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FARMING ON THE HIGH PLAINS OF TEXAS • JANUARY 2015 • ISSUE 3, VOLUME 1 HIGHPLAINSAG.COM
MORE THAN JUST A JOB THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY IS NOT JUST A MEANS OF INCOME OR A CAREER FOR THE NIEMAN FAMILY; IT’S A WAY OF LIFE.
COMFORT IS KEY LOOMING FARM BILL THE CHANGING TECHNOLOGY REFLECTING FOR THE FUTURE
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Cotton
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Grapes
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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:
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COTTON
Farm Bill Decisions Loom for High Plains Producers With harvest winding down and key deadlines looming, the next several weeks will be critical for producers as they make decisions, some of which will last through 2018, regarding The Agricultural Act of 2014, more commonly known as the Farm Bill. For cotton producers, this farm bill is different than past bills in that cotton is no longer a covered commodity. Instead, cotton growers have many new tools that can provide unprecedented flexibility as well as new combinations of protection within the programs delivered by the Farm Service Agency and the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Crop insurance will play a major role anchored by initiatives such as the PCG-developed Cottonseed Endorsement Program and many enhancements implemented by this Farm Bill. The Stacked Income Protection Plan, or STAX, is a product designed by the National Cotton Council. Administered by the Risk Management Agency, indemnities are triggered by revenue experience at the county level (or combined counties, if necessary), and are offered by irrigated and non-irrigated practice to the greatest extent possible. STAX is designed to complement (or “stack” upon) existing coverage, but also can be the sole insurance product on an acre. The premium subsidy for STAX is 80 percent and harvest price and protection factor options are available to further enhance the coverage it can provide. A second insurance option for cotton producers is the Supplemental Coverage Option, another new product. Producers choose between STAX and SCO, although they cannot be purchased for the same acre of cotton. SCO triggers area-wide on either yield or revenue, depending on the individual policy to which it is added. The premium subsidy for SCO is 65 percent. Producers whose individual Actual Production History (APH) is well above the expected county yield or whose underlying coverage is less than 70% may especially want to consider SCO.
One powerful provision that PCG and many other groups fought on behalf of producers to implement was the APH Yield Exclusion. Growers of select spring crops, including cotton, can adjust their Actual Production History (APH) yields to offset the impact of drought that devastated cotton and other crops throughout several states, including Texas, over the past three growing seasons. Producers can elect to exclude any yield from their APH database in years where the yield of their county or an adjacent county was 50% or lower than the previous 10-year average. Although cotton is no longer a covered commodity under the Title One programs administered by FSA, producers still need to understand the program and also consider their options for updating their non-cotton bases and yields no later than February 27, 2015. The deadline for choosing between the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs for Title One programs is March 31, 2015. Producers can select PLC or ARC for each Title One crop, and that selection lasts for the life of the bill. Under the new FSA programs, cotton base has been converted to generic base. This means that when a covered commodity is planted on a farm with generic base, then all or a portion of the generic base acres can be allocated to act as base acres for that crop and become eligible to receive PLC or ARC payments in that year. Producers also will have the flexibility to utilize STAX or SCO for the acres they plant to cotton. For example, if you had a 200-acre farm, with 100 acres in wheat base and 100 acres in cotton base, the cotton base is now considered generic base. If you plant 100 acres of cotton and 100 acres of wheat, your effective base becomes 200 acres of wheat. Wheat ARC-county or PLC payments would be paid on 85 percent of those acres if triggered, while the cotton acres could have STAX or SCO as well.
, d n a L Yo u r l e n d e r yo u r
“No one would use the term ‘excellent’ to describe cotton’s treatment in the 2014 Farm Bill, but we have to work with the resources we have, even though these low prices make it even more challenging,” PCG Executive Vice President Steve Verett said. “Agriculture continues to be a convenient target for Members of Congress and others who do not see it as a priority, or, even worse, as a burden to the system. PCG will continue to fight for our producers each and every time we go to the table to negotiate, and will seize on any opportunity to improve the safety net for cotton.” Numerous resources are available for farmers wanting to gather more information to make these critical decisions. www.decisionaid.afpc.tamu.edu/ - Decision Aid Tool developed by Dr. Joe Outlaw and his team at the Texas A&M Agricultural and Food Policy \ Center Risk Management Agency Farm Bill Page: www.rma.usda.gov/currentissues/farmbill/ index.html USDA-Farm Service Agency: www.usda.fsa.gov/ FSA
______________________________ Mary Jane Buerkle, Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. 806-792-4904 - maryjane@plainscotton.org Lubbock, Texas
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2014 / Page 7
GRAIN SORGHUM
Photo By United Sorghum Checkoff Program
From Soil to Stores: Bright Horizon for Food-Grade Sorghum with it, and it requires about the same management. If it takes off like they say it will, I will plant more acres myself.”
Michael Herrmann, a producer from Kinsley, Kan., has witnessed the value of growing grain sorghum. In fact, sorghum left its mark on Herrmann when it became his main cash crop.
The increased interest in sorghum food products could be attributed to a number of factors, including being a nutritious, ancient, whole grain product. Sorghum is also unique in the fact that it is naturally gluten-free, non-transgenic and is easily adaptable to a variety of dishes.
Herrmann has always produced an array of dryland crops utilizing no-till methods due to water constraints. As a result, grain sorghum has made it into his cropping system during the 44 years he has been in the business, but it wasn’t until three years ago he decided to try something new. “Southern Plains Coop came to me, and they wanted to know if I’d be interested in growing white food grade milo,” Herrmann said. “They were picking some growers out they thought would do a good job, and I was interested in it. I’m always looking for something different to do.” Since then, Herrmann has grown 160 acres of a variety of white grain sorghum from Richardson Seed Company for the Lewis, Kan., based coop for three years. “The yield is as good as anything,” Herrmann said. “I’ve just really been happy
The rising popularity of white food-grade sorghum is opening new doors within the food industry for growers. New food products containing white sorghum are hitting the shelves frequently, which include not only specialty, niche products but mainstream ones, as well. In fact, the most recent food-product launch included Kellogg’s gluten-free Special K cereal. Food-grade sorghum is adding overall value for growers across the nation, especially in Herrmann’s case. Herrmann fully recognizes sorghum’s worth when he puts it to the test. The result
- lower input costs, and sorghum performs well utilizing dryland, no-till methods. “So many times when I have dry land corn in a field and I have split fields where half is dryland corn and the other half milo,” Herrmann said, “I’ll get 85 bushel [per acre] dry land corn on a good year and milo right next to it is makes 100 [bushels per acre] or better.” Since the early 1980s, Herrmann has capitalized on maximizing sorghum’s profitability by seizing the opportunity to increase his premium through on-farm storage. Through all of the added value sorghum brings to Herrmann’s farm, he believes sorghum will remain a vital part of his cropping system for years to come. “I enjoy growing milo,” Herrmann said. “I think the opportunity for white grain sorghum is just going to improve.” ______________________________ Cailee Gilbreath, Sorghum Checkoff Intern
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PEANUTS
Planning is the Key to Success in the New Year Though fields may be empty with winter upon us, farmers are just as busy as ever preparing for the year. Farmers often use the winter to make planting decisions, perform maintenance on equipment and prepare fields for planting. However, as a new year begins farmers such as Monty Henson of Brownfield are focused on policy. “The most important part of this year is going to be making decisions based on the new farm bill,” Henson says. “That is the main issue we’re focused on leading into the new year.” Learning the intricacies and effects of the farm bill is something that many producers are focused on. Henson is no different, having run spreadsheets to construct a game plan for the coming year. “I’m going to be spending more time in the office this winter figuring how to be more efficient in a year that holds challenges for the American farmer,” Henson says. “In addition, my time will be spent developing a game plan for the year, studying how I can cut production costs, and caring for the cattle we have turned out on wheat ground.”
Like many farmers, Henson uses a rotation of crops on his farm; however, peanuts are a staple.
for pests and addressing any issues over the winter so that excess inputs can be eliminated.
“It looks like peanuts will be the crop that has the most promise in our area,” Henson says. “A lot of farmers are thinking of planting everything in peanuts; however, we need to be careful to maintain our rotation for management.”
“The American farmer has some crucial issues ahead of him that will require him to make some prudent decisions in 2015 in order to stay in business,” Henson says. “These issues don’t just affect farmers. If I decide to cut back on inputs and labor, that affects local businesses and the community as well.”
Henson consistently grows about 700 acres of peanuts and will probably plant around that same acreage for 2015. In other areas of his operation, Henson is evaluating planting different crops to conserve water and maximize inputs in the future, as well as strategies to become more efficient. “Primarily, our goal for the farm this year is to be the most efficient we can be,” Henson says. “We plan to do that through being more mindful of our trips with pickups while moving equipment around and in other areas.” To make educated choices regarding his decisions for next year, Henson will be taking soil samples, evaluating how he can minimize fertilizer inputs, soil testing
With many farmers recognizing the benefits of planting peanuts and making strategic decisions based on the farm bill, the future looks bright in 2015 for peanuts on the High Plains. This year the farm bill is going to be a priority for many growers. For information regarding the farm bill and decision resources, please visit www. TexasPeanutBoard.com.
______________________________ Lynsey Meharg, Communications Clerk Texas Peanut Producers Board Lubbock, Texas
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CORN
Photo by Pamela Yoder
Winter Months: Reflecting and Planning for the Future
With harvest nearing its end and winter temperatures dropping, it might appear that Texas corn farmers are in for a much-needed break during the winter months. Though many growers might greatly appreciate some relaxation time, the truth is that winter is as busy a time as any for farmers. That statement holds true for Steve Yoder, a farmer and Texas Corn Producers director from Dalhart. “Winter is an opportunity for farmers to ready themselves for the year,” Yoder says. “There is a lot of preparation that goes into preparing the farm and equipment for spring planting.” During the winter months, Yoder stays busy with end of the year farm tasks while also looking forward to the New Year. “We have our own grain bins so right now we are busy shipping grain,” Yoder says. “In addition, we are busy in the office preparing taxes and evaluating
last year’s results to decide what we’re going to grow and which inputs we’ll use for the year.”
Winter months also offer a chance for farmers to focus on equipment repairs and preparation, as well as continuing education. “A large part of farming is staying up to date on the latest agricultural technology and issues,” Yoder says. “Winter offers the opportunity for farmers to attend educational events so that they have the most up-to-date information available.” Corn fields might be empty during the winter, but there is certainly plenty of work to keep farmers busy. The majority of corn farmers are involved in other sectors of the agricultural industry as well, which means there is never a shortage of work for growers. “Many corn farmers also grow other crops or raise livestock,” Yoder says.
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“As livestock producers, we stay busy during the winter building fence, putting in water lines and tanks, breaking ice in the mornings and doctoring sick animals so that our livestock continue to be well cared for.”
Winter is a busy time of year for everyone, but for farmers it’s both a time to reflect on a successful harvest and a time to continue looking forward to the coming year. Texas Corn Producers offers many resources for farmers on its website, www.TexasCorn.org, including opportunities for continuing education units, 2014 corn variety performance results, farm bill information and more. _____________________________ Lynsey Meharg, Communications Clerk Texas Corn Producers Board Corn Producers Association of Texas Lubbock, Texas
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WINE GRAPES
Winegrape growers ready for late spring freezes The 2014 growing season was much better than 2013 and many wine grape growers think 2015 will be even better!
At any farm in Texas, growers in general want to produce consistent crop loads year over year. But over the past couple years, late spring freezes have reduced wine grape crop loads. Growers can control water, fertilizer, fungicide sprayings and such but have been at the mercy of what mother nature does with late spring freezes. In April of 2013, the High Plains experienced a devastating freeze that reduced the grape crop by over 80%. That freeze set off a series of meetings amongst High Plains Winegrowers to find a way to reduce damage to wine grapes caused by late spring freezes. In April of 2014, the High Plains experienced yet another devastating late spring freeze. Andy Timmons, of Lost Draw Vineyards in Brownfield, purchased 4 wind towers in 2013 designed to blow warmer air over his vineyard which helped save his 2014 grape crop. His OrchardRite wind towers sit about
30’ off the ground and as the cold air sinks and warm air rises, his turbines blow that warmer air down to the vines below. They automatically turn on when temperatures drop below freezing and remain on until temperatures rise above 32 degrees. ------------ FAST FACT --------------
‘12 Texas grape harvest............... 9,570 Tons ‘13 Texas grape harvest............... 5,490 Tons ‘14 Texas grape harvest..............12,400 Tons
Chace Hill of KrickHill Vineyards in Levelland and Steve Newsom of Newsom Family Farms in Sundown, implemented their own methods to fight off the freeze. Each burned bales of hay down the rows and along the outside edges, adding warmth to the 21 degree air. Newsom took it a step further and flew a helicopter over his vineyard to push the warm rising air down. “I radioed the helicopter pilot and asked her to take temperature readings over the vineyard and over my alfalfa field. It was 21 degrees in the alfalfa and 40 degrees over the vineyard,” Newsom said. “Burning those hay bales saved my grape crop.”
Which leads us to the 2015 season. Newsom did a little research and over the summer, became a distributor for AgroFrost, a company that builds frost protection machines in Belgium. Agrofrost has two machines, the FrostBuster and FrostGuard which heats the air up to 176° to 212° Fahrenheit and blows that air in a circle up to 370 feet around the machine. Now in 2015, growers are ready to take on the late spring freeze and produce a full crop load. Over 50 Orchard Rite wind towers were purchased and installed in Texas vineyards and Newsoms company, SouthWest Ag Specialites, sold over 150 AgroFrost machines. Frost protection was the biggest concern for growers this year and now they feel it will be less of a concern than in past years with the implementation of frost machines.
______________________________ 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 FARMER
The
Niemans
Photo By: Belinda Maye
THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY is not just a
means of income or a career for the Nieman family; it’s a way of life.
Gregg Nieman, his wife Stina and his son Jonathan have a vested interest in many aspects of the industry. Owning Neiman Farms, and Jonathan being very active in the livestock industry has been the livelihood of this family since day one. “The agriculture industry means everything to us, what we have is all because of farming and ag” Gregg said. “It’s what you wear, what you eat, it’s everything.” The land Gregg farms today outside of New Home, has been in his family since 1906. Gregg came from humble beginnings, at the age of 19 planting his first crop with leased equipment and rented land. Now Nieman Farms Page 14 \ January 2015 \ www.HighPlainsAg.com
MORE THAN JUST A JOB
has grown to approximately 4000 acres of farmland total. “We have been very blessed, I can’t say one bad thing about farming for us,” Gregg said. “I wouldn’t go back and change anything about getting into farming.” Like many producers on the high plains, cotton is the major producing crop for Nieman Farms. Considering the dropping water tables and arid climate across the region, this has been the most profitable crop for them. The tolerance cotton has for the stressful weather conditions and high yielding capabilities have been a great asset to many producers. “On the dry land acres, there is nothing that we have found, that is better than cotton,” Gregg said. As many producers know, farming is not an easy job. Gregg said there are good years as well as bad and only those who are dedicated to it can make a
prosperous living with farming. “You are not going to hit a good crop every year, you just hope for the best,” Gregg said. “As for us and our operation, we have been very blessed.” Although this is a career filled with many ups and downs, it can be extremely rewarding. Gregg said farming is not for everyone, but is a wonderful life for those who work hard at it. “You are tending to God’s garden,” he said. “You just plant the seed, do what you are supposed to, then leave the rest up to him and you’ll be amazed with what happens.” Nieman Farms has experienced plenty of success with farming over the years. This success has the potential to continue once Jonathan graduates college. He has plans of potentially becoming more involved in the family farm later in life.
“Over the past couple years, Jonathan has decided he would like to farm, so we have been adding acres to our operation,” Gregg said. “We need young farmers to take over all this.” Growing up, Jonathan was always involved in the farming side of agriculture, but also very passionate about the livestock industry. Showing sheep, hogs and livestock judging were all areas Jonathan was competitive in. “That was always my thing and we took it on as a family,” Jonathan said. “It was something that I was really passionate about in high school.” Although the years were full of awards and honors achieved with livestock, it meant more than that. The whole family said this was a time they enjoyed together, making lasting memories.
“There is not any other industry, where a 17 year old boy is going to want to hangout with mom and dad, so it was great family time,” Stina said. “We loved it.” Now that chapter is closed in Jonathan’s life and he has opened new doors at the collegiate level. He is a member of the 2014 livestock judging team at South Plains College and is studying agricultural business there. In conjunction with farming after graduation, he said he would like to pursue a career with an agriculturally based company. As a young person in agriculture, Jonathan has already seen great things come out of being involved in the industry. He said the benefits and experiences he has had so far will last a lifetime.
“A high school senior that is thinking about doing anything ag related in college, should do it and don’t think twice,” Jonathan said. “They are not going to regret it.” Whether it be in the cotton field or a stock show ring, this family said this is a way life of life they would not trade. “We have a great farm, a great operation, a great family, a great home and we have been very, very blessed,” Gregg said.
_____________________________ Kayla M. Wilkins Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas
www.HighPlainsAg.com / January 2015 / Page 15
AGRICULTURE IN SCHOOLS
Smyer’s Ag: Working For Success
he explained that fresh water is the see it as how much money they can most essential, yet the simplest aspect of spend, but rather his students’ ability to raising animals. outwork the rest of the competition.
It is a new year in Smyer, Texas, and for Donald Gillit, Smyer’s new Ag teacher, it is the start of a new and more competitive show program for his students. Showing primarily market barrows, he explained that at this time of the year, students are really focusing on daily rituals, proper exercise, and really working on the animal’s hair and skin condition. While preparing an animal with a person’s preferred feed,
While the reward of making the sale at the end of the season is well worth it, the days of hard work that lead up to the show can make or break a competitor. Gillit goes on to give advice to those looking to enter the stock show industry, “The more effort you put into it, the more successful you will be at it.” Continuing on about how vital day-today care is for animals, he said, “There’s not any off days and that’s what a lot of people don’t understand.” He doesn’t
He went on to explain that he is very blessed and fortunate to have been surrounded by people who are willing to work. While Gillit’s hope is for the students of Smyer to see success, his main priority is to have his students work together and gain something from their hard work. ______________________________ Hayley Magness Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
FARM PHOTOS - SUBMIT YOUR PICTURE VIA EMAIL TO ANTHONY@HIGHPLAINSAG.COM
Following the combine by Brandi Claunch near Muleshoe
Snow on the ground at Hamilton Farms in Lubbock County
Sun shining through the vines at Maye-Berry Vineyards in Smyer
Reese Bolen’s york barrow basking in the sun.
Page 16 \ January 2015 \ www.HighPlainsAg.com Untitled-4 1
Peanut unloading in Brownfield.
10/17/2014 4:33:06 PM
DAIRY OPERATIONS
Blue Sky Farms… Comfort Is Key is someone there 24 hours around the clock looking and caring for the animals. It’s not just feeding and milking.”
This dedication to their comfort has proven beneficial, as they produce enough milk to supply the dairy needs When driving by or even walking of Lubbock, Texas, every day. through a dairy, most people don’t “An average cow can supply enough realize what it takes to run one. milk products for 40 people every day, Harry DeWit, CEO of Blue Sky Farms and that’s including all of your cheese, and owner of High Plains Dairy in Friona, Texas, said his main focus is cow milk, yogurt, ice cream, and everything that has to do with dairy products,” health and comfort. DeWit said. For dairymen, the 2014 Farm Bill “At High Plains Dairy there are about brought a margin production program, 10,000 head, including calves, heifers similar to other agriculture insurance and milk cows,” DeWit said. “There Ryan DeWit of Blue Sky Farms
GINNING
programs, but DeWit said the bill will not have a major impact on production for 2015. “Our production will be steady,” DeWit said, “and I think if we are talking milk production as a whole in the U.S., I would expect milk production to be up about 3 percent based on population growth and demand.” _______________________________ Michelle Hochstein Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas
The Changing Technology. After pulling a sample, the machinery automatically adjusts the heaters to remove moisture from the cotton. Ultimately, this machinery works to get moisture out without drying the fiber too much, which would make it brittle.
Ag Producers Co-Op is averaging about 50-51 bales per hour. The gin is also averaging about 6.8 to 6.9 percent moisture. About seven percent moisture is the amount ginners try to keep in the cotton at all times. At 21,000 bales, they have added enough moisture 1.7 percent Automation includes the computerization per bale paid back to the farmer. of feeding modules into the gin and In addition to new ginning technology, module feeder systems. This new technology helps ensure cotton is going in new cotton stripping technology has introduced several gins in Lubbock consistently. A sample from the module County to round cotton modules. is automatically pulled to test moisture.
Chris Bradberry, of Bradberry Services, said there are several new technologies in the cotton ginning process. Some of the changes in the ginning process include automation, computerized moisture control and Kevlar bags.
“Compared to long rectangular modules, round modules create a wave of cotton coming into the gin,” Bradberry said. Plastic wrap is removed differently from the round bales than the square bales. Also, round modules are much thicker and dense. Gin computers also must be altered to process them. Lastly, many cotton gins are also using Kevlar bags. Made in Europe, Kevlar bags are strapless and can withstand the pressure of a bale machine. “Many old timers remember the old burlap wrapping with wire ties,” said Bradberry. “Now the plastic ties break under the extreme pressure of inserting the bale.” __________________________________
Peyton Waldrip, Agricultural Communications Student Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
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FIELD TO FORK - HAPPY NEW YEAR!... HAVE I GOT GOOD NEWS FOR YOU! Have I got good news for you! This raw chocolate pudding has a secret ingredient - avocados! Avocados are a powerhouse of nutrition and that makes this chocolate pudding good to eat anytime - for dessert or even breakfast - Shhhh, don’t tell my children! Go ahead, you can indulge without the guilt! A new year means a new beginning - a time for reflection and New Year’s resolutions. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat better and to be healthier, you may think that means no more dessert - ugh.
As my now 19 year old daughter put it, “it is hard to believe something that good is really healthy!”
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Dina-Marie Oswald is the author of Cultured Palate blog and lives with her family in Brownfield where they work their family vineyard.
INGREDIENTS: • 2 avocados, peeled and scooped • 1 ripe banana, peeled • 1/4 cup raw honey • 3 tablespoons espresso (if leaving off coffee, use 3 Tbsp water) • 1/3 cup raw cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt • 1 cup cream (omit if you are leav ing off dairy) INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all ingredients, except the cream, in the food processor and puree until everything is combined and smooth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes just to chill it. When ready to serve, whip the cream and fold into the pudding. Serve and enjoy!
EXTENSION UPDATE Floyd County: In Floyd County, the new year will mean a break from the long harvest season, which Extension Agent Cristen Brooks said continued through Christmas for some producers. Local 4-H members are preparing for the Floyd County Stock Show on Jan. 10, and on Jan. 21, Floyd and Crosby Counties will host the annual Caprock Crops Production Conference, which will feature a number of speakers focusing on hot topics in agriculture. ____________________________ Hale: Hale County Extension Agent Blayne Reed said early 2015 will be a time for producers to make plans
and strategize for the year to come. Also, with the sugar cane aphid threatening the sorghum in Hale County, Reed said there are a number of researchers working to compare different varieties of tolerant plants in an effort to stop the outbreak. ____________________________
Jr. Livestock Show on Jan. 15-19, a Commercial Turf and Ornamental Workshop, on Jan. 22, and the Hub of the Plains Ag Conference on Feb. 4.
____________________________ Garza County Not Available. Dawson County Not Available. Terry County Not Available. Lamb County Not Available. Lubbock County: With cotton harvest Hockley County Not Available. winding down and ginning expected ____________________________ to be completed in January, Lubbock Michelle Hochstein County producers are gearing up for Agricultural Communications Student 2015. Mark Brown, extension agent, Texas Tech University said producers are also working to Lubbock, Texas meet Farm Bill paperwork deadlines. The extension office is currently preparing for the Lubbock County
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IN THE FIELD
Recently, I read an article on CNN’s website with the headline, “Does 4-H desensitize kids to killing?” I read the article in disbelief, wondering who in the world wrote this and how would they know about what it’s like to raise animals through 4-H or FFA? Our family raised sheep and goats when I was growing up, selling wool and mohair to the wool house and lambs and ewes at the auction in Angelo. We’d gather lambs in the summer and pick out a few for show stock. When I got a little older we still showed lambs and bought barrows and showed them until I graduated from high school.
Now, my kids show goats and barrows. They don’t always like running goats or washing pigs but the work they put in will eventually lead to the reward later.
Many of you have kids who have showed are currently showing or know families who show livestock. It’s a rural way of life.
My kids love to show livestock. They cry when it’s done. And although they have no problem shootinlog a deer or turkey, they realize where food comes from. They know it doesn’t grow in supermarkets or is “magically” packaged into tubes of ground meat. They understand the food chain.
My kids put in countless hours walking goats, walking barrows, feeding animals, cleaning pens, brushing, washing and doing whatever they can to make that animal its absolute best.
So when I read an article like this it really makes me wonder where people get their information? Who have they talked to? Do they go to the State Fair once a year and see the animals in the pens...concocting thoughts of children beating animals with sticks saying, “you’re gonna be bacon one day!” Who knows. Over 1600 readers supplied comments to the online article, many were in favor of the children and how much work they put in to raising show stock.
To say that my kids are desensitized to the killing of animals is a complete travesty. They cry their eyes out when that animal makes the sale or hits the truck. They’ve developed a bond with that animal that they will remember the rest of their lives. Hopefully, my kids will get their children into showing livestock one day. It’s a great way to show a child what it means to put in hard work and see the rewards at the end of the year. It teaches them discipline and builds character. ___________________________________
Rowdy Bolen - Publisher, High Plains Ag
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