September 2016 Farm and Ranch Living

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Farming like dad Jeffrey Saunders farms 1500 acres while serving as mayor of Kerens., Page 2

Captured in a bottle

Rookie of the Year

Marnelle de Wet Durrett captures East Texas’ heart and soil., Page 16

Kandace Springer wins at 4-H Ceremony., Page 7

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Published August 25, 2016

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August-September 2016

Farming like dad By Deanna Kirk Corsicana Daily Sun

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effrey Saunders farms 1,500 acres of land between the Trinity River bottom and Richland Chambers Lake by himself. He’s been a single dad to daughter Bailey for the past 22 years. And in his “free” time, he’s served nearly four terms as the mayor of Kerens, Texas. Being a farmer was not something Saunders had on his life plan of career paths. He and sister Jenny remember vividly the sound their father Aubry’s pliers made in his overall pocket as he came down the hallway in the pre-dawn hours when they were kids, to wake them up to go hoe cotton. Jeffrey recalls being relieved when football practice began in the fall, because that was easier than his normal routine. But, as often happens, life takes its twists and turns and where you land isn’t exactly what you envisioned. “I was born and raised in Kerens,” Saunders said. “My dad, Aubry Saunders, was a farmer for 50 years. He passed away in April.” Saunders said his father served his country in the military, and after that farmed until 2000 on just about 500 acres, ran quite a few head of cattle, and raised

four kids. The place Saunders refers to as headquarters is the same place he’s shared with his dad all these years, and where the old home place once stood. The Saunders family lived on that land until Jeffrey was six weeks old, at which point they moved into town. He was the baby, with three older sisters; a set of twins, Joy and Jill, and his sister Jenny, to whom he is still very close, not only emotionally but geographically, as they live across the street from one another, with their mother down the street. “I went off to Tarleton University and got a degree in Ag Business, and was going to set the world on fire,” he said. “I worked pipeline construction with my brotherin-law. I worked for American Plant Food Corporation in Paris, Texas for exactly one year. Then I went to work for Lindsay King at H&W Supply and worked for 10 years ... then some land next door to my dad came up for rent and that’s how I started farming.” Saunders has been farming for 21 years now, and said the thing about farming is that it’s never the same, and it’s always a challenge. “Now days you watch the markets and see what you think is going to be good next year,” Saunders said. “This year nothing is good. The last two years have been veryy hard. We didn’t get to plant a crop last year at all because of the rain. We got to plant

some wheat the fall before, but it wasn’t worth cutting, too much water.” Saunders said he’s planted a lot more milo, but his enemy in the milo fields are the wild hogs. He has fields where there is nothing left standing because the hogs have eaten every single stalk of it. Many nights he stays out in the milo fields all night shooting hogs. “I usually kill 200 to 300 hogs a year,” he said. “A A few years ago I killed 26 in one night. They will ruin a crop. If they’re eating your paycheck, you’d try to get rid of them too.” Us u a l l y, Saunders plants half grain; either wheat or milo, and the other half of the land he plants cotton. Though now it is so expensive to raise cotton, he plants less than he did in years past. “Seed costs

today are extremely high due to the technology in the seed, but it makes it much less labor intensive,” he said. “By the time you have all your expenses of raising it, you could just go buy it cheaper. Farming fluctuates so much from year to year.” The extreme weather of the last several years has not helped either. Just in the last year, there were two extreme floods and a drought, Saunders pointed out. “Th There was a flood in the spring, and it finally stopped raining June 7, which was w s the last day we could plant cotton,” wa Saunders said. “Then it didn’t rain again until Oct. 21, and it rained 20 inches in a day and a half.” Saunders said even with the challenges, farming is rewarding. His father told him when he first began he would never get rich, but he’d enjoy it. “The first two or three years, I worried and worried until I would get sick, and my dad said, ‘You can worry all you want, but it ain’t gonna change it.’ A lot of that is out of your control — you can’t change the weather.” Saunders can tell you y u what year yo his father b ought a

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Thinking Out Loud —and more!

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ell, we were dry— and now are wet and wetter. Still time to grow some grass and start getting ready for cool weather. September is the time to get busy on those winter pastures—and for most of us ryegrass is the preferred route to some green grazing this fall and winter. Farm supply stores are the starting point to select seed varieties and figure out a planting rate and discuss fertilizer costs. Along with the ryegrass, adding some clover seed to the mix can mean less fertilizer and more nutritious forage for hungry mouths. Whether Louisiana white, yuchi,

or ball clover, they all have their place. Crimson clover also grows well in our soils—but cuts out earlier than other legumes. My column from last week got some reaction from several folks. Steve Presley, a council member, said he was “puzzled” that I would be opposed to giving an outside company the authority to monitor, and photograph, license plates in Palestine. He said he was interested in getting uninsured vehicles off the streets—I told Steve we agree on this. The private company that wanted to put in cameras and share non-insured auto fines of $250 a vehicle with the city

was not investigated by Presley

particular tractor, or that tractor was purchased in 1969, this piece in 1972, or 1999, and each of them he lovingly keeps repaired and in good working order. He also still uses them in his daily operations. “I would’ve given anything to get my dad on one of those tractors that drives itself before he got to where he couldn’t,” he said. “He wouldn’t have believed it. Someone like my dad who started farming in 1950, and what it’s like now. So much has changed just in the 20 years I’ve been doing it. “There’s nothing else I want to do.” One up side to farming is being your own boss, and being able to make time for things in life that have high priority. Saunders served on the Kerens City Council for about 20 yyears, and when there was nobodyy who wanted to serve as mayor, y he stepped up to do that

or other city leaders before appearing before the city council. Presley said one of the owners, Allan Fletcher, a Houston area Texas State Representative, had contacted him about talking with the council members. Fletcher has been in hot water before with authorities concerning his business activities. Removing a major law enforcement authority from the Palestine Police Department and giving it to a private agency could create a real mess for the city of Palestine! Belmont Drive Missionary Baptist Church in Hood River, Oregon is sticking to what the pastor and members believe.

Recently, the church posted this on their message board: “Wake up Christians. Allah is not our God. Muhammad is not greater than Jesus”. Then the liberals and Muslim fringe went ballistic. Even the mayor called the pastor and church members “bigots”. In response, now the other side of the church sign has this message: “Only the Bible is God’s word-HOLY BOOK. Koran is just another book.” Seems the mayor and certain other townspeople believe in free speech for themselves—not for others? That’s –30—

as well. His term — the fourth one — will be up May 2017. “We’ve got a major water and sewer grant, also a sidewalk project going on,” he said. “I’m very fortunate, I have very good employees. The Community Development committee did the light poles downtown, we need more volunteers for that. The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the street dance and BBQ cookoff each year. I would love to get volunteers from the schools, teachers, students, clubs. “In a small town, it takes cooperation between the town and school to make things happen.” While his own daughter Bailey was growing up through the Kerens school system, Saunders was able to never miss a ball game, tennis match, or anything she was involved in. Though it may have meant working a Sunday afternoon to get caught up, he modeled p parenting after the way he saw his mother and father do it. In fact, Saunders modeled many things in his life after the way he saw his father do them. “I wouldn’t take anything for the years I had working with my dad,” he said. “He worked h hard. And he loved to farm.”

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. 097508250019371

Email cover letter and resume to jmienk@palestineherald.com

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August-September 2016

Local Master Gardner prefers raised beds By Rich Flowers Athens Daily Review

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enderson County Master Gardener Bob Erickson has tried growing a garden in the ground and in raised beds and for his needs thinks the raised bed is the way to go. Erickson came from the Dallas-Fort Worth area about five years ago to his rural home on Farm-to-Market Road 1861. “I didn’t come from a farming background,� Erickson said. “I came from a suburban house with a small back yard and had a little garden there.� Transitioning to life in the country, Erickson thought it was only natural for him to plant a garden on his much larger plot of land. “I made the mistake most gardeners do. I thought too big,� Erickson said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to grow all kinds of stuff.�’ For the first three years, Erickson planted his garden in the ground. He soon found his biggest problem was the abundance of weeds that came up and tried to choke the life out of his plant, sometimes with success. To combat the weeds, Erickson decided to try a raised garden. He started with four beds. This year, he plans to expand to 16 beds. Among the foods he’ll be growing are potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, kale and squash. “The beds need to be no wider than four feet, Erickson said. “Then you can go to either side and reach in a couple of feet.� The bed should be about one foot deep in good, quality soil, Erickson said. “I can grow nine onions in a square foot,� Erickson said. Summers in Texas kill a garden. On the worst days, you get 14 or more hours of blazing sun. “Most vegetables are not bred for their hardiness,� Erickson said. “Next year, I’m going to try to shade the western sun.� Erickson said he doesn’t like to just duplicate the produce he sees in stores. Tomatoes, for example, come in dozens of varieties. More than 50 varieties have been grown in Texas. The stores stock those that are round and red to attract customers. Erickson said some of the species that aren’t seen at the supermarket can be tastier than the ones commonly in stock.

“I want to try something new every year,� Erickson said. The brandywine tomato has an odd shape and doesn’t ship well, but make a delicious addition when you put it on the table. Erickson said working the raised bed garden doesn’t require any fancy tools. You can do it with hand tools. “I might use a hoe or a mini tiller,�

Erickson said. To fertilize the garden, Erickson is a strong believer in composting. He sometimes speaks to the Master Gardeners on the practice. “You can make your own, but you probably can’t make all you need,� Erickson said. “You may have to buy some.� Erickson said his property has a clay base with a foot of sand on it.

“With clay soil or sandy soil, you got add compost to it,� Erickson said. “You’ve got to have that organic matter.� Compost helps with drainage issues, water retention and adds nutrients to the soil. “It just makes it better soil,� Erickson said. “I recommend to gardeners, if you don’t have a compost pile, you’ve got to start one.�

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COUP DE GRACE

“Well, at least it isn’t broken,” he said as he wiped his face With his good arm. “Although it might be a smidgen outta place. That sucker sure did buck hard! I’m glad I was wearin’ my hat Or I’da punched right through that net wire fence and hung there like a bat! Dadgummit! Where’s the rest of my shirt? All but the sleeves are gone! And my chest has got a pattern you could make a waffle on! I remember him a’squallin’ with my collar in his teeth as I flopped from neck to shoulder like a rubber Christmas wreath!

Have ya seen my other bat wing leg? I had it, I’da sworn. I never wear just half a pair. Musta hooked it on the horn When he ran it up my pantleg where my inseam used to be And my off hind boot is missin’, aw, shoot, that don’t bother me, It could still be in the stirrup ‘cause I had

a deadman’s grip! I made several revolutions from his belly to his hip, Checked the bosal and the back cinch as I orbited around! He pumped me like a plumber plungin’ dirty water down. Then bounced me off the buckin’ rolls when he went to changin’ gears! I did a back flip and catapulted out between his ears But I hung tight to the neck rein as I spun and ricocheted Like someone tied a chicken to a helicopter blade! I was airborne several minutes ‘fore I

landed in a heap And, exceptin’ for this hatband there ain’t nothin’ left to keep! Can’t remember if he kicked me but these tracks are livin’ proof, This here trademark on my pocket looks suspiciously like hoof. Don’t know how the sucker bucked me off. It happened way too fast But nobody has to tell this fool that I been coop de grassed! It’s a story old as cowboys and sometimes the horses win But, at least it isn’t broken, so best catch’im up again!” ~ www.baxterblack.com ~

Greenhouse provides freshness all year-round By Jo Anne Embleton jembleton@jacksonvilleprogress.com

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s residents become more involved in growing their own sources of food, adding a greenhouse to the process can help extend their growing season. “It’s definitely one way for home gardeners to increase the growing season, and it’s also a way to decrease productivity costs, because growing (plants) from a packet of seeds costs a lot less than purchasing transplants,” said Cherokee County horticulture extension agent Kim Benton. “(Greenhouses are) not necessarily more popular, but people who are growing things on their own find them increasingly useful … it’s a natural extension of growing your own garden,” she said. Cherokee County resident Lois Hutson said she began greenhouse gardening several years ago, and has grown to love it because of how versatile it is. “I wanted to start an a ponic garden, then my potted plants went inside for winter storage. But when some Cherokee black cherry tomatoes came up on their own, that’s how it really started,” she said. “And I love it – there are no bugs, and in cooler or ugly weather, if you’re an outside person like me, it gives you a place to go play in the dirt!” Benton recently hosted a workshop on “Greenhouse Growing Tips” in Jacksonville, discussing what to grow and how to grow it. Greenhouse growing boils down to this, she told the dozen people attending the event: “You have to think about the big picture. Do I have the time to grow, pick, can, give away what I harvest?” Then, people need to keep in mind the expense and time put into setting up a greenhouse, along with ensuring there is proper irrigation and ventilation. They must know what supplements their soil needs to grow a particular crop, maintaining proper pH levels, what sorts of fertilizers work best and how to address pollination issues. “Tomatoes are the most popular plant to grow, but pollination is the biggest problem. Also, temps (temperatures) are key for growing tomatoes,” she said. Hutson told the group that she discovered using a Q-Tip for pollination worked best for her, a method that she described as part of “trial and error” attempts at greenhouse gardening. “But then you’ve got all these fresh tomatoes to eat offseason,” she said. “I grow mine directly in the ground, and it

probably tastes better than (what’s sold in a grocery store).” Both women pointed out that creating a home greenhouse needn’t be expensive nor elaborate. “You know the plastic drop-cloth you can buy at WalMart? That works for a season. Honestly, I can make a simple small green house out of a clear garbage bag, but it all just depends where you want to start. Some people want to go by the book, and others are ‘Great! I’ve got two pallets and some plastic. Lets go!’ “ Benton laughed. “It really does not have to be expensive.” Hutson agreed.

“I don’t have a lot of money invested in mine – I make them out of what I recycle,” she said, describing the various structures in use at the family’s property. One structure houses chickens, Hutson said. “I let them work for me to clear garden areas (as the covered cages are moved as needed).” Another structure made of wood can be covered with plastic and used for growing food during wintertime – last year, the family experimented with potatoes. Yet another structure using black shade covering protects house potted plants and starts during the winter, while other structures become rabbit housing during cold weather. The Hutsons also employ small hoops covered with plastic that go directly over ground crops – like strawberries and carrots – as it grows closer to winter, to create mini-greenhouses, she said. “So, you see, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a greenhouse if you make it out of recycled materials,” Hutson said. Like Benton, she’s happy to share with others the knowledge she’s gained over the years, in hopes of encouraging others to try greenhouse gardening. “People are wanting to learn, and that’s why I post information about mine (on social media), to show people that in February that I’m eating fresh tomatoes. I’m hoping to encourage others to do the same,” she said. “I’m very happy to show them what I do and how I do it. It doesn’t mean that it might work for them, but it still shows folks that this can be done.” As the county horticulture agent, Benton not only can share from her personal experience, but direct folks to websites such as the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension site, which offers a “Texas Greenhouse Management Handbook.” “There are people out there wanting to grow their own vegetables, and using a greenhouse gives them an additional way to do that,” she said.

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August-September 2016

GAME TIME Texas dove hunters gearing up for longest season in 80 years By Matt Williams Outdoors Writer

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t’s been a soggy mid-August across much of Texas, but it probably hasn’t dampened the spirits of the state’s 400,000-plus dove hunters very much. Texas’ army of wing shooters have been nursing itchy trigger fingers for the better part of a year now, and they are on the verge getting a significant fix unlike the majority have ever experienced before. When the 2016 dove season gets underway 30 minutes before sunrise on Sept. 1, it will mark the beginning of the longest dove season Texas hunters have seen in 80 years. The upcoming season will last for 90 days and be carried out in two splits in the North, Central and South dove hunting zones. That’s nearly two weeks longer than previous seasons, with extra days tacked on during the first split so hunters can take advantage of big numbers or northern mourning doves that typically pass through Texas ahead of fall cool fronts. Extra days also were added towards the end of the season to provide more hunting opportunity in the Special White-winged Dove Area in South Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a 90-day season at its regulatory heading last spring using a framework supplied the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The longer season should provide hunters with more flexibility in planning hunting trips while allowing them to take better advantage of what is arguably the best opportunity in the state to enjoy a low cost, high quality hunting experience. While all the extra days will be nice, most Texas dove hunters live for early September. That’s probably because dove season is the opening act in a long line of hunting seasons each year. Dove hunters are always stoked about getting in the field early on, then they shift their attention to deer, ducks, geese and quail. Based on FWS surveys, about half of the Texas dove harvest occurs during the first two weeks of the season in each zone. The interest should be particularly high this year, largely because of the timing of the season opener. Dove season begins on a Thursday this year. That means hunters who still have a vacation day or two at work could cash them in ahead of an already long Labor Day weekend. Regardless of when you hunt, there will be plenty of birds making their to feeding fields and watering holes this year. With a resident mourning dove population of 31 million, white-wings numbering nearly 10 million and Eurasion-collared doves at around 4 million, Texas dove populations rank among the best in the nation.

Not surprisingly, Texas hunters shoot a lot of doves, too. In 2014, the mourning dove harvest alone totaled about 5.2 million birds, according to Shaun Oldenberger, dove program leader with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Unfortunately, dove hunters are not very efficient with their shotguns. Oldenberger says the average number of shots fired to put one Texas mourning dove in the bag is five. That equates to around 26 million shotshells spent to kill 5.2 million doves. “I don’t have any (shot count) estimates on white-wings, but the numbers might be even worse,” Oldenberger chuckled. If you are planning to hunt doves this year, Oldenberger says it would be wise to dust off the scattergun and get in a little practice before you head to the field. Shooting a few rounds of skeet or trap at a local gun range will definitely help take the rust off. If that isn’t an option, you might consider buying hand thrower and case or two of clay pigeons. Here are some additional tips to help dove hunters be more successful and safe in the field this season: * Scout: Don’t count on the same place

where you had a good hunt last year being a sweet spot again this year. Getting out to your hunting spot prior to opening day will improve success. Dove fields change from one year to the next based on precipitation, etc…… * Know your shotgun: Pattern your shotgun with different chokes, loads, and distances. Past 30 yards, you lose a lot of pellets. * Practice distances to spots with a rangefinder. You’ll better understand your distances and limits. A lot of birds are crippled on shots farther than 30 yards. * Practice: Shoot at least a couple boxes of shotshells at clay targets to get timing, shooting stance, head, shouldering gun down through the complete motion. * Use good quality shotshells: Cheap shotshells don’t pattern near as well as premium shotshells do. Poor shotshells can make some auto-loading shotguns perform like a single shot. * Dress for the Occasion: Doves have incredibly good eyesight. Always dress in drab clothing and use something like a bush or tree to conceal your position. * Be mobile: If birds are constantly

flanking your position or flying over a certain spot, relocate to put yourself in better position. Try to set up so you aren’t looking into the sun * Don’t For the Bug Spray: Be sure to take insect repellent with you to the field or spray yourself down ahead of time to repel ticks, mosquitos, chiggers and other biting bugs. * Bird Bags: Wear a hunting vest or bird bags to hold downed birds and extra ammo. * Shooting Glasses: Always be sure to wear good eyewear to cut down on sun glare and protect your eyes from stray pellets. * Water: It’s still hot in September. Be sure to take along bottled water to keep yourself hydrated. * Be safe. Always be aware of your shooting lanes. Shooting beyond the safe zone is the No. 1 cause of hunting accidents in Texas, mostly during dove season. Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by email, mattwillwrite4u@yahoo.com.

Photo by Matt Williams

Hunters should always set next to a tree or bush to conceal themselves from incoming doves. The hunters in this photo illustrate a good example of how “not” to do it.

Outdoor Briefs by Matt Williams Outdoors Writer

The Tin Man: Cox grabs $300,000 ‘Cup title

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lorida bass pro John Cox is $300,000 richer these days after winning the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup in early August on Alabama’s Lake Wheeler. A well-known shallow water specialist, Cox went really skinny to grab the ‘Cup title with 54 pounds, 13 ounces. It was

his third win on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour since 2011. One of the primary keys to Cox’s shallow water prowess is the boat he uses to get him there. Cox runs a Crestliner PT20. The 20 foot aluminum rig is significantly lighter and more maneuverable in tight places than the tricked out fiberglass boats that are the norm among pro bass ranks. Powered by a 200-horsepower outboard, the boat gave Cox a huge advantage at Wheeler because it allowed him to access the remote upper reaches of Cotaco Creek, about seven miles off the main river

channel. Draped in over hanging trees and bushes, the narrow creek offered plenty of shade and significantly cooler water than the rest of the lake. More importantly, the channel was riddled with lay downs, stumps, shallow bars and other junk that prevented other competitors from accessing the wealth of unmolested fish that lived there. Fittingly, Cox’s nickname on tour is “The Tin Man” and his title sponsor is a rod/tackle company called Mud Hole. The company logo is prominently displayed on his boat wrap. To date, Cox is the only angler to win a ‘Cup caliber event from from an aluminum boat. Ray Hanselman of Del Rio notched the highest finish (20th) of seven Texans in the event. He earned $10,000. Clark Reehm of Huntington finished 23rd; Jeff Sprague of Point, 26th; Shinichi Fukae of Palestine, 32nd; Clark Wendlandt of Leander, 37th; Denny Brauer of Del Rio, 38th; and Jim Tutt of Longview, 43rd.

Duck numbers hold steady

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FLW Photo Florida bass pro John Cox used an aluminum bass boat to access remote backwater areas and fish his way to a $300,000 payday in the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Wheeler.

he U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released its annual report on breeding duck populations and all indications are that waterfowlers can expect another huge flyaway this fall. The survey numbers are in line with those recorded last year and holding fairly steady, even though conditions across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas were generally poorer than in 2015, the report says. According the survey, total populations are estimated at 48.4 million birds, down nearly 1 million from last year, but still 38 percent higher than the 1955-2015 long

term average. The projected mallard fall flight index is 13.5 million birds, down slightly over the 2015 estimate of 13.8 million. “In light of the dry conditions that were observed across much of the northern breeding grounds during the survey period, it is reassuring to see that the breeding population counts were little changed from last year,” said DU Chief Scientist Scott Yaich. “But, with total pond counts similar to the long-term average, and with hunting season and winter mortality being a relatively small part of annual mortality, it’s not surprising to see that populations largely held steady.” You can see the 2016 Trends on Duck Breeding Populations report at flyways.us/sites/default/files/uploads/ statusreport2016_final_0.pdf.

Youth dove hunt scheduled Sept. 3 in SNF

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he U.S. Forest Service and National Wild Turkey Federation are teaming up to host their annual Families Afield dove hunt on Sept. 3 off FM 417 in the Sabine National Forest, roughly six miles east of Shelbyville. The hunt gets underway at 8 a.m. with hunter orientation and ends at noon. The youth hunt is open to 20 applicants age 8-17 accompanied by a licensed adult. All applicants must have a current Texas hunting license and have attended a state hunter education course. There is a $10 fee for hunters who are not current JAKES members. Hunter orange vests/caps and eye protection are required. For more info contact Mandy Chumley, 936-897-1068 or mchumley@ fs.fed.us.

August-September 2016

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2016 Anderson County 4-H Awards By PennyLynn Webb Community@palestineherald.com

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t was a night of highlights, fond memories and reward for a year of hard work during the 2016 Anderson County 4-H Awards Ceremony at the Palestine Senior Center. During the dinner, attendees enjoyed a slideshow of the 4-Hers participating in various activities throughout the year. There are eight active 4-H Clubs in Anderson County, including Dogwood 4-H, Old Cayuga 4-H, Ioni Creek 4-H, Xtreme 4-H Shooting Sports, Cayuga 4-H, Harmony Broyles Chapel 4-H, Elkhart 4-H and Frankston 4-H. Each club was recognized with their leader sharing a brief report of their year-inreview. The Anderson County Extension Agents recognized Heritage Land Bank for their continued generosity to the Anderson County 4-H program, noting that they have generously donated to the awards banquet since 2006. Twenty-four 4-H members were recognized with the 2015-2016 Achievement Award for completing their Record Book, including, JB Alexander, Alyssa Barnett, Molly Boswell, McKenna Bowman, Addison Bowman, Clayton Conrad, Gracie Conrad, Laeni Couch, Kandace Springer, Melissa Springer, Jesse Temple, Kylie Webb, Olivia Wendell, Megan Crawford, Malerie Hinshaw, Bayli Honeycutt, Isabelle Mills, Madilyn Mills, Shiloh Peckham, Amanda Scheppler, Claire Scheppler, Blake Shook and Stratton Wendell. JB Alexander finished in first place and will be advancing to the State Recordbook contest. The evening concluded with a presentation of award winners for the 2015-2016 4-H Year. The award winners were:

• 4-H Leader of the Year – Taylor Brown • Junior Rookie of the Year – Addison Bowman • Intermediate Rookie of the Year – Kandace Springer • Senior Rookie of the Year – Melissa Springer • Female “I Dare You” Award – Molly Boswell • Male “I Dare You” Award – Scott Black • Bronze Star Award – Olivia Wendell • Bronze Star Award – McKenna Bowman • Silver Star Award – Gracie Conrad • Silver Star Award – Amanda Scheppler • Gold Star Award – Alyssa Barnett • Gold Star Award – Clayton Conrad • Graduating Senior Award – JB Alexander • Graduating Senior Award – Alyssa Barnett

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Sugar Acres, Mabank’s hidden treasure By Kathi Nailling Athens Daily Review

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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 has a hidden treasure with Sugar Acres. When in season Sugar Acres carries local fruits and vegetables that are locally grown. If you are looking for healthy fresh vegetables and fruits look no further than Sugar Acres. Morgan Pilgrim has owned and operated the fruit and produce stand in Mabank for 5-years. Sugar Acres is open from March until Labor Day in September. “We sell all local when in season,” said Pilgrim. “When the local farmers run out we purchase from outside the area. But we only buy the best.” Sugar Acres is committed to offering the local community and visitors the freshest of local fruit, produce and more. 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. “When we open in March we have the greenhouse full of plants and flowers,” said Pilgrim. “But by this time of year we have sold out of everything in the greenhouse and the locally grown fruits and vegetable. We still have plenty available.” 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.” The only advertising the fruit stand has is word of mouth. The word about Sugar Acres has traveled all

Photo by Kathi Nailling

Ed Bush is a regular at Sugar Acres Fruit and Produce Stand in Mabank. Bush is in the store three or four times a week for his peaches. Pictured with Ed is owner Jodi Pilgrim. around Henderson and Kaufman Counties. “We even have people from other cities come by their fruits and produce from us,” said Pilgrim. Sugar Acres gets new fruits and produce every Monday and Friday. “We don’t want anyone to ever get bad fruits or produce from us,” said Pilgrim. “We keep it fresh.” Jodi Pilgrim said, “We get a lot of people coming to Cedar Creek Lake or visiting from out of town stop by the fruit stand.” In March 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 with the season almost over, whatever is left will be given to local 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. Pilgrim said this has been the best year for Sugar Acres, they will return in March.

Photo by Kathi Nailling

Jodi Pilgrim along with her husband Morgan run the local fruit stand in Mabank.

August-September 2016

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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Rush Creek Honey A family’s quest for health leads to a partnership with bees By Jennifer Miller Corsicana Daily Sun

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osh and Brandi Wallen did not get into the business of honey for the money. It was a calling for health and chemical-free living that inspired the married couple to start what is now known as Rush Creek Honey. “God had been taking me on this natural, chemical-free journey for health and healing for my family,” said Brandi. “In that journey, I found that honey has natural bacteria, enzymes, and is a source of antibacterial and antiviral properties.” Brandi shared her findings with Josh, and began to ask him how they could go about producing their own honey for the benefit of their friends and family and the two began formulating a plan to make the dream happen. The first attempt in the fall of 2013 was not fun. They discovered a hive inside an old water heater on their property, which they wanted to extract. Not having any prior experience, they called on the help of fellow beekeepers John and Cindy Woody. “The first extraction was not the best experience because the hive was Africanized,” said Josh. Josh said to date it is the only hive he has encountered in that state. As to how one can tell whether or not a hive is Africanized, Josh says bees are not normally aggressive in nature so if bees are attacking, there is a good chance the hive is Africanized. After that experience, Josh bought the book “Backyard Beekeeper” by Kim Flottum, read it front to back, and attended a beekeeping school with Brandi and the kids. Some of the learning process has also been trial and error. They started with two hives the first year, then grew to 10. Last year, they had 15 hives and this year, they have 35, although they only collected honey from about 10 for this year’s harvest. The hives are a family business — even the couple’s four boys participate. They have

all taken classes together and the kids are not intimidated by the bees. This year’s harvest season was around the first of July. Josh is a believer that when the mesquite trees stop blooming the honey production is just about over, at least in the north and east Texas regions. The most the Wallens have ever harvested has been 80 pounds per hive, but Josh says in some places, especially in the northern United States, people can obtain as much as 200 pounds per hive. Both Brandi and Josh have local ties. Brandi grew up in Kerens and graduated from Ennis. Josh graduated from Blooming Grove and currently works for Community National Bank as the Vice President of eBanking and Deposit Operations. Brandi

is involved with Community Bible Study, occasionally volunteers at the Hope Center and is a Young Living Essential Oils consultant. Their family land is in the Barry area on a place called Rush Creek Ranch, which is where the couple derived the name for the business. “We have hives in five locations in Navarro County,” said Josh. “We don’t process our honey, it’s only strained through a coarse stainless steel strainer.” They also do not filter any pollens out and the honey is not heated. “It is raw honey,” said Brandi. The couple produced around 400 onepound bottles this year, and after selling to family and friends are down to about 100 bottles now. The one-pound bottles sell for $10 each. “This is the first year we have had bottles left to sell to the public,” said Josh. The couple does not desire to grow the business much larger — they are content with what they are producing now. For

them, It was never about mass production and profit margins. It was about a learning process — the outcome of which also happened to provide quality, sustainable food to their family and friends. They also enjoy sharing what they have learned on their beekeeping journey with others. Two years ago, they gave a demonstration at a local elementary school to help educate young children on the life of bees. Anyone wanting to purchase some Rush Creek honey can contact the couple through the Rush Creek Honey Facebook page, which also happens to be a resource of information for anyone wanting to know more about beekeeping. —————————— On the net: www.facebook.com/rushcreekhoney/ ——————————— jmiller@corsicanadailysun.com soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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

August-September 2016

Rafter J Cattle Company By PennyLynn Webb community@palestineherald.com

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after J Cattle is owned by Jeff and Susan Harris. The couple run a 900-head cattle operation on the Rafter J Ranch just outside of Palestine. The couple’s children, Tate, 26, and Lacee, 20, grew up working the ranch with their father. Together they raise and breed about 100 head of bucking bulls. The remaining 800 are commercial cattle. Jeff Harris grew up in Palestine the son of a Baptist Deacon, song leader and a mother who played the church piano. After rodeoing in his youth, Harris decided to hang up his chaps and develop a stock contracting company with stock contractor Wayne Barrett as his mentor. Harris has been hauling bulls across the nation now for over 20 years. He was named 2014 CBR Contractor of the year in 2014. This past summer, Rafter J Cattle Service was the big winner in the 2016 CBR World Finals Million Dollar Bull Team Challenge

in Cheyenne, Wyoming, during Cheyenne Frontier Days, taking home a check for $120,000. Championship Bull Riding was created by CEO Benny Cude and bull riding icon Tuff Hedemen. The CBR has two tours. Riders in the Horizon Series earn points to move on to the elite Road to Cheyenne Tour, held annually in July in Wyoming at the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days, known as the “Daddy of Them All,” when it comes to rodeo. The CBR Bull Team Challenge is also part of the tour events. Stock contractors bring their best bulls to compete for cash prizes. “The bull teams compete with a team of three bulls,” Jeff said. “The bull’s scores are a combination of bull rider scores and ride times.” Beyond the cash, the team also received a trailer, a saddle, three trophy buckles estimated at around $1,000 each and four pairs of custom-made boots, bringing the team’s earnings to an estimated $130,000, Susan said. “I felt pretty good about the first night. We had two bulls out that night,” said Jeff.

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 WE DELIVER (Small delivery charge)

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“By the end of the second night, I knew we were in the top five, but I wasn’t positive of anything at any time.” While there were only one-point differences between second, third and

fourth places, Rafter J Cattle won with a four-point lead, Jeff said. The Rafter J Cattle outfit also offers custom cattle working, penning and hauling.

August-September 2016

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Backyard poultry present risks By April Barbe Jacksonville Progress

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hile many people may think it’s only possible to contract salmonella through improperly cooked foods, local and state officials say working with backyard poultry flocks also presents risks. “The CDC is currently investigating a total of eight salmonella outbreaks associated with raising backyard poultry,” said Sidney E. Riley of the Cherokee County Department of Public Health. “Young children are especially susceptible to salmonella. Children who handle chicks, reptiles or even family pets should wash their hands thoroughly. Children can come in contact with animal feces even from family pets,” Riley said. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella is estimated to cause one million foodborne illnesses with 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths in the United States. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours of infection. “People with salmonella normally recover completely, but symptoms can linger for months. Children and adults with severe diarrhea should be closely monitored for dehydration. Consult a physician if symptoms persist for more than a few days,” Riley said. Exposure to salmonella from live poultry can be prevented if producers take the necessary precautions, according to one Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

specialist. The popularity of backyard poultry flocks has increased during the past several years, but recent outbreaks of salmonella highlight the need for public education about the risks to small producers, said Craig Coufal, AgriLife Extension poultry specialist, College Station. In late July, the Centers for Disease Control reported 611 cases of salmonella infections, including one death and 138 hospitalizations. According to the CDC, 32 percent of those infected were children ages five or younger. Most chickens carry some form of the more than 2,000 types of salmonella, Coufal said. It’s a naturally occurring part of their microbial flora. Birds are carriers, but they typically don’t show signs of the bacteria. Despite the presence of salmonella on poultry, residents with backyard flocks for egg and meat production can greatly reduce the probability of infection by taking precautions, Coufal said. Petting or holding live birds, handling eggs or working in areas frequented by birds, such as the coop, can expose people to salmonella. In most cases, soap and warm water is the solution, Coufal said. “Kids love to play with baby chicks and ducklings,” he said. “If they then put their fingers in their mouths or touch food without washing their hands, they are putting the bacteria directly into their system, thus possibly resulting in illness.” Backyard producers can also protect flocks from exposure to salmonella and other bacteria and viruses by practicing good biosecurity, Coufal said. Producers shouldn’t share equipment or materials with other producers, he said. If sharing equipment, such as a coop, is necessary, it should be cleaned thoroughly with a bleach-based cleaner. Simply visiting a neighbor’s backyard production area could lead to exposure of pathogens if precautions are not taken to prevent transmission, such as changing shoes or clothes. Coufal also recommends backyard producers purchase their chicks, ducklings and other fowl from reputable sources. According to the CCPH Department, some other ways to prevent salmonella are: - To cook poultry, ground beef and eggs thoroughly. - Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs or raw (unpasteurized) milk. - Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.

- Do not process other foods – such as vegetables – on surfaces where raw meat and poultry was processed without sanitizing the surfaces. - Do not consume raw or under cooked meat, poultry or eggs in a restaurant. Send raw or under cooked food it back to the kitchen for further cooking. - Take special care with food prepared for infants, elderly or immunocompromised

individuals. - Wash their hands thoroughly after contact with reptiles, birds or baby chicks and after contact with any pet feces. - Never work with raw meat or poultry then handle, feed or even change infant’s diaper. ------Adam Russell of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service contributed to this article.

There will be a class from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Lone Star Military Center, 804 S. Main St. in Jacksonville. ‘Introducing Poultry into Your Homestead’ will cover different breeds, how to care, diseases. etc. For more info about the class, call 903-284-8424

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August-September 2016

Victory Oasis Farm Farming comes full circle for woman with East Texas roots By Michael Kormos Corsicana Daily Sun

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ynthia Lyons never thought she would be a farmer. Growing up a city girl in Dallas, she went on graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and start her own photography studio in Waco. But there was always a part of her connected to the Earth. “My father, Charles E. Henderson, grew up in Oakwood,” she said. “We lived in Dallas but dad would plant a garden every spring and he would give me my own plants to take care of as a child.” Cynthia and husband Frank, a disabled veteran, raised their children in Waco and discovered a new found freedom when the kids all went off to college. “After my husband and I retired we wanted to move to the country,” Cynthia said. “Our kids weren’t having it so we waited until they moved out.” The Lyons always had a small garden behind their house but the move to Hill County marked the beginning of Victory Oasis Farm. “We started in our backyard but then went to an acre, then two, now four,” Cynthia said. “At first we were giving “Our kids work with us on the weekends in Waco,” she said. “Two daughters run the Richland Mall Market and our son and granddaughter help us downtown.” She said the kids are getting ready to have gardens of their own. “It has trickled down to our kids,” she said. “I never thought growing up that this was the route I would take although, looking back, I inherited it. I am the fifth generation of farmers in my family.” Cynthia describes her current lot in life as a blessing. “It is my passion,” she said. “I was always told to do something I love and this is what I love to do.” ——— On the Net: facebook.com/VictoryOasis/ —————— mkormos@corsicanadailysun.com soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com

our excess produce to friends and family. Eventually we started making so much we started looking for area Farmer’s Markets to distribute our produce.” Victory Oasis Farm offers seasonal produce as well as their own pickled products. The farm is not certified organic but it is all-natural and everything is hand-picked, Cynthia said. The Lyons looked at different areas to cater to a large scale of people. They ended up taking their goods to The Downtown Waco Farmer’s Market, The Heart of Texas and Richland Mall Farmer’s Markets in Waco as well as the Navarro County Farmer’s Market. “I like the Navarro County Farmer’s Market,” Frank said. “Our other locations are pop-up tents and portable tables. Navarro County offers nice sturdy tables under a permanent structure.” Cynthia said her grown kids are starting to take aN interest in the family farm now that it has proven to be profitable.

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August-September 2016

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Cutting for a cure Foundation to hold annual event at local rodeo arena By PennyLynn Webb community@palestineherald.com

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ach year in October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation hosts their annual National Cutting Horse Cutting Associationsanctioned Cutting, gala dinner and concert at the Crockett Civic Center and rodeo arena. “All of which support a great cause and reminds us of a remarkable lady, Michelle Lynn Holsey, who even in the midst of her on personal battle with cancer, gave of herself to help others,” said friend and sisterin-law Marla Campbell. This year’s event is set for Oct. 4-9 and is expected to bring thousands of people from across the US to Houston County and the surrounding area. The Legacy of Michelle Lynn Holsey Michelle Holsey is remembered as a lovely, caring person, who was an avid volunteer at church, at her children’s school and civically as well. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother of three, Sunday school teacher and friend to many and touched the lives of all of those who came in contact with her. Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Many have noted that Michelle battled cancer the way she lived her life – with grace and dignity. In an attempt to find a cure, Michelle journeyed to Germany, seeking treatment from Dr. Rigdon Lentz. Although the treatments were successful, Michelle succumbed to complications from the disease at the age of 37 in March of 2006. “When she was going to M.D. Anderson for treatment, we’d be sitting around a waiting room and visit with people there,” said Michelle’s husband, Lee. “There would be people who had had to quit their job or they worked so little they got behind in their bills, house payments, all kinds of stories we’d hear. We would just talk to one another about how fortunate we were that I could go to every appointment with her and sit there and wait with her and spend time with her, when so many people had to drive themselves and they were too sick to

be driving. Most of them didn’t have a lot of family members that lived close by. On top of all of this, having a life threaten illness, they also had financial duress because of the disease. She would always say how it wasn’t fair. It especially wasn’t fair to be sick and it certainly wasn’t fair to have your bills pile up as well.” One lady the couple met became special to them. “She was talking about buying her daughter a birthday cake and the check that she wrote for the cake bounced,” said Lee. “She thought that she had enough funds to cover it and ended up having to pay a hot check fee too. The next time that we went for Michelle’s treatments, Michelle had bought her a card and she asked me if I had any money. I had $200 or $300 in my pocket and she got all of that and put it in that card,” said Lee, adding, “There were several other times that she gave the girl money. That woman comes every year to visit her grave.” In her memory, several of her friends and family members joined together approximately six months after her death to established the Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation. “After her death, I thought ‘what can I do to honor her for being such a great person,’ and it came to me that she would want to help those people that she always talked about,” said Lee of his reason for forming the MLH foundation.

For more information about the MLH Foundation log onto www.michellelynnholsey.com. Call: 936-544-7200 Fundraisers Throughout the year the foundation has a strong presence in community events and festivals. They’ve hosted various fun runs and even complied a cookbook titled “Angels In The Kitchen,” with over 500 recipes. To date, the MLH Foundation’s biggest fundraiser and money maker has been their annual dinner/concert/auction during

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This event has even featured the likes of county music star Clay Walker and Tracy Byrd in concert. This year, Mark Chestnut is set to perform for the gala. The NCHA Cutting Horse event was added a few years back. Since then the participation in the MLH Foundation NCHA Cutting has grown in record proportion, now bringing hundreds of competitors and their families, some from as far away as California, to Houston County for a five-day competition, Lucas said. “The show also offers quality made saddles for the overall circuit winners for the Open, Non Pro, Amateur, Junior and Senior Youth Divisions and beautifully crafted Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation buckles for circuit awards in all weekend classes,” said Lucas. Where does the money go? Since 2006 the foundation has provided grants in excess of $449,000 to many deserving individuals. All proceeds from each of these foundations fundraisers are used to help men, women and children in their quest to battle cancer and other debilitating diseases while finding innovative research and supporting educations. First and foremost the Foundation offers need based treatment grants for patients that have been affected by cancer or other

UPCOMING EVENTS GRAPELAND:

Longview:

• September 1-4: The 40th Labor Day Bluegrass Music Festival. 4 days of fun and music with various artists throughout the event. 40 years deems this festival a landmark occasion. The City Council of Grapeland and the Grapeland Chamber of Commerce are working to make this a momentous festival for Floyd and Fannie Salmon and the Salmon family. www.TXBluegrassMusic.com

September 9-17: 67th Annual Gregg County Fair -Providing Fun Family Entertainment Since 1949. The Gregg County Fair is home to plenty of different attractions, including rides, shopping, local artisans’ wares, petting zoos and more. The fair provides something for everyone we hope to see you!

Palestine: Beginning September 3rd: Texas State Railroad Piney Woods Train Excursions; Join us on a relaxing and scenic round trip journey through the beautiful East Texas countryside. There is a 1-hour lunch layover in Rusk. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy either on the train or on the grounds. Snacks available on train. texasstaterr.com or 903-683-3093

LUFKIN: September 14-18: Texas State Forest Festival. For details go to www.visitlufkin.com

debilitating diseased. Items covered by the grants may include treatment, medical bills, medicine, transportation to and from treatment as well as housing and living expenses during treatments. To apply they can go online to the Michelle Lynn Holsey foundation website or come by our office for a form, fill it out and send it in with the needed information. Michelle also felt very strongly about education. “It always bothered her that ‘the rich kids got to go to college and sometimes the poor kids don’t,’ so that is why we give out scholarships each year,” said Lee. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors from each of the schools within Houston County. Michelle was also very involved in FFA and 4H, so the foundation also awards a scholarship through the Houston County Fair Scholarship Committee. Since their inceptions, over $46,000 had been awarded by the MLH foundation to deserving youth. How can you help? The Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation is a 501-C3 organization and all donations over $250 are tax deductible. Donations are always welcome and appreciated. Those wishing to make a donation can mail that donation to the Michelle Holsey Foundation, P.O. Box 652, Crockett, Texas 75835. There is also a PayPal service for donations on the foundation’s website. Memorials can also be made in memory of loved ones to the MLH Foundation. Each family is sent a Memorial card and a Thank You card is sent to the contributor. Houston County residents can also choose the MLH Foundation as a donation recipient for your jury duty payment. For more information on the MLH Foundation NCHA Cutting or Team Roping events contact Admission to the cutting is free and concession are available. Tickets for the Annual Benefit Auction and Gala Dinner will be $75 per person, $150 per couple or $600 for a table of eight. Seating is limited and will likely sell out fast.

FARM & RANCH CLASSIFIEDS To advertise here, contact Lezlie Hoover at 903-729-0281 or email lhoover@ palestineherald.com

Athens: September 17: Come enjoy the day at the Courthouse Square in Athens as we celebrate the Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival from 10am – 2pm.

TYLER: September 23-October 2: East Texas State Fair, Tyler

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

ONCE IT’S GONE, IT’S GONE!!

Lot’s of Planter Parts. Wallace Garden Center & Equipment Call Brenda at 936-544-2127 or come by! 1800 Loop 304 / Crockett, TX (Across from Houston County Electric Coop)

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

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August-September 2016

From Scratch with Love Five Layer Meatball Bombs These make large, meal size meatballs... One or two per the average person is plenty. Cook time: 40 Min Prep time: 30 Min Serves: makes 16 LARGE meatballs

Ingredients

Instructions

• 2 lb spicy Italian sausage • 1 lb ground beef • 16 small cubes of cheese, (Asadero works well but can be substituted for your favorite) • 3 eggs • 1 1/2 c Parmesan or 3 cheese blend • 2 tsp your favorite seasoning • 1 c bbq sauce • 16 slices bacon

1. In one bowl mix together Italian sausage, 2 eggs and 1 c Parmesan cheese. 2. In another bowl mix together ground beef, seasoning, 1 egg and 1/2 c Parmesan cheese. 3. Cut cheese into about 1” cubes. 4. Use middle and large size scoops: the middle size for ground beef, the large for sausage. 5. Scoop 16 ground beef scoops. Roll in your hands to make a ball. 6. Press center down and out, place cheese inside and gently work the meat up and over the cheese. Roll in hands for a few seconds to tighten it up. 7. Scoop out 16 scoops of Italian sausage with the large scoop. 8. Roll into a ball, then press down and out from center to make a well. 9. Place smaller meatball stuffed with cheese inside. Gently push sausage up and over top of smaller meat ball. Roll in your hands for a few seconds to tighten meat up. 10. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay a slice of bacon on paper, place meatball in center. 11. Bring bacon up and twist and back down, like wrapping a gift. Tuck under meatball and place little skewer in center. 12. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce. I like a sweet sauce but suit yourself and your families taste. Any barbecue sauce will work. 13. Bake on center rack 325° for 40 minutes. 14. Serve with potato salad or mac and cheese. NOTE: Although large, these meatballs are also excellent served on a baguette and sliced or in individual hoagie rolls. They can also be made smaller by using a small and medium size scoop and reducing the size of the cheese cube. Don’t forget to cut the bacon strip down to size if reducing the size of the meatball. If preparing for a large crowd, make smaller and serve next to a basket of yeast rolls for tidy little sandwiches.

EAST TEXAS ANDERSON CO. LIVESTOCK Updated: 8/17/2016 Head Count: 100 Buyers: 22 Sellers: 28

STOCK PRICES EAST TEXAS LIVESTOCK INC. Updated: 8/16/2016 Cows: 71 Bulls: 3 Buyers: 28 Sellers: 102

STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.50-$1.95 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.40-$1.80 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.32-$1.72 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.28-$1.44 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.20-$1.35 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.10-$1.27 lb

STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $152-$230 305 lbs - 400 lbs: $145-$186 405 lbs - 500 lbs: $131-$182 505 lbs - 600 lbs: $126-$160 605 lbs - 800 lbs: $118-$150

HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.40-$1.85 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.35-$1.70 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.25-$1.60 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.20-$1.40 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.10-$1.41 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $0.90-$1.05 lb

HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $133-$210 305 lbs - 400 lbs: $124-$180 405 lbs - 500 lbs: $116-$161 505 lbs - 600 lbs: $114-$151 605 lbs - 800 lbs: $110-$144 SLAUGHTER Cows: $58-$80 Bulls: $82-$93

SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.55 - $0.84 lb Bulls: $0.80 - $1.00 lb

PAIRS NO TEST

PAIRS $875 - $1600

BRED COWS $900 - $1525/hd

Stocker Cows: $750 - $1400 hd Goats: $45 - $150 TRI-COUNTY LIVESTOCK MARKET Updated: 8/20/2016 Head Count: 895 STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.60-$2.15 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.55-$1.87 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.45-$1.73 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.40-$1.47 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.30-$1.38 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.15-$1.37 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.20-$1.53 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.20-$2.85 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.25-$1.70 lb 500 lbs - 600 lbs: $1.15-$1.38 lb 600 lbs - 700 lbs: $1.10-$1.30 lb 700 lbs - 800 lbs: $1.05-$1.30 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.55 - $0.84 Heavy Bulls: $0.84 - $0.89 Pairs: NA Stocker Cows: $900 - $1550 Baby Calves: NA

NACOGDOCHES LIVESTOCK EX. Updated: 8/18/2016 Head Count: 693 Buyers: 42 Sellers: 86 STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.55-$2.25 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.40-$1.85 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.28-$1.67 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.05-$1.55 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.45-$1.85 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.30-$1.77 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.15-$1.75 lb 500 lbs - UP: $0.95-$1.48 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.55 - $0.82 lb Bulls: $0.75 - $0.98 lb PAIRS $1050 - $1700 Stocker Cows: $825 - $1600 hd Baby Calves: $45 - $150 hd Horses: NONE Goats: $45 - $150t hd

HUNTS LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE Updated: 8/15/2016 Head Count: 572 huntlivestockexchange.com STEERS 200 lbs - 299 lbs $1.50-$2.85 lb 300 lbs - 399 lbs: $1.50-$1.93 lb 400 lbs - 499 lbs: $1.55-$1.79 lb 500 lbs - 599 lbs: $1.45-$1.67 lb 600 lbs - 699 lbs: $1.30-$1.48 lb 700 lbs - 799 lbs: $1.10-$1.39 lb 800 lbs - 899 lbs: $1.80-$1.15 lb HEIFERS 200 lbs - 299 lbs $1.17-$2.25 lb 300 lbs - 399 lbs: $1.07-$1.75 lb 400 lbs - 499 lbs: $1.25-$1.63 lb 500 lbs - 599 lbs: $1.21-$1.65 lb 600 lbs - 699 lbs: $1.15-$1.39 lb 700 lbs - 799 lbs: $1.17-$1.37 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.54 - $0.83 lb Bulls: $0.80 - $0.91 lb PAIRS Pairs: $1400 Stocker Cows: $440 - $1650 Baby Calves: $102 - $205

ATHENS COMMISSION CO. Updated: 8/19/2016 Head Count: 819 Sellers: 129 Sale EVERY Friday At 11am STEERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.00-$2.20 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.00-$2.20 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.00-$1.85 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.00-$1.60 lb HEIFERS 300 lbs - DOWN: $1.00-$2.10 lb 300 lbs - 400 lbs: $1.00-$2.10 lb 400 lbs - 500 lbs: $1.00-$1.75 lb 500 lbs - UP: $1.00-$1.45 lb SLAUGHTER Cows: $0.40 - $0.86 lb Heavy Bulls: $0.75-$1.00 lb PAIRS Top: $1000 - $1700 Low Middle: $650 - $1000 Stocker Cows: $0.70 - $1.55 lb Baby calves: $25 - $500 hd Horses: $25 - $600 hd Goats: $35 - $210 hd

This report is a GUIDE only. It is provided to show market trends and is NOT INFLATED to deceive producers or the general public.

Gone Fishing with Jerry Miller

August-September 2016

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

15

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

Bass Fishing and Trouble I

would like to be able to say that every fishing trip is great and that everything went smoothly. We all know that problems and troubles are soon to come. This summer I’ve chosen to fish Lake Athens a lot because it’s a very fertile lake with lots of aquatic plants and grasses including some hydrilla. The lake also has an abundance of forage and black bass and good size crappie. This week John Long and I arrived on Lake Athens hoping to catch some quality size bass on worms and lots of schooling bass. We started off our worm fishing near the launch site and caught about six bass up to two pounds. We usually fish black and blue Sienkos and Zoom Speed worms. We were fishing fairly shallow in six to nine feet of water. From 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.

there were a lot of schooling bass all around the boat but were hard to catch. Usually I can come up with one bait that will work. I did catch some on a white Fluke. We probably hung about seven or eight bass that we didn’t land. For some reason they weren’t inhaling our lures like they were the shad. Afterwards we stopped at a worm hole on a secondary point and caught a four-pound bass on my 6� Speed worm. About 9:00 a.m. we headed for the dam to chase schoolers. There were a lot of schoolers busting shad about 200 yards out from the dam on the west side. These bass were very hard to entice. We tried numerous lures. I caught a few on a Fluke. Long eventually figured out a way to trick the bass into biting. He was using an elongated top water bait similar to a Devil Horse lure. Instead

of retrieving the bait rapidly, he did just the opposite. For some reason the fish wanted the bait moving erratic but sloooow. We managed to catch a few bass that way before the schools dissipated. It was starting to get hot, so we headed home about 11:30 a.m. About three or four miles out of Frankston a trailer tire blew out. Or should I say, it completely unraveled! What we eventually discovered is that when the tire started to come apart it began to beat one side of the wheel well into the tire. We couldn’t change the tire until we bent out the wheel well. On top of that, my tire jack wouldn’t raise the trailer high enough to get the wheel off. Long called for help. He called his younger friend, Joe Ben Oller, who had recently moved back to Jacksonville. Joe Ben is 70 years old!

After Oller arrived with a larger jack we managed to get the tire off but spent about 30 minutes trying to straighten out the wheel well so that the tire could be mounted. This all happened during the hottest

part of the day. It did take all three of us to get the job done. After bending and beating on the wheel well for a long time the tire was finally mounted, but part of the metal was still touching the tire. We decided to risk it and limp home going 15 m.p.h. About two miles down the road a total stranger in a work truck pulled alongside and offered to help. With a three-foot long steel bar and a sledge hammer he and his assistant were able to beat the wheel well away from the tire. Finally our troubles were over. As usual, I was praying the whole time that the Good Lord would send someone to help, and He did! Thanks to Oller’s assistance and that of two total strangers we made it home safely. ------------------------------Jerry Miller may be contacted at: gonefishing2@suddenlink.net

Demand for agricultural products changing? Ag professionals comment on this and other issues By Jeff Riggs Athens Daily Review

W

e have all seen certain types of products die out in their popularity, along with the need that people believe they have for a particular product. There is one product that many people believe will continue to thrive throughout time as it has in the past. Especially, if they begin to feel hungry. That type of product is a collection of those associated with agriculture. Marc Robinson, instructor of agriculture and ranch management at Trinity Valley Community College, said the public will never outgrow its need for food. Robinson, along with the other TVCC ag instructor, Brent Bratton, who is also coach of the rodeo team, are in charge of instruction for about 50 agriculture students at the school. “We have been maintaining stable, steady student enrollment for the past eight years,� Robinson said. “It hasn’t decreased. There is always that question, ‘Are there any jobs in agriculture?’� Robinson answers the question of his students in a sarcastic and comical manner. “Yeah, but all these jobs are going away, because people are not eating anymore.� His answer indicates that as long as people eat, which will probably always be, there will be jobs in that field. “Majoring in any field of agriculture, and going into a related career that plays an important role in producing and/or processing food and fiber for people, will always be extremely rewarding,� he said. Tommy Phillips, county extension agent of agricultural and natural resources for Van Zandt County, has taken all agricultural communications from the public for the late Rick Hirsch, who was the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Agent for Henderson County. Phillips agrees that agriculture is not likely to go to the wayside in Henderson County, or any other county of the United States. But, there are some changes. “What I see in our area is that people are buying ranchettes, of about 50 acres or less,� Phillips said. “Families have passed away and have split land between siblings.

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A lot have done that.â€? Phillips also said, as Robinson has, that Henderson County has more sandy soil than many of the surrounding counties. There are, however, more crops in the Trinity River section of the county. “There are some crops, but the main agricultural interests in the county are livestock,â€? Phillips said. “The number one call I’ve been getting is what’s going on with oak trees. We are seeing them die because of hypoxylon canker. That’s a fungal disease effecting these trees. This summer in Henderson County, especially near Cedar Creek, those trees have been done over by severe storms. There was lots of rain, then it has fully stopped. If we get some rain in the near future, they are coming back. That’s been my number-one call this summer.â€? The specific species of hypoxylon canker that appears on Oak trees is  called hypoxylon atropunctatum. This species of canker  is common in North Texas due to the fact that Live Oak, Red Oak, Blackjack Oak and Post Oak are very common types of Oak trees making up a significant portion of the urban tree population.  Hypoxylon Canker will appear more often on stressed  Red Oaks and Post Oaks due to the simple fact that they  are particularly intolerant to changes that occur in  their environment. Thus they become stressed quite  easily as a result of even minor changes around them. As for women in the agriculture profession, that number has increased, according to Phillips. “There are more women now, than there used to be in agriculture,â€? he said. “That’s the way they were brought up, and go back to their roots. It’s a change of scenery from their everyday life.â€? Phillips said, as did Robinson, the demand for agriculture products is not changing. It continues to remain high. However, according to the age of the customer, there could be a slight preference for a certain type of food. “They (products) are never going to change,â€? Phillips said. “However, the way you market for people 60 to 70 years old is different than those in their 20s. The younger ones want that eye-catching thing. For them, preparing food should be simplistic, because they are always on the go. Simple, quick, nutritious.â€?

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It’s HOT outside! Make sure your livestock and other animals have enough FRESH WATER to drink. ALL OUTSIDE ANIMALS DRINK MORE IN THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS! DID YOU KNOW?

ONE Horse drinks 5-10 gallons per day. ONE Cow drinks 25-50 gallons per day. ONE Goat drinks 2-10 liters per day.

Please report livestock neglect or abuse to your local Sheriff’s Department

East Texas Farm & Ranch Living

16

August-September 2016

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

Captured in a bottle By Jo Ann Embleton jembleton@jacksonvilleprogress.com

T

he roots of the Kiepersol legacy were planted nearly two decades ago, when South African native Pierre de Wet hand-planted the first of many grapevines in the East Texas soil. Today, that legacy can be described as the state’s heart and soil “captured in a bottle,” said his daughter, Marnelle Durrett, Kiepersol Estates’ proprietor and winemaker. “We want people to come out to the vineyards, get in touch with nature, walk through the vines, taste the wines and enjoy the fruits of our labor and taste East Texas, where the sunshine, heart and soil of this state is captured in a bottle,” she said. According to www.Kiepersol.com, the vineyard – located at 3933 FM 344 East, just south of Tyler – began in 1998, with 14 acres of hand-planted vines, and over the years has grown to approximately 60 acres with 14 different varieties of grapes. Harvest starts at the end of July and continues through August depending on the weather, the site notes, adding that “many of these varieties become their own wine under the Kiepersol label. Others are used for blending to add color or acidity as needed. Once the grapes are planted, they take approximately 18 months to bear fruit.” Varieties include the red Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Malbec, Mourvedre and Muscat grapes, along with the white grapes, Semillon, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. “Grapes grow beautifully all over the state of Texas,” Durrett said. “Native grape varieties grow like weeds – it’s not that grapes can’t grow, but Vitis vinifera (classic European varietals) hadn’t been cultivated in this area prior to us doing it that we know of.” The biggest challenge in growing this crop “is that you have to be consistent: Consistently be in your vineyard, and to not miss a day of managing the vines,” she said. Then there’s the task of bringing Texas wines to the forefront of folks’ minds. “Another challenging part of our business is getting people to taste Texas wines so they can discover that we have a globally competitive product,” Durrett said. However, the team at Kiepersol attributes the terroir – “the expression of geography, geology, farming, wine-making and passion

Photo Courtesy of Kiepersol Estates

Kiepersol Estates’ proprietor and winemaker Marnelle de Wet Durrett helps harvest grapes from the family vineyard. gold, double-gold, silver and bronze distinctions, not to mention named as a “Top 5 Merlot in Texas” in 2015 by the Texas Wine Journal. Not so bad for an outfit who released its To learn more about Kiepersol, first wine in 2000. visit www.kiepersol.com, “Our winemaking philosophy is to take the fruit from each vintage and tell the story visit the “Kiepersol” page on of that year – we do so by highlighting and Facebook complimenting the characteristics that the fruit has to offer,” the site states. “In growing or call 903-894-3330. and making Kiepersol wines, we strive to make the most approachable, comfortable, “Kiepersol sits atop the Bullard Salt well balanced wines that still have complexDome, a geologic masterpiece of time which ity of flavors and supple tannin structures. brought fertile Jurassic soils, ideal for nurThis is our key to creating comfortable turing grapevines, to the surface,” according wines that showcase our terroir.” to www.kiepersol.com. “The weather-changOver the years, the Kiepersol enterprise ing effect that this salt dome has on Kieper- has grown to include The Restaurant at sol is a blessing of nature – the severity of Kiepersol, Kiepersol guest accommodations, storms is softened as the natural electrical the KE Bushman’s Celebration Center, an charge of the land pushes storm pathways to RV Park, Studio 333 and a distillery that the north and south.” produces award-winning rum, bourbon and The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. vodka. Or, in Kiepersol’s case, the bottle: Ten differThere’s also a tasting room at the vineent wines have won a combined total of 23 yard, tours and Salt. combined as it courses through the wine” – as the secret to their success, the site states.

Photo Courtesy of Kiepersol Estates

A Kiepersol employee prepares to de-stem grapes that will be used in the vineyard’s award-winning wines.

Photo Courtesy of Kiepersol Estates

When ripe, grapes at Kiepersol Estates are harvested by hand to keep from bruising the fruit.

“Salt is truly an extension of our wine experiences,” Durrett explained. “Wine simply goes with food. Salt is a place where we can have wine presentations, food presentations and have people come together. It is a stateof-the-art demonstration kitchen where we can showcase that wine is simply another course in the dining experience. While we have our own events, it is also available for our guests to rent for private events and we’ve even had some training events out there.” In years past, Kiepersol hosted an annual harvest festival and grape stomp, but more recently, the vineyards began celebrating something called “Vine Day,” said chief brand officer Kelly Doherty. “Vine Day celebrates all the fruits of the vine, including our vodka, rum and bourbon,” she explained. “It is a simple ceremony with a mariachi band (playing) in the vineyard as we put the vines to sleep after a good year.” This year’s Vine Day celebration is slated for Oct. 15.

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