Land and Livestock Post

May May2015 2015——Issue Issue22

What’s bugging you?

Dealing with Bermuda grass stem maggots Page 8

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23

JAMES THOMPSON TRADE ADVANTAGE

JAMES HOT VIDEOS THOMPSON

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PAGE 7 3

JAMES THOMPSON ANNUAL TRADITION

JAMES THOMPSON HORSE SENSE

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PAGE 15 3

Straight U.S. ag exports from the tohorse's Cuba could mouth. top $1billion.

Straight O.D. Butler fromField the horse's Day setmouth. for May 15.

Straight Fire education from the videos horse's nowmouth. available online.

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May 2015 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

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News From the General Manager

recently went to a wedding of one of my college buddies. It had been years since I’d seen him, and the reunion brought back a flood of memories, some of which I would have rather kept repressed.

I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences, but I don’t want to go back, either. We lived in a house with three other guys, and it was pretty chaotic. As with most college kids, money always was tight. But, most of the time, beer and pizza had priority over bills — unless we were really broke in which case pizza got bumped down a rung.

We had a VCR tape of recorded TV shows that we would watch when the cable got cut off, and flashlights for when the power went off. We usually had

things paid up and back and running within a few days. Except once. It was during Spring Break, and all the roommates except me and the recent groom were out of state. The utilities got cut off, and the bill was so high, there was no way we could pay it on our own. So, we spent the JESSE WRIGHT week in the dark, eating food my roommate brought home from the restaurant where he worked. The thing we neglected though, was the fridge. We’d never been without power for a full week, so we didn’t know what happened to the inside of a fridge after it’s been off for a

days — except once.

Did I mention we were in college?

People always compliment me on my segues in this little column, but I don’t know how I’m going to do this one. Guess I’ll just jump into it.

Maggots.

Specifically, Bermuda stem maggots, is what we cover in this issue of the Land & Livestock Post. We take a look at how these pests can damage your fields, how to spot them and how to prevent them. We also have some news about upcoming events and programs, as well as other information you may find useful.

Hope you enjoy it and, as always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

Agricultural trade with Cuba could exceed $1 billion annually

By BLAIR FANNIN Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

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

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May 2015 — Issue 2

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News Trade, from Page 3 according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist addressing the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry that.

Parr Rosson, Texas A&M University agricultural economics department head, said a more open economy, coupled with less regulation by both governments, strong tourism and remittances, would pave the way for U.S. food and agricultural exports to potentially reach record levels within five years.

“The opportunity for job creation in the U.S. as a result of more open trade with Cuba is substantial,” Rosson said. “Our estimates indicate that U.S. food and agricultural exports to Cuba have the potential to exceed $1 billion annually. These additional exports would support the creation of 6,000 new jobs throughout the U.S. economy, along with another $739 million in business

a c t iv i t y n a tionwide.”

Rosson said there are challenges for this to h appen, however.

“First, there needs to be income growth PARR ROSSON and economic prosperity for Cubans,” he said.

“Infrastructure improvement and investment will also be necessary to improve the efficiency of existing supply chains and the creation of new cold chains to handle processed foods.

“Finally, policies and regulations that facilitate trade, and that are transparent and consistent, are an absolute necessity.”

International visitors to Cuba continue to increase, which also increases demand for food and agricultural products. A study by Rosson and the Center for North American Studies at Texas A&M shows potential increases in U.S.

food and agricultural exports to Cuba due to increased travel would add $366 million annually to U.S. exports, creating up to 5,500 new jobs.

Texas stands to benefit from increased exports to Cuba. Rosson said several export items including chicken leg quarters, dry beans, wheat, corn and dairy products produced in Texas have been exported to Cuba.

More rice exports are also expected if trade relations are opened further. Cuba’s growing tourism market has also sparked demand for more items such as condiments, snack foods, processed foods, bottled water, beef, wine and spirits.

“These estimates include only the additional spending by new U.S. visitors to Cuba,” he said.

“More open trade and less restrictive financial regulation would certainly lead to more rapid growth of our exports and create more jobs for Texans and the U.S. economy.”

Marketer program celebrates 27 years

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

AMARILLO — When a Master Marketer class is offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, seats fill up fast. That’s because the program, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is making a difference in farm operators’ bot-

tom line, according to attendees and coordinators.

Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist in Amarillo, initiated the first training in 1996 and hosted the 27th training in Amarillo this year.

During the past 20 years, the program has offered agricul-

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May 2015 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

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LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley

Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s April 28 sale: Head: 411 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $325-$385; 300-400 lbs., $295-$390; 400-500 lbs., $265-$310; 500-600 lbs., $230$265; 600-700 lbs., $215-$247; 700800 lbs., $195-$205.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $290-$325; 300-400 lbs., $260-$320; 400-500 lbs., $240-$290; 500-600 lbs., $220$255; 600-700 lbs., $187-$213.

Slaughter bulls: $134-$156.

Slaughter cows: $90-$128.

Bred cows: $1,500-$2,700.

Buffalo

Results of the Buffalo Livestock Exchange’s April 25 sale: Head: 846 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $380-$580; 200-300 lbs., $350-$460; 300-400 lbs., $300-$400; 400-500 lbs., $265$305; 500-600 lbs., $235-$290; 600700 lbs., $215-$238; 700-800 lbs., $190-$220.

Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $330-$480; 200-300 lbs., $275-$460; 300-400 lbs., $245-$320; 400-500 lbs., $195$295; 500-600 lbs., $215-$285; 600700 lbs., $195-$252; 700-800 lbs., $172-$220.

Slaughter bulls: $125-$160.

Slaughter cows: $75-$131.

Bred cows: $1,350-$2,600.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,100-$3,000.

Caldwell

Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s April 29 sale: Head: 223 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $415-$485; 300-400 lbs., $315-$350; 400-500 lbs., $295-$325; 500-600 lbs., $260$315; 600-700 lbs., $230-$255; 700800 lbs., $210-$225.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $317-$400; 300-400 lbs., $300-$335; 400-500 lbs., $270-$300; 500-600 lbs., $245$270; 600-700 lbs., $227-$295; 700800 lbs., $190-$227.

Slaughter bulls: $125-$142.

Slaughter cows: $85-$120.

Groesbeck

Results of the Groesbeck Auction & Livestock Co.’s April 30 sale: Head: 270 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $360-$420; 400-500 lbs., $300-$330; 500-600 lbs., $260-$300; 600-700 lbs., $220-

$250.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $300-$310; 400-500 lbs., $280-$300; 500-600 lbs., $220-$290; 600-700 lbs., $190$260.

Slaughter cows: $82-$135.

Bred cows: $1,400-$3,000.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,200-$3,500.

Milano

Results of the Milano Livestock Exchange’s April 28 sale: Steers: 300-400 lbs., $338-$368; 400-500 lbs., $270-$325; 500-600 lbs., $223-$300; 600-700 lbs., $206$230.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $298-$310; 400-500 lbs., $232-$263; 500-600 lbs., $218-$250; 600-700 lbs., $196$225.

Slaughter bulls: $144-$146.

Slaughter cows: $97-$126.

Bred cows: $1,775-$3,000.

Cow/calf pairs: $2,600-$3,400.

Navasota

Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction Co.’s April 25 sale: Head: 788 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $225-$480; 300-400 lbs., $225-$365; 400-500 lbs., $185-$30; 500-600 lbs., $175$295; 600-700 lbs., $170-$240.

Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $195-$460; 300-400 lbs., $185-$325; 400-500 lbs., $185-$302.50; 500-600 lbs., $175-$275; 600-700 lbs.,$170-$240.

Slaughter bulls: $120-$150.

Slaughter cows: $85-$120.

Stocker cows: $1,300-$3,200.

Cow/calf pairs: $2,100-$4,800.

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May 2015 — Issue 2

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News Forage plots, new equipment to be featured at O.D. Butler Field Day

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

FRANKLIN — New forage planting and harvesting equipment plus demonstration plots will be featured at the 29th annual O.D. Butler Forage Field Day scheduled May 15 at Circle X Land & Cattle Company Camp Cooley Ranch Division.

The ranch is located at 4297 Camp Cooley Ranch Road in Franklin. Registration is $25, which includes handouts and a roast beef lunch.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m.

Three hours of general continuing education units will be offered for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator’s license holders.

The event is conducted by the Brazos Area Hay Producers in cooperation with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

“This year’s field day will feature a morning tour of demonstration plots and other forage-related stops,” said Edward Schneider, AgriLife Extension agent for Robertson County.

Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc. (979) 776-4444 or (800) 299-7355

President - Crystal Dupré .....................................................Ext. 4613 Publisher and Editor- Kelly Brown.........................................Ext. 4656 Advertising Director - Ron Prince ........................................ Ext. 4740 Advertising Sales/General Manager - Jesse Wright ...............Ext. 4721 Financial Director - Rod Armstrong .......................................Ext. 4605 Production Director - Mark Manning.....................................Ext. 4671 Circulation Director - Greg Parker ........................................Ext. 4752

Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805.

E-mail: thepost@theeagle.com All offices are located at 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan,Texas 77802.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eagle, P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805-3000 The Post is printed in part on recycled paper and is fully recyclable.

“The afternoon session will include live demonstrations of the latest technology and newest forage-related equipment on the market.

“The field day will also feature a large group of ag industry booths.”

John Deere, Case IH, Caterpillar and Vermeer will be demonstrating equipment.

“Each company will have enough acreage to demonstrate how the equipment works,” Schneider said.

“At the conclusion of the live equipment demonstrations, we will have final door prize drawings and continuing education unit certificates will be handed out.”

Schneider said there will be time allotted for booth visitation during the day and door prizes will be sponsored by vendors.

The following are morning tour speakers and topics: • “Value of Liming Low PH soils,” Tony Provin, AgriLife Extension soil chemist in College Station.

• “How Can Wildlife Plots be Implemented on a Working Ranch?” Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist in College Station.

• “Tour and Evaluation of Weed Control Plots,” Barron Rector, AgriLife Extension rangeland specialist in College Station, and James Jackson, AgriLife Extension program specialist in College Station.

• “Weed and Brush Control: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Headed?” Paul Baumann, AgriLife Extension state weed specialist in College Station.

For more information, call the AgriLife Extension office in Robertson County at 979-828-4270.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

New forage planting and harvesting equipment, plus demonstration plots will be featured at the 29th O.D. Butler Forage Field Day May 15 at Camp Cooley Ranch in Franklin.

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May 2015 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News

AgriLife Extension debuts Living with Texas Fire vital visual resource for the Prescribed Burn Alliance of Texas, prescribed burn associations and prescribed burn schools, AgriLife Extension agents, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel and landowners seeking specific fire behavior and resource information on prescribed fire,

By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

SAN ANGELO — Texas prescribed fire aficionados now have a series of free educational YouTube videos tailored specifically for the Lone Star State.

Morgan Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service range specialist at San Angelo, coordinated the project to produce the series of 20 short how-to educational clips on everything from planning a burn to transporting a drip torch. Funding came from the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources To access the series go to agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/living-with-texas-fire/.

“The Living with Texas Fire video series is meant to showcase the various aspects of both

but also on wildfire mitigation and wildfire community readiness.”

Russell said the idea for the series stemmed from the lack of Texas-specific resource materials available.

See VIDEOS, Page 11

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo The Living with Texas Fire videos showcase aspects of prescribed burning and wildfire mitigation targeted toward empowering and encouraging Texas landowners to become fire-ready. prescribed burning as a costeffective means of rangeland noxious plant management and for lessening the damage caused by wildfire, known as wildfire

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mitigation,” Russell said. “The underlying project goal is to empower and encourage Texas landowners to become fire-ready.

“The videos should also be a

May 2015 — Issue 2

7

News

Forage fiends

Watch for the Bermuda grass stem maggot

I

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

f your Bermuda grass pasture or hayfield looks frosted in the middle of the summer, it probably is infested with Bermuda grass stem maggot rather than affected by cold weather. The Bermuda grass stem maggot (Atherigona reversura) is becoming more common across the Southeastern United States and has been identified in several Texas counties.

The Bermuda grass stem maggot damages from inside, unlike other insects that attack plants from the outside, said Vanessa Corriher-Olson of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

“In the United States, Bermuda grass stem maggot is only a problem on Bermuda grass and stargrass (Cynodons spp.), but it has a few more grass hosts in other parts of the world,” said William Hudson of the University of Georgia.

“The insect is native to south Asia, extending from Japan westward to Pakistan and Oman.

Somehow it made its way to the continental United States, where it was first found in California in 2009 and then, in 2010, it was found in Pierce, Jeff Davis and Tift counties in Georgia. By the end of 2012, it was found in most of the Southeast.

“The insect has also been accidentally introduced into Hawaii.

“While it is not unusual for new species to show up in North America, unfortunately in this case, there is very little information about this insect, its life cycle, the damage it causes, or measures to control it.”

The biology

Adult flies may go unnoticed because they are small and yellow with dark eyes. “The fly lays its eggs on the Ber-

8

Above, the adult flies may go unnoticed because of their size. They lay their eggs on Bermuda grass near a node. Right, Bermuda grass stem larvae are yellow and less than one-eighth inch long.

On the cover: Damage done by the infestation begins when the adult fly lays its eggs stem nodes. The damage looks similar to what one might see from a light frost,according toVanessa Corriher-Olson,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service forage specialist in Overton.

Photos by Dennis Hancock, University of Georgia forage Extension specialist

muda grass near a node,” Hudson said.

“Larvae are yellowish, grow to be about 1/8 inch long and may be hard to find because they often have left the stem by the time the plant shows symptoms of damage.

“Multiple generations hatch each summer. The fly has a life cycle that usually

See MAGGOTS, Page 9

May 2015 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Maggots, from Page 8 lasts about three weeks, with seven to 10 days spent in the soil as a pupa.

“Upon hatching from the egg, the maggot, or larva, works its way toward the last plant node, where the leaf blade emerges from the stem. As the maggot develops, it burrows in the shoot and feeds.

“The leaves, usually the top two or three above the feeding site wither and die, resulting in potential yield loss. Death of these upper leaves, while the lower leaves remain green, causes the frosted appearance,” Hudson said.

“The shoot stops elongating as a result of the insect’s feeding.

“In response to the damage, the plant may grow another shoot from a lower node of the affected portion. The tip of the

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new shoot also can be attacked by later generations of the Bermuda grass stem maggot.”

“Amount of damage caused by the Bermuda grass stem maggot seems to depend on the growing conditions of the Bermuda grass,” said Dennis Hancock of the University of Georgia.

“In instances where good soil and moisture conditions allow a normal rapid growth rate, loss of the upper one to three leaves seems to have a minimal impact on yield.

“However, economic yield loss may occur in growth periods that are limited by poor soil and moisture conditions. In those situations, it is believed that the slower growth rate due to the poorer conditions allows egg-laying and larval development to occur relatively early in

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9,873

6,561

6,673

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9,975

6,654

6,680

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10,880

6,159

6,473

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Mohawk

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9,739

6,321

6,408

10

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9,334

5,941

6,295

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Rancher

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9,740

6,085

6,218

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Planting Date: 6/4/11 (Replanted 7/13/11) 10 lbs (P.L.S.) Planting Rate, LSD (0.05) Commercially available varieties only included in these results.

I first planted Texas Tough + Bermudagrass in the Spring of 2009 for grazing and baling. My Texas Tough + has been free of disease with no loss of stands. My yields have remained consistent with no loss in production even through our drought of the last four years. It establishes fast with excellent forage quality and much finer stems than Coastal Bermudagrass. It has increased my grazing time from 90 days on native grasses to 150 days on my Texas Tough stands. I plan on planting more in 2015.

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The Land & Livestock Post

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May 2015 — Issue 2

9

News Larvae, from Page 9 the grass growth cycle.

“In many parts of the Southeast, infestations have increased to levels that cause substantial yield loss, although the actual amount of economic loss varies considerably depending on the cultivar and market,” Hancock said.

“Even though the fly damages only the top leaves of the plant, the unsightly appearance may cause some buyers, especially those in the horse market, to reject the hay.

“With heavy infestations, regrowth after a cutting can be slowed considerably,” Hancock said.

“Bermuda grass hay fields appear to sustain more and heavier damage than grazed fields, due to the cattle removing areas of the plant in which the flies lay their eggs and reproduce,” said James Rogers of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.

“The flies also tend to have variety preferences, tending to prefer fine stem over coarse stem.” Examples of fine stem varieties are Alicia, Coastal, Russell and common Bermuda.

Tifton-85 is a coarse stem variety.

Management

“Reports on the Bermuda grass stem maggot theorize that this pest is here to stay,” Rogers said.

“If that is the case, manage-

ment strategies will need to be developed to deal with it. Part of this management strategy should be to keep existing Bermuda grass fields robust and healthy. This will help to minimize impacts on yield.”

“Management strategies depend upon how near the hay crop is to harvest when the damage is identified,” AgriLife’s Corriher-Olson said. “If damage is found within one week of harvest, the recommendation from Georgia is to harvest as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the damage will spread, and there will be further reduction in yields.

“If the pest and its damage are confirmed one to three weeks after the previous harvest, the recommendation is to cut the damaged areas, bale the damaged grass, and remove it from the fields.

“The only threat posed by leaving the hay in the field is that it’ll compete with any attempts of the plant to regrow, therefore decreasing the yield of the next cutting, CorriherOlson said.

“Leaving the hay in the field does not increase infestation, but it is unlikely that the damaged areas will contribute significantly to yields during the next harvest.”

“Bermuda grass fields should be inspected routinely for damage during the summer,” said Gary Bates of the University of Tennessee.

3390 Winbrook Dr. Memphis, TN 38116

10

Table 1. Suggested insecticides for bermudagrass stem maggot control1.

Insecticide Rate (oz.)

Harvest Restrictions 6-10 0 days application restriction for grazing or hay Besiege (chlorantraniliprole,  cyhalothrin) 1.6-1.9 Do not harvest for hay within 7 days: 0-day grazing restriction Baythroid XL1 ( - cyfluthrin) 1.3-1.9 Do not harvest for hay within 7 days: 0-day grazing restriction Karate 2.08, Warrior II ( cyhalothrin) Mustang Max 0.8 (Z-cypermethrin) 2.8-4.0 0 days application restriction for grazing or hay 1 Bermudagrass Stem Maggot. 2014. Bates, Gary and Scott Stewart, The University of Tennessee, SP 760.

“When approximately 10 to 20 percent of the plants show damage, a producer should plan to control the insect. ”Current recommendations are to treat infested, recently harvested fields with a foliarapplied insecticide within seven to 10 days after harvest. Proper timing of this application is critical for successful suppression.

“A second application seven to 10 days later may be justified where moderate or severe infestations are present,” Bates said.

“If harvest is not an option, two insecticide applications made 10 days apart will break

the life cycle of the insect and minimize the damage. Table 1 includes a list of recommended insecticides.

Be sure to read and follow all instructions on the insecticide label,” Bates said.

The lowest labeled rate of any pyrethroid insecticide that is approved for hayfield application has been effective,” Georgia’s Hancock said. “To date, no differences have been noted among the brands or active ingredients.

“There is no residual activity with these insecticides beyond a few days after application.

The infestation levels that

cause concern usually build later in the season.

Therefore, a single round of treatments may protect the grass through the end of the growing season.

“Considerable reduction in damage can be seen after a single application as the grass regrows, and for late season, that may be a more cost-effective option,” Hancock said.

Keep a watch for the little yellow fly with dark eyes.

If you suspect that your Bermuda grass may be suffering from its effects, notify your county agricultural extension agent.

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May 2015 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Videos, from Page 7 “From personal experience and from talking to commercial and agency fire professionals across the state, it’s clear that there just wasn’t much out there that was current and Texas specific, especially West Texas specific, when it came to fire video educational resources,” she said.

“Most of the material used for classroom work here in Texas comes from Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University.

“And while these materials are beneficial, they don’t accurately portray fire work here.

“Specific fire behavior, fire knowledge and fire weather information oriented toward Texas vegetation types and our state’s mostly private land ownership all factor in to implementing a successful prescribed burn or when mitigating wildfire risk throughout the state.

The project, which started last

fire ecology, home fire mitigation, ignition techniques, fire line communications and what to do in terms of saving equipment and homes when a wildfire breaks out.

For more information on the series or to order free hard copies, contact Russell at 325-657-7317 or Morgan.Russell@ag.tamu.edu.

Follow Russell @eXMorganRussell or West Texas Rangelands on Facebook.

August, targets specific vegetation types within West Central Texas, the Rolling Plains and Southwest Texas.

The Living with Texas Fire video series topics include drip torch handling and maintenance, sprayer know-how, burn plans, fire glossary terms, landowner perceptions, fire tools, weather factors and fire-related contacts.

Other topics include the importance of prescribed burning,

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May 2015 — Issue 2

11

News Blackland Income Growth Conference changes location, date chairman.

“By providing an earlier conference date, this gives farmers a jumpstart to making decisions with regards to new seed varieties, planting methods and other important decisions with a new crop. This also gives early ideas for other commodities we feature

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

WACO — The largest conference for farmers and ranchers in the Blacklands region will be changing locations and dates in 2016, according to organizers.

For the past 53 years, the Blackland Income Growth Conference has provided producers with the latest information on new technology and cropping methods to boost yields and profits, said Ron Woolley, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service regional program leader in Stephenville.

The 2016 conference will be Jan. 5-6 at the Waco Convention Center. The conference will be a month earlier to give farmers more time in advance of corn planting to incorporate much of the information shared at the conference.

“We think this schedule change will benefit all producers in the Blacklands region,” Woolley said. “The Blackland Income Growth Conference has

See CHANGE, Page 13

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

The Blackland Income Growth Conference coordinating committee, front row, left to right, Terry Coufal, Kathy Swetland, Chairman Robin Liebe and Mike Garrett. Back Row, left to right are Ron Woolley, Gary Phillips, Don Griffin, Jason Embry, Bob Carroll, Louie McDaniel and Steve Beakley. Not pictured are Bill Foshea and Justin Richard. a long history of providing the latest research information and production management practices for farmers and ranchers throughout the region.”

“The BIG executive board members evaluated the whole conference and presentations,”

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May 2015 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Change, from Page 12 ing programming that appeals to session programs in rural land management, equine and family nutrition. “We had really strong attendance for this year’s conference and we are looking to build on that,� Liebe said.

Joining Liebe in conference leadership for 2016 is Blackland Income Growth Program Vice Chairman Bill Foshea of Midlothian. “We want folks to come and participate, share new ideas and help everyone become more profitable,� he said.

The 2015 conference attracted more than 600 attendees. The beef session had more than 100 attendees, one of the most attended sessions in recent years, he said.

BIG committee chairpersons are: Jason Embry, Limestone County, beef; Terry Coufal, Bell County, cotton; Mike Gar-

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rett, Falls County, forage; Steve Beakley, Ellis County, grain; Don Griffin, McLennan County, horse; Louie McDaniel, McLennan County, horticulture; Bob Carroll, Navarro County, rural land management; Gary Phillips, Bosque County, wildlife; and Kathy Swetland, McLennan County, family nutrition.

For more information about the Blackland Income Growth program, go to stephenville. tamu.edu/blackland-incomegrowth/.

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News Border Horse Patrol growing along the Rio Grande Valley horses since I was 2 or 3 ,” Barton said.

The Horse Patrol has 30 agents working the sector, where there are plans to enlist another 10 agents and 10 horses by July.

Border Patrol partnered with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to convert an unused warehouse

By LORENZO ZAZUETA-CASTRO Associated Press

MISSION — Jared Barton has ridden horses since he was a toddler.

But rumbling on a Florida cattle ranch isn’t the same as the trails he’ll traverse going forward — the rough terrain of immigrant and drug smuggling trails in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Monitor of McAllen reports Barton is one of the latest members of the U.S. Border Horse Patrol, a specialty group of agents who work on horseback and have been doing so since the early 1920s.

The 38-year-old agent was one of seven agents who officially completed a six-week training course to join the group in the Rio Grande Valley sector.

into the Morillo Banco Horse Patrol Compound. The stable, located about a mile from the Rio Grande, has room for up to 38 horses and features two fullsized barns on a two-acre plot.

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May 2015 — Issue 2

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