July 2017 Farm and Ranch Living

Published June 29, 2017

Garden = College Cash Gage Concilio working on green thumb and saving for college college,, Page 2

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June-July 2017

Rolling roadside greens into college cash

By PennyLynn Webb Palestine Herald-Press

F

or the past four years, Gage Concilio has been perfecting his green thumb to raise some green for college.

“When I first started out, I was raising money to buy a car,” said Gage, “but then I decided to think bigger and save for college.”

Gage is the son of Dana Goolsby and Melissa Firmin, and he is a student at Palestine Independent School District.

With $140 dollars of birthday money, Gage purchased a load of Pennington watermelons the first year. Then he added Lake Creek blueberries. From there he began growing produce of his own to sell.

“We try new things each year,” said Gage, “but stick to the staples, like squash and tomatoes.”

This year Gage added potatoes, cucamelons and loofahs to the mix.

“People think they grow in the ocean, but its actually a gourd,” said Gage.

“Cucamelon, it’s the size of a grape, looks like a watermelon and tastes like a cucumber.”

He also carries a few varieties of fruit he obtains from other sources, including blueberries, from you-pick-it farms, like Lake Creek Blueberry Farm in Montalba, Pennington watermelons from Grapeland and figs from his aunt’s fig tree.

Of everything he’s grown in the past four years, Gage said he enjoyed growing potatoes the best.

“My favorite has been the potatoes,” said Gage. “You have to cut them up and put them in the ground, but within a week they were already ready and coming out of the ground.”

Each year has been trial and error for Gage, who is growing all of his produce organically.

“We’ve had to do a little research,” said Gage. “It’s a learning process, figuring out what works best and what grows best.”

Squash has been a difficult plant for Gage to grow.

“Because of all the squash bugs,” he said. “This year we used duct tape to help get the eggs off the plants and we planted sunflowers close enough to the squash for the bugs to go to the flowers instead of hitting the squash.”

Gage also believes it’s been a tough year for squash and zucchini, because of the large amounts of rain the area has

received.

Above all, Gage said gardening has taught him patience.

“Things don’t move fast in gardening;

everything takes time and lots of work,” he said.

Through trial and error, Gage said he’s also learned that it’s better to grow your

June-July 2017

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Come Ride--and Shoot--In My Hot Air Balloon When the Texas Legislature is in session, nothing is safe, according to Texas legend. One of the bills passed in this last session of the Legislature was total nonsense.

And our esteemed Governor Abbot signed the bill into law. So henceforth you can travel in a hot air balloon, with high powered firearms at your side, and shoot feral hogs. Goodness gracious, what about the errant shooter who puts a hole in the gas filled carriage rather than in a feral hog?

The elected officials who voted to the pass the bill condoning the balloon-hog deal forgot to consider that trees in the eastern third of Texas will pretty well put the quietus on balloon hunting.

No more straight party voting in Texas politics! It’s about time that the Lone Star State joins the majority of other states that

prohibit a straight party vote.

Rice University political science professor Mark Jones says the new law has plenty of admirers—and detractors. Manny Garcia, officer of the Texas Democratic Party, says his group may challenge the loss of one-party voting in court.

Several leaders in the opposing Republican Party also have indicated they may appeal the new law in court. In the elections of 2012, 2014 and 2016 three fifths of voters cast straight-ticket votes. Professor Jones said that in many Texas counties—including Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Fort Bend and Montgomery—two thirds of voters went the straight ticket route. At the very least, voters in 2018 will have to vote for individuals for office rather than just a party affiliation. That means they might have to study up on

own plants from seed.

“Starting things from seeds is a lot cheaper,” said Gage. “And you get a better quality of plant. Along with growing them organically, I think you get better quality and better taste.”

Gage said, in order two grow his own

the candidates!

Lots of farmers are ready to holler “calf rope” because of the rainy spells. Those lucky folks got their hay baled and into storage

plants from seed, he started them during the winter, with plants virtually all over the counters and various places in his home, keeping them warm under lamps.

He and his family are working on developing a greenhouse in order to grow more and keep things outside the house.

Beyond his mothers, Gage said he had several people to thank for the help they have offered him.

“One person who has been a big help to me is our family friend, Jon Rhone,” said Gage. “He’s let us use some of his property, and he’s helped us in various ways, including helping us with the tiller.

Tilling the garden up was hard — lots of rocks and roots. I’m really thankful for Mr. Rhone helping us.”

Gage has set up his farm stand in several key locations in Palestine over the past four years, including the Palestine Farmer’s Market, the Old Town Hollow and now at the former Ricky’s Place hamburger stand on Mallard Street.

“I’m really thankful for Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe letting me set up here and at the Hollow,” said Gage. “I’ve done really well here this year, so far.”

Beyond gardening, Gage is an active student at Palestine Independent School District.

This past year, Gage was on the eighthgrade robotics team that earned a spot to participate in the national competition in Iowa.

There, his team finished 42 or 43 out of

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without more moisture. Others not so lucky! With the wet season we have been blessed with, a barn or other cover for that expensive hay makes more and more dollar sense. If a hay barn can pay for itself in four years or less by saving more hay, that’s a real deal!

When it comes to Angus cattle, the leader of the pack in East Texas—and Texas—was Bill Clark. Bill started an automobile business in Houston after his service in World War II. Just a few years later, he started raising Angus cattle. For many years Clark operated his ranches at Crockett and Huntsville. He sold more Angus bulls over the years than anyone I know—and never did I hear a discouraging word from customers. His peers in the Angus business elected Clark to both the presidency of the

210 teams, he aid.

“Although the road trip there was really long, it was really fun, great experience, especially for me as an eighth grader, getting to go and participate.”

Gage is already working on the blueprints for next year’s robot.

As he enters high school, he plans to participate in cross country, golf and tennis, and play the saxophone in the Wildcat marching and concert bands.

Outside of school, Gage has been active in the community, participating in plays with the Texas Theater, and has been

Texas Angus Association and the American Angus Association.

Clark passed away at his East Texas ranch last week at the age of 96.

On another personal note, the journalism profession lost one of our own last week. Good friend and newspaperman Weldon Kerby was a passionate believer in a free press—and proved it with the “Grapeland Messenger”. Weldon and wife Sandra owned the newspaper and kept it as the voice of small town rural America. Every issue featured columns written by folks in most every little community near Grapeland. Weldon let the “big city” papers carry the news about state, national and world matters—he kept the “Messenger” on track just for local readers.

featured in two television commercials.

With the money he raises, Gage hopes to be accepted into the engineering program at UCLA, where he wishes to study to be a mechanical engineer and, perhaps one day, work for NASA or Apple.

You can catch Gage at his stand on Mallard Street from 10 a.m. to around 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday, unless he sells out, as long as his garden continues to produce this summer.

For more information or to see what Gage has to sell, find him at Gage’s Farm Stand on Facebook and Instagram.

4

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June-July 2017

Capps True Value Hardware and Ag Center

By Patrick Sparks Corsicana Daily Sun

C

apps True Value Hardware and Ag Center at 512 W US Highway 84 in Fairfield has been owned and operated by the Capps family since 1975.

Barry, Cindy, and Ben Capps and Kirby Capps Flandry employ a total of 15 people and pride themselves on one stop shopping and excellent customer service.

What products do you sell, service? Our newest addition would be our gun department. We have a large assortment of guns, ammo, suppressors, hunting and fishing supplies, All Seasons feeders, Record Rack deer feed, and we also make some of our own deer feeds. We offer bag and bulk feed as well as bag and bulk fertilizer

that can be spread in a buggy or a truck. We also spread ag lime. We carry all types of herbicide for your pasture and yard. Hardware including stainless steel bolts and nuts, chrome nuts and bolts, grade five and grade eight, standard thread, fine thread, and metric. We carry all types lawn and garden supplies, bag and bulk seed for your yard and garden. We offer PVC and galvanized fittings, plumbing repair supplies, paint and sundries, electrical supplies, automotive supplies. We have a post yard with a great selection of treated and cedar posts, barb wire, wire and portable panels, field fence, gates, and T- posts. We have a section with vet supplies. We carry western, rain, and work boots. We carry a large selection of Weaver tack and show supplies. We keep baler wire, twine, and net wrap in stock year round. We carry YETI coolers and all the accessories. We are competitive on our gas and diesel prices.

Capps True Value Hardware and Ag Center 512 W US Highway 84 Fairfield, Texas, TX 75840

903-389-4505 Monday-Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On the Net: www.facebook.com/cappsagcenter

What is your best seller? We have always sold a good bit of everything. We have been pleasantly surprised at how well the gun sales have been.

Whats one thing your business is known for over your competitors? We also offer custom feed and fertilizer to best suit your needs. By taking a soil sample we can custom blend a fertilizer formula. We can do the same thing with feed. With our feed mill, we can custom blend a specific feed to meet your specific needs.

How did the business get started? Barry has always been an entrepreneur. In first grade he sold pencils to his classmates and from there moved to various things such as raising bottle calves and loading up his horse to work cows for anyone that needed help. After graduating from Sam Houston State University in 1974 with a degree in animal science and going to work at Big Brown, he knew he wanted to go into business for himself. In December of 1975 he opened the doors to sell feed and has never stopped growing since. His philosophy is that you have to keep growing and always be looking to the next chapterset a goal!

What is a fun tidbit about your business? We have been known to always have our black labs asleep in the middle of the floor. Barry starts his day EVERY morning at 6 a.m. with coffee at Sam’s Restaurant, you will find his dogs asleep in the backseat of his truck, patiently waiting for the coffee drinking to end.

What’s next for your business? We plan to continue to grow and expand and provide the needs of the community. We are blessed with the best customers anyone could ask for and we want to provide for them what they need.

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE! With the passing of Mr. Wallace, THE BUSINESS IS FOR SALE Lots of Farming Equipment Hay Forks & Spikes Dish Harrow - Wheel Weights Cutters • Box Blades • Farm Blades Post Hole Diggers & Much More Farmalls - Cub, 140 & Super A’s Fords - 8N’s & 2,000 Make Only 1 Cutter Left an Offer!

Front Grills Lot’s of Planter Parts Wallace Garden Center & Equipment Call Brenda at 936-544-2127 or come by!

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June-July 2017

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Balin’ Wheat

G

len said J.T. liked old pickups, too. But sometimes they had a mind of their own.

Early one summer morning J.T. loaded his good dog, Sam, and headed down to the wheat field.

It had been cut and he planned on balin’ some wheat straw as long as it still held the dew.

It was a fine western Kansas mornin’. J.T. made two passes around the wheat field before the sun burned off the moisture.

He parked the 930 Case with the New Holland round baler and decided he could make it to

Winona just in time for coffee shop communion. He leaped aboard his ‘79 Ford 4-wheel drive and cranked the engine.

Unfortunately, it didn’t crank back!

Starter problems, he knew. It had happened before. Something electrical that required a little short circuiting wizardry. He raised the hood. Sam lay under the tractor waiting in the shade for his command to “Load up!”

J.T. had no manual choke so he wedged a shotgun between the seat and the foot feed. Diggin’ through his Snap On hi-tech

tool kit, he fished out a fence stay and a pair of pliers. He shorted the faulty electrical connection.

The starter kicked over and the engine caught. It was at that moment that J.T. realized that the ol’ ‘79 was in gear!

It lunged into motion! He slammed the hood and dove out of the way! Out across the wheat

field it chugged, pickin’ up speed!

Sam came out from under the Chase tryin’ to jump in the back, but it was goin’ too fast!

Down through the stubble it rumbled followed by man and dog in hot pursuit! The ol’ pickup displayed an unerring sense of direction and seemed to navigate itself through the bogs, rock piles and round bales. On several occasions when it was slowed by a mud hole or a steep rise, it looked like Sam might catch up.

But the pickup had lots of pasture experience and always managed to elude the pore ol’ dog who

thought he was bein’ left behind!

Finally it nose dived into a washout, knocking the twelve gauge out of position and died of natural causes. J.T. followed the tracks and found it face down up against the bank. Sam was in the back where he belonged, but breathin’ heavy.

J.T. eventually made it to the cafe around noon to tell the story.

Everyone said it sure gave new meaning to the term “gunning the engine!” www.baxterblack.com

Pond and fish management important during summer

By Adam Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

T

exas pond owners can improve and protect their recreational opportunities with vegetation and fish population management during the summer months, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist.

As temperatures increase and summer nears, recreational activities on Texas farm and ranch ponds will increase, said Dr. Billy Higginbotham, AgriLife Extension wildlife and fisheries specialist, Overton.

The 1 million-plus private impoundments in the state can provide exceptional fishing opportunities, provided landowners employ proper management techniques to control aquatic vegetation, manage fish populations and protect them from oxygen depletion in the upcoming months, Higginbotham said.

Aquatic vegetation growth is the No. 1 problem that plagues Texas pond owners during the growing season, he said. Excessive vegetation can hamper recreational activities, such as fishing and swimming, and in some cases negatively impact livestock watering and irrigation uses of the pond.

“Just because some aquatic vegetation is present, it doesn’t necessarily mean control is required,” Higginbotham said. “In fact, ponds managed primarily for largemouth bass may benefit from some aquatic vegetation as it provides both habitat and harbors a variety of food sources.

But, once weed coverage exceeds about one-third of a pond’s surface, the benefits provided begin to decline as too much vegetation may limit the ability of bass to access forage fish present.”

The first step for successfully controlling aquatic vegetation is proper species identification, Higginbotham said.

Samples can be submitted to AgriLife Extension county agents or a fisheries biologist for assistance with identification.

AgriLife Extension’s aquatic weed website, http://aquaplant.tamu. edu, is another excellent resource for aquatic weed identification purposes, Higginbotham said. The Aquaplant website also provides species-specific control recommendations, including chemical, biological and mechanical options.

“Once summer arrives and water temperatures increase, pond owners should conduct chemical weed control activities with special care if fish are important,” he said. “Killing too much

vegetation at once can result in decaying matter reducing the oxygen content available for fish and can result in oxygen depletion that could result in fish losses.

This is particularly true if algae or submerged moss species are targeted for control.”

OXYGEN DEPLETION Pond owners should also be aware that the warmer water temperatures during summer decreases the ability of water to hold oxygen, Higginbotham said. High temperatures set the stage for oxygen depletions, which are possible even if weed control activities are not conducted.

Raising catfish in farm ponds and practicing a regular supplemental feeding program can easily produce 1,000 pounds of edible-size catfish per surface acre of water for pond owners on an annual basis, Higginbotham said. However, if the fish crop is allowed to exceed this level during the summer, the pond is more likely to suffer from an oxygen depletion due to the total weight of fish present.

“Ponds at or above the 1,000 pound per acre-threshold should have a significant portion of the fish crop removed to accommodate expected fish growth during the growing season,” he said. “In catfish ponds, seining, trotlining and the use of fish traps and hoop nets are all good

Progress photo by April Barbe

PA L E S T I N E

A pond sits surrounded by grass along state Highway 79W in Jacksonville.

methods to reduce large fish standing crops in a short period of time.”

Weather conditions also contribute to pond oxygen depletion, he said. Several hot, still cloudy days in a row limits oxygen production in the pond via photosynthesis.

As a result, oxygen levels can decline to the point that fish losses occur.

Additional weather events can also trigger an oxygen depletion due to pond turnover, Higginbotham said.

“During the summer months, many deep ponds develop water stratification, where a warmer, lighter layer of water is found above a cooler, denser layer of water,” he said. “A cold thunderstorm or wind can cool the oxygen-rich upper layer of water to the same temperature of the oxygen-deficient deeper water and the result is a mixing of the two layers.

Organic matter on the pond bottom is stirred into the water column and undergoes further decomposition while the overall oxygen content of the water declines to the point that fish die within a day or two of this weather event.”

Pond owners can watch for several signs of oxygen depletion, Higginbotham said.

If fish are being fed regularly, a sudden lack of fish response to feeding may indicate low oxygen, he said. In addition, a sudden water color change from light green or clearer to brown or black may indicate a phytoplankton die-off and rapid decline in oxygen content.

“Oxygen will be at its daily low at daylight, so pond owners should also check their ponds early in the morning if low oxygen is suspected,” he said.

“Numerous fish swimming lethargically at the surface at or near daylight is another sign of low oxygen content. Large fish are often the first fish that show signs of distress when an oxygen depletion occurs.”

Should an oxygen depletion occur and fish are an important resource to the landowner, quick action can mean the difference between a pond full of dead fish or a pond full of fishing opportunities, Higginbotham said.

Running a boat with an outboard motor in a fixed position, either against the bank or on a trailer backed into the water can help circulate the water and increase its oxygen content, he said. If a boat and motor are not available, a pump set where the intake pulls water from near the surface and sprays it back over the pond can also increase oxygen by establishing a temporary circulation pattern and bringing more water in contact with the air interface at the surface.

“The summer months provide great recreational opportunities involving Texas farm and ranch ponds,” Higginbotham said. “Diligent weed control and a keen eye on the water can guarantee sustainable fishing and healthy fish populations throughout our long hot Texas summers, and beyond.”

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June-July 2017

Thorne opens Eustace stand

By Rich Flowers Athens Daily Review

S

ome tasty, farm grown treats waiting at Double T Produce on busy U.S. Highway 175 in Eustace.

The grand opening was June 2 and more and more customers are finding the stand.

“The past two or three weeks, we’re slowly building,” owner/operator Chris Thorne said.

The address is 333 U.S. Highway 175 in Eustace.

It’s right across the street from the First Baptist Church.

Thorne has lived in the Cedar Creek Lake Area just about his whole life and knows a thing or two about produce.

Thorne has spent his career in the grocery business something he learned from his father before him.

“I’ve worked at Wal– Mart, Brookshire’s and started off working for Minyard Food Stores up in Dallas,” Thorne said.

“I got cancer a couple of years ago, so I had to quit work,” Thorne said.

“I’m in remission now, but I’m starting to feel a little better. I wanted to get out and do something I know, something I love and am good at.”

With Double T Produce he’s filling a void in the community.

“Eustace needs fresh produce,” Thorne said.

“There’s no place to go in Eustace other than the Dollar Store. My goal is to give them a fresh alternative there in Eustace, where they can go to get fresh produce, so they don’t drive to Athens or Gun Barrel.”

The customers stopping at the stand have been a mix of locals and those driving down busy U.S. 175.

“Eustace is pretty much a pass through town,” Thorne said. “Especially on the weekend there are a lot of folks just passing through, but I have a lot of folks in Eustace who come and shop with me.”

Thorne said he tries to buy all he can from local farmers.

“Right now, I’m getting melons from Grapeland, Texas and my other stuff from local sources” Thorne said. “And I know a couple of people in Eustace who have farms. One is out

by Purtis Creek and then there’s another guy who’s got about five acres in Eustace.”

The other T in the Double T is his father Jimmy Thorne, a lifelong grocery man, whose dad was a farmer.

Thorne said he plans to keep the stand going as long as possible this year.

“I’m going to try to make a go out of it,” Thorne said.

“I’d like for this to be a

staple in Eustace, Texas.

I want people to come to Eustace for fresh produce.

That’s my goal.”

As the end of June nears, shoppers at the stand will find Desert Eagle Cantaloupes, pretty Red Diamond Watermelons and okra will be in full bloom.

“By then, there’ll be gobs and gobs of purple hull peas, also squash, tomatoes and peppers,” Thorne said.

There are also jalapeno pepper plants and cherry tomato plants and some juicy East Texas peaches.

The stand is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and sometimes Thursday.

“I take Tuesday and Wednesday and go out to the farms, get everything picked an loaded up,” Thorne said.

Another item he has, you probably won’t find in the stores is yellow meat watermelons.

“They’re about 22 pound average watermelons,” Thorne said.

Shelling peas might not be a happy memory for many folks in the area, but eating them is.

“That brings back nightmares for a lot of folks,” Thorne said. “I want

to make sure folks know they can come and see me.

I’ll shell them myself.”

You’ll find him there all day manning the stand.

Usually from about 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m..

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June-July 2017

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More than your average farmer’s market

By Jeff Riggs Athens Daily Review

V

isitors to the Stillwater Farm Market Store, at 109 W. Main St., expect to experience a stereotypical farmer’s market, with baked goods, homemade jellies and jams and lots of produce grown locally.

But what they find when they pass through the doors is more than that.

The atmosphere resembles that of the old country mercantile that sold soda pop for 25 cents and homemade ribbon cane candy for 10 cents.

Decorated with historical pictures from the grand history of Chandler, the items sold in the store are peppered with unique gift items, like special aprons and mugs and a variety of produce and other offerings, like ribbon cane syrup, salsas, jams and jellies. There are special coffees, dried fruits and nuts, and not to mention, five days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., home cooked lunches.

One of the favored products stocked by the Stillwater Farm Market is Stuart Pecans. The store offers six pecan varieties, including candy-coated.

There are shelled, still in a shell, halves and pieces of pecans.

If that isn’t enough, the store property offers regular farm-to-market stands for farm-oriented people to sell their crops.

Next to the Stillwater Farm Market Store is the Stillwater Farm Dairy Shop, where you can

Second Saturday events, follow Stillwater Farm Market on Facebook @ StillwaterFarmMarket, or call 903-5153502, or e-mail stillwaterfarmmedia@ icloud.com.

But the business end is just one of the things that Stillwater Farm Store is famous for. There’s something else far more important, says the management. That factor involves community pride, tradition and family.

According to General Manager Ronda Cade, the owner, Stan Copeland, who is also pastor of the Lovers Lane United Methodist

Photo by Jeff Riggs

Stillwater Farm Market Store and Dairy Shop

Photo by Jeff Riggs

Garrett Olson scoops homemade ice cream sold at the Dairy Shop. On that particular day favors were vanilla, blueberry, peach, chocolate, ribbon cane and Texas Whitehouse.

Stillwater Farm Market Store and Dairy Shop 109 W. Main St., Chandler, Texas Monday - Saturday 10AM - 6PM Dairy Shop Hours: Monday - Thursday 11AM - 6PM Friday - Saturday 1PM - 7PM www.stillwatermarket.farm purchase a scoop or more of a variety of flavors of homemade ice cream.

Stillwater Farms has also hosted concerts known as Second Saturday at the Station. Earlier in June, Skylar Davis of Tyler entertained with his guitar. On July 8, Brian Chance Band will entertain from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on the

Church in Dallas, began the business with a purpose. “ … He had this dream of helping the community of Chandler grow, and wanted to put an emphasis on bringing back the Old Main Street.”

The city of Chandler was originally named “Stillwater,” Cade explained.

In 1880, the Cotton

Photo by Jeff Riggs

Jonathan Surlet, a junior student at Brownsboro High School is shown arranging produce for sale in the farmers market at Stillwater Farm Market Store.

Belt Railroad was being built throughout the area.

Alphonso Chandler was interested in having this railroad go through, or near his property, and so he made the Texas & St. Louis Railroad a gift of the land, and they would establish a depot on the property. The railroad station was born, and exists as the Stillwater Farm property today, with railroad traffic passing the business regularly.

“There are four shops in the center owned by Mr. Copeland,” Cade said. “We are still adding another section to the ice cream shop. Mr. Copeland’s vision is to revamp old main street. The complex makes that vision a reality. The market store has grown very rapidly. We want to bring farm-fresh goodness to your dinner table, from our farm and other local farms.”

Martha Thorne, produce and kitchen manager, is responsible for producing the delicious lunches the business sells.

“We have homemade products to come and go,” she said. “We are not a restaurant. The recipes are things in the store to

Photo by Jeff Riggs

Kylee Patterson, an assistant manager of Stillwater Farm Market Store, arranges some of the many items in the facility. sell. We are thankful to Chandler, which has given us much support.”

“We all work as a team here,” Thorne said.

“It’s amazing. There are a lot of customers that come in here everyday, and everyday there are new people coming in to discuss the history of Chandler.”

When asked to describe Stillwater Farm Market, Becky Holland, media manager, said, “As soon as you pull into the parking lot, you get a good feeling.

People are busy, walking around, in and out of the stores, you see the fruit and vegetables outside, and then you walk in,

expecting just an old fashioned country store.

And what you get is a modern version of the old country store where you walked in, and everyone knew your name, and you knew everyone, and you could buy some of the sweetest fruit and freshest vegetables, along with a special treat.”

Kylee Patterson, 17, has been working for the Stillwater Farm Market for a little over a year. She said, “It is a very friendly environment to work in … it is like we are all family.”

Holland agreed, saying, “From the employees to the customers - especially our regulars, there is a

feeling of comfortability.

We are not your average farmers’ market.”

Stillwater Farm Market Store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The dairy shop is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

More information can be found on the Stillwater Farm Market Store Facebook page, or by visiting http:// stillwatermarket.farm.

“Just come by and see for yourself … The Stillwater Farm Market Store is something you need to experience in person,” Holland concluded.

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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Gone Fishing with Jerry Miller

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

June-July 2017

The Deadly Swimming Senko

S

ometimes a lure comes along that has a unique action unlike all the others. This year I’ve been experimenting with a lure that’s been around for several years.

This spring I’ve begun to extensively fish with some of Gary Yamamoto’s lures – primarily the Swim Senkos. They make a 5” bright orange color one (#196) that is deadly in the spring. My fishing friends and I probably caught over a hundred bass this spring on this lure.

With spring drawing to a close and bass beginning to move out a little deeper, especially on lakes with lots of

grass and bream, I started experimenting with other colors like the green pumpkin and darker colors.

About a week ago David Nichols and I made a trip to Lake Nacogdoches. We intended to fish with frogs due to heavy cover, but the bass changed our minds.

The day we went was cloudy and very foggy.

We really had to go slow as we worked our way up the creek.

The area we stopped in was littered with logs, pads and hydrilla growing out to about eight feet deep. Nichols caught one three-pound bass on a white frog immediately after we

stopped. Forty minutes later we went fishless.

They simply turned off the frog bait.

I’ve always believed that there is at least one lure in your arsenal that the bass really want if you can figure it out. I began to experiment.

After catching a few bass on a white swim jig and a black and blue Senko, wacky style, I

began experimenting with a Swim Senko.

The bass immediately responded in a positive way.

Over the next five hours we primarily fished a green pumpkin Swim Senko with purple and green flakes, and the bass went wild!

It doesn’t take very long to figure out how much the bass like your lure. In a few minutes I started getting numerous bites on this lure.

The secret to catching bass on this lure is the hook you choose.

Nichols tied on a regular 4/0 hook to begin with and didn’t catch a bass.

When he switched to a Gary Yamamoto light wire 4/0 hook he

immediately started catching bass.

By using the lighter 4/0 hook you allow the bait to fall horizontally – it shimmers or swims horizontally towards the bottom instead of plummeting head first.

I decided to use this bait while fishing the hydrilla when I saw on my graph that bass were suspended about four feet under the surface.

The bass refused to hit a lure on the surface, but when the Swim Senko skimmed right by their nose they immediately reacted.

My five best bass averaged about four pounds each. Nichols’ largest bass was about five pounds.

The best depth was about 6 to 8 feet deep although we caught some shallower and some out to about 10 feet deep. When the sun peeked out of the clouds about 1:00 p.m. the bite subsided. It turned out to be a great fishing day, thanks to the Swim Senkos.

We were using 15-pound Fluorocarbon line and had no problem pulling the bass out of heavy cover. The Swim Senko proved to be a deadly lure on this lake in shallow to mid-depths when allowed to fall horizontally. Most of our strikes came on the lure passed through the fourfoot column.

Hunt Livestock Exchange, LLC

By April Barbe Jacksonville Progress

H

unt Livestock Exchange in Henderson is a family-owned livestock auction barn that sells cattle, horses, goats and sheep on commission, according to co-owner, Melissa Hunt.

The business is owned by Hunt and her husband, Mark.

“Mark has always been in the cattle business,” Melissa said. “He used to help his father run Rusk County Livestock.”

Melissa explained that the business also works cattle, vaccinating, hauling and catching.

Melissa also has a degree in business, and she said with Mark’s background and her education, owning the business together “seemed like the perfect opportunity.”

The couple’s daughter, Callie Hunt, is the business’ office manager, she added.

Hunt Livestock Exchange not only serves Rusk County, Jacksonville and Troup, but the ShreveportBossier area, as well.

“Our customers appreciate that we are locally

owned and accessible and that we have a friendly and helpful staff,” Melissa said.

She said the the businesses customers are what make it great.

“We go the extra mile to treat each customer respectfully, whether they have one cow or 300,” she said.

Hunt Livestock Exchange has been open since April 2014.

Hunt Livestock Exchange LLC 2353 US 259 South, Henderson, Texas

903-657-2690 www.huntlivestockexchange.com

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

June-July 2017

9

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

Moisture levels and water availability looking good for most of Texas

By Adam Russell Texas A&M Agrilife COLLEGE STATION – Moisture levels in most of the state appear adequate or better, but producers in some areas are still hoping for rain.

Dr. John NielsenGammon, state climatologist, College Station, said rain events over the past two weeks delivered quality rains to much of the state, benefitting Texas crops and available surface water.

Some moisture-stressed areas received measurable rains this past week, but some areas missed out, he said.

“It seems like the Panhandle missed out on recent rains that were in the forecast,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of expansion in that area with regard to unusual dryness.”

Nielsen-Gammon said June is typically a wet month for the Panhandle, but short-term forecasts for weather patterns across most of the state will bring drier conditions.

The Texas Water Development Board Water reservoir tracking map showed more than 87 percent of reservoirs monitored by the agency were full. The few reservoirs that were water stressed were located near San Angelo and in the Panhandle.

Nielsen-Gammon said

multiple counties received rains that would relieve concerns, including Young, Stephens and Throckmorton counties.

Much of Throckmorton County received more than 8 inches.

Kloey Cargill, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent, Throckmorton County, said the city of Throckmorton received 10 inches of rain over six hours last week.

Areas of town had to be evacuated due to fears that a nearby lake levee might be compromised by the downpour.

Cargill said the downpour caused some damage to a local Little League baseball field but that there were no reports of livestock losses or damage to producer operations. The rain did fill surface water impoundments in time for summer.

“It was pretty dry,” she said. “Everyone was praying for rain. We needed moisture because it’s been three months since our last good rain. But there is standing water in a lot of places still, and stock tanks are overflowing.”

Nielsen-Gammon said the area in and around those three counties averaged 3 inches of rain.

But there is still a moisture shortage for the year.

“Swaths of the southeastern part of the

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Panhandle, including Cottle and Donley counties, have received 25 percent of their normal rainfall for the past 30 days and 50 percent of their normal rainfall for the past 60 days.”

Nielsen-Gammon said the South region “had been doing better lately.

“Brownsville is still dry, but Live Oak County and a lot of places between were helped this past week,” he said.

In other regions of the state, including East Texas and southeastern portions, rain has provided adequate moisture. Recent rain events over the past two weeks have provided surplus, even detrimental surplus to those regions.

Reports from East Texas indicate corn field losses in low-lying areas due to standing water.

“As of late March, Beaumont was running 8 inches below normal for the calendar year,” he said. “It’s now 1 inch above normal.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: CENTRAL: Rainfall was sporadic throughout the district with some areas receiving large amounts of rain while other areas still needed more. Low areas flooded after receiving 3-6 inches of rain. Temperatures were normal. Fields were in quality shape. Field

work continued. Most sunflower fields were sprayed for moth head, and wheat harvests were nearly complete. There were reports of increased incidents of tree diseases.

Producers were making their first cutting of hay.

Cotton was planted and was off to a good start.

However, storms hailed out small amounts of cotton. Corn fields should be bountiful. Grain sorghum was heading, and sugarcane aphid populations were low.

Cattle and other livestock were in good condition.

Tanks and area rivers were full. All counties reported good soil moisture. Overall crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were good in nearly all counties.

ROLLING PLAINS: Rain fell across parts of the district with amounts ranging from 0.25 of an inch in one county to 6 inches in another. The wheat harvest was almost complete. Yields ranged from 15 to 60 bushels per acre on dryland. Canola crop yields were less than desirable. Grain sorghum and early planted cotton looked good. Cow/calf operations were doing great with above average grass available and stock tanks filled to the brim.

EAST: Strong thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rains moved across the district. San Augustine

County received 4 to 6 inches of rain. Some areas of Anderson County reported up to 14 inches of rain in the last two reporting periods. Flash flooding occurred in several counties. Too much water in low lying areas hampered corn and cotton crops. Some fields may be lost because of too much water. Vegetables from Anderson County were coming to local farmers’ markets with some produce going to Houston, Dallas and Tyler markets.

Marion County gardens were producing well.

Farmers were still working and harvesting gardens in Smith County. Ponds were full. Pastures and rangeland conditions were good in most counties.

Rusk, Marion, and Gregg counties reported excellent conditions. Hay meadows and pastures were showing good growth due to the rain and warmer night temperatures. Hay production was in full swing in Cherokee County.

Some producers could not cut hay due to rain and saturated pastures. Topsoil and subsoil conditions were mostly adequate with surplus reported in Angelina, Upshur and Gregg counties. Weed control was underway in Trinity and Upshur counties. Cattle were in good condition with prices consistent in Shelby County and up quite a bit

in Gregg County. Horn flies continued to be a major problem. Wild pigs were active.

NORTH: Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels ranged from mostly adequate to short with a few counties reporting surplus. Much needed rain fell with amounts ranging from 2-4 inches around the district. The challenge with excess rain and moisture could be preventing fungal development in crops and pasture grasses. Wheat and oat harvests were about 75 percent complete when rains came. Corn, soybeans, grain sorghum and cotton looked very good. Small grasshoppers were reported. Livestock pastures were doing well.

All winter pastures were harvested for hay. Cattle looked good. Fly numbers were beginning to increase on livestock.

SOUTHEAST: Some conventional and organic rice has yet to be planted.

Some areas received heavy rains, including 4 inches in one county. Field and pasture conditions were wet. With recent rains, there may not be an opportunity for further planting. Pastures improved with recent rains. Livestock were in good condition. Soilmoisture levels throughout the district ranged from adequate to surplus with most reporting surplus.

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

10

June-July 2017

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

From Scratch with Love Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple & Bell Peppers Total time: 55 Minutes makes 3-4 servings With a brief bath in a peppery soy marinade, and a quick cook time, this pork recipe is perfect for a weeknight grilling session. Serving the sweet grilled pineapple and bell pepper alongside the pork balances the savory marinade and is reminiscent of Chinese sweet-and-sour dishes, so you might also serve this with some steamed rice. Special equipment: You will need a pastry brush for this recipe.

Ingredients

Instructions

For the pork:

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce • 1 tablespoon fish sauce • 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger (from 1 [3- to 4-inch] piece) • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper • 1 (12- to 16-ounce) pork tenderloin, silver skin removed

• Vegetable oil, for coating the grill and vegetables • 1/2 medium pineapple, skin removed and fruit cut crosswise into 1/4- to 1/2-inchthick rounds • 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 4 equal pieces • 1 bunch scallions (about 6 to 8), dark green ends trimmed • 2 medium limes, halved

For the pork: 1. Place the soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and pepper in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and whisk to combine; set aside.

2. To butterfly the pork, place the tenderloin on a cutting board with one end pointing toward you.

Slice lengthwise down the center, almost but not quite cutting through the tenderloin, leaving about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness of meat intact.

3. Open the tenderloin up like a book and push on it to flatten. Starting on the left side, with the blade of the knife parallel to the cutting board and the blade facing left, slice down the length of the seam, maintaining the 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness.

4. Pull the meat open and press down to flatten. Continue cutting and flattening until the entire left half is 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness. Rotate the tenderloin and repeat on the other half.

5. Place the pork in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the grill and topping.

To grill the topping and pork: 1. Heat an outdoor grill to high (about 450°F to 550°F) and rub the grill grates with a towel dipped in vegetable oil. Have a pastry brush and small bowl of vegetable oil ready.

2. Brush the pineapple, bell pepper, and scallions all over with a thin coating of oil and place them on the grill. Brush the cut sides of the lime halves with oil and place them cut-side down on the grill. Cover the grill and cook, turning the pineapple and vegetables as needed (no need to turn the limes), until grill marks appear and each item is slightly softened and charred, about 4 minutes for the pineapple, scallions, and limes, 5 to 6 minutes for the bell pepper. Remove the fruit and vegetables to a large dish or baking sheet and let them cool.

3. Remove the pork from the marinade, scrape off any excess, and discard the marinade. Rub the grill grates again with a towel dipped in oil, place the pork on the grill, and cover the grill. Cook, flipping once, until grill marks appear and the pork registers 140°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 7 to 10 minutes total. Remove to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest. Meanwhile, finish preparing the topping.

4. Cut out and discard the cores from the pineapple. Cut the remaining fruit into medium dice and place in a medium bowl. Chop the bell pepper and scallions into medium dice and add to the bowl.

Squeeze the juice from 2 of the lime halves into the bowl and stir to combine.

5. Slice the pork, squeeze the juice from the remaining 2 lime halves over the meat, and serve with the pineapple–red pepper mixture.

Recipe by Amy Wisniewski via Chowhound

EAST TEXAS STOCK PRICES ANDERSON COUNTY LIVESTOCK

EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK INC.

Updated: 05/17/2017 Head Count: 271 Buyers: 37 Sellers: 39

Updated: 06/20/2017 Cows: 353 Bulls: 16 Buyers: 58 Sellers: 178

STEERS

STEERS

200lb - 300lb

1.35

1.79

300-DOWN

$134

$212.50

300lb - 400lb

1.27

1.79

305lb - 400lb

$127

$187.50

400lb - 500lb

1.20

1.45

405lb - 500lb

$115

$167

500lb - 600lb

1.15

1.43

505lb - 600lb

$110

$154

600lb - 700lb

1.05

1.37

605lb - 800lb

$105

$145

700lb - 800lb

1.00

1.27

200lb - 300lb

1.30

1.70

300-DOWN

$105

$202

300lb - 400lb

1.20

1.51

305lb - 400lb

$100

$171

400lb - 500lb

1.15

1.47

405lb - 500lb

$92

$160

500lb - 600lb

1.10

1.34

505lb - 600lb

$85

$145

600lb - 700lb

1.00

1.35

605lb - 800lb

$83

$136

700lb - 800lb

0.95

1.20 $77

HEIFERS

HEIFERS

SLAUGHTER

SLAUGHTER

Cows

0.35

0.72

Cows

$48

Bulls

0.75

0.90

Bulls

$78

PAIRS

$850

$1750

PAIRS

STOCKER COWS GOATS

$650hd

$1550hd

$45hd

$150hd

TRI-COUNTY LIVESTOCK MARKET Updated: 06/24/2017 Head Count: 734

STEERS UNDER 300lb 300lb - 400lb

1.70 1.55

2.05 1.75

$1350

BRED COWS

NACOGDOCHES LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

HUNTS LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Updated: 06/22/2017 Head Count: 343 Buyers: 36 Sellers: 64

STEERS

$1475/hd

ATHENS COMMISSION COMPANY

Updated: 06/19/2017 Head Count: 571

STEERS

$790/hd

$92 $1850

Updated: 06/23/2017 Head Count: 1059 Sellers: 212

STEERS

UNDER 300lb

1.35

1.79

200lb - 299lb

1.50

2.05

300-DOWN

0.80

2.00

1.25

1.77

300lb - 399lb

1.40

1.97

300lb - 400lb

0.80

1.85

400lb - 500lb

1.40

1.54

300lb - 400lb

500lb - 600lb

1.25

1.46

400lb - 500lb

1.15

1.47

400lb - 499lb

1.40

1.60

400lb - 500lb

0.80

1.75

1.00

1.40

500lb - 599lb

1.30

1.55

500lb - UP

0.80

1.65

NA

NA

600lb - 699lb

1.20

1.45

HEIFERS

700lb - 899lb

1.05

1.45

300-DOWN

0.80

1.80

300lb - 400lb

0.80

1.70

600lb - 700lb

1.15

1.42

500lb - UP

700lb - 800lb

1.10

1.35

600lb - 700lb

1.30

1.60

UNDER 300lb

1.25

1.35

HEIFERS

1.40

300lb - 400lb

1.20

1.35

200lb - 299lb

1.50

2.00

400lb - 500lb

0.80

1.60

1.00

1.37

300lb - 399lb

1.20

1.47

500lb - UP

0.80

1.50

0.90

1.33

400lb - 499lb

1.20

1.65

SLAUGHTER

NA

NA

500lb - 599lb

1.16

1.50

Cows

0.40

0.81

600lb - 699lb

1.10

1.40

Heavy Bulls

0.70

0.97

0.90

1.25

PAIRS $1250

$1450

0.25

0.75

Low-Middle

$750

$1250

Bulls

0.75

0.93

PAIRS

$500

$1,325

STOCKER COWS

0.70lb

1.40lb

GOATS

$30hd

$230hd

$1,200hd

BABY CALVES

$40hd

$350hd

$130

HORSES

$50hd

$550hd

HEIFERS

HEIFERS UNDER 300lb 300lb - 400lb

1.15

400lb - 500lb

1.10

1.36

400lb - 500lb

500lb - 600lb

1.10

1.38

500lb - UP

600lb - 700lb

1.05

1.39

600lb - 700lb

1.16

SLAUGHTER

700lb - 800lb

1.00

SLAUGHTER

Cows

0.45

0.78

700lb - 899lb

Cows

0.40

0.77

Bulls

0.75

0.92

SLAUGHTER

Heavy Bulls

0.83

0.94

PAIRS

$850

$1600

Cows

$1750

STOCKER COWS

PAIRS BABY CALVES STOCKER COWS LOW-MIDDLE

$1500 $175 $850hd $900

$250

GOATS

$550hd $45hd

$1400hd $150hd

$1750hd

BABY CALVES

$45

$150

STOCKER COWS

$1150

HORSES

NA

NA

BABY CALVES

Top

$450hd $85

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

June-July 2017

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

11

Brown family’s Navarro County roots run deep

By Christy Mejia Huffman Corsicana Daily Sun

F

amily and tradition are two words that sum up Bill Brown Jr.’s family from Richland. Beyond a tightknit bond, this family shares two very special traditions. The first is that they have four generations who graduated from Navarro College. The second is that their family has lived continuously on the same property; nine generations over the span of 150plus years. The Brown family’s roots started out with cotton crops and livestock in 1858, on a spot that sits adjacent to I-45. A family this special also found that it was important to document their most recent history by setting up a family museum.

Bill Brown, Jr.’s father, the late Bill Brown Sr., was the first graduate of Navarro Junior College.

“Literally with his last name starting with the letter “B,” he became the first person to receive his diploma in 1947,” said Brown. The College started at what is the present day Corsicana municipal airport; the C. David Campbell Field. The College was started in 1946 and most of the student body, like Bill Brown Sr., were veterans. The location had been a flight school in World War II. And the elder Brown, who spent four years aboard a Navy destroyer, came home to his family and started attending classes. Brown, Jr. said.

“We lived on the premises out there. I remember playing with the other children. It was fun.”

From there, Brown’s dad went on to the University of Texas. The junior Brown would follow suit in attending Navarro, himself graduating in 1962. Bill Brown Jr. is known to many in Mexia where he spent the majority of his teaching and school administration years. In 1982 Bill Jr.’s son, Russell would graduate from Navarro as well. Though he didn’t intend to also work

in education, he is a professor and Chairman of the business department at Navarro College.

Just this past May, the youngest member of the Brown family, Bethany, graduated summa cum laude. It’s worth noting that Bethany’s mother Ann is also a proud Navarro graduate. For the family, living on the same property and attending the same college is meaningful. Russel says, “You just don’t see families have tradition anymore,” Russell said. “This is special to us.”

Not only has the tradition of owning the land in Richland been important to the family, each of the nine generations has had family living on the property.

That fact garnered a special recognition from the State of Texas.

“Not many have done it. Over 150 years and nine generations later, we’re still here,” said Brown Jr. Isaac and Sarah Kirksey were the family’s founding members at the site; purchasing over 300 acres in 1858. Since then each generation would raise animals or crops. You might say in “recent years” the crop was cotton.

Brown said.

“Once the boll weevils hit the crops hard in the 50’s, the cotton was done.”

Since then the family has raised cattle on the land. Because these traditions have remained so strong for the Browns, they currently have three generations living on the property. Bill Jr. and his wife of 56 years, Shirley and their son Russell and wife Ann. Even though she’ll be attending college at Stephen F. Austin, Bethany’s only home has been on the property.

It seemed only natural for Bill Brown Jr., with such a storied history on the property, to create a family museum. Bill’s mother, Ethel Brown, was a notorious note taker, genealogy researcher and saver. In a metal building on the property are meticulous rows of items. It’s not only the family’s personal treasures but also an array of items from eras gone by. Anyone with an interest in history could spend hours pouring over the collection. Bill Sr.’s leather baby booties, letters he wrote in the 1940’s, his toys (or the remnants thereof) and his white Navy cap from World War II are among the items. But there are also things that are less personal but tell the story of the generations themselves. From old metal toys, fishing lures, clothing pieces, photos, to old farm and ranch tools, it’s more than just the Brown family history.

“That’s the motel key from our honeymoon,” Bill said laughing.

Some people aren’t old enough to remember that hotel rooms had keys instead of an electronic pass.

Historical newspapers, old cans of oil and children’s toys also are carefully laid out at the Brown family museum. Not every item has documentation. Things like presidential campaign buttons dating back to the early 1900’s need no explanation. Bill Jr’s mother, who retired as Senior Vice President what is now known as Community National Bank kept family binders. She not only documented recent family members, she went back through the 150 year history.

“You have to have some pride and joy, people just don’t do that.

You keep going back to nine generations,” said Brown, Jr.

In 2009 the family invited close friends and community members to share in their celebration of the 150-year history on the property.

They had nearly 200 people show up. Many were amazed at the history.

It’s only appropriate that the most recent item added

to the collection is Bethany’s red graduation cap and gown from Navarro College. No one knows what the future holds, not even Bethany. But she says it’s meaningful.

“It’s my family. Our love for our family,” she said. “For me, it’s the fact that we are still together.”

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

12

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

June-July 2017

Mistaken Identity?

IGFA world record spotted bass under the genetic microscope

By Matt Williams Outdoors Writer

I

f you run in bass fishing circles or keep check on developments within the sport as closely as I do, then you have probably heard about all those huge “spotted” bass that have been caught out West over the last few years. The drums have been beating particularly loud in California, where reports and photos of anglers holding fistfuls of enormous bass with short bodies, fat bellies and gorgeous color have been showing up on social media and on a number of popular websites for quite some time.

In May, the International Game Fish Association officially declared one of the fish a new world record in its spotted bass category. The 11-pound, 4-ounce beauty was caught by Nick Dulleck of San Jose, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2017 from New Bullards Bar Reservoir near Yuba City. It’s the same lake that produced Timothy Little’s former world record spot of 10 pounds, 2 ounces in 2015 and a host challengers since, including a 10.80 pounder caught in Dec. 2016 by FLW Tour pro Cody Meyer.

In a surprising turn of events, it was recently decided by the IGFA that the organization may have to rescind Dulleck’s spotted bass world record and possibly award him an Alabama bass all-tackle world record instead.

It’s not that there was something shady about the catch or anything of the sort.

Dulleck caught the fish legally and followed all the IGFA world record application requirements to the tee.

The hitch falls under the subject of science and a potential case of mistaken identity, according to Jason Schratweiser, IGFA Conservation Director.

Alabama Bass: A Fish of a Different Kind According to some fisheries experts, the big bass that took Dulleck’s bait last spring may not have been a “spotted bass” as everyone has been claiming for months. In fact, some scientists believe Dulleck’s fish - and several other big bass hauled in before it at Bullard’s Bar were an entirely different breed -- likely pure Alabama bass or Alabama bass hybrids of some sort.

Dr. Steven M. Sammons with the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University, has seen pictures of Dulleck’s fish and says its sheer size indicates it is not a spotted bass. Sammons has performed extensive research on nine different species of black bass, including Alabama bass,

over the last 23 years. Also an avid angler, he has caught 14 native black bass species.

“All those big “spotted bass” in California are Alabama bass,” Sammons said. “Actual spotted bass (Kentucky spotted bass, northern spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus) rarely get over three pounds and virtually never over five pounds. I worked in Tennessee on reservoirs for five years (all native spotted bass, no Alabama bass) and never saw one over 2 1/2 pounds.”

Interestingly, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, one of the only states that currently recognizes spots and Alabama bass separately, lists a 6 pound, 1-ounce fish caught from Lake Chickamauga in 2011 as a state record for spotted bass.

A 7.0 pounder from Parksville Reservoir holds the Tennessee state record for Alabama bass.

Sammons said believes both of those fish are linked to illegal Alabama bass stockings.

“They were illegally stocked into Parksville Lake and found their way into Chickamauga (just downstream),” Sammons said.

“Like usual, the anglers were way ahead of the biologists, but when records that had stood for decades started falling in quick succession, it was quite obvious that something was up.”

Getting a Name Change Alabama bass are native to the Mobile River basin of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. For years scientists recognized them as one of three species of spotted bass, hence the former name “Alabama spotted bass” that existed until scientists determined through DNA analysis and other research that Alabama bass and spotted bass are entirely different animals, particularly when it comes to growth potential.

As a result, the American Fisheries Society in 2013 designated the Alabama bass as a species unto its own. Established in 1870, the AFS is a non-profit organization comprised of fisheries professionals nationwide whose goals are to advance fisheries and aquatic science and to promote the development of fisheries professionals.

Schratwieser says he wasn’t made aware of the AFS’s stance on Alabama bass until recently, and he pointed out that the designation has created somewhat of a sticky situation that the IGFA is attempting to sort out. The IGFA is recognized and highly respected as the keeper of world record fish catches in a variety of categories.

“We have to get this right,” Schratwieser said. “I’m going to have to rely on biologists to help us sort this out. It’s a mess.”

Courtesy Photo IGFA / Nick Dulleck

Nick Dulleck of San Jose, Calif., hoists the 11 pound, 4 ounce bass that was certified in May as a new world record “spotted bass” by the International Game Fish Association.

The IGFA is now questioning the genetics of the fish from New Bullards Bar Reservoir because some fisheries biologists believe it could be an Alabama bass or an Alabama bass hybrid.

Dulleck Speaks And caught in the middle of the mess is Dulleck, a 33-year angler who lives and breathes bass fishing and claims he went above and beyond to document his catch so as to leave absolutely no question to its authenticity.

Dulleck, who says he received an e-mail from IGFA notifying him that his all tackle spotted bass world record might be exchanged for Alabama bass record, says he is somewhat confused by the recent turn of events.

“I’m aware of the different species, but I think there are a lot of unanswered questions around the process of what they (the IGFA) are trying to do,” he said. “There needs to be some questions answered as far as how they are going to handle it. There are a lot of different aspects to look at - a lot of unknowns. There are several IGFA spotted bass line class records to be looked at and other fish in the 8-9 pound class that have been caught in California and recognized in the past. Do we say all big spots in California are Alabama bass?

There are a lot of lines to be drawn, so I don’t think its going to be an easy process for IGFA. “But, at the end of the day it is what it is,” he added. “If I wind up with the world record for Alabama bass, that’s cool too. It’s seems to me that is more than likely what is going to happen

and I’m fine with that. My main concern is that this deal gets handled in a way that it is fair for everyone going forward.”

Spreading the Genes Alabama bass have found their way into several different water bodies over the years, some through illegal releases and some via state agency stockings. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked Alabama bass into New Bullards Bar in 1983-84, according to CDFW environmental scientist, Max Fish.

As earlier mentioned, the Alabama transplants have apparently done pretty well in the fertile Yuba County reservoir, where fat, healthy fish weighing upwards six pounds don’t even raise eyebrows anymore. In fact, some researchers believe the fish are growing faster in California waters than they do in their native range.

Dr. Michael Maceina, also a fisheries scientist at Auburn University, says the heaviest angler-caught Alabama bass he is aware of in its native range weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces.

He believes the magnum size of the Alabamas coming out of New Bullards Bar and other California reservoirs could be attributed to a combination of diet, habitat conditions and possibly even low density populations.

“Finally, invader or exotic species sometimes do really well when first introduced,” Maceina said.

“It’s amazing to see how much larger Alabama bass get in California compared to the size in their native range.”

That’s a good foundation for the next question: Would it be possible for a native northern or Kentucky spotted bass to reach double digits on a protein-rich diet of kokanee salmon like Dulleck says Bullard’s Bar fish are privy to?

Sammons doesn’t think so.

“Fish have what ecologists call a ‘scope of growth,’ which means that they have biological and genetic limits of how big they can grow,” he said. “Largemouth bass do not grow to 40 pounds but striped bass do regularly. It is no different with spotted bass and Alabama bass. The scope of growth is just completely different. Diet plays a small effect, but it will not just double the size that a fish can reach.”

Texas Establishes Genetic Testing Protocol

Courtesy Photo FLW Fishing/Jason Johnson

Photos of California anglers posing with fistfuls of giant “spotted bass” have been surfacing on the Internet for several years now. Researchers from Auburn University say the fish are more than likely Alabama bass.

Alabama bass also have taken root in Texas, but only in one lake. Lake Alan Henry, a 2,900acre reservoir near Lubbock, was stocked with 150 adult Alabama bass in 1996 as part of an experiment. Like many other lakes across the state, Alan Henry does not have a northern spotted bass population.

In January 2016, a 5.98 pound state record caught there underwent genetics testing to determine its origin. The test showed the fish to have pure Alabama bass DNA, linking it to the stocking that was performed 20 years earlier.

In light of the AFS ruling designating Alabama bass as a distinct species, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department elected to establish separate records and regulations categories for Alabama bass that become effective Sept. 1, 2017.

Craig Bonds, TPWD inland fisheries director, says the decision to create a separate category for Alabama bass was the only logical thing to do.

“Our policy is to follow fish species designations based on the names of fishes prescribed by the AFS,” Bonds said. “Following a state record submission for the catch of a supposed spotted bass from Lake Alan Henry in 2016, where Alabama bass were stocked in 1996, we felt it appropriate to add Alabama bass as a species in our black bass regulations, as well as make the change to our Angler Recognition Program.”

For years, TPWD fisheries scientists have relied on genetics testing to sort out pure Florida bass from intergrades turned into the agency’s high-profile Toyota ShareLunker program. Officials there maintain the belief that such testing using a fin clip or scale is the only definitive way to tell the difference between spotted bass, Alabama bass and their hybrids.

“It’s a misnomer among some of the angling public that you can positively identify species by looking at shape, coloration and things like that,” Bonds said. “The only definitive way to differentiate species for black bass that readily hybridize with each other is through genetics testing.”

The CDFW has chosen to take a different route. According to Fish, that agency now places spotted bass and Alabama bass under the same records heading rather than opting for genetics testing to verify the origin of record-class fish.

“Genetic work is near a necessity for absolute confirmation of species,” Fish said via e-mail. “CDFW does not have the resources to do genetic work on state record applications at this time. For this reason both species are combined in one record category to preserve accuracy.”

The fate IGFA’s newest world record bass appears to be up in the air. Is it a spot, Alabama bass or some sort of hybrid freak?

Either way, it’s one whale of a fish well deserving of a mountain recognition.

Only time will tell how this one shakes out.

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

June-July 2017

13

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

If we grow it, they will come

By Kathi Nailling Athens Daily Review

D

iane Kirksey, owner of Gardens of Peaceful Valley, said the name is derived from when in the early days of Henderson County the area was referred to as a peaceful valley.

Kirksey’s husband James was born on the Peaceful Valley Farm. James’ love for agriculture started at an early age. While growing up in Henderson County he worked the hay fields, watermelon patches, and sweet potato fields.

The father of six knew farming couldn’t support his growing family. Diane and Jack are proud of their large family and the fact that they grew up on the same farm were their father has so many of his childhood memories.

With six children came 13 grandchildren with one more due in Dec. After James retired from his 50-year career building lakes, ponds, building pads and roads he and Diane poured their hearts into the retirement garden.

Officially, this is the fifth year for the Gardens of Peaceful Valley. In 2015 the couple’s dream garden was wiped out due to a massive flood on Mothers Day. The torrential rains took everything fences, dirt,

Gardens of Peaceful Valley 7147 State Highway 19 North, Athens, Texas Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

www.GardensAtPeacefulValley.com equipment, and buildings.

Kirksey said she cried, then started over and now has a full fledged garden open for business.

Diane, along with her grandchildren ranging in age from 4 years to 18 years, tend to the vegetables and the needs of the garden. In complete transparency, the 4 year old would rather play in the dirt than help on the farm. As one of the grandkids, she considers herself a farm worker.

Diane’s farm workers Isabelle, Ryan, Caroline, Stella, Katie, Noah, Emma, Guillaume, Jack, and Loic will spend their summer months mending fences and harvesting vegetables. In addition to her grandchildren, friends Alexis, Christian and Matthew help with the garden.

“I asked the kids if they wanted to help in the garden,” said Kirksey. “Of course since I pay them they all said yes.”

When asked what they grew Diane said the question should be “what don’t we grow.”

“Variety is important,” Kirksey said. “Think about everything in

gardens, then multiple it. That’s what we grow.”

Just some of the many vegetables found at the Garden of Peaceful Valley are cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, carrots, beets, acorn squash, watermelons, cantaloupe, pinto beans, cucumbers tomatoes, lima beans, okra and an assortment of peas.

In addition to the 12-acre garden the family sells free range eggs.

“We eat everything we grow,” said Diane. “It’s all organic.” No pest control. “We use ladybugs.”

Ladybugs have been known to be beneficial for controlling pest in gardens. They are used commercially or for home gardens.

According to research, ladybugs are capable of consuming up to 50 to 60 aphids per day but will also eat a variety of other insects and larvae including scales, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites, and various types of soft-bodied insects.

Diane has 3000 ladybugs protecting her garden from insects.

“We never buy at market ,” Kirksey said. “Everything we sell is grown and picked by our family.

The family continues to add to their farm. “We have plans to add a full kitchen for canning,” said Kirksey. She is planning on providing canning classes to those who are interested.

She has posted some of her canning recipes on a bulletin board at the Gardens at Peaceful Valley. “If someone likes the recipe they can just take it.”

Most Saturdays you can find Diane and a couple of the grandchildren at the Athens Farmers Market.

Garden of Peaceful Valley is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. The farm is located on the left, one mile north of Loop 7 at 7147 State Highway 19 North, Athens.

“If you are coming from Athens on Highway 19 and you get to the rest area you went one mile too far,” said Kirksey.

Follow Gardens at Peaceful Valley on Facebook or visit the website www.

GardensAtPeacefulValley.com.

Diane can be reached by email at GardensAtPeacefulVlley@gmail. com or call/text 903-386-3371.

Diane’s message has always been “If we grow it, they will come.”

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

14

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

June-July 2017

Code Western A new place, same smiling face: local western store moves to new location

By Jennifer Kimble Palestine Herald-Press

O

wners of the local western lifestyle store want the public to know they just moved locations and haven’t disappeared from Palestine.

Code Western spent two years in a downtown Palestine location, but now continue offering customers the chance to “dare to live the code” by shopping in the Palestine Plaza. The new location opened in March.

“We offer a lifestyle to the community,” said co-owner Jay Woodson. “We cater to the cutters, ranchers and people who just want to dress up and look western on a Saturday night.”

Woodson said the new location brings more traffic than the prior downtown location.

“It allows us to reach a different customer base that probably did not know about us before,” said Woodson.

The store has merchandise for all walks of western life, but specializes in boots and equine tack.

Customers receive special attention for a sit-down consultation and proper fitting

for the boot-buying experience. Code Western employees want the customer to feel completely comfortable with the boots before setting one stride outside the door.

A 19-year-old roper from Oakwood offers customers a one-of-a-kind experience with horse tack. Employee Ashlyn Duck has a history in the rodeo and roping lifestyle, while helping care for five show horses at home.

“If we didn’t have the store in Palestine, I’d have to go to Athens just to get almost close to the products offered here for tack,” said Duck.

Business manager Rebecca Pue has a farming background and said it helps to extend the customer experience to shoppers.

“We try to pass the savings on while offering brand-name items to our customers,” said Pue. “Our shopper’s experience won’t be found anywhere else in town.”

She added the store even offers price matching for merchandise in the store.

Her husband’s motto is: “If you need a trough of water, we can get that, too. We just don’t have it in the store.”

For more information, call 903-480-9985 or visit codewestern.com

Courtesy photo

Code Western owners James “JP” Pue and Jay Woodson

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

June-July 2017

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

15

USDA Farm Service Agency county committee nomination period begins WASHINGTON, – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Thursday, June 15, 2017. “County committees allow farmers and ranchers to make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve their needs,� said Acting FSA Administrator Chris Beyerhelm. “We strongly encourage all eligible producers to visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. There’s an increasing need for representation from underserved producers, which

includes beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers.�

County committees are made up of farmers and ranchers elected by other producers in their communities to guide the delivery of farm programs at the local level. Committee members play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA. Committees consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month or as needed to make important decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms.

Nationwide, there are over 7,700 farmer

and ranchers serving on FSA county committees.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, may also nominate candidates to better serve their communities. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, and reside in the local administrative area where the election is being held.

After the nomination period, candidates will encourage the eligible producers in their local administrative area to vote. FSA will mail election

ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 6, 2017. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 4, 2017. Newly-elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2018.

To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www. fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2017 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2017. Locate your local office at https://offices.usda.gov and visit to get more information.

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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

June-July 2017

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

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