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Hill Country event to address land stewardship April 26-27 in Kerrville

April 12, 2018 by Teri Gaston

Conference topics include tax valuations, fencing laws, hunting leases, among others

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

KERRVILLE – Landowners may understand stocking rates and managing grass, but what about the latest on fence laws, wildlife tax valuations and hunting leases?

The fifth annual Hill Country Land Stewardship Conference hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service April 26-27 in Kerrville offers a chance for landowners in the region to learn more about these and more topics, said Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension program leader, College Station.

“Tools for the Trade” is the theme of the annual event featuring speakers on everything from grazing to prescribed fire and herbicide control to legal issues,” said Redmon, who is also associate department head in the Texas A&M University department of soil and crop sciences in College Station.

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 conference fee is $75 and includes all meals, break refreshments and tour transportation costs. Registration will be available through April 20 at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/BennettTrust or 979-845-2604.

Redmon said several speakers will offer insight on some of the less-thought-of aspects of ranching or land ownership.

“Hunting Leases: Hunting for Success” will be discussed by Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall. He will also speak to the “Ag or Wildlife Tax Valuation: What Your Choice Ultimately Means” issue.

Another guest speaker will be Jim Bradbury, Austin attorney, who will present “Fence Laws: How to Not Get Your Britches Ripped.”

Other topics and speakers include:

— 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.

— 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 Linda Francis at L-francis@tamu.edu or an AgriLife Extension agent in the region, or go to http://agrilife.org/bennetttrust/.

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Filed Under: News, Programs Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, land stewardship

From Field to Plate

April 3, 2018 by Teri Gaston

A new publication out! From Field to Plate is a guide on the benefits of locally harvested wild game and how to keep it safe. If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits surrounding the harvest and consumption of wild game, this publication has you covered and includes a pictorial guide on how to safely field dress, process, package, and store venison, with other game species detailed.

Plus, tasty recipes are included as well!

The publication is available for free at the AgriLife Bookstore.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, From Field to Plate, Mary Pearl Meuth, publication, wild game

WFS Academy — To the Future

March 22, 2018 by Teri Gaston

On February 13th and 14th, a total of forty-five participants, including Texas Master Naturalists and the general public, attended the first annual Wildlife and Fisheries Specialist Academy. The workshop, presented by Dr. Todd Sink, Dr. John Tomecek and Dr. Maureen Frank, covered topics focused on Aquatic Vegetation and Wildlife Management over the 2 days of attendance. The event is designed to provide advanced training to volunteers who can then support or expand specific county educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Wildlife and Fisheries Extension Unit.

(Day One of the WFS Academy)

 

Here’s what some of our attendees had to say about the event:

“So much information that was so darn interesting. The speakers were excellent and I enjoyed both days very much.”

 “I liked the ability to learn and ask questions about Texas ecosystems – plants and animals.”

 

More Wildlife and Fisheries Specialist Academies will be held in the future. Keep an eye out for other training opportunities to come. Postings will be made on our website and on our social media platforms. https://wildlife.tamu.edu

You can also contact your local Extension agent to see if there are any trainings happening in your area. For contact information for your local County Extension Agent, visit the AgriLife People website at https://agrilifepeople.tamu.edu/.

We look forward to sharing more natural resource conservation workshops in the future.

Filed Under: News, Programs Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, Dr. Maureen Frank, Dr. Todd Sink, Mary Pearl Meuth, Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy

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

February 26, 2018 by Teri Gaston

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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Filed Under: News, Programs Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, Land Stewardship Conference

Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy – Time is Running Out!

January 31, 2018 by Teri Gaston

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!

Filed Under: News, Programs Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, Dr. Maureen Frank, Dr. Todd Sink, Mary Pearl Meuth, Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy

Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy – February 13 & 14th

January 5, 2018 by Teri Gaston

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.

Filed Under: News, Wildlife Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, Dr. Maureen Frank, Dr. Todd Sink, Mary Pearl Meuth, Wildlife & Fisheries Specialist Academy

Reports of tainted Texas corn raise concern among some deer hunters

October 30, 2017 by Teri Gaston

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

Contact: Dr. John Tomecek, 325-650-3520, john.tomecek@ag.tamu.edu

Dr. Cat Barr, 979-845-3414, acbarr@tvmdl.tamu.edu

THRALL – Concerns over corn tainted with Fusarium fungi, which can produce Fumonisin, continue to flow into Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists’ offices, but with the main deer hunting season only days away, the calls are increasingly from concerned hunters feeding corn to deer and less from corn producers, said agency experts.

“Shelled corn is the traditional ‘go-to feed’ in Texas for deer, so it’s understandable there would be concerns considering how much of it is fed to wildlife,” said Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at Thrall, who also serves West Texas.

Worries over tainted corn have experts fielding questions as hunting season arrives. Wild turkey gather under a feeder full of corn in this typical West Texas scene. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Steve Byrns)

Tomecek said it’s best for hunters to be aware of the problem and know what they are buying, but not to be overly concerned.

“I think what is important to remember when we feed corn to free ranging deer, is chances are we aren’t providing much more than a treat to these animals in the greater scheme of their diets,” Tomecek said. “Granted, corn helps provide energy during cooler months and is a great bait for hunting success, but it really doesn’t make up a high percentage of most deer diets.”

Dr. Cat Barr, veterinary toxicologist with the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at College Station, had similar thoughts.

She said the upper limit for deer feeding on Fumonisin-tainted corn should be no more than 30 parts per million and should be no more than half their diet. These rates are limits set for confined breeding cattle, a scenario not likely to occur in free-ranging deer.

“Even if the corn kernels themselves are nearing the recommended toxin ceiling, the deer are diluting it with all the greenery they’re eating as well,” she said.

Tomecek said the excellent growing conditions most of the state has enjoyed this year resulting in this greenery is another strong reason for lesser concern. Aside from its diluting effect, the lush growth tends to limit corn-feeder visits by wildlife.

As far as a human health threat from consuming Fumonisin-eating game, Barr said studies of ducks, turkeys and pigs showed no measurable Fumonisin B1 levels in muscle tissues when animals were fed up to 20 ppm at 50 percent of the diet, a level unlikely to occur in free-ranging animals during favorable growing conditions.

“As for the effects on game birds, we know these kinds of toxins can have serious adverse effects on birds in general,” Tomecek said. “But again, unlike a domestic poultry production scenario where the birds are confined, wild birds — be they game birds or those frequenting a backyard feeder — are using the corn as only a part of their diet, although perhaps at a higher proportion than do deer.

“A concerned hunter can always examine the crops of birds harvested to determine how much of their diet is coming from the corn, but most will find there is a great variety in diets of wild birds.”

Fumonsin toxin is produced when certain Fusarium fungi are present on corn, a condition exacerbated by moisture during seed development, Tomecek said.

“The good news about Fumonisin is that Fusarium molds don’t grow in storage, the way Aflatoxin-producing molds can, “ Barr said, “so at least the amount of Fumonisin in the corn is not going to increase, regardless of changes in temperature or moisture. Just keep in mind that some corn may contain both mold types.”

“An Aflatoxin problem can increase inside metal feeders where corn heats and cools at a different rate than the outside air, so condensation forms inside,” Tomecek said. “We see this pretty frequently any time of year where dew or condensation forms on vehicles and such things as metal fence posts and uninsulated tin roofs. Typically, this problem is minor, especially in mostly dry West Texas, but when it does occur clots of dust from corn or other feeds may form and toxins can grow in this environment.

“I recommend cleaning feeders before and after the hunting season, or when it’s convenient at some point during the year. Letting them run low or out, then refilling them with tested corn devoid of toxins should keep your animals coming, while keeping the feed and your investment in that feed, protected.”

Tomecek said corn shouldn’t be feared and is an excellent and cost-effective feed for wildlife, but he does recommend knowing the product and how it should be handled.

“I don’t think folks should shift away from corn entirely,” he said. “But these outbreaks are good reminders to hunters of the importance of proper feed and feeder management; namely to buy quality corn and ask your supplier if they have test results. Ask when the corn was tested and how it has been stored since that date.”

Tomecek said not all corn storage is created equal, especially in productive years, as the grain may have been left outside and is of lower quality, hence lower in price.

“The main take-home points are to purchase a quality product, store it in dry containers and clean your feeders. Do these things and you’ll have no worries.”

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Filed Under: News, Wildlife Tagged With: Deer, Dr. John Tomecek, hunters, tainted corn

Texas Crop and Weather Report – Oct. 24, 2017

October 25, 2017 by Teri Gaston

Deer season expected to provide good opportunities for hunters

  • Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, adam.russell@ag.tamu.edu
  • Contact: John Tomecek, 325-657-7311, john.tomecek@ag.tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – The general hunting season for white-tailed deer opens Nov. 4, and Texas hunters should expect good opportunities in the field, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist.

Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension assistant professor and wildlife specialist, San Angelo, said good weather conditions have provided good forage and cover for deer.

The quality of this year’s white-tail deer crop is expected to be very good because of good rain and browse availability. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Jim Cathey)

“The deer we’re seeing are healthy, and the bucks have good antlers,” he said. “There were a few places around the state that dried out early in the summer, but the common complaint I am hearing is that everything is so green that the deer don’t care about the corn, so they’re not coming to the feeders.”

Hunting is a multi-billion industry for the state, Tomecek said. Deer leases and hunting provides a critical source of income for rural landowners, ranchers and communities.

“You have communities that may have one diner and a few businesses, and once deer season starts, those diners are full of hunters,” he said. “Those businesses rely on that money. It’s the same for landowners. We have a lot of landowners who might have a bad year with their agricultural ventures, but then their hunting lease payments come in.”

As opening day nears, Tomecek said signs indicate 2017 will be a good year. He suggests checking Texas Parks and Wildlife hunting rules and regulations in the area where hunting before going afield.

Tomecek said deer movement is increasing as daylight hours shorten, which activates the rut, and temperatures cool.

“Animals are starting to move, and a good cold spell or freeze may reduce the available forage and push deer to corn,” he said.

Tomecek said there appeared to be a good yearling crop and that conditions provided good forage and cover for does and fawns during a critical time.

“Those mothers need good food sources or their bodies may tell them it’s not a good time to go into estrus,” he said. “But once you have healthy fawns on the ground, they need good cover to help them avoid predation by coyotes, wild pigs and other predators.

Tomecek said hunters typically take younger deer, but that it’s preferred hunters take deer 3-5 years in age.

“We like to see hunters take full-bodied, muscled bucks that aren’t going to get any better,” he said. “They’ve done their part in reproduction and we like to see them taken before their bodies begin to decline.”

Tomecek said there are some lingering issues hunters in certain areas of the state should be aware of. Hunters in the southernmost parts of Texas, around the Rio Grande Valley, should be aware of quarantine areas where health officials continue to monitor for cattle fever ticks.

“You can harvest animals,” he said. “They’re safe, but remember that state inspectors will want to inspect that carcass or cape for ticks to prevent them from being transported to other parts of the state,” he said. “It’s a simple inspection that only takes a few minutes. You just want to contact the Texas Animal Health Commission and have them look at it before you leave if you’re in one of those quarantine areas.”

Tomecek said he encourages all Texans to participate in hunting, and to share the experience with youth hunters.

“That’s the fun part, the getting out in the field with friends and family and creating generational memories,” he said.

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

The 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Districts

CENTRAL: Dry conditions dominated the area, and rain was severely needed. Oat and wheat planting stopped in some areas due to lack of moisture. Armyworms were seen in large numbers on small grain fields and Coastal Bermuda grass fields. Farmers sprayed for armyworms on emerged fields. Cotton harvest was winding down, and harvested cotton wasbeing ginned. Ryegrass was planted or over-seeded on pastureland. Cattle remained in good body condition and doing okay on native and improved pastures. Supplemental feeding started. Overall, livestock were in super condition. Sale barns were unusually busy with buyers and sellers. Stock tank levels were declining. Most counties reported good soil moisture. Overall crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were good in most counties.

ROLLING PLAINS: Fall armyworms continued to be a serious problem and were causing some losses. Several fields needed to be replanted. Cotton was close to harvest. A low percentage of cotton was prepped and could be ready for harvest soon. Most acres of cotton were slightly behind and needed heat units and delayed frost for best yields. Peanut harvest was going better since producers could get in the fields. Livestock are in good condition. Counties that received moisture reported good rangeland and pasture conditions. One county reported cattle were on supplemental feed due to inadequate pasture conditions. Cooler temperatures set in during nights but remained high during the day.

COASTAL BEND: Cotton gins were still running at full capacity, and some gins took in more cotton from areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Field work continued with cotton stalk destruction and some producers were already sampling fields for soil tests. Fall armyworms continued to be a problem in forages. Huisache and Macartney rose treatments were made on pastures and rangeland. Livestock were in good shape with many ranchers marketing calves through local auction with large numbers reported. Pasture conditions remained good in most areas.

EAST: A cold front swept the area and brought much-needed rain to several counties. Harrison County was added to the burn ban list. In Anderson County, a wildfire was reported due to the dry conditions. Jasper County conditions were drier than normal since Hurricane Harvey. Anderson County producers tried to finish mowing and baling hay. Gregg County grasses all but stopped growing, and Marion and Upshur counties reported grasses were getting short. Wood County noted some producers planted winter pastures ahead of the cold front, hoping to get enough moisture for germination. Pasture and rangeland conditions across the area were mostly poor, but Anderson, Marion, Upshur, and Wood counties reported good conditions. In Anderson County, 80 percent of the winter wheat was planted with 30 percent emerged. Anderson County also reported cotton was defoliated, and the bolls were 90 percent opened. Cool-season vegetables were looking good in Anderson and Marion counties. Subsoil and topsoil conditions across the area were short, while Anderson and San Augustine counties both reported adequate conditions. Most counties reported livestock were in good condition and cattle prices were holding steady. Anderson County reported producers were supplementing with protein, and Gregg County reported producers were feeding hay. Marion County cattle started to calve. In Anderson and Henderson counties wild pig activity was on the risewhile activity was down in Gregg and Upshur counties. Harrison County reported large numbers of calf deaths due to coyote activity and deer were spotted in the middle of the day foraging. Henderson County noted fly numbers were high and horn flies were still a major issue in Houston County.

SOUTH PLAINS: Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were beginning to dry out. Defoliant was applied on cotton and harvest was underway. A lot of cotton was expected to be stripped over the next few weeks. Pest problems were nonexistent. Corn and peanut harvests continued. Sorghum and sunflowers continued to finish out. Winter wheat continued to mature. Pastures and rangelands remained in fair to good condition. Cattle were in good condition.

PANHANDLE: Near-normal temperatures were reported. Soil moisture was adequate in most areas. Deaf Smith County producers were in full harvest mode in corn, grain sorghum and sunflower fields. Corn harvest was coming along, but some problems with mycotoxins were reported in some loads of food corn headed to local elevators. Sorghum for seed crops were being harvested after corn harvesting was complete. The cotton crop was holding on with some producers starting to apply boll openers to their crop. Winter wheat was at all stages with some earlier plantings ready for cattle, and producers were just starting to put seed in the ground on other fields. Hall County cotton continued to mature with warm days. Harvest was underway in peanuts and cotton there. Mycotoxins in corn were being monitored with most fields reporting elevated but acceptable levels of fumonisin. Cattle and pastures looked good. Wheat planting was nearing completion with excellent moisture conditions. Randall County producers were in the field every day this reporting period. Harvest was in full swing. Corn harvest was active with fields averaging around 160 bushels per acre. Cotton harvest was just now underway, so no yield reports were available. Sorghum harvest was expected to be underway within the next 10 days.

NORTH: Temperatures started dropping to mid-to-upper 40s in the morning hours. Weekend rain relieved moisture stress for winter pastures. Several counties reported up to 3 inches of rain. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels ranged from mostly short to adequate, with some counties reporting very short. Cotton harvest continued with about 50-60 percent of the crop harvested. Reports indicated the crop was very good with some fields yielding two bales per acre. Wheat planting was slow as many farmers were waiting for soil moisture. Hay producers were still in the field baling last cuttings. Hay supplies were very good, but quality was not as good. Many cattle producers were weaning calves and working cows. Many stocker cattle producers needed rain on planted winter annual pastures. A cool front helped relieve some livestock stress and slowed fly development. Wild pig activity was moderate.

FAR WEST: Temperature highs were in the 90s, and lows were in the 40s. Rain amounts ranged from a tenth of an inch to 1.5 inches for the reporting period. Cotton harvest moved into high gear as everyone in the far western part of the region was running hard and working long hours. Several days were very humid and harvest work did not begin until around noon, but producers were able to run until late into the night. Yields on dryland fields were not as good as most producers wanted. Producers were just getting into irrigated fields. Fall armyworm activity was very high in most wheat and small grain fields and in some alfalfa. Producers were encouraged to scout and make applications if needed. Pastures were looking better, but there were still areas not recovered from drought conditions. Mosquitos and weeds were a problem around structures where runoff water amounts were higher. High weeds could be a fire hazard after frost. Pawnee pecan harvest started, but no production assessments were reported. Producers continued to feed wildlife and livestock.

WEST CENTRAL: Temperatures were seasonable with warm days and cool nights. Some areas reported a few scattered showers, but nothing significant. Dry conditions continued and all areas needed rainfall. A light frost was noted in some areas. Stock tank water levels continued to drop. Field preparations and planting continued. Armyworms were a problem in all areas. Many wheat fields were destroyed by armyworms and were replanted. Producers started applying pesticides to control them. Cotton fields were progressing with a large percentage showing open bolls. Cotton fields were defoliated in preparation for harvest. Some cotton harvest was underway and should be in full swing in the next few weeks. Rangelands and pastures were doing very well going into the fall season. Conditions continued to look good, with good vegetation available for livestock and wildlife. Growth of forages and grasses slowed some. Livestock remained in fair to good condition. Respiratory problems were emerging in livestock in a few areas. Cattle prices were down some. Pecan harvest was underway.

SOUTHEAST: Conditions were dry in Walker County. Rainfall was needed to maintain good growing conditions and to ensure successful germination and subsequent growth of cool-season forages and crops. Waller County received about 1 inch of rain throughout the county following a cold front. Brazos and Jefferson counties received showers, and Lee County reported up to 2 inches of rain. Cooler weather was forecast and should relieve livestock.

SOUTHWEST: Counties reported slightly lower temperatures in the evenings and mornings, with warm temperatures during the day. No rain was reported for most counties, and signs of stress from lack of moisture were evident. Fall armyworms plagued some fields. Rangeland and pasture conditions remained fair to good. Livestock conditions were good throughout the counties. Fall calving was in full swing, and supplemental feeding began for most livestock producers.

SOUTH: Northern parts of the district reported adequate moisture levels and mild temperatures but no rain. Live Oak County reported scattered showers. Temperatures were around 80 degrees during the day and down to 60 degrees at night in western parts of the district. Peanut harvest was in full swing, but wheat planting stalled due to heavy armyworm infestations. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good with some reporting armyworm damage. Some producers were aggressively treating for armyworms. Supplemental feeding declined in recent weeks. Starr County reported range pastures improved from previous rains.  Body condition scores on cattle remained decent overall. Livestock conditions were starting to drop after 60-90 days of drought conditions in most areas. Cull cows were marketed with body condition scores from 2-4 with very few in optimal shape. Consequently, prices continued to slip on that class of beef cattle. On the other hand, prices for feeder calves climbed about a nickel per pound in most weight classes. In Zavala County, native rangeland and pastures continued to provide adequate forage for grazing. Pecan harvest was about 15 days out. Cabbage and spinach crops developed well thanks to very cool mornings across the area. Ranchers were planting winter forages for cattle and wildlife. In Hidalgo County, vegetable planting continued, and sugarcane harvest was expected to start soon. Row-crop land was plowed and being prepared for winter moisture and early spring planting.

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Filed Under: News Tagged With: Deer, Dr. John Tomecek

Livestock guardian dogs come to area ranches

April 7, 2016 by

By: Steve Byrns

Year-long project involves seven ranches, 22 dogs

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

Contact: Dr. Reid Redden, 325-653-4576, reid.redden@ag.tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – The West Texas sheep and goat industry will soon be “going to the dogs” if a team of Texas A&M AgriLife experts has their way.

Dr. Reid Redden and Dr. John Tomecek, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state sheep and goat specialist and wildlife specialist, respectively, and Dr. John Walker, Texas A&M AgriLife Research resident director, all of San Angelo, are heading a new year-long research project called “Understanding and Expanding the Use of Livestock Guardian Dogs in West Texas.”

“The goal is to place livestock guardian dogs on large West Texas ranches with ranchers who have never used them as a predator management tool,” Redden said.

Redden said 22 dogs, including two backups,  arrived shortly after Jan. 1 from a professional livestock guardian dog breeder based in Montana. The dogs, specifically bred and raised to live with and guard sheep and goats, are composite crossbred animals comprised of five large breeds of dogs used for thousands of years for this purpose.

“Predation on sheep and goats on large West Texas operations is arguably that industry’s biggest problem,” Redden said. “For many ranchers, controlling predators has gotten to the point where it’s almost impossible to effectively conduct predator management by traditional lethal means. So we are looking at new tools for our area, and livestock guardian dogs are a tool that’s been used in other countries and elsewhere in the U.S., but it has not been used very much in West Texas. The main difference is management style, and this management style affects how the dogs work.”

Livestock guardian dogs await assignment to area ranches as part of a year-long study. (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns)

Livestock guardian dogs await assignment to area ranches as part of a year-long study. (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns)

Redden said the research project aims to investigate and work with cooperating ranchers,  located from San Angelo west to Iraan and down to Del Rio, to better understand how livestock guardian dogs work in large expansive pastures.

“We have pastures in the project from between 500 and 5,000 acres,” Redden said. “These are large pastures where sheep can get scattered, making it easier for predators to do damage to the flock. It’s also difficult to spot a problem quickly in a large pasture, especially if it’s rough, brushy country as many West Texas pastures are.”

https://youtu.be/wnbFA1wnrnQ

Redden said the dogs were placed with seven cooperators and on AgriLife property Walker directs. Some ranchers got two dogs and some got four. The dogs, all between six and ten months old and previously bonded with sheep, were placed on the ranches shortly after Jan. 1. Once the dogs were placed on an operation, they were put in a small pen to bond with the sheep on that operation. Then within a few days to a few weeks, they were put out into large pastures.

Throughout the year the dogs are being fitted with GPS collars to track their movements throughout the day and night to see how they are working as a predator management tool.

“The observations thus far on the project have been fairly positive,” Redden said. “Most of the cooperators we’ve talked to have had good luck with the guard dogs. There have been a few issues that needed to be addressed, which is common with guardian dogs. It requires effort and perseverance to make the program work. But we have not had any reported sheep losses from coyotes, the No. 1 predator in Texas.

“One rancher even commented since getting the dogs that he’s seeing ‘repeat appearances’ among his sheep. Before, when his ewes would leave with a lamb, many of those lambs were never seen again, but now he is seeing them again…thus they are making repeat appearances.

“Based on cooperator reports, the guardian dogs have changed the movement patterns among the predators. Overall, we think they are starting to show some real positive effects on all the ranches that we’ve put them on.”

The other part of the project Tomecek oversees centers around the use of game cameras left running throughout the year to measure the traffic of predators such as coyotes, foxes and feral hogs.

Tomecek noted the predator populations were camera-surveyed prior to the livestock guardian dogs being added and will continue to be surveyed throughout the year to understand how the dogs change the predator movement and patterns as the dogs move in and around the ranches.

“Primarily, these livestock guardian dogs are a tool that dissuade predators from getting in the livestock,” Redden said. “One of the things people think is that the dogs are aggressive and go out and kill predators, and that is very rare. Actually the dogs are bonded to the sheep, they stay with them. They are part of the flock, while at the same time they provide protection for the sheep.

“They bark throughout the night to warn predators to avoid the area. They dissuade them from harming the livestock, and the predators go back to their normal prey of mostly rabbits and other small rodents.”

Redden said from a personal standpoint that livestock guardian dogs have kept his family-owned sheep and goat operation going since the 1990s.

“They’re a fantastic tool,” he said. “They do take effort and work to get them implemented and bonded and working on the ranch. But I think it’s a fantastic return on the investment of time and money once guardian dogs are put into place and you understand how to use them and understand how they work. The peace of mind that predation is no longer a problem is the best benefit of all.”

The AgriLife team would like to see the program build industry knowledge and widespread acceptance of livestock guardian dogs. They hope the group of ranchers will evolve into livestock guardian dog ambassadors, willing to help others wanting to use the dogs to remain economically viable in the sheep and goat industry.

“The whole West Texas belief that loose dogs among sheep as always being a bad thing must change, because these dogs don’t behave as most dogs do and must be handled in a totally unique manner,” he said. “It will be a learning experience, not only for the producers involved with this work, but for the whole West Texas ranching community as well.”

For more information on livestock guardian dogs, go to http://sanangelo.tamu.edu/files/2013/08/Livestock-Guardian-Dogs1.pdf . Redden can be reached at 325-653-4576, extension 224 or reid.redden@ag.tamu.edu

Filed Under: News, Research Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, Guardian dogs, livestock

Yearlong AgriLife Extension wildlife educational series kicks off in San Angelo on Feb. 10

January 28, 2016 by

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

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

SAN ANGELO – Two Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service staffers are collaborating on a yearlong project aimed at providing wildlife education opportunities to West Texans.

Josh Blanek, AgriLife Extension agent in Tom Green County, and Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo, will conduct “Wildlife Wednesdays,” a series of 11 wildlife related one-hour seminars from noon to 1 p.m. starting Feb. 10.

The series will cover a variety of topics tailored to the time of year each seminar is presented. And, as the the name implies, they are all scheduled for a Wednesday.

All the sessions, which are free and open to the public, will be at Palmer Feed and Supply, located at 1318 N. Chadbourne St. in San Angelo.

“These sessions are meant to be very informal,” Blanek said. “We liken them to AgriLife Extension’s longstanding turnrow meetings where we meet at the end of a turnrow on a farmer’s field to discuss matters of concern or of interest to area farmers.

“We want participants to have a chance to learn about various current wildlife topics in a  casual atmosphere.”

Blanek said Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered when appropriate.

The dates and topics will include:

– Feb 10 – Managing Browse for Livestock and Wildlife.

– March 16 – Turkeys in Spring: Maximizing Management and Hunting.

– April 13 – Supplemental Feeding of White-tailed Deer.

– May 18 – Conducting Brush Management to Benefit Wildlife.

– June 22 – Integrating Wildlife and Livestock Grazing.

– July 13 – Dove Management.

– Aug. 17 – Preparing for Fall Turkey Management.

– Sept. 14 – Using Wildlife Sign as a Management Tool.

– Oct. 12 – Quail Management.

– Nov.16 – Managing for Mature Deer: Aging on the Hoof.

– Dec.14 – Feral Hog Management.

For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Tom Green County at 325-659-6523.

Filed Under: News, Programs, Wildlife Tagged With: Dr. John Tomecek, wildlife

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