July 2015 East Texas Farm and Ranch Living

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Raising a Buzz for Bees and Butterflies AUSTIN— The Lone Star State is celebrating birds, bees, butterflies and bats this week in celebration of National Pollinator Week, which signifies the importance of pollinators to not only the ecosystem, but to the economy. “Now, more than ever, people are recognizing the importance of pollinators to the wellbeing of ecosystems and our economy; as well as, the easy steps we can all take to protect these important species,” said Ben Hutchins, TPWD Invertebrate Biologist. “Roughly one third of all the food we eat is because of pollination that happened in a farmer’s field Annually, bee-pollinated crop are estimated to add more than $15 billion to the U.S. economy. In North America, most plant pollination is carried out by bees, and the act of pollination itself is a service worth an estimated $3 billion annually. This cause is getting high profile support.

Last month, Governor Abbott signed a proclamation marking June 15-21 at Pollinator Week in Texas. “Pollinators come in all shapes and sizes,” said Gov. Abbott in his proclamation. “While the iconic honeybee is the most well-known, moths, wasps, beetles, butterflies and birds share the load of spreading the pollen that helps plants grow healthy and strong. These creatures help maintain a beautiful and healthy ecosystem.” Unfortunately, bee populations around the country, both native and introduced have been suffering some worrisome declines related to competition with non-native species, loss of habitat, weather, and disease. Researchers and bee-keepers across the United States have reported the loss of 30-40% of honey bee colonies, with some localized areas experiencing even more loss. Wild, native bee populations are harder to

monitor, but researchers continue to report widespread decline in native bee species, including the probable extinction of several species. But news isn’t all bad. Big things are happening at local, state, national, and multi-national levels, giving pollinator conservationists a cause for optimism. Last February, President Obama met with his Mexican and Canadian counterparts at a North American Leaders Summit. The three leaders agreed to form a tri-national working group to identify conservation needs for an iconic pollinator that is close to the hearts of Texans: the monarch butterfly. TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith is serving as the state wildlife agency representative on a high-level working group comprised of representatives from multiple federal agencies and non-government organizations tasked with creating a nation-

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al monarch conservation plan. Similarly, TPWD is creating a state monarch conservation plan to identify current conservation needs and efforts that entities throughout the state can join in to conserve habitat much needed for the monarch butterfly migration. “Though the threats facing pollinating insects are substantial, I’ve never seen so much public interest in the protection of invertebrate species,” said Hutchins. “If our pollinators are to recover from the declines that we’ve been witnessing, it will be thanks to the efforts of not only federal and state agencies, but individual Texans doing their part to make Texas a more pollinator-friendly environment.”

Food for thought ~ Worth Considering B

ack several years ago—more like 50 plus—lots of farmers, backyard gardeners and plain city folks canned tons of food for later use. Texas A & M home economists did great work in local communities across the state in organizing the canning events. Many canning clubs had their own buildings and needed equipment for members use. Most canners used jars—but some used tin cans--for fruit, vegetables and meats. Canning clubs are making a comeback in many areas. Local folks that want to use abundant local produce see canning clubs as a way to put up food for later use—and spend some time visiting with friends and neighbors. If you have an interest in looking at the possibility of a canning club being organized in your community, there is a magazine article to read first. I was in a Tractor Supply store recently and picked up a copy of “Out Here”, a quarterly magazine sponsored by the stores. A great story

inside on canning clubs, titled “Saving the Season”. It’s well written and raises the question of why we should look at this new opportunity, from the olden days. County Extension Agents and the local county judge should be good starting places if there is a real interest in restarting a canning club. Ah, the bureaucrats never quit! A move is underway, with the backing of beef checkoff con artists, to raise the national mandatory fee to $2 a head sold. In Texas, this would amount to $3 a head. And again, Farm Bureau, TSCRA and other likeminded so-called “farm organizations” will be touting the merits of the increase. For many years as travelers enter the city of Hawkins, north of Tyler, they see a sign with the wording, “Jesus welcomes you to Hawkins”. The sign was made by high school students in a shop class. Citizens of Hawkins like the sign and there have been no complaints until recently. Then a Wis-

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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

consin-based group, “Freedom From Religion Foundation” declares the sign unconstitutional and says it must be removed. Hawkins city officials say it is not their sign—so why not let well enough alone! The liberal, no-nothing, news media continues to condemn “police brutality” against young people, too often taking the side of the lawbreakers rather than being objective. Read this gem the other day, and think it worth sharing. “The real problem isn’t policy brutality. The real problem is we now have an entire generation of spoiled, entitled brats, who believe rules and laws don’t apply to them. And they are backed up by parents who refuse to be parents and hold their “little kiddos” accountable for their behavior. When these kids grow up to adulthood, their attitudes will be the same.” That’s –-30—Horace@valornet.com.

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Safety in the Field; It’s Important

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ould you guess that farming is the most hazardous industry in the nation? You would be correct, according to the National Safety Council. Every year, thousands of farm workers are injured and hundreds more die in farming accidents – most of which involve machinery. Other health and safety hazards on farms include chemicals, pesticides, dust, electricity, grain bins, hand tools,

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livestock handling, ponds, heat and toxic gases. Creating, maintaining and communicating clear policies regarding all aspects of your farming operation is a great start to ensuring farmwide safety. Vulnerability Factors Age is the most critical factor in the occurrence of farming accidents. Hazards that may affect children and the elderly are the most important to have under control for any principal farm

operator. You can start by making a conscious effort to increase your awareness of farming hazards and prepare for emergency situations. These dangers include fires, vehicle accidents, electrical shocks from equipment and wires, and chemical exposures. OSHA Tips The Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers the following tips on how you can foster a safer farm

environment, which will lead to higher morale and productivity in your workforce. • Read and follow instructions in equipment operator’s manuals and on product labels; • Inspect equipment routinely for problems that may cause accidents; • Discuss safety hazards and emergency procedures with your workers; • Install approved rollover protective structures, protective enclosures, or

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protective frames on tractors; • Review and follow instructions in material safety data sheets and on labels that come with chemical products; and • Be aware that methane gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide can form in unventilated grain silos and manure pits, causing explosions or suffocating workers.

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

The dead sheep

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here’s been a dead sheep out in Brent’s wheat field for a month. Emilio had a band of ewes on the corn stalks across the road. I reckon that one got hit by a car. The sheep have moved on. Brent plowed his field. Plowed around the carcass. Now it is sort of mouldering into the earth. I see it every time I drive to town. Nobody pays much attention to it. It’s rural out here. But we had company last week. Town folks. They seemed a little upset that we’d just drive by a dead sheep day after day and not give it a second thought. It reminded me of my trip to the nation’s capital. The parks and sidewalks speckled with people, beggars and winos. I couldn’t help but notice them. Where do they live? How much do they make a day holdin’ out a cup? Do they sleep in the park? When I expressed my concern about these ragged folks, the locals seemed surprised. They hadn’t given it much thought, they said. Welfare or the soup kitchens, they guessed. This human flotsam was just part of the landscape, like bus fumes and potholes. I wonder what sort of furor would erupt if there was a dead sheep at the corner of 9th St. and Pennsylvania Ave.? Would they

just haul it off or would there be an investigation? Would it be a police matter, the State Department, Department of Agriculture, the local human society? In small towns a homeless person stands out like a dead sheep on the White House lawn! I would like to think they would be offered help. I do know they wouldn’t fade inconspicuously into the woodwork. They would, at the very least, get a lot of attention. They might even get arrested as vagrants! Sometimes country compassion comes with a price, “We’ll get you fixed up and get you a job.” Maybe, just maybe, some of these drifters don’t want jobs. Maybe they prefer the anonymity of big cities where no one cares, but at least no one makes any demands. Do people become more civilized when they move to the city? Or do they become more civilized when they move back to the country? I don’t know the answer to that. But I guess I could go drag that ol’ sheep off. I thought if I waited long enough the coyotes or United Way would take care of the problem. ‘Course maybe the sheep likes it there. www.baxterblack.com

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Doctor receives land conservation award profit organization devoted to private land conservation, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as part of its Lone Star Land

By JENNIFER SHERIDAN reporter@palestineherald.com

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nderson County resident Dr. Robert McFarlane was recently awarded the Leopold Crystal Award for his efforts in land conservation, according to a release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. McFarlane is a resident in Tennessee Colony and owns a bottomland hardwood habitat on his ranch, The BigWoods (sic) on the Trinity River. He started his conservation efforts of the land 20 years by buying property. “It’s nice to get an award,” McFarlane said. “You don’t do anything to get one but it’s nice to know that other people acknowledge what you’ve done has some value and it wasn’t totally crazy. When you follow your passion, good things usually happen if you stick to it.” The doctor accepted the Leopold, the state’s highest honor for private land conservation, and a check for $10,000 at the 20th Lone Star Land Steward Awards dinner in Austin on May 6. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award is conferred each year by Sand County Foundation, a non-

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Steward Awards program. In Texas, the Leopold Conservation Award Program is sponsored by the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation, DuPont Pioneer, The Mosaic Company and the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation. McFarlane or “Doc” as he’s known to friends began his quest in 1995 with an initial purchase of

1,500 acres 90 miles southeast of Dallas along the Trinity River near where he hunted and fished as a kid. Since then he has pieced together an additional 6,000 acres of river bottom, open marsh wetlands and upland hardwoods. A practicing cardiologist in nearby Palestine, McFarlane named his BigWoods after William Faulkner’s 1955 novel by the same name. When McFarlane acquired the property, it was highly-fragmented and over-grazed. During the last 20 years, he has worked tirelessly to enhance the aquatic resources on the property and the terrestrial systems that are associated with them using adaptive management strategies. “It was such a big project,” McFarlane said. “I just wanted a place to go in the woods and I had been fortunate as a kid because I had access to a lot of property where I liked to hunt. Eventually, the various pieces were all sold or they cut the timber. So for the first in my life since I was a teenager, I didn’t have a place to go on the river bottom. That, to me, was always the most special land around here, and I wanted to buy a relatively much smaller piece of property, but land started coming up for sale over the fence. I just didn’t stop (he slightly laughed as he spoke) until I run out of money, as you can say. So it wasn’t

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planned it was just one of those things that happened.” In addition to improvements on his own property, McFarlane has reached out to neighboring landowners in an effort to conserve habitats throughout the Trinity River Basin. He founded the Middle Trinity River Conservation Cooperative (now Trinity Waters) and served as president for five years, according to the release. An avid duck hunter, much of McFarlane’s work has focused on waterfowl. He is dedicated to long term stewardship and has secured perpetual conservation easements on the property through the Natural Resources Conservation Service Wetland Reserve Program and Ducks Unlimited. “I’ve just learned how to create duck habitat, manage duck marshes, and I’ve learned a lot about deer biology,” McFarlane responded when asked how he fixed up the land over the last 20 years. “Duck hunting and black dogs have always been passions of mine. I did what I enjoy and I ended up with The BigWoods.” On his property, McFarlane raises black labrador retrievers that he uses while hunting. He said he will be using the $10,000 for dog training.

See CONSERVATION, Page 16

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

It’s Tomato Time!

Contributed Photos by Alyssa Massingill

Folks flocked to downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, June 13, for the 31st Annual Tomato Fest. Vendors could be seen as far as the eye could see down Commerce Street, and several events were offered, as well. The fest also included a classic car and a motorcycle show. Of course, the main attraction were the locally-grown tomatoes — in the red and green varieties. Other farm-fresh vegetables were also sold, including onions, squash and cucumbers!

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PESKY PESTS!

East Texas officials offer suggestions for warding off common parasites By Jo Anne Embleton jembleton@ jacksonvilleprogress.com

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s ranchers prepare their stock for the summer months, there aren’t just the obvious concerns of what to feed their animals or where to let them pasture, but that of pests and parasites, as well. “Rainy conditions can contribute to increased populations of internal and external parasites,” explained Smith County extension agent Ashley Pellerin. “Most parasites thrive in warm, humid climates. Unless we are in a drought situation, spring and summer conditions in East Texas are ideal for larval growth and development of many internal and external parasites – many of these pests can carry and transmit harmful diseases while they are taking their blood meals.” Like household pets, livestock are susceptible to external pests such as fleas and ticks, even flies. “Flies are a nuisance and can cause the animal to exert unnecessary energy trying to repel the flies instead of eating. Some flies, like the horn fly, don’t just irritate livestock, they actually take blood meals from the animals similar to the way a mosquito takes blood meals,” she explained. Then, ranchers in these parts must battle the dreaded fire ant, a species native to South America that “were accidentally introduced into the U.S. around the 1930’s through the port of Mobile, Alabama,” according to the website www.tamu.edu. “It is not uncommon for landowners to find fire ant mounds in their pastures,” Pellerin said. “Fire ants are omnivorous, feeding mostly on selected insects. They are attracted to areas of moisture and electrical units. Manure is moist and can contain larvae and other insects that they like to eat. During time of flooding, fire ants don’t drown. They will get together and form a ball and float until they reach dryer land. As the waters recede, the floating colony will settle in any dry spot until

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soil is available.” Internal parasites that can plague livestock are the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), found in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. “It draws blood by attaching itself to the lining of the rumen and taking blood meals,” Pellerin said. “If left untreated, animals can lose weight, become anemic and potentially die.” Coccidian – another parasite – is found mainly in younger animals but can be a problem in adult animals with compromised health, she said. “If pests are not controlled, problems can range from minor inconveniences to expensive treatments to death,” she added. Extension agents recommend ranchers to use an Integrated Pest Management approach to controlling pests, which combines “cultural, biological and chemical control methods together to efficiently and effectively control pests,” Pellerin said. She explained that a cultural approach to control pests “focuses on things the farmer can do. such as keeping stables and barns clean, keeping wounds properly dressed and cleaned, etc.” With biological control, beneficial insects or animals are employed to keep the pest population under control. “For example, the parasitic wasp lays its egg in immature fly larvae, and the wasp larvae eat the fly larvae from the inside out as it develops,” she said. While effective, use of chemical control should be a rancher’s a last resort, Pellerin said. This ranges from sprays, dips, pour-ons, dusts and injectables to medicated feeds, insecticide ear tags baits and boluses that can also be used to treat pests, she said. Before getting started with chemical control, however, “it is imperative that you properly identify the pest you are trying to control so you don’t waste money,” she said. “A fly is not just a fly – there are different types. If you need help identifying a pest, please contact your local extension office for help.”

Fundraiser raises money for Children’s Village Every year, the Tyler Saddle Club hosts a benefit show funding a safe haven for children. For over 32 years, the Tyler Saddle Club has hosted a major fundraiser for The Children’s Village Home. The home, started in 1980, is a large house that gives foster care to neglected, abused and abandoned boys and girls from the area. “I want them to learn what’s it’s like to have a family, because ultimately I want to teach them, when they have a family, here’s what you do,” executive director Kathy Steinocher said. The house is very much a home, with bed times, play time and even a house mom and dad. Steinocher said that young couples come to head the Christian led home, giving an example of what a traditional family would look like to children who might not see it. “We’re very much a Christ centered organization,” Steinocher said. “When kids come, they don’t know anything about praying or God or Jesus. They’re little kids too, and so it’s fun to see them grow in their walk with Jesus.” Their time spent in the home helps them to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be in a family according to Steinocher. She said they work on basic skills such as manners and social skills as well as working towards excelling in academics, all while waiting to either be adopted or returned to their original homes. The children are able to spend their time with their surrogate family the way a normal family would interact, eating dinner to-

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gether and playing outside. “We do a lot here,” Steinocher said. “I don’t want to raise our children to think that you have to go somewhere or that you have to spend money to have fun. We have a nice playground, and we have bicycles and scooters and big wheels and we have all those things and we have a lot of fun right in our own back yard and I think that’s important for children to learn.” While most of the fun is had right in their own back yard, one of the events the family attends is the benefit show which was held June 20. The show featured ranch trail, riding and reining and several other family friendly activities. According to Penny Clarkston, a member of the club, all of the funds raised are donated for this worthy cause. Steinocher said that due to sponorships from the event, the Children’s Village earned around $7,000 to $8,000 in addition to the donations given by the Saddle Club. The funds are used for the daily needs for the children at the village including clothes, camp expenses and other summer expenses. “It was a really fun event,” Steinocher said. “They had covered wagon rides and the kids were able to be led around on a horse. They all had a really great time.” The next fundraiser for the Children’s Club will be an Olive Garden dinner in September. More information can be found on their website at childrenvillageoftexas.org

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

Trends in Equipment

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hile not at the level of the 2011 boom, farm equipment buying in 2013 and 2014 has chugged along at a steady rate. The annual business outlook survey of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers showed a modest 2.8 percent increase for the 2014 buying season after a 2.8 percent boost in 2013. According to a report by Western Farm Press, the global market for Agricultural Implements and Machinery is projected to reach $122.9 billion by 2017. The market is set to offset sluggish progress in the developed world with growth forecast for developing economies. Asia-Pacific represents the largest as well as the fastest growing regional market, while plowing and cultivation machinery is expected to register the fastest growth across all segments. So what’s behind the spending splurge? Farmers are investing their increase in net incomes in the premium products they may have passed on in less profitable seasons. Even in the face of expenses in other areas, farmers are opting for GPS autoguidance packages, remote vehicle monitoring systems and heavy duty tractors equipped with tracks in place of less-expensive wheeled vehicles.

Tractors Most of the spending activity is within the large commercial farm equipment sector. Large row-crop tractors, fourwheel-drive tractors, combines, sprayers, cotton harvesters and planters and being scooped up as farmers continue the trend of moving to bigger equipment. The AEM reports that farm consolidation has required farmers to cover more acres in a season, which makes larger machinery a valuable piece of the productivity puzzle. Even if labor supply dips, large tractors and combines can prove critical cogs in a farmer’s system. Trends Farm Equipment’s 2014 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends survey shows a United States farming community leaning toward technology-guided equipment. Based on the percentage of dealers who expected unit volumes of specific equipment to increase in 2014, farm loaders took the top spot at 94.7

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percent of dealers’ choice for increasing unit sales. GPS and precision farming equipment also was in the mid90s, while lawn and garden products, windrowers and round balers ranked highly.

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EAST TEXAS ANDERSON CO. LIVESTOCK Updated: 6/17/2015 Head Count: 185 Buyers: 26 Sellers: 27

STOCK PRICES EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK INC. Updated: 6/16/2015 Cows: 206 Bulls: 33 Buyers: 51 Sellers: 172

STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $2.80-$3.85 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $2.65-$3.25 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $2.50-$2.91 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $2.31-$2.80 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $2.15-$2.43 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.85-$2.05 lb

STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $390-$485 305 lbs - 400 lbs: $355-$365 405 lbs - 500 lbs: $280-$306 505 lbs - 600 lbs: $235-$284 605 lbs - 800 lbs: $210-$275

HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $2.60-$3.25 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $2.42-$3.11 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $2.30-$3.00 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $2.10-$2.45 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $2.00-$2.59 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.65-$1.95 lb

HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $355-$445 305 lbs - 400 lbs: $290-$317.50 405 lbs - 500 lbs: $245-$305 505 lbs - 600 lbs: $215-$276 605 lbs - 800 lbs: $190-$210

Livestock Market Report

SLAUGHTER Cows: $89-$121 Bulls: $122-$144

SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.75 - $1.19 lb Bulls: $1.15 - $1.35 lb PAIRS $1400 - $3000

PAIRS $2450 - $3000 BRED COWS $1800 - $2900/hd

Stocker Cows: $975 - $2900 hd Goats: $45 - $200 hd TRI-COUNTY LIVESTOCK MARKET Updated: 6/20/2015 Head Count: 603 STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $2.20-$4.75 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $2.10-$3.75 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $2.00-$3.10 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.90-$2.75 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.85-$2.35 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.70-$2.30 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $2.10-$3.80 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $2.05-$2.73 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $2.00-$2.59 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.85-$2.45 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.80-$2.10 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.65-$2.13 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.80 - $1.26 Heavy Bulls: $1.20 - $1.41 PAIRS Pairs: $1900 - $2000 Stocker Cows: $1300 - $2000 Baby Calves - None

NACOGDOCHES LIVESTOCK EX. Updated: 6/18/2015 Head Count: 300 Buyers: 46 Sellers: 66 STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $2.85-$4.10 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $2.62-$3.80 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $2.30-$3.35 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.95-$2.77 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $2.55-$4.00 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $2.40-$3.80 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $2.20-$2.75 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.68-$2.70 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.75 - $1.21 lb Bulls: $1.10 - $1.38 lb PAIRS $1400 - $3150 Stocker Cows: $1125-$3000 hd Baby Calves: $75 - $400 hd Horses: None Goats: $45 - $200 hd

HUNTS LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE Updated: 6/15/2015 Head Count: 550 huntlivestockexchange.com STEERS 200 lbs - 299 lbs $2.35-$4.50 lb 300 lbs - 399 lbs: $2.09-$3.95 lb 400 lbs - 499 lbs: $2.00-$3.25 lb 500 lbs - 599 lbs: $1.55-$2.69 lb 600 lbs - 699 lbs: $1.55-$2.45 lb HEIFERS 200 lbs - 299 lbs $2.15-$3.60 lb 300 lbs - 399 lbs: $2.30-$3.35 lb 400 lbs - 499 lbs: $1.90-$2.90 lb 500 lbs - 599 lbs: $2.10-$2.60 lb 600 lbs - 699 lbs: $1.85-$2.50 lb 700 lbs - 799 lbs: $1.83-$1.93 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.82 - $1.17 lb Bulls: $1.15 - $1.37 lb PAIRS $1320 - $3450 Stocker Cows: $900-$2225

ATHENS COMMISSION CO. Updated: 6/19/2015 Head Count: 624 Sellers: 164 Sale EVERY Friday At 11am STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $2.00-$4.25 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.90-$3.90 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.80-$3.30 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.70-$2.75 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.90-$4.00 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.80-$3.50 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.70-$3.00 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.60-$2.75 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.60 - $1.20 lb Heavy Bulls: $1.15-$1.41 lb PAIRS Top: $2000 - $2900 Low Middle: $1000 - $2000 Stocker Cows: $1.25 - $2.20 lb Baby calves: $100 - $750 hd Horses: $100 - $600 hd Goats: $35 - $175 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.

Fourth of July Fireworks at Texas Freshwater Fisheries ATHENS, Texas - The annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) will be Saturday, July 4. TFFC will be open for regular paid visitation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission for the fireworks show will start at 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to fish in the stocked casting pond until 8:30 p.m. No license is required to fish, and bait and tackle are furnished for free. The fireworks will begin about 9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and people are encouraged to bring picnics. KCKL (FM 95.9) will broadcast patriotic music during the show. Pets, alcohol and private fireworks, including “snap caps� and sparklers, are not allowed. TFFC is a tobacco-free facility, and smoking or the use of tobacco products are not allowed on the premises. The fireworks show is sponsored and paid for by the City of Athens, local businesses and individuals. The fireworks show is directed and produced by Alpha-Lee Enterprises, Inc., of Liverpool, Texas, and is a Keep Athens Beautiful event. Contributors include: City of Athens, The Cain Foundation, First State Bank, Kim Hodges, Steve and Susan Sparkman, Charlie and Cindy Akin, Lance and Kathryn Etcheverry, Dan and Kathleen Chaney, Stephen and Karen Jones, Carol and Pat Wallace, Lake Athens Property Owners Association, Thad and Lisa Hardin, Athens Bank/The First State Bank, John and Felecia Cain, Jones Clough Ranch, Michael and Nan Clough, Prosperity Bank, Nell and Neal Velvin, Ellen Key, Peggy and Bob Gould, Bryon and Tamara Lichtenberg, Bill and Carmen Hunt, William Goodwin, Charles and Carletta Ramsey, Stuart Guthrie, James Oesterreicher, Nancy Strain, McCord Properties, Dalton Family Properties, Tom and Becky Abbott, Robert W. Bushnell, Jess and Susan Laird, Tim and Tracy Maxfield, Wilson S. Jaeggli, Mamie Stafford, Rick and Marsha Stroupe. Parking is available in the main TFFC parking lot and in an overflow parking area on Peninsula Point Road. Persons using the overflow parking area may enter through Gate C, which is across the street from the parking area. For more information or directions, call (903) 676-2277.

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Cooking Wisely

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LIP SMA

This recipe was previously published in May o however, with this being the peak of barbequ and the 4th of July right around the corner I t would be fitting to use it once more. People in take great pride in their southern roots that is

Rub 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning 2 tablespoons pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

ACKIN’

of last year ue season thought it the south just a giv-

RIBS

en. I may be hot as all get out be we still like to cook out on the grill. The following recipe takes a little effort but the pay off is well worth the wait. There are three steps to this recipe. Rub, basting sauce, and serving sauce

Combine first four ingredients; rub on all sides of ribs. Hint..... the secret is the basting sauce......... the more you use while cooking; the better the ribs will be. BASTING SAUCE Makes about 4 1/2 cups 3 cups red wine vinegar 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup water 3/4 cup ketchup 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup prepared mustard 2 tablespoons black pepper 1 to 2 tablespoons ground red pepper or dried crushed red pepper (to taste, careful - a teaspoon may be plenty) Combine all ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, one hour. SERVING SAUCE Makes 2 cups 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted 1 cup ketchup 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup steak seasoning 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 2 tablespoons liquid smoke Cook onion and garlic in melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, five minutes or until tender. Add ketchup and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes.

Mike Pederson 4x10 06250090121

Family-owned farm & ranch supplier By JENNIFER SHERIDAN reporter@palestineherald.com

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his month’s spotlight featured business is AG General. It’s a family owned place where ranchers and farmers can come to anything for feed to gardening needs. Kent and Maurien DeShazo acquired the business in November 2008. They purchased it from someone who opened the store located off Texas 155 in 2001. They primarily offer livestock feed and ranch supplies, according to owner Kent. Their feature feed comes from a mill in Ft. Worth, Hometown Feeds. The store carries feed for all kinds of livestock and wildlife. Kent gave the example of poultry, swine, horses, cattle, game birds, deer, birds, sheep, goats, and pet food as some of the feed they offer. Their secondary source of feed comes from

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Cargill, an international company. In addition to the other two suppliers, the DeShazos consider themselves suppliers for the business. The couple grows and produces the square and round bails of hay that is sold at the store. They own a ranch in Elkhart. “I do everything there is to do related to growing grass,” Kent said. “Then I personally bail it as well. So we supply the store with all of the hay needs.” Another thing the couple personally provides to sell at the store is grass-fed all natural beef. Kent said the beef is USDA inspected and the store has been selling it for four years. He said they raise their own cattle then have some processed to offer the meat at the store. The meat is a limited supply and the store is currently out of stock while Kent is raising calves to restock. At the store there is a greenhouse to the side where this year the couple started seeding of the plants the store sells in the spring. Kent said they

have seeded tomatoes, peppers, squash, and all varieties of the plants. Maurien added that there is also cucumber. “Anything that we feel there is a demand for some of the starter plants in relation the vegetables we actually grow over here and supply those,” Kent said. “We also have seeds for people who want to grow their own. We supply all types of bulk seeds. We are big into the gardening aspect of it.” Maurien added that the store carries packets of seeds in addition to the bulk supply. Along with seeds, the store sells fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, all types of health products for livestock, and spray equipment for larger or small acreage. In the fall, the couple brings in their avid hunter son-in-law who advises customers on what to grow for the deer and other information related to healthy deer for the season. Kent was born in Anderson County. His wife’s family is originally from Anderson County. The couple has been in

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the county for their entire with the except of time spent in the corporate world, Kent claimed. He spent 30 years in the business world which took the couple to different places. Both of the owners have college degrees in the medical field. Maurien has a degree in medical records and administration, which is now know as health information management. Kent has a degree from A&M University in animal science and a pharmacy degree. When he started as a pharmacist, he worked at Old Town Pharmacy. His wife worked at Anderson County Memorial. Both of their children were born at the hospital. “We like to think we bring some of the background in knowing and understanding the local ranch environment and livestock environment coupled with a formal education of different areas coupled with 30 years in the corporate business world to local livestock feeding and production in the area,” Kent said. “I think we prefer ourselves to offer a little bit different type of service and product here. We are the producer and the manufacturer. That makes us a little bit different than Tractor Supply or some of the other folks around.” Kent’s and Maurien’s families have been farmers in Anderson County for over 100 years. Maurien’s maiden name is Carroll and her family has been farming and ranching in Tennessee Colony. Kent’s mother was a member of the Coleman family that has been in the industry since the 1800s. “We are continuing to carry on the family tradition of farming and ranching and at the same time supplying some of those products through the farm and ranch feed store,” Kent said. While farming and ranching along with running the store is taking up most of their time, Kent said he is enjoying his retirement from the corporate world. He said the couple plans to join the Palestine Chamber of Commerce. “The organizations are to come, we just need time to do it.” Maurien said. “I have the applications for the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups we would like to join and now that I have time we will be getting to it,” Kent said. “Of course, we have been supporters of the Youth Livestock Show in different aspects since we bought this place. We support kids from other counties as well as our own. Those that buy their feed and products from us we usually gave a donation as an add-on after the show is over. We people who come from Houston, Anderson, Smith, and Henderson Counties. We are the East Texas provider.”

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

Gators & Snakes on the Move Game warden advises caution on area bodies of water By Jay Neal sports@jacksonvilleprogress.com

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rea lakes and rivers are usually a source of fun in the sun for fishermen and boaters and the like, and while they skill can by, even in these times of high water conditions, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Eric Collins, who is based in Cherokee County, said extreme caution should be used by all. “Area lakes are full, and while that is good, the water is several feet above normal in some cases and that makes for hazards under the surface of the water,” he said. “When on the water you can’t always see the underwater hazards, such as stumps.”

Collins said accidents can be easily be avoided, however. “If boaters will just slow down a little bit and now more than ever, wear a life jacket,” Collins stated. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, wearing a life jacket will save a person’s life if there is an accident on the water. We seldom recover a drowning victim that is wearing a life jacket.” Another potential danger Collins warns of is also a result of the area having one of the wettest springs in recent times. “When the creeks and the flood plains are full (of water), snakes and alligators are forced out of their natural habitat for survival,” Collins said. “When this happens, it is not uncommon to see an

alligator in a stock pond and snakes much close to houses than they normally would be found.” Collins said that alligator sightings are, perhaps, more common in the counties of Cherokee, Anderson and Smith than some people realize. “We get gator calls

from Mud Creek, the Reklaw area, parts of Lake Palestine and from all along the Neches River,” said Collins. A potential life-altering outcome for humans is not difficult to prevent, according to Collins. “Gators and snakes around here are generally not aggressive,” he said. “They want to be left alone, so if you see a gator or snake, the best thing to do is leave it alone. “Once the water starts to go down, gators and snakes will return to their natural habitat in the river bottoms and flood plains.

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High water in local and area lakes, creeks and rivers has in some cases forced snakes and alligators to seek higher ground. Residents living near bodies of water should keep an eye out for these unwanted guests and avoid them if seen.

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Fair Play: Goat Gossip

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nother Freestone County Fair Breeding and Market goat shows are over and done with for 2015. I would like to congratulate all of the contestants for their hard work, perseverance, and fortitude in presenting their animals and competing fairly and in a sportsmanlike manner. There were plenty of great animals and great showpersons entering and competing in the show ring. Some were better than others and that’s a given in any show. The older contestants are more experienced in presenting their animals and some goats stand out in the ring and even an inexperienced Judge will notice that. As with any market goat show some older contestants presented their goats into higher placings and some younger contestants with better animals were placed lower than some folks expected but all in all this observer considered the judges of both shows fair and thorough in their examination of the animals presented and the basic rules of fair play were observed. That is the true beauty of Youth shows, the ability to compete on a level playing field by all contestants. The ability of the Judges to examine and compare and pick the best in the individual classes, and then to pick the best of the best in the championship drive with no prejudice or favoritism. On any given show day the grand champion could be a 75 pound Doe or a 110 pound market wether. On any given show day the grand champion may be presented by a senior in high school or a seventh grader in middle school. These youngsters are highly competitive too. Their intensity remains all the while they’re presenting their animals in the show and in the showmanship competition. No one can doubt their dedication to giving it their all in competition just as an athlete would. They train and care for their animals and themselves just as hard as any other sportsman would. You want to know about that goat they’re showing? They can tell you all about it! How much it eats, how many laps around the yard being lead trained, every detail is noticed and noted and some youth contestant’s knowledge about goats can be plumb encyclopedic! If you don’t believe me then just ask their parents! If you want your children to learn what it’s like to raise and care for animals, grow with them and other like-minded youngsters by participating in animal husbandry and other crafts that can draw and keep their interests and offers them a way to compare their skills and knowledge then enroll them in your local 4-H or FFA programs. 4-H is much more than just animals, it is also citizenship, communications such as public speaking, photography, and theater, consumer and family life skills, environmental and earth skills such as learning of environ-

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mental resources and outdoors skills like shooting sports and field and stream knowledge, the list is great and too long to list here. Even many inner city schools have 4-H and FFA programs and if they don’t have one then it’s your right as parents to inquire about getting a chapter or club started. My fellow Texans can go to http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ to learn all about Texas 4-H and https://www.texasffa.org/ to learn more about Texas FFA. Let’s all work together to help children grow and learn by encouraging them to participate in something that will get them out of the house and into programs that can help with their growth. They’re gonna be the leaders somedayand we all want them to succeed. The East Texas Goat Raisers Association would like to invite one and all to their 2015 Summer General Membership Meeting and Learning Experience at the ETGRA Home Place scheduled for Saturday, July 11th starting at 10 a.m. We’re proud to announce that Dr. Frank Pinkerton, The Goat Man, will give an intimate discussion and Q&A session for the learning experience. There will be a FREE pot luck lunch (Your delectable dishes are always welcomed and shared) offered followed by possibly MORE goat talk and the general membership meeting, we’re flexible! For more information e-mail Gwen VanderMartin at dewgoats@gmail. com. A map to the ETGRA Home Place can be found at http:// etgra.com/etgra/scan0001.jpg or directions at https://www. facebook .com/notes/easttexas-goat-raisers-association/ directions-to-the-etgra-homeplace/925554017488657 and signs will be placed on the road to find our home place. Ya’ll come on out and talk goats with Doc Frank and enjoy good fellowship and food with your fellow Goat Folks! The East Texas Goat Raisers Association Youth invites all youth participants and their loved ones to their Youth market and commercial doe show on July 18th in Fairfield Texas at the Ike Carden Arena. Entries on the day of the show are $20. Showmanship is $5 entry with 1/2 cash payout for first place. There will be prizes for second and third. All ETGRA

Youth members get an additional $3 off entries. Kelly Edwards Clark is the judge. Market goat classes will be broken down into weight classes. Doe classes will be broken down into Junior- baby teeth, Yearling 1 year teeth, Senior 2 year teeth and older. Showmanship will be done between the market goats and does. 1/2 cash payout for First, prizes for second. For more information contact Valre Leger, phone: 409273-4243 or e-mail: izzydum1@yahoo.com. Directions to the Ike Carden Arena can be found at this link: https://www.facebook.com/notes/east-texas-goatraisers-association/directions-to-the-ike-cardenarena-in-fairfield-texas/925551130822279. The East Texas Goat Raisers will have its Fall Open Sale in the middle of September at the Ike Carden Arena in Fairfield, Texas. Exact date and details to be announced. Go to http://etgra.com/?page_id=65 for the sales rules. The Louisiana Meat Goat Association is having its North Louisiana Showdown ABGA show on Saturday,

September 12th at the State Fairgrounds, 3701 Hudson Avenue, Shreveport, La. There will be two ABGA shows with LMGA awards being awarded in the second show. Ms. Kathy Daves Carr will be judging the first show and Mr. Jason Brashear the second show. There will be four classes added to the second show, Commercial Does, wethers, Any Other Breed Does and Any Other Breed Bucks. The AOB animals must be registered with a breed association. I suppose that these classes are added to accommodate the Youth competitors who own and show other breeds of goats but I like the concept! They have a Facebook events notice at https://www.facebook.com/ events/103514513324085/ . Be advised that there are sponsorships available. Contact Clifford Hebert by e-mail at dirtroadfarms@live.com or phone 337-3701673. Them lively Louisianans hope to see ya’ll there! That’s all I’ve got for now. The wonderful rains continue and we had a few dry days between until tropical storm Bill hit. It seems as though the rain

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is getting sparser now that summer is coming on. Continue to show due diligence as far as parasite control goes. Don’t let the goats get down before you do something and have to use more medications to bring them back. We have gone to FAMACHA checks at least once every two weeks or so and worming as needed. Please continue to buy papers or magazines and support their advertisers by shopping for your wares at their stores. Thank ya’ll for your continued support. If your hear tell of any training stuff or any other events then let me know so I can spread the word. I love to post events benefiting goat breeders associations and youth programs so keep those e-cards and e-letters coming in. Please support your favorite local, area, or national goat breeders associations AND the 4-H and FFA. Call me at 903-388-8528 or e-mail clwyer@gmail.com if you have any goat gossip. Bye, for now.

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

The Pied Piper of Calves Hi Ya’ll, Looks like another Texas summer’s here and with all the rain we’ve had I bet it’ll be a muggy one. I thought I was going to grow webbed feet a while back from all the water and mud I kept tramping through. And not too long ago we had quite a storm blow through here. Don’t know if it was a twister or not, but there sure were lots of downed trees all around this ranch and a lot of them on fence rows. None of ‘my girls’ , their little ones nor any bulls were hurt from all the damage and that’s a good thing. With all the lightening popping around, things could have been much worse. During the worst part I decided under my folks big bed was the place for me cause I just don’t like that thunder noise at all. And my folks even decided that they needed to get in a bathroom away from windows especially when a big limb landed on top of the roof. What a racket that made! I thought the sky might just be falling. The next morning we surveyed all the damage and there was plenty. Daddy spent that day and several afterwards repairing fences while Mama cleaned up the yard. She had a trailer loaded with limbs and debris. Daddy was able to get the big limb off the house and looks like we’ll be getting a new roof and there was some other damage as well to that area of the house. Boy a few minutes of strong wind can sure tear things up. Some of the trees that blew down are so big that a tree service will have to tackle them when they can get to us. Looks like it’ll be a busy next couple of months what with roofers, trees guys, etc. around and about. I overheard my folks mention us taking a short

trip to the mountains towards then end of this month and by then I’m sure I’ll have already had all the hot weather I want so some cool mountain time will suit me just fine. Sug weathered the storm with no problems, too. I’ve decided I’m going to rename her ‘The Pied Piper of Calves’. If she’s in the pasture with some pairs, those little ones follow her around all the time. They rub on her, chew on her tail and even lay down next to her. It’s like she’s a calf magnet or something. One day I was on patrol out back when I noticed several babies awake from their nap and get up all about the same time. They all ran, not to their mamas, but to Sug. It’s like they had to check in with her before doing anything else. And she’s super gentle with them, too. Now if she’s hanging out with the young bulls and they start using her to butt their heads against she’ll give them ‘the look’ and lower her ears and they’ll back off. But those calves can do what they want and she doesn’t seem to mind. Daddy says she’s a pretty good calf sitter. In my last letter you may remember me mentioning one of my little quirks –OCLD. Well I think Sug, aka The Pied Piper, has ‘Won’t Cross Back Over The Dam Disorder’. When she’s across the road in that field there’s a big pond and for some reason she does the strangest thing. She stays right with ‘my girls’ as they graze along and of course the calves stay with her. They all go across that pond dam to get to another field for a while and she crosses over right along side them. But when they head back, she won’t cross back over the dam that she just went over. She’ll walk back and

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

forth prancing and then all of a sudden she wades in and starts swimming. Doesn’t matter if it’s cold or warm either. And she seems to swim the longest route too. When she gets to the other side she walks out, shakes herself dry and joins up with the herd again. I think that’s strange don’t you? Maybe she needs to see a horse psychiatrist about this quirk of hers. I’ve crossed over that dam many a time and I don’t’ see any

difference whether I’m coming or going. Now I’ve seen Mama lead her back across a few times and it sure seems to make her nervous. Something sure has her spooked about that spot and I would love to know what it is. If I spoke her language I’d ask, but so far the language of “Moooooo” is the only one I’ve learned. And another thing I don’t understand is why a calf can go through a fence to somewhere they’re not supposed to be, but can’t come

back through that same spot on their own. Is it a law or something in the cow/calf handbook? For three days in a row last week a band of rowdies were on the other side of the fence in a hay meadow away from their mamas. Each time Daddy and I got them headed back in the right direction and they got back with their mamas. Then the fourth day Daddy said we were just going to let them stay separated for a while and see if they got the message to not do that again. We waited till late in the day and went back down there and when they got back to their mamas they sure were happy campers. Since then they’ve stayed where they’re supposed to be. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder and being away from their mamas most of the day and not getting to nurse made them glad to be reunited. I told you she’s be back and so she is. Ms. Mocking Bird that is. It happens about the same time the crazy Red Birds stop fighting with themselves in the windows. She perches on top of the roof and trash talks to me everytime I go out the back door. Does she think I’m a cat or something who can climb a tree. Her babes are safe as long as they stay in their nest. Course when they’re on the ground then all bets are off. The other day I kind of, sort of made her a little extra mad but it was all by accident. The term – Angry Bird- pretty much summed up the incident. One of her little ones was learning to fly and it accidentally, sort of, without meaning to ended up in my mouth. I didn’t hurt the little thing but from all her dive bombing and screaming at me you would have thought the world was coming to an end. Dad-

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dy saw the baby in my mouth and said to let it go before I made her mad at all of us. I think we need to rename our ranch from Clem Brangus to Angry Bird Hill. And to add to my frustrations there’s a squirrel hanging out in the pecan tree out back. I’ve seen it and it drives me crazy. I can’t get to Ms. M since I can’t fly and I can’t get to that furry tailed varmit since I can’t climb trees. I sure could use some super powers about now. I sure had a nice birthday last month. Mama stuffed my Kong with PB and then froze it for my treat that day. All I can say is YUM! I got some new chewies too and they’re stuffed with PB. What a great country this is. Mama celebrated my special day by getting out of her boot cast thingy. She sure was glad too cause she said that thing was hot to wear. She still can’t go with Daddy and me on our morning walk, but hopefully can start back soon. I thought we might have popcorn that evening but none came my way. I’m kind of concerned about my popcorn intake anyway since PBR is on summer break and we usually have those luscious white morsels when it’s on tv. Course I guess it won’t hurt me to do without that treat for a while and maybe shed a few pounds for the hot summer ahead. I’ve already noticed that the tile floor and the AC are sure feeling good after any outside activity. Guess I’d better sign off for now. My folks decided to call it quits for the day and I think that’s a good plan. All I need is my brushing and a few runs after my toy and I’ll be ready to go in for the evening. Lookout couch here I come. Adios, Kodi

June-July 2015

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CONSERVATION, Continued from Page 6 McFarlane said he had a class with consultants early on in the project. Then he become friends with several different wildlife biologists. “Over time, after talking to so many people, you start learning yourself,” McFarlane said. “I’m a pretty good self-thought duck biologist and deer biologist. If you spend a lot of time in the woods you learn things. There is some book learning, but it is most asking experts what they think. Then you do things and they succeed or fail. You really learn from your mistakes.” “With duck hunting you have to have a place to go. Public water is often way over crowded. It’s is quite expense to maintain duck marshes because the weeds want to take over and the bad plants. What makes ducks come is food. So you have to learn how to grow the wild things that they like, and give those plants an advantage to grow over those that might not have any food value. That’s just some of the stuff you learn over time.” His background as a cardiologist has helped with the scientific knowledge. However, his job with the Magnolia Medical Plaza is more intense and rigorous. “I went to school for 15 years learning how to play heart doctor,” he jokingly said, “But, what-

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ever science is involved with BigWoods is self taught. I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I’ve sort of adopted the attitude of Samuel Beckett when he wrote about writing. ‘On your next try, you just try to fail better.’ You just blunder along. You try to evaluate what you did and you try to make improvements. You see how the animals respond. Then you go from there.” The BigWoods is a private habitat, McFarlane

said. He lives on the property which helps with maintaining the land for the animals. The doctor said he rents the land out to hunters through his website, www.bigwoods.net, where he also posts news about the area. When asked how the BigWoods was recognized, McFarlane said that several newspaper articles have been done over years and he also hosts a group of biology students. The group comes

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out every summer where the kids have a duck camp. He explained that the camp has around 20 biologists and 20 kids, and is held for a week. He stated that the camp is rigorous and is called “The Duck Brigades.” “I was impressed by the degree of difficulty of the camp,” McFarlane said. “They dissect ducks. They go wadding in marshes and look at the plants.”

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

UPCOMING EVENTS longview: July 21st - 26th: Longview Host 2012-2015 Nationals, 2015 US National Championship at the Great Texas Balloon Race. Contact the Longview Chamber of Commerce for info. @ 903-237-4000

jefferson: • June 30: 2015 Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards. Featuring 30 acts (bands, duos, and solo artists) from 15 nations on 4 continents. Diamond Don Event Center, 1602 Hwy 49 E. 6PM - Midnight.Awards Night, Sunday, August 9 . For details, TexasSounds.org

palestine: • July 4: The City of Palestine invites everyone to enjoy a free ďŹ reworks display during their Annual Fireworks Show on Saturday, July 4, at sundown in Steven Bennett Park, located at 5500 N. Loop 256. Sundown on July 4, is at approximately 8:39 p.m. The show will start approximately 30 minutes after sundown.

nacogdoches: • July 4: Freedom Fest will take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m. in Festival Park, located just south of the downtown square in Nacogdoches. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to Festival Park. Coolers and picnic baskets are welcome! The 3rd Annual “All-American Hot Dog Eating Contestâ€? will start at 6:30 p.m. and there will be three age groups. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.For details, call the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 936-564-7351 or 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN.

Anytime this summer: • Hamilton Pool is one of the best swimming holes in Texas - and a great place to picnic, swim, and spend some time on a hot Texas summer day. Hamilton Pool Preserve is located about 30 miles west of Austin on FM 3238. The preserve is managed as a natural area (preserve) with emphasis on habitat protection and restoration, environmental education for public and private groups, and ongoing research; it offers limited, day-use only, with recreational opportunities such as picnicking, hiking, swimming and nature study. Call for

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June-July 2015

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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

Barn cats, farm dogs perform great services to farms, ranches

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arn cats and farm dogs play a big part of farm and ranch life. They have a role to play, and like any other farm animal, is expected to earn its keep. It seems most barn cats start out as strays. These furry felines go about ridding the barn of mice, rats and other vermin that might otherwise contaminate the feed and hay stored. Farm resident Shannan Dunagan said, “Barn Kitty is the sweetest, yet deadliest cat ever. There has not been a rat in the feed room since she moved in, and she gets along well with the chickens.” June Bug is Gina Coughlin’s barn kitty. She and her kitten were found in a friend’s equipment room. Coughlin had her spade, and for the past four years, June Bug has been busily rid-

ding the farm or rodents. cats.” “Best mouser ever!” said Coughlin. Cats are not the only animals dumped Cheslea Moore says Orange Cat just showed up one day. “We suspected she had been dumped. I just got a glimpse of her at first. Then for about two weeks, she would just sit and watch me do my chores, and she soon became my best friend. She climbs up my leg to get nuzzles. She has been with us about two years now,” Moore said. Speaking of another barn kitty, Stephani Whitcomb tells her story. “Tiger strayed in, took up barn-cat duties, and has earned a retirement place with us, especially since he beats the tar out of any other potential strays,” said Whitcomb. “ Thus keeping us one of the few properties not overrun with dumped, stray, feral

in rural areas. See ANIMALS, Page 23

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ANIMALS, continued from Page 21 Many dogs are dealt the same cruel fate, and if they are lucky enough to become a part of the farm family, they play an important role as well. They may not be highly-trained herding dogs, but family farm dogs will keep the critters away. Wild hogs, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, deer, can all cause harm to a farm or ranch and a few barking dogs will keep them off your place. The one varmint that plagues farm dogs and their owners are skunks! And that stinks, literally! Linda Vaughn believes her Hangin’ Tree Cow Dogs, Scrappy and Sug, are the best breed ever for working cows and other livestock. Vaughn can no longer work cattle due to her health, and Scrappy has crossed the Rainbow Bridge “Sug’s new job is being my constant companion,� Vaughn said. “She is as good as that, as she was rounding up cows.� Coral Smith says Turbo, their Australian Shepherd, will ask, then tell an animal to move. He brings them home every time. Smith said Turbo has passed on his looks and attitude to a number of pups. “We looked around for good working dogs, and decided the Australian Shepherd was the best breed for us. We got our breeding stock from McNatt Farms in Tennessee, so they are not only a part of our family, but provide income for the farm. According to Smith, a good farm dog can

out work a good farm hand any day of the week. “He never calls in sick, or asks off for holidays. All he wants to do is his job and please us,â€? Smith said. Not all animals have a happy ending on a farm. Ellen Barton of the Henderson County Humane Society stated that last year alone, more than 5,000 animals were surrendered to the shelter. “This is so sad and so overwhelming,â€? she said. “It is so important for pet owners to realize the necessity of having their animals spayed or neutered.â€? Barton has provided a list of local services and suggests owners call for prices and locations. • DeHart Veterinary Services, Mobile Clinic, 352-327-2400. They come to Walgreen’s in Athens once a month. An appointment is necessary for spay/neuter. They also go to Troup, Center, Tatum, Jacksonville, Tyler, Lufkin and Nacogdoches; • Friends of the Animals, Gun Barrel City, 903-887-7387; • Snippet of Tyler, 903-592-7705; • Spay Neuter Network, Crandall, 903472-3500; • Spay Neuter Now, Dr. Lynn Foster, Tyler, 903-882-7387; • Animal Protection League, Longview and Sulphur Springs, 903-753-7387. Barton noted all of these clinics also do vaccinations and other non-surgical services without an appointment!

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