Published April 27, 2017
Getting the motor running Marcus Horne of Houston County, and his antique tractors, Page 2
BeneďŹ t Your Business Texas Rural Challenge offers unique help, Page 3
National Garden Month
Hometown Owner
Horticulturist Kim Benton answers spring planting questions, Page 5
Southside Feed & Supply owned by hometown girl Lacey Loftis, Page 9
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
2
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
April-May 2017
Getting the motor running By PennyLynn Webb Palestine Herald-Press
M
arcus Horne of Houston County was bitten by the antique-tractor bug when he was in his teens. “My dad had a 1937 John Deere B, and the engine froze up and wouldn’t move,” said Horne. “I worked on it with my dad, and we were able to get it freed up and get it going again and, really, that’s when it all started.” Over the year’s Horne has bought and sold a number of antique John Deere tractors. He currently has five John Deere models and a “few tractor parts” with which he’s been tinkering. “I’ve had some really nice ones over the years, but I’ve sold them along the way,” said Horne. “But it’s hard to justify having a really expensive plaything just sitting out there in the yard when you have a family.” Horne is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the history of John Deere tractors and tractor history. “It’s fun to know the stories behind each edition and how it came to fruition,” said Horne. “I enjoy talking about the different makes and models with other collectors,
especially when I find out something new that I wasn’t aware of.” Antique-tractor repair is not something that happens overnight and can be a long, enduring process. “I enjoy working on them, tinkering and getting them back up and running,” said Horne. “But it takes patience; it can be frustrating at times trying to figure out what all needs to be done to get one back in working order.” There are some models that are valued a great deal higher, Horne said.
“It’s not so bad for those that are into John Deere, because their products have been quite collectable; so the parts are relatively easy to find and affordable,” said Horne. “But if you’re working with more obscure brands, the parts can be quite hard to find and pricey.” However, the Internet has made the
LARGE SELECTION OF
search easier, Horne said. Beyond Internet searches and collecting antique-tractor magazines for ideas, there are also clubs for antique-tractor owners, Horne said, naming the East Texas Antique Tractor & Engine Club as one here in the East Texas area. The love of antique tractors has become a family affair, Horne said. “My wife has been very supportive over the years,” said Horne. “She’s even helped me haul parts from time to time.” Horne and his wife, Faith, have three children; Nate, 8, Leah, 7, and Triston, 5. Beyond having the metal-pedal, outdoor toy tractors, Horne says each of his children have picked out one in his collection as their own. The family often attends tractor shows
together, Horne said. “There are three that I like to attend in East Texas — one in Henderson, another in Canton and a big show in Temple, which we try to make a weekend of,” said Horne. “My kids are pretty good about it, but holding their attention through hundreds of tractors doesn’t last very long.” While the family enjoys attending shows, they’ve only entered a few locally. “When they had the one in conjunction with the Fiddler’s Festival in Crockett, we participated and I even won an award at one,” said Horne. Horne relishes the time he spends with his kids and his hobby and hopes to pass the love of these antiques on to future generations.
Built Stronger to Last Longer
Trailers in Stock
Pearman Trailer Sales 936-858-4188 Alto, Texas
Pearman Motor Co. pearmantrailersales.com
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
April-May 2017
3
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
‘Dumbing Down’ Readers and Viewers!
I
t’s no wonder that many of our young folks—and older ones as well—have no idea what is really happening in the outside world. Too many of these citizens get their “news” only from the internet—and much of that “news” is pure fiction. Other East Texans get most of their “news” from Fox or CNN television. Ever notice that even when both of these “news channels” are reporting the same story they are remarkably different. Both generally slanted toward the left or right of center. Just give me old fashioned journalism. The “who, what,
when, where and why”. The reporter should report the news, not make it! Big changes are taking place in the newspaper industry. From seven days a week to five days weekly—or less—is becoming common. In some major cities, the only big newspaper is down to three days a week. We have some excellent newspapers in our area that are directed at the local region. But when it comes to newspapers with a staff of reporters, and national and international news service, we are lacking. Not that they are no longer being printed, many of
them are no longer available in our part of Texas. The Houston
Chronicle and the Dallas Morning News both are good papers—but their circulation area has been cut drastically. And yes, I know we could subscribe to the larger newspapers “online” and get our fill of news by looking at the monitor. But I want to hold a newspaper--or a book--not depend on an electronic device to deliver my news fix. What many of our pastures— and timber tracts—need is a good fire to take out unwanted briars, brambles and pests like Chinese tallow and sweet gum seedlings. But burning a pasture, hay meadow or pine timber
planting is not something most landowners are willing to try. Not many years ago, the Texas Forest Service assisted landowners with controlled burns on timber and grasslands. But the funding for the program was deleted and controlled burns are now a rarity. There are several commercial outfits a landowner can hire to carry out a controlled burn but on smaller tracts the price seems awful high. That’s –30-- Horace@ valornet.com
Benefit your business Texas Rural Challenge conference offers unique help By Deanna Kirk Corsicana Daily Sun
I
f you wish to start a new business, but you reside in rural America, where do you go for advice, help starting up, guidance in general? The Small Business Development Center is there with certified economic development specialists with degrees in finance, plenty of real-life experience, and all sorts of resources at their fingertips. Leslie Leerskov, director of the SBDC covering Navarro, Ellis, Limestone and Freestone counties, said most businesses with 499 employees or less may utilize the services they offer. “We are a grant, no-cost consultation to people who want to open a business, to existing businesses that want to expand, and to existing businesses who just need a little help in one area or another,” Leerskov said. “We don’t actually make the loans, but we make our clients ‘loan ready.’
SBDC provides help with financial projections, and get the client to the lending institution that’s best for them to utilize. They partner with the Chamber of Commerce, city government, economic development directors, and Main Street programs to provide the best guidance for their clients. “We’re starting to get referrals now,” she said. “The Micro Brewery is one business we’ve worked with, which will be really cool for the Corsicana community.” Leerskov serves as director, with two advisors; Daniel Short, who covers the
Waxahachie office, and Amy Freeman, who handles Freestone and Limestone counties. Freeman is a QuickBooks certified professional, and clients may benefit from her knowledge and training. For example, if a business with only 10 employees decides it needs some customer service training, Leerskov can go in and provide the training. Leerskov and her team can help a client business create an online presence, by utilizing social media. “We love what we do and we stay busy,” Leerskov said. All SBDCs are connected to a college or university, and are funded by Federal, State and Local funds. Navarro College is the umbrella for the Corsicana SBDC. Coming June 29-30 in Waco will be a Texas Rural Challenge Conference. Learn more or register at TexasRuralChallenge. org. This statewide conference will focus on empowering rural communities in Texas, and will be held at the Waco Convention Center. It is hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio SBDC Rural Business Program and the Office of the Governor. “Those who will want to attend this conference are people in rural America who have businesses with 499 or fewer employees; those who want to start a new business, chamber directors, economic development directors, and/or SBDC directors and advisors,” she said. “There is a wealth of information, and you have so many choices of where to go, what breakout sessions you wish to attend,” she continued. “Housing was one of the breakouts we had last year.” This conference is small enough one is
Lawn & Garden Supplies Vegetable & Fruit Plants Full Line of Fertilizers and Seed Full Line of Purina Feed & Pet Supplies Fantastic Selection of Tack!
Be Sure to Visit our Gift Area for Unique Gift Ideas! Your business is appreciated and your loyalty means the world to us!
097512290019371
able to meet people who turn out to be valuable contacts down the road. Keynote speakers may include Bear Barbecue (this year), Chet Garner, the Daytripper, and Sid Miller, State Agriculture Commissioner (last year). “There is also a competition for college kids to write business plans, called the Texas Student Challenge,” Leerskov said. That competition is for Texas college students who have an innovative product or service that could benefit a rural Texas community. “Thursday night we will have a reception on the Suspension Bridge in Waco, with the band ‘The Morticians,’ and the barbecue guy speaking that day catering the event,” she said. Leerskov said Meredith Chase, former employee of Navarro College, now works for Bell Helicopter, and is coming to the conference to deliver a keynote speech for
small business owners. Ronnie McDonald of AgriLife was a speaker in 2016, and was invited to speak at a SBDC quarterly luncheon afterward. “We met so many people who have been instrumental in helping us and our clients,” she said. “You meet people and contacts you can bring home with you. It’s a valuable resource, and not that expensive.” Early bird registration ends May 1, and will secure you the $199 rate for the conference. After May 1, registration will be $249. “Book early so they don’t run out of rooms in the two hotels we have designated, right by the Convention Center,” Leerskov said. “We have a great time and learn a lot. It’s a great group of people who run it, and we really enjoy it.”
Are you a team player? Do you love outside sales? Are you committed to giving the best customer service possible? If so, then submit your resume to the Palestine Herald-Press. We’re looking for the perfect fit in our Advertising Sales Department to lead sales efforts in our monthly Farm & Ranch publication. We also have other sales opportunities through our daily newspaper, magazines, websites, direct mail products, special sections, and digital entities. You’ll be a part of a hardworking, goal oriented team that has fun every day! Outside sales experience a plus, but not necessary. Positive attitude and good work ethic a must. Only apply if you are eager to take on the challenge and gain the rewards of newspaper advertising sales! We offer a competitive base plus commission plan. Benefits include Health, Dental, Vision, 401K. The Palestine Herald-Press publishes a printed newspaper five days per week and online seven days a week at palestineherald.com. In addition we publish the Herald-Press Xtra, community magazines, digital products and numerous specialty publications.
Email cover letter and resume to jmienk@palestineherald.com
4
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
April-May 2017
Expo wraps up, eyes 60th anniversary From Deanna Kirk Corsicana Daily Sun
A
fter the last animal has been loaded up, the last stall cleaned out, the final sweep with the broom has been done, the Navarro County Youth Expo volunteers deserve a rest, you’d think. But they jump right back in, holding a meeting to access the Expo that just closed, and begin planning the next NCYE. The next one, 2018, will be the 60th Anniversary. Much planning and preparation will be required for that special event. And how did the county show go for 2017, the 59th annual Navarro County event?
“We were pleased with the sale results,” said Billy Roughton, co-chairman. “They were down a little from last year, but we kind of expected that.” Roughton said with the new administration in Washington, the crop prices, oil and gas prices, some folks like farmers and ranchers and ag-related businesses were hurt by those things. “I think our total was down about seven percent from last year,” he said. “We took in a little over $650,000, and when all the money is in, I estimate it will be between $650,000 and $660,000. Last year’s sale brought in $695,000.” Several ag-related businesses that normally do buy had budgets that did not allow for it this year, he said. Some new buyers that hadn’t been to NCYE before stepped up and filled in some gaps. The Navarro County Youth Exposition is a 59-year tradition of youth coming together from all across the county for one week in March (this year April). They compete against one another in areas such as food, creative arts, woodworking, ag mechanics, as well as pit their animal projects against one another — chickens, rabbits, goats, lambs, steers and heifers, and a llama show too. This year there were 579 exhibitors, with 1,414 entries. The latter number was up slightly from what was expected. “The total number of kids were up, entries were up,” Roughton said. “We’re already trying to work on next year, and address some of the growing pains we have for next year.” The 60th NCYE Anniversary looks to have a record number of entries, and Roughton said growth is good. “There were a lot of younger kids that were there this year and excited, already talking about next year’s projects and getting them ready,” he said. “We have a good healthy
crop of young’uns.” Roughton said the FFA and 4-H chapters in the county are experiencing growth each year, and FCCLA is growing too. Blooming Grove currently has an FCCLA chapter with four students going to national competition in Tennessee. Also, there are some new, young, enthusiastic ag teachers in the county, including Casey Phillips and Laura Westfall at Blooming Grove ISD. “This year our smaller schools did very well with their livestock projects making the sale list,” Roughton said. “Mildred and Rice, for example. They did really well. “We did not hit any snags, one of the first years I can remember that we didn’t have to have any special meetings to solve problems that came up.” Meetings have already taken place to prepare for the 2018 NCYE, and Roughton said meetings will continue monthly, covering eight months out of the year. “There’s no way you could make that event go without help of the Sheriff ’s office, county commissioners, all different advisors, and the
volunteers,” he said. “ You don’t realize how much time is spent up there if you’re not watching every day. You have volunteers who are up there after 11 p.m. cleaning up after everyone leaves ... then the ones who are there through the night getting ready for the honors breakfast, and don’t finish until 4 a.m.” Roughton said they have done it for so long, many things just fall into place. The NCYE volunteers and board have a wonderful working relationship with the county commissioners, all four precincts, as well as Sheriff Elmer Tanner and his staff, who help out in any way possible. “They are all very supportive, and like seeing young people involved in something like this,” he said. “Yes, the kids do compete against each other but they also learn a lot, such as responsibility. “It’s a good way to wellround these kids.”
FOR SALE Angus Cows & Heifers. Good Genetics. Reasonably Priced. For details, call: 903-723-3749 or 903-922-4366
Brown
Landscaping Services, LLC 903-723-5535 All Commercial Residential Landscaping
Custom Design Sprinkler Systems
RACE FARMS Bermuda Coastal
Horse Hay Highly Fertilized 4’x5’ ~ Net Wrapped $45 per roll
903-729-8689 (c)903-948-4402
All Turf Grasses Co Complete Lawn Maintance David Brown, owner 1502 E. Palestine Ave. Palestine, TX
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! Mon-Fri 8-3 / Closed Sat 1800 Loop 304 / Crockett, TX (Across from Houston County Electric Coop)
April-May 2017
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
5
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Landscaping
G
enie noticed the bottle of Jack Daniels on the kitchen table when she got home late that night. Like most lettuce farmers, if whiskey was kept in the house, it was not usually kept on the kitchen table. She marched in the bedroom to find her husband Don sprawled out on the bed with one pant leg off and one sock on. He looked like a body that had been dragged off the bottom of a lake. He began shakily, “I was watchin’ TV in my shorts when I heard a ruckus on the lawn...and mooing.” Don went to the window and peeked out to discover his front yard covered with cows! They were obviously from neighbor Willie’s farm across the road. It was a surreal picture under the yard light; black and tan and red clouds on
a sky of green grass. Don ran out on the porch waving and shouting at the curious beasts. Although the cows paid him little mind, Willie’s bull developed an immediate urge to mash him to a pulp! Don did a wheelie on the cement walk and ran back into the house! The bull mounted the porch steps and charged the door! After ramming it several times he clattered through the lawn furniture and mowed down a good sized decorative
evergreen! Don waited a few minutes, put on his jeans and nervously eased out intending to shoosh the cows off the lawn which was now covered with deep tracks and cow pattys. It was just as he stepped on the leaking sprinkler head with his socks on, that the bull charged from behind the arborvitae! He raced to the front door, clearing the jam and slamming it in the bulls’ face! He could see the paint cracking as the bull pounded on the other side! The bull then crashed off the porch and rammed the passenger side of his daughter’s red Monte Carlo! Then he clammered back on the porch to resume his lusty bawling and door demolition! Don was hyperventilating as he tried
to dial the sheriff. “He’s not here but I can call him on the radio,” offered the receptionist, “What’s the complaint?” “Ma’am, yer not gonna believe this but a cow’s tryin’ to break into my house!” The sheriff had come and gone and the sirens had all died away by the time Genie got home. The front lawn looked like Katrina! As she listened to her pitiful exhausted husband unfold his bizarre tale, she was torn between the need to comfort and hold him, and the uncontrollable desire to snort and fall over backwards in gales of hysterical laughter! She simply wiped her eyes and went to the kitchen and poured herself a shot. www.baxterblack.com
Horticulturist and spring planting questions By April Barbe Jacksonville Progress
A
pril is National Garden Month, and Cherokee County horticulturist Kim Benton is ready! Benton recently gave the Progress some spring planting tips for those wanting to get their hands dirty. What should folks keep in mind this spring when planting veggies and bedding plants? (OR What tips to you offer for planting season?) Mulching is the best tip I can offer. Mulching your garden - either with landscape cloth, or leaves, or bark, etc - makes a tremendous difference in water retention and also in weed suppression. It helps the plants, because they
get to keep more of what they need, and it helps us, because it reduces the amount of labor needed for weeding and watering the garden.
the gardens be hilled high, or put into a raised bed or container. We have had so much rainfall that the ground is staying very wet in areas.
What type of vegetables do we see most in Cherokee County/what grows best?! AND what did we have a bumper crop of last year? Warm season vegetables grow very well here, and it was a strong season for most all of them tomatoes, squash, peas and more.
What type of plants are easiest to work with in the spring? (for those with not the greenest of thumbs!) Annual bedding plants are easy. Their genetics are such that they grow quickly and well. They will fizzle out when the heat comes on, so these are mostly seasonal plantings. There are some wonderful summer flowers that are easily grown from seed also - like zinnias and black-eyed susans. You get lots of easy color for a very small amount of money. Another great resources are the Earth-Kind and Texas Superstar Plants. Both of those programs highlight hardy disease and droughtresistant plants. Easy plants for beginners. http://aggie-horticulture. tamu.edu/earthkind/plantselector/ http://aggie-horticulture. tamu.edu/earthkindroses/ cultivars/ http://texassuperstar.com/ plants/
Has anything in particular been coming up short due to weather or other issues in our area? There have been several issues come up with rainfall and drainage, and it is very important that
For those seeking a challenge, what should they plant? Specialty crops can be a lot of fun. New and unusual fruits and vegetables are a great way to branch out. What are you planting in your garden? Tomatoes are my favorite fruit, and I plant some every year. This year I planted Abe Lincoln and Sun Sugar varieties.
Courtesy photo
Whopper Begonias are a great flower to plant in your garden.
What are the benefits of vegetables from home gardens? Ease of access is a very important issue for some people. It isn’t always easy
Courtesy photo
Tomatoes are Cherokee County horticulturist Kim Benton’s favorite fruit, and she plants them every year. to run down to the store and grab something. Also, there can be cost savings on many vegetables when you grow them in your home garden. But for me the benefit is teaching my children how to grow vegetables (we can only do that by getting our hands dirty!) and also knowing what is applied to them. For some people, this is essential knowledge. For more information about home gardening, visit www. nationalgardenmonth.org/
Courtesy photo
Bluebonnets are always a favorite in the great state of Texas!
Keeping You Healthy Is Our Priority!
• Compounding • Bio-identical Hormone Replacement • Most Insurance Accepted • Medicaid & Medicare
FREE Medicare Plan Consultation
Shop Our Gift Area!
Drive-Thru City-Wide Delivery
Palestine Hometown Pharmacy Open 7 Days a week M-F 8:30-7 • Sat. 9-2 • Sun 1-3 101 Medical Dr. | 903-729-3100
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
6
April-May 2017
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Sugar Acres in Mabank open for business By Kathi Nailling Athens Daily Review
T
he best place to get fresh fruits and vegetables is to buy from local farmers. If the local farmers run out, your next best option would to find a local fruit and produce stand. Mabank’s Sugar Acres has developed the reputation of the best plants and fresh fruit/vegetables locally grown. If you are looking for healthy fresh vegetables and fruits look no further than Sugar Acres. Sugar Acres located on Eubank Street in Mabank is open from March until Labor Day in September. Owner Jody Pilgrim said “We sell all local when in season. When the local farmers run out we
purchase from outside the area. But we only buy the best.� Sugar Acres continues its commitment to offering the local community and visitors the freshest of local fruit, produce and more. Sugar Acres receives a new shipment of plants every Thursday. New fruit and vegetables are delivered twice a week. “We don’t want anyone to ever get bad fruits or produce from us,� said Pilgrim. “We keep it fresh.� A glimpse at what can be purchased now until Labor Day include; melons, peaches, watermelons, Okra, onions, peppers, tomatoes, shelled peas, cucumbers, jarred jellies, pickled beets, potatoes, apples, nectarines, pickled asparagus, homemade pies, canned cherry cobbler and much more.
Pilgrim said one of the best melons are the Pecos melons sold at Sugar Acres. “You can’t buy these in grocery stores. All you have to do is just try it, you will understand. � “Some of the tomatoes and squash come from Ben Wheeler, peaches are coming from California and South Carolina. They really are good peaches. We buy the best because we want our customers to return.� Since last year the fruit stand has seen some upgrades with a new cement parking lot and air condition in the building. The only advertising the fruit stand has is word of mouth. The word about Sugar Acres has traveled all around Henderson and Kaufman Counties. The fruit stand is also popular with people outside these counties.
Currently, the fruit stand has locals bringing figs from their fig trees, fruits from personal fruit trees and produce they grow in their gardens. Pilgrim said this will last until the local gardeners run out. When the season ends in September Pilgrim said they will donate what is left to area food banks. Sugar Acres is located at 104 W. Eubanks in Mabank (Behind the Subway or turn at the Bean N Burger Restaurant). They accept all major credit cards, SNAP, and local checks. Open Monday through Saturday 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. According to Sugar Acre employee Debby Griffin each year the fruit stand does better and better. “This is the best year ever.�
CUSTOMER. FRIEND.
FAMILY.
L IONA ADDIT AVINGS ER S DE AL OF â€
0! 0 5 , 7 $
M6-111 with Loader • 114.1 Engine HP, 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Kubota Diesel Engine • Grand X Cab Offers Greater Comfort & Visibility • Intelli-Shift Transmission • Tilt & Telescopic Power Steering
$4,500 Customer Instant Rebate***
$0 DOWN, 0% A.P.R. FINANCING FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS ON A NEW M6 TRACTOR!* Z421KW-54 • 24 Gross HP, 2-Cylinder Gas Engine • Steel Welded 54� Mower Deck • Foldable ROPS • Large Fuel Tank
MUSHROOM COMPOST $ 30 Per ton FLEX/ROAD BASE $ 28 Per ton 3� X 6� RIP RAP $ 36.50 Per ton ASPHALT MILLINGS $ 46 Per ton OIL SAND 56 Per ton
$0 DOWN, 0% A.P.R. FINANCING FOR UP TO 48 MONTHS ON A NEW Z400 MOWER!**
$
WE DELIVER (Small delivery charge)
2291 Hwy. 84 East | Oakwood, TX
903-545-0062 Mon - Fri 7am - 5pm
: 3667 *96*2,;; ;? ^^^ OV\Z[VUJV\U[`LX JVT *$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of new Kubota ZP, BX, B (excluding B26), L (excluding L39/L45/ L47), M, MH (M7), MX, M-SU, M6060/M7060, M4, M5 (excluding M5N/M5L), RB, DMC, DM, RA, TE Series equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 5/31/2017. Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 1000 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 5/31/2017. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. **$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of new Kubota equipment (excluding W, T, GR, G, F & VS Series) is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 5/31/2017. Example: A 48-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 48 payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 1000 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 5/31/2017. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. *** Customer instant rebates of $4,500 are available on cash or standard rate finance purchases of new Kubota M100/110/126/135GX and M6 (excluding M6S) equipment from participating dealers’ stock. Rebate is not available with 0% A.P.R., low-rate financing offers or after completed sale. Dealer subtracts rebate from dealer’s pre-rebate selling price on qualifying purchases. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 5/31/2017.†See Houston County Equipment for complete details on the Additional Dealer Savings. 7V^LY /7 2> HUK V[OLY ZWLJPÄ JH[PVUZ HYL IHZLK VU ]HYPV\Z Z[HUKHYKZ VY YLJVTTLUKLK WYHJ[PJ LZ -VY JVTWSL[L ^HYYHU[` ZHML[` HUK WYVK\J[ PUMVYTH[PVU WSLHZL YLMLY [V [OL VWLYH[VYZ THU\HS VY JVUZ\S[ `V\Y 2\IV[H KLHSLY K1350-41-135635-1
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
7
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
April-May 2017
Livestock show rolls on By Rich Flowers Athens Daily Review
W
hen the 1960s began, the world was in a state of change. The space race was heating up, John F. Kennedy became the new president, people started watching TV in color and the Dallas Cowboys were born. On the agricultural front, coastal bermuda grass was taking hold, making places like Henderson County explode with the sight of grazing cattle. Another change, which although it didn’t have the nationwide impact of the other events named, but was just as lasting, was the birth of the Henderson County Livestock Show. The 57th edition of the week-long event unfolded in early April, with the Henderson County Fair Park Complex filled with youth. Busloads of elementary age children came to tour the show and pet a bunny or pony at the
petting zoo. Hundreds of students, third grade through their senior year in high school filled the arenas showing barrows and birds, bunnies and steers. It’s a never ending passage, with the soon-to-be graduates showing for the last time and the eight-year-olds making their first visit to the big arena. Precinct 3 County Commissioner Chuck McHam, whose office is located on State Highway 31 in Brownsboro, just a few miles from the Fair Park complex knows the value of the HCLS, both as a competitor a little over 30 years ago and father who watched anxiously as his children competed in 2017. “It’s a real good show, a showcase for the kids in the county,” McHam said. Both in the quality of the projects entered and the setting, McHam said it’s one of the best in East Texas. The youth in the show benefit from the support they get from their parents, Ag instructors and the businesses that show
up at the Premium Auction on Saturday to reward the competitors with big bids. McHam said one element to the continued success of the HCLS that many may not consider is the across the board support from the schools. “The nine school districts all play a part,” McHam said. “There are a lot of people involved.” McHam enjoys seeing the spirit of cooperation between the competing 4-H and FFA teams, as well as the individual students.
“They may be having pizza at the Malakoff section, baked potatoes at Cross Roads, barbecue at Brownsboro or fish in Mabank, but they share with each other, not just their own kids,” McHam said. In 1971, when the show was a decade old, the organizers were preparing for a four-day competition. A newspaper story at the time said a total of 84 market steers and hogs were entered that year, according to Wyndell Tackett. This year, there were almost 50 steers in the competition and more than 250 market hogs. Also growing is the number of Youth Project Show entries. One thing that benefits the HCLS is the Fair Park complex. It sits on a 68 acre tract of land, conveniently located on State Highway
31, east of Athens, not far from the loop. “We have a complex we can be proud of,” McHam said. The complex had grown and seen additions for may years. The price tag to start from scratch and build something similar today would be astronomical. The coliseum, which dates to the mid-80s, seats 4,500 people. In 2015, new fans with 16 foot blades were added to make the facility more attractive on those hot summer days. Within the past year, the interior of the restrooms got a new paint job. There are two additional covered arenas. The J.D. Lewis arena was open air for years, but got its covering a few years ago. McHam remembers just missing competing in the coliseum. He showed steers and heifers until
graduating in 1984. “There were no bleachers at the coliseum, just the concrete sides – that’s all that was there,” McHam said. McHam won the showmanship award for showing a heifer in 1984. He also won Reserve Champion for a heifer. Through the years, in addition to belt buckles and blue ribbons, special awards have been added to the show. The first HCLS Queen was named in the 1968 show, Judy Morrow. In 1981, a new member was added to the ranks of royalty, as Cindy Glasgow was chosen HCLS Princess. Another function of the show has been the growing number of scholarships provided high school seniors each year. Presentations are made on Friday night before the Steer Show.
Gone Fishing with Jerry Miller
April-May 2017
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
8
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
My Best Technique for Catching Finicky Bass
T
here are so many techniques and lures for catching bass today that it boggles the mind. Growing up in East Texas back in the 60’s, you could always catch lots of bass on a Texas Rig, Crème straight tail worm. Today there are numerous ways to rig and fish a worm. Not too long ago a Carolina Rig worm was the hottest thing going. That seems to be replaced with Shakey Head, Drop Shot, and Wacky Worm techniques. All of these techniques will catch bass under certain conditions. The Drop Shot is best applied to clear deep water presentations, where the Wacky Worm seems to work best around shallow cover. In my estimation the Shakey Head technique will produce
bass almost any time and especially when fishing gets tough. The truth is that bass can be finicky and hard to catch at times. Sometimes the bass simply refuse to cooperate, and bites are hard to come by. I really like to fish a five or six inch black and blue Sienko type lure (cigar shaped) a lot of the time, Texas rigged. If I’m fishing spawning bass up shallow it’s best to fish it weightless. My go-to rig lately has been the Shakey Head. The Shakey Head rig is simply a hook with a lead head attached. It comes in a round head or a flat head. Around brush and grass I use a round head. Any soft plastic will suffice. A lot of the time I use a straight tail worm. I prefer using a
Berkley five-inch Finesse worm in black and blue colors or a green pumpkin. Many other colors will work, like watermelon/red or watermelon candy. I try to keep the colors simple. Most of the time I prefer using a slow crawl, stop and go retrieve, but there are days when the bass prefer the bait snapped off of
the bottom. Probably the hardest part is trying to figure out the best speed and action for any given day. At times you can swim the bait just off the bottom. But if you’re not getting bites, slow down. Other times I shake the line and barely move the bait. At other times you need to dead stick the bait for about 10 seconds and then snap it. At times you simply slowly drag the lure on the bottom. Keep experimenting until you determine the mood of the bass. You can fish the Shakey Head shallow or deep. I use a 3/16 or 1/4 oz. weight a lot of the time. As you go deeper you may need to increase the weight, but that can depend on the mood of the bass.
I use a 6–6 medium action rod. Some of the pros use a 6-6 medium-light parabolic rod. With longer rods you lose sensitivity. I prefer the lightest line I can get away with. Eight-pound Fluorocarbon line is best. If I’m around heavy cover I will increase my line size up to 12 pound or even 14 pound at times. I rarely go over 10-pound line. Simply stated, you will get a lot more bites on a Shakey Head worm day in and day out. If you’re not getting bit, change up your retrieve. At times you simply need to change location and find bass that are more aggressive. The Shakey Head isn’t a magic lure, but once you master this technique, you will definitely catch more bass.
Nacogdoches County Ag industry leaders honored at banquet
T
he 16th Annual Agriculture Appreciation & Awareness Banquet presented by TFP Nutrition was held April 10 at the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center. The Nacogdoches County Agriculture Committee honored award recipients and presented Gary and Sue Atkins Agricultural Scholarships to four students. The 2017 agriculture award recipients are: • Agribusiness of the Year, Borders Poultry Supply, Inc. (sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas); • Agriculture Educator of the Year, Melvin Adams (sponsored by Citizens 1st Bank); • Pete Smith Agriculture Pioneer, Hank Curbow (sponsored by Heritage Land Bank); • Farm Family of the Year, Hyman and Benjamin Boozer Family (sponsored by Tipton Ford-Lincoln). Scholarship recipients are: Johnathan Lowery and Clayton Sestak Douglass High School; Brooke Petty, Nacogdoches High School; and Matthew Matlock, Cushing High School.
Above, Nacogdoches County agriculture award recipients are pictured from left are Fred Borders, Melvin Adams, Stephani Curbow and Hyman and Benjamin Boozer. Photo by Trecia Johnson At left, the Gary and Sue Atkins Agricultural Scholarship award recipients are Matthew Matlock, Brooke Petty, Clayton Sestak and Jonathan Lowery. Pictured from left are Matlock, Petty, event Chair Angela Shannon, Gary Atkins, Dr. Joey Bray, Chairman of SFA Department of Agriculture, Sestak and Lowery. Photo by Trecia Johnson
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
9
April-May 2017
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Southside Feed and Supply By Jeff Riggs Athens Daily Review
S
outhside Feed and Supply has been in business for many years. But, Lacey Loftis, 35, has owned the property since 2011. The business is located at the intersection of Farm-to-Market 753 and State Highway 19 South. “The previous owner, Robert Wallace, cracked a joke one day, asking if we wanted to buy the business,” Loftis said. “I first said ‘no.’ But then I went home, and started thinking about it, and decided we might be interested. I worked at the store for about 6 months before we purchased.
Mr Wallace was getting ready to retire. He had owned it for 10plus years. We bought feed from him for years, and developed a friendly relationship with him.” Loftis has been around agriculture for many years, all in or near Athens. She graduated from Athens High School in 2000. “ I’m a hometown girl,” Loftis said. “I’m a really hard worker who’s very motivated to be better, and strive for that daily.” According to Loftis, products sold by Southside Feed and Supply include several feed companies, including Purina, Lone Star, West, Wendlands and Lindners Show Feeds. The
Jeff Riggs/Staff
Shown in the back storage area of the Southside Feed structure is the owner, Lacey Loftis, with her children, from left, Ketch, Strait and Westi Myers.
This Cat is Ready to Pounce! D-3 Cat Stock tanks, Fence rows, Brush Clearance Roads, Lots, etc. - FREE ESTIMATES
Dozer Unlimited Mike Brown 903-724-1155 Palestine
Phillip McGee 281-309-7389 Grapeland
company also is the local Dealer for Dillon Manufacturing, which, in Loftis’ opinion, builds the best custom deer blinds you can purchase for the money. “We carry some of the best 3-string Arizona Alfalfa you can buy,” she said. “We are really working on growing in different areas. We are getting more fish and deer customers with Purina’s Sportfish and Antlermax Products. We will also be bringing in Purina’s 10 percent Fat Liquid Cattle Feed this summer. Keeping cattle in top breeding condition all year for the most economical way possible, we are really excited about this new addition to our store.” Once she bought the store, she wanted to have an edge on the fuel market, so she coordinated with a distributor for Ethanol Free Fuel. “Our Ethanol Free Fuel has been a big hit around this area,” she said. “It’s a great fuel for your boats, motorcycles, lawn equipment and classic cars. We even have several customers that drive from the Dallas area to get this fuel.” Loftis is currently a single mom of three kids, including Strait, Westi and Ketch Myers. In addition to the feed store, she is also an agent for Benchmark Real Estate in Athens. She uses free time to hunt, fish, play golf, lake activities, and also goes to a lot of junior rodeos. “I would not be able to do everything that I do without
Jeff Riggs/Staff
Lacey Loftis, the owner of Southside Feed, standing outside the front entrance of Southside Feed and Supply, with her children, Westi, Ketch and Strait Myers. being blessed with great people around me,” she said. “I’ve got great employees, that do more than they’re asked, and they keep me moving forward everyday. I also have a wonderful and supportive family.” With her lifestyle, Loftis believes she owns the perfect kind of business. “I enjoy this kind of business, being related to agriculture,” Loftis said. “My kids rodeo, and we run a small herd of cattle, so
we definitely use the products. I love owning the feed store, from the coffee drinkers in the mornings, to the ranchers, ropers, hunters, show kids and everyone else. Our customers are the best. We want everyone’s business, whether it’s your feed, fuel, tack or dog and cat food. We want you to come see us, and give us a chance.” For more information about the products at Southside Feed and Supply, call 903-677-2973.
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
10
April-May 2017
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
From Scratch with Love Red Wine–Braised Beef with Apple Gremolata Total time: 50 minutes (+3 hours braising) makes 4-6 servings A fork-tender roast that’s spent the day bubbling away in the oven makes a perfect supper on a lazy Sunday. To start, brown a whole chuck roast, then deglaze the pot with red wine to pick up all the rich, beefy flavor left behind. Pop the roast in the oven and slow-cook it with herbs and aromatics until it falls apart. To cut through the richness of this dish, top it with a fall-inspired gremolata made with tart diced apples tossed with lemon zest and parsley. Serve with smashed red potatoes or a baked sweet potato to soak up the sauce.
Ingredients For the beef: • 1 (4-pound) boneless chuck roast • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 cup olive oil • 3 medium carrots • 3 medium celery stalks • 2 medium yellow onions • 2 cups dry red wine • 1 medium garlic head • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or stock • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 4 thyme sprigs • 2 bay leaves • 2 (3-inch) rosemary sprigs For the gremolata: • 2 medium tart apples, such as Granny Smith • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves • 3 tablespoons olive oil • Finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper
IInstructions nstructions
For the beef: 1. Heat the oven to 325°F and arrange a rack in the lower third. 2. Pat the roast dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat or sinew. Season generously with salt and pepper; set aside. 3. Heat the oil in a large, heavybottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the roast and cook, turning occasionally, until it’s browned all over, about 15 to 20 minutes total. Transfer to a large plate and set aside. Mean-
For the gremolata: 8. Peel, core, and cut the apples into small dice. Place the apples in a medium nonreactive bowl, add the parsley, olive oil, and zest, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed, cover, and refrigerate. To serve: 9. Remove and discard the herbs and garlic from the pot. Break the beef into large chunks, top with the gremolata, and serve with the sauce.
any loose outer skins from the garlic while, peel and cut the carrots into head and cut off the top quarter to large dice; set aside. Cut the celery and expose the cloves (reserve the top for onions into large dice. another use). 4. Add the carrots, celery, and onions 6. Add the broth or stock, vinegar, garlic to the pot and season with salt and head, thyme, bay leaves, and rosepepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, mary, stir to combine, and bring to a until the vegetables have softened and boil. Return the roast and any accuare just starting to brown, about 5 to 7 mulated juices on the plate to the pot. minutes. 5. Add the wine, scrape up any browned 7. Cover with a tightfitting lid and place in the oven. Cook, flipping the roast bits from the bottom of the pot, and every hour, until the beef is fork tenbring to a boil. Cook, stirring occader, about 3 hours total. Meanwhile, sionally, until the wine is reduced by make the gremolata. half, about 7 minutes. Meanwhile, peel
Recipe Adapted from “The Chefs Collaborative Cookbook: Local, Sustainable, Delicious Recipes from America’s Great Chefs” by Chefs Collaborative and Ellen Jackson via Chowhound
EAST TEXAS STOCK PRICES ANDERSON COUNTY LIVESTOCK
EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK INC.
Updated: 04/19/2017 Head Count: 280 Buyers: 38 Sellers: 51
Updated: 04/18/2017 Cows: 243 Bulls: 20 Buyers: 59 Sellers: 141
STEERS
STEERS
200lb - 300lb
1.55
1.95
300-DOWN
$134
$245
300lb - 400lb
1.38
1.81
305lb - 400lb
$127
$200
400lb - 500lb
1.25
1.65
405lb - 500lb
$115
$184
500lb - 600lb
1.20
1.60
505lb - 600lb
$110
$167
600lb - 700lb
1.10
1.51
605lb - 800lb
$105
$156
700lb - 800lb
1.00
1.45
200lb - 300lb
1.35
1.60
300-DOWN
$105
$225
300lb - 400lb
1.22
1.50
305lb - 400lb
$100
$170
400lb - 500lb
1.17
1.53
405lb - 500lb
$92
$168
500lb - 600lb
1.10
1.40
505lb - 600lb
$85
$155
600lb - 700lb
1.00
1.35
605lb - 800lb
$83
$136
700lb - 800lb
0.95
1.24
HEIFERS
HEIFERS
SLAUGHTER
SLAUGHTER
Cows
0.45
0.74
Cows
$48
$80
Bulls
0.75
0.92
Bulls
$81
$90
$1875
PAIRS
PAIRS
$1250
STOCKER COWS GOATS
$875hd
$1600hd
$45hd
$150hd
TRI-COUNTY LIVESTOCK MARKET Updated: 04/22/2017 Head Count: 1269
STEERS UNDER 300lb 300lb - 400lb
1.75 1.65
2.25 2.20
$1375
BRED COWS
NACOGDOCHES LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
HUNTS LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
Updated: 04/20/2017 Head Count: 564 Buyers: 51 Sellers: 103
STEERS
$1800 $1675/hd
ATHENS COMMISSION COMPANY
Updated: 04/10/2017 Head Count: 493
STEERS
$800/hd
Updated: 04/21/2017 Head Count: 1504 Sellers: 225
STEERS
UNDER 300lb
1.45
2.30
200lb - 299lb
1.70
2.00
300-DOWN
0.80
2.20
1.30
1.95
300lb - 399lb
1.60
1.82
300lb - 400lb
0.80
1.95
400lb - 500lb
1.55
1.78
300lb - 400lb
500lb - 600lb
1.50
1.70
400lb - 500lb
1.22
1.82
400lb - 499lb
1.50
1.77
400lb - 500lb
0.80
1.85
1.00
1.67
500lb - 599lb
1.30
1.67
500lb - UP
0.80
1.75
NA
NA
600lb - 699lb
1.10
1.50
HEIFERS
700lb - 799lb
1.10
1.39
300-DOWN
0.80
2.00 1.85
600lb - 700lb
1.35
1.57
500lb - UP
700lb - 800lb
1.20
1.35
600lb - 700lb
HEIFERS UNDER 300lb 300lb - 400lb
1.60 1.40
HEIFERS
2.40
UNDER 300lb
1.40
2.10
HEIFERS
300lb - 400lb
0.80
1.65
300lb - 400lb
1.28
1.90
200lb - 299lb
1.40
1.71
400lb - 500lb
0.80
1.75
1.10
1.62
300lb - 399lb
1.25
1.51
500lb - UP
0.80
1.65
0.95
1.57
400lb - 499lb
1.10
1.50
SLAUGHTER
NA
NA
500lb - 599lb
1.10
1.45
Cows
0.30
0.74
600lb - 699lb
1.01
1.42
Heavy Bulls
0.70
0.98
1.08
PAIRS
400lb - 500lb
1.30
1.55
400lb - 500lb
500lb - 600lb
1.20
1.50
500lb - UP
600lb - 700lb
1.15
1.35
600lb - 700lb
700lb - 800lb
1.00
1.40
SLAUGHTER
SLAUGHTER
Cows
Cows
0.40
0.71
Bulls
Heavy Bulls
0.81
0.90
PAIRS
$1450
$1600
$150
$275
STOCKER COWS
PAIRS BABY CALVES STOCKER COWS LOW-MIDDLE
$800hd $800
GOATS
$1525hd
BABY CALVES
$1200
HORSES
0.45
0.70
700lb - 799lb
0.75
0.90
SLAUGHTER
$1500
Cows
0.40
0.73
Low-Middle
Bulls
0.73
0.90
PAIRS
$800
$1,600
$1050 $750hd
$1300hd
$45hd
$150hd
$45 NONE
$150
STOCKER COWS
NONE
BABY CALVES
Top
$350hd $25
$1250
$1550
$600
$1250
STOCKER COWS
0.70lb
1.60lb
GOATS
$25hd
$250hd
$1425hd
BABY CALVES
$25hd
$400hd
$150
HORSES
$50hd
$400hd
April-May 2017
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
11
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Houston ‘Classic falls short of all-time record By Matt Williams Outdoors Writer
R
oughly one month has passed since Jordon Lee shocked the bass fishing world with a stunning win in the 47th annual Bassmaster Classic held on Lake Conroe. A third-year Elite Series pro from Grant, Ala., Lee proved just how quickly things can change on Conroe as he grabbed all the marbles after staging what has since been billed as the most remarkable comeback in Bassmaster Classic history. Lee’s win came on the heels of magical final round when he wrangled a monster sack of bass weighing 27 pounds, 4 ounces -- the largest of the entire contest -- to help him leapfrog some the league’s best and grab what many consider to be the sport’s most coveted trophy, plus the $300,000 pay day that came with it. His three-day weight totaled 56 pounds, 10 ounces. “Never in our 47-year history has the winner come from 37th place on Day 1 or 15th on Day 2 to win,” said Dave Precht, Bassmaster vice president of editorial and communications. “The Houston Classic will go down as one of the most exciting and dramatic finishes ever.” The Conroe ‘Classic packed plenty of other surprises. One of the most pleasant revolved around spectator traffic, or a lack thereof. One of the biggest concerns shared by the 52-angler field going into the event was that heavy spectator traffic could have a potential impact on the outcome. Spectators on other lakes have been guilty of crowding too close to
anglers during competition and even helping themselves to their fishing holes once they head to a different spot. Considering Conroe’s close proximity to large metropolitan area, Texas’ huge pro fishing fan base and favorable weekend weather conditions, there was a good possibility of this tournament turning into a circus. Fortunately, it didn’t. “Before the event began, Classic veterans were concerned about spectator traffic because of the lake’s size and the popularity of bass fishing there, but we heard no complaints,” Precht said. “One of the top fishermen said in a press conference that the spectators were among the most polite and considerate he had ever encountered. I’m not aware of any incidents or close calls, although several fishermen complained about the
wakes from those huge cruisers.” It should come as no surprise to learn that thousands of bass fishing fans turned out in support of the ‘Classic and the nucleus of events surrounding it. There was plenty of the speculation that the Bassmaster Classic attendance record could fall in downtown Houston. Surprisingly, however, it didn’t happen. The 2009 ‘Classic held on the Red River out of Shreveport, La., still owns that distinction with 138,000. According to Precht, 115,000 people turned out for morning takeoffs, weigh-ins, Classic Outdoors Expo and other events surrounding bass fishing’s Super Bowl held March 24-26 in Houston. Two of the biggest successes were the Outdoor Expo and the familyoriented Get Hooked on Fishing event for kids
Bassmaster Photo
Bassmaster says 115,000 people turned out in support of the 47th annual Bassmaster Classic held on Lake Conroe and the downtown Houston events surrounding it. That’s roughly 23,000 shy of the all-time record set on the Red River out of Shreveport in 2009. held just outside the doors of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Precht said the youth event featured a fishing pond, casting range, activity stations conducted
by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and many more. “It was a huge success,” he said. “On March 24, more than 850 school children from Houston schools were
bused in to take part. In addition, exhibitors at the Expo were extremely pleased at the traffic through their booths, and the show-goers were in a buying mood.”
Bedliner Headquarters of Palestine
State-of-the-Art
Custom Restorations Frame Straightening Eco-Friendly
Hot-Rod Facility
Waterborne Paint System Auto-body & Collision Repair Welding & Towing Services
Open Mon.-Fri. 8AM-5:30PM Waterborne Paint
903-723-3086
705 E. Newman
www.railyardcustomsandcollision.com
GET YOUR WORK DONE,
AMERICA FOR JUST
$
149
PER MONTH*
Shown: eMAX 22
STOP BY YOUR LOCAL MAHINDRA DEALER TODAY AND GET 0% UP TO 84 MONTHS, OR CHOOSE OUR LOWEST MONTHLY PAYMENTS EVER.*
Pineco Inc. 4540 2WD SIMPLE to operate ECO-FRIENDLY, NO DPF engine HEAVY- DUTY steel construction not plastic
11104 E. State Hwy 31 Kerens, TX
903-396-3320
* Payment is for tractor only and is calculated at 20% down and 84 months financing. ancing Loader, Loader mower, mower additional attachments and implements, dealer fees and delivery charges may affect price. With approved credit. Program restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. All offers expire June, 30 2017.
WORLD’S #1 SELLING TRACTOR
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living
12
April-May 2017
Support Agriculture Businesses... They are the Heartbeat of Our Economy
Crockett celebrating 56 years of PRCA By PennyLynn Webb Palestine Herald-Press
S
ince 1961, the Crockett Lions Club has been hosting its annual PRCA Rodeo in May. This year’s event has been slated for May 11-13 at the Porth Ag Arena. Each year the rodeo features bareback and saddle-bronc riding, Tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping and ladies barrel racing. There is also a calf scramble for kids 10 and under each night of the rodeo. Winners will be awarded one Happy Meal per month for a year by McDonald’s. “Buck Sullivan was the chairman in the beginning,� said James Waldrop, who chaired the rodeo event for several decades. “I have passed my torch on to Heath Murff this year.� The only event that wasn’t held in the early years was team roping, Waldrop said. “It wasn’t a popular sport when we first stared out,� said Waldrop. “We’ve worked hard to try to improve upon it each year.� The first Crockett Lions Club Rodeo Queen was Patsy Cook of Porter Springs. “This year we didn’t have any contestants who wished to run for rodeo queen,� said Murff. “So, we’ll try again next year and hope we can continue that tradition.� For many years now, the Lions Club has depended on four big names to make its rodeo an annual success; Sammy Andrews, Mike Mathis, Rudy Burns and Henson Motor Company. Sammy Andrews, owner of Andrews Rodeo Company, is one of the very best rodeo stock contractors in the nation. Working with his son, James, the father-son duo represent the third and fourth generations of family in the stock-contracting business, with generation number five coming on. Hailing from Addielou, Texas, Sammy’s stock has been featured in rodeos in Fort Worth, San
inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2000. Sammy was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2009. This is the 24th year for Sammy to bring his stock to Crockett. This will also be the 24th consecutive year for announcer Mike Mathis of Lufkin to work the three-day Crockett rodeo. Mathis is well known across the U.S. rodeo circuit, announcing a rodeo somewhere in America every weekend. He has been the Texas Circuit Finals announcer since 1992, was selected as the Alternate for the 1994 National Finals Rodeo and was the announcer for the 2002 National Steer Roping Finals. Rodeo clown and barrel man, Rudy Burns, of Smithdale, Mississippi, has been in the rodeo circuit for 40 years, and this will be his 23rd time to appear in Crockett. He has clowned at rodeos throughout the United States, including the National Finals for seven years, and the Ft. Worth Stock Show five times in the last eight years. Burns has also made numerous guest
Antonio and Houston, as well as the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. In fact, Andrews consistently carries more livestock to the National Finals Rodeo than any other stock contractor in the South.
Andrews Rodeo received the ultimate honor for stock contractors, when it was named the top stock contractor in America in 2002 and named to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2007. Sammy’s famous bull, Bodacious, who died in 1999, received the rare distinction of being one of the few animals
WE EQUIP YOU
appearances on the Cowgirl Chicks nationally syndicated television show on RFDTV. Henson Motor Company of Madisonville, for the eighth year, will make this rodeo an approved Ram Truck Rodeo. There will be a drawing for a $300 Ram Trophy Buckle by Henson Motor Company on Saturday night. All funds raised by the rodeo will be used to fund the many civic and charitable activities of the Crockett Lions Club, especially scholarships for graduating seniors and eyeglasses for children in need. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and rodeo action will kick off nightly May 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices will be $15 for adults and $7 for children 6-12. Tickets will be available presale for $2 less at all the banks in Houston County, along with Crockett Farm & Fuel, First County Feed and Grapeland Farm & Ranch. The Lions Club will also be
raffling a John Deere Gator, made possible by Fish & Steel Equipment. Tickets for the Gator are $5 each, 5 for $20 or 50 for $100. Raffle tickets are available for the Gator from Lions Club members and the Crockett Leos Club and will be sold at the gate during the rodeo. The gator will be raffled during the last night of the rodeo. To show their appreciation, the Crockett Lions Club will admit all veterans, law-enforcement officers, firemen and other emergency workers into the rodeo free of charge on May 11 only. In addition, current military personnel in uniform will be admitted free each night. Law officers and emergency workers must be in uniform, but veterans have only to identify themselves at the gate. The Houston County Porth Ag Arena is located on Loop 304 East in Crockett.
DARE TO LIVE THE CODE. Celebrate Mother’s Day & Graduation with our fantastic selection of Western Fashions, Jewelry, Handbags, Boots, Tack, and more...
WITH POWER TO PERFORM. GUARANTEED. ED.
3025E UTILITY TRACTOR ĹŹ KS 'LHVHO HQJLQH ĹŹ +\GURVWDWLF UDQJH WUDQVPLVVLRQ
129 0217+
$
AA
55045E UTILITY TRACTOR • 5-YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY*** ŏŏ KS 7XUERFKDUJHG 'LHVHO HQJLQH ŏŏ ) 5 6\QF6KXWWOH 7UDQVPLVVLRQ
159 0217+
$ CROCKETT (888) 257-2011
HENDERSON
LUFKIN
AAA
MARSHALL
NACOGDOCHES
WWW.FISHANDSTILLEQUIPMENT.COM
You Western Lifestyle Store. www.codewestern.com
*Manufacturer’s estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/EC. **Beginning 1/1/2016 all Compact Utility Tractors purchased new from an authorized John Deere Dealer come standard with a \HDU KRXU ZKLFKHYHU FRPHV Ć&#x;UVW 3RZHUWUDLQ :DUUDQW\ 6HH WKH /LPLWHG :DUUDQW\ IRU 1HZ -RKQ 'HHUH 7XUI 8WLOLW\ (TXLSPHQW DW GHDOHU IRU GHWDLOV %HJLQQLQJ DOO ( 6HULHV 8WLOLW\ 7UDFWRUV SXUFKDVHG QHZ IURP DQ DXWKRUL]HG -RKQ 'HHUH 'HDOHU FRPH VWDQGDUG ZLWK D \HDU KRXU ZKLFKHYHU FRPHV Ć&#x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
N NEW LOCATIO
Palestine
N NEW LOCATIO
2000 Crockett Rd.
(Between Dollar Tree & Pet Sense)
Stephenville
2029 W Washington St • Ste#220
Canton
400 E Hwy 243•Ste 18
903-480-9985 • Mon. - Fri. 10am - 7pm / Sat. 10am - 6pm
See inside for complete list of categories and winners!
Best Place to Buy a Truck
Best Place to Camp Out
Best Place to Buy a Cowboy Hat
Best Place to Buy Livestock
Best Place to Buy a Trailer
Best Place to Buy Western Wear
Best Rodeo
Best Place to Buy a Boat
Best Place to Buy Local Blueberries
2
Thursday, April 27, 2017
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living Readersโ Choice
www.heraldpress.com
BEST OF THE BEST EAST TEXAS FARMING, RANCHING & FISHING BEST PLACE TO BUY A TRACTOR Ag Power, Tyler BEST PLACE TO BUY A TRUCK Lade Ford, Frankston BEST PLACE TO BUY A BOAT The Boat Center, Flint BEST PLACE TO BUY A HORSE TRAILER Pearman Trailer Sales, Alto BEST PLACE TO BUY A 4-WHEELER H&W Honda, Palestine BEST FENCE CO. Texas Craftsman Fence, Tyler BEST PLACE TO BUY LIVESTOCK East Texas Livestock, Crockett BEST PLACE TO BUY FISHING SUPPLIES Academy Sports & Outdoors, Tyler BEST FEED & SEED STORE Southland Feed, Jacksonville BEST PLACE TO BUY A SADDLE C&S Saddle, Tyler BEST FARRIER Vernon Jogie, Tyler
BEST WEDDING VENUE Elmwood Gardens, Palestine BEST ALL AROUND SERVICE L&L Shoe Store, Palestine BEST PLACE TO RETIRE Meadow Lake Senior Living, Tyler BEST SWIMMING POOL COMPANY Preferred Pools, Tyler
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST WESTERN WEAR STORE RE IN EAST TEXAS! VOTED BEST WHAT AN HONOR!!! 2017
GOOD โ STUFFโ
DARE TO LIVE THE CODE.
BEST CHURCH Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Tyler BEST PLACE TO TAKE A DATE The Dock, Flint BEST PLACE TO WORK Harryโ s Building Supply, Rusk
Jake says, come check us out!!!
Great Selections! Jewelry Handbags Loads of Tack Cowboy Hats Cowboy Boots
Readerโ s Choice Winner!
Best Place To Take A Date In East Texas!
Voted
#1
2017
Thank You & Come See Us!
<RXรขOO ORYH RXU FUDZรฐVK IULHG รฐVK R\VWHUV ORWV PRUH
Hand-cut Steaks & Pork Chops Coming Soon! 18950 St. Hwy 155 Flint โ ข 903-825-2535
Thank you the
New Arrivals Daily!
N NEW LOCATIO
Palestine
2000 Crockett Rd.
(Between Dollar Tree & Pet Sense)
Canton
400 E Hwy 243โ ขSte 18
www.codewestern.com
903-480-9985 โ ข Mon. - Fri. 10am - 7pm / Sat. 10am - 6pm
for voting
โ Best inBankโ East Texas
BIG SANDY โ ข BULLARD โ ข EMORY โ ข FRANKSTON โ ข GARRISON โ ข GILMER โ ข GLADEWATER โ ข GRAND SALINE โ ข JACKSONVILLE โ ข KILGORE โ ข LINDALE LONGVIEW โ ข LUFKIN โ ข MARSHALL โ ข NACOGDOCHES โ ข NOONDAY โ ข PALESTINE โ ข RUSK โ ข TIMPSON โ ข TROUP โ ข TYLER โ ข VAN โ ข WHITEHOUSE
www.heraldpress.com
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living Readers’ Choice
Thursday, April 27, 2017
3
THE WILD OUTDOORS BEST RODEO Jacksonville BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE New York Zip Line, New York, TX BEST PLACE TO PLAY GOLF P.H.S. Wildcat Gold Course, Palestine BEST PLACE TO CAMP OUT Tyler State Park, Tyler
FOOD & MORE BEST RESTAURANT Loggins Restaurant, Tyler BEST STEAK HOUSE Bernard Mediterranean Restaurant, Tyler BEST FRIED FISH Happy Fish House, Tyler BEST COUNTRY BREAKFAST Hamburger Bar, Palestine BEST BBQ Shep’s B.B.Q., Palestine BEST BAKERY Village Bakery, Tyler BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL BLUEBERRIES Echo Springs Blueberry Farm, Murchison BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL HONEY Lone Spring Bee Farm, Palestine
BEST FOLKS TO DO BUSINESS WITH BEST INSURANCE AGENT/CO. Threlkeld & Co., Tyler BEST HOSPITAL Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Tyler BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Karen Stone, Palestine BEST WELDER Huff Welding, Grapeland BEST BANK Austin Bank, East Texas locations
SHOPPING BEST PLACE TO BUY WESTERN WEAR Code Western, Palestine BEST PLACE TO BUY A COWBOY HAT Atwood Hat, Frankston BEST PLACE TO BUY COWBOY BOOTS Cavender’s BEST JUNK/ANTIQUE STORE Old Magnolia, Palestine BEST PAWN SHOP Superior Pawn & Gun, Tyler
ENTERTAINMENT BEST VENUE FOR CONCERTS Oil Palace, Tyler BEST PLACE TO SCOOT YOUR BOOTS The Gin, Palestine
When You Think of Boats, Think of The Boat Center BEST BOAT DEALER 2017
Thank You for Voting The Boat Center “Best” Place to Buy a Boat in East Texas! 903-825-2293 22036 St. Hwy. 155 S. Dogwood City & Lake Palestine Flint, TX
www.theboatcentertx.com
VOTED BEST TRAILERS 2017 READERS’ CHOICE BEST PLACE TO BUY TRAILERS IN EAST TEXAS
Pearman Trailer Sales Thank You For Voting Us
#1
w w w.easttexasli vestock .com at S a le s We e kly 12:00 N o o n !
EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK We’re proud of the young men and women that participated in the 2017 Anderson County Youth Livestock Show! Hwy 7 West • Crockett
936.544.2246
Pearman Motor Co. 936-858-4188 Alto, TX
It’s A Beautiful Drive, So Come See Us!
www.pearmantrailersales.com
4
Thursday, April 27, 2017
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living Readers’ Choice
Farm-to-Table businesses booming
C
onsumers’ appetites for local foods are growing, and restaurants have taken notice. Today, many local businesses, including farms and restaurants, have mutually exclusive relationships that make it possible for local residents to enjoy nutritious, locally produced meals. According to the market research firm Packaged Facts, local foods generated $11.7 billion in sales in 2014 and will climb to $20.2 billion by 2019. Farm-to-table remains a growing trend that benefits farmers, restaurateurs and consumers. This is evidenced by the rising number of farmers markets cropping up in neighborhoods all across the country, as well as the niche offerings by regional food purveyors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that, in the last 20 years, the number of farmers markets has grown by more than 350 percent. Many consumers are now choosing “local” for dining at home and when dining out, and this is making a major impact on the nation’s food systems.
Foodies as well as industry experts predict that the local foods movement is a permanent and mainstream trend. In 2014, the National Restaurant Association found the desire for local foods dominated its “Top Food Trends.” The most in-demands foods include locally sourced meats and seafood as well as locally sourced produce. Consumers also are interested in farm/estate-branded foods. Some restaurants are even producing “hyper-local” food, or herbs and produce grown right on the property. As the demand for local foods has evolved, so has the term “local foods.” “Local” can be a wide-ranging term that refers to foods produced in a particular town, state or even region. The 2008 Farm Act defines a “locally or regionally produced agricultural food product” as one that is marketed less than 400 miles from its origin. However, a few states have established more stringent rules that indicate “local” constitutes food produced within the borders of a state or within
a small perimeter of the state. The growing preference for locally produced foods is great news for the farmers and small food producers that have long fought for footing among the mega-importers. According to the trade publication Produce Business, even though “local” does not place limits on the size of the farm, the growing desire among consumers to go local is benefitting many small and midsized farms, as consumers are increasingly buying foods grown closer to where they live. In addition to meats, fruits and vegetables, consumers can find many locally made items that expand the potential for farm-to-table. These include, but are not limited to, artisanal cheeses, wines, beer, baked goods, milk and other dairy, and honey. Local, sustainable foods are in demand, helping not only local restaurants and merchants, but also the small and medium farms that service these establishments.
DID YOU KNOW?
M
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
www.heraldpress.com
any environmental problems can be traced to a number of factors. Chemicals can contaminate soil and water, and farmers’ use of pesticides and chemical herbicides to produce more crops is a source of considerable chemical pollution. But according to www.greenbuzz.com, homeowners use 10 times more chemicals per acre than the average farmer. These include the detergents, cleaning products, automotive substances, and other chemicals that are often
stored in garages and beneath sinks. Individuals willing to make small changes in regard to the use of such products could make a profound impact on the environment. Concerned consumers should be conscious of which products they purchase and use around the home, selecting ones that have minimal environmental impact. Additionally, many natural substances, such as vinegar, baking soda and borax, are much safer to use than many chemicallybased household products.
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living Readers’ Choice
www.heraldpress.com
Thursday, April 27, 2017
5
Challenges facing farmers today and tomorrow
T
hough farming was once big business in the United States, by 2012 less than 1 percent of Americans were professional farmers. Many challenges face today’s farmers, many of which are largely unknown to the general public. Many people have an outdated view of a farm as a small, family-owned and operated parcel of land where livestock is raised in open pens and crops are hand-harvested when ripe. The reality is that modern-day farms have had to overhaul operations to meet demand and remain competitively priced while adapting to the ever-changing ways technology infiltrates all parts of life. Each of these factors present obstacles for today’s farmers.
Technology
Rural farming communities are expected to make an effort to integrate modern technology into an industry that has been around for centuries. But such a transition in rural areas, where communications systems may not be as up-to-date as those in urban areas, is not always so easy. According to the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, a shift from a resource-based to an information-based economy, compounded by the rapid introduction and expansion of new technology in the workplace, has altered farm operation and the skills in
demand. Older workers who have been schooled in one way of agriculture may have a significant impact on labor supply and the vitality of farming as a career. Younger adults who are knowledgeable in technology may no longer seek out agricultural careers.
Decrease in farming as an occupation
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that only about 960,000 Americans claim farming as their principal occupation. As that figure has dwindled, the average age of farmers continues to rise, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that roughly 40 percent of the farmers in this country are 55 years old or older. This has led to concerns about the longterm health of family farms throughout the United States.
Environmental concerns
Many farmers have come under scrutiny for how farming impacts the environment. A growing emphasis on sustainability and conservation has led many people to protest certain farming practices. Protesters claim that certain practices, such as raising livestock, can pollute water, while the use of fertilizers and chemical pesticides is bad for the environment. Many farmers, however, have altered their methods to
be more environmentally friendly and selfsustainable in the process. Climate change is another environmental issue farmers must deal with. Strong storms and severe droughts have made farming even more challenging.
Financial fallout
The ongoing recession of the last half-decade has also affected farmers. In November of 2012, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the unemployment rate within the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries was at 13.6 percent, far higher than the national unemployment rate. As a result, many farm families have found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place, as rising costs for equipment and technology are being coupled with decreasing profits and rising unemployment. Further complicating matters is competition from corporations and international food producers who have made it difficult for family farmers to turn a significant profit. Many family farmers rely on loans and lines of credit to survive, but thanks to changes in the financial sector that saw banks become less willing to extend lines of credit, some farmers are facing bankruptcy. Though it can be easy for those who do not work in the agricultural
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Greater public awareness of agricultural challenges could help the industry in the future. industry to overlook the struggles facing today’s agricultural professionals,
a greater understanding of those struggles and the challenges that lay ahead
can benefit the industry and its employees down the road.
Environmental side effects of urban sprawl U rban sprawl is a complicated issue that has its proponents and its detractors. To many environmentalists, urban sprawl has the potential to be very problematic. As more people try to find more breathing room and larger homes in areas beyond urban centers, housing developments continue to rise up from the ground, potentially impeding on land that was once home to natural habitats or farming communities. Migrations of people from densely populated towns and cities to lower-density residential developments requires these rural areas to change in order to be able to provide the resources necessary to accommodate an influx of new residents. These changes might be positive for people, but they can
have potential drawbacks for animals, plants and the environment in general.
Increased reliance on automobiles
Suburbs and more rural areas often do not have the extensive public transportation systems commonly found in cities. Furthermore, stores and other businesses are spread out among the community, making it challenging to walk to these places. As a result residents of these areas must use their cars more often, which can contribute to air pollution from auto exhaust. In addition, as populations in developments grow, traffic soon follows. Smaller communities often cannot handle the influx of cars on rural roadways. That
can lead to further depletion of land to make way for larger roadways that can more capably accommodate all the extra traffic.
Insurance Information Institute. Around one million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year in the United States.
Disappearing farmland and natural areas
More environmental waste
Sprawl is claiming farmland at the rate of 1.2 million acres a year, says National Geographic. When habitats are removed, wildlife is displaced and it can cause quite a ripple. Humans often have more run-ins with wild animals as these animals seek out new homes and food sources. For example, in many areas urban sprawl and more roads being built through wildlife habitats have displaced deer from their natural habitats, leading to a rise in deer-vehicle collisions, according to the
Where there are more people, there will be more garbage. That increases the chances of urban run-off, which is the run-off of chemicals, including heavy metals, motor oil, gasoline, and housing products, into water sources and natural landscapes. Urban sprawl can have a positive impact, but it’s important that the effects of such sprawl on the planet not be overlooked.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
6
Thursday, April 27, 2017
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living Readers’ Choice
www.heraldpress.com
Buying locally grown foods pays dividends T
he popularity of organic foods and stores that cater to customers who prefer such foods continues to grow, and that growth has contributed to a growing awareness among shoppers of where the food they eat comes from. Many consumers now recognize the impact that food production has on the environment, and that recognition has spurred interest in locally grown foods. Locally grown foods are those that are grown within your community or a community nearby. Such foods do not need to be shipped hundreds of miles before they ultimately find their way onto your plate, and many people find that contributes to meals that are more fresh than meals made up of foods shipped from afar. But freshness is not the only benefit to purchasing locally grown foods, which pay various dividends for people and the planet.
Benefit the environment.
The phrase “field to plate” is significant to consumers who prefer locally grown foods. That phrase refers to the distance food travels from the grower to the plate on your dinner table. Estimates vary depending on the source, but advocates of locally grown food suggest that it reduces the field to plate distance by an average of 1,300 miles. That’s a significant feather in locally grown foods’ cap, as the Council on the Environment of New York City notes that it takes 435 fossil-fuel calories to fly a single five calorie strawberry from California to New York. Buying locally preserves that energy that is used to transport foods from afar.
Fuel your local economy.
In addition to benefitting the environment, locally grown foods stimulate your local economy. Local, independent farmers have largely fallen by the wayside in the 21st century, as industrial agribusinesses have taken over the produce sections in grocery stores across the country. But local, independent farmers are making a comeback, thanks in large part to consumer demand for organic foods. Supporting such farmers who grow their foods locally means you’re putting money back into your own community, a worthwhile effort at a time when so many small communities are struggling economically.
Contribute to biodiversity.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 75 percent of agricultural genetic diversity was lost in the 20th century. That’s thanks in large part to industrial agribusinesses that cultivate fruits and vegetables that are bred for fast maturation. But small, local farms typically grow a wider variety of fruits and vegetables in an effort to extend their growing seasons. That means consumers of locally grown foods have access to more fruits and vegetables, and therefore more flavor.
Maintain beautiful landscapes.
Farmland has been on the decline for decades, as cement and asphalt have made millions of acres of once beautiful farmland disappear. Buying locally helps to maintain the green space your community and surrounding communities have left. That makes for great road trips and even helps to sustain local wildlife populations.
More nutritious.
Fruits and vegetables can rapidly lose nutrients once they are harvested. That’s problematic when buying such foods from industrial agribusinesses that need substantial time to get their products from the farm to the shelves at your local grocery chain. But buying from local farmers increases the likelihood that the fruits and vegetables you
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative purchase were just picked and therefore have yet to lose a significant amount of nutrients. Locally grown foods are growing in popularity, and that
Smoke-Roasted Bell Peppers Stuffed With Green Garden Vegetables
popularity can be traced to the freshness of such foods as well as the numerous additional benefits that locally grown foods provide.
G
rillmasters know that grilling for friends and family is about more than just burgers and hot dogs. For those who want to add some more flavorful fare to their backyard barbecues, the following recipe for “Smoke-Roasted Bell Peppers Stuffed With Green Garden Vegetables” from Andrew Schloss and David Joachim’s “Mastering the Grill” is sure to please guests and grillmasters alike.
Ingredients 2 medium red bell peppers The Grill 3 medium mixed bell peppers (yellow, orange, green) Gas: Indirect heat, medium (325 F to 350 F) 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 3- or 4-burner grill -- middle burners off 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper • 2-burner grill -- 1 side off 3 tablespoons butter • Clean, oiled grate 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced Charcoal: Indirect heat, medium ash 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch dice • Split charcoal bed (about 2 dozen coals per side) 1 medium yellow squash, cut into 1/4-inch dice • Clean, oiled grate on medium setting 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels 1 medium tomato, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, oregano, basil, or a mix) 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs Oil for coating grill 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions 1. Heat the grill as directed. Soak the wood chips or chunks for 1 hour. 2. Seed, core and cut one of the red bell peppers into 1/4-inch dice. Cut the remaining bell peppers in half lengthwise right through the stem, leaving a bit of stem attached to each half. Cut out the cores, seeds and ribs from the interiors of the peppers, leaving the stem intact. Sprinkle the insides of the peppers with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. 3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until almost tender, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash. Saute the vegetables until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the corn and tomato and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in herbs, bread crumbs and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook and stir until the bread crumbs soak up most of the liquid in the pan. Remove from the heat and spoon the filling equally into the pepper cavities.
4. When the grill is hot, put the soaked wood chips or chunks over the coals on both sides of the grill. Is using gas, put the wood chips in a smoker box or in a perforated foil packet directly over one of the heated burners. 5. Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil. Put the stuffed peppers over the unheated part of the grill, cover, and cook until just tender, 20 to 30 minutes. If your grill has a temperature gauge, it should stay at around 350 F. 6. Remove the peppers to a large serving platter. Sprinkle with the Parmesan (if using) and serve.
www.heraldpress.com
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living Readers’ Choice
Thursday, April 27, 2017
7
Cheesy Country Omelet Need a quick breakfast for two? This hearty omelet, filled with peppers, potatoes and cheese, fits that bill nicely—it’s ready in 20!
What You Need 2 Tbsp. oil, divided 1/2 lb. Yukon gold potatoes (about 2), chopped 1/4 cup chopped red peppers 4 eggs 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/4 cup shredded cheese
Make It 1. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in medium nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add potatoes and red peppers; cook 8 to 10 min. or until tender, stirring frequently. Transfer to bowl. 2. Whisk eggs and black pepper until blended. 3. Heat remaining oil in same skillet. Add eggs; cook 2 to 3 min. or until almost set, occasionally lifting edge with spatula and tilting skillet to allow uncooked portion to flow underneath. Top with vegetables and cheese; cook until egg mixture is set but top is still slightly moist. Slip spatula underneath omelet, tip skillet to loosen and gently fold omelet in half. Cook 1 to 2 min. Slide or flip onto plate; cut in half.
Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Pasta
Grilled Ratatouille Foil Packet
Bring together broccoli and ham in this Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Pasta Bake. This dish will likely become a new family favorite.
Planning on making a ratatouille with those farmers’ market veggies? Think foil packet cooking. Think grill. And think of all the compliments you’ll get.
What You Need
What You Need
3 cups penne pasta 4 cups broccoli florets 3 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. flour 2 cups milk 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 7.5 oz. slow cooked ham, chopped
1 lb. eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 each yellow squash and zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then sliced crosswise 1 each green and red pepper, chopped 1 onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup Italian Dressing, divided 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese 1/2 cup tightly packed fresh basil, coarsely chopped
Make It 1. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 2 min. of the pasta cooking time. 2. Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Stir in flour; cook and stir 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk; bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Add cheeses; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until melted. 3. Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in cheese sauce and ham; spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray. 4. Bake 20 min. or until heated through.
Make It 1. Heat grill to low heat. 2. Combine vegetables, garlic and 1/4 cup dressing; spoon onto large sheet of heavyduty foil. Fold to make packet. Grill 45 min. or until vegetables are tender. 3. Cut slits in foil to release steam before opening packet; drain vegetables in strainer. 4. Place vegetables in large bowl. Add cheese, basil and remaining dressing; mix lightly.
Rustic Italian Chicken and Rice With fresh veggies, tangy sauce and lots of cheese, this full-flavored Italian chicken and rice dish is destined to become a new family favorite.
What You Need 1/4 cup Italian Dressing, divided 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb.) 1 onion, sliced 1 zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices 1 red pepper, cut into strips 1-3/4 cups traditional pasta sauce 2 cups hot cooked long-grain brown rice 1/2 cup shredded Italian three cheese blend 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
Make It 1. Heat 2 Tbsp. dressing in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook 5 to 7 min. on each side or until done (165ºF). Remove chicken from skillet; cover to keep warm. 2. Add remaining dressing and vegetables to skillet; cook 3 to 5 min. or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring frequently. Stir in pasta sauce; cook 1 min. or until heated through, stirring frequently. 3. Spoon rice onto platter; top with chicken, sauce and cheeses.
Strawberry Whipped Sensation
No-Bake Peach Melba Pie
This fluffy showstopper, made with fresh strawberries and chocolatey cookies, takes just 20 minutes to prepare. With no baking required, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your summer event.
Even if you’re not keen on baking, you can still make this (no-bake) peach pie! It’s a (ginger) snap to make and serves eight—scrumptiously.
What You Need 4 cups fresh strawberries, divided 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed, divided 8 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. butter, melted
Make It 1. Line 9x5-inch loaf pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Mash 2 cups berries in large bowl. Add milk, juice and 2 cups whipped topping; mix well. Pour into prepared pan. 2. Mix chopped cookies and butter; spoon over whipped topping mixture. Cover with ends of foil; gently press cookie mixture into whipped topping mixture. Freeze 6 hours or until firm. 3. Invert dessert onto plate when ready to serve; remove pan and foil. Frost dessert with remaining whipped topping. Slice remaining berries; arrange over dessert.
What You Need 1-1/4 cups finely crushed gingersnaps 3 oz. white chocolate, melted 1 Tbsp. butter, melted 4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz pkg.) cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp. milk 1-1/2 cups thawed whipped topping 2 peaches, peeled 2 Tbsp. raspberry jam 1 cup raspberries
Make It 1. Combine gingersnap crumbs, chocolate and butter; press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate sprayed with cooking spray. Freeze 20 min. 2. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk in medium bowl with mixer until blended. Gently stir in whipped topping. 3. Cut peaches into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Reserve 3 peach slices for garnish; wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Finely chop remaining peach slices; stir into cream cheese mixture. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate pie and reserved peach slices 2 hours or until pie is firm. 4. Microwave jam in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 30 sec. or just until warmed; stir. Drizzle over pie. Garnish with raspberries and reserved peach slices.
8
Thursday, April 27, 2017
East Texas Farm & Ranch Living Readers’ Choice
www.heraldpress.com
Watering your vegetables By: Joseph Masabni, Stephen King, and Nathanael Proctor Assistant Professor and Extension Horticulturist, and former Associate Professor, and Graduate Student All of the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences; The Texas A&M University System
A
critical part of growing vegetables is determining the right amount of water to give them. If you irrigate properly, you can minimize water runoff, decrease the amount of labor needed, and produce a more bountiful, high-quality crop. Reducing runoff will also help cut down on soil erosion and fertilizer needs. To water vegetables efficiently, you need to calculate: 1. The amount of water that your plants need (irrigation requirement) under the current weather conditions of the growing season 2. The amount of time to run your irrigation system to apply the water needed.
Step 1: Assess your garden’s water needs
To calculate the irrigation requirement, you’ll need four measurements: effective rainfall, crop evapotranspiration, irrigation efficiency, and the crop coefficient. Effective rainfall is the total amount of rainfall that a site receives during a specific period (usually the previous week) minus the amount lost to runoff or deep percolation from the site in that period. You can find the total rainfall for your area on the Texas ET Network website (texaset. tamu.edu). The network bases its calculations on data from weather stations across Texas (Fig. 1). Use the data from the station nearest your garden along with local information such as the amount of rain that has fallen in your specific area.
The amount of water lost to runoff or deep percolation depends on the amount of rainfall received. When little rain falls, most of the water is lost through evaporation. When much rain falls, most of the water is lost through surface runoff. Effective rainfall is calculated using the correction factors listed in Table 1. Multiply the correction factor by the amount of rainfall for that period. For example, a gardener determines that the total rainfall received in the past week amounts to 0.5 inch. Using the correction factor in Table 1, the effective rainfall is 0.5 × 0.4 = 0.2 inch instead of 0.5 inch. Crop evapotranspiration (ETo) is the amount of water lost from the soil to evaporation and transpiration, which is the water that travels from the soil through the plant and out of its pores, or stomata. The current ETo values from weather stations across the state are also listed on the Texas growing cycle. Table 2 lists the coefficients for several types of vegetables at three stages of development— early, ET Network. midseason, and harvest. Irrigation efficiency (IE) is the percentage of the water Use those four measurements and the following applied that can actually be used by the plants. Some of the equation to determine the irrigation requirement for a water applied by an irrigation system evaporates before it can reach the plant roots (Fig. 2); some water runs off the specific crop and date (Example 1). IR (inches) = (ETo (inches) × Kc) – ER (inches)/ IE site; and some will fall on soil away from the plants. The IE calculation takes into account these losses as well as the Where: type of irrigation system you are using. IR = Irrigation requirement ETo = Reference evapotranspiration The crop coefficient (Kc) is based on the type of Kc = Crop coefficient vegetables being grown and the current point of their ER = Effective rainfall = Total rainfall x correction factor IE = Irrigation efficiency Note: If the garden received more effective rainfall than its total water requirement from the previous week, IR would equal 0 and no irrigation would be needed that week.
Figure 1. Texas counties with weather station data.
TABLE 1. Correction factors for various rainfall amounts in inches per week. Figure 2. Drip irrigation is a very efficient way to irrigate your garden.
Step 2: How long to run your irrigation system To determine the amount of time it will take to water your garden, you’ll first need to: • Convert the garden dimensions from feet to square feet (length × width), and square feet to acres. • Convert the water needs determined previously from inches to gallons. • Determine the run time needed to apply the number of gallons of water.
Convert the garden area from feet to acres Most people measure their gardens in square feet. Use this equation to convert the garden area into acres: Length (feet) × Width (feet)/ 43,560 Note: You can also use an online unit converter (such as the one at unitconverters.net) to convert the garden dimensions in feet to square feet and from square feet to acres.
Convert water needs from inches to gallons Rainfall is measured in inches, but irrigation system output is measured in gallons per minute. One inch of rain falling on 1 acre of land is equal to 27,154 gallons of water. Use this equation to convert the amount of water that your garden needs from inches to gallons: Gallons = 27,154 (gallons per acre-inch) × Garden area (acres) × Irrigation requirement (inches)
Determine how long to run your irrigation system
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
An irrigation system delivers a specific number of gallons per minute (gpm), which is called its output rating. Each irrigation system has an output rating that is specified by the manufacturer; it is an important factor to consider when choosing an irrigation system. To find your system’s output rating, check the manufacturer’s website or product information. You can also determine it by measuring the volume of water collected in a bucket of water in 30 minutes. If you are using a hose with built-in emitters, you will also need to know how many emitters are used to collect the water volume in 30 minutes. Then you can calculate the output per emitter. Use this equation to calculate the number of gallons of water needed: Run time = (minutes) Irrigation requirement (gallons)/ Irrigation system output rating (gallons per minute) Using the above equations can help you determine the water needs for a given crop. Having the right amount of water available to the crop will increase plant health and vegetable yield and quality. This information can also help you determine the best crop to grow based on water availability and the best type of irrigation system.