Land and Livestock Post

September 2018 – Issue I

RESEARCH DIRECTOR

Patrick Stover named finalist for AgriLife Research head.

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RETIRING

Associate Vice Chancellor Larry Boleman retiring.

PAGE 9

KEEP AN EYE

Stay aware of rapid changes in cattle exports.

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LEGALITIES

Ag Law in the Field set for Sept. 17 in Nacogdoches.

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How to maximize the health of your soil to benefit your herd PAGE 12

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September 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Stover named finalist for AgriLife Research director

From the General Manager

S

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The sole finalist for director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research said he will strengthen long-standing commitments to applied and fundamental research in partnership with stakeholders, as well as initiate new research responsive to broader societal needs, including enhancing the economic value of agriculture and tying together food and health.

Patrick Stover, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M University, has been named sole finalist as agency director by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Stover, whose doctoral degree is in biochemistry and molecular physics from the Medical College of Virginia, is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

His research has focused on fundamental mechanisms underlying metabolism, nutrition and birth defects, and has informed global food fortification policies.

“Dr. Stover brings immense expertise and leadership in the food and health arena,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This expertise will help guide agency research to the benefit of agricultural producers and consumers. His expertise will broaden core agricultural research areas and look in-depth at the relationship between diet and health as health care costs continue to climb because many chronic diseases are linked to nutritional health.”

Stover said he is eager to build on the agency’s legacy as a premier agricultural research agency serving all Texans and those abroad.

“In Texas, agriculture has a strong economic significance in our state and Texas A&M AgriLife Research has made many discoveries through the decades to help improve both production agriculture and healthy food,” Stover said.

For five consecutive years, AgriLife Research has led the nation in research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation.

Stover has been on a statewide tour of

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers in Corpus Christi, Weslaco, Amarillo, Lubbock and Overton. He has met with faculty, growers and agricultural commodity stakeholders to gain a better understanding and assess the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in producing food, fiber and fuel for Texans and abroad.

“We increasingly know that food is fundamental to our health and healthy aging,” Stover said.

Regarding AgriLife Research priorities, Stover said, “We will continue to deliver sustainability and profitability to our agricultural industry and be responsive to their needs, as well as focus on the needs of the consumer in terms of providing accessible, high quality food.

“In the long term, we have to intensify our efforts towards new discoveries and technologies that are helpful to our farmers and ranchers to deal with recurring drought, to use less water and to manage pests through advancements in breeding and genetics. We have to think about tomorrow with futuristic research.”

The Land & Livestock Post

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Texas A&M AgriLife photo

Patrick Stover, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M University, has been named sole finalist as director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

ummer is over. The mercury may not have dropped yet, but rest assured, summer is gone.

I know this because I get my lunch breaks back.

During the summer, my wife, a teacher, and my son, a first-grader, spent most days lazing by the pool or going on adventures together. But, rarely did these adventures take place during lunch. For JESSE WRIGHT some reason, they always wanted to eat at the same time of day as I usually do.

it was great to see my wife and son during the day. But now that summer is at a close, I cannot lie: I am a bit excited to get my bachelor pad back, even for only an hour a day.

The structure of my day has changed, but in this issue we are going to take a closer look at the structure of your soil. In our cover story, we look at soil management and what components make up good, healthy soil. We also have news from around the ag industry as well as our regular features and information about upcoming sales and events. Hope you get an hour or so to read it and enjoy. ’Til next time,

I am pretty spoiled because during the school year, I get a whole hour to myself at home. This is not common for most parents. I don’t have Risky Business-esque parties or anything, but it is nice to have the house to myself, do the crossword puzzle, and maybe watch something on TV that is not animated or has a Muppet.

Don’t get me wrong, I do love spending time with my family, and

z For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse. wright@theeagle.com.

Hemphill Mini-Ag Conference set Sept. 10

By Kay ledBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

CANADIAN — The Hemphill County Mini-Ag Conference, hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will be held Sept. 10 in the Hemphill County Exhibition Center, Sand Sage Room, 10865 Exhibition Road in Canadian.

Registration will start at 8 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts, with the program starting at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided

by Wellington State Bank. The program will end at 4 p.m.

Registration is $25 per person, and seating is limited to the first 100 paid participants, said Andy Holloway, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Hemphill County.

To register in advance, call the AgriLife Extension office for Hemphill County at 806-323-9114 or email christa.perry@

September 2018 — Issue I

ag.tamu.edu for a registration form.

Checks and credit cards are accepted.

“We are excited to announce that nationally known author and speaker Dave Pratt will be the special guest speaker,” Holloway said. “Several members of our Hemphill County Ag Committee are graduates of his Ranching for Profit schools, and we wanted him to make a follow up visit after he spoke at the past beef cattle conference and ag tour.”

Speaking on the subject “Ranching for Profit,” Pratt is expected to address the following topics: “The Three Secrets for Increasing Profit”; “Economic Process and Bench-Marking”; “Overcoming Resistance to Change”; and “Cowboy Economics — Case Studies Included.”

Pratt is the author of the book Healthy Land, Happy Families and Profitable Businesses.

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September 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

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AgriLife Extension photo

A common concern for landowners across the country is how to ensure they are protected from liability if someone is injured on their property.

How can landowners protect themselves from liability?

By Tiffany DowelllashmeT Extension Agricultural Law Specialist

A common concern for landowners across the country is how to ensure they are protected from liability if someone is injured on their property.

In fact, in one morning recently, I got three emails from landowners asking what they could do now to be in a position best to defend themselves in the event an injury does occur on their land.

Importantly, there is no silverbullet that will ensure a landowner will not ever be liable for anything.

Additionally, there is nothing a landowner can do to make it impossible for another person to file a lawsuit against the landowner.

There are, however, numerous steps landowners can take to limit liability and protect their operations from this concern.

Carry liability insurance

This is the most important step a landowner can take in order to protect his or her operation.

Every landowner needs to have a liability insurance policy that covers every activity taking place on the property. For example, if a landowner has a farm and ranch policy, but also conducts other activities such as a roadside fruit stand or guided hunts, the landowner should confirm that the additional activities are covered by the farm and ranch policy’s provisions.

How much insurance should a landowner carry? Well, in typical attorney fashion I’ll say that it depends. Landowners should consider the amount of risk associated with their operation. For example, a farm in the middle of nowhere that does not host any sort of events or have any guests likely would need a lower cov-

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The Land & Livestock Post

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September 2018 — Issue I

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News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Anderson

R e s u l t s o f t h e M i d Te x Livestock Commission’s Aug. 16 sale.

Head: 1,040 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $140-$198; 300-400 lbs., $140-$188; 400500 lbs., $130-$188; 500-600 lbs., $125-$155; 600-700 lbs., $120-$150; 700-800 lbs., $115$140 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $130-$175; 300-400 lbs., $135-$173; 400500 lbs., $120-$165; 500-600 lbs., $120-$150; 600-700 lbs., $115-$135; 700-800 lbs., $105$125 Slaughter bulls: $60-$88 Slaughter cows: $35-$65 Bred cows: $600-$1,700 Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,350

Brazos Valley Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s Aug. 1 4 sale.

Head: 1,321 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $180-$205; 300-400 lbs., $160-$195; 400500 lbs., $142-$180; 500-600 lbs., $138-$153; 600-700 lbs., $128-$144; 700-800 lbs., $132$135 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $140-$165; 300-400 lbs., $135-$160; 400500 lbs., $130-$145; 500-600 lbs., $128-$144; 600-700 lbs., $118-$140; 700-800 lbs., $120$126 Slaughter bulls: $74-$86.50 Slaughter cows: $40-$65 Bred cows: $750-$1,050 Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,400

Caldwell Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s Aug. 15 sale.

Head: 807 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $175-$205; 300-400 lbs., $168-$192; 400500 lbs., $151-$182; 500-600 lbs., $140-$159; 600-700 lbs., $133-$149; 700-800 lbs., $127$135

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Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $160-$192; 300-400 lbs., $143-$177; 400500 lbs., $135-$172; 500-600 lbs., $134-$172; 600-700 lbs., $130-$146; 700-800 lbs., $120$132 Slaughter bulls: $60-$84 Slaughter cows: $40-$65 Bred cows: $500-$1,000 Cow/calf pairs: $600-$1,175

Groesbeck Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s Aug. 16 sale.

Head: 621 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $175-$190; 400-500 lbs., $165-$185; 500600 lbs., $155-$170; 600-700 lbs., $140-$155 Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $145-$165; 400-500 lbs., $137-$150; 500600 lbs., $125-$150; 600-700 lbs., $120-$145 Slaughter bulls: $74-$84 Slaughter cows: $28-$58 Bred cows: $800-$1,000 Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,300

Navasota Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s Aug. 11 sale.

Head: 1,612 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $115$212.50; 300-400 lbs., $115$195; 400-500 lbs., $115-$176; 500-600 lbs., $110-$152; 600700 lbs., $110-$144 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $115-$200; 300-400 lbs., $115-$165; 400500 lbs., $115-$152.50; 500600 lbs., $110-$147; 600-700 lbs., $105-$135 Slaughter bulls: $55-$80.50 Slaughter cows: $30-$65 Bred cows: $700-$1,125 Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,460 — Special to The Post

September 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

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September 2018 — Issue I

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News

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo

A prospective wine-grape growers workshop will be held Sept. 14 in Eddy.

Prospective wine-grape growers workshop Sept. 14 in Eddy

By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

EDDY — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service viticulture and enology experts will conduct a workshop Sept. 14 for prospective wine-grape growers and those interested in learning more about the wine industry.

The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kissing Tree Vineyards, 109 W. 3rd St. in Eddy, located between Temple and Waco. Program registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

“The workshop is for anyone inside or outside the state wanting to know more about the pros and cons of growing wine grapes and the winemaking industry,” said Fran Pontasch, AgriLife Extension viticulture specialist in College Station.

Pontasch and Michael Cook, AgriLife Extension viticulture specialist in Denton, along with program sponsors, have put together an agenda of concerns that should be addressed before or very soon after entering the winemaking industry.

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“Necessary infrastructure, labor and economic requirements, how and where to begin, and characteristics of a good site are among the topics,” Pontasch said.

Early registration is $125 per person or $200 per couple. After Sept. 5, registration is $150 per person or $250 per couple. The workshop fee includes lunch, prepared by the Kissing Tree Vineyard’s chef.

For additional information, contact Pontasch at 979-458-0103 or fmpontasch@tamu.edu, or Cook at 940-349-2896 or m.cook@ tamu.edu.

September 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Cattleman Larry Boleman reflects on 54 years at A&M Texas A&M AgriLife’s associate vice chancellor retired at the end of August

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

From his time as a student to time in the administrative offices, Larry Boleman has spent 54 years with Texas A&M University.

As hundreds gathered for a retirement reception at Kyle Field’s Lettermen’s Club honoring Boleman, Texas A&M AgriLife’s associate vice chancellor, there were all walks of life in the room: Texas cattle producers, beef industry representatives, agriculture teachers, Extension agents and specialists, university and A&M System officials — each representing a special time throughout Boleman’s lengthy career.

What was fitting, perhaps most gratifying, Boleman said, was to visit with some of those same cattle producers he began to meet as a beef cattle student employee in 1964 and then those he met when he began his role as a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent in 1968 serving in Brazos and Taylor counties, and in 1975 as a beef cattle specialist for AgriLife Extension.

“I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed getting up early, throwing the old Kodak photo slide carousel in the pickup and driving across Texas to conduct a beef cattle workshop, field day or seminar, or go to a ranch and visit with a rancher about beef cattle selection and management,” Boleman said.

His passion for beef cattle production and education, began during his youth in McLennan County near Waco. Encouragement from his La Vega High School agriculture teacher, Lewis Breeland, ‘58, led him to Texas A&M in 1964 where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, paving the way for his role as an AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist.

As a graduate student from 1971 to 1975, he taught beef introductory courses, coached the Texas A&M livestock judging team and did part-time beef cattle consulting for Jim and David Eller of The Granada Corp. near Bryan.

His many travels across Texas led to establishing relationships with both producers and industry representatives that expanded nationally. Those relationships and team building didn’t go without notice

by A&M administration, leading him to

The Land & Livestock Post

Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Blair Fannin

Larry Boleman, left, visits with with Ray Riley, manager of the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center at Texas A&M University in College Station. higher roles as associate department head for animal science, assistant deputy vice chancellor for agriculture, and eventually into his current role as associate vice chancellor for strategic outreach and initiatives with Texas A&M AgriLife.

However, Boleman would serve Texas A&M in an even higher executive capacity as part of former Texas A&M President Elsa Murano’s cabinet as executive associate vice president for operations. He also served in the same role under former interim president Mark Hussey.

“That was a very special time,” Boleman said. “The renovation of the Memorial Student Center and later Kyle Field redevelopment were two big projects that I was a part of. The Kyle Field redevelopment was absolutely amazing. That was a lot of fun working with those engineers

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and Chancellor John Sharp’s team. Getting to see what those people did was phenomenal.”

One of Boleman’s signature roles with AgriLife Extension came when he was the agency’s state beef cattle specialist in College Station. In 1990, he was tasked with revitalizing a fledgling beef cattle short course conference that was losing attendance. His first change was the date of the conference.

“I decided to have it in August,” he recalled. “Many would say ‘why in the world would you hold a beef conference in the hottest part of the summer?’ Well, as many Texas beef producers know, cattlemen don’t do much working with their cattle during the August heat. It’s pretty much a dead time of year.”

Next, Boleman tapped into the relation-

September 2018 — Issue I

ships he had built through the years with beef industry representatives and producers. He created a tradeshow with vendor fees and later corporate sponsorships.

That, coupled with a $30 participant registration fee, early on replenished money into the conference operating budget. Boleman gradually would increase the fees to $100 as the conference grew in success.

But those changes created an unforeseen problem, he said, as more people showed up for the conference than expected at the Kleberg Building, which at the time served as the host conference campus site. Preregistration eclipsed 100 registrants and by 8 a.m., more than 300 producers showed up for the conference.

And then there was an even greater concern aside from having enough classroom space.

“We were scrambling to have enough food for lunch and ended up buying bologna from Rosenthal and enough bread and lettuce to feed 300 people sandwiches,” he said. “I also went over and talked to Don Ganter, who owned the Dixie Chicken at Northgate at the time. I worked a deal for each participant to get a $5 coupon that included a drink and a hamburger basket. It worked. They loved it . They enjoyed going over to the Chicken and having that social time. It led to networking and friendships.”

This would serve as a precursor to the now famous Aggie Prime Rib Dinner, Boleman said.

He also tweaked the conference program, blending the latest beef cattle research discoveries by Texas A&M AgriLife Research with the teaching topics

by AgriLife Extension specialists. And he incorporated animal science faculty members and other faculty from other disciplines whose work applied to beef cattle production.

Boleman credited the late Howard Hesby’s behind-the-scenes work setting up a network of cable wiring and televisions in adjacent lecture halls for overflow participants to view demonstrations and lectures.

“If it hadn’t been for Howard, I don’t know how we would have been able to work those overflow crowds in the Kleberg

See BOLEMAN, Page 10

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News Boleman, from Page 9 lecture halls.”

The following year, 500 attendees came to the short course.

“And that’s when I negotiated the move to Rudder and for the event to be held in August,” Boleman said. “That was when the Rudder Complex became home to the annual beef short course.

Attendance grew to more than 800 participants with that move.

Today, attendance eclipses 2,500, and one of its hallmarks is the famous Fightin’ Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner, partially sponsored by my friends Dr. Charles Graham and Nolan Ryan.”

Looking back, Boleman said when you think you’ve taught everything there is to know about beef cattle production, the process starts all over again with a new, younger audience.

“It’s a concurrent study of what you do,” he said. “You always have to stay current.”

Boleman said balancing family life has been just as rewarding.

He and wife, Pat, were married in All Faiths Chapel on the A&M campus and have been married for 50 years. Their sons, Scott (‘91), Chris (‘96) and Craig (‘96) all are married and have gone on to achieve successful careers.

They also have two grandsons,

Callahan CountyRange Field Day to examine noxious plant control and water development south of Baird off U.S. 283 and County Road 248.

Direction signs will be posted.

James Jackson, AgriLife Extension range specialist in Stephenville, will be the site speaker and will discuss mesquite control and review prickly pear control herbicide application demonstration plots.

From the Yates location, the group will move to the Justin and Terri Hollis property at 3298 County Road 246.

There, topics and speakers will include “Basic Water Development” by Sammy Wilson and Matt Brewer, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation representatives in Baird; and “Low-Tensile vs. High-Tensile Wire Cross Fencing to Exclude Feral Hogs” by Harold Shipman, Stay-tuff Fence West Texas territory manager in Brady.

A noon lunch will be served at the AgriLife Extension office in Callahan County followed by the final presentation, “Sins of Overgrazing,” by Emi Kimura, AgriLife Extension agronomist in Ve rnon.

By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

BAIRD — Noxious plant control, water development and fencing are all on tap for the Callahan County Range Field Day to be conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service on Sept.

18 in Baird.

The field day opens with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by the program from 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

Individual registration is $20. RSVP by Sept. 15 to the AgriLife Extension office in Callahan County at 325-854-5835.

Two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered.

Texas A&M AgriLife photo “This will be a very educational program,” said Larry Boleman,TexasA&MAgriLife associKarl Winge, AgriLife Extension agent in Callahan ate vice chancellor for strategic outreach County. and initiatives,retired at the end ofAugust.

“We’ll be looking at various prickly pear and mesquite control plot demonstrations, water developSeth (‘20) and Sage (‘22).

Along the way, Boleman has ment projects and fencing ideas to deter feral hogs.” found time to manage his own The tour will start on the Wayne Yates operation cattle on land in Brazos and Burnet counties.

However, even though he retired at the end of August, Boleman said he never has viewed his career in education as “work.”

“The biggest reward was when I left a ranch or a beef cattle meetand receive 24 issues of the latest ag news and ing, and they were always, always so appreciative,” Boleman said. information about the issues that affect you!

“When I left it wasn’t like ‘that chore is over.’ It was a feeling like ‘that was so special.’

“Dr. T.D. Tanksley, my fatherin-law and mentor, and distinmail or register Online: guished Texas A&M educator, q New Subscription c/o Land & Livestock Post P.O. Box 3000 • Bryan, TX 77805 said at his retirement reception q Address Change Or www.landandlivestockpost.com and click “subscribe”. with tears in his eyes, ‘I can’t believe they paid me to do this job’ Name: and I totally agree. I can’t believe I Address: got paid to do something so much City:_____________________ St: ________ Zip: fun.

“I never, ever hesitated or had Phone #: any negative feelings about goOld Address (if applicable): ing to work. It has been so much City: _____________________St: _______Zip: damn fun and so rewarding.”

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September 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

News 2018 Texas A&M Beef Tour Sept. 12-14 to give attendees access to top ranches

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

LONGVIEW — A three-day educational tour of working cattle operations and Texas A&M AgriLife facilities across East and Central Texas is set for Sept.

12-14.

The 2018 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Beef Tour will provide attendees behind-the-scenes insights to some of the most successful beef cattle ranches in the state as well as scientific facilities where Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists work to improve herd production and reduce producer costs.

The event is co-sponsored by the District 5 Texas County Agricultural Agents Association.

The tour cost is $200 per per-

son. A $100 non-refundable perperson deposit was due by Aug. 22. Full payment must be made

by Sept. 12.

The cost includes travel by charter bus and two nights stay at hotels in Fort Worth and Waco, which may require rooming with another party on the tour.

For more detailed information and a registration form, go to bit. ly/2KFQ7Tp. Tour stops will include: • Santa Rosa Ranch — Crockett.

• Stalwart Ranch — Crockett.

• Nix Farms — Tolar.

• Texas A&M McGregor Research Center — McGregor.

• Emmons Ranch — Fairfield.

• Fort Worth Stock Yards —

See TOUR, Page 14

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The Land & Livestock Post

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September 2018 — Issue I

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News

Solid ground

Basics of soil health management in pasture and rangeland

S

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

oil health has become a frequent topic in beef cattle seminars and is recognized as the basic element of the cattle industry. Healthy soil grows abundant forage, which is the economic backbone of cattle nutrition.

The end result of unhealthy soils is reduced beef production and unnecessarily high feed bills.

“Definition of soil health is the capacity of a soil to function as a vital, living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals and humans,” said Steven Shafer, chief scientific officer of the Soil Health Institute. “Key words in this definition are vital and living. Soil health is vital to our livelihood and soil is alive with physical, chemical and biological components.”

Physical component

“Soil has structure, which is the arrangement of primary particles into secondary units called aggregates. Soil aggregates are clumps of soil particles held together by moist clay, organic matter, fungal hyphae (strands) and polysaccharide gums produced by bacteria and fungi.

“Pores between aggregates contain water and air and allow roots to grow,” said Dennis Chessman, Southeastern Regional Soil Health Team Leader, for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Health Division.

“Structure affects water infiltration, water holding capacity, water and air movement, nutrient availability and root growth.”

Water-holding capacity is defined as the water retained between field capacity and wilting point. A soil is at field capacity when it is saturated, but can

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Special to The Post

Healthy soil contains soil aggregates. drain freely by force of gravity. Wilting point is the soil water level after absorption by a plant. Water in the soil that is no longer absorbed by plants and is held tightly by soil particles is a condition referred to as the permanent wilting point. Amount of water available to plants is considered to be 50 percent of the soil’s water-holding capacity, so improvement of soil water-holding capacity makes water available to plants.

An example of poor soil structure is plating, which is horizontal layers of soil particles created by compaction or lack of root growth. Plating prevents downward movement of water, nutrients and roots and reduces soil productivity.

“Soil texture is the percent of sand, silt and clay particles and determines water holding capacity,” Shafer said.

“Water is lost to deep percolation below root zones in sandy soils, whereas clay soils hold water too tightly for it to be available to plants. Available waterholding capacity occurs in medium textured soils between levels of field capacity and wilting point.”

Chemical component

Organic matter is an important part of soil chemistry and is derived from the remains of organisms such as plants, animals and their waste products. Benefits of soil organic matter include its major role in aggregate forming and its improvement of water infiltration, water holding capacity and available water at field capacity. Organic matter mineralizes nitrogen making it available to plants and accounts for 30 to 90 percent of the cation exchange capacity of soil.

Cation exchange capacity is a measure

See SOIL, Page 13

September 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Soil, from Page 12

Natural Resources Conservation Service photo

Earthworms dramatically alter soil structure.

of soil fertility and nutrient retention capacity. In addition, soil organic matter is a major source of plant-available phosphorus and sulfur.

“Metals such as iron, manganese, zinc and copper are chelated by organic matter keeping them available to plants.

Organic matter improves plant root environment and contributes to favorable habitat for soil biology,” Chessman said.

growth. Soil is home to most of the biodiversity in the world.

“Soil bacteria fall into four functional groups,” said Elaine Ingham of Oregon State University. “Most are decomposers that convert energy in soil organic matter into forms useful

to other organisms. Decomposers are especially important for retaining nutrients, such as nitrogen, in their cells preventing loss from the rooting zone.”

A second group of bacteria, the mutualists, form partnerships with plants. Most wellknown of this group are the nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

See 4 GROUPS, Page 15

Biological component

Creatures living in the soil are critical to soil health and include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods and earthworms. They affect soil structure, soil erosion and water availability. Soil biology is important for decomposition, nutrient cycling and plant

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September 2018 — Issue I

13

News A Cowman’s Best Friend at Calving Time!

Tour, from Page 11 Fort Worth.

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• Livestock Nutrition Center — Saginaw.

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13.

Tour attendees will dine close to hotels each night. Participants will be responsible for their own meals. Breakfasts will be compliments of the hotels.

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to the AgriLife Extension office in Gregg County, 405 E. Marshall Ave. Suite 101 Attn: Randy Reeves, AgriLife Extension agent, Gregg County.

“Producers participating will not only see registered operations, but will see commercial cattle as well,” Reeves said.

“Marketing options, nutritional components and some of the latest beef cattle research topics will also be on the tour.”

For more information, contact Reeves at 903-236-8429 or randy. reeves@ag.tamu.edu.

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September 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post

News 4 Groups, from Page 13 The third group is the pathogens that form galls on plants.

Some species of the fourth group, called lithotrophs or chemoautotrophs, are important in nitrogen cycling and degradation of pollutants.

Bacteria from all four groups perform important services related to water dynamics, nutrient cycling and plant disease suppression.

“Protozoa are single-celled animals that feed primarily on bacteria, but also eat other protozoa, soluble organic matter and sometimes fungi. They play an important role in mineralizing nutrients, making them available for use by plants and other soil organisms,” said Ingham.

“Ratio of carbon to nitrogen for protozoa is 10:1 or greater and 3:1 to 10:1 for bacteria. As a result, bacteria eaten by protozoa contain too much nitrogen for the amount they need. The protozoa release the excess nitrogen in the form of ammonium. This usually occurs near plant root systems. Bacteria and other organisms rapidly take up most of the ammonium, but some is used by plants.”

Another role of protozoa is regulating bacteria populations. When they graze on bacteria, protozoa stimulate growth of the bacterial population and in turn, decomposition rates and soil aggregation.

Protozoa are also an important food source for other soil organisms and help depress plant disease by competing with or feeding on pathogens.

“Nematodes are nonsegmented worms and like protozoa, mineralize or release nutrients in plant-available forms. They help distribute bacteria and fungi through soil and along roots by carrying live and dormant microbes on their surfaces and in their digestive systems,” said Ingham.

“Many bugs, known as ar-

Soil-plant relationships

Plants and soil have a symbiotic relationship. As part of the ecosystem, plants depend upon soil for anchorage, oxygen, water, temperature moderation and nutrients. In turn, soil depends upon plants to maintain its health.

David Weindorf of Texas Tech University discussed soils and their contributions to the environment at a recent Sustainable Rangeland Symposium in Lubbock. He stated that through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon from carbon dioxide (CO2) into organic matter in the form of roots, stems and leaves. Grasses, due to fibrous root systems, create a tremendous amount of soil organic matter as their root materials die and slowly degrade. Organ-

See Health, Page 16 Photo by Robert Fears

Livestock grazing rangeland is a natural process. thropods, make their homes in the soil,” said Andrew Moldenke of Oregon State University.

“Arthropods get their name from their jointed (artoros) legs (podos). Large arthropods frequently seen on the soil surface are shredders that chew up dead plant matter. The most abundant are millipedes, sowbugs, termites, certain mites and roaches. Arthropods that graze on fungi, and to some extent bacteria, include most springtails, some mites and silverfish. They consume bacteria and fungi off root surfaces releasing plant-available nutrients.”

“Earthworms dramatically alter soil structure, water movement, nutrient dynamics and plant growth,” said Clive Edwards of Ohio State University. “They stimulate microbial activity, mix and aggregate soil, increase infiltration, improve water-holding capacity, provide channels for root growth and bury and shred plant residue.”

The Land & Livestock Post



Nominate A Veteran for The Eagle

Military service is among the most meaningful duties. Generations of men and women form a core part of this nation’s identity: personal sacrifice to uphold the freedom of others. We want to honor veterans by asking them to share their stories. We will publish the names, branch of service and years of service in a special insert on Sunday, November 11.

The Eagle will also profile some of these veterans to tell their stories of service. If you are a veteran or an immediate family member of a veteran and would like to participate, please complete the form on the website listed below.

Submissions will be included in an online photo gallery on theeagle.com.

Thank you for your service!

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

To submit a nomination, visit

theeagle.com/honoring-our-veterans  Complete the form  Tell their story  Submit 2 photos

September 2018 — Issue I

(service photo and current photo)

979-731-4738

15

News Health, from Page 15 ic matter is slowly decomposed by soil microorganisms from which humic and fulvic acids are formed.

These two acids are important for promotion of plant growth.

“Within soil, organic matter serves as a nutrient reservoir, a source of energy for micro-organisms, improves soil structure, and increases water infiltration and holding capacity,” said Weindorf. “Organic matter also buffers soil against rapid changes in pH and/or salinity.”

“Grazing lands are managed to improve soil health by minimizing disturbance with appropriate stocking densities and adequate forage rest through pasture deferment. Keep the soil covered,” said Chessman. “In pastures, soil should never be visible when looking down into plant canopy. Soil health is also improved by increasing plant biodiversity and maintaining good root structure in the soil.”

The take-home message is that livestock grazing rangeland is a natural process and when managed properly, the system requires few inputs to remain healthy.

Photo by Robert Fears

It is important to keep soil covered to protect the health of the land.

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September 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post

News Cattle producers should keep a watchful eye on export markets

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The impact of U.S. beef exports on calf prices continues to rise as experts advise ranchers to stay abreast of trade developments globally.

Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax in Denver, Colorado, told attendees at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course in College Station that exports have become an integral part of calf prices and, following the latest trade discussions, are imperative when formulating marketing plans.

“Just look at how fast our export markets have grown since Christmas 2003 when we had BSE,” Blach said. “We have the opportunity for that value to go as high $500.”

Those prospects are fueled by

a strong economy and consumer demand, he said.

“Consumers across the world want what you produce, which is a safe, reliable, wholesome, highquality product,” Blach said. “As we look down the road, I want you to be thinking; are you doing everything you should be doing to deliver the best product?”

To put the importance of beef export markets into perspective, Blach said the U.S. exports 17 billion pounds of beef worth $18 billion.

“That’s $365 in value of the calf you are producing,” he said.

“We’ve really got to keep an eye on these trade situations.”

Industry experts note consumers are wanting more protein at a record pace.

“We will have record meat consumption in 2019 in the U.S.,”

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Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station, and Kelley Sullivan, co-owner of Santa Rosa Ranch in Navasota and Crockett, discussed China markets and their potential. Both serve on the Texas Beef Coun-

cil board of directors and were part of recent visits to China and Japan to learn more about opportunities in trade and share educational programming with representatives in those countries.

See EXPORT, Page 19

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Kelley Sullivan, co-owner of Santa Rosa Ranch in Navasota and Crockett.

Blach said. “Never in our history have we consumed more red meat, pork and poultry than we are now. People are eating live-

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The Land & Livestock Post

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Boyd Industries, Inc.

September 2018 — Issue I

www.BoydBuilt.com

17

News Liability, from Page 5 erage amount than a farm that has a pumpkin patch and corn maze every fall with thousands of guests. Talking through the details of your operation with your insurance agent is a great way to determine the right coverage level and type of policy to obtain.

Identify dangerous conditions and either provide warnings or make them safe

Every state has slightly different laws related to when a landowner can be held liable for injuries. Most states group people into different categories and assign a certain level of duty to a landowner for each category. Generally speaking, however, warning any guest on the property about dangerous conditions or making them safe would satisfy the duty of care owned by a landowner to any type of guest on the property.

What are dangerous conditions?

Well, whatever a court says they are. A deep hole covered with tree limbs, for example, could be considered a dangerous condition. A landowner can either warn people about potential dangers or make them safe.

There is no set requirement for how warnings must be given, but

oftentimes if the landowner is entering into any type of lease or contract, identifying dangerous conditions in that type of document is useful.

Texas law divides people into three categories: trespassers, licensees and invitees. Landowners owe a different duty (level of responsibility) to each category.

If the duty is met, the landowner is not liable. If not met, the landowner can be held liable to an injured party.

Under Texas law, a landowner’s only duty to a trespasser — who is anyone on the land without permission — is not to injure them intentionally and not to act with gross negligence. This is a very high bar for an injured party to prove in order to recover damages from a landowner.

For a licensee — anyone on the property for their own benefit — the duty is a bit higher. In addition to not intentionally injuring or acting with gross negligence, the landowner must warn or make safe dangerous conditions known to the landowner that might not be obvious to the plaintiff.

For an invitee — someone entering the property for the mutual benefit of themselves and the landowner — the duty is even higher. In addition to no intentional acts or gross negligence, and in addition to warning for known dangerous conditions, the landowner now has a

duty to warn or make safe any dangerous condition of which he or she should have known with a reasonable inspection.

Obtain written liability releases from anyone coming on the property Liability releases (also called liability waivers) are simply documents signed by guests agreeing that they will not hold a landowner liable for injuries that occur on the property. Again, laws differ by state, but generally speaking, courts will enforce this type of waiver if drafted in a manner comporting with the law of the state where the land is located.

Releases usually identify the activity involved, list common dangers associated with that type of activity, state that the signor understands those risks, and agrees not to sue the landowner

for negligence.

Given the complex nature of these releases, and the importance of having one that is enforceable, it is recommended that a landowner seek the assistance of an attorney to draft a proper waiver.

Spending the money up front to do so certainly can pay off in the long run if a lawsuit can be avoided.

In Texas, courts require re-

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leases to be conspicuous and to comply with the express negligence doctrine. This essentially means that the release cannot be hidden in the fine print of a larger document, such as a hunting lease, and must contain language providing that the signor releases the landowner all claims of negligence or gross negligence related to the signor’s being on

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September 2018 — Issue I

ď‚Ť

The Land & Livestock Post

News Export, from Page 17 “China is encouraging people to eat more red meat,” Cleere said. “There are 93 people per square mile. Bejing has 22 million people. By comparison, Houston has 6.3 million people.”

A dense population is creating more opportunity for U.S. beef in China as the combination of online and offline retail shopping trends continue. E-commerce continues to drive a majority of the market and with so many people, living quarters are primarily high-rise apartments with small square footage.

“They don’t have an oven, they have a hibachi type grill and like a very thin-sliced beef product,” Cleere said. “We need to think about how do we tap into that market with the products we produce.”

Sullivan touted the value of undesirable beef carcass parts in the U.S. that are in great demand in Japan and other parts

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“About $165 to $170 of the check you get from the sale of a calf comes from that export market,” Sullivan said. “Where that’s coming from are the parts we don’t like, such as beef tongue.

In the U.S. we pay $1 a pound, in Japan $6 a pound. Beef intestine, in the U.S. there’s zero value, but it’s $1.50 a pound in Japan.

It’s critical to have those export markets.”

Attendees at the short course traveled from across Texas, the U.S. and internationally.

“What I love about the short course is we learn so many things about specific areas from from cattle marketing, to ranch management, grass management, better care for our cattle and genetic improvement,” said Donnell Brown of RA Brown Ranch in Throckmorton. “There are so many things. In addition, there’s a great trade show with

See MARKETS, Page 23

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The Land & Livestock Post



September 2018 — Issue I

19

News Ag Law in the Field program set for Sept. 17 in Nacogdoches

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

NACOGDOCHES — An Ag Law in the Field program, which will cover lease agreements, estate planning and fence laws, will be held Sept. 17 in Nacogdoches.

The program is free and open to the public. It begins with registration and meal at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentation at 6 p.m. at the Nacogdoches Expo Center, 3805 N.W. Stallings Drive.

RSVPs are requested by Sept.

10 by calling the AgriLife Extension office in Nacogdoches County at 903-560-7711.

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agricultural law specialist in Amarillo, will discuss the dos and don’ts of lease agreements

and why they are important for landowners and producers.

She also will cover a difficult but necessary topic: estate planning.

Lashmet also will discuss fence laws and cover aspects including liability questions such as who is liable if a cow gets out and is hit on the highway, or neighbor responsibilities regarding fence maintenance and other realworld scenarios.

East Texas is one of the largest cow/calf production regions in the state, and land leases are an important part of ranching, said Ricky Thompson, AgriLife Extension agent in Nacogdoches County.

Leased land provides grazing and hay production potential for producers and income for landowners, and agreements ensure

both parties’ interests are protected. “We utilize a lot of pastureland and lease property to run cattle,” he said.

“I often get calls and concerns from either a landowner or a leaser wanting advisement.

“I always start this conversation with the best lease agreement, regardless of price, is when both parties are happy.

“Some of the worst disputes I’ve seen were between a landowner and lessee.

“This program will cover a variety of points often overlooked within agreements and offer residents access to a leading professional on the topic.”

Thompson said estate planning is another often overlooked necessity for agriculture families.

“It can be a daunting and sometimes ugly task for a family to sort out an estate after a loved one passes,” he said. “It’s better to plan ahead and have a clear picture of how an operation, land or assets will be handled once they are gone.”

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September 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post

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September 2018 — Issue I

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News Protect, from Page 18 the property.

Ensure that all limited liability statutes apply to the operation

Many states have limited liability statutes protecting landowners from liability if certain conditions are met. Two of the most common types of statutes are an agritourism act or a recreational use statute. Again, the details of these statutes differ by state, but they can offer important protections for landowners and generally are fairly easy and inexpensive to comply with.

For example, the Texas Recreational Use Statute provides that a landowner is not liable except for intentional acts or gross negligence if the person injured was there for a recreational purpose and the landowner either charged no fee, did not charge more than a certain amount, or carried a sufficient level of insurance. Landowners should investigate the various statutes in their own state and ensure that they apply to their operation.

Both the Texas Recreational Use Statute and the Texas Agritourism Act provide important protections for owners of ag land in Texas. “Ag land” is defined under the Recreational Use Statute as land that is suitable for growing crops, forestry, or raising livestock and under the Agritourism Act as land suitable for growing crops and raising livestock. They offer limited liability to the landowner if a plaintiff is injured on the property while engaging in a recreational activity, including hunting, fishing, riding fourwheelers, and many more listed examples.

Further, the Agritourism Act also applies to plaintiffs on the property for educational activities. Both have different requirements in order to apply, with the Recreational Use Statute requiring certain monetary requirements be met and the Agritourism Act requiring a sign be hung or certain release language signed.

Additionally, Texas also has a Farm Animal Liability Act that protects farm animal owners from injuries caused by the inherent risks of farm animal activities.

Consider the use of a limited liability business entity structure

Landowners may want to consider putting their business (or a particular part of the business) into a business entity that offers limited liability. This could include a limited liability company, limited partnership, or corporation. When formed correctly and handled property, these types of entities can provide limited liability for a landowner if an injury occurs on property owned by the entity.

For example, if someone gets injured on property owned by an LLC of which Bob is a member, Bob personally would not be liable for the injuries. Conversely, if Bob owned the land in his own name, his personal assets could be subject to liability if an injury were to occur. There are a number of considerations that go into whether a business entity is right for an operation and, if so, which entity to select.

Landowners should consult with an accountant and attorney in their area to help make the right decision for their operation.

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 1:00 p.m. | College Station, Texas

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TEXAS DIVISION AT TIC TAC TOE RANCH FLORIDA DIVISION AT MORENO ESTATE Chief Executive Officer, North America ...

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September 2018 — Issue I

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Markets, from Page 19 lots of different products to help us on the ranch. And best of all, you see so many good people … another record crowd this year.

It’s always good to be together again with cattlemen from all over the country.”

Patrick Stover, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M University, welcomed attendees and stressed the importance of understanding the linkage between food and health.

“In Texas, food has a strong economic significance in our state,” said Stover, who has been named sole finalist to be director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “Increasingly, we know food is fundamental to our health both short and long term. As we develop research that connects food and health, we also have to understand the consumer. What drives their beliefs? Thank you for what you do each and every

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax in Denver, Colorado, at the 64th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. day to nourish the state of Texas and the world.”

The short course ended Aug. 8 with demonstrations featuring fence building, cattle handling and health, tractor safety and business management.

For blog posts, go to agrilife. org/beefshortcourse/.

BULL SERIES UTV - 6 SEAT VERSION 686cc fuel-efficient gasoline. 6 month warranty, optional extended coverage. 600 lbs Bed Capacity. 1500 lbs towing capacity.

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The Land & Livestock Post

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74 Gross HP Duetz Diesel Engine. 64.1 PTO HP. 5,115 lb Loader Lift Capacity.

Quick attach loader & bucket. Four wheel drive. Mechanical or power shuttle transmission. 5 year warranty.

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September 2018 — Issue I

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September 2018 — Issue I



The Land & Livestock Post