October October2015 2015——Issue Issue22
Well, oil and land don’t always mix Increased drilling leads to harmfull spills PAGE 16
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23
JAMES A POSITIVE THOMPSON STORY TO TELL FEELING JAMES THOMPSON SHEEPISH Straight from Producers urged thetohorse's become mouth. ‘more transparent.’
Straight from AgriLife pleased thewith horse's sheep, mouth. goat programs.
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JAMES A SUCCESS THOMPSON STORY
JAMESNILE WEST THOMPSON VIRUS
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Straight Army veteran from the shares horse's his agriculture mouth. experience.
Straight 19 cases from of West theNile horse's in horses mouth. reported in Texas.
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October 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
H
News From the General Manager
alloween is around the corner, which means by the time you read this my household will be on it’s third bag of mini Snickers bars. Much to my wife’s displeasure, or so she claims, I am very good at preparing for Halloween and often try to stock up well before the holiday arrives. The drawback is that you have to sample the candy to make sure it is safe for the children, and a lot of times the sampling gets out of hand and we end up sitting in the dark on Oct. 31 with the door locked, hiding from trick-or-treaters due to lack of treats. Now that we have children, we have to take them door-to-door and present them to our friends and neighbors in exchange for sugary snacks. We went to two
different neighborhoods last year, and walked all over to accumulate a bagful of candy that had to be tested meticulously by my wife and I. It’s tough work, but my children’s safety comes first. In this issue of The Land & Livestock Post, we have a bagful of scary stories to share, includJESSE WRIGHT ing one about the dangerous affects the oil industry can have on the land and the harm it has caused to some Texas landowners. We also have a feature on greenbrier and some information about venomous snakes, both of which have their own frightening stigma, as you probably know if
you’ve ever run afoul of either. But it is not all gloom and doom. We also have some information about a herd rebuilding program, as well as a success story about a Texas rancher, and a lot of other news and information from around the industry. Hope you enjoy it, and as always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,
• For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@theeagle.com.
Blogger: Producers should‘tell their story’ to beef consumers By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Anne Burkholder, Nebraska feedyard operator and author of the Feed Yard Foodie blog, says cattle producers should tell their story and become more transparent in developing relationships with consumers. “I think it’s very reasonable for consumers to know where their steak comes from,” Burkholder said. Burkholder is known for her consumer outreach and as an advocate for beef. In 2014 she was awarded Beef Magazine’s Trailblazer
ANNE BURKHOLDER Award and in 2013 was voted to Vance Publishing’s 40 under 40 in Agriculture. She was a recent Texas A&M University department of animal science seminar speaker.
See BLOGGER, Page 8
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News Stocker cattle management should concentrate on health By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
AMARILLO — Stocker cattle health always vbeen a challenge, but the challenge has increased over the years and producers may need to beef up their management plans, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist. “We have some of the best vaccines and technology available to us, but the mortality number has continued to rise,” said Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in Amarillo. “Health is the first management challenge faced by stocker cattle producers.” Where did the calves come from? How were they managed before being sold? What did they go through during procurement and transportation? What are the conditions, labor availability and management processes after they arrive? “The restrictions on some of the tools, specifically antibiotics, we have to treat and manage these cattle with are being tightened, so we need to know what we can do from a management standpoint to improve handling and reduce the stressors that lead to health problems.” McCollum estimated that with current costs, every 1 percent increase in morbidity or incidence of disease in a set of calves reduces profit by $1.43 for every calf in the group. Breaking it down further, 62 percent of the $1.43 is attributed to mortality of the calves that became sick, another 21 percent to reduced performance of sick calves and finally 17 percent to costs of treating the sick calves. “The inclination is to chisel on the treatments costs, which contribute the least amount to the overall cost of morbidity and is our primary tool to reduce severity of the disease and hopefully reduce death loss, the primary contributor to the cost of morbidity,” McCollum said.
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Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Kay Ledbetter
The health of stocker cattle on wheat can be managed to increase profit. He said weaning stress, exposure to pathogens, handling and management, marketing and transportation prior to purchase and arrival are things the stocker cattle owner has little control over. But, stressors associated with adapting to their new environment, co-mingling, nutrition, handling and processing can be addressed post-arrival by the owner and others tending to the calves. “Be smart about where you are purchasing your calves, evaluate your post-arrival program — people, place, process — and address those factors that can reduce the stress load on the calves,” McCollum said. Once the calves are straightened out, settled and ready to turn out onto wheat pasture, the primary focus turns to managing for performance, and stocking pressure is a key drive to consider, he said. Forage intake, and hence weight gain, is influenced by forage availability, McCollum said. And, stocking pressure or pounds of cattle per acre affect the forage allocation and how much each animal can consume. “To demonstrate, a study over two winter wheat grazing periods in Bushland showed that for every 50 pounds we increased our stocking pressure, the average daily gain declined by between a quarter and three-tenths of a pound per day,” he said. “What is the right stocking pressure on wheat? The answer varies depending on forage production, cost inputs and value of weight gain.” In addition to managing forage availability, he said producers might also consider the nutrient sources for the cattle. “Do not assume that cattle on wheat pasture don’t need a min-
See HEALTH, Page 5
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Health, from Page 4 eral supplement,” McCollum said. “Mineral supplements can easily pay for themselves with increased gain. Based on research, simply adding a mineral supplement can result in an additional quarter pound per day gain. And if you add in Rumensin, it can add another quarter pound of gain per day.” At the current value for added weight in stockers, a producer could spend as much as $3,500 a ton for the mineral supplement and pay for it with these results, he said. McCollum said producers could also consider providing some extra energy to the cattle. Energy supplements can improve weight gain and also add some stability to performance during the winter months when forage availability and inclement weather can slow performance of the calves.
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News
Army vet shares success story at Beef Short Course By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
While beef producers were learning how to become more profitable at the 61st Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course in College Station, a veterans breakfast featured one unique success story from Austin’s Josh Eilers. Eilers, who owns Ranger Cattle, a pureblood Wagyu operation, is a Purple Heart Army veteran. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger course, considered one of the toughest leadership-focused training programs in the world. As a sergeant, he served as team leader for the U.S. Army’s First Ranger Battalion and was part of four deployments. At 17, he joined the Army. By the time he was 20, Eilers’ sister began encouraging him to apply to college. Sitting in Afghanistan, Eilers recalled, “We nearly got ambushed by the Taliban. About that point during my tour of duty, my mom was worrying all of the time wondering
The Land & Livestock Post
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin
Josh Eilers discusses his time as a team leader with the U.S. Army First Ranger Battalion and how he launched Ranger Cattle, a supplier of fresh Wagyu beef for retail and Austin-based restaurants. Eilers was the featured speaker at a veterans breakfast during the 61st Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course in College Station. if she would get ‘the call.’ She was to the point where she wanted me to get out of the military.” After his military service, Eilers eventually enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in biology, and began exploring potential business options. During his military career, Eilers said, he was able to save a good portion of his pay and eventually got into the cattle business. He also benefited from taking an entrepreneurship course at The University of Texas that helped him better understand that
See VETERAN, Page 15
October 2015 — Issue 2
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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin
Anne Burkholder, Nebraska feedyard operator and author of the Feed Yard Foodie blog, recently was a guest seminar speaker in the Texas A&M University department of animal science.
Blogger, from Page 3 Burkholder’s accolades have led to multiple speaking engagements, traveling across the country to share how she and her husband, Matt, moved back “home” to the family farm in 1996 to operate a cattle feed yard and farm several thousand acres. Anne leads the 3,000-head feedlot operation, while Matt farms 4,700 acres of alfalfa, corn, wheat and soybeans. She said she has learned some key lessons from the cattle feedlot operation. Those include limiting stress on the animals. “There is a total stress load a calf can handle,” she said. “It’s our job to limit that stress.” She said she believes in a partnership mentality and that all facets of the beef industry, producers, feedlot operators and packers should be working together “to get smarter.” “We trace vaccine and health history of incoming cattle,” she said. “I oversee all cattle buying. I also track all feed delivery, making sure we are no more than 20 minutes (off schedule).” Burkholder said consumers are curious about where their food comes from and there’s no silver bullet to building trust.
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“You have to share yourself to build trust,” she said. “It is people who have relationships and establish trust. We have to make a personal commitment that makes your farm transparent.” She said the cattle industry is ever changing. “Future cattlemen and women need a good work ethic, humble attitude, a diverse set of skills, and dedication to humane and effective animal care,” she said. “They also need the ability to think outside the box and a willingness to engage with customers.” Each day, Burkholder said she is active in the feedlot operation and looks forward to seeing the sun rise. “I love working with my hands and with a shovel,” she said. “That’s why I stayed (on the farm).” Burkholder regularly blogs about her experiences in beef production and farm life at feedyardfoodie.wordpress.com .
October 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News
Greenbrier: Is it a friend or foe to Texas producers? I
Indiana, and southern Illinois; south through southeastern Missouri to eastern Texas; and east to northern Florida. This plant often grows along streams, ponds, or on the edges of forests, though it will grow in open areas as well.
By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Eagle
f you have walked in the woods or repaired fence in the Brazos Valley, you undoubtably have encountered greenbrier. You might not have identified the thorny vine as greenbrier because it is called a lot of different names, some of which cannot be repeated in this article. In Texas, the vine often is called smilax which is the plant genus to which it belongs. Someone coined the common name, “Mother’s-In-Law Tongue,” relating the sharp thorns to the sharp tongue of his or her mother-in-law. In Georgia and other states, the woody vine is known as catbrier, cat sawbrier and sarsaparillavine. In some areas it is also called roundleaf greenbrier, bullbrier, chinabrier, saw greenbrier and tramp’s trouble. Regardless of what you call it, greenbrier is recognized by its tough, woody stems and sharp thorns. The leaves of this vine are heart-shaped, grow up to five inches long and feel leathery to the touch. Greenbrier attaches to bushes, trees, fences, and other structures with its tendrils; but it also grows by itself as a shrub. The climbing vines can be more than 20 feet long and tend to form tangled masses or mottes. Greenbrier is a warm-season perennial and flowers from spring through early summer. The flowers are tiny, green and form clusters. The plant produces clusters of small, shiny red or black berries that stay on the vine throughout the winter. “Greenbrier reproduces from seed, tubers or rhizomes,” said James Locke of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. “Large rhizomes and ligneous tubers, up to 12 inches in diam-
The good, the bad and the ugly Every native organism has a
purpose in the ecosystem, but sometimes it is hard to recognize its value, particularly if it is a nuisance to humans. This is the case with greenbrier. As we stand in a pasture with blood oozing from our arms and legs after entanglement in a greenbrier thicket, we want to wipe all of it from the face of the earth. That’s the ugly part.
See GREENBRIER, Page 10 Lauderdale Aerial Spraying, LLC Kenneth Lauderdale Cell Phone: 979.255.1380 Office Phone: 979.535.8024 www.lauderdalespraying.com
Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Greenbriar is a tough, woody, high-climbing vine in the lily family. eter, capable of storing large carbohydrate reserves, may be produced.” According to the United States Forest Service, common greenbrier is native to North
America and occurs throughout the eastern United States. Its range extends as far north as southern Nova Scotia and southern Ontario and continues west to southern Michigan,
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News Greenbrier, from Page 9 The good part, according to Locke, is that Greenbrier is valued highly as wildlife food and cover. It is a highly preferred browse for white-tailed deer and wild turkey, raccoons, squirrels — and many song birds consume the fruit. The dense greenbrier mottes provide excellent cover for bobwhite quail and many small mammals such as eastern cottontail. If a goal is to manage property for wildlife, maintaining green brier as part of a diverse plant community can be beneficial. If livestock or herbaceous forage production is the primary goal, then green brier is detrimental due to reduced herbaceous forage production and limited access to the forage that is produced. Greenbrier sometimes smothers shrubs or small trees when it grows too fast for
Photo by Robert Fears
A backpack sprayer is a good tool for applying basal stem sprays to greenbrier. the affected plant to keep up. This action makes greenbrier a parasite. The rest of the bad is that the plant is very difficult to control. “People often wonder how the vine just seems to appear,” said Mark Czarnota of the University of Georgia. “The answer for the miraculous appearance of the vine lies with the birds. They consume the fruit and pass seed randomly throughout a property. Seeds that survive the digestion process and pass from the bird can remain viable for long periods of time. “When conditions are right, the seed will germinate. Within a short period of time, plants will begin to develop their extensive underground tuber and
See VINE, Page 11
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News Vine, from Page 10 the viney above-ground stem,” he said. “Greenbrier is able to survive low light conditions and can easily survive deep in the crown of a shrub or forest,” Czarnota said. “The thorny vine may take two or three years to emerge from the plant canopy in which it has been hiding. During this time it will develop an extensive underground rhizome/tuber system.”
Management
“One management option for greenbrier control is mowing when terrain and other surrounding tree and brush species permit, or it may be hand-cut in localized areas,” said The Roberts Foundation’s Locke. “Mechanical treatments may be the most cost-effective choice even
Photo by Robert Fears
Greenbrier can cause a fire to burn hot enough to scorch the canopies off fireresistant trees. though the greenbrier will grow back each year.” “Broadcast applications have not provided consistent control of this tough, woody vine and therefore are not recommended,” said J. F. Cadenhead III, who is retired from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in the Brush Busters Basal Stem Spray series. “The following three-step method, however, is effective, easy to use and environmentally responsible: • Prepare the equipment. The herbicide can be applied with a pump-up garden sprayer, backpack sprayer, or a sprayer mounted on an all-terrain vehi-
See BURN, Page 14
The Land & Livestock Post
October 2015 — Issue 2
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News
AgriLife folks pleased with recent sheep, goat events By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
SAN ANGELO — Texas A&M AgriLife personnel were pleased at the outpouring of enthusiasm documented in a flood of positive evaluations following two recent industry events in San Angelo, said event coordinators. The events, held consecutively, were the annual sheep and goat field day highlighting work done at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo and the inaugural Texas Sheep and Goat Expo at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. “I’d say the first-ever Texas Sheep and Goat Expo was a great success,” said Marvin Ensor, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service regional program director at San Angelo. “We gauged that by what we set out as our objectives, the attendance, the program and the support we had from the industry.” As is reflected in the industry, Ensor said the expo was designed to meet a very diverse and changing sheep and goat industry by highlighting Texas producers’ four major areas of interest. “We offered concurrent sessions that met everybody’s needs — from meat goats to traditional wool sheep to hair sheep to club lamb producers,” he said. “We offered new updates on technology, as well as ways to combat some of the problems we’ve faced for some time such as predators and rising input costs.” Ensor said he was pleased with the participation at both events, with the field day setting the tone with its crowd of 200. “We had a great expo as far as participation,” Ensor said. “This being the first time, we did not know what to expect, but we estimate we had over 250 attend over the course of the two-day event. “We have received numerous compliments about the program and questions about when and how often we will bring it back to San Angelo.”
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Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns
Wesley Glass, Sterling City rancher, discusses a group of ewes during the hair sheep session of the inaugural Texas Sheep and Goat Expo at the San Angelo Fairgrounds. Ensor noted the two major areas of change within the industry are the substantial growth in hair sheep numbers and an obvious decline in traditional wool sheep. “Both sheep types are important to the industry as a whole, but there’s some change there in numbers and the number of people involved in each of those two segments of the industry,” he said. “The wool sheep are still significant in numbers though they are produced mainly by the larger operations that generally run a large number of wool sheep. “We still have a viable wool industry that’s still active, but the change is that there has been a decline there and an increase in the hair sheep numbers. With land fragmentation and smaller tracts, there’s a lot of people that appreciate the hair sheep for what they can provide in that type of situation. That’s also a major change.” Ensor acknowledged while there is much that’s new in the sheep and goat industry, there are still major sticking points that have plagued it for generations. “We’re still dealing with a lot of the same issues and we’re always looking for ways to combat some of the things we’ve dealt with over the years, he said. “So this program was designed to help those in the wool industry talk about reproductive efficiency as a way to improve that area of production as well as the predator issue. Those two were the big issues for that group.” Ensor said the hair sheep sessions responded to people who were new to the business. As with all the other sessions, the setting allowed ample opportunity for
See SHEEP, Page 29
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News Burn, from Page 11 cle. Make sure that the sprayer has an adjustable cone nozzle with a small orifice such as the Conejet 5500 X-1, available from Spraying Systems Co.. The smaller orifice can reduce applied spray volume by as much as 80 percent over standard nozzles. • Prepare the herbicide mix. Use 25 percent Remedy herbicide in 75 percent diesel fuel oil. To make one gallon of mix, use one quart of Remedy in three quarts of diesel. Agitate the mixture vigorously before application. A commercial vegetable oil carrier can be substituted for diesel, if desired. • Spray the greenbrier. Adjust the sprayer nozzle to deliver a narrow, cone-shaped mist. Spray the mixture lightly but evenly on every basal stem from the ground level up to about 12 inches high. Spray to coat each stem all the way around, but not to the point that the mixture runs off or puddles.” “Keep in mind that controlling greenbrier is not a one-time job,” Cadenhead said. “Greenbrier produces many seeds that, along with the hard-to-kill tubers, will eventually produce new plants. “These new plants must be treated to keep the species under control. “The three-step method was developed and tested by professionals with Texas AgriLife
Research and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Results may vary, but if correctly used, this method should kill at least seven out of 10 plants treated.” “A well planned and executed prescribed fire will top-kill greenbrier, but it will readily resprout from seeds, underground tubers and rhizomes,” Locke said. “Maintaining a regular prescribed burning program often will prevent greenbrier from developing into a significant problem, but will not eliminate it from the landscape. “If fire can be followed with mowing or intensive grazing of the regrowth, severity of greenbrier infestations can be reduced significantly. On the occasions that greenbrier represents a significant portion of the fuel load, the oils in greenbrier cause a very hot, shortlived fire. “If greenbrier is in the understory of normally fire-tolerant trees, incidence of top-kill of these species may be increased due to the extreme heat. Prior to initiating a prescribed burning program, obtain all necessary training and become familiar with laws pertaining to prescribed burning in a specific locality.” “Intensive stocking with browsing species, such as goats, can reduce greenbrier density as well as open up areas to sunlight and allow desirable grasses to become established,” Locke said.
Photo by Robert Fears Mowing resprouted greenbrier plants following a prescribed burn aids in control. “Goats demonstrate a high preference for greenbrier. They will aggressively consume the leaves and young, tender stems. Depending on stocking rate, goats may be able to provide significant control of greenbrier within three years. “Requirements for using goats include proper installation and maintenance of goat fencing, predator control, parasite management, shelter and adequate handling facilities.” The variety of control options provides a land manager opportunity to select the practice that best fits the ranch management systems. Greenbrier can be controlled; it just takes persistence. When using pesticides, always read and follow label directions.
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News Veteran, from Page 7 he could “vertically integrate my Wagyu cattle business into providing fresh beef to restaurants.” Eilers needed additional capital to expand his herd and provide a steady source of fresh beef, however. He went to several large banks, but they did not lend him the money since he didn’t have three years of steady income and had been going to school living off the GI bill. Capital Farm Credit, however, reviewed his business plan and existing assets and agreed to provide him the funding. Today, he’s providing fresh Wagyu beef online as well as supplying restaurants, including Posse East in Austin. “We are deeply indebted for your service and what you have done for this country,” said Rick Machen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist from Uvalde, who led the
Photo courtesy of bwwfpoint.com.br
Army Veteran Josh Eilers launched Ranger Cattle, a supplier of fresh Wagyu beef for retail and Austin-based restaurants. breakfast program. “Josh has a officer for Capital Farm Credit. great story, and this type of story “We know the battles are just beginning when our soldiers return needs to be told.” The veterans breakfast was home. We want those veterans a first for the Beef Cattle Short who are interested in agriculture Course and featured more than to have the opportunity, and we want to be a trusted partner for 60 veterans. “We appreciate your service them.” For more information about and for you being here today,” said Jay Paul Stewart, senior Ranger Cattle, go to www.rangvice president, chief lending ercattle.com .
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News
A-salting the earth
Drilling boom means more harmful waste spills By JOHN FLESHER Associated Press
C
ROSSROADS, New Mexico — Carl Johnson and his son Justin, who have complained for years about spills of oilfield wastewater where they raise cattle in the high plains of New Mexico, stroll across a 1 1/2-acre patch of sandy soil — lifeless, save for a scattering of stunted weeds. Five years ago, a broken pipe soaked the land with as much as 420,000 gallons of wastewater, a salty drilling byproduct that killed the shrubs and grass. It was among dozens of spills that have damaged the Johnsons’ grazing lands and made them worry about their groundwater. “If we lose our water,” Justin Johnson said, “that ruins our ranch.” Their plight illustrates a side effect of oil and gas production that has worsened with the past decade’s drilling boom: spills of wastewater that foul the land, kill wildlife and threaten freshwater supplies. An Associated Press analysis of data from leading oil- and gas-producing states found more than 175 million gallons of wastewater spilled from 2009 to 2014 in incidents involving ruptured pipes, overflowing storage tanks and even deliberate dumping. There were some 21,651 individual spills. The numbers are incomplete because many releases go unreported. Though oil spills get more attention, wastewater spills can be more damaging. Microbes in soil eventually degrade spilled oil. Not so with wastewater, also known as brine, produced water or saltwater. Unless thoroughly cleansed, saltsaturated land dries up. Trees die. Crops cannot take root. “Oil spills may look bad, but we know
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AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Wesley Graves looks over a crater left after a saltwater disposal pipeline ruptured on his ranch near Snyder. Equipment failure is a major cause of oilfield wastewater spills. On the cover: Cattle rancher Melvin Reed stands inside a patch of land that was denuded by an oilfield wastewater spill near Shidler, Oklahoma. Brine spills sap moisture from land and create a hard, crusty surface that rainwater can’t penetrate, preventing plants from taking root and often worsening erosion.
AP Photo/John Flesher
how to clean them up,” said Kerry Sublette, a University of Tulsa environmental engineer. “Brine spills are much more difficult.” In addition to extreme salinity, the fluids often contain heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury. Some ranchers
said they have lost cattle that lapped up the liquids or ate tainted grass. “They get real thin. It messes them up,” said Melvin Reed of Shidler, Oklahoma. “Sometimes you just have to shoot them.” The AP obtained data from Texas,
October 2015 — Issue 2
North Dakota, California, Alaska, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Kansas, Utah and Montana — states that account for more than 90 percent of U.S. onshore oil production. In 2009, there
See OILFIELDS, Page 17
The Land & Livestock Post
News OILFIELDS, from Page 16 were 2,470 reported spills in the 11 states; by 2014, the total was 4,643. The amount spilled doubled from 21.1 million gallons in 2009 to 43 million in 2013. Industry groups said waste often is recovered during cleanups, although some can soak into the ground. “You’re going to have spills in an industrial society,” said Katie Brown, spokeswoman for Energy In Depth, a research arm of the Independent Petroleum Association of America. “But there are programs in place to reduce them.” Concentrated brine, much saltier than seawater, exists in rock thousands of feet underground. When oil and gas are pumped to the surface, the water comes up too, along with fluids and chemicals injected to crack open rock — the process known as hydraulic fracturing. Production of methane gas from coal deposits also generates wastewater, but it is less salty and harmful. The spills usually occur as oil and gas are channeled to metal tanks for separation from the wastewater, and the water is delivered to a disposal site — usually an injection well that pumps it back underground. Pipelines, tank trucks and pits are involved. Equipment malfunctions or human error cause most spills, according to state reports reviewed by the AP. Though no
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Carl Johnson, right, and his son, Justin, check a storage tank used for watering livestock on their ranch near Crossroads, New Mexico. For about 20 years, the tank was unusable because the aquifer that provided the water was contaminated with oilfield brine that a company disposed of improperly. The Johnsons say the water quality is better now. full accounting of damage exists, the scope is sketched out in a sampling of incidents: • In North Dakota, a spill of nearly 1 million gallons in 2006 caused a massive die-off of fish and plants in the Yellowstone River and a tributary. Cleanup costs approached $2 million. Two larger spills since then scoured vegetation along an almost 2-mile stretch. • Wastewater from pits seeped beneath a 6,000-acre cotton and nut farm near Bakersfield, California, and contaminated groundwater. Oil giant Aera Energy was ordered in 2009 to pay $9 million to grower Fred Starrh, who had to remove 2,000 acres from production. • Brine leaks exceeding 40 million gallons on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana polluted a river, private wells and the municipal water system in Poplar. “It was undrinkable,” said resident Donna Whitmer. “If you shook it up, it’d look all orange.” Under a 2012 settlement, oil companies agreed to monitor the town’s water supply and pay $320,000 for
See DAMAGE, Page 19
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News Damage, from Page 17 improvements, including new wells. • In Fort Stockton, officials in February accused Bugington Energy of illegally dumping 3 million gallons of wastewater in pastures. The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District levied a $130,000 fine, alleging a threat to groundwater, but the company hasn’t paid, contending the district overstepped its authority. The loudest whistleblowers about spills are often property owners, who must allow drilling access to their land if they don’t own the mineral rights. “Most ranchers are very attached to the land,â€? said Jeff Henry, president of the Osage County Cattlemen’s Association in Oklahoma. “It’s where we derive our income, raise our families.â€? Some are reluctant to complain about an industry that is the economic backbone of their communities. “If they treat us right, we’re all friends of oil,â€? said Mike Artz, a grower in North Dakota’s Bottineau County who
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
A wastewater disposal well stands near the spot where a pipeline ruptured on land owned by Wesley Graves near Snyder.A big reason why there are so many spills is the sheer volume of wastewater extracted — about 10 barrels for every barrel of oil,according to an organization of state ground water agencies. lost a five-acre barley crop in 2013 after a saltwater pipeline rupture. “But right now, it’s just a horse running without the bridle.� Tessa Sandstrom of the North Dakota Petroleum Council said the industry is supporting research on spill prevention and land restoration. When spills do happen, she said, most are cleaned up within a year, with tainted soil cleansed or replaced. In New Mexico, the Johnson ranchers said the site of their 2010 spill has not returned to life, despite a restoration effort. “It will never, ever be like it was,� said Justin Johnson. “It will never fully recover.�
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News
Performance program set for South Texas ranchers By Rod Santa ana Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
EDINBURG — As South Texas ranchers rebuild their herds after years of devastating drought, it’s the perfect time to improve the genetics of their livestock, according to experts with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “At this point, ranchers are still rebuilding after selling off parts of their herds to survive the lean times of a prolonged drought,” said Ronnie Zamora, an AgriLife Extension agent in Willacy County. By entering cattle in AgriLife Extension’s 18th annual Bull Gain Test, Heifer Development and Pen of Steers Program, Zamora said, ranchers can get crucial data to help them improve their breeding program and livestock genetics, and sell bulls to interested buyers. “Despite a recent drop, cattle prices are high right now,” Zamora said. “But because herds had shrunk, we had been seeing relatively low numbers of cattle up for sale at the auction barn. And now we’re seeing ranchers selling off their calves to take advantage of the high prices. This is also adding to the need to rebuild.” Thanks to drenching rains in South Texas recently, pastures are on the mend and will help ranchers in their rebuilding efforts this fall. “As they do so, the more information they have about their cattle, the better herd they’ll be able to produce for future profits,” he said. “That’s why the timing is perfect for producers to submit their cattle to AgriLife Extension’s program this year.” The program is designed to evaluate the performance of bulls in the feedlot while documenting their weight gain and other important traits, Zamora said. Brad Cowan, an AgriLife Extension agent in Hidalgo County
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AgriLife Extension photo by Brad Cowan
ated on reproductive tract scores. Cowan said a unique index was developed by the leadership of the Rio Grande Valley Beef Improvement Association to rank bull performance. “The proper weight is given to the various traits so that cattle performance and market acceptance are kept in proper balance,” he said. “Within each age group, and only within each breed, bulls are ranked using the ratio of the index that was developed according to the following percentages: 35 percent ratio of average daily gain, 20 percent ratio of rib eye area/cwt, 20 percent ratio of weight per day of age, 15 percent ratio of marbling and 10 percent ratio of scrotal circumference.” Zamora said participating ranchers save on feed costs.
“They also get their livestock evaluated and documented using a respected, unbiased system,” he said. Program participation includes evaluations of the cattle, some of which are done by experts using sonography equipment. The program is open to all cattle producers. Awards are presented based on highest indexing scores for each breed. “By evaluating bull performance in the feedlot, producers can use important performance traits in selecting sires for their herd or to promote exceptional bulls to potential buyers,” Zamora said. For more information, go online to hidalgo.agrilife.org or contact your AgriLife Extension county agent.
Several South Texas ranchers evaluate growth development of their livestock in a previous year’s Bull Gain Test, Heifer Development and Pen of Steers Program at the Rio Beef Feedyard near Raymondville. who has worked closely with this frame size and body conditionproject since its inception, said ing, he said. Heifers are evalumore than 2,000 animals have gone through the program. “In the 17-year history of this program, 1,170 bulls and 974 NEWS YOU heifers have been entered,” he CAN USE said. “The Simbrah and Santa Gertrudis breeds have been repRIGHT resented in the largest numbers. IN YOUR We’ve also had Simmental, BeefMAILBOX master, Braunvieh, Red Brangus, Charolais, Limousin, Hereford and others.” The RSVP for cattle numbers this year is due Oct. 16. Bulls and heifers go in the feedlot Oct. 22 at the Rio Beef Feedyard, located SUBSCRIPTION between Lynn/San Manuel and Subscribe to the award-winning Land & Livestock Post and receive 24 issues Raymondville, where particiof the latest ag news and information about the issues that affect you! pants are invited to a barbecue lunch. The date to accept “pen of New Subscription Mail or Register Online: steers,” or livestock destined for c/o Land & Livestock Post the beef market, is Nov. 6. Address Change P.O. Box 3000 Bryan, TX 77805 The AgriLife Extension liveOR www.landandlivestockpost.com stock program, in association and click “subscribe”. with Prairie View A&M and other organizations, is designed to improve livestock for both Name: breeding performance and beef quality, Zamora said. Address: “Once bulls enter the Rio Beef City:_____________________ St: ________ Zip: Feedyard they are put on a 112day official gain test,” Zamora Phone #: said. Measurements of bulls include Old Address (if applicable): ribeye size, scrotal circumference, marbling score, pelvic area, City: _____________________St: _______Zip:
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October 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News Texas confirms 19 West Nile virus equine cases in 18 counties Special to The Post
A recent slew of sample submissions indicative of West Nile virus have upped the total number of positive cases in Texas to 19. The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the West Nile virus cases via serological test. As of September 18, 2015, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory can confirm at least one horse in the following counties tested positive for West Nile. • Robertson County • Houston County • Atascosa County • Jefferson County (2 cases) • Roberts County • Sterling County • Parker County • Randall County • Liberty County • Scurry County
• Hutchinson County • Taylor County • Nolan County • Trinity County • Midland County • Orange County • Harris County • Victoria County The affected horses range in age from a yearling to older than 10. As with earlier reported positive cases, the majority of the affected horses were not vaccinated previously against West Nile virus. The main method of West Nile virus transmission is through mosquito bites. The virus abruptly attacks the central nervous system. In the U.S., clinical signs for West Nile virus develop in only 10-39 percent of infected horses. The death rate among U.S. horses ranges from 30 to 40 percent for West Nile disease. Of
horses that recover from the disease, up to 40 percent may exhibit neurological signs for six months or more after the initial diagnosis. Horse to human transmission is not a concern; however, mosquito control for livestock and humans is important. The Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Animal Health Commission have information related to West Nile virus and mosquito control available for free download. Though the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Serology Section has received numerous requests for Eastern Equine Encephalitis testing, the number of positive cases remains at 7 for 2015. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a viral disease that also normally cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes.
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The Land & Livestock Post
As the virus infection rate increases in birds it is more likely to be transmitted by an infected mosquito that bites horses and humans. The virus abruptly attacks the central nervous system. As with West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis cannot be transmitted from horse to horse, or from a horse to a human. Horses and humans are considered “dead-end” hosts, meaning if infected they cannot transmit the virus back to feeding mosquitoes. Symptoms for other neurologic diseases can present similarly; diagnostic testing is the only method to definitively determine infection. In order to have a complete diagnostic picture, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory also recommends veterinarians re-
quest additional tests including: Equine Herpesvirus-1, Western Equine Encephalitis and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis. For more information on the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory’s equine neurologic testing, go to tvmdl. tamu.edu, or contact the agency headquarters at 1.888.646.5623.
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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October 2015 — Issue 2
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News
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin
Dusty Tittle,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Brazos County, leads a feral hog management workshop at the Brazos Expo Complex in Bryan.
Workshop teaches latest in feral hog management techniques By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
BRYAN — More than 100 attendees heard the latest on feral hog management at a workshop held recently at the Brazos Expo Complex in Bryan. The day-long program featured a number of experts from Texas A&M AgriLife discussing feral hog biology, associated agricultural regulations, feral hog effect on water quality, plus trap design and laws and regulations. “One of the biggest challenges producers are facing is damages from feral hogs, whether it’s agricultural, urban or water quality,” said Mark Tyson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist in College Station. “What we are trying to do is present a multiple-facet program so folks can hear a wide range of professionals from the feral hog realm take away useful tools and reduce damages from feral hogs.” Tyson said there were an estimated 2.6 million feral hogs in 2010, and “projecting out, it is estimated to eclipse 5 million.” Feral hogs cause at least $52 million in agricultural losses each year, according to AgriLife
Extension data. There is a variety of traps to choose from: a box trap, a corraldesign trap or other configuration. But getting the entire herd, including the female as well as a litter of feral hogs, called a “sounder,” can be troublesome with just a box trap, Tyson said. “We recommend corral traps to capture the entire sounder, but there are other strategic techniques such as box traps, snares, shooting and trained dogs,” Tyson said. “Feral hogs continue to be a primary issue in terms of damage to pasture and rangeland for landowners across Texas and here in the Brazos Valley,” said Dusty Tittle, AgriLife Extension agent for Brazos County. “This workshop covered a wide variety of issues pertaining to the feral hog, and judging by attendance, there were a lot of landowners wanting to learn more about how to better manage this problem.” The program was sponsored by AgriLife Extension and a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Land & Livestock Post
October 2015 — Issue 2
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October 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News
Nov. 7 ag workshop for active duty, military veterans By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
DESOTO — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas AgrAbility Project and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will present an agriculture workshop for active duty and veteran military service members Nov. 7 in Desoto. The free workshop, “From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey,” will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 314 W. Belt Line, located at the southwest intersection of Hampton and West Belt Line roads. The site is a 17-acre working farm run by the non-profit organization Farmers Assisting Returning Military, or F.A.R.M. Information
Texas A&m AgriLife Extension Service photo
A“Battleground to Breaking Ground”agriculture program for military veterans and others will be held Nov. 7 in Desoto. on F.A.R.M. can be found at www. farmvet.org. Capital Farm Credit will sponsor breakfast and lunch for the program. “F.A.R.M. co-owners James Jeffers and Steve Smith will be our veteran speakers and will take participants on an educational farm tour highlighting enterprises such as aquaponics, micro-green production, organic vegetable production, composting, and growing freerange chickens, as well as goats and hogs,” said Erin Pilosi-Kimbrough, AgriLife Extension pro-
See WORKSHOP, Page 26
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News Workshop, from Page 25 gram coordinator of agriculture workshops for military veterans. “They will also talk about their work with local restaurants and with the Dallas Farmers Market.” According to Jeffers, F.A.R.M. is a nonprofit organization established to assist veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. It incorporates a multi-faceted therapeutic approach that includes agricultural and recreational therapy. Pilosi-Kimbrough said the workshop will give current and former military with or without disabilities interested in farming or ranching the opportunity to get information on starting, developing and funding an agriculture business. “While the program is designed for current and former military, beginning farmers and ranchers, and small landholders also are welcome to attend and can benefit from the workshop information,” she said. Jeffers said agriculture capitalizes on the skills and mentality created in military life, and through farming veterans can continue to serve the country and communities they care about and for which they have fought. “These people remain American leaders with the ability to enhance national food security, generate a sustainable supply system and educate others about sustain-
able farming,” he said. “Farming also gives veterans the sense of purpose they need to better transition to civilian life.” Pilosi-Kimbrough added that the Texas AgrAbility Program of AgriLife Extension, which is the coordinating agency for the workshop, focuses on connecting, assisting and empowering agricultural producers, family members and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture. She said the program was developed with input from AgriLife Extension, AgrAbility, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farm Service Agency, USDA Risk Management and Texas Department of Agriculture. To ensure adequate space, attendees should RSVP by registering online in advance at txagrability.tamu.edu. A form can also be downloaded from the site and mailed to the attention of either Cheryl Grenwelge or Pilosi-Kimbrough at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 578 John Kimbrough, 2251 TAMUS, College Station, Texas 77843-2251 or emailed to chgrenwelge@ag.tamu.edu or empilosi@ag.tamu.edu. More information can be found on the Texas AgrAbility website or by contacting Pilosi at 979-8476185.
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October 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
News Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Steve Byrns
AgriLife Extension wildlife experts advise caution so hunters can avoid the fate of this cow recovering from an apparent snake bite.
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Watch for venomous snakes By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
SAN ANGELO — With dove season in full-swing and bow season for deer just around the corner, hunters should be aware of their surroundings, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist. “While folks stock up on shells, buy their licenses, prepare for their trips and head afield, they may be forgetting one critical component of a successful hunting trip: safety,” said John Tomecek of San Angelo. “While we normally think of hunter safety as pertaining to safe practices while shooting, handling a firearm, and knowing what is beyond your target, there is one component, especially during dove season, that is often overlooked and that’s venomous snakes.” Tomecek said hot weather, a mainstay of the dove and early deer seasons across Texas, means snakes are still are active. Optimum spring growing conditions mean there is plenty of tall vegetation across fields and pastures this fall to hide the reptiles. “Most cropped fields favored by dove hunters have had little human activity for months, making them preferable for snakes to live in,” he said. “Large numbers of bird hunters in the field, espe-
cially exuberant young hunters may unintentionally run afoul of our serpentine friends.” Tomecek said there are some simple, common-sense precautions to remaining snake-safe in the field. First, when walking in tall vegetation, keep an eye on where you are about to step. Additionally, when crossing open ground, watch your path as you approach as snakes may be basking in the open. “While the hunter focuses on the birds flying overhead, they may miss the critters at their feet,” Tomecek said. “Second, when retrieving birds or empty hulls, look before you reach. Snakes may be under nearby vegetation and easily frightened, which may result in a strike. These hiding places also include large clumps of prickly pear cactus, under which snakes often lie. “And finally, to prepare for a safe hunting trip, know the locations of nearby hospitals and bring a snake-bite kit with your other first-aid supplies in the field. “If you or a hunting partner is bitten, remain calm and attempt to identify the type of snake. This will help medical professionals know what antivenom to administer. “So have fun, but remember, safety is a key element of an enjoyable hunt.”
The Land & Livestock Post
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RENT TO OWN or Purchase Portable buildings with rent starting at $75/mo; 8x12 up to 16x40 buildings. Cabins, utility buildings, lofted barns, play houses. Check us out online bcsportablebuildings.com or at 9638 E. Hwy 21. Not across from Airport. 979-218-0828 We now offer moving services for your Portable Buildings.
LAB MIX: Black, 8 yrs old. Spayed, in excellent health. Needs a home where she can run & play w/ someone. Prefers outdoor life. Wonderful companion. Call for details. 979-450-9094
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New/Used 20’ & 40’ Buy/Rent/Rent-to-Own Call for Pricing 979-836-7500 or 409-748-0380
ticKEts BUYING/SELLING Aggie SEC Football Tickets, Local. 979-676-0091
reAL MAtcH trANsPOrtAtiON CONCRETE MIXER CDL DRIVERS Benefits (M/D/V & Competitive Pay. Apply Martin Marrietta Materials 1610 Fountain Ave, Bryan or www.martinmarietta .com EOE. (M/F/D/V)
October 2015 — Issue 2
trAv trLr LOts-rENt TRAVEL TRAILER: 27 ft Companion, sleeps 7, all appliances work, good cond, must see to appreciate. Asking $3500 nego. 936-355-1316
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LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Buffalo
Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Sept. 19 sale: Head: 1,979 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $300$400; 200-300 lbs., $250-$290; 300-400 lbs., $235-$285; 400500 lbs., $195-$280; 500-600 lbs., $180-$235; 600-700 lbs., $165-$196; 700-800 lbs., $160$192. Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $250$400; 200-300 lbs., $235-$270; 300-400 lbs.,$170-$250; 400-500 lbs., $165-$235; 500-600 lbs., $160-$230; 600-700 lbs., $155$192; 700-800 lbs., $150-$185. Slaughter bulls: $95-$126. Slaughter cows: $55-$105. Bred cows: $1,750-$2,850. Cow/calf pair s: $1,275$2,750.
Caldwell
Results of the Caldwell Livestock
Commission’s Sept. 23 sale: Head: 557 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $200$270; 300-400 lbs., $200-$270; 400-500 lbs., $185-$230; 500600 lbs., $175-$220; 600-700 lbs., $165-$185; 700-800 lbs., $160-$175. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $200$215; 300-400 lbs., $200-$220; 400-500 lbs., $175-$220; 500600 lbs., $170-$217; 600-700 lbs., $165-$225. Slaughter bulls: $100-$118. Slaughter cows: $60-$100. Bred cows: $900-$2,000.
Groesbeck
Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Co.’s Sept. 17 sale: Head: 800 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $275$310; 400-500 lbs., $280-$295; 500-600 lbs., $250-$285; 600-
700 lbs.,$180-$220; 800-900 lbs., $175-$207. Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $215$300; 400-500 lbs., $185-$260; 500-600 lbs.,$180-$250; 600-700 lbs., $175-$230. Slaughter bulls: $118-$135. Slaughter cows: $70-$110. Bred cows: $1,200-$2,560. Cow/calf pairs: $1,300-$3,000.
Jordan Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s Sept. 24 sale: Head: 6,942 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $210$265; 300-400 lbs., $200-$250; 400-500 lbs.,$190-$240; 500-600 lbs., $180-$205; 600-700 lbs., $175-$195; 700-800 lbs., $175$182.50. Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $175$242.50; 300-400 lbs., $170$216; 400-500 lbs., $160-$247; 500-600 lbs.,$155-$210; 600-700
lbs., $150-$310; 700-800 lbs., $145-$232.50. Slaughter bulls: $90-$120. Slaughter cows: $72-$96. Bred cows: $1,000-$2,950. Cow/calf pairs: $1,500-$3,800.
Navasota Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction’s Sept. 19 sale: Head: 1,841 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $200$385; 300-400 lbs., $180-$275; 400-500 lbs., $175-$252.50; 500600 lbs.,$160-$215; 600-700 lbs., $150-$184. Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $195$340; 300-400 lbs., $185-$260; 400-500 lbs.,$185-$245; 500-600 lbs., $175-$250; 600-700 lbs., $170-$205. Slaughter bulls: $100-$123. Slaughter cows: $70-$108. Bred cows: $1,200-$1,800. — Special to The Post
participants to interact with producers who have been involved with the animals for some time and to hear their personal management philosophies. “We have a committee that helped put this expo together: AgriLife Extension agents along with a number of industry people, ranchers and others who we brought in to plan this program,” Ensor said. “We’re now looking at the evaluation surveys from participants to see how often we should have a similar event, where it should be and what topics should be most warranted so we can make an informed decision in the future. “Currently we know there is a significant number who would like to see the expo done on an annual basis, but participants may be better served having it every other year or so. By lengthening the time interval, new technologies and other areas of interest could be really confirmed before being shared during a future expo.” For more information, contact Ensor at 325-653-4576.
November
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Nov. 5 Jordan Cattle Auction Stocker-Feeder & Premium Weaned Sale, San Saba, TX
Events Calendar October Oct. 13 RA Brown Ranch Horse Sale, Throckmorton, TX Oct. 14 RA Brown Ranch 41st Annual Angus, Red Angus and SimAngus Bull & Female Sale, Throckmorton, TX Oct. 16 W4 Ranch Hereford Sale, Morgan, TX Oct. 21 Texas Hereford Assn. Fall Classic Bull Sale, Buffalo, TX Oct. 21 Thomas Charolais Inc. 14th Annual Bull Sale, Raymondville, TX Oct. 23 Rutherford Angus Production Sale, Buda, TX Oct. 23 Central Texas ICA Bull & Female Sale, Gonzales, TX Oct. 23 Best of the Test Bull and Female Sale, Navasota, TX Oct. 24 Jordan Cattle Auction October Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX Oct. 24 Oak Creek Farms Brangus Sale, Chappell Hill, TX Oct. 24 44 Farms Angus Bull Sale, Cameron, TX
facebook.com/texasllp The Land & Livestock Post
Oct. 31 South Texas Hereford Assn. Sale, Beeville, TX
October 2015 — Issue 2
Nov. 11 Barber Hereford Ranch Bull Sale, San Saba, TX Nov. 11 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Barber Ranch Herefords/Express Angus, San Saba, TX Nov. 13 Double Creek Angus Production Sale, Meridian, TX Nov. 14 Heart of Texas Beefmaster Sale, Groesbeck, TX Nov. 14 Cattleman’s Top Cut Replacement Female Sale, Navasota, TX Nov. 19 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Pat Griswold Ranch Bull Sale, San Saba, TX Nov. 21 BT Hereford Production Sale, Navasota, TX Nov. 21 Collier Farms Performance Beefmaster Bull Sale, Brenham, TX Nov. 21 South Texas Cattle Marketing Brangus Influenced Female & Bull Sale, Nixon, TX Nov. 21 Caldwell Livestock Fall Replacement Female & Bull Sale, Caldwell, TX
Do you have a sale or event you’d like listed? Call Jesse Wright at (979) 731-4721 or email jesse. wright@theeagle.com
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News Study: Loss of dairy farm immigrant workers would double retail milk prices By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
A recent dairy labor study found that a reduction of immigrant workers would lead to a doubling of retail milk price, costing the U.S. economy more than $32 billion. The study, commissioned by the National Milk Producers Federation, was conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. The study team consisted of Parr Rosson, head of the department of agricultural economics at Texas A&M University; Flynn Adcock, assistant director of the Center for North American Studies at Texas A&M; and David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock economist, all in College Station. The report surveyed dairy operations across the U.S. and found one-third employ foreignborn workers, and those farms produced 80 percent of the na-
tion’s milk. A loss of immigrant labor would result in 208,000 fewer jobs nationwide and 77,000 directly on dairy farms. Retail milk prices could top $6.40 a gallon as a result, according to the study. “The findings of the study clearly illustrate the importance of immigrant labor on dairy operations across the U.S. and the impact of their potential loss on consumer retail prices,” Rosson said. The survey conducted last fall, was an update to the 2009 study. Comparing the two surveys showed the number of immigrants working on dairy farms increased by 35 percent, or nearly 20,000, in six years. The portion of the milk supply coming from farms with immigrant labor increased by 27 percent. For more on the findings of the study, go to www.nmpf.org.
‘Whose Water is It?’ set Oct. 15 By roBert Burns Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
LONGVIEW — Mark Twain once quipped: “Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.” At no time in previous history has the fighting part been more true as Texas faces a water crisis. The AgriLife Extension of-
fice in Gregg County will host “Who’s Water Is It?” from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the AgriLife Extension auditorium, 405 East Marshall Ave. in Longview. The event is free and open to the public. Judon Fambrough, an attorney specializing in property rights with the Texas Real Estate Center in College Station, will be the speaker.
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October 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post
Annual Production Sale 12:00 Noon, Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Ranch
Selling
115 Breeding-Age Hereford Bulls. 30 Registered 2-Year-Old Hereford Heifers bred to W4 Registered Low Birth Weight Hereford Bulls. 40 Commercial Hereford Heifers to Calve in the Spring to LBW Brangus Bulls.
Sale managed by
Our gates are always open for visitors!
Registered Herefords and Certified F-1s Bosque County, since 1961 Jay Wright, Manager • 254-635-4444 office 254-396-2584 mobile • Email: jay@w4ranch.com P.O. Box 9 • Morgan, Texas 76671 James, Joe & Joey Walker
Catalog will be online at:
The Land & Livestock Post
W4 Steele Creek Ranch FM 927, Morgan, Texas Cleburne 174
FM 927
Morgan Meridian
w4ranch.com October 2015 — Issue 2
Alvarado
Hillsboro
JOHNSON CATTLE MARKETING
Tom Johnson 440 FM 246 Wortham, Texas 76693 903-599-2403 Mobile 817-291-5121 tom@johnsoncattlemarketing.com
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REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE November 14, 2015 • 12 NooN Mid-Tex Livestock Auction, LLC (4 miles east of Navasota, Texas on Hwy. 90)
1,250 Head of Quality Replacement Females Including Pairs, Bred Cows, Bred & Open Heifers These cattle have all been screened to ensure you only the best quality commercial cattle will be offered. Cattle will be palpated and sold in uniformly sorted groups to fit any cattleman’s needs. On Thursday, November 5th, a complete listing of all sale cattle will be at
www.johnsoncattlemarketing.com
CATTLE MARKETING Tom Johnson
440 FM 246 • Wortham, TX 76693 903-599-2403 •Mobile 817-291-5121
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ACCOMMODATIONS: Best Western, Navasota (936) 870-4100 Super 8, Navasota (936) 825-7775
October 2015 — Issue 2
The Land & Livestock Post