July 2020
No fake burgers in Canada Horace McQueen See page 3
David and Goliath of television Baxter Black See page 5
Game Warden Field Notes Texas Parks & Wildlife See page 8
Taking five with Kade Callaway By PennyLynn Webb
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Palestine Herald-Press
ountry music singer Kade Callaway, a 2020 graduate of Elkhart High School, is the winner of the Texas Future Farmers of America State Talent Contest. All three of Callaway’s Ag/ FFA teachers, Jordan McInnis, Ashlea Crosby and Haley Estep are proud of Kade’s accomplishment, especially since this was his first time to compete in the competition. The teacher trio released this statement with regard to Kade’s win: “We are very proud in all that Kade has accomplished and he is very well deserving in winning this title. We cannot wait to see where his music career takes him.” Each school district is allowed to send one participant for this contest held during the District Convention. The winner of that contest then competes at Area. The Area winner then competes at the State Convention. This year the conventions and competitions were all done virtually. Kade was chose first out of seven other students at District and first out of four at Area. He received his state title in early July. Kade is no stranger to the stage. With plans to make music his future, he began performing professionally in 2019 under the tutelage of his father, Backseat Molly frontman Steven Callaway and has already garnered See CALLAWAY on Page 3
They’re here
Armyworm infestations spotted in Cherokee County By Aaron Low
Cherokee County Extension Agriculture Agent, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
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rmyworm infestations have recently been spotted in Cherokee County. Though we have been blessed by recent rainfall and cooler than normal temperatures those blessings have encouraged an unwanted pest to begin invading Agriculture producers pastures and hay meadows. Livestock and hay producers should start scouting fields for possible infestations. The following is a very good article that details the life cycle of the fall armyworm, along with some tips on scouting for these pest and controlling them. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a common pest of bermudagrass, sorghum, corn, wheat and rye grass and many other crops in north and central Texas. Larvae of fall armyworms are green, brown or black with white to yellowish lines running from head to tail. A distinct white line between the eyes forms an inverted “Y” pattern on the face. Four black spots aligned in a square on the top of the segment near the back end of the caterpillar are also characteristic. Armyworms are very small (1/8 inch) at first, cause little
plant damage and, as a result, often go unnoticed. Larvae feed for 2-3 weeks and full-grown larvae are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Given their immense appetite, great numbers and marching ability, fall armyworms can damage entire fields or pastures in a few days. Once the armyworm larva completes feeding, it tunnels into the soil to a depth of about an inch and enters the pupal stage. The armyworm moth emerges from the pupa in about ten days and repeats the life cycle. The fall armyworm moth has a wingspan of about 1 1/2 inches. The front pair of wings is dark gray with an irregular pattern of light and dark areas. Moths are active at night when they feed on nectar and deposit egg masses. A single female can deposit up to 2000 eggs and there are four to five generations per year. The fall armyworm apparently does not overwinter in north Texas but survives the winter in south Texas. Populations increase in south Texas in early spring and successive generations move northward as the season progresses. Management. Fall armyworm outbreaks in pastures and hay fields often occur following a rain which apparently creates favorable conditions for eggs and small larvae to survive in large numbers. Hay fields with a dense canopy and vigorous plant growth are often more susceptible to armyworm infestations than less intensely fertilized and managed fields. Irrigated fields See ARMYWORM on Page 3
Chinese seeds could pose serious threat By Shelli Parker
T
Athens Review
exans and others from across the country have been receiving mystery seeds in the mail that appear to be from China. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, they are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and other state and federal agencies to investigate. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, these packets have been mailed to multiple states, falsely labeled as jewelry. They are urging anyone receiving the unsolicited package to immediately contact their state agency. Commissioner Sid Miller issued a warning on July 27: “Do not plant these seeds, it is actually illegal to plant them because of the major havoc invasive species.” “I am urging folks to take this matter seriously,” Miller said. “An invasive plant species might not sound threatening, but these small invaders could destroy Texas agriculture. TDA has been working closely with USDA to analyze these unknown seeds so we can protect Texas residents.” The TDA went on to add, “If you receive a foreign package containing seeds do not open it or plant the contents. Keep contents contained in their original sealed package.” Invasive plants are species not native to a particular region and according to the TDA they can destroy native crops, introduce disease to local plants and may be dangerous for livestock. The possibilities are endless, but they could potentially harbor disease or insects. Currently the USDA is investigating and inspecting them to find out what they are. See SEEDS on Page 3