August 2016 Farm and Ranch Living flipbook

Page 1

On a mission Local Youth Ranch helps abused and neglected kids., Page 2

See Inside!

The Herb Farm Green Acres known as “the place to go� for herb plants., Page 16

Farmers Markets Not just for veggies anymore., Page 4

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Published July 28, 2016

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July-August 2016

Stardust Youth Ranch on a mission By Jeff Riggs Associate Editor/Athens Review

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teve and Kim Johnson have begun a spiritual mission. It is one that will help children, especially those that have been abused, or have other emotional issues. For that reason, their mission has expanded to become a non-profit organization, which is on their property at 10471 County Road 4515 in Larue, Texas 75770-5326. It is called the Stardust Youth Ranch. On the property is a round pen and a barn, which will aid in the use of horses to bring children back to where they need to be in life. Both Steve and Kim ride horses on the 50-acre ranch. Their horse trainer is Lori Graves, who has been with them for 2-1/2 years. Callie, who was Kim’s first horse, was named after Kim’s grandmother. According to Kim, Callie is a rescue horse that was malnourished and neglected. “Champ and Lacy, who is a miniature, were generously gifted to the ranch by a kind woman who believes in our mission,” Kim said. “There is something therapeutic about a horse with anyone. Sometimes with hurting children, it’s just a moment in

time that turns things around for them. A moment that a light bulb goes off, and they see hope again. Equine therapy is a great way to bridge the gap between the darkness

The dream of Stardust began about six years ago when the Johnson’s heard a program about a similar ministry on the James Dobson show.

of where they are, and the hope of a better tomorrow.” Kim said the children visiting the ranch will learn of the horse’s stories of overcoming, and will be asked to help the Johnsons teach the horse how to trust again. Through the process, it is believed the children will draw the parallel.

“In the process, God gave us the name, Stardust,” Kim said. “In Genesis, the Word says that God just breathed the whole heavenly host into being. It also tells us that God took dust, and created man in His own image. The Star Breather created each of

us individually, with love, and for a specific purpose. He has plans to prosper us, and not to hurt us. He sent Jesus to redeem us. All of us. He has overcome this world. In Revelation, Jesus refers to himself as the bright Morning Star. We can’t wait to tell the kids that!” After hearing the concept of using broken horses to reach the broken places in the hearts of hurting children, the desire for children in the community to have this opportunity became consuming. “The process has been arduous, with many personal mountains to climb, but we are blessed and excited to finally be ready to see kids,” Kim said. The Stardust Youth Ranch stands for “Hope, Healing, Horsehair and Sonshine.” The Johnsons believe the ranch will be a peaceful place for hurting kids to enjoy. These kids could be abused and neglected, going through a divorce, being bullied at school or grieving a loss. The 90-minute sessions held once per week are designed to help overcome these, and other issues in their lives. And, there is no cost of any kind to the child or their elders. The only requirement is that the person that brings them to the facility stay there until the child is finished with their

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Wet no longer

J

ust a few months ago, it seemed rain would never end. And then it stopped! Now many Texas counties are under mandatory burn bans with lots of grass that will erupt in flames with a match or tossed cigarette. Several counties across the Trinity River—Madison, Leon and Limestone are under burn bans. More will follow if moisture doesn’t come soon. Taxes are an insidious racket. Taking time to study a recent phone bill was a real eye opener. The cost of the telephone service— that went to the company providing the equipment—was $26. Add in taxes, fees, and lots of et cetera, the bill came to $50.01. Taxes and fees are assessed by

both national, state and local government—my only question is where the fees end up! Several Texas poultry and beef processors are using their muscle—think political connections and “donations”-to hire immigrants from African nations to work in their plants. The big Pilgrims poultry plant in Lufkin is pushing for more of these foreign workers to be placed in Angelina County and work in poultry processing. A recent episode with one of the Somalia employees at the plant cost Pilgrims 150,000 pounds of processed chicken and down time in the plant. The Somalia immigrant allegedly called in a bomb threat to the company. No

session. They don’t need to participate in the session, but need to be available to take the child afterwards, so that the next child in line can receive help in another session. “We will begin with one counselor/mentor and three horses, Callie, Champ and Lacy,” Kim said. “Ultimately, as our resources increase, it is our desire to rescue more horses.” The Johnsons have been married for 35 years, as of last November. Steve is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and came to the Athens area when he was 12. Kim was born in McKinney, and also came to Athens during her childhood. Both graduated from Athens High School. Kim has worked with CASA for 20 years. About half of that time was as a volunteer, and half as a casework supervisor. She continues to volunteer today.

bomb was found but the employee was caught. Hopefully, if found guilty, this fellow will get a one

way ticket back to his native land! The two dollar a head beef check off is costing Texas livestock producers $20,000,000 a year. Over half of these dollars are sent to the bureaucrats in Denver, Colorado for beef “research and promotion”. When the additional $1 a head tax became effective in Texas nearly two years ago it was promoted as a way to push Texas beef at the market place. Wrong! The Texas Farm Bureau organization, backed by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assn., will not use their influence to use the dollars to promote the quality beef raised by our cattle operators. The campaign underway in the Lone Star State to “eat beef ” would be far better

Steve has his office in their house as a dental lab technician. The Johnsons have two adult children and four grandchildren. Steve and Kim went to the Crystal Peeks Youth Ranch in Oregon for training in June of 2010 for starting a ministry with children, and the project has grown into what it has become. It was on June 11 of this year that the dedication for the project was conducted at the ranch. “We asked people to come out, and had 70 adults and kids arrive,” Kim said. “We had a prayer service, and asked the Lord for His help. We are ready now to start seeing kids.” The Johnsons hope to be a resource to other agencies working with children in our community, such as CPS, CASA, crisis centers, schools, churches or individual parents. Steve has also been active in the planning and beginning of the process. “We want to work with kids that are hurting,” he said. “We have always been drawn to working with kids. We have served as house parents at a boys ranch, been foster parents, served on Young Life Committee, and, of course, worked with CASA, which is close to our hearts.” Planned in the future of the organization, activities that they term “hopes and dreams,” are father-son campouts, hayrides and weiner roasts, among others. “We will also have a website for the public to get a clear picture of what we are really doing at that moment,” Kim said. “That website is currently under construction.” Stardust, as mentioned, is a new ministry co-founded by the Johnsons. The board of directors are the Johnsons, along with Randy Skiles, Mary Dale Skiles and Lee Ann Millender. The mission statement is this: “Mirroring the love and hope of Christ to hurting children in the joy of horsehair and Sonshine.” The dream of Stardust began about six years ago when the Johnsons heard a program about a similar ministry on the James Dobson show. Kim, who has worked with abused and neglected children through CASA for two decades, was alerted to the concept of using broken horses to reach the broken places in the hearts of hurting children, and had the desire for children in the community to have this opportunity became consuming. “The process has been arduous, with many personal mountains to climb, but we are blessed and excited to finally be ready to see kids,” she said. Summing up, here is a quick look at some of the Johnson’s plans and goals: • As stated above, the Johnsons will be offering weekly 90-minute sessions with one counselor, one child and one horse. • Sessions include grooming, tacking up, talking/sharing, playing

if the theme was “Texas Beef— What You Want At Mealtime”. What a mess is our political system! This came from a reader who noted that a Jewish deli would not be fined for refusing to serve customers a ham and cheese sandwich. And a Muslim caterer wouldn’t be closed down for refusing to serve a tenderloin lunch at a pork producer’s convention. Yet, Christian businesses are being forced to throw away their religious beliefs to submit to the beliefs of others. Ms. Clinton, “Equal Rights” means equality for Christians, too! That’s –30— Horace@valornet.com

games and learning to ride. • Sessions are geared to the individual child’s needs and age. • To provide mentoring in a safe place where children can experience unconditional love, while learning self worth through the overcoming grace of Jesus Christ. • To allow a hurting child to just be a child and have fun. The Johnsons long to put smiles on those beautiful faces. • Eventually Steve and Kim would like to incorporate a community outreach program that would work with hurting families to aid in strengthening the family unit, and achieving harmonious, Christ-centered homelife. • As stated earlier, Stardust is a non-profit ministry, and never charges for services. • Stardust will be funded through donations. “That’s the dream,” Steve said. “We want to help desperate children find hope. True hope is only found in Christ. In the process, we will build relationship, grow self worth and teach life skills while enjoying God’s beautiful creation and creatures.” Kim said the transition is not always comfortable, but is very effective. “We will laugh, cry, run, jump, play, learn and get really sweaty in the process,” Kim said. “It’s an old-fashioned healing approach, and we believe in it. We consider ourselves blessed like crazy to have the opportunity to serve children and families in our community in a fresh and exciting way.” For more information, call Steve and Kim Johnson at 903-477-6614.

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Farmers markets not just veggies anymore By Michael Kormos Corsicana Daily Sun

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he popularity of farmers markets has surged in the past few years as consumers become more health-conscious and aware of where their food comes from. No longer delegated to roadside stands, these farm-to-table outlets are increasingly found in urban centers. Once a mom-and-pop operation, farmers markets now include wares from artisan bakers, coffee roasters, and organic greenhouses. The vendors offer a variety of goods from pickled products, homemade soaps and lotions, spice blends and even meat. That’s right, meat. Kyle Pisarcik, owner and founder of Bosque Heritage Farms runs a booth at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market to sell a product he calls TRUPORK. Touted as “pork with a purpose,� Pisarcik offers nonGMO, organically raised heritage bred pigs to customers. “We offer the opportunity to know your farmer,� he said. “You know where our meat comes from and are able to ask questions.�

Pisarcik, who grew up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania and now calls Waco home, said his pigs are pasture-raised, humanlyhandled and never given antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. Kristi Pereira, manager of the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, said besides produce vendors may also offer eggs, cheeses, bread and even prepared food. “We prefer 80 percent of their ingredients to be locally sourced from a 150-mile radius,� she said. “Our market

may not be as large as some other city markets, but we offer so much variety, customers can make a day of it.� She said many people come downtown for breakfast, shop at the market, and have lunch. “It’s a good social experience,� she said. “At the same time they are supporting local food providers.� The Navarro County Farmers Market, located at 408 E. Sixth Ave. in Corsicana, serves the surrounding area and features many small gardeners. “We are open from 7 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Saturdays,� said Ronnie Farmer president of Navarro County Association of Navarro County. “Our market typically starts in mid-May and goes to mid-October or whenever we run out.� Farmer said while most produce comes from Navarro County, he has growers come from Mount Calm and Larue. “Our booths offer most seasonal vegetables, cantaloupes, watermelons and even eggs, Farmer said. “We charge growers $30 to join the association, an $8 booth fee on Saturday and a $6 booth fee

on Tuesday. The fees are mainly to keep electricity on and pay the bills.� Farmer said they get more traffic on Saturdays so he advises customers to show up early Tuesday to avoid the crowd. While some say the urban Farmers Market trend is peaking, it has exposed many small growers and food providers to top chefs and store buyers. Many of the products are now being offered in restaurants and specialty shops. As consumers tastes and buying habits continue to evolve, alternate methods of farm-to-table distribution will rise to the top. Companies such as AmazonFresh are already delivering grocery items to customer’s doors, while a company called Good Eggs, with a similar concept, recently downsized. Many supermarkets are also adding homegrown or locally-sourced organic options to their inventories. While an afternoon at the Farmer’s Market may seem nostalgic to some, it is only one step in society’s progression to sustainable living with an eye on the future.

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Timed Event Man I

n the world of rodeo, cowboys usually fall into one of two categories; rough stock riders or timed event men. Each looks on the other with suspicion. Bronc riders can’t imagine havin’ to drag a horse and trailer all over the country and ropers think bull riding is uncivilized! Jack and Russell entered the punkin roller at Bokchito, Oklahoma. They were both sixteen and invincible! On arrival they discovered a mix up. Jack entered in the bareback and Russell in the calf roping. Jack complained, “I told Mr. Ward to put me in the calf ropin’ and Russell was ridin’ bares! Besides, Russell’s bought a brand new riggin’!” Which, of course he had! Not only that, Russell had a new set of custom made bronc spurs and had just attended

Mel Autry’s rodeo school! The secretary glared at him and growled, “Well, Jack, you better see if it fits your hand, ‘cause I ain’t changin’ the order!” They stomped around cussing the contractor, the secretary, their luck and each other’s event. But as the National Anthem played over the speakers, Jack was down in the chute tryin’ to pound his left hand into Russell’s right hand riggin’!

Minnie Mouse was an 800-pound grulla mare. Jack made some comment about stick horses and shetlands. ‘Bout not wantin’ to hurt her. Russell ignored him. Jack was sorta scratchin’ his spurs a little and thinkin’, “By, gosh, this ain’t bad! I’m winnin’ the bareback! Easier than I thought.’ At the quarter mile pole Minnie Mouse bogged her head, planted her front feet and exploded in midair! By the time she lit on all fours again, Jack had both legs on the left side and was laid across her like a roll of carpet! He couldn’t get his hand free! With all his weight stickin’ out like a wind vane on the starboard side, he began to drag the little mare right. From his vantage point on the wing tip, Jack could see the arena fence

flashing by at eye level. He was stuck hard and fast and pulling her closer and closer. Big square ties and net wire began clickin’ by like a railroad bed. ‘Gosh,’ he thought, ‘I hope it’s cheap wire...’ He needn’t have worried. He hit a tie! The collision was so calamitous it knocked the mare down! At the conclusion of this spectacular exhibition the crowd applauded wildly. As Jack hobbled out the gate a man in yellow boots and a bolo tie asked him where he was gonna be appearing next. Standing in the parking lot after the rodeo, Jack observed what a sorry job Russell had done in the calf roping. www.baxterblack.com

A look at fall vegetable gardening By Jessica Lusk Special to the Herald-Press

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’ve never really had a green thumb; I kill every house plant I ever get, and the flowers my husband brings home to me only last up to a day. But I have always been intrigued by individuals who have a vegetable garden. Okay, intrigued and maybe a little envious. I never had the confidence to just dive in and start my own vegetable garden. I always referred to my many experiences of killing every green thing that comes my way, and that would sink my already-hindered inhibitions even lower, making the effort non-existent … until this year. I can officially call myself a vegetable gardener — this title elates me! Of course I have taken much advice from the “professional gardeners” in my life, not to mention the extended efforts of the husband, who can make any dead green thing perk back to life in no time. Now that spring gardening has ended and we are entering fall gardening season, I am very curious to see which of my vegetables and fruits will survive the change of gardening seasons. I am also on the edge of my seat in research and picking brains of how to make my garden better. My tomato plants are of perfection and the fruit growing from them are red and luscious! My bell peppers are so-so. I have jalapeño’s growing out of my ears! My cucumbers, sadly, did not make it, and I have yet to have a bundle of okra (but I am still hopeful). In my research of how-to in regards to better gardening, I was referred to one of Palestine’s, and Anderson County’s, own professional gardeners, Joe Bryant, owner of Iron Gate Feed. To say it was a learning experience is an understatement. Within the first five minutes of visiting with Bryant, it was apparent that I still knew nothing about gardening — I honestly have no idea how I even have vegetables growing in my garden, let alone edible ones. The very first step in preparing for a garden Bryant stated was a ‘must’ is a soil test. Ouch, strike one for me. “Go to the county agent’s office and get a soil test kit and follow the directions, mail it in and get the results back, at the most, in 10 days,” Bryant said. “Take that result back to the county agent or a local feed store to help analyze results. The feed store will have the stuff to correct their ground inadequacies, because they’re bound to have some in this part of the state. Our soil has so little in it that it usually needs correction.” Bryant advised that the most common issue with East Texas soil is high acidity. He said you can obtain results and recommendations for fertilization with the same test. “This (test) can be done anytime of the year,” Bryant stressed. “There is some ill-given advice and assumptions that you can only do it at certain times of the year, but it can be corrected anytime. The products for correction go to work real fast.” One thing I was concerned with regarding my own garden was, which vegetables I planted in the spring could I plant in the fall, and could I be plant them the same way with no or minor alterations? “All of the seed-planted vegetables can be planted in the fall, just like in the spring,” Bryant said. “Bedding plants are virtually impossible to buy for an early fall garden.” Late season cole crops, bedding plants become available before winter. These are plants belonging to the Cruciferae or mustard family such as; broccoli, Brussels sprouts and collards, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard and turnips. In my research of cole crops I discovered that these crops thrive in cooler temperatures. According to Aggie Horticulture, “When you plant cole crops in the garden, you are investing in a healthier life. Gardeners are in the business of producing health foods even though they may not know it.” Another of the many questions I had concerning my own garden, Bryant was quick to answer. What advice would you give to someone who is limited on space for a vegetable garden? “Raised-bed gardening”, Bryant said. “It has become very popular. It’s intense planting close together; more can be done in a small space than you think. Use a lot of mulches to help in the moisture retention.”

According to Bryant, a garden needs at least four hours a day of direct sunlight for it to blossom to its full potential. Another very interesting gardening fact that many believe to be the opposite is how much water a garden needs. “Don’t overwater!” Bryant warned. “You can absolutely drown bushes and trees, because they do need to dry out and breathe a little bit. Don’t ever water from the air, you cause funguses big time.” Bryant advised that putting a soaker hose through your garden and leaving it for about an hour every other day is a great watering schedule. He said overwatering causes early blight in garden plants — a yellowing and browning of the leaves. “Even rainfalls can cause this,” Bryant forewarned. “This is why you always want to mulch if you can — everything. It doesn’t matter what you’re using: grass clippings, leaves, newspaper, plastic, actual shredded tree trimmings. Fertilization underneath plants and seeded rows benefits immensely. Organic fertilizer has no chance of burning anything. It’s not hard to go organic, and if you don’t go organic anywhere else, the garden for vegetables may just as well be the one you do.” Bryant’s feed store, Iron Gate Feed, is known as the “Organic Headquarters of Palestine.” He has had an organic garden for about 12 years. In regards to going organic, Mark Price who served as Anderson County Texas Agri-Life Extension Agent for over 15 years and has a bachelor of science degree in forestry from Texas A&M University, said, “Organic matter is always good for the soil. Every time you are digging in the garden, add compost, manures or organic material. Keep in mind, though, whatever you put into the ground needs to be fully decomposed. As manures, tree leaves, grass clippings and other plant materials decompose, it initially pulls nitrogen and other nutrients out of the soil.” Price also addressed long-term and short-term crops. “The life span of these vegetables depends upon when the first killing frost occurs and how cold tolerant they are. For us, usually, the first killing frost comes in during midNovember. Prepare for the worst, and be thankful when it turns out better than you planned. Plant long-term, frost-tolerant vegetables together. Frost-tolerant vegetables include: beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, collards, garlic, kale, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley, spinach and turnips. Also keep in mind, many of these plants can be used as landscape plants as well,” Price explained. “Plant shortterm, frost-susceptible vegetables, including beans, cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peas, peppers, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes and watermelons. Plant your frost-susceptible vegetables together, so they can be removed after being killed by frost. You can also plan ahead for frost protection. Plant these vegetables where they can be easily covered or in a location where you can wash them

off with a water hose.” Another first time gardener shared what has worked for her so far this year: “My tomato plants got so large! Three of them leaned over and two busted the metal welding of the cages!” Rita Walters of Palestine said. “Great fertilizer made them grow so well.” Walters shared she got her fertilizer from a friend in Montana, who has a hayfield and does custom fertilizer. He calls it his “special stuff.” Walters did reveal she planted her garden too small (glad I am not the only one). “I planted too close together and could have made it bigger,” she said. Walters has a full garden of fresh veggies with tomatoes, squash, jalapeño peppers, banana peppers and cayenne peppers. “I grew up on a small farm and love fresh tomatoes!” she said. “I have always wanted a garden, and this was the first year I have had time to get it done. Every southern woman should have a garden! The food quality you cannot buy in a store. Fresh veggies are hard to beat! Not to mention, I love to be outside, love yard work and working on flowerbeds. Family-time with my kids … nothing better than teaching my girls, the memories are priceless!” Like Walters, I am excited about the things I’ve learned in my first year gardening. I can’t wait to plant a larger garden next year or even have a raised-bed garden and learn more about when to plant which vegetables. Below is a helpful chart of garden vegetable times created by Price. • Beans: 8/1- 9/1 • Beets: 9/1- 10/15 • Broccoli Plants: 8/15- 9/15 • Cabbage Plants: 8/15- 9/15 • Carrots: 8/15- 10/15 • Cauliflower Plants: 8/15- 9/15 • Chard, Swiss: 8/1- 10/15 • Collard/Kale: 8/15- 10/1 • Cucumber: 8/1- 9/1 • Eggplant Plants: 7/15- 8/1 • Lettuce (leaf): 9/15- 10/15 • Muskmelon (Cantaloupe): 7/15-8/1 • Mustard: 9/15- 10/15 • Peas, English: 8/15- 9/15 • Peas, Southern: 7/1-8/1 • Pepper Plants: 7/1- 8/1 • Potatoes, Irish: 8/15- 9/15 • Pumpkin: 7/1- 8/1 • Radish: 9/15- 10/15 • Spinach: 9/1- 10/15 • Squash, Summer: 7/15- 8/15 • Squash, Winter: 7/1-7/15 • Tomato Plants: 7/15- 8/1

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July-August 2016

ADRENALINE JUNKIES ET noodlers rack up another tournament win… without giant whiskered fish By Matt Williams Outdoors Writer

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ance W. Lowery of Mt. Vernon and Mike Williams of Sulphur Springs have wrestled with dozens of fat cats since they began noodling for the piscatorial titans several years ago. They’ve won a bunch of the battles. Not surprisingly, they have lost a few of them, too. “Sometimes there just isn’t anything you can do,” says Lowery. “These fish get big and they are powerful. Sometimes they blow right past you down there or they just get loose. I think of them like a NFL linebacker. If they hit you in hit you in the chest, you’re not going to stop them. Everything has to go just right to make it happen, and even then there are no guarantees. A lot can go wrong down there.” Sometimes called grappling or just plain ol’ hand fishing, noodling is primitive fishing in its purest form. It involves sticking your hands or feet into underwater washouts, stump cavities, beneath concrete boat ramps or any other place where a big catfish might take refuge to spawn. Big flathead and blue catfish are extremely territorial and protective of their spawning dens. So much that they will attack any-

thing that invades their space. That’s the idea behind noodling - to provoke the fish into clamping down on a gloved hand so you can yank it out of the spawning den and ultimately wrestle it back to the boat. Lowery and Williams were having a good time noodling on a undisclosed lake on July 15 when their day suddenly got better. They were competing in a 24-hour Northeast Texas Noodling Championship, an organized competition that allows contestants to fish any Texas public lake. Teams were allowed to bring three live fish to the designated weigh-in site at Lake Fork Resort near Alba. The anglers who call themselves “Team Bite Me” had already landed several big fish, including a 63 pounder, when they motored to another sweet spot marked on their GPS screen. The spot consists of an large underwater stump away from the bank, in the mouth of a cove, in about eight feet of water. They knew the stump held some promise because they had caught big fish there before. The two men anchored the boat and descended on the stump as a team. Lowery was the first man down and placed his hand and arm into the hole where it was too dark to see. “I didn’t feel anything - no fish, nothing,” Lowery recalled. “At

Courtesy photo

Lance Lowery of Mt. Vernon with the 81 pound flathead catfish that he and Mike Williams of Sulphur Spring pulled from an underwater stump cavity during the Northeast Texas Noodling Championship held July 14-15. Team Bite Me won tournament with three fish weighing 148.3 pounds. first I thought the hole was empty, but we decided to check it again.” On the second dive, Lowery said he placed his foot and leg inside the cavity. That’s when the big fish bit. “She hit me hard,” Lowery recalled. “The fish swallowed my shoe and had its lips wrapped around the lower part of my calf. It happens like that a lot with those big op (flatheads). They’ll bite and hold on, whereas a big blue cat will bite you several times and then let go.” At that point the teamwork and technique rehearsed dozens of times over since the two men began noodling together fives year ago paid off once again. “Mike was right there beside me, so he knew exactly what had happened,” Lowery said. “When the fish grabbed my foot, I pulled it out of the hole and we both grabbed it. Once my foot was free we pulled its head up into my belly and I wrapped my leg around it. Courtesy photo Then we brought it to the surface.” The anglers hoisted the fish on Mike Williams of Sulphur Springs was the chief eleca scale and it weighed 81 pounds. tronics technician on the Deepwater Horizon oil drillAt that point, they tied the fish off ing rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. His to an underwater stump and continued checking different spots character will be portrayed by actor Mark Wahlberg in until it was time to head to the an upcoming movie, Deepwater Horizon, that will be in tournament weigh-in. theaters this fall. Williams said the big fish didn’t

appear to doing very well when they went back to retrieve it, so they elected to release it rather than risk killing it. The angler said the cat’s color wasn’t good and it was acting somewhat fatigued. “It’s really hard to keep these big fish alive sometimes, especially when the water temperatures get up around 90 degrees,” Williams said. “We already had three big fish, so we figured we were in pretty good shape, anyway. It’s just just not worth it to us to risk killing one if we can help it. We’d rather release them so we can catch them again.” The anglers’ strategy played out perfectly. The combined weight of their three cats totaled 148.3 pounds and earned them the NETX championship title for the fourth consecutive year. Lowery and Williams, both 44, make an interesting team. Lowery is an insurance salesman with Buford-Redfearn in Mt. Pleasant. Williams is a movie star of sorts who feels lucky to be alive. Williams was the chief electronics technician on the Deepwater Horizon, a massive offshore oil drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010, killing 11 crewmen and resulting in the largest oil spill ever in U.S. waters. Williams survived the incident

by jumping 10 stories off the rig into a burning ocean littered with oil, grease and diesel. The disaster inspired the creation of a movie - Deepwater Horizon - that will begin playing in theaters this fall. Directed by Peter Berg, the movie was created around a $150,000,000 budget and features a long list of well-known talent .Williams’ character will be portrayed by Mark Wahlberg. Lowery said he met Williams through a mutual friend roughly 10 years ago and they have been fishing and hunting together ever since. Both men are hardcore archers during the fall, but come spring their attention turns to the whiskered denizens of the deep. “It’s an absolute adrenaline rush,” Lowery said. “For us it’s the same feeling we get when a 250300 pound boar comes in on you at night. You can’t see him, but you can smell him and you can hear him popping his jaws. You feel like your heart is about to explode. We get that same feeling when we’re noodling. It’s truly amazing.” Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by e-mail, mattwillwrite4u@yahoo.com.

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Top fishing products named at ICAST 2016 By Matt Williams Outdoors Writer

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ishermen like to dream big when it comes to tackle and other gadgets, and word on the street is ICAST 2016 was loaded with products to tease the wildest of imaginations. ICAST is short for the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades show. It’s the largest tackle show in the world and serves as a launching pad for manufacturers to introduce new products, make valuable contacts and ultimately strike up lucrative business deals with buyers for the coming year. Held July 12-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the 59th annual ICAST show hosted hosted more than 700 exhibitors and attracted more than 15,000 members from the global fishing industry who came to check out the newest and greatest in gear, accessories and apparel. There is always a ton to see at ICAST, but the show’s biggest buzz is always linked to the New Product Showcase. It’s a friendly-but-always-fierce competition that offers industry manufacturers the opportunity see how their newest wares stack up against others in a variety of categories. According to American Sportfishing Association communications director Mary Jane Williamson, the competition in this year’s product showcase was brisk as always, with more 1,000 tackle products and accessories entered by more than 240 companies into 24 “Best of Show” categories, all with the goal of earning the coveted Overall Best of Show title. Here is a list of the winners: Overall Best of Show: Minn Kota Ultrex (Trolling Motor)

Best of Show – Freshwater Rod Product: St. Croix, Legend Glass Rod Contact: stcroixrods.com

Best of Show – Eyewear Product: Costa Rafael Contact: costadelmar.com

Best of Show – Saltwater Rod Product: Lew’s Mach Speed Stick/Inshore Rod Contact: lews.com

Best of Show – Fishing Accessory Product: Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Contact: yeti.com Media Contact: Brittany Hodill brittany.hodill@backbonemedia.net

Best of Show – Fly Fishing Rod Product: St. Croix SOLE Contact: stcroixrods.com Best of Show – Freshwater Reel Product: Team Lew’s Custom Pro SLP Contact: lews.com

Best of Show – Fly Fishing Accessory Product: Boomerang Retractable Fly Box Contact: boomerangtool.com

Best of Show – Saltwater Reel Product: PENN SLAMMER III Contact: purefishng.com Best of Show – Fly Reel Product: Pflueger President Fly Reel Contact: purefishing.com Best of Show – Hard Lure Product: Savage Gear 3D Suicide Duck Contact: savagegear-usa.com Best of Show – Soft Lure Product: Squidnation Longtail Flippy Floppy Contact: squidnation.com Billed as a “No Compromise” brute, the Ultrex is advertised to provide the best of the several worlds in that it combines the durability and power of the company’s popular cable-drive Fortex model with the high tech brains found in some of the company’s other premium units. “We’ve combined the reliability and responsive ‘wiredto-the-water’ feel of our tournament-proven Fortrex with the GPS technologies of i-Pilot, i-Pilot Link, and Spot-Lock electronic anchoring,” said Brad Henry, Minn Kota Brand Manager. “It’s the best of both worlds.” Some of the Ultrex key features include: * Power Steering - A precision gearing system allows for effortless control and responsiveness, even when the unit is being operated at higher speeds. * Steering Lock - Enables you to maintain a current boat heading with foot-free operation. * Spot Lock: Once engaged, Spot-Lock automatically maintains the boat’s current position you are fishing, culling or changing baits. It’s great for offshore fishing situations. * The unit also features lift assist, a Fortex mono arm bracket, Bluetoot-enabled i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link, digital maximizer, Universal Sonar 2, composite shaft and a durable Weedless Wedge prop. Available in 24 volt, 80 pound thrust and 36 volt ,112 pound thrust models in varied shaft lengths. MSRP, $2,199.00 - $2,799.00. minnkotamotors.com.

Best of Show – FishSmart Product: EGO Kryptek S1 Genesis Medium Clear Landing Net Contact: adventureproducts.com

Best of Show – Lifestyle Apparel Product: Under Armour Men’s UA Fish Stalker SS Contact: underarmour.com Best of Show – Technical Apparel Product: Frabill I-Float Suit Contact: frabill.com Best of Show – Boating Accessories Product: MINN KOTA ULTREX Contact: minnkotamotors.com

Best of Show – Footwear Product: Shimano Flats Wading Boots Contact: fish.shimano.com Best of Show – Giftware Product: Weego Jump Starter 44 Contact: myweego.com Best of Show – Kids’ Tackle Product: 48” Starter Rod Combos Best of Show – Line Product: P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon Contact: p-line.com Best of Show – Tackle Management Product: Cobra Garage Door Storage Rack Contact: cobrastorage.com Best of Show – Terminal Tackle Product: Trapper DropShot/Live Bait/Finesse Hook Contact: trappertackle.com

Best of Show – Boats Product: Old Town Predator PDL Contact: johnsonoutdoors.com Best of Show – Combo Product: Lews Mach II Speed Spool Combo Contact: lews.com’ Best of Show – Electronics Product: Humminbird HELIX 10 SI Contact: humminbird.com

Are you a team player? Do you love outside sales? Are you committed to giving the best customer service possible? If so, then submit your resume to the Palestine Herald-Press. We’re looking for the perfect fit in our Advertising Sales Department to lead sales efforts in our monthly Farm & Ranch publication. We also have other sales opportunities through our daily newspaper, magazines, websites, direct mail products, special sections, and digital entities. You’ll be a part of a hardworking, goal oriented team that has fun every day! Outside sales experience a plus, but not necessary. Positive attitude and good work ethic a must. Only apply if you are eager to take on the challenge and gain the rewards of newspaper advertising sales! We offer a competitive base plus commission plan. Benefits include Health, Dental, Vision, 401K. The Palestine Herald-Press publishes a printed newspaper five days per week and online seven days a week at palestineherald.com. In addition we publish the Herald-Press Xtra, community magazines, digital products and numerous specialty publications.

Email cover letter and resume to jmienk@palestineherald.com

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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July-August 2016

Strategic design for a home garden By Jennifer Miller Corsicana Daily Sun

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They designed a system out of two 50-gallon barrels they purchased at At-

wood’s. Each barrel has a water hose connected to it that runs directly into PVC pipe laid out in the rows of tomatoes. Now the water goes directly to each plant and liquid fertilizer can be added to the barrels as an extra source of nutrients. Basil plants are also strategically placed among the rows of tomatoes, because Sharlet learned during the course of her research that it is a wonderful companion plant to tomatoes. The strong smell from the basil attracts butterflies and bees which help the pollination process and also deters pests. The couple garden year-round and say Texas gardeners are fortunate to have two growing seasons here. Some states just have one. “We are in between seasons at the moment and we are getting ready for fall planting,” Sharlet said. In the time of waiting and preparing, both of them work in the kitchen preserving harvest for a later use. From peeling and freezing tomatoes for later use in stews and chilis, to making blackberry jam, they attempt to get the most use out of everything produced. Tony is known by family and friends for his one-of-a-kind salsa, made from homegrown tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Like many gardeners in Navarro Coun-

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rowing things at home is a family tradition for Navarro County couple Tony and Sharlet Stephenson. Both of them grew up around farming and were raised with an appreciation and love for plants. But through their decades of personal experience in planting and harvesting, they have learned that sometimes there are better ways to garden than what they were taught long ago. “We have always used tomato cages purchased at Wal-Mart and Tractor Supply to brace our tomatoes,” Sharlet said. “This year, we had an idea to try a cattle panel supported by T-posts, and it has been so successful we will never go back to tomato cages.” “You can get a 16-foot-long and 50-inch-tall cattle panel for under $20,” Tony said. “We space the tomato plants three feet apart, which allows us to get between five and six plants on each cattle panel.” And at the Stephenson’s garden, nothing goes to waste. They use old T-shirts and cut them into strips to tie the stems from the plants onto the panel. Water is another thing the couple thinks differently about. “We were tired of wasting so much water with sprinklers and water hoses,” Sharlet said. “So we installed a drip-irrigation system for our tomatoes this year.”

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ty over the last year, flooding has been a major obstacle. The Stephensons say when it’s not the rain causing trouble, it can be grasshoppers or drought. Throughout all the years of home gardening, there has always seemed to be something to overcome. But the two take it all in stride and say the benefits far outweigh the hassles. “We will always garden because we love to know exactly what is in our food,” Sharlet said. “It’s also really nice to just be able to run out back and pick your dinner instead of driving all the way to town to purchase it. The key is getting smarter and more efficient with the process as you go.” jmiller@corsicanadailysun.com soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

July-August 2016

Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy

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Life at the Farmers Market By Adam Russell Contributing writer

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morning breeze ruffled the flaps of a circus-type tent bustling with customers buying locally produced goods from honey to banana bread to zucchinis and freshly shelled peas from the farmers who produced them. The Tyler Farmers Market was alive with activity on a Saturday as producers officially welcomed new and returning customers for another season. It’s a time of year when thousands of producers around the state utilize farmers markets and pop-up stands to reach consumers. Producer David Claiborne, of Jacksonville, has been involved with the Tyler Farmers Market since its inception in 1983. The interest in the market has grown among

local consumers and farmers despite a reduction in the number of producers operating in the area over the past three decades. “It’s been a win-win for producers and their customers,” he said. “East Texas is a hotbed for farming and the market gives farmers a location to bring their produce to town and sell direct to consumers, and for consumers it allows them a place to buy locally grown vegetables in many cases harvested the day before they are sold.” Dr. Marco Palma, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in College Station, said farmers markets continue to gain popularity among consumers for a variety of reasons. Palma said research shows people want to live healthier lifestyles and are making conscious decisions about the food they consume. On a national level, Palma said the num-

ber of farmers markets has increased to more than 8,000 in 2015 compared to 340 in 1970. The Texas Department of Agriculture has 130 to 150 registered markets on file and Palma said it is safe to assume there are other pop-up markets around the state. “People want to support their local economy or they want that connection with the farmer and knowing where their food comes from,” he said. “There is growing interest in the origin of food and knowing where and how food is produced. There is also a portion of consumers who purchase certain products for health reasons or even to the point of showcasing social status.” Despite the factors that play a role in the national, state and local marketing of farmers markets, Palma said “taste is still king.” Customers return to products that look and taste good despite marketing practices that attempt to make a product stand out,

such as labeling as organic, pesticide free or “Earth friendly.” Many times, consumers can taste products at the market.

For producers, farmers markets eliminate the middleman, which can provide better opportunity for profits and prices for consumers, he said. It also allows producers to interact with consumers and “sell” their product’s attributes on a one-on-one basis. “Connection is important,” Palma said. “Customers recognize the farmer and a relationship develops.” Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension small-acreage vegetable specialist in Overton, said the connection, knowing the name and face of the person who grows the produce, and the interaction between consumers and producers is a major component in the success of farmers markets and positive farm-to-table trends. Masabni said many customers will return year after year to specific farmers for products they know, trust and enjoy. Those relationships and direct sales opportunity can greatly impact a small producer’s viability and long-term success. “Farmers markets are a way for produc-

ers to sell their products at a premium price and value, and oftentimes I hear they are sold out by the end of the day,” he said. “So they can make good money by selling directly to consumers who are receiving fresh, oftentimes premium produce.”

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy

July-August 2016

Keeping it natural on the farm By Rich Flowers Athens Daily Review

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almer Oaks Farm, located in the Crescent Heights area west of Athens, produces a variety of crops each year, that the family uses for its own consumption, with a little extra to sell or give away. Jim Palmer and his wife Biola have 19-and-a-half acres on County Road 1405, not far from State Highway 31. “It’s mostly trees,” Biola Palmer said. “I consider it a hobby farm.” The Palmers have lived in the area since 2009. Before that, they spent about 30 years on the mission field in Nicaragua. There they helped some of the locals learn to raise the agricultural items they needed to feed their families and take care of their needs. When he’s not on the farm, Jim serves as a mission strategist. At the Palmer’s farm, the animals interact freely on the property. “The animals are mixed together the way God intended,” Biola Palmer said. The chickens go through and manage the garden eating bugs and other undesirable matter. “Chickens like greenery and new grass,” Biola Palmer said. Guinea hens also patrol the yard. They’re

one of the few natural predators of fire ants and keep the tick levels down. “They eat their weight in bugs,” Biola Palmer said. The Palmers keep a few goats on the farm. The farm produces a few vegetables, like tomatoes, okra and squash. “All of the tomatoes, I can for ourselves,” Biola Palmer said. “All of the green beens, I can for ourselves” The Palmer Oaks Farm often sets up a booth at the Athens Farmer’s Market. They sell some of the surplus from their garden and other things as well. Biola buys peaches from local orchards and cans spiced peaches. She grinds some of the peaches and uses them to make peach tea. Biola also makes squash bread and other baked goods. “I do a little bit of everything. I’m an author and I’ve got my books that I sell there,” Biola Palmer said. On the farm, Palmer raises Zinnias and Sunflowers, which are also sold at the market. The Palmers make their own manure tea and compost tea that they use for fertilizer. What the Palmers can’t raise themselves, they like to buy locally. “People should buy locally to help their neighbor,” Biola Palmer said.

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From city slickers to organic farmers By PennyLynn Webb Community@palestineherald.com

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wo years ago, Calvin and Karyn Medders decided to make some major changes in their lifestyle. The couple was living in Houston, Calvin working as a consultant with chemical plants and Karyn as a CrossFit trainer. “We always had a garden, but found ourselves looking for more ways to have control over our food sources,” said Calvin. They decided to search for land where they could grow their own food. That search began in Bryan, led them to Huntsville and ultimately to Grapeland. “We ended up farther east then we had intended to go, but we found a place we thought was just so beautiful,” said Calvin. “We also loved the rich agricultural history of Houston County.” Their farm, Chubby Dog Farm, was established in Grapeland in July 2013.

“We wanted to see how hard it was to do things by hand, so we actually plowed our first garden with a hand plow,” said Calvin. “I mean, think about it, tractors release all kinds of chemical emissions along with oil and fuel leaks.” Two years later, the couple’s farm is almost self-sustaining, with the couple only having to make purchases for items like organic fertilizer. “It’s been very challenging,” said Calvin. Calvin continues to work from home as a consultant, while Karyn is up with the roosters, starting her farm chores early during the summer months. She tries to be inside by the noon hour, due to the heat, working on projects like canning until late evening, when the couple works together to feed and water the animals before calling it a day. While the farm is named after Bella, the couple’s chubby little dachshund, dogs aren’t the focus of their farm. They actually grow organic vegetables year round and raise goats and chickens. Their newest venture is heritage breed

pigs, forested, non-GMO and non-soy feed from Texas Naturals. They hope to have this pork ready to sell by this winter. Most of their meals are coming from the fruits of their own labor, with a complete farm-to-table experience. “I’d say 80 percent of what we eat is coming from our own farm now,” said Calvin. Not only are the couple eating their own bounty, so are their livestock. “We’ve had a lot of people approach us about purchasing portions of our vegetable crops, like our cucumbers, but then our chickens and other animals would miss out on the nutrients that we worked so hard to put into our produce and pass onto our stock,” said Calvin. The couple try to freeze and can a great deal of their crops. “Imagine how much better the food you are growing and canning is for you than the cans of food you purchase in the store with ingredients that you can’t even pronounce and you have no idea what they are for,” said Calvin. The couple is utilizing local farmers markets to get the farm’s information out to the public, selling delicious homemade breads, granolas, eggs, kale, bread-andbutter pickles and other easy-to-package farm products. Even if you don’t purchase produce/farm products from Chubby Dog Farms, the Medders encourage you to shop produce locally. “People who live in this area have a lot of access to locally grown produce,” said Calvin. “We try to encourage everyone we know to buy their produce locally. You can purchase in bulk, especially toward the end of the growing seasons.” To find out more about Chubby Dog Farm, check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Chubby-DogFarm-181176238729479/?fref=nf or call them at 936-687-5978.

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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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July-August 2016

Local agriculture business emphasizes on service By Deanna Kirk Corsicana Daily Sun

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armers can’t rely on the weather, but they need to be able to rely on their equipment. When the weather is right and it’s time for planting or harvesting, the last thing a farmer needs is for a machine to break or go down and render him lame. Smith Ag Service, at 1506 S. Seventh St., Corsicana, recently opened for business. Shawn and Sherrie Smith, owners, have three full-time employees and one parttime. The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. The building, which once housed the John Deere dealership owned by Steve Stroube, was then taken over later by John Jennings as a repair shop for tractors and implements. Constructed in 1948, the Smiths now have a family-owned and operated business there once again, with their children rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to help. “We sell agricultural products from nuts and bolts, to hitch pins to hydraulic oil and everything in between,” said Shawn Smith. “We also buy and sell used agricultural equipment of all types and makes. We

service all makes of tractors and equipment from lawn mowers to big tractors and the equipment they use.” The Smiths believe their superior customer service is what gives them the edge over their competitors. Both Shawn and Sherrie have worked in the service industry, and know true service of customers is hard to find in this day and age. “We pride ourselves on servicing the customer,” Sherrie said. The Smiths were looking for an opportunity to get back into the agricultural field, and thought about purchasing an existing dealership. “We soon realized we could build one and we found the perfect building with the perfect background and history,” Shawn said. “We were blessed to be able to buy it, so here we are.” The most popular item they sell is lawnmower parts, and the service they have the most call for is replacing clutches in tractors. What’s next for Smith Ag Service? “We hope to secure a dealership with an international agricultural manufacturer,” he said. dkirk@corsicanadailysun.com

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July-August 2016

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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Jacksonville Ag course offered in August Inaugural East Texas Fruit and Vegetable Conference to cover array of topics Special to the Jacksonville Progress

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he inaugural East Texas Fruit and Vegetable Conference will offer professional and amateur producers tips on everything from wildlife management to vegetable and fruit production and marketing. The event will be Aug. 19 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1710 Farm-to-Market Road 3053 in Overton. There is a $30 fee for individuals and $50 for couples. The deadline to register is Aug. 1. There is an additional $5 charge for late registration. The program offers three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education credits. Registration for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program begins at 8 a.m. followed by an 8:45 a.m. discussion on wildlife management and controlling wild pigs by Dr. Billy Higginbotham, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Overton. Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist, Overton, will discuss the use of aquaponics systems for production, followed by beekeeper Gus Wolf, Big Sandy. Concurrent educational sessions for producers and homeowners will begin at 12:45 p.m. following a free lunch.

Randy Reeves, AgriLife Extension agent, Gregg County, and Chad Gulley, AgriLife Extension agent, Smith County, will moderate the producer and homeowner sessions, respectively. The sessions include:

For producers: • 12:45-1:30 p.m. Vegetable production, Lowell Tanksley, of Tanksley Farm, Quitman. • 1:45-2:30 p.m. Stone fruit production, Elizabeth and Brady Johnson, Cooper Farm, Fairfield. • 2:30-3:20 p.m. Marketing, Kim and Randy Snider, Snider Farms, Neches.

For homeowners: • 12:45-1:30 p.m. Backyard grape and muscadine production, Justin Scheiner, AgriLife Extension viticulturist, College Station. • 1:45-2:30 p.m. Integrated pest management, Masabni. • 2:30-3:20 p.m. Figs, David Creech, director of the Stephen F. Austin University Gardens, Nacogdoches.

Activity Center, 526 E. Commerce St. Please RSVP by Monday, August 22nd, for meal planning, to 903-683-5416 Registration fee of $10 with checks/ money orders made payable to: Cherokee Beef and Forage

(1-General) Darren Rozell, Rozell Sprayer Manufacturing - 11 a.m. Vaccines & Fly Control (1IPM) Jill Smock, Elanco - Noon Lunch

- 8 a.m. Registration Begins - 9 a.m. Management of Cool Season Forages (1-General) Dr. Vanessa CorriherOlson, Assistant Professor & Forage Extension Specialist - 10 a.m. Precision Spraying—Utilizing GPS, Foam Markers & Other Technology

- 12:30 p.m. Herd Health/Vaccination Schedules Dr. Jason Banta, Assistant Professor & Extension Beef Cattle Specialist - 1:30 p.m. Adjourn

A tour of an aquaponics greenhouse will follow the sessions at 3:30 p.m.

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n Jacksonville, a course to earn 3 CEU hours for the Texas Department of Agriculture is being offered on Aug. 22. The session will be at the Norman

UPCOMING EVENTS Nacogdoches: • August 5-6: The 13th Annual Great Texas Mud Race will once again feature many of the baddest mud racers in the nation competing in side by side mud drag & mud bog competitions! Visit www.teammotorjam.com for more information.

Fairgrounds Arena/750 N. US Hwy 287. More information: www.unitedbuckingbulls.com

jefferson: • August 27-28: Jefferson Gun & Knife Show. Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin, Jefferson, Texas. Contact Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for further details.

Neches Wilderness Canoe Race: August 6th: The Toughest “Little Race” in the Republic of Texas! “There is absolutely nothing like Neches...unpredictability of it.....” says Erin McGee, a U.S World Cup Kayaker and regular race entrant. From leisure to professional class. Call 903-571-4221 or visit necheswildernessrace.com.

Anderson County: August 20: United Bucking Bull, Inc. “Battle of the Bull” Futurity, Derby, Classic, Youth Futurity Final & Rhinestone Renegades Womens Futurity. Anderson County

grapeland: • Labor Day Weekend: The Annual Bluegrass Festival; Bluegrass Weekend & Gospel Music Festival Visit www.salmonlakepark.com for information about all the festivals at Salmon Lake Park.

FARM & RANCH CLASSIFIEDS To advertise here, contact Lezlie Hoover at 903-729-0281 or email lhoover@ palestineherald.com

Athens: September 17: Come enjoy the day at the Courthouse Square in Athens as we celebrate the Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival from 10am – 2pm.

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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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July-August 2016

Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy

The Bull-Dogger HIGHLIGHTS: • Bulldogging is also known as steer wrestling and was invented by Bill Pickett, a legendary cowboy from Texas. Bill was born in 1870, and was one of thirteen children whose parents were former slaves. • Bill began his career as a cowboy after finishing the fifth grade. He would put on a show with his riding and roping skills, taking donations in a hat. He and his brothers started breaking horses for money in 1888, in Taylor, Texas. Bill then started doing shows in Texas and throughout the West. • Bill, also known as “The Dusky Demonâ€? and “ The Bull-Dogger,â€? came up with the idea of bulldogging by watching cow dogs bite the lips of cattle to subdue them. This is also how the rodeo sport got its name. • Bulldogging is a rodeo event where a horse with a rider chases a steer, the rider drops from the horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground by twisting its horns. Though the practice did not last long, in the early days of bulldogging the rider bit the lip of the steer the same way that a cow dog would. Speed and

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strength are important factors in this event, along with timing and balance. Signing on in 1905, Bill was one of the stars of the 101 Ranch Wild West Show in Oklahoma, later becoming a full time ranch employee of the 101 Ranch in 1907. He also became the first black cowboy movie star, starring in the films The Bulldogger and The Crimson Skull. In 1908, he moved his wife and children to Oklahoma to the 101 Ranch. Later performing in Canada, Mexico, South America and England. He was often identified as an American Indian to be allowed to compete. Bill Died in 1932, as a result of injuries received from working with a bronc horse at the 101 Ranch. Bill was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall Of Fame in 1972, into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1989, and into the National Cowboy Hall of fame and Western Heritage Center in 1993. In 1994 the United States Post Office issued a stamp in his honor, though the stamp accidentally had a picture of one of Bill’s brothers instead of Bill.

EAST TEXAS ANDERSON CO. LIVESTOCK Updated: 7/20/2016 Head Count: 132 Buyers: 21 Sellers: 31

BREAKING BULLDOGGING CAREER CATTLE CHILDREN COWBOY DONATIONS EMPLOYEE EVENT FORMER HORSE IDENTIFIED INJURIES LEGENDARY

STOCK PRICES EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK INC. Updated: 7/19/2016 Cows: 151 Bulls: 23 Buyers: 41 Sellers: 182

STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.50-$2.50 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.38-$1.53 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.27-$1.43 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.18-$1.35 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.10-$1.32 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.00-$1.31 lb

STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $138-$240 305 lbs - 400 lbs: $138-$202.50 405 lbs - 500 lbs: $123-$149 505 lbs - 600 lbs: $118-$144 605 lbs - 800 lbs: $111-$139

HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.40-$1.95 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.30-$1.27 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.17-$1.30 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.10-$1.25 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.00-$1.20 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $0.95-$1.15 lb

HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $130-$230 305 lbs - 400 lbs: $118-$150 405 lbs - 500 lbs: $115-$140 505 lbs - 600 lbs: $111-$136 605 lbs - 800 lbs: $110-$132.50 SLAUGHTER Cows: $57-$78 Bulls: $81-$94

SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.60 - $0.76 lb Bulls: $0.75 - $0.98 lb

PAIRS NO TEST

PAIRS $875 - $1600

BRED COWS $825 - $1650/hd

Stocker Cows: $825 - $1450 hd Goats: $45 - $200 TRI-COUNTY LIVESTOCK MARKET Updated: 7/23/2016 Head Count: 978 STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.40-$1.83 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.30-$1.75 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.20-$1.48 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.15-$1.45 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.10-$1.37 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.05-$1.24 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.20-$1.35 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.15-$1.35 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.10-$1.37 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.05-$1.48 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.00-$1.40 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $0.95-$1.40 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.50 - $0.77 Heavy Bulls: $0.84 - $0.98 Pairs: $1500 - $1600 Stocker Cows: $800 - $1200 Baby Calves: $100 - $150

OKLAHOMA PICKETT PRACTICE RIDER RODEO ROPING SPORT STEER TAYLOR TEXAS THIRTEEN WORKING WRESTLING

NACOGDOCHES LIVESTOCK EX. Updated: 7/21/2016 Head Count: 663 Buyers: 38 Sellers: 101 STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.45-$2.00 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.38-$1.85 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.20-$1.42 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.05-$1.32 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.35-$1.90 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.25-$1.60 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.10-$1.57 lb 500 lbs - UP: $0.90-$1.33 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.50 - $0.75 lb Bulls: $0.75 - $0.95 lb PAIRS $875 - $1700 Stocker Cows: $750 - $1450 hd Baby Calves: $45 - $200 hd Horses: $0.15 - $0.35 Goats: $305 - $225 hd

HUNTS LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE Updated: 7/18/2016 Head Count: 666 huntlivestockexchange.com STEERS 200 lbs - 299 lbs $1.10-$2.20 lb 300 lbs - 399 lbs: $1.00-$1.91 lb 400 lbs - 499 lbs: $1.05-$1.47 lb 500 lbs - 599 lbs: $0.98-$1.41 lb 600 lbs - 699 lbs: $1.00-$1.37 lb 700 lbs - 799 lbs: $0.95-$1.29 lb 800 lbs - 899 lbs: $1.10-$1.27 lb HEIFERS 200 lbs - 299 lbs $1.20-$2.20 lb 300 lbs - 399 lbs: $1.20-$1.91 lb 400 lbs - 499 lbs: $1.10-$1.60 lb 500 lbs - 599 lbs: $1.00-$1.31 lb 600 lbs - 699 lbs: $1.05-$1.30 lb 700 lbs - 799 lbs: $0.95-$1.21 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.40 - $0.73 lb Bulls: $0.76 - $0.91 lb PAIRS Pairs: $600 - $1400 Stocker Cows: $500 - $1475 Baby Calves: $100 - $210

ATHENS COMMISSION CO. Updated: 7/22/2016 Head Count: 832 Sellers: 157 Sale EVERY Friday At 11am STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.00-$2.00 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.00-$1.80 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.00-$1.60 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.00-$1.45 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.00-$1.75 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.00-$1.75 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.00-$1.45 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.00-$1.35 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.40 - $0.84 lb Heavy Bulls: $0.70-$0.99 lb PAIRS Top: $1000 - $1600 Low Middle: $700 - $1000 Stocker Cows: $1000 - $1600 Baby calves: $50 - $425 hd Horses: $35 - $650 hd Goats: $25 - $150 hd

This report is a GUIDE only. It is provided to show market trends and is NOT INFLATED to deceive producers or the general public.

Gone Fishing with Jerry Miller

July-August 2016

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy

15

Perfect conditions for summer bass fishing B

ass fishing in the summer has its highs and lows. One day may be slow, with the bass in a negative mood, and the next day they may go on a feeding spree. Last week Frank Lusk and Mike Smith fished Lake Athens for about six hours and caught 15 bass. One of their most productive areas that was close to the ramp didn’t produce a single bass. Lusk said, “I knew it was going to be tough because the shad weren’t there.� When the baitfish are absent, so are the bass. When you encounter this situation you are wasting your time. It’s best to move on to a new area. Lusk and Smith also had another big problem. The south wind was gusting up to 25 mph. They were very limited to where they could fish. Despite the high wind Smith managed to land a big bass out of a deep brush pile.

This week I asked Smith how he caught the bass and exactly what it weighed. Smith said, “We were fishing the canal near the dam. There was a boat house there that I knew had brush out in front of it in 12 to 14 feet of water. I was throwing a black and blue Sienko on a Texas rig. I caught a twopound bass first. On the next cast I stuck the big bass. Next thing I knew the sucker went air borne. Then he went around the motor. I hollered for Frank to help me! We didn’t have a dip net, so Frank reached over and grabbed her by both hands. The bass weighed 9.72 pounds on Frank’s scales.� Smith said this was his third largest bass caught. He had caught a 10.8 pound bass on Lake Nacogdoches and a 10-pound even bass on Lake Fork. Lusk and I fished Lake Athens the very next day with a mild wind and overcast skies – the perfect conditions for summer

bass fishing. We landed 31 bass up to five pounds. We started fishing in the very same place where they had struck out the day before and caught several bass in the one to two pound range on a 5� black and blue flake Sienko. The conditions had changed – there were shad roaming all over the area. Afterwards we stopped on a hydrilla point further up the lake. I found this spot a few years back and knew it was capable of producing good size bass up to six pounds or better. We weren’t disappointed. Lusk was the first to make contact with a two-pound bass. We caught several bass in this area including a five-pound bass that also bit a black and blue Sienko. These bass were holding on the outside edge of the hydrilla that dropped from about 5 to 8 feet deep. At one time I picked up my rod with a 1/2 oz. Rick Clunn spinner bait and caught two

bass just outside of the grass line. Anytime the wind is blowing into the grass line on a cloudy day I always will try out my spinner bait. About 8 a.m. we saw a few schooling bass out in the open bay area. We chased schoolers

for about a half hour and landed 5 or 6 on a white Fluke. A Fluke attached to a hook with a belly weight is a great bait for schoolers. Our next stop was at the dam where we continued to catch more bass on the outside edge of the hydrilla in 8 to 10 feet of water. I switched to a 1/2 oz. jig in a bream color and caught two nice bass. Later on we ended back up at the same grassy point we had fished earlier and caught a few more bass on worms. I am convinced that the main reason we caught so many bass by noon that day was because of the weather conditions. A 10-mile-an-hour wind coupled with overcast skies is the perfect condition for summer bass fishing. Jerry Miller may be contacted at:Â gonefishing2@suddenlink.net

Food Safety: It’s in your hands T

he “Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)� was revised and updated as of October 11, 2015. A major change in the revision now requires all food employees to complete an accredited food handlers training program within 60 days of employment, effective September 2016. A food handlers course accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services is being offered by the Anderson County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Food Safety: It’s In Your Hands is scheduled for August 17 starting at 1:30 at the Palestine Senior Center (200 N. Church Street, Palestine). This 1-2-hour course will now be required for all food service employees to help promote the service of safe food. The certificate is good for 2 years and is valid anywhere in the State of Texas. The course is a basic overview of food safety practices that are necessary to ensure that safe food is served at your establishment. Practices discussed include good personal hygiene, cross contamination, and time and temperature abuse. To register for the course, call the Extension office at (903) 723-3735 by August 12th. The cost is $20.00 per person and must be paid in full before the course begins.

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It’s HOT outside! Make sure your livestock and other animals have enough FRESH WATER to drink.

DID YOU KNOW?

ONE Horse drinks 5-10 gallons per day. ONE Cow drinks 25-50 gallons per day. ONE Goat drinks 2-10 liters per day.

ALL OUTSIDE ANIMALS DRINK MORE IN THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS!

Please report livestock neglect or abuse to your local Sheriff’s Department

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

16

Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy

July-August 2016

Herb Farm: Green Acres is the place to go By Jo Anne Embleton jembleton @jacksonvilleprogress.com

W

hether for business or for personal gardening, Larry Rawlinson wants Green Acres Herb Farm to be known “as the place to go.” And so far, it’s working. “Everybody says this is the place to go for herbs,” said Rawlinson, who last year took over the reins of the Mount Selman nursery launched nearly 20 years ago by his father, Kenneth. The venture came several years after Larry started growing herbs and vegetables in New Summerfield, and the men were selling them at the Dallas farmers market. “I mentioned to my pop about finding a location somewhere on the side of the road where we could sell from,” he recalled. Soon after the elder Raw-

to make a giant leap of faith. “It was our first time as retailers, so we didn’t know how it would go,” he said, adding they began with stock leftover from his wholesale business’s seasonal sales. “We put up a sign and started building the greenhouses, and once we did that, I opened through the summer and ran it until Christmas. Then my dad took over from there, and I went back to my wholesale operation in New Summerfield,” Larry said. Word spread about the new herb business in Mount Selman, and gradually, people began flocking from Tyler, Longview, Lufkin, Nacogdoches and Palestine. “They drove all the way over here to buy our plants,” Larry said. “Once word got out that (the plants) were pretty and healthy, that ‘they helped us,’ (customers) let other people know, and within a few years it

Green Acres Herb Farm is located on U.S. Highway 69 North in Mount Selman, in Cherokee County, just north of Jacksonville. The nursery is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Nursery operator Larry Rawlinson can be reached at 903-284-9580. linson, a Jacksonville real estate agent, “this came up for sale,” Larry said. “This” being a six-acre tract that fronts U.S. Highway 69 in Mount Selman, in the northern part of Cherokee County. At the time, the men weren’t too sure how things would go, but they decided

was pretty much going strong.” While some local growers offer herbs for sale at farmers’ markets in the area, Green Acres is the only nursery of its kind in the immediate area. It offers about 30 varieties of herbs, but Larry said he plans to add more cooking herbs, scented herbs

and medicinal herbs, since people ask about them. “We get calls about a lot of varieties I haven’t heard of, but people are just wanting to try them, to see what it’s like. That’s why I want to carry a certain amount (of these herbs), and then when they’re gone, they’re gone,” he said. “But I’ll send folks to places that I know of around here if I don’t carry something, like to Joe Smith Plant Farm (in Jacksonville) or Hughes Plant Farm between here and Tyler. And they’ll tell

people about me.” Basil used to be the most popular plant requested, but as customers have learned to grow them successfully, many have taken to growing it from seed, he said. However, when warmer weather arrives, bringing insects around – especially mosquitos – he starts getting a lot of inquiries about plants to help keep them in check. “They want to know what works, or telling me what they’ve read or heard, and they come in looking for those plants to buy,” he said. “I’m glad there are things out there letting people know (about plants), that give them the history. Experimenting has helped me out in my business, and when they come in, if they can find it, they’ll buy it.” Another popular type of plant he carries is lettuce,

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which he said he began growing at the suggestion of a woman he knew through church. “She stopped in and told me ‘You ought to sell lettuce.’ And I said, ‘Lettuce?’ and she said yes. I told her I would give it some thought,” he said. A week later, he recalled, “I ordered 10 different varieties of lettuce,” creating a four-variety combination of 4-inch pots set inside a larger tub, he said. “I put them out, and

everybody went crazy over them,” Larry said as he pointed to a table behind him. “I had that full of lettuce and people just kept taking pictures, they were just amazed. They couldn’t believe it. They wanted to find out what I had in there, it was all green, they didn’t know what it was.” As a result, Christmas sales went well that year because people were not only buying the lettuce for themselves, but giving it as gifts, as well, he said. While many customers stop in to buy for themselves, others have discovered the bounty at Green Acres to share. Mostly, it’s the folks who

arrive with instructions from friends and family to bring certain plants with them when they visit, although people with business connections also have tapped into the nursery as a source. “One lady helps get restaurants established by helping them out with food connections. She’ll come in here and buy some herbs to take to someone to get them started in cooking with fresh herbs. I’ve also got folks who come in and buy (plants) for landscaping in the Tyler area,” he noted. “I’ve got a new one this year, her mother is in the business working for this company and they came and bought $340 worth of herbs to landscape with in Tyler.” This word of mouth advertising has been priceless, not only because it draw in customers, but because it has created a reputation of Green Acres Herb Farm as one with quality plants, especially among landscapers. He described the sign he someday hopes to place outside the nursery, one that plays on the name of a popular 1960’s sitcom called “Green Acres,” in which the theme song describes it as “the place for me.” Laughing, he sings the altered lyrics as he mimics the display of his future sign: “Green Acres is the place to go.”

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