June 2018 Farm and Ranch Living

Published June 28, 2018

2018 Tomato Festival a success!

See more photos from this annual Jacksonville event on Page 2

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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

June-July 2018

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Jacksonville Annual Tomato Festival

Cover Photo by Brenda Fields, Other photos by Alyssa Massingill & Brenda Fields Jacksonville Daily Progress

T

he 34th Annual Tomato Fest was held Saturday, June 9, in downtown Jacksonville. The event drew thousands of people from across the area, and it included plenty of of the town’s juicy, red and green homegrown tomatoes.

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BARBECUE — a Texas Thing!

W

hen it comes to down-home barbecue, Texas leads the pack. We have lots of great choices—large and small.

Like most red meat lovers, each of us have preferences as to which restaurant offers the best “cue”. In the last few days, our area has lost one of the best!

Stacy’s in Jacksonville has closed after 41 years of providing top notch brisket and sausage. By the plate or in sandwiches, Stacy’s was a contender many times for best of the best in barbecue.

Originally opened by Stacy Davis, a journeyman butcher, folks from far and wide sang

the praises of their offerings. In recent years son Ron ran the business and planned to pass it on to the third generation. But the untimely death of his son— and problems in hiring help that really cared about the customer— led to the closing. Ron has kept many of the furnishings and the inside wall boards that bore the names of hundreds of customers.

On his farm near Gallatin, Ron is building a “Stacy’s Museum” for those who want a glimpse into the past of this storied eating place.

We will continue to have many restaurants turning out barbecue that customers will travel many

miles to enjoy. After 36 years in the Farm and Ranch TV news business, my longtime friend and cameraman Bobby Perdue and I have put our feet under the tables of hundreds of eating places. And when it comes to real Texas barbecue, several continue to stand out. In Tyler, Stanley’s is a winner and has been since 1959. In Longview, the original Bodacious opened in 1968 and is still going strong. Shep’s in Palestine and Bob’s in Henderson have been favorites for decades.

Wherever you live, or travel, in Texas, there are plenty of places where mouth-watering barbecue is available.

Now this takes the cake! An elementary school in Richmond, Virginia is undergoing a name change. The ‘Politically Correct’ school board changed the name of J.E.B. Stuart Elementary to Barack Obama Elementary. Stuart was a Confederate leader in the War of Northern Aggression— what some call the Civil War. Our history is being rewritten by agitators who are using the news media to get their way. Maybe it’s time for Texans to draw a line in the sand--as did William Barrett Travis at the Alamo--and give the defenders of liberty a voice in the battle!

A knight amongst the cowboys

By William Patrick Palestine Herald-Press

C

owboys are synonymous with Texas. In every town across the state, kids can be found with cap-gun six-shooters, wearing ten-gallon hats, and riding stick-horses.

When former Palestine resident Richard Cannon dreamed of riding off into the sunset, however, it wasn’t in a Stetson – it was in a suit of armor.

Cannon, 27, is a Knight of the Realm at the Avalon Faire in Kilgore, TX. Typically open from late March through the end of April, Avalon Faire is a medieval and renaissance extravaganza. It boasts music and cultural traditions popular between the fifth and fifteenth centuries, vendors, food, and chivalrous knights in displays of medieval combat.

Sir Richard Cannon spends his springtime weekends on horseback, jousting against other knights of the realm, in tournaments designed not only to entertain the crowds, but to also test his mettle.

Although fascinated by the time-period since childhood, Cannon credits his wife of seven years, Lady Amanda Cannon, with introducing him to this hobby, which quickly became a lifestyle.

“I got into the ren faire community after I met Amanda,” Cannon said. “The owner of Faire Dustin liked the both of us, and asked if we would like to join the Faire as part of the royal court.”

Expecting their first child at the time, the Cannons politely declined the offer.

Shortly thereafter, Cannon accepted ccepted a different offer – they requested he join as a knight ght – and he’s never looked back.

In keeping with the chivalric code, Cannon had to squire for a time before he was allowed to claim the title of knight.

During this time, Cannon was as schooled in combat-riding and jousting, which hich he admittedly found rather different from the trail-rides of his youth.

“I spent three years learning how to ride in armor, so I could become me a knight,” Cannon said. “There’s no feeling like galloping at full speed, ed, being in one fluid motion with the horse.”

An Air Force veteran, Cannon on said his two daughters, Guinevere, 7, and Aveleen, 4, love the fact that at their daddy is a knight.

“I’ve started teaching them sword-fighting,” he said.

“When they’re a little older, if they still want to, we will teach ch them to ride.

Maybe they’ll become knights themselves one day.”

Those interested in the Avalon on Faire, visit: www.avalonfaire.com or call 903-985-0165.

03-985-0165.

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Dyess Processing

By Caleb Vierkant Jacksonville Daily Progress

J

ody Dyess said he’s been in the meat processing business for about 20 years. His company, Dyess Processing, provides fresh meat to many people in the Cherokee County area. Dyess said his company handles custom orders, and are not a retail meat seller.

This means that they cannot sell individual pieces of meat to people, they have to take the whole animal.

“There’s two ways to do it,” Dyess said. “You can bring me a cow … cow, sheep, pig, goat, whatever … The other way to do it is you can buy a calf or pig from me and I can cut it up for you.”

Customers buying meat from Dyess fill out a custom order for each animal they take. These custom order forms explain how customers want their steaks cut, how they want hamburger meat ground, whether they want roast or fajita meat and many other options. Dyess said everything is customized to how the customer wants it.

He also talked about the process of preparing meat for the customers, which is an organized routine for him and his six full time employees. The animal is brought through a chute into the “kill room,” where they are put down.

They are then skinned, gutted, weighed, drained of blood and hung in a refrigerated meat locker. The meat can age in the locker for any number of weeks, depending on the amount of fat on the animal and the customer’s desire.

After the meat has aged, it is cut into workable chunks, cleaned and prepared according to the work order. All the meat is then packaged and vacuum sealed and stored for pickup in a large freezer.

Dyess said they handle about 60 animals a month; Approximately 40 cows and 15-20 pigs. Sheep and goats are also common animals for them to see.

Dyess Processing is located northeast of Rusk, at 3451 CR 1301. They can also be found on Facebook under “Dyess Processing.”

Dyess Processing 3451 CR 1301 Rusk, TX 75785

903-312-1268 Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the Net: www.facebook.com/ Dyess-Processing-559046187777003/

Progress photos by Caleb Vierkant

Jody Dyess has been in the meat processing business for almost 20 years. He owns and operates Dyess Processing, to the northeast of Rusk.

Dyess Processing handles custom orders, slaughtering any kind of animal and cutting the meat however the customer requests. Dyess said they handle about 60 animals a month. They mostly process beef, but they also handle pork, and have slaughtered sheep and goats, as well.

Dyess Processing has six full-time employees, plus Dyess, who work hard to prepare exceptional cuts for their customers.

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June-July 2018

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I Know You’ll Miss This Man The Lord spoke to the heavy hearts that stood with hats in hand, “Your sadness pains me deeply and I know you’ll miss this man.

You see, all his friends are up here and all his loved ones, too, ‘Cause it wouldn’t be a heaven without each one of you.

But, it’s true what you’ve been hearing, Heaven is a real place.

That’s no small consolation. You should use that fact to face.

And heaven for a cowboy is just what you might expect, It’s horses that need tunin’ up and heifers that need checked.

The emptiness his parting left that seeps into your bones, And draw on it to ease your pain.

For he is not alone.

It’s long rides with a purpose and a code that lights the way, And a satisfying reason to get up every day.

Contentment set upon his face like blankets on a bed.

It’s too hard to comprehend.

The leather creaks a little as he shifts there in the seat.

The bit chains give a jingle when his pony switches feet.

It’s the ranch he’s always dreamed of and never knew he’d find, And if you think about it, you can see it in your mind.

Him, leanin’ in the saddle with his ol’ hat on his head,

And you somehow get the feelin’ that he’s sittin’ on a throne, A’gazin’ out on paradise just like it was his own.

I can promise you he’s happy, though I know you can’t pretend, You’re glad he made the journey.

The earthly way you look at things can never satisfy, Your lack of understanding for the answer to the ‘Why?’ So, I offer this small comfort to put your grief to rest, I only take the top hands ‘cause my crew’s the very best.

And I know it might seem selfish to friends and next of kin, But I needed one more cowboy and Billy fit right in.”

Corsicana brings slice of Farmer’s Market downtown

By Michael Kormos Corsicana Daily Sum

N

avarro County Farmer’s Market opened its 48th season in May, bringing fresh-picked produce for all its customers to enjoy. The Market operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon from its home at 408 E. Sixth Avenue in Corsicana, adjacent to the Corsicana Daily Sun. “We have all kinds of vegetables and some baked goods,” said Ronnie Farmer, The NCFM’s President. “We’re a market mostly for gardeners and farmers to sell their produce, and our vendors have been here for years and years.”

To start off its first day, the Farmer’s Market passed out free doughnuts and coffee for customers. Also to help promote the Farmer’s Market, The City of Corsicana’s set up a Pocket Market on three dates during the season down at the Beaton Market Place Park on Beaton Street.

The remaining dates for Pocket Market are July 14, and Aug. 11.

“Last year I was a vendor and the city always wanted the Farmer’s Market to be closer to downtown,” said Susan Wilson, a spokesperson for the City. “We’ll have six vendors for Pocket Market, and they’ll serve the same time as our Mimosas event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.”

Wilson’s plan is to collect a representation of the produce offered at the original Farmer’s Market, then re-sell examples of the best produce downtown in the Pocket Park.

“There’s plan to showcase organic eggs, figs, blueberries, honey and even Lone Star Daily Sun photos/Michael Kormos Olive Oil, which has grown popular here,” Above, Cynthia and Frank Lyons of Victory Oasis Farm picWilson said. “I also plan to include simple recipes along with the produce so those who tured at last year’s Navarro County Farmer’s Market. Below don’t often cook can get ideas on what to left, Vernon Strebeck pictured at last year’s Navarro County make.”

Farmer’s Market.

Wilson is an avid supporter of the Navarro County Farmer’s Market, and speaks highly the past few years as consumers become more healthof Farmer’s own produce, along with Vernon Strebeck’s conscious and aware of where their food comes from. No cantaloupes, which he is best-known for. longer delegated to roadside stands, these farm-to-table The popularity of farmers markets has surged in outlets are increasingly found in urban centers.

“It’s all fresh-picked, I could pick squash tomorrow and bring it right there next day as it ripens,” Farmer said. “Produce found in a grocery store has to be shipped green and then gassed to ripen. Our vegetables don’t have to be gassed or artificially altered, which is healthier.”

Anyone interested in joining the Farmer’s Market should contact Farmer at 903-641-878.

“We charge growers $30 to join the association, an $8 booth fee on Saturday and a $6 booth fee on Tuesday.

The fees are mainly to keep electricity on and pay the bills.”

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June-July 2018

4-H’ers awarded $2.4M in scholarships participants in approximately 50 diverse competitions throughout the week-long event,” Hamm said. “The majority of the events require each individual or team to qualify at the county and district level.”

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization with more than 65,000 youth are enrolled members of 4-H community clubs in Texas. Another 850,000 Texas youth get involved in 4-H through educational opportunities at school, in after school programs, or at neighborhood or youth centers.

Youths who attend 4-H Roundup are able to display the leadership skills, citizenship development, team building and competition skills learned throughout the year.

By Sarah Hamm sarah.hamm@ag.tamu.edu

T

exas 4-H’ers took home more than $2.4 million in scholarships during the 71st annual Texas 4-H Roundup held at Texas A&M University recently.

In all, the 4-H Youth Development Foundation distributed more than 200 scholarships to outgoing 4-H members, said Sarah Hamm, executive director of the Texas 4-H Foundation.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provided 70 $20,000 scholarships, making them this year’s largest group contributor to Texas 4-H scholarships.

Richard Wallrath donated 35 $10,000 scholarships from the Richard Wallrath Educational Foundation, making his foundation the largest individual contributor. Additionally, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo awarded $272,000 through a total of 25 scholarships.

“Texas 4-H Roundup is the pinnacle event for all of Texas 4-H, with more than 4,000

Right, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship recipients at the 2018 Texas 4-H Roundup at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Experts remind Texans to protect children

By Paul Schattenberg paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu With summer temperatures climbing to triple digits, now is a good time to remind Texans of the dangers of children getting heat stroke while left unattended in vehicles, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service passenger safety expert.

Bev Kellner, AgriLife Extension family and community health program manager in College Station, said it’s important to remember that as temperatures increase so does the likelihood of heat stroke and death for children left in hot vehicles.

“Temperatures in parked vehicles rise very quickly and a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, so the combination can be deadly,” Kellner said. “And children are far more vulnerable to heat stroke than adults.”

Kellner said in just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by almost 20 degrees.

“Hyperthermia or heat stroke can occur at body temperatures above 104 degrees and even mild exterior temperatures can pose a threat,“ she said. “And contrary to popular belief, cracking a window does little or nothing to dispel the heat from the

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interior of the vehicle.”

Kellner said Texas leads the nation in child vehicular heat deaths, with 114 deaths from 1989 to 2017.

“This gave Texas the unwanted distinction of being first in the nation in child vehicular heat deaths,” she said. “And already this year, there have been seven such deaths in the U.S., with one of them in Texas.”

Kellner said because more than half of these deaths are due to caregivers forgetting they have a child in the vehicle, these deaths are entirely preventable if a few precautions are taken.

“The other side of that coin is making sure children cannot gain access to unlocked vehicles, as nearly one-third of these deaths are from children getting trapped inside an unlocked vehicle,” Kellner said.

Johnny Humphreys, chair of the Texas Heatstroke Task Force, said most child vehicular heat deaths can be avoided by following some simple steps, such as the guidelines of the ACT prevention statement of Safe Kids Worldwide.

“The ‘A’ stands for avoid heatstroke injury by never leaving your child alone in a car,” Humphreys said. “Always lock your doors and trunks, including in your driveway or garage. The ‘C’ stands for routinely creating a reminder so you will check the back seat before you park and leave the vehicle. And the ‘T’ means to take action by calling 911 when you see a child left alone in a vehicle.”

Humphreys said Safe Kids Worldwide has released new prevention toolkits available for download at https://www. safekids.org/take-action-preventheatstroke.

“There are toolkits available for educators, parents, child care providers and first responders,” he said. “All of them include useful materials such as infographics and talking points.”

Humphreys said anyone interested in being part of the Texas Heatstroke Task Force, a statewide network of community educators who include heatstroke awareness or prevention in their daily activities, may email him at Humphreys.

Johnny@gmail.com. They may also contact the task force at texasheatstroketaskforce@ gmail.com to receive monthly updates regarding heat stroke and heat stroke awareness and prevention resources.

Additionally, the National Highway

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Traffic Safety Administration will conduct a child heat stroke prevention media campaign leading up to National Heatstroke Prevention Day July 31.

Kellner said to help avoid child vehicular heat deaths, parents and other caregivers should consider the following tips from Safe Kids and AgriLife Extension: On leaving a child in a hot vehicle: — Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.

— Make a habit of looking in the vehicle, front and back, before locking the door and walking away.

— When parking a multi-passenger vehicle, make sure there are no children sleeping on the seats or hiding under them.

— Put a purse, briefcase, gym bag, cellphone or another item that will be needed in the back seat to help ensure you look there before leaving the vehicle.

— Set the alarm on your cellphone or computer calendar as a reminder to verify you have not left a child unattended in your vehicle.

— If you see an unattended child in a vehicle, dial 911 immediately and follow any instructions provided by emergency personnel.

On children getting into parked vehicles: — Teach children not to play in and around vehicles.

— Always lock vehicles, even when in the garage or driveway.

— Never leave keys in the car and store them out of children’s reach.

— Identify and use safe play areas for children away from parked or moving vehicles.

“Also, if a caregiver notices a child is missing, it’s always a good idea to make your vehicle one of the first places to look, including the trunk or storage area,” Kellner said.

She also noted other ways to help avoid children being accidentally locked in hot vehicles are to use drive-thru services when available and to pay for gas at the pump with a debit or credit card as opposed to going inside.

“We hope if people use these preventive measures we can avoid further needless child vehicular heat deaths,” Kellner said.

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It’s been a good, long run of fishing stories

F

Gone Fishing with Jerry Miller

or the past 36 years I have been writing Gone Fishing articles. I began writing articles in 1982, several years after I brought a big stringer of bass by the Jacksonville Daily Progress office to be photographed.

At that time it was the largest stringer of bass I had ever caught, and I wanted a record of it.

They obliged me, and afterwards I got on a winning streak in the Jacksonville Bass Club, so I was asked by the Sports Editor at that time, Conrad Archer, to submit fishing articles.

Over the years I have taken numerous people bass fishing. Many of these were novice fishermen who simply wanted to learn how to fish and just catch a few bass. Others were hard core bass fishermen.

Some of my earliest memories were with Buford Adams and our trip to fish three days at Squaw Creek Reservoir.

The water was extremely clear and the bass were hard to catch. But together we began to unlock the secrets of this lake.

John Spiers, an attorney with a local law firm, actually took me fishing on the Neches River and introduced me to river fishing.

Unfortunately, he contracted cancer not long afterwards and died.

I will always remember

taking Clifton Thrift fishing on Lake Jacksonville. I knew his health wasn’t good, so I invited him to go fish. About two weeks before he died of cancer he gave me a couple of homemade fishing lures that he had made. I still have them.

At Central Baptist Church, which I have been a member of for over 40 years, I have taken several staff members and others fishing. Dr. Darin Wood fished with me one time on Tosh Lake where I taught him how to worm fish. He told me later that he learned more about bass fishing from me in a few hours than he had previously learned before that day. John Armitage, Music/Worship Pastor at Central, has been with me on several occasions.

Armitage is an excellent bass fisherman. Dr. Mike Miller, our current Pastor, fished with me also on Tosh Lake and caught several bass.

Trey Tosh, my great nephew, started fishing with me when he was about eight years old.

I demonstrated to him how to worm fish, and he took to it like a duck to water. I’ll always remember him standing at the front of the aluminum boat while fishing Tosh Lake and catching bass after bass for hours on end.

He never tired of bass fishing!

Once I took Nathan Jones fishing on Lake Fairfield where he caught several good size bass. That day Nathan had brought a box full of donuts which he accidentally left on top of the truck, and when we drove over the railroad track I happened to see them flying off the roof.

We were going to eat them on the way to the lake. Oh, well!

I have become close friends with several very good fishermen who live here in Jacksonville: David Nichols, who at that time owned Nichols’ Lures. I have also gone on several trips with Frank Lusk, John Long, Ron Stacy, James Smith, R.M. Bridges, Tony Cummings, Joe Parker, David Capps, Mike Smith, Joe Ben Oller, Maris Fletcher, Mark Ford, Robert Sadler, grandson Brandon Pierce, and I could go on and on.

The one fishing trip I will never forget was on February 17, 1982, not long after I began writing fishing articles. I took my wife Betty fishing on Lake Striker. She was

hesitant to go that day because the weather was very blustery, and there was a strong south wind and rainy.

In the article I said, “Now every man knows that the best way to persuade his wife to go anywhere with him is to buy her a new outfit.

So I beat it on down to a local store and purchased Betty a new, shiny, bright yellow rain suit. Well, the new outfit didn’t exactly thrill her, but she finally agreed to make a ‘practice run’ to the lake.”

We motored over to the hot water discharge area. As we pulled into the protected area (from the wind) I noticed Betty had her eyes closed. I reassured her we would be safe from the wind here.

This is the part I will never forget. Betty set the hook real hard and began to reel. A few seconds later she pulled in a big porous rock. That’s right, a rock that she somehow snagged using a weedless worm. I have been fishing for many years and have never seen anyone catch a rock.

Not long afterwards she set the hook again.

After observing her straining for several minutes, she managed to pull in a nylon rope, and attached to it was a big metal anchor, which I still have to this day.

Well, I haven’t seen anyone catch an anchor either!

I did manage to catch a bass, but soon afterwards we noticed the dark rain clouds descending on us, and we were enveloped in a deluge of rain. That ended the memorable trip.

I was fortunate enough to help Charlie Pack make four bass films called Fishing Country that were broadcast on the local TV shows.

On one of these films I invited Pack to go to Lake Cooper and fish.

We caught bass most of the day off of river bends. The last bass he caught weighed about six pounds – a perfect ending to his show.

I could go on and

on. I’ve really enjoyed writing these bass stories over the past 36 years. My goal was to provide up to date information on how to catch bass in our local lakes. Several fishermen told me that the stories actually helped them to catch bass by using the information that I gave them in the articles. Even women have commented to me that they found my articles interesting.

It’s been a long run, but all good things eventually come to an end. Now that I’m nearly 75 years old, I’m starting to slow down some. I’ll just sign off by saying, “I’m GONE FISHING.”

Vegetable gardening and hot weather

By Bill Dawson Walker County Master Gardner

accepted rule for gardening. However, a sizeable section of my garden only gets six hours, and it produces as well as the section that gets the full sun.

C

an vegetable gardening really be successful during hot weather? Yes it can. However, and that is a big however, you need to make a number of changes from your regular gardening format. Those changes need to include taking care of the plants in a different manner, but equally important is taking care of yourself in a different manner.

Clothes First of all, what type of changes do YOU need to make so gardening will continue to be a fun hobby. Probably the most important is simply start early in the morning or as late in the afternoon as you can. That is so obvious that I almost didn’t list it, but anyway, there it is. Dress in clothes that are comfortable, loose fitting and all cotton if you can.

Lighter colors will tend to be cooler than darker clothes. I prefer long sleeve shirts when the sun gets stronger during the day. As I have gotten a bit older, my skin is much more sensitive. Although I have found out that the sun can still penetrate through a cotton long sleeve shirt, it still offers protection from sun burns. Also, there are all types of sun block creams or sprays you can buy that will add to the protection.

A good broad brimmed hat that allows air to circulate through the crown of the hat is a must. Baseball caps do not offer the amount of protection from the sun that you need. I find if I wear a baseball cap, my ears and most of my face will still catch more sunlight than I need. Cotton gloves will not only keep your hands from getting too much sun, but will also protect you when you pick okra or squash. Over the years I have started wearing sun glasses more often when I am outdoors; so why not in the garden too? One final thought on changes that need to be considered, and that is water. Your vegetable plants will need more water during hot weather, but it is important that you also drink more water when out in the garden.

Simply take some bottled water with you on the way to the garden, find a shady spot to place the bottle, and then drink up often.

All of the above suggestions make sense to me, but do you need to do everyone of those each time you put a foot in the garden? I certainly don’t think so. If I go out to the garden to pick a tomato for my tuna fish sandwich, I put my straw hat on, pick my tomato, and I am back at the kitchen table in less than five minutes. Now if I plan to be in the garden from, say 9 to 10 in the morning, chances are that I am going to use all of the ideas we mentioned.

Common Sense.

arrived in South America in the late 1600’s, and extended into present day New Orleans shortly thereafter. One of the main ingredients of gumbo is okra, and New Orleans and gumbo go hand in hand. There is other documentation that indicates the American colonists were growing okra in Philadelphia as early as 1781.

Southern peas are thought to have started in North Africa where they had been eaten for many centuries.

Peas may have been introduced into India as long as 3,000 years ago, and was also a staple diet of the Greeks and Roman. Spanish explorers introduced peas to both South and North American.

Since okra and peas love warmer temperatures, the planting dates for Walker County should be around the first of May until the latter part of July. These are the recommended dates, but I have friends who plant earlier and later than those dates, and their gardens normally do very well. The main thing you are looking for is a successful harvest, and with a little care and work, okra and peas will not let you down. Of course, your final goal will be a bowl of gumbo or fried okra one day, and the next day a bowl of black eyed peas. Add corn bread to go with the black eyed peas and you’re eating like a true southerner.

Okra and peas There are vegetables that prefer or even demand hot weather. The first two that come to mind would be okraa and any type of southern pea. Purple hull or black eyed d peas can handle hot weather, and they are easy to grow.

Okra, however, is the king of hot weather vegetables, but wouldn’t you expect that since it is a vegetable native ve of Africa? Okra has been around for a long time. Some documents place okra in Egypt back in biblical times. Itt

Now Open!

Water and shade cloth Now for the plants. They need more water. Drip irrigation is a terrific way to deliver the right amount of water to your plants and none is wasted; that should help you on your water bill each month, too. Local nurseries, or hardware stores have drip irrigation kits that are reasonably priced and easy to install. An alternative to drip irrigation is a soaker hose. Plenty of mulch, such as leaves or grass clippings, should be used abundantly throughout the garden. This will conserve moisture in the soil and will help keep out weeds that try to pop up in your garden. Mulch will also decompose over time and will add to the fertility of the soil. Mulching is good.

Shade cloth can be purchased that come in different strengths and will allow only certain percentages of sun light to come through. This lets your vegetables get adequate sunlight, but not the harsh effects of the sun.

Eight hours of sunlight for your garden is the widely

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Texans rope titles at College National Finals Rodeo in Wyoming Will Centoni of Cuesta College earned the men’s all-around and bull riding titles. Kellan Johnson of Gillette College and Trey Yates of Casper College claimed the team-roping title. Tristan Martin of East Mississippi Community College finished No. 1 in the steer wrestling title race.

By Brett Hoffman Special to the Athens Review

L

oni Lester of Sam Houston State University finished third in the break-away roping title race at the 70th annual College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. Lester finished No. 3 after finishing the June 9-16 CNFR with a four-run time of 11.8 seconds after turning in a 2.2 in the final round.

He also helped Sam Houston finish ninth in the women’s team title race at the CNFR. Texas A&M finished fourth in the women’s team title race.

Sam Houston’s Parker Kempher finished ninth in the saddle bronc riding title race. He helped Sam Houston finish 20th in the men’s team title race.

Texas Tech senior Kynzie McNeill clinched the barrel racing title at the 70th annual College National Finals Rodeo in Casper. She also helped the Lady Raiders finish second in the women’s team title race at the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s championships.

When the title was at stake during the final round on Saturday, McNeill turned a 14.09, which helped her clinch the national title with a four-run time of 57.38 seconds. Maddy Dickens of Odessa College finished second with a 57.56.

McNeill, 22, is an animal science major from Hobbs, N.M. Throughout the CNFR, she rode her 8-year-old gelding Jitterbugz, whose nickname is J.B. “He was snappy on every run,” McNeill. “He never got slow or behind. He ran really hard all

High school update

week.”

Texas Tech finished runnerup in the women’s team title race after earning 475 points.

McNeese State clinched the title after earning 480 points.

McNeese State’s women’s team received tremendous help from Mia Manzanares, who clinched the break-away, goat tying and women’s all-around titles.

In bareback riding, Tyler Berghuis of Tarleton State University clinched the title after turning in an 81.5 during the finals. He finished the rodeo with a four-ride tally of 320.5.

Berghuis also helped Tarleton finish second in the men’s team title race with 650. Oklahoma Panhandle State clinched the men’s team title after earning 750 points. Panhandle State’s Jake Finlay clinched the saddle bronc riding title.

Ty Harris, a Cisco College freshman, won the tie-down roping and the men’s rookie titles. Maddee Doerr of Cochise College claimed the women’s rookie title.

Cameron Rogers of Malakoff advanced to the National High School Finals Rodeo, scheduled for July 15-21 in Rock Springs, Wyo., after finishing third in the 2017-2018 bull riding title race in the Texas High School Rodeo Association. The National High School Finals Rodeo dates were incorrect on Friday’s edition.

After finishing third in the state title race, Rogers advanced to the National High School Rodeo Finals, scheduled for June 24-30 in Rock Springs, Wyo. Joe York of Huntsville also advanced to the Rock Springs championships after clinching the TSHSRA’s 2017-2018 steer wrestling title.

Bob Feist roping Team roping partners Chris Francis and Cade Passig, who are from Las Vegas, each earned $61,000 after clinching the team-

roping title at the 41st annual Bob Feist Invitational on Monday in Reno. The duo clinched the title after turning in a six-run time of 43.34 seconds.

Bubba Buckaloo and Tyler Worley finished runner up with a 43.79. Each cowboy earned $46,500.

Brett Hoffman, a Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame member, has reported on rodeos for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for more than three decades.

Email him at bchoffman777@earthlink.net.

PBR update On the Professional Bull Riders circuit, Mason Lowe clinched the title during the Dakota Community Bank & Trust Touring Pro Division show last weekend in Bismarck, N.D. Lowe, who is from Exeter, Mo., finished No. 1 after turning in a score of 88 on a bull named Huckleberry and an 86 aboard a bull named Standing Rock. Lowe was the only cowboy who stayed on two bulls, according to pbr. com.

Defending world champion Jess Lockwood earned $75,000 as

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East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

9

June-July 2018

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

From Scratch with Love Grilled Jerk Chicken Skewers with Fresh Mango Salsa Total time: 1 Hour 13 Minutes makes 4-6 servings These easy chicken skewers, courtesy of Ayesha Curry, are rubbed in a warm blend of jerk spices (including garlic, allspice, and clove, with a little brown sugar and fresh thyme in the mix), then grilled to juicy perfection. A cool, vibrant salsa with silky fresh mango and crunchy red onion provides a great sweet-tangy contrast to the meat. Although these turn out beautifully on a grill pan, feel free to fire up your gas or charcoal grill if you have one handy.

Ingredients

Instructions

For the salsa: • 2 cups mango, peeled and chopped • 1/4 cup red onion, diced • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped • 1/2 tablespoon lime juice • 1 teaspoon jalapeño, seeded and finely diced • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

For the mango salsa: Combine mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let sit and allow flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.

For the marinade: Mix together the garlic, olive oil, shallot, thyme, brown sugar, paprika, ground clove, ground allspice, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat cubed chicken well with the rub. Let sit to marinate at least thirty minutes.

Prepare and grill the skewers: 1. Skewer 4-6 pieces of chicken per stick.

2. Cook on a grill pan over medium high heat, turning frequently to avoid burning, about 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear.

3. Plate the chicken on or off the skewer, and spoon the mango salsa over top.

For the chicken: • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 shallot, peeled and finely minced • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely minced • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1/2 teaspoon ground clove • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed

Special Equipment Tip: Soak your skewers in water at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Recipe Rec pee byy Ayesha Ayesha sh Curry Cu y via v a Chowhound vi Chow Chow howhou hou h ou und

EAST TEXAS STOCK PRICES ANDERSON COUNTY LIVESTOCK

EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK INC.

Updated: 06/20/2018 Head Count: 215 Buyers: 17 Sellers: 32

Updated: 06/19/2018 Cows: 131 Bulls: 13 Buyers: 42 Sellers: 116

STEERS

STEERS

200lb - 300lb

1.50

1.85

300-DOWN

$140

$222.50

300lb - 400lb

1.27

1.73

305lb - 400lb

$135

$186

400lb - 500lb

1.22

1.65

405lb - 500lb

$120

$170

500lb - 600lb

1.18

1.52

505lb - 600lb

$115

$162

600lb - 700lb

1.12

1.45

605lb - 800lb

$110

$148

700lb - 800lb

1.00

1.40

200lb - 300lb

1.25

1.65

300-DOWN

$125

$220

300lb - 400lb

1.20

1.60

305lb - 400lb

$115

$171

400lb - 500lb

1.15

1.55

405lb - 500lb

$100

$166

500lb - 600lb

1.10

1.50

505lb - 600lb

$95

$155

600lb - 700lb

1.00

1.42

605lb - 800lb

$83

$143

700lb - 800lb

0.85

1.18

HEIFERS

HEIFERS

SLAUGHTER

SLAUGHTER

Cows

0.35

0.82

Cows

$39

$63

Bulls

0.60

0.82

Bulls

$75

$88

PAIRS

$850

$1300

PAIRS

STOCKER COWS GOATS

$525hd

$1200hd

$45hd

$150hd

TRI-COUNTY LIVESTOCK MARKET Updated: 06/23/2018 Head Count: 875

STEERS UNDER 300lb 300lb - 400lb

1.30 1.25

2.20 1.87

NO TEST

BRED COWS

NACOGDOCHES LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

HUNTS LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Updated: 06/21/2018 Head Count: 633 Buyers: 50 Sellers: 116

STEERS

NO TEST $900/hd

ATHENS COMMISSION COMPANY

Updated: 06/18/2018 Head Count: 884

STEERS

$600/hd

Updated: 06/22/2018 Head Count: 1250 Sellers: 215

STEERS

UNDER 300lb

1.35

1.97

200lb - 299lb

1.00

1.91

300-DOWN

0.80

2.15

1.25

1.82

300lb - 399lb

1.00

1.73

300lb - 400lb

0.80

2.00

400lb - 500lb

1.20

1.70

300lb - 400lb

500lb - 600lb

1.20

1.60

400lb - 500lb

1.10

1.72

400lb - 499lb

1.00

1.75

400lb - 500lb

0.80

1.75

0.95

1.51

500lb - 599lb

1.00

1.69

500lb - UP

0.80

1.65

N/A

N/A

600lb - 699lb

1.00

1.59

HEIFERS

700lb - 899lb

1.00

1.45

300-DOWN

0.80

1.80 1.70

600lb - 700lb

1.15

1.52

500lb - UP

700lb - 800lb

1.10

1.35

600lb - 700lb HEIFERS

HEIFERS UNDER 300lb 300lb - 400lb

1.20 1.15

1.52

UNDER 300lb

1.25

1.70

HEIFERS

300lb - 400lb

0.80

1.52

300lb - 400lb

1.15

1.61

200lb - 299lb

1.00

1.61

400lb - 500lb

0.80

1.60

1.00

1.47

300lb - 399lb

1.00

1.63

500lb - UP

0.80

1.50

400lb - 500lb

1.10

1.48

400lb - 500lb

500lb - 600lb

1.10

1.40

500lb - UP

0.85

1.50

400lb - 499lb

1.00

1.45

SLAUGHTER

600lb - 700lb

1.05

1.30

600lb - 700lb

N/A

N/A

500lb - 599lb

1.00

1.43

Cows

0.35

0.69

700lb - 800lb

1.00

1.16

SLAUGHTER

600lb - 699lb

1.00

1.15

Heavy Bulls

0.60

0.87

1.00

1.30

PAIRS

SLAUGHTER

Cows

0.35

0.62

700lb - 899lb

Cows

0.30

0.62

Bulls

0.60

0.82

SLAUGHTER

Heavy Bulls

0.72

0.86

PAIRS

$875

UP

Cows

0.20

0.64

Low-Middle

$1500

STOCKER COWS

Bulls

0.63

0.81

PAIRS

$400

$1200

PAIRS BABY CALVES STOCKER COWS LOW-MIDDLE

$1300 NA $700hd NA

NA

GOATS

$1050hd

BABY CALVES

NA

HORSES

$525hd

$1000hd

$45hd

$150hd

$45

$175

STOCKER COWS

N/A

N/A

BABY CALVES

Top

$195hd NA

$1000

$1300

$700

$1000

STOCKER COWS

0.60lb

1.20lb

GOATS

$25hd

$250hd

$1,225hd

BABY CALVES

$25hd

$250hd

NA

HORSES

$50hd

$550hd

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

10

June-July 2018

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

Hunt Smart, Hunt Safe Decline in firearm-related hunting accidents shows Texans are hunting safe

By Matt Williams Outdoors Writer

I

t’s a little early in the game to start making predictions about the 2018 hunting seasons, but it’s never too early to lay down the laws regarding hunter safety and hunter education.

Among other things, hunter education emphasizes proper etiquette in the field and safe firearm handling practices.

Although it will never stop accidents from happening altogether out there, a good education in hunting and firearms safety will go a long way towards making it less likely that a newcomer to the sport will join a statistical platform that nobody wants to be part of.

The hunter education concept has been around for nearly 70 years. In 1949, New York became the first state to create a law making hunter education certification mandatory for legal hunting.

Dozens of other states followed suit, but it took nearly 40 years before Texas became the 38th state to join the list.

Hunter education in Texas was strictly voluntary between 197287. Most Texas hunters who took the course voluntarily likely did do so in order to hunt elk, mule deer and other big game in Colorado and other western states, where hunter education laws were already in place.

The tables turned in 1988, when it became state law that every hunter (including out-ofstate hunters) born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete a state-approved hunter education course to hunt legally.

To date, more than 1.5 million Texas hunters have acquired hunter education certification.

About 56,000 have been certified each year since 2010.

That’s a good thing, because hunter education works. The safety lessons it instills in new or young hunters have invariably played a key role in the significant decline in hunting related accidents involving firearms in Texas over the last 50-or-so years.

To wit: In 1966 -- the first year TPWD began logging data on hunting related accidents -- there were 81 accidents statewide, 28 of them fatal. Two years later, the total

Photo by Matt Williams

Statistics show that dove and shotguns are typically involved in more accidents than any other game animal or firearm. The most common cause of accidents when hunting doves is swinging on game outside the safe zone of fire. hit an all-time high with 105 accidents resulting in 37 fatalities.

There were about 855,000 hunting licenses sold during fiscal year 1968-69.

Shift to the 2017 hunting season -- nearly three decades after hunter education became a state law. TPWD recorded 21 firearm-related accidents last year, including two fatalities.

That’s the second lowest total on record (2015 is the lowest with 20 accidents/2 fatalities), and it came in a year when there were nearly 1.25 million hunting licenses sold.

Encouraging numbers, indeed.

“The trend data is really good,” said Steve Hall, hunter education coordinator for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “It shows a definite correlation between hunter safety with classroom teaching and awareness as being a big difference in terms of the decline in firearms relating hunting accidents.”

While the frequency of hunting accidents have declined over the years, the primary causes behind

them have remained fairly steady.

According to Hall, careless handling of firearms, particularly around vehicles, ranks as the No. 1 cause of firearm-related hunting accidents over the long term statewide. Swinging on game rates a close second, followed by victims in the line of fire and mistaken for game.

Both of the fatal hunting accidents recorded last year came as the result of judgement errors and the possible violation of two basic safety rules that are taught as part of the hunter ed curriculum: Always make positive identification of your target and be aware of what is front of and beyond the intended target.

The first fatality involved a group four hunters who were hunting feral hogs in an open field at night. According to TPWD reports, one of the hunters lagged behind the group and was shot in the chest as the other hunters fired rifles at scattering hogs. The report says the victim was crouched and may have been mistaken for a hog in

Time for Hunter Ed

By Matt Williams Outdoors Writer

O

pening day of Texas dove season is roughly two months away. It might be wise to start looking at upcoming course dates in your area if you know someone who needs to become certified.

There is no age limit for taking the course, but you must be at least nine to become officially certified. Hunters ages 9-16 must either pass the course with a minimum 75 percent score before hunting, or be accompanied in the field by a Texas licensed hunter who is at

least 17, hunter ed certified or exempt. “Accompanied” means within normal voice control.

Persons 17 and older who have not passed the course may defer certification for one year. The one-time deferral costs $10.

There are several ways earn a certification card, which must in possession whenever you are hunting: * Classroom Course: Taught by a certified instructor and designed for novice hunters age 9 and up. All materials are provided for a $15 fee; additional range or facility fees may be required. * Online/Field Course: Best for older youth with hunting

experience. TPWD Online coursework is free, but there is a $15 fee to paid to the instructor for the field course.

The one day field course includes a presentation of ethical and responsible hunting, participation in a hunting skills trail, a live firing exercise, review of regulations and a final exam. * Online-Only Courses: Only for persons 17 and older and offered only by outside vendors that charge varying fees. A list of vendors is available on the TPWD website.

To learn more about these option and Texas hunter education, see tpwd.texas.gov/ education/hunter-education.

the dark conditions.

The second fatal incident involved young hunter who shot at a rabbit from a hunting blind using a .22 caliber rifle. TPWD reports indicate that another youngster was walking towards the blind at the time of the shot.

The youth was struck in chest by a bullet from about 150 yards away, the report said.

A review of the 21 accidents recorded last year illustrates the historic facts that dove and shotguns are typically involved more accidents than any other game animal or firearm.

Eight accidents involved hunting dove, hogs (4), deer (2), quail/pheasant (2), ducks/geese (2), nongame birds/snakes (2) and rabbits (1). Shotguns were factors in 13 incidents, rifles (5) and handguns (3).

The most common cause of accidents when hunting doves, quail and ducks is swinging on game outside the safe zone of fire.

All three game birds are erratic fliers that sometimes come in low and fast, often unexpectedly. This can cause hunters to swing left or

right to keep up and sometimes puts the path of the shotgun barrel on the same path with other hunters.

As earlier mentioned, careless handling of firearms is another leading cause of accidents is the field. Hall says these incidents almost always involve pointing a loaded firearm muzzle at yourself or someone else with the safety off and with your finger inside the trigger guard. The incidents frequently occur in or around vehicles, usually when putting a loaded firearm inside a vehicle or taking one out.

In addition to gun safety, hunter education teaches new hunters about game laws, hunter ethics, conservation and much more. The courses are offered year-round in classroom settings or they can be taken online in combination with a field course. The certification lasts for a lifetime and is recognized by all states and provinces that have similar hunter education requirements.

Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by e-mail, mattwillwrite4u@yahoo.com.

TPWD urging anglers, non-anglers to participate in brief alligator gar survey

T

he Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is asking anglers and non-anglers to participate in a brief online survey to share their experiences and opinions about alligator gar, Texas’ largest freshwater fish. The results from this survey will help TPWD make informed management decisions regarding this species in the near futur “Our management goal is to sustain our unique alligator gar fisheries for future generations of Texans,” said Warren Schlechte, TPWD Inland Fisheries Research Biologist. “We spent the last decade learning about the biology of alligator gar, and from that we know we have a variety of management options on the table. What we need now is constituent input – this survey will give our constituents a place at the table.”

The online survey is available now through July 31. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Survey questions focus on gathering information about who constituents are, how anglers like to fish, angler harvest practices, and how people would like to see alligator gar managed in the future.

Once considered a “trash” fish, native alligator gar have been growing in popularity among anglers in recent decades and people from all over the world visit Texas to catch these large and challenging fish. Although some target alligator gar to catch the trophy fish of a lifetime, others intend to harvest them for a meal.

Texans are fortunate to continue to have healthy populations of the species in the state, but even healthy alligator gar populations can only sustain harvest rates of about 5 percent each year. Schlechte said that equates to relatively few alligator gar that can be sustainably harvested each year. With more and more anglers pursuing these fish, it is critical that fisheries managers work to ensure not too many fish are being removed from Texas waters.

“At the end of the day our mission is to provide an enjoyable fishing experience for today’s anglers while conserving this species for tomorrow,” Schlechte said. “By balancing sound science with our constituents desires we believe we can achieve that goal.”

To learn more about this species or view the findings of studies conducted by TPWD biologists before taking the survey, visit tpwd.texas. gov/texasgar.

June-July 2018

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

11

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

City-backed farmers market open in Athens

By Rich Flowers Athens Daily Review

T

he Athens Texas Farmers Market opened at the city parking lot this month, giving shoppers a chance to stock up on local fruits, vegetables and other goods.

City council members Tuesday approved an agreement of understanding with ATXFM as requested by D.J. Warren, who had previously run a farmers market for several years.

“The community and the farmers want a market that is focused on local people who grow the food themselves, or at least know where it comes from,” she said. “We’ve had an amazing response from farmers, the community and others. So, here we go.”

The market is open today and every Saturday from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Texan Theater.

New vendors are being sought.

Photos by Gin Daniel/Contributor

Above, Victoria Elaine Johnston (left) looks over jams, jellies and other products at the Athens Community Farmers Market in April. D.J. Warren opened the Athens Texas Farmers Market in the city parking lot behind the Texan Theater. The markets are not connected. Left, vendor David White prepares his table of fresh vegetables.

“If you grow produce or make baked goods or handmade items, give us a shout,” Warren said. “We would love to hear from you.”

Warren said she ran a Sunday market last year at the Tara Winery. The original Athens Farmers Market started in 1926 at the city parking lot — then known as Market Square. It was a fixture for about 40 years.

The market eventually closed but reopened in 2010.

Although the Athens Texas Farmers Market is opening at the city parking lot, the Athens Community Farmers Market will continue to operate, Manager Jerry Pardue said. He said he’s not sure the area has enough shoppers to

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support two farmers markets.

“We have a farmers market. We don’t restrict who can come to it and what they sell.”

The Athens Community Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, selling fresh produce, cut flowers, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods and crafts. It is at West Corsicana Street and North Pinkerton Street. That one opened in March 2017, with renovations set to begin on the Texan Theater making the city parking lot unavailable for the market.

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

12

June-July 2018

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

Students dig ‘Farm to Fork’ program

By Lisa Tang Palestine Herald-Press

T

eens do not usually dig vegetables, but the new Farm to Fork program at Palestine High School is changing that.

Farm to Fork, an experimental project of the agriculture science and culinary arts career programs, enables students to grow, harvest, sell, and eat their produce. After a year, the innovative program is looking to get even better.

“We want to give kids more insight as to where their food is coming from,” said Stephanie Dickson, agriculture science teacher.

She said they also are learning about plant

growth, germination, and seasonal crops.

Under Dickson’s direction, students built raised garden beds, prepared soil, and planted seeds during the 2017-2018 school year.

They also watered, weeded, and picked their produce at the Wildcat Acre gardens, between the high school and junior high.

Vegetables are grown without pesticides or herbicides. “It’s about as fresh as you can get,” Dickson said.

Culinary arts students, working under Michelle Mason, prepare the vegetables for sale by selecting the best quality, then cleaning and packaging them.

Photo by Stephanie Dickson/PHS

Above, Nikki Webb, Rustin Whited, and Ismael Rodriguez at the Wildcat Acres garden harvest carrots from the Wildcat Acres garden.

Photo by Stephanie Dickson/PHS

Above, Asia Pinson and Holley Williams sort carrots from the Wildcat Acres garden.

The agriculture department markets the produce to the school’s teachers and staff, but Dickson has bigger plans for the second year: Growing enough vegetables to sell them to the community, as well as provide the school cafeteria.

“We want to offer healthier lunch choices,” Dickson said.

With the weather warming in May, students removed all winter garden plants and prepared for

a summer planting of tomatoes and squash.

To get a higher yield, Dickson plans to plant next winter garden’s crops, such as onions and lettuces, earlier.

The culinary arts class sorts the produce, selecting the best quality. They sell, for $3 each, gallon-size bags of salad greens and quart-size bags of turnips, radishes, and carrots.

Spinach, onions, and bok choy were also available in smaller amounts.

Proceeds support

the school’s career and technical education programs.

The project grew with donations from community partners. Wildcat Acres now has 10 garden beds, thanks to donations by Chartwell’s, the school cafeteria’s food supplier.

Local master gardeners also donated a rain collection system.

Not all students enjoy everything about raising produce, but Dickson learned almost everyone found something to

enjoy. Some students, for example, gained satisfaction from building garden beds or preparing the sail, while others enjoyed harvesting the produce.

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