blue-green. Most species are various shades of green or brown and some even have a reddish tint, so color alone cannot be used to identify cyanobacteria.

Most harmless, single-celled green and brown algae species are suspended within the water at various depths. Under bloom conditions, many cyanobacteria on the other hand, form non-filamentous surface scums that can be an extremely thin layer that is almost sheen-like, to thick and highly visible in areas where the wind has blown and concentrated them.

“So always check the surface of the water against the bank on the downwind side of the pond before allowing a pet to swim or drink the water,” he said.

The absence of these surface scums does not mean the water is safe, as many toxin-producing cyanobacteria species are filamentous and can be mixed in with typical harmless species of filamentous algae that form dense floating mats during summer months. But these species are difficult to detect or differentiate visually, he said.

Another clear red flag can be dead aquatic species, such as fish, including small minnows, frogs and turtles, along the shoreline, Sink said.

Due to their prolonged exposure time and direct exposure of vital respiratory organs, or gills, to the toxin contaminated water, fish are likely to die and be observed prior to any observed issues with animals that drink from the pond.

“Cyanobacteria identification can be difficult even to the experienced eye,” Sink said. “There are other signs a pet or livestock owner should look for. But in general, if no dead or dying fish are observed or have been recently reported from the body of water, it is not likely a cyanobacteria bloom is actively producing a toxin.”

Another red flag indicating the presence of cyanobacteria are small, irregular, round or egg-shaped clumps of dark green or dark blueish-green algae that float along at the surface and may form mats along wind-blown edges of ponds, Sink said. The genus Microcystis, which produces the potent hepatotoxin microcystin-LR, often starts as a fine film or scum at very low densities during the initial phase of a bloom and forms round or egg-shaped, gelatinous, floating clumps after the population density increases.

“If uncertain, as a general precaution pets should not be allowed to swim in or drink from any waterbody that is intensely green or blue-green in color due to an obvious high density of algal cells,” he said. “Ninety-nine times out of 100, this high density of algal cells is due to a bloom of harmless green or brown algae or even non-toxin producing cyanobacteria, but that cannot be ascertained simply by looking at it. It may be a bloom of toxin producing cyanobacteria or have toxin producing cyanobacteria mixed in, so it is best that your pet avoids it.”

TESTING

Testing is not always the answer as testing consists of two parts, Sink said. The first is a visual identification in which a person trained in algae species identification microscopically examines a water sample, carefully inspecting it to determine if cyanobacteria cells are present, how many cyanobacteria species are present and at what density of each cyanobacteria is present. This only tells half the story.

If it is determined that toxin-producing cyanobacteria species are present in the sample at high concentrations, the second step is to test to determine if cyanotoxins are present.  If so, then it’s necessary to determine what type of toxins and at what concentration is each toxin present.

“There are several different types of cyanotoxins that may be present and each one must be tested and quantified individually,” Sink said. There is no overall test to measure total toxicity or toxins present. This is the only way to determine the potential toxicity of the water to animals that drink it or swim in it.”

Therefore, testing can become quite expensive, Sink said. The average water sample will cost $450-$500 to test.

Another issue is having a sample tested only provides a single snapshot in time, he said.

“Just because no toxins were found in a sample that was tested today does not mean there weren’t any toxins present the week before, and it certainly does not mean there won’t be any toxins present tomorrow, next week, next month or next year.”

If the landowner understands the costs of testing and wishes to have a test performed, they can submit a sample to the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory. Go to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Aquaculture, Fisheries and Pond Management website and click on the Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory tab at the top of the page for instructions on how to submit a sample.

Texas A&M performs the first half of the testing in house as described above. If significant quantities of toxin-producing species of cyanobacteria are determined to be present in the sample, the lab then outsources the toxin testing to one of a handful of national laboratories that have the capability to test for and quantify specific cyanotoxins present in the sample.

Of course, if no, or low quantities of toxin producing cyanobacteria are present in the sample, the lab will not submit the sample for toxin testing and quantification and will only bill for the first portion of the testing, Sink said.

CYANOBACTERIA

Not all cyanobacteria species produce toxins, Sink said. Some produce toxins, but not toxins that are lethal and rather cause minor skin and mucous membrane irritation.

Some species produce a single toxin that if ingested can be fatal, while others produce multiple toxins that can be fatal if ingested. However, the type of toxin and the quantity of toxin produced and ingested determines if it will be fatal to a dog compared to deer, a horse or a cow.

“Body size, species and physiology of the animal that ingest toxins are major factors,” he said.

Different species of cyanobacteria produce different toxins, including cytotoxins, endotoxins, hepatotoxins and neurotoxins, which are collectively known as cyanotoxins, Sink said.

Endotoxins are typically the least toxic and only become problematic after ingesting large quantities of the live cyanobacteria, and typically result in intestinal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea.

Cytotoxins are typically low to moderate in toxicity causing minor to moderate irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Hapatotoxins are highly toxic resulting in severe liver damage and potential failure, but typically require repeated ingestion of contaminated water as the toxins build up in the liver over time and results in death in hours to days.

Neurotoxins are highly toxic and can result in failure of the neurological system resulting in heart cessation and breathing failure in minutes to hours.

To further complicate the issue, Sink said cyanobacteria species that do produce these toxins, do not produce them all the time.

“There can be a large number of cells per milliliter of water of these toxin producing bacteria, but as long as nutrients are not limiting and environmental conditions remain favorable, they will not produce toxins,” he said. “Cyanobacteria typically produce the toxins under ‘bloom’ conditions.”

Cyanobacteria blooms typically occur under hot, dry conditions in which water becomes more stagnate due to lack of incoming water or rainfall. These conditions tend to evaporate large quantities of water leaving behind and concentrating nutrients in the remaining water, causing blooms, where cyanobacteria multiply very rapidly and become highly concentrated in the water.

“When bloom conditions occur, eventually the rapidly growing cyanobacteria population will suddenly exhaust the nutrient supply available,” Sink continued. “It is under these conditions that they become the most dangerous and produce the most toxins.”

Cyanobacteria developed cyanotoxins as a defense mechanism against zooplankton predators, and to limit competition for nutrients and sunlight from other planktonic microorganisms such as green and brown algae and diatoms, Sink said.

“As the nutrients begin to run out under bloom conditions and competition for sunlight increases, cyanobacteria increase their production of toxins to eliminate their competition,” he said. “So only under certain conditions in certain situations, do some cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, produce toxins at concentrations that may become dangerous to companion animals, wildlife, livestock or humans.”

 

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Statewide Quail Symposium set Aug. 14-16 in Abilene

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Quail standing in grass

The 2019 Statewide Quail Symposium is slated for Aug. 14-16 in Abilene. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

ABILENE – The 2019 Statewide Quail Symposium has been slated for Aug. 14-16 at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Abilene.

The symposium is hosted by The Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Wildlife Association and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Early registration is $50. After August 7, the cost is $75. Cost for students is $20. Coordinators have reserved a block of rooms at the MCM Elegante until July 16.

“Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade,” said Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde, and a symposium coordinator. “Our goal is to bring together a wide range of people who care about quail in Texas and benefit the next generation by supporting RPBB.”

Frank said all quail enthusiasts are encouraged to attend, including landowners, land managers, hunters, photographers, naturalists, students and others.

“We encourage attendees from both large and small properties to attend, as there will truly be topics for everybody to improve quail management,” she said. “Even if you don’t own or lease land, there will be topics for you.”

The first day’s activities will be held at the MT7 Ranch. In addition to a tour of the ranch and discussion of its quail management practices, attendees will have the opportunity to learn and practice habitat evaluation and plant identification.

The second and third days will feature problem/solution discussions, research updates and a panel discussion on integrating livestock with quail management.

Visit https://quailsymposium.nri.tamu.edu/ for more information and to register.

“We’ve also added something new this year,” Frank said. “We will have a Habitat Help Desk where landowners can learn about resources, tools and incentives available from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, TPWD and other agencies.”

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

Contacts: Dr. Maureen Frank, 830-278-9151, ext. 280, mgfrank@tamu.edu

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

 

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Range, brush program set for July 8 in Brown County

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Susan Himes, 325-657-7315, Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Scott Anderson,  325-646-0386, Scott.Anderson@ag.tamu.edu

BROWNWOOD — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s  Brown County Range and Brush Program will be held July 8 at the Brown County Fairgrounds, 4206 U.S. Highway 377 S. in Brownwood.

Registration will begin at 2:30 p.m., with the program running from 3-8 p.m. A meal will be provided.

The fee is $35 with preregistration or $45 at the door. Preregistration is requested by July 1 by calling 325-646-0386.

Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units are available for licensed pesticide applicators.

“Brush encroachment continues to be an expensive problem to deal with,” said Scott Anderson, AgriLife Extension agent, Brown County. “It doesn’t take long for weeds and brush to choke out good desirable grasses, forcing a reduction in stocking rates of livestock.

“The wet weather this spring is causing weeds and brush to outgrow our pasture grasses. If left unchecked, these pasture invaders can even make large areas undesirable for some wildlife.”

Speakers and topics include:

  • Controlling Invasive Grasses in Pastures – Dr. Bob Lyons, AgriLife Extension rangeland specialist, Uvalde.
  • Herbicides for Range/Pastures – Sam Eads, Corteva AgroSciences specialist, Abilene.
  • Aquatic Weed Management in Farm Ponds – Brittany Chesser, AgriLife Extension aquatic specialist, College Station.
  • New Revisions/Recommendations for Range/Brush – Dr. Morgan Treadwell, AgriLife Extension rangeland specialist, San Angelo.
  • Pesticide Laws and Regulations – Anderson.

To preregister and for additional information, contact the AgriLife Extension office at 325-646-0386.

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Pond maintenance boosts performance, prevents catastrophes

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COLLEGE STATION – Pond health and maintenance should be a top priority for landowners who want to get the most out of their favorite fishing hole, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Dr. Todd Sink, AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist, College Station, said maintaining ponds is critical to increasing fish productivity and avoiding fish kills.

Environmental factors like declining dissolved oxygen during peak summer months or inhospitable pH and alkalinity levels can lead to major problems in stock ponds, Sink said.

“Summer is coming,” he said. “Right now is a good time to be planning or taking action to prevent potential issues for stock ponds. July and August can be deadly if dissolved oxygen levels are not where they should be. We want to help pond owners avoid catastrophe and take steps to set their pond on a good path for long-term production and enjoyment.”

Setting up and maintaining a pond’s ecosystem properly can produce a thriving food chain that will produce higher levels of sport and food, he said.

Ely Evans, of Evans Farms in Como, shows off a small catfish caught from a stocked pond. (Photo provided by Candace Flora)

“Stock ponds are something that many Texans enjoy recreationally and to put food on their tables,” he said. “But pond maintenance is often overlooked in varying degrees. Some things can reduce pond production and ecosystem health while others can cause major fish die-offs. Right now is a good time to go over science-based recommendations and steps every pond owner can take to create a high-performing stock pond.”

AERATORS

Providing supplemental aeration isn’t necessary, but it is a preventative tool to ensure fish have enough dissolved oxygen, Sink said.

Choosing the right type of aerator is important, he said. He recommends the bottom-style aerator because it mixes the entire water column so fish can utilize the entire pond.

They cost a little more, but are more reliable than surface aerators, he said, which can be problematic because they mix dissolved oxygen only in the top two to four feet of the pond.

“Surface aerators don’t mix as much dissolved oxygen, and they don’t prevent stratification and possible turnover,” he said. “When the sun heats pond water, typically about six to eight feet deep in Texas, the top layer becomes less dense. So, you have warm, less dense water sitting  there, and the cool bottom layer becomes devoid of oxygen. A turnover event occurs when the water cools down and the water with no oxygen mixes with the top layer. That mix can cause fish kills.”

Sink said aerators should be on a timer and only run from dusk until dawn,  when oxygen is most needed in ponds.

AQUATIC VEGETATION

Fish kills in farm ponds and lakes can be caused by many factors, but the most common problem is the lack of dissolved oxygen due to aquatic vegetation. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Todd Sink)

Aquatic vegetation is the cause of 80 percent of low dissolved oxygen fish kills in Texas, Sink said. So, it’s important to ensure that no more than 10-15 percent of the pond’s overall area is covered in vegetation.

“During the day, vegetation produces oxygen, but it also consumes oxygen all night long when there is no light for photosynthesis,” he said. “So at some point, especially in summer, the dissolved oxygen deficit can cause fish to die.”

Sink recommends using herbicides or biological controls for aquatic vegetation. Manual removal of vegetation can cause more problems like causing the plant to spread.

Pond owners need to correctly identify the plants to determine which herbicide will be effective, Sink said. The AgriLife Extension website https://aquaplant.tamu.edu/ can help pond owners identify and choose treatment options for aquatic vegetation.

FERTILIZATION

Pond owners who want maximum fish production often need to fertilize, Sink said.

“A fertilized pond can produce four to six times more fish because it creates more food throughout the food chain,” he said. “Fertilizers feed phytoplankton, which is eaten by zooplankton. Zooplankton feed baitfish, and baitfish feed sportfish like bass and catfish. Fertilizer is the starting block for a healthy pond ecosystem.”

A balanced food chain helps maximize sport fish production. (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications graphic by Madison Goss)

It’s best to start pond fertilization programs as the pond fills with water, Sink said. This allows the phytoplankton to prevent rooted vegetation from establishing in a pond. But fertilization programs can be implemented at any time in a pond’s life to improve fishing.

Most ponds benefit from six to eight pounds of phosphorous per surface acre during the first application, he said.

“When the water begins to clear, meaning clearing to around 24 inches of visibility, typically four to eight weeks after the first application, it’s time to fertilize again,” he said. “Then apply half of what was applied the first application on that schedule all summer long.”

Note: Sink said it is important to clear rooted aquatic vegetation with herbicides before fertilizing because you’ll have four to six times more vegetation if you don’t.

FISH HARVEST

Harvesting the correct number of pounds and size of fish from ponds is important, Sink said.

“Catch and release is the most common way people ruin a pond,” he said. “It’s good for high-pressure public lakes, but unless your pond is under constant fishing pressure, the key to pond management is harvesting predatory fish like bass and catfish. In ponds, we should practice catch and eat.”

Sink said 10-15 pounds of bass per acre should be harvested every year. Anglers should focus on removing bass in the 8-10-inch range, but a little larger or smaller is okay as long as the total pounds of harvest is met.

“Every year, you need to thin out the smaller bass so that 4-pound bass has the resources to become an 8-pound bass,” he said.

Pond owners should be more aggressive with controlling catfish populations, Sink said. Anglers should harvest every catfish over 2 pounds.

“Catfish are eager competitors for forage and will eat smaller bass and will push the total fish population beyond 1,000 pounds per acre, which is dangerous in terms of oxygen supply,” he said.

Fertilized ponds produce more fish and therefore require more harvested pounds per year, Sink said.

Pond owners should harvest 25 pounds or more of 8-10-inch bass and 10-15 pounds of 12-16-inch bass per acre from fertilized ponds, Sink said. As in unfertilized ponds, every catfish above two pounds should be harvested.

“You have to harvest a lot more fish to maintain a good balance,” he said. “Not harvesting enough predatory fish is the most common problem. Eventually, they overpopulate and eat all the sunfish and there’s not enough food in the pond. That causes stunting. You know what I mean if you’ve ever fished a pond and caught 30-40 fish in an afternoon, but they’re all the same size – 6-10 inches.”

SUPPLEMENTAL FEED

Feeding fish is not necessary if pond owners harvest effectively, Sink said. If owners choose to feed fish, they should only do so three to four times a week. They should also feed no more than what the fish clean up in 15 minutes.

“If feed is floating after 15 minutes, you’re over-feeding the fish,” Sink said.

Sink recommends standard floating catfish diet of 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch pellet that contains 28-32 percent protein and 4-7 percent lipid.

“You don’t need fancy, gimmicky diets for the fish,” he said. “Anything beyond those protein and lipid ranges is literally waste.”

LIMING

Sink said it is the perfect time for pond owners to check their water’s pH levels and check for alkalinity and hardness. The pond should receive crushed agricultural limestone if pH is below 6 or alkalinity below 50 parts per million.

“Liming is important because if water becomes too acidic it messes up fish physiology and dramatically impacts eggs and larvae survival,” he said.

In much of the state, lime should be applied every five to seven years, but Sink said acidic soils in East Texas make it necessary every three to four years.

Alkalinity and pH levels will determine how much lime is needed, Sink said. He recommends consulting with regional fisheries specialist to determine how much lime should be applied per surface acre.

“We have a formula that we can plug in the alkalinity and pH of your pond and have a per-acre application to fit your pond’s needs,” he said.

WORTH THE EFFORT

Sink said maintaining a pond may seem overwhelming but is easy once certain problems are addressed. In the long run, ensuring a pond is providing the correct environment and food supply for sporting fish will ensure productivity whether for sport or sustenance.

“It may seem daunting at first, but once a pond environment and ecosystem is balanced, pond maintenance becomes routine,” he said. “If fishing or just having a healthy pond is important, it’s worth the effort.”

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AgriLife Extension to present Texas Game Species series in San Antonio

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Programs will be July through September at agency office for Bexar County

Wild turkey gather under a feeder full of corn. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present the Urban Wildlife Series “Texas Game Species” July through September in San Antonio.

The six programs of the series, sponsored by the Bexar County Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, will be held at the agency’s office in the Conroy Square business complex, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr. Each will be held from 10 a.m.-noon in Suite 208 of the complex.

The cost is $30 for the series or $10 per program and payable at the door, but registration is required by June 14. To reserve a spot for series programs, contact Frances Elizondo at the AgriLife Extension office at 210-631-0400 or frances.morenoelizo@ag.tamu.edu.

 

Dates, topics and speakers will be:

June 18 — Managing Private Lands for Wildlife Habitat, Dr. Roel Lopez, director, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, San Antonio.
July 9 — Bobwhite Quail Management, Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde.
Aug. 8 — Rio Grande Wild Turkey Management, Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, College Station.
Aug. 20 — Whitetail Deer Management, Frank.
Sept. 10 — Texas Game Fish, Dr. Todd Sink, AgriLife Extension fisheries specialist, College Station.
Sept. 24 — Get Ready to Hunt, Frank.

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

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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

 

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Texas Invasive Species Workshop set April 17 at Sutton County Civic Center

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Writer: Susan Himes, 325-657-7315, Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Pascual Hernandez, 325-387-3101, Pascual.Hernandez@ag.tamu.edu

 

Feral hogs are just one of the many invasive species that can be problematic for Texas farms and ranches. (AgriLife Extension photo by Kay Ledbetter)

SONORA — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Sutton and Crockett counties will present a Texas Invasive Species Workshop on April 17 at the Sutton County Civic Center, 1700 N. Crockett Ave., Sonora.

Onsite registration is at 8 a.m., and the program will begin at 8:30 a.m. Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units – one general, one laws and regulations, and one integrated pest management – are available for those with a pesticide applicators license.

The cost of the workshop is $15; after April 12, it is $25. The fee covers program materials, refreshments and lunch.

Checks should be made out to Sutton Ag Program Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 1047, Sonora, TX, 76950.  For more information or to register, call the AgriLife Extension office in Sutton County at 325-387-3101.

“Invasive species impact our ecosystems and consequently our management of rangelands,” said Pascual Hernandez, AgriLife Extension agent, Sutton County. “With this workshop, we hope to heighten awareness of some of the invasive species that we encounter in the Edwards Plateau. We will take a look at both plant and animal, as well as native and non-native, invasive species.”

Topics and speakers include:

  • Feral Hog Impact on Native Plant Communities/Update on Feral Hog Abatement Efforts – Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, College Station.
  • Invasive Plants in the Edwards Plateau – Dr. Barron Rector, AgriLife Extension range specialist, College Station.
  • Axis Deer Biology, Behavior, Ecological Impact – Matt Buchholz, doctoral student/research assistant, Texas Tech University department of natural resources management, Lubbock.
  • Pesticide Laws and Regulations – Corey Pence, Texas Department of Agriculture.

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AgriLife Extension’s Brown County Ag Day set April 9 in Brownwood

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Writer: Susan Himes, 325-657-7315, Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Scott Anderson, 325-646-0386, Scott.Anderson@ag.tamu.edu

BROWNWOOD — The annual Brown County Ag Day program, presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is scheduled for April 9 at the Brown County Fairgrounds, 4206 US Highway 377 South, Brownwood.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program starts at 6 p.m. with a meal courtesy of the Brown County Farm Bureau. The Brown County Ag Day is open to all. The fee is $10 at the door.

Preregistration is requested by April 5 at https://brown.agrilife.org/brown-county-ag-day/ or by contacting the AgriLife Extension office in Brown County at 325-646-0386.

Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension statewide wildlife specialist, San Angelo, will present his program, “Ramping Up Springtime Predator Control Efforts.”

“The vast majority of the rural land in our area is privately owned and utilized for livestock and wildlife production,” said Scott Anderson, AgriLife Extension agent, Brown County.

“It is no secret that predator numbers are increasing, especially during the springtime with new calves, lambs, goats and fawns being born,” Anderson said. “Dr. Tomecek’s program will cover important predation information that folks should be aware of.”

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Expert: Changes in aquaculture have consumers landing ‘higher value’ fish

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COLLEGE STATION – Consumer trends continue to drive an industry change from traditional aquaculture species like catfish to higher value species including redfish and hybrid striped bass, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Redfish are trending upward in price and consumer demand along with other alternative species like hybrid striped bass compared to traditional aquaculture species like catfish. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Todd Sink)

Dr. Todd Sink, AgriLife Extension aquaculture and fisheries specialist, College Station, said catfish, a longtime staple for Texas fish production, has experienced a recent decline in pricing and popularity, causing producers to look at other options.

Catfish prices were around 93 cents per pound compared to the high of $1.35 per pound two years ago. As a result, discerning U.S. consumers are buying less catfish as household wealth and expendable income increase and because other options in the market are perceived as higher quality. Those include salmon, redfish and hybrid striped bass, which are a cross between white and striped bass, he said.

Sink said poor prices and consumer trends have some catfish producers switching at least a portion of production to other species like redfish and hybrid striped bass, which bring higher prices – $3-$3.30 per pound and $3.30-$3.60 per pound respectively – and are experiencing increased demand.

“It’s fairly clear that consumer tastes are changing from what is perceived as lower-quality fish to higher-end, higher-value fish,” he said. “The cyclical movement on catfish has been downward for a while, so you have a lot of producers looking to diversify with other options that are trending upward in both price and consumer demand.”

Redfish and hybrid striped bass can handle a range of salinity levels. Bass prefer fresh water to 10 parts per thousand salinity, while redfish are typically produced at five parts per thousand to full-strength seawater.

Redfish growth rate stalls when waters are 50 degrees or below, and freezing waters can cause die-offs without proper management, which limits production to warmer climates, Sink said. Hybrid striped bass are more tolerant of cool waters and are grown throughout the U.S., although their growth rate can also decrease drastically below 50 degrees.

Catfish production densities in Texas are around 12,000 pounds of fish per acre compared to 6,500 pounds of hybrid striped bass per acre and up to 8,000 pounds of redfish per acre, Sink said.

Texas is the No. 1 producer of redfish and hybrid striped bass, including around 98 percent of the nation’s redfish production and more than half of hybrid striped bass, Sink said. Established producers continue to expand their capacity to meet demand.

It’s difficult to ascertain redfish and hybrid striped bass production levels because U.S. Department of Agriculture census reports are infrequent, but Sink estimates Texas produces up to 2.7 million pounds of bass and 2.3 million pounds of redfish annually based on their 2013 report and farm expansions since that time.

Hybrid striped bass being harvested at a commercial aquaculture operation in Texas. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Todd Sink)

By comparison, Texas ranks No. 4 in U.S. catfish production with 18.9 million pounds per year.

Several farms are expanding redfish production across Texas with one currently adding 200 acres of production capacity to its operation, which represents a 30 percent increase in overall production, Sink said. Hybrid striped bass production has been expanding at a 3-5 percent rate annually in Texas and southeastern states.

“We don’t expect to see any slowdown in the expansion of both the market and production to meet that market demand over the next five to 10 years,” Sink said. “They’re expanding as they can to supply consumers in a market that is just starting to take off.”

Sink said 90 percent of Texas’ hybrid striped bass production serves demand from high-end restaurants on East and West coasts, while nearly all of the state’s redfish production serves restaurants in large cities such as New Orleans and Houston.

“Producers are getting a premium price for their product, many farms are looking to expand, and some restaurants are operating their own farms just to ensure they can supply their consumer demand,” he said. “Right now they are serving niche markets, so there is room and reason to expand.”

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Wildlife 101 Program

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Do you ever feel like you need a Wildlife for DUMMIES Book?

Dr. Maureen Frank, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Specialist, will save you the reading! She will be on the Texas A&M AgirLife Extension – Val Verde County Facebook Page LIVE to share her knowledge about wildlife! Tune in on Facebook every Wednesday at 6:30pm and also get a chance to enter to win a pair of Vortex Crossfire Binoculars!

Wildlife 101 Program Guide

January 23 @ 6:30 PM – Deer 101
January 30 @ 6:30 PM – Turkey 101
February 6 @ 6:30 PM – Quail 101
February 13 @ 6:30 PM – Exotic Ungulates 101
February 20 @ 6:30 PM – Feral Hogs 101

Each week participants can receive an entry to win by watching the Wildlife 101 progra m as well as completing a short evaluation. Participants can receive up to 5 entries into the drawing throughout the Wildlife 101 series! Check out our Facebook page or the Texas A&M AgirLife Extension – Val Verde County Facebook Page to stay up to date on all of the latest program news.

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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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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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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