High Plains Ag - February 2015

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FARMING ON THE HIGH PLAINS OF TEXAS • FEBRUARY 2015 • ISSUE 4, VOLUME 1 HIGHPLAINSAG.COM

Double the Trouble onthe Turn Row KELLIE AND KATHIE

STANLEY

FARM BILL FACTS ALTERNATIVE CROPS RISING COTTON ESTIMATES FARM EQUIPMENT FIRE SAFETY

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INSIDE: HIGH PLAINS AG MAGAZINE Efficient.Effective.Proven

Cotton

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Double The Trouble

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Sorghum

Peanuts

Corn

Grapes

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Field To Fork.........................................................

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High Plains Ag Magazine, based in Lubbock, Texas, is proud to feature local articles about farming and ranching on the High Plains of Texas. For more information, please contact one of the representatives below:

Rowdy Bolen - Publisher, 806-687-4814, rowdy@texasautoguide.com Anthony Maye - Sales, 806-687-4814, anthony@highplainsag.com Elaine Witherspoon - Sales, 806-687-4814, elaine@texasautoguide.com High Plains Ag Magazine Po Box 16381 Lubbock, Texas 79490 http://www.HighPlainsAg.com

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COTTON

2014 HIGH PLAINS COTTON ESTIMATES RISE According to the latest estimates from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, High Plains cotton growers will produce 3,465,000 bales of cotton for the 2014 crop. This is an increase of 49,000 bales from the December report.

where percentages have been running higher than the season average of 25 percent. Day expects classing operations in the Lubbock office to be complete by mid-February.

Yield estimates dropped from 714 to 705 pounds per acre in the northern half of the Plains Cotton Growers service area. However, NASS reports that growers in the southern half will produce an average of 541 pounds per acre, up more than 50 pounds from the December report.

A key discussion topic for attendees at the recent Beltwide Cotton Conferences, hosted by the National Cotton Council, was prospective plantings for the 2015 cotton crop. Two surveys, one by Reuters and another by Cotton Grower magazine, showed a potential decrease in acreage for 2015, based upon respondents.

According to NASS, Texas cotton growers are projected to produce 5.98 million bales of upland cotton for the 2014 crop, an increase of 30,000 bales from the December report.

The statewide figures are up 43 percent from the 4.1 million bales produced in Texas in 2013, and the 2014 crop would be the largest since 2010.

Nationwide, growers are slated to produce almost 15.5 million upland bales, up slightly from December’s report of 15.3 million.

The median for the poll by Reuters pegged nationwide acreage at 9.8 million, based upon a survey of analysts, traders, and farmers. Cotton Grower’s projection was just more than 9.7 million acres, with about 5.4 million of that in Texas, where growers planted 6.2 million acres of cotton in 2014.

Water availability and prices at planting will be key factors in determining acreage in Texas. The National Cotton Council soon will release their planting intentions survey results at their annual meeting in Memphis, Tenn.

Kenny Day, area director for the USDA Cotton Classing Office in Lubbock, said quality is slipping slightly on cotton that had to weather late-season precipitation events. He said AgTx_HighPlains8x2-5_ad.pdf 3 1/29/15 9:13 AM the significant impact on the loan value right now is bark,

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SORGHUM

DEMAND FOR SORGHUM AT AN ALL TIME HIGH The market place for sorghum both domestically and internationally has steadily increased within the last five years. Exports of U.S. grain sorghum have already surpassed last year’s total just four months into the marketing year.

“Demand for sorghum is at an all time high,” said Florentino Lopez, Sorghum Checkoff executive director. “This demand is revealed through the purchasing patterns of the export market. In Bushels destined for export as of Jan. 8 have already reached 237.4 million bushels, 12 percent higher than last year’s sales.” Five years ago, the export sector accounted for 30 percent of theU.S. grain sorghum market. At that time, Mexico was the largest importer, committing to approximately 973,042 bushels of grain sorghum weekly. However, in 2013 sorghum exports skyrocketed when Gun Jen Juee Agriculture Trading Company became the first company to import U.S. sorghum into China.

“I think with rapid growth in the Chinese feed industry, sorghum is a promising feed material for our company,” said Paul Huang, Gun Jen Juee marketing manager. “The cost of grain sorghum is competitive and the nutrition is high for livestock feed production.”

Prior to Gun Jen Juee purchasing U.S. grain sorghum, there was no market for the crop in China. Last year alone, Gun Jen Juee imported approximately 1.5 million tons of sorghum, and they anticipate imports to continue increasing.

Brian Lohmar, director of the U.S. Grains Council office in China, said the demand for sorghum in China has increased dramatically within the livestock industries. Lohmar said after research indicated the high nutritional quality of sorghum, feedlot and livestock industries decided purchasing sorghum was a smart choice.

“They saw a large import margin and high nutritional value, so they brought in sorghum,” Lohmar said. “I think the big surprise was it went from zero to 118 million bushels in a year.”

While China went from importing seemingly no grain to being the largest importer of U.S. grain sorghum, the U.S. Grains Council

in cooperation with the Sorghum Checkoff is striving to maintain a permanent market in China for livestock feed and human consumption.

“We’re hoping the businesses that market themselves with high quality pork will start to see sorghum as a way to improve pork quality,” Lohmar said. The booming success of the Chinese demand for U.S. grain sorghum has proven to be beneficial for growers in terms of basis and viability. Establishing a more permanent market in China will lead to a more diverse market and long-term producer profitability. The Sorghum Checkoff is here to help producers increase their profitability,” Lopez said. “We are dedicated to the producer to do just that, and while the export market is vital, we have not forgotten about other market opportunities, including other long-term partners like Mexico and Japan.”

Market trends over the last few years have shown that food-grade sorghum and the ethanol market are growing, as well. The humanfood sector has new products hitting the shelves regularly. Qualities such as naturally gluten-free and non-transgenic, make it a popular item among consumers. In fact, products are no longer just reaching niche markets but are now expanding into mainstream brands, such as Kellogg’s Special K Gluten Free cereal.

The ethanol industry’s use of grain sorghum is also a value-added market. Approximately 36 plants across the U.S. have utilized grain sorghum in ethanol production. Nearly 336 million gallons of ethanol were produced annually over the last five years, saving consumers an average of $3.1 billion at the pump each year. Lopez said demand today exceeds supply, and the Sorghum Checkoff will continue to maintain and increase opportunities for producers to strengthen supply and fill the growing demand for sorghum in all marketplaces. ________________________________________________ Kayla M. Wilkins, Communications Intern, United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Lubbock, Texas

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PEANUTS

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS The 2014 farm bill included significant changes to agricultural commodity support programs. Farmers have voiced questions about base acre reallocation, payment yield updates, commodity program election, and the impact on individual farms as well as the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, the simple and aggravating answer is... it depends.

However, there are some general questions that apply to all. Here’s a review of 10 frequently asked questions and the answers that follow: 1. When do I have the opportunity to reallocate base acreage and update payment yields?

Sept. 29, 2014 - Feb. 27, 2015 (farm owners make this decision) 2. If I update my payment yields, do I have to reallocate my base acreage?

The 2014 farm bill is unique in that it allows owners to reallocate base acreage on each FSA farm number and/or update payment yields for each crop on each FSA farm number. Therefore, owners could decide to reallocate base acreage on one farm, but not on another. Owners could also choose to update payment yields for one crop on one farm number, but not update payment yields for another crop on the same farm number. Owners are not obligated to update base acreage if they choose to update payment yields and vice versa.

3. If I have peanut base and I no longer plant peanuts, do I have to reallocate?

No, you do not have to reallocate. Base acreage is decoupled from actual production, so regardless of whether you plant peanuts or any other commodity in which you have base acreage, you will be eligible to receive a payment on the base acreage if a payment is triggered.

4. Can I add acres to my base if the number of planted acres have increased on my farm?

No, the 2014 farm bill does not allow owners to add additional base acreage to existing base. However, owners can reallocate base acreage to crops planted on the farm in 2009-2012.

5. Should I reallocate my base and update my payment yields?

As stated above, it depends. Remember that you cannot add additional base acreage (and the existing base will stay with the farm even if covered commodities are not planted on the farm). If you have 120 acres of base and you are planting 160 acres on the farm, reallocation will be based on a percentage of your production in the 2009-12 crop years. Therefore, to make the reallocation decision, your current base acreage and your reallocated base acreage should be compared, and the highest overall return should be chosen.

6. What is the difference between Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC)?

Both programs are designed to provide a safety net for covered commodities. ARC is a program that protects producers from shallow losses county/ individual revenue relative to the ARC guarantee.

PLC is a program that protects producers from dramatic drops in the marketing year average price relative to reference prices established in the farm bill, for the life of the farm bill.

7. Where are Marketing Year Average Prices found for payment purposes?

Most commodity prices are taken from the monthly WASDE estimates and calculated over a specific period of time. Peanuts (Aug-July), Wheat (JuneMay); Corn, Sorghum, Sunflower (Sept-Aug); Peanuts are the exception. Peanuts use a formula that is based on a series of factors to derive monthly estimates. It is not the same formula used for revenue protection; however, similar. All marketing year average (MYA) prices are calculated and estimated monthly.

8. What happens to my cotton base acreage under the new farm bill?

Cotton base acreage will become “generic� base in the new farm bill. Cotton is no longer eligible for Title 1 commodity programs, and generic base cannot be reallocated. However, if a producer plants a covered commodity on a farm number with generic base, the covered commodity will be eligible for ARC or PLC payments on an annual basis. During the election period ending March 31, 2015, producers with generic cotton base will elect ARC or PLC for all covered commodities (just in case they decide to plant any of those commodities in 2015-2018). If a payment yield is not established for the commodity, former county countercyclical yield will apply.

Producers can still plant cotton on farms with generic base and remain eligible for ARC/PLC on any covered commodities planted on the farm.

9. What if I plant half of my generic base to one commodity and half to another commodity, which commodity will be eligible for ARC or PLC payments?

Generic base will be divided into the proportional amount of each commodity planted on the farm. Both crops would be eligible for ARC or PLC payments if a payment is triggered for each commodity.

10. What are the new payment limits?

Payment limit for an individual is $125,000 with an additional $125,000 for your spouse for covered commodities, excluding peanuts. Therefore a total limit of $250,000. Peanuts have a separate $125,000 payment limit aside from the $250,000 joint limit for other covered commodities. Therefore you may receive $125,000 total payment on your peanuts, and an additional $250,000 on all other program commodities combined. _____________________________________ Lynsey Meharg, Communications Clerk Texas Peanut Producers Board, Lubbock, Texas

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CORN

CORN MARKETS LOOKING STRONG IN 2015 Farmers are a forward-thinking group of people when it comes to planning for the future. With 2014 in the books, corn growers on the High Plains are now focusing on what the 2015 grain markets are trending toward.

“Our grain markets are still in an adjustment period this winter; however, there was phenomenal production in 2014,” Mark Welch, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension economist, says.

“Last year, we recorded an all-time record high for production yield so the situation is certainly adequate heading into 2015.”

Though the record yield is exciting, there are also factors that accompany such a successful harvest. One such issue is the price of corn falling slightly given the large stockpile from the past two years.

“The primary issue going forward will be the degree to which these lower prices will provide less incentives to increase production in the coming year,” Welch says. “Given a lower price, most economists and analysts are expecting lower corn acres in 2015 than in 2014.”

Even if farmers choose to continue growing the same number of corn acres, many may choose to take a less intensive approach to management.

“Another factor with lower prices is that there is less incentive for growers to provide inputs that will push production,” Welch says. “Unless we have another year of phenomenal production ¬– which we certainly could have – a return to more normal growing conditions and less intensive application of inputs is

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likely to have an impact on the yield projections for 2015.”

The important thing to remember is that the U.S. corn market continues to remain strong even with a large carryover.

“I think the situation is shaping up for better prices in 2015 than we saw in 2014,” Welch says. “However, our large carryover stocks will mute any significant price rally unless we see a weather or supply disruption of some proportion in a major producing area.”

“I think the factors we’re seeing in the U.S. will play out all over the world,” Welch says. “Higher prices will mean expanded acres and expanded production, while lower prices do not give you the incentive to do that. However, if we continue seeing strong demand we’ll begin whittling away at these large stocks to some degree in 2015.”

With all of that information in mind, Welch cautions producers against letting marketing opportunities pass them by.

“I think producers need to be particularly mindful of marketing opportunities in a year where our overall price factors are at the cost of production,” Welch says. “We need to be mindful of marketing opportunities that present themselves and prepare ourselves to take advantage of those opportunities because sometimes those windows of opportunity aren’t open very wide or very long.” _____________________________________________ Lynsey Meharg, Communications Clerk - Texas Corn Producers Board , Corn Producers Association of Texas, Lubbock, Texas

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WINE GRAPES

Growers preparing for upcoming season.

With 2014 in our rear view mirror, winegrape growers are spraying pre-emergents, cleaning irrigation lines, pruning and getting ready to plant new vines for the upcoming season.

cordons (main plant arms) about 6 inches apart. We typically leave 6 spurs on each side and the number of buds left per spur is determined by the size and maturity of the plant.

Pre-Emergent Spraying - With all the rain and snow we’ve had this year, weed control will be at the top of growers list in 2015. Growers are actively spraying treflan, surflan and Prowl H20 in order to minimize the amount of new weeds that enter the vineyard rows. The west Texas winds have blown many tumbleweeds across the Plains and now is a great time to start applying pre-emergent herbicides.

Most growers will utilize mechanized pre-pruing in February or March for spur and cordon. It is becoming more popular with the rapid expansion of vineyard acreage and lack of labor.

Mechanical pre-pruning is used to remove the bulk of pruning vegetation. An implement attached to the tractor uses a series of blades which run along the vines cutting shoots to the desired length. Workers will then come in and finish prune the vines and remove any canes that were missed by the mechanical pruner.

This version of pruning is much faster and cheaper.

Cleaning Irrigation Lines - The high mineral content in our hard water causes problems with our irrigation lines. Whether it be above-round drip or subsurface tape, hard water deposits clog the emitters providing water to our vines roots. This month, most growers will inject acid and other products into the system to get it cleaned out.

Pruning - Pruning the vine back prevents overcropping, cuts back unnecessary growth and can be done a variety of ways.

The two most popular methods are cane pruning and spur and cordon.

Cane pruning is where we cut back the main arms each year and lay a new cane on each side for arms. This requires leaving two of the best positioned canes near the crown of the trunk, pruning away everything else from last year’s growth and tying the two reserved canes to the cordon wire.

The majority of grape vines are spur-pruned; that is, the previous season shoots are selected and spaced along the vine’s

Other growers will prune strictly by hand. Workers will remove all the canes (some as long as 6ft) and finish prune the vine, leaving an exact number of spurs and buds per spur. This method is accurate and effective but is slower and can cost more when finished.

Prep for planting - Typically, growers will plant vines in March or April depending on timing, weather conditions and labor availability. In February, growers will plow, till, measure and purchase supplies. Next month, my feature will be about planting a new vineyard. __________________________________________________ Rowdy Bolen is Publisher of High Plains Ag magazine and grows wine grapes in his vineyard at Smyer. He is also on the board of the High Plains Winegrowers association. Visit www.highplainswinegrowers.org to learn more about growing wine grapes

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FEATURE FARMERS

Double the on Trouble the Turn Row KELLIE AND KATHIE

STANLEY

Photos By: Belinda Maye

Kellie and Kathie Stanley

, identical twins from Littlefield, Texas, have taken a dream and made it into a reality. As young girls they always looked up to their dad’s farming operation in hopes of one day following in his footsteps with their own farm. After many years of hard work, these ladies have jumped into the farming industry full force with Lonesome Hill Farms. The Stanley sisters said they have found this new journey very rewarding in many ways.

“I am not having to sit behind a desk, that is one thing I did not want to do,” Kathie Stanley said. “I just work hard, and hope the crop comes in just the way we want it to.” After graduating from Texas Tech University with degrees in range and wildlife management, these ladies started their own business. KS2 Ecological Field Services is owned and operated by Kellie and Kathie.

They said they spend a lot of time within this company analyzing land for clients. Using a model to predict what the land will look like in years to come based on different production practices. This business is near and dear to their heart because of the passion for preserving not only farmland, but rangeland as well, they said. After many years running KS2 Ecological Field Services, the dream to start their farming operation had not died. Last year, the Stanley sisters began farming 670 acres of cotton and have enjoyed many aspects of the farming lifestyle.

Page 14 \ February 2015 \ www.HighPlainsAg.com

“I just like being outside, I like the thought of watching something grow and seeing where we are headed with it,” Kellie said. “The ability to allow the crops to grow and produce is fascinating to me.”

Although farming is a career and making profit is a large aspect of it, the Stanley sisters said the lifestyle means more. Growing up in the farming industry has taught them many valuable life lessons they hope to pass to their nephews now that they have their own operation, they said. “Working with the big equipment and everything gives you more confidence and it teaches you the ability to work, it teaches you to think for yourself and stop relying on other people to think for you,” Kellie said.

The Stanley sisters said they have big dreams for Lonesome Hill Farms. They plan to expand to approximately 2,000 acres in the next few years and do all they can to increase yield and productivity on their operation. Although this is a huge task for two sisters, they said they have confidence in reaching that goal, but remembering not to take on more than they can handle.

“We want to expand, but we don’t want to get so big that we cannot take care of each individual field, you become a business man and not a farmer when you reach that point,” Kathie said.

Being two women in the farming industry, the Stanley sisters said they have faced some challenges. Like most farmers, these sisters said they realize it will not always be an easy profession, but for those who want to take on the task, it was worth the while for them and their family.

“If you really want to farm, you will find a way to do

it,” Kellie said. “It is a good life if you are able to farm efficiently and do a good job with what resources you have.”Reaching their dream of a productive farming operation has just begun, but the Stanley sisters said they are dedicated to Lonesome Hill. They said they want to produce a high yielding crop for years to come, by taking care of the farmland and the landowners, as well.

“I think just farming the way it was intended to be done and always produce the highest yield is what we will work for,” Kellie said. “Dad has always said, take that seed and give it the best opportunity it can to produce that crop and you will be pleased.”

The Stanley sisters are definitely excited about this new journey together as sisters owning KS2 Ecological Field Services and their new farm Lonesome Hill. They said they are going to continue to work hard to improve their operation to be the best it possible can be for years to come.

“Right now we want to take one year at a time and see where it heads,” Kellie said. “When raising cotton I am giving the land and the seed the best opportunity it can to reach its potential.”

_____________________________ Kayla M. Wilkins Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University

www.HighPlainsAg.com / February 2015 / Page 15

FARM SAFETY

FARM EQUIPMENT FIRE SAFETY

Farmers are used to working in remote areas, away from the conveniences of home such as neighbors, water supplies, community services, etc. We harvest, plow, shred and till for hours without thought to what challenges an unexpected emergency might create. Working our tractors, harvesters and other equipment to extremes can create problems for which we may be aware of but are not properly prepared to deal with.

Take fire for instance. Its not unusual for producers to accidentally start small fires while working in combustibles in the fields. Kicking up sparks from rocks or scrap metal, overheated bearings, exhaust pipes too close to combustibles, etc. all can result in fires in grass, stubble or cotton. We even intentionally burn off fields to prepare them for future production.

But what happens when the fire involves our equipment?

Burning up a tractor, harvester, baler, etc. can be a catastrophic loss to a farm and yet most of us are not prepared to prevent or deal with such an occurrence. A fire involving equipment in a remote field is likely to result in a total loss and can create a significant financial strain to an operation.

Prevention is the cure to reduce the chances of a fire involving our powered equipment: First, inspect your equipment before using it, just like your owners manual says. Look for and fix leaks of diesel fuel,

hydraulic fluid, etc. Examine the exhaust system for holes and repair them.

Second, be aware of where your working. Long periods of riding in the fields causes complacency. Every hour or so, stop driving and get out and inspect your rig, looking for grass, weeds, cuttings, etc that they be collecting around moving parts or sources of heat (exhaust pipes) where heat can ignite these combustibles. Clear the materials out frequently.

Third, in case prevention doesn’t work, invest in a fire extinguisher to carry on the rig with you. An extinguisher is a cheap insurance policy against a big loss. Teach yourself and your employees on how to use the extinguisher.

Purchase insurance on your essential equipment. Tractors, harvesters, etc. are major investments for farms and the loss of a unit to a fire can have catastrophic results. Invest in an insurance policy to protect the equipment in case all else fails.

By taking some basic precautions, we can prevent or control fires involving our equipment and continue to have a successful farming operation. _______________________________________________________ Joe Riddle, Safety Engineer High Plains Wine Grape Grower

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ALTERNATIVE CROPS

MIXING IT UP WITH THESE CROPS

Sometimes diversity can mean the difference between a good year and a bad year for crop producers. To achieve diversification, producers look to alternative crops. For many producers on the High Plains, alternative crops are most often planted after a failed cotton crop. Lubbock County Extension Agent Mark Brown said grain sorghum is the most common crop producers choose to replant with.

“Sorghum is a crop that is a good fit for Lubbock County,” Brown said. “There are multiple reasons for this, but one advantage sorghum provides is weed management.”

With China turning to sorghum, opportunities with this grain are endless in 2015. According the United Sorghum Checkoff Program website, sorghum exports are at an all time high, surpassing last year’s total just four months into the marketing year.

Another alternative rotational crop to consider is sesame.

According to a 2014 report by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the best quality of sesame in the country has historically been grown in the Caprock region. However, newer varieties have been even more successful. Brown said there has been a lot of headway in sesame breading. Newer varieties have improved shatter resistance, which makes for an easier harvest with higher yields.

For a late-season option, producers often turn to sunflowers.

This plant is early maturing, and some varieties can be planted as late as early July, Brown said. Sunflowers have deep roots, so they can take advantage of deep ground moisture and

nutrients within the soil. Sunflowers are an excellent crop to rotate with cotton, as they are relatively easy to grow and use the same herbicides as cotton. However, one disadvantage is that producers often encounter pest problems with sunflowers.

Another crop suitable to the South Plains is guar. According to the AgriLife study, there are five varieties of guar available, which are suited well for dryland production in areas that have few weed problems. There has been a lot of interest in guar as it has grown well in areas of the South Plains, Brown said, but the production is in transition because of contracting payment issues experienced in 2013.

Another option for producers, Brown said he expects some drought-tolerant corn to pop up around Lubbock in 2015.

Improved genetic traits have allowed some varieties to become more herbicide tolerant. “I don’t anticipate a huge amount,” he said. “but maybe a few thousand acres. We don’t have the water capability to support a lot. It’s not a forgiving crop.” Any time producers look to alternative crops, they need to look at how it will affect their future crops down the line. Herbicide use, nutrients, profitability and water usage all play an important role. “We have a number of alternative crops available,” he said. “You just have to put a pencil to it.” _______________________________________________________ Michelle Hochstein Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas

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AGRICULTURE IN SCHOOLS

BIG THINGS FOR ABERNATHY ISD

Olivia Schniers, agricultural teacher at Abernathy ISD, sees big things for her students in the month of February.

A former Texas Tech alumna and originally from Folly, Texas, Schniers will have now taught at Abernathy ISD for five years. She said typically in February students are preparing their projects, meaning animals, for major stock shows such as the Fort Worth, San Antonio, and San Angelo Stock Shows.

Schniers said Abernathy recently had the Hale County Stock Show and students were very successful. According to the Aberanthy ISD website, Abernathy students not only made up one third of the exhibitors that qualified for the premium sale, but they also were the majority of the champions. To prepare for such stock shows, she said the students work

very hard all year. She said she hopes to see her students be successful at the major stock shows and to not only win banners, but for doors to open to future scholarships.

Schniers said she simply wants to see her student’s hard work pay off. She believes that through FFA and their experiences the students learn hard work and dedication. They are taught leadership skills that often can not be found other places and she also said they learn great responsibility through their projects and contests.

She also believes that FFA helps students gain public speaking skills; something that many organizations do not do, but is a skill that is much needed throughout the world and is seldom taught. Abernathy ISD is preparing and hoping for not only a successful month, but a successful future for their students. ______________________________

Hayley Magness, Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

EXTENSION UPDATE Floyd County: Cotton gins are pushing to get the ginning completed by early February, Floyd County Extension Agent Cristen Brooks said. Producers will be working on Farm Bill decisions, including reallocating base acres, ARC and PLC decisions, and new cotton insurance provisions. With the snowfall in January, the wheat crop is looking good. _________________________________ Garza County:There was a successful turnout for the Garza County Livestock Show on Jan., Extension Agent Greg Jones said, with 67 exhibitors. On March 24, Garza County will hold the Texas Community Futures Forum to address the needs of the county, and

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on May 28, the county will host Quail Appreciation Day at Chimney Creek Ranch. _________________________________

County Livestock Show, exhibiting approximately 200 pigs, 25 steers, and 25 sheep and goats. ________________________________

Hale County: Hale County wheat has been planted, Extension Agent Blayne Reed said, and because of the snow in January, he said he expects it to yield better than recent years. On April 14, Hale and Swisher Counties will co-host a crop conference in Plainview. ________________________________

Lubbock County: Producers in Lubbock County are working on field preparations for the 2015 cotton crop, Extension Agent Mark Brown said, including making decisions regarding crop mixes for the year. The Jan. Lubbock County Livestock Show was successful, with participation from 500 exhibitors. ____________________________

Hockley County: FFA and 4-H members in Hockley County are preparing for upcoming stock shows, Extension Agent Wes Utely said. In January, over 100 members participated in the Hockley

Michelle Hochstein Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas

10/17/2014 4:33:06 PM

FIELD TO FORK - DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD? If you asked me, I would say Chicken Pot Pie. Now, I’m not talking about those little individual tins of chicken pot pie that you buy in the frozen section at the grocery store. While those are cute, they are not the same.

It has to be like my mother made and that was homemade!

I like to start with a whole chicken and cook it on high for 4 hours in the crock pot. I then allow it to cool enough to

separate the meat from the bones.

A whole chicken yields about 4 cups of de-boned chicken which means you have enough to freeze some for use later or double the recipe. I usually double the recipe since this is a delicious leftover! ________________________________

Dina-Marie Oswald is the author of Cultured Palate blog and lives with her family in Brownfield where they work their family vineyard.

HOMEMADE CHICKEN POT PIE SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS: • 2 c. boned chicken • 1 can cream of mushroom • 1 1/2 c. chicken broth • 16 oz frozen mixed veggies

For Crust: • 1 c. flour (whole wheat, unbleached or sprouted) • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 c. butter • 1 c.milk

INSTRUCTIONS: Mix all the ingredients except for the crust and place in a greased casserole. Mix crust ingredients well - it will be soupy - pour over chicken.

Bake 45 minutes at 375 F until the crust is golden.

Serve and enjoy!

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“He Reins” 2-Man Team Sorting Series February 21st

To reserve Stalls and RV’s, contact Becky Currington at 806-638-0116

The Mallet Event Center & Arena provides a versatile, up-to-date facility, reflecting the pride of Hockley County. Some amenities include 84 RV spaces, 288 covered horse stalls, catering kitchen, multiple concession stands, tables, chairs, pipe and drape and more!

The Mallet Event Center & Arena has an arena, banquet hall, and Expo hall. We can host events of all types, large and small!

BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOUSMALL ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU. www.HighPlainsAg.com / February 2015 / Page 19

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