Issue 15 of Ag Mag by THEAGMAG

Staff Michelle Martin

Lamentations 3:22-23 22- Because

of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23- They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

A Letter from the Editor Oh the time has come, again. Every year most of us plan out our resolutions and wave goodbye to the year in high hopes for the next one. We wave good-bye to the failed resolutions in hopes to make new ones and stick to them. We wave good-bye to our bad days, and say so long to failed attempts at having that perfect year we all long for. I was really trying to think about what to write this time around. I could tell you of all the failed attempts I have had at trying to keep my resolutions. When Knox was born last year, I had all these goals. I was going to be the best mom and I had a grocery list of things to do and things not to do. In reality, however, rarely does a day go by exactly as I had planned. Along the way, sometimes I fail, sometimes I do the things I resolved not to do - but sometimes I succeed, it’s a part of life. We try hard to plan out our years, our lives - to be in total control of ourselves and others. We neglect the fact that God is the ultimate planner and it’s up to us to listen, to obey and to follow through. I was sitting in the airport getting ready to visit family for the holidays. I saw thousands of people anxiously awaiting to board their flights when it dawned on me that all these people are placing their trust in two people. The pilots. We jump onto planes putting our lives into the hands of the two pilots to get us to our destinations safely. We do it without thought. Same goes for the person driving a car if you are sitting in the passenger seat - your trust is in the driver. The scenario replays and repeats - the doctor that we trust when we are sick, the strangers we come in contact with, the mechanic, the plumber...the list could continue. We give our trust so easily to complete strangers half the time, why do we have such a hard time giving it to God? Why is it so hard for us to listen to Him and trust Him? We don’t blink for one second to rush to the doctor when sick and depend on his or her advice, but we find it a little more difficult to ask God for healing and understanding? We trust the chef at a restaurant to cook our food safely, but find it hard to trust that God will provide food for our tables? You see, we put our trust in people on a daily basis, but sometimes we neglect the one person we should trust the most. We all have had times where we wanted to sit down, throw our hands up and say I GIVE UP. There are times where we may say THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST YEAR EVER (every year even). But every year has its good and bad, its failures and successes. In all good and bad, however, we need to trust God. Storms also bring blessings. Many of you may have experienced losses this year in crops, animals, loved ones, financial matters, the list goes on.. You may be wondering why? I am not God and I don’t know why, but if we trust Him like we trust strangers so easily, our years may not be as bad. As we start to enter 2017 and plan our resolutions, remember God is the pilot and master planner of our life. His plan is far greater than ours ever could be. I never could have imagined where Ag Mag or I would be today if it weren’t for Him. If I had not listened, where would I be? If I had listened more, where would I be? We can waste all this time trying to make plans for ourselves but they will never go as planned unless we really take a breath and just listen. Take time to roll down the windows, turn the music down, and listen to God’s plan. This year I encourage you to make resolution that we be a little nicer to those who hurt us, be realistic in knowing not every day is going to be the best, and trust a little more. Thank you to all those who trust me, support me and my magazine, and uplift me in ways I never thought possible. From my family to yours, Happy New Year.

Owner/Creator of AG MAG

Owner/Editor michelle@theagmag.org (956) 330-8870

Al Benavides

Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407

In This Issue: Page 6 Sunburn in Citrus Page 9 Texas Gulf Shrimp Crossword Puzzle Page 10 Fertility practices to give the 2017 crop the best start Page 13 Farm bill wheels are starting to turn Page 14 Water-Smart ag producers have new resource in South Texas Irrigation Manual Page 16 Featured Farmer Story

The Tracks of the Koester Family

Page 20 Cross-Border Trade - Adjusting to a weaker peso Page 22 Development of New Mexico Fruit Fly Page 28 The last of the water is dying out of the stock Page 30 FFA & 4-H Calendar of Activities Page 32 FFA/4-H Q&A with student Lily Elizabeth Ford Page 34 LSMCIC Round Up Page 35 RGV Jr. and F1 Assoc. Buckle Blowout Page 40 Growing Pecans in Texas Page 43 Careers in Agriculture Page 45 Risks and Opportunities Page 48 Evaluating water resources Page 50 COMPOST - a smart way to better soil Page 52 Promoting agriculture in South Texas Page 56 The importance of risk management Page 61 Cardinal CLASSIC Livestock Show for Life Skills 2016 Page 67 Barn Talk with Bonnie- New Year, New You Page 70 Modification of the temporary preventative quarantine area in Cameron Co., Texas Volume 3, Issue 3. January/February 2017. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ag Mag reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. All correspondence to the publication become the property of Ag Mag. Ag Mag is published bi-monthly ©2016. To advertise in Ag Mag, call (956) 330-8870 or email michelle@theagmag.org

SUNBURN IN

Citrus

bY DR. CATHERINE R. SIMPSON

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, etc. are subject to several physiological disorders that affect their appearance and as a result their marketability to consumers. One of these disorders is known as sunburn, or sunscald. The Lower Rio Grande Valley is located in a semi-arid to sub-tropical area with warm temperatures and high light intensities for most of the year. While these conditions are perfect for growing excellent citrus, they may also lead to the development of sunburn on fruit. Sunburn occurs when fruits are exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures for extended periods of time. Sunburn development begins with a change of color from green to yellow (not

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Spraying sunburn prevention chemicals on grapefruit at the Texas A&M UniversityKingsville Citrus Center groves.

associated with ripening) on the side of the fruit exposed to direct sunlight while the rest of the fruit remains green. This is followed by the development of brown or colorless scabby lesions that are rough to the touch. The symptoms of sunburn may vary from irregular yellowing to brown patches on the surface of the peel and if the injury is severe, the fruit flesh may become dry and grainy. Sunburn can also affect the internal characteristics of the fruit like sugar content, mineral composition, membrane structure, and rind thickness. Sunburn is not solely restricted to fruit; it can occur on leaves, trunks, and other parts of

sunburn on tree trunks by painting them with a non-oil based paint or letting the lower branches grow, effectively shading the trunks. In the Simpson Plant Physiology and Agricultural Sustainability Lab at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center, we are exploring the causes and mitigation strategies for preventing fruit sunburn damage for growers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. However, we first must determine the major factors that are associated with sunburned grapefruit in southern Texas. We have found that sunburned grapefruit are smaller than those without sunburn and the grapefruit maturity index (often shown as the ratio

A grapefruit with severe sunburn damage.

Sometimes, common grove care practices like oil sprays and sulfur application for diseases and insects during hot days can lead to higher rates of sunburn. The prevention of sunburn in citrus fruit is usually addressed through management practices such as: calcium carbonate sprays, shade nets, reflectants, and timing sprays to avoid application when temperatures are at their hottest. For this reason oil sprays are not recommended during the summer months and sulfur sprays are typically applied after sundown to avoid causing sunburn injuries. Products like kaolins and anti-transpirants can also be used to control the plant heat stress and may reduce sunburn in not only fruit, but the leaves and other tissues. Often, homeowners will reduce

of sugars:acidity) is higher in sunburned fruit compared to fruit without sunburn damage. These factors can negatively affect fruit quality and how long grapefruit can be stored as well as their susceptibility to diseases and decay. In the future we will be studying chemicals such as calcium sprays and anti-transpirants to determine if we can reduce the incidence of sunburn and heat stress in citrus trees.

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

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Texas Gulf

Shrimp Loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s crossword puzzle

Log on to our AG Mag Facebook page for answers

Fertility practices to give the 2017 crop the best start bY DEREK EMERINE

lanting of the 2017 crop will begin very shortly. It is often said that unplanted seed has 100 percent yield potential. However, as soon as it is planted reality kicks in. Adverse weather, pest, and fertility issues can and will show up. Making sure the 2017 crop has the best start possible is extremely important. There are many factors that influence the early season crop. Many of these factors we have no control over, but there are some soil fertility practices that can significantly improve the odds of have having a great

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start in 2017. The two fertility practices that will be highlighted are the use of starter (pop-up) fertilizers and early season micronutrients. Starter fertilizers have been utilized for many years. There are many delivery methods, products, and nutrients that can be applied as a starter. Sometimes the endless options make the prospect of utilizing starter fertilizer seem daunting. Starter fertilizers can be applied with the seed, below the seed, or to the side of the seed. The appropriate practice is usually dictated by the seedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salt tolerance. Lower fertilizer rates are typically used with the seed to prevent salt burn from the fertilizer. Many nutrients can be included in a starter fertilizer including: N, P, K, S, Zn, B, Mn, Cu, etc. In the absence of an

equal. EDTA chelated products can be made by simply mixing the EDTA chelating agent with the nutrient in question or the EDTA chelating agent can be chemically reacted with the nutrient. Chemically reacted products result in 100% of the nutrient being EDTA chelated. All others result in only a percentage of the nutrient actually being EDTA chelated. Definitely ask questions about the EDTA chelated products you purchase. Products that are not chemically reacted may only have a small portion of the nutrient being EDTA chelated but can still be legally labeled as â&#x20AC;&#x153; EDTA chelatedâ&#x20AC;?. Logistically, starter fertilizers may seem like a lot of extra work because of equipment and many fill ups during planting. The key to reducing extra fill ups is to avoid trying to put all the phosphorus needed throughout the season out as a starter. Without soil test data, phosphorus and zinc are the most important nutrients to get in a starter application. In areas with high pH and low micronutrient levels, starter applications are a great opportunity for adding additional micronutrients if needed.

Derek Emerine

Southern Business Unit Agronomist Helena Chemical Company

up to date soil sample, the two most important nutrients to be included in a starter are phosphorus and zinc. Phosphorus is extremely important in root development and can significantly increase early plant vigor and ensure a good start to the season. Very often visual differences can be seen where a phosphorus starter is applied versus no starter. Fields that have very low to low soil test phosphorus and/ or high or low pH typically have the largest yield response. Starter fertilizers do not replace a complete fertilizer program. However, they can offer an opportunity to reduce other fertilizer applications. Zinc is another important nutrient to consider in a starter fertilizer program. Zinc availability is greatly reduced in high pH soils and cool, wet soils. A majority of the soils in Texas are also very low to low in soil test zinc. For these reasons alone, zinc is definitely needed. Another issue with zinc is that it is antagonized by high phosphorus fertilizer applications. Many university studies have shown that soils that are low in both phosphorus and zinc actually have a yield reduction if phosphorus fertilizer is applied without zinc. There are many product options for zinc in a starter fertilizer. EDTA chelated zinc products are the most effective to use. Non- EDTA chelated zinc products will get tied up in high pH/high calcium soils. Not all EDTA chelated products are J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM AGRI-PULSE COMMUNICATIONS. FOR A FREE TRIAL , GO TO WWW.AGRI-PULSE.COM

FARM BILL WHEELS ARE STARTING TO TURN WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 - Across the country, ag organizations are going through their respective policy development processes, aiming to come up with their wish lists for the next farm bill by early 2017. Agri-Pulse recently caught up with a number of players in the farm bill conversation, and while many were coy about what they expect their farm bill push to include, they all were certain that the effort will be worth it. “We’re in the middle of our policy process right now in our counties and states, and that will roll up to the national level here in December and January at our national convention,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall told Agri-Pulse, expressing a theme voiced by other stakeholders. Representatives from a number of influential groups didn’t want to go into specifics, but told Agri-Pulse that farm safety net programs will need to be addressed. Discrepancies in the Agriculture Risk Coverage-County program have been a source of consternation at morning coffee gatherings across the country, and echoes of those conversations have certainly made their way to Washington. Now, farm groups will be working to fix some issues with safety net programs while protecting farm programs from other attacks. “Crop insurance is the number one priority in any farm bill,” Gordon Stoner, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, said in an interview with Agri-Pulse. “The long knives are out. EWG (Environmental Working Group) and the Heritage Foundation would tear the entire program down. Not only crop insurance, they are coming after conservation.” Coincidentally, Scott Faber with EWG and Daren Bakst with the Heritage Foundation were scheduled to speak at a Farm Foundation forum today in Washington. Both groups are vocal opponents of a number of programs strongly supported by ag groups. Bakst, an ag policy research fellow with Heritage, says the next farm bill should consider what he calls “excessive federal intervention in agricultural policy” and should “move towards a properly focused safety net that protects farmers from major crop losses only.” Faber says he’ll make the case that “we need to make our farm policy as modern as our food policy.” Among other things, he says that means “advocating for a farm safety net that helps farmers, rewards

bY SPENCER CHASE

innovation, reduces dependency on subsidies, and that isn’t rigged in favor of the largest, most successful farm businesses.” National Council of Farmer Cooperatives CEO Chuck Conner was also scheduled to speak at the forum. Aside from the big-picture items, a number of groups will be pushing for reforms that more directly affect their membership. Cotton and dairy producers can be expected to look for a safety net fix specific to their respective issues, other organizations are looking at potential reforms in conservation programs, and livestock groups are expected to use the farm bill as a legislative vehicle to fund a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank. No matter the talking points of their opponents, ag stakeholders will have to learn from the events of the process in passing the 2014 farm bill, when legislation was initially defeated on the House floor. Now, several agricultural leaders say they’re more unified and willing to compromise on divisive issues. National Corn Growers Association President Wesley Spurlock used his own Texas farm as an example of why that should be the case. His operation grows corn, cotton, sorghum, and other crops, so if those commodities can exist on the same farm, the grower groups should work together to produce the critical legislation. “As national organizations we will continue to work together, and we need to do a better job,” Spurlock said. “If we work together, then it makes it easier for the Senate ag committee and the House ag committee to get these done, and then the administration also sees that we are unified and that makes it easier to go into the future with the next programs.” Fellow Texan and American Soybean Association Chairman Wade Cowan harkened back to remarks he gave at the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix. He said those comments, and the unity that has come about in the last few years, will serve the industry well. “(I said) never again do we eat each other on the way to get a farm bill, and I think that took hold with everybody,” Cowan said. “We had been foolish in not working together. We can have our disagreements and we’ll have disagreements as we go into this farm bill, but let’s get in a room, talk about it, let’s get on the same page.”

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Water-smart ag producers have new resource in South Texas irrigation manual

Agricultural irrigation managers and technical support personnel in the Lower Rio Grande Valley now have easy access to a new manual with information and resources tailored to support them in continuing to improve irrigation management and water conservation on their farms. The “South Texas Irrigation Training Program Manual,” a Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service publication, is available free on the institute’s website at: http://twri.tamu.edu/publications/educationalmaterials/2016/em-121/.

The irrigation technologies and BMPs chapter covers detailed information on surface irrigation, center pivot irrigation and microirrigation. “It provides a broad foundation of technical and practical considerations for irrigation equipment and management decisions,” she said. Victor Gutierrez, AgriLife Extension assistant for the institute in Weslaco, said the institute will use the revised manual in future irrigation training workshops in South Texas.

“To better meet the needs of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, we have updated a previous manual and incorporated current and new educational materials into one convenient resource,” said Dr. Kevin Wagner, the institute’s deputy director for engagement in College Station.

“The manual will serve as the curriculum for experts to present on priority topics,” he said. The institute is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Wagner said the manual is a guide for agricultural producers on relevant methods of irrigation, their installation costs, water use efficiency and economic analysis.

The irrigation manual is part of a larger effort by the institute and others to alleviate water quality impairments in the Arroyo Colorado watershed in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

“In an evaluation of agricultural producers’ educational needs, we found that water quantity and practices to reduce water use ranked high,” he said. “So we updated this manual to include current information tailored to the Valley, including those educational needs that producers voiced as highly important to them.”

Its publication was made possible by funding and in-kind support from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Texas Water Development Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service’s Ogallala Aquifer Program, Texas Water Resources Institute, AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M University Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

The manual provides core knowledge, including irrigation fundamentals, irrigation technologies and best management practices (BMPs), said Dr. Dana Porter, AgriLife Extension agricultural engineer in Lubbock. For example, the chapter on irrigation scheduling covers evaporation, and soil moisture management and monitoring.

bY KATHY WYTHE

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

This effort has also been a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture REEport system that supports many state and federal Hatch projects.

For more information contact Gutierrez at 956-9695615 or Victor.Gutierrez@ag.tamu.edu.

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Ag Mag Featured Farmer

The tracks of the

Koester Family bY HENRY MILLER

urtis Koester, aka: “Moose” (a name given to him from using the CBC in his truck) like so many multiple-generation farmers, knew the life plan set out before him at a young age. Seems like he’s always known what he’s wanted. “He told his first-grade teacher that he was going to be a farmer,” said Moose’s wife, Virginia. “He knew it way back then.” Moose has been farming since 1972. He grows grain, cotton, corn and “sometimes we’ll plant watermelons,” Moose said. As far back as Moose can think, back to “grandpa and ma maw” Koester, the family has been dug deep into the tradition. Koester’s grandparents began farming in Central Texas and they lived off the land. “They farmed for what they needed for their animals. They raised and slaughtered pigs. They made their own sausage,” Moose said. “They really did live off the land.” As World War II came about, Grandpa Koester’s sons all en-

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listed into the military except for Albert Otto Koester, nicknamed Mickey. “They wouldn’t take him,” Moose said of his father. “He was color blind. He went to the Houston shipyards instead and helped build war boats.” After the war was over, Mickey Koester moved back home. He heard that there were opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley – the “Magic Valley” as it was known then. He knew some people in the Valley, some “church-goers that had some land,” as Moose explained it, and thought he might be able to get a few offers to buy some land and start. He began farming following year in 1946 with cotton and vegetables. Mickey wasn’t the only one who served his community and country, Moose also followed his father’s footsteps. He spent nearly 20 years as a constable, appointed by the commissioners court, alongside farming. “For me farming was the plan right from the very beginning,” Moose said. “Riding in the

tractor while my daddy drove,” is one of his earliest and favorite memories. Even today he said he enjoys being alone out in the fields, or driving the tractor and having time to think about life and all that comes with it, like a wife. Moose met Virginia in the Valley at a Livestock Show. Virginia clearly remembers the day, tells the story as if it were just last week. “I saw him back when we were in high school,” she said, (before Moose chimed in) “I was already out of high school”. “He was sitting on a corner post at the pig pens and I walked through. We just started talking and we went into town to get a Coke. It just went from there.” “At the time he was 19 and I was 14 and my mom wasn’t really happy with that,” Virginia added. “But she got over that.” Moose, who again knew what he wanted when it came to his future bride, also received a little grief from his dad. “He told me I was robbing the cradle,” he said. “But I told him ‘daddy, I’m five years older than her. You’re 15 years older than momma so.....” Moose admitted that he and his dad would butt heads fairly often growing up. Yet, he always listened to his dad talk about how to do things and what to do and what not to do on the farm. Moose started farming on his own since 1972 before marrying his wife in November of 1975. Two short months later Mickey, Moose’s father passed. “Since then we’ve been doing it entirely alone, but it was just a matter of stepping up to the plate and getting it done,” said Moose. “My father would always tell me to do things a certain way. Now I know why. And I’m doing it all the same way he said and did.”

During the years, a lot has changed in the farming industry. Technology has played a major impact. One thing that’s remained the same in Moose’ opinion, are the markets. He said he sold grain and cotton this year for about the same price he sold it in 1970. “That’s the big difference,” he said. “The markets haven’t changed in price compared to the cost to do it.” That has led farmers to have to produce more or find innovate ways to keep costs down, and profits at a level that will continue to provide the needs for a family. Moose said if he had to give advice to aspiring farmers today, he would recommend that they go to school and get an education on the business aspect of farming. “Learn how to do spreadsheets and an profit and loss reports,” he said. “I kinda missed that. I always I have it up here (pointing to his head) and I knew what I was making and what I was spending. It just came to me.” “I always need to put it down on pen and paper – he always knew how much money he had,” Virginia said. “It amazes me how we are talking about something and he has it already figured out.” When you know what you want, for as long as you can remember, and you have it, maybe the rest is much easier.

“ Me farming was

the plan right from the very beginning ” – Curtis Koester

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

Happy New Year FROM

2017

GarcÃa Grain Trading 956 - 464 - 6000

S E RV I N G T H E VA L L E Y F O R O V E R 2 0 Y E A R S !

Cross-Border Trade Adjusting to a Weaker Peso

bY JOHN MILLER

he only time I think much about currency is when I am traveling in a foreign country. You tend to understand money relationships among countries real fast when you walk away from the currency traders at the airport. If you have been across the border into Mexico lately, or even to Europe, you have found spending US Dollars there much more favorable to you. As you likely have been reading or hearing on the news, currency markets worldwide reacted fairly strongly to Donald Trump’s victory after the November 8 elections that not only brought a surprise to many about the presidential outcome, but also saw Republicans keeping control of the Senate and House of Representatives. The U.S. Dollar has soared as traders and investors thought about the prospects of Trump led fiscal policies that could stimulate the economy. A key part of President-elect Trump’s agenda during the campaign was to cut income taxes and increase spending on infrastructure. Under these types of policies, it is likely that the US federal budget deficit would expand from the current 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) to possibly 5% or more. If enacted, these types of policies

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would be expected to boost growth in at least the short term. The Trump campaign also talked a lot about making cuts in the corporate tax rate which, if passed, could be the most bullish of all for the U.S. dollar. Lower tax rates would have corporation’s repatriate profits held in foreign subsidiaries, and corporations based in other countries would consider whether the United States is a more attractive place to operate. As the various markets continue to digest the initial postelection reaction, it makes one wonder which currencies will continue with their downtrend, and which ones are likely to reverse course and gain strength against the dollar. Obviously the most important currency in the mind of farmers and other businesses in the Rio Grande Valley is the Mexican Peso. Although most currencies sold off against the U.S. dollar since the November 8 election, the degree of decline was highly variable among key currencies around the world as shown in Figure 1. As you can see from Figure 1, the Mexican peso has been hit the hardest as a result of Trump’s presidential campaign and election that made building a wall a key issue. Figure 2 shows the spot price for the Peso, with

trading around 20 to 1 with the U.S. dollar. Looking at Figure 2, it is pretty easy to pick out election day!

Figure 1:

Uneven Post-Election Dollar Strength

Figure 2:

Spot Price Mexican Peso per US Dollar

Since the November 8 US election however, the tone of the presidential transition team has been softened, suggesting that any immigration policy change will focus on undocumented immigrants with criminal records, and that part of the wall might actually be a fence or simply be augmented border security. The market has interpreted this stance as positive for the Peso going forward. Many traders even suggest that it would be risky to bet on a lower peso since the Mexican economy has many strengths. For example, the Mexican short-term interest rates are over 5%, up from 3% in late 2015. In addition, the Mexican economy has been growing at a decent pace which suggest that the Peso could easily rebound in coming months. The Peso got and additional boost from the recent announcements by OPEC regarding further cuts in oil production, a goal now backed up by more and more members. Any proof in oil cuts will directly support crude oil trading at higher prices, further helping rally the Peso.

A stronger Peso relative to the US Dollar would be welcomed by those that sell products and services across the border. Some in the agricultural trade blame reduced Mexican demand for sorghum and corn since harvest on the weaker Peso. As a deficit grain area, Mexico will likely remain our most important market for sorghum and corn. However, the weaker Peso to Dollar exchange will have grain buyers in Mexico shopping for alternatives. For now, US policies dictating the FED interest rate, government spending, and trade deals are under evaluation as a new administration enters the White House. As Mexican leaders adjust to the forthcoming changes by its neighbor to the North, and their trading partners abroad, it is hoped that the Peso will rebound as most expect. The good news for the Rio Grande Valley is that we are positioned as well as anyone in US agriculture to address increases in demand for grain or cotton.

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

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Anastrepha ludens (Loew)

Development of New Mexican Fruit Fly Strains to Control the Pest in South Texas Citrus Cattle

bY JOSIE SALINAS Biologist USDA - Aphis ppq cphst mission laboratory

he Mexican fruit fly (MFF), Anastrepha ludens, is an economically important pest of citrus fruits. Native to southern and central Mexico, this pest occasionally enters Texas, threatening its commercial fresh market citrus production which is valued at nearly $97 million. The MFF can also feed on over 50 host plants including commercial crops such as avocado, guava, mango, and peach. The adult females lay eggs in these fruits (Figure 1). The eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that feed on the flesh of the fruit (Figure 2). This feeding causes considerable damage to the fruit and reduces its marketability. To prevent the establishment of this pest in Texas, USDA uses a method called Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). USDA

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rears sterile flies at a special facility located on Moore Air Base near Mission, Texas, and releases over 150 million sterilized flies a week by aircraft over citrus growing areas in South Texas. When MFF from Mexico or Central America enter Texas, they mate with the sterile files but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reproduce, helping to reduce or eliminate MFF populations. Flies reared for SIT must be healthy and fit after release. To ensure this is true, USDA tests fly strains for health fitness by measuring their fecundity or reproductive output, developmental health using fly weight and percent adult emergence from the pupae stage, and behaviours such as ability to fly and mating success. Some strains perform better than others. USDA also develops and tests new MFF strains

to ensure the SIT program in Texas is using a highly effective and competitive strain. In the past year, the USDA Mission Laboratory has initiated the development of five new MFF strains by collecting MFFinfested fruits from commercial orchards or in dooryards during Mexican fruit fly outbreaks. We bring the infested fruits under permit to our highly secure Arthropod Quarantine Facility in order to properly identify the fruit fly species and ensure that they are pathogen free and suitable for laboratory rearing. We also have permits to bring in wild MFF larvae from Cuidad de Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, collected by Mexican cooperators. The five new strains are currently in development to assess fitness under general laboratory conditions. Each strain of flies is allowed to reproduce in cages and lay eggs in grapefruits over many generations. The infested grapefruits are placed in trays (Figure 3) that allow for mature larvae to escape the fruits and become pupae (Figure 4) in a thin layer of corn cob grit located below the tray. Pupae are then collected and setup in cages to allow the flies to complete metamorphosis and emerge as adults. The adults are then exposed to new grapefruits to allow the females to lay their eggs into the fruit and the process begins again. Once a strain reaches a colony size of approximately 5,000 flies they will be ready for additional fitness tests. This process is essential step towards the production of high quality sterile insects that can help protect Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; citrus production.

Figure 3: Grapefruits in trays at the Arthropod Quarantine facility (Photograph by Josie Salinas, USDA)

Figure 4: Pupae of Mexican fruit fly (Photograph by Josie Salinas, USDA)

Alternate picture of MFF larvae

Figure 1: Female Mexican fruit fly laying egg on fruit. (Photograph by Jack Dykinga, USDA)

Figure 2: Larvae of Mexican fruit fly (Photograph by Josie Salinas, USDA)

(Photograph by Norman Barr, USDA)

Alternate pictures of MFF pupae (Photographs by Emily Sanchez)

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The last of the water is drying out of the stock

bY EDDIE GARCIA

he last of the water is drying out of the stock tank that was 2016. The beef industry in my opinion needs a break, a standing eight count, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks to reboot and recharge itself from the last couple of unprecedented years. Where producers have seen cattle prices plummet from all time highs and buyers losing double decker loads of equity, trying to make those expensive cattle work on paper. Packers and Retailers went from shutting down and not featuring beef to record margins and new beef promotions.

can remember the direct effects that it had on the land and their herd numbers. I think we sometimes forget the indirect impacts it had on economic things that are harder to measure and quantify. Especially the broad time frame in which its damages can linger, or How it changed our thought process to think that current calf prices are low when in fact they are some of the best prices we’ve ever had. I’d be content if prices held right where they are, if you think these prices are low just go back to market reports from 2005-2010. Makes today’s prices look great.

In the recent past the appeal of record prices enticed many producers and bankers to jump into the crystal clear water and invest in cattle which later proved to be a mirage. Back when replacement cows sold for twice as much as they do now people were jumping high fences trying to buy them. Now that they are cheaper, a single strand of slick wire keeps people from entering the market arena due to fear of losing capital, or not being able to secure any further financing.

Just as drought can strip the land bare of its resources, rain can replenish the countryside. I think they can both serve as reminders for us to remain disciplined and rationale when it comes to making our ranching decisions and investments. To march into 2017 not hoping the market will change, but with an attitude of us changing the market, through producing better quality cattle, keeping herds efficient, improving pastures, and being pro-active in the things that you have control over.

The epic drought that started in 2011 completely disrupted the economics of the industry. While many

I believe 2017 will be a good year for Cattlemen. Producers will hopefully start to cheapen up some of

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

their higher priced cows by selling another calf. Reinvesting in more economical type cattle, with more moderate frames and an emphasis on quality. If feed and fuel prices remain relative to current prices, and of coarse if cattle prices stay consistent or elevate. I often ask producers, If you could sign a contract at the beginning of the year that guaranteed a $300 return net profit from every cow in your herd, would you sign it? After all possible production and maintenance costs, after having and raising a calf, each cow would give you that kind of return. Would you sign up for it?

The American Rancher and Farmer will always be the lifeblood and fabric in which all of us are made out of. That is why GCLA is humbled to have the opportunity to participate in such a great publication such as this one and would like to especially thank Mrs. Martin and her talented staff at The AgMag for giving us a platform to participate in the advocacy of our most precious resource.... The Producer!

Most of them either take a long time to answer, or admit that they are not sure and would have to go figure it out, that tells me they haven’t done their homework. So how can you determine that the price of today’s cattle is high or low, when you don’t even know your own break even per cow! Every producers bottom line is different and is solely up to them to figure it out. No matter what level of cattleman you are or how long you’ve been associated with cattle there is always room for improvement.

Please visit our website, gulfcoastlivestock.com

GCLA would like to thank all of you who are doing your part to secure the future of Agriculture in any capacity.

Sincerely, Eddie Garcia

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

FFA&4-H 2 017

RGV

D I S T R I C T

January 7, 2017

C A L E N

Date TBA, 2017

Cougar Classic

RGV Welding Contest

January 16, 2017

March 1-5, 2017

RGVLS Time TBA

Martin Luther King Day

STC

STAR

Edinburg

January 19-20, 2017

March 9-19, 2017

RGVLS Time 7am

RGVLS

January 21, 2017

March 30, 2017

RGV District Show STAR GALA

Pharr Event Center

January 24, 2017

Area X Advisory Committee Meeting TAMUK Time 8am

RGVLS

RGV District Meeting

La Negra Cattle Co. Time 5:30pm

April 5, 2017

South Texas Invitational CDE Jourdanton Time 8am

April 12, 2017

Area X CDEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RMB Fair Grounds Time 8am

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

Calendar

DA R

O F

AC T I V I T I E S

Sponsored by:

January 10-11, 2017

Rally in Hidalgo County

January 26, 2017

Texas Opportunity Scholarship Applications (Roundup, Photography due at Extension office Contest, Fashion Show) January 24, 2017

County Council Meeting

February 18, 2017

Rabbit Validation

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

4-H & FFA

Q&A with student Lily Elizabeth Ford

Name: Lily Elizabeth Ford Age: 11 Central Middle School College Plans: Texas A&M University-College Station 4H Club: Borderline 4-H FFA Chapter: Weslaco FFA Positions held: Parlimentarian, Opening ceremonies officer, County Delegate, and Secretary.

Q: What do you show? A: Pigs, Chickens, Swine Skill-A-Thon,

Beef Skill-A-Thon, and shop project.

Q: What are some of our favorite things about your 4H?

That we get to do many different community service projects.

Q: What have you learned about being

involved in such great organizations?

I have learned that there are many ways to help out our community.

Q: What type of skills have you acquired

throughout your time in the organizations?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned more about leadership and public speaking.

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E R

Q: What has been the most difficult thing about being involved In 4H, and what is the most rewarding?

When my favorite pig of my first year showing died of stress was the most difficult, and what I feel after help others or when I do community service is the most rewarding.

Q: How has being involved prepared you for the future?

I think that these experiences will help me to speak better in interviews and in front of big audiences I also feel that it will also help me be a leader in the community.

Q: Favorite thing to show, and why? A: My favorite thing to show is probably a

pig because it is something that I can prepare for and something I can control.

Q: Most people who are associated with agri

culture don’t understand the concept of “Showing animals” if you could describe what showing animals does for you as a person or why you do it in 2 sentences what would they be?

The reason we show animals is not only for meat but to help teach us responsibility and how to take care of something that is not yourself. We get so attached to our animals because they are a project we would work with for a while and that we care for.

Q: What advice can you give to a young child who is just starting their 4H or FFA Career?

That 4-H and FFA are very good organizations that teach you many things that will help you in life and are very fun, also that you meet many wonderful people that are willing to teach you a lot.

Q: If you were given 4 words to describe your experience what would they be?

Astounding , Wonderful, Amazing, and Marvelous.

Q: 4 words to describe yourself: A: Creative, precise, Leader, Clever.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “ Think smarter, not harder”

Mentor or person you look up to? “I look up to Mrs.Cynthia Gray because she is someone that is very responsible and a good leader in the community”

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

LSMCIC Round-Up

a Big Success!

he 34th annual fundraiser for the Linn-San Manuel community now known as the LSMCIC Round Up was hosted at La Muñeca Ranch near Linn, TX on Saturday, October 22nd. Over 640 guests were in attendance and were blessed with great weather.

“In keeping with a long-lasting community tradition, the event was dedicated to our Brewster Staff Members with over 20 years of loyal service. The Round-Up guests were treated to two hours of outstanding Mariachi Music by the award winning Edinburgh High School Mariachi ORO band. The popular Pan de Cano prepared by Benny and James Cano was served as an appetizer with homemade mesquite jelly made by Victoria Cappadona.

SALT that sold for $3,500 apiece to Laura Warren and also to Mr. & Mrs. James McAllen, Ryan Meyer & Nick Runnells. The lots made and donated by the Brewster School teachers, students and parents were a big hit selling for $6,600. Charlie Wilson donated his auctioneer services and helped to raise $69,800 in the live auction. An additional $7,100 was raised for the Raul M. Hinojosa Memorial Scholarship Fund, a longtime friend of our community. The exciting live auction was followed by C&W Music played by the popular Scott Randolph & his White Lightning band who kept the dance floor full until midnight. Many good folks have already committed to tables for next year’s Round-Up. The LSMCIC Round-Up benefits St. Anne’s Catholic Church,

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They were then served a delicious rib-eye dinner with all the trimmings prepared by Louie Flores and his team. The food was served by members of the Linn-San Manuel and Legacy 4-H Clubs plus the LSM Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Members. It was delivered to the tables in 15 minutes by members of all four of the Edinburg High School’s FFA Officer teams.” stated Sister Guerra, long time secretarytreasurer of the LSMCIC. The traditional live auction followed with 46 unique items donated by friends of and Linn-San Manuel community members. The top selling lot was a prime beef dinner for ten donated by Chorizo de San Manuel that sold for $4,250 to long time supporter Alice East. The 2nd top selling lots were two meals donated by Larry & Jessica Delgado, owners of House Wine and

the L-SM Scholarship Endowment Fund, the L-SM Volunteer Fire Department, Brewster School PTO, the L-SM 4-H Club, Brewster School Little League and all four Edinburg High School’s FFA students. Seven Brewster & High School graduates received $29,500 in college scholarships this year. “Our community wishes to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors, donors, bidders, buyers and guests in helping to make our LSMCIC Round Up a big success and one of our best ever. A Big Hearty Thanks also goes out to the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department, L & G Concrete, Chorizo de San Manuel and La Muneca Cattle Co. for sharing their equipment and facilities “ stated Carlos X. Guerra, LSMCIC President. For more info, please contact Carlos at lamunecacattle@ aol.com.

RGV JR. AND F1

Association buckle blowout

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

Rodrigo Franklin Rio Grande Valley 956-874-8988

Email: rodrigo. franklin@plantpioneer.com

Growing

Pecans in Texas:

P R I M E R

As the holiday season gets underway, many Texans are gearing up to make those famous homemade desserts that exude Lone Star pride. We’re talking about pecan pralines, pecan sandies, pecan sticky buns, sweet cinnamon roasted pecans, and of course, pecan pie. Pecans in Texas are a big deal — pecans are the official state nut, the pecan tree is the official state tree and the pecan pie is the official state pie.

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ith all this attention, many Texans might have considered becoming a pecan grower themselves, so our GO TEXAN member, the Texas Pecan Growers Association (TPGA), has developed a helpful publication to do just that. It’s called Pecan South Magazine, and it’s geared toward educating growers about the pecan industry. The guide will help if you’re planning on becoming a commercial grower or simply adding to your landscape. Pecan trees are native to Texas, important for wildlife and fast-growing. You can subscribe to this publication here or visit the magazine’s Facebook page. Cindy Wise, Executive Vice President at TPGA, provided the following tips for growing pecans in Texas:

What are the best regions to attempt growing pecans in Texas? Pecans do well in drier climates where disease pressure is minimal, thus we see more production west of I-35 than in the eastern, more humid areas of Texas. However, intensive management with proper pecan variety selection does make it possible to produce pecans profitably in most areas of the state where good soil and adequate water is available. Soil is probably the number one thing to consider before planting pecans — the right type of soil with proper drainage. Pecans are native to river bottom land with rich, deep soil and will endure brief episodes of flooding. But they do not like what we call “wet feet” on a prolonged basis.

How much or how little land should I use for growing pecans?

different pieces of equipment, a shaker and a harvester. The exact type of equipment sometimes varies depending on the age or size of the trees.

There are too many variables to give a specific answer to this question — is it going to be a commercial enterprise or a part-time, weekend/hobby pursuit? Attentive management and a minimum of 50 acres or so might be necessary to justify the investment in equipment needed, such as a tractor, sprayer, mower, shaker and harvester. Also, who will be doing the labor: the owner, family members or employees?

What else do I need to know?

What sort of regulations do I need to know about before I begin growing pecans for my own personal use vs. commercial resale? Anyone engaged in pecan production needs to be familiar with pesticide handling and usage regulations and be aware of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). TPGA has GAP brochures available. There are no other regulations for growing pecans for personal use.

Pecans need lots of sunlight and do well in hot, dry weather (as long as water is available for irrigation). Pecans use lots of water! There are pests to manage. Appropriate variety selection for one’s climate is essential — some varieties do not perform well in humid climate, for example. Pecan trees do not like to be crowded, so spacing between trees is another consideration. Pecan trees are not mature and in full production until 10 years of age, give or take a couple of years, depending on how intensely they are managed.

For more information, please visit buytexaspecans.com. Supplier info can be found here.

Where do I get the right seeds? How do I plant them? How do I care for the young trees? Experienced growers sometimes (but not often) plant pecan “seeds” and grow their own trees. However, most people buy trees to plant. They may be seedling trees, which the grower will graft or bud to the “variety” they desire, or they buy the type of pecan trees that they want to grow. Pecans do not grow “true to seed.” For example, a person cannot plant a Pawnee pecan and get a Pawnee tree. Whatever grows from that planted seed is considered a seedling and must be grafted or budded (two different techniques to create a hardy hybrid) to the desired variety. It takes years longer to get a tree into actual production, if the grower is growing from seed. Young tree care is critical. Water, weed control, pruning and zinc applications are the primary management emphases for young trees. Texas AgriLife Extension has online resources with guidelines for managing young trees and also publishes The Texas Pecan Handbook, which is a basic, comprehensive guide to growing pecans in Texas. It should be considered mandatory reading for new growers in particular. Additionally, AgriLife Extension offers a four-day pecan short course each January in College Station.

Once I have trees, how do I harvest them?

Nutritional Facts Did you know that pecans contain the highest antioxidant total of any tree nut? This and more health-related facts are featured in this new brochure, available for download here. You will also find sources to purchase fresh Texas pecans.

Recipes Texas pecans make any dish taste better. Try out these tasty options featured in this new recipe brochure. Download your free recipe brochure, which includes storage tips and a list of Texas pecan suppliers, at BuyTexasPecans.com.

Pecans are shaken mechanically from the trees after the shucks are split and picked up mechanically. These are two J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

AREERS IN AGRICULTUR

CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE Think before you choose a career Have you ever thought about your meal raw ingredients? Every day in home or out in restaurant where does it come from? Who produces it? and How do they produce? If you are going to McDonalds, asking for a burger, the bread, chicken, oil for frying, fries, tomatoes, lettuce, salads all these raw ingredients either come or depend on agriculture. To produce these ingredients, a lot of people are involved starting from planting a seed till the harvesting produce. It takes a lot of work force from agriculture to bring food on our table. But now agriculture is in need of people to pursue it as career. Why? it follows. You can argue there are many reasons for this ag graduate deficit, but main reasons are agriculture does not have careers in urban cities, working long hours outside, lack of awareness, hard work sometimes lifting, travelling, work alone. Recent article from USDA (https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/) has stated that in next five years there will be close to 60,000 jobs in food, agriculture and environmental related fields sector for next five years but graduates coming out are around 35,000. I can also relate this trend in Rio Grande Valley (RGV), most students in RGV Texas are opting for Business, teaching, management, and medical as their career. There is nothing wrong in choosing these career but for an instance imagine if most of the students going for one stream? And there is limited work in that stream, what would be the future of the rest? The rest are forced to other alternatives work after their graduation which they might not fit in. As they don’t have the expertise in new field, get paid low and bored eventually. But this can be avoided if you think before you choose a career. I meet farmers every day and I hear one question often? “Do you know someone who is with agriculture background? Can you help me to find one?” Not just farmers but also my friends from agriculture companies are also looking for agriculture graduates to hire. Some of the companies offer better pay and benefits to join their companies. This is common in medical and business fields, but I want to point out that it also happens in Agriculture. So important questions arise to students, how to start a career in agriculture? What is the future with agriculture background? What are the opportunities after higher education? All these questions will be answered next.

How to start a career in Agriculture? Get into a good university which offers bachelors in Agriculture. Main course work would be agronomy, entomology, physiology, pathology, and soil science, gives the basics of agriculture. During the course work, get much exposure to greenhouse, field and lab related work, as this would establish the foundation of your future. If possible enroll in some internships associated with local research stations, USDA, or private firms to get real time experience. This will also give you an idea of what will be your next field of interest to study Masters. After the bachelors, there are opportunities as sales representatives in seed, chemical, and fertilizer companies, or working with farmers, or food safety in produce companies with the base salary ranging from $40-50,000 per annum plus commissions and other benefits depending on the area. Most of these jobs requires travelling, hence companies provide vehicles along laptop and phone. But if you want to have better pay and position continue your education to Masters.

Future after masters? By now you will have an idea about which university to study. Opt the subject for the course which is interesting for you in bachelors entomology, physiology, pathology, genetics, breeding, etc.). Contact a professor from the department list who matches your interest. Completing Masters with research thesis and publications helps to gain experience adds to the resume. Opportunities after graduate study will be low level to mid-level managerial positions, working for a farm or greenhouse as managers, heading sales in region as manager, territory and state manager, heading a branch office in sales, managing the food safety, harvesting or working for a farmer as chief agronomist. Salary ranges

bY NAGARJUNA P. PEDDABHOINI (Arjun)

from $60-80,000 per annum plus benefits for these positions. If you have certifications like Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) or Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg), the package could go higher.

Higher education Graduates who wants to continue in research field or teaching, after PhD can work as professor, post-doctorate, research scientists, and product development specialists. Already working graduates in commercial sector as managers can go for Masters in Business Administration which helps to attain mid-level to top-level managerial positions. This will help them to gain more responsibilities in management side in ag-based companies. There are certain universities offering a combination of agriculture and business together. (example Purdue University which offering Masters in Agri-Business Management www.agribusiness.purdue.edu/asta). Annual salary will be starting from $80,000 and ranges till $110,000.

Great opportunity for Rio Grande Valley youth. Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers programs in agriculture, agribusiness and environmental sciences. Although University is located in Kingsville but Texas A&M University-Kingsville has its research station name Citrus Center in Weslaco TX. Citrus Center has a great research station facility with esteemed faculty. Center offers different programs with thesis research under Plant and Soil Science, Entomology, Pathology, Genetics and Plant Breeding. Students can apply for graduate research assistantship, which will help them to work on the research project and earn part time. Center consists of class rooms, laboratories, green house and research fields. Center provides student dorms for student with minimum rent for who live far away from their home to study and live close to center. It is a great place to meet up the visiting scholars from different parts of the world. Graduated students are now working as Professors, Managers, Researchers, Post-Doctorates, Specialists, Consultants and sales representatives in Agriculture and Food Industry. Rio Grande Valley farms more than 80,000 acres of dryland and around 20000-25000 acres of vegetables and 30,000 acres of citrus orchards. All this area, requires managers for farms, services from seed, chemical, fertilizers, equipment’s, produce companies, soil and plant testing labs, and the people who can fit in are with agriculture background. After graduation if you are interested to stay in RGV or planning to work outside of the valley will be no problem, because opportunities are plentiful in Agriculture. To all the students who are interested in biology or those who are confused for which major to choose or who want to have a unique profession, career in agriculture is the best option.

Nagarjuna P. Peddabhoini (Arjun) Email: nag.prasad32@gmail.com J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

GROW BUILDING A BETTER TEXAS

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s we look into the 2017 crop year there seems to be more uncertainty, but also potential op portunity right around the corner if we can see through the smoke. As we see tighter commodities prices nationwide we must understand our risks and opportunities and prepare for these in order to take advantage when those opportunities arise. One of the ways we can position ourselves in the correct path is to understand how crop insurance selections affect us through controlling cost, realizing breaks in markets, and securing the future if we run into a snag in 2017. There are several theories on how to manage risk on the Farm. These risks basically come from individual’s financial situations and thought processes or the confidence in how the year will turn out. We have all seen a slowdown in the rain pattern from the last three years, and we all know that sometimes the faucet gets turned off south of Robstown. All in all, currently most growers are wet or have positive moisture, even though we did not get the wet weather we normally see in September and

October. Will the normal precipitation continue, or will it turn dry? What will Commodity prices do and how will the new county SCO yields provide coverage if the price does fall?

will make his guarantee in Bu on his policy due to favorable weather conditions and he thinks the price is going to go down on the board of trade, the price will have to go down enough to offset the amount of production that will be produced over the guarantee on the policy. (I have used this example before.) EX: APH 100 bu, Coverage 70%, Projected Price is 4.00/bu. This equals $280/ac guarantee. (100bu X 70% X $4.00= $280/ ac The producer harvests his crop and makes 100bu/ac and the harvest price comes in a 3.00 this would result in a policy calculation of $300/ac and would not trigger a loss. To be accurate, in this scenario the price would have to fall below $2.80/ bu in order to trigger a loss. This insurance cost more, and depending on commodity can be $3 to $8 higher/ac than selecting YP protection. So please take into consideration how revenue works before spending the extra money. Also, remember Revenue coverage harvest price for Corn and Grain Sorghum is figured on the average trading for the September month from Aug1 to Aug31. If the September month prices falls out of bed and go to 2.50/bu in June, and then rebounds to 4.00/bu in August… it means nothing to the policy, even if you sold your crop in JUNE for $2.50/bu.

Risks and Opportunities

BY CASEY CLIPSON

We will discuss this in more detail a little later. The two biggest questions I get this time of year are:

Should we write Revenue Protection? Do we write enterprise units? The answer in all reality is…“IT DEPENDS.” (Real Sexy, Right?) My basis in answering any of the questions above lies in a simple concept; write lower coverage, spend less money, grow the crop, and maximize profits, but don’t wreck your livelihood if you run into a disaster. (Now that’s Sexy!!!)

Enterprise units: Write Enterprise units whenever it makes since as it is much more cost effective, but don’t put thousands of acres that are spread all over the county across weak ground and good ground, unless you are certain that you understand the risk you have selected. A farmer may have harvest 40% of their acres and be out of insurance. Remember EU creates a county guarantee, so if you harvest a bumper crop on your first 5 fields which results in meeting your total EU guarantee, then all other fields do not have coverage. Excessive rain at harvest time is the main risk when a producer selects large acres in an enterprise unit. So understand your risks.

Revenue Protection: Revenue protection protects against yield and price loss as it relates to the board of trade. To simplify, if a producer feels he

The higher the APH the better chance a revenue protection payment may trigger. Commodity prices hit as low 3.20 the last two years. Corn price is starting at $3.77/bu, and will average until Jan 14th. This might be a revenue policy year depending on the added cost of a growers’ policy.

Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) The biggest change in Crop Insurance this year was that RMA will now use actual yield data reported by production reporting date from actual crop policies. RMA will no longer use NASS data as before. This will result in a much more accurate SCO yield and payment. As you know, SCO is a piggyback coverage to your base policy (YP/RP) which allows coverage up to 86% of the county average. We look at SCO only where it make sense. When we have wet conditions and low prices, it is difficult for the policy to have a payout in counties that have low county averages. This year as prices show to be higher than in previous years we will look at RP/SCO on a case by case basis. There seems to be some potential opportunity here. In 2015, Corn in Hidalgo County had a payment of $30-40/ac for irrigated corn based mostly on price fall. It is difficult, at best, to try and write an article for every situation, so I encourage you to sit down with your agent and discuss these circumstances, ask questions, help define your risks so you can properly select coverage without over-spending in premium. If your agent cannot dive in and identify real risks and opportunities you may need a new one.

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

Applications for conservation easement program currently being accepted

USDA’s

Natural Re sources Con servation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill, funds easements for agricultural lands and wetlands.

“This is the fourth year for the program and an opportunity for even more people to get involved in conserving and protecting our natural resources,” said Texas State Conservationist Salvador Salinas. “We encourage Indian tribes, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and private landowners to contact their local NRCS office to find out how to apply.”

Approved agricultural easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses and maximize protection of land devoted to food production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible.

Applications for a Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) and an Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) through the ACEP are accepted on a continual basis. For FY 2017, Texas will rank applications each month beginning December 15, 2016. Applications received after April 15, 2017, will be held for funding consideration in fiscal year 2018.

Wetland reserve easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. Applications are currently being accepted for wetlands reserve easements and will be rated according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife. 48 Ag Mag

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Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Agreements will be offered to approved applicants starting in late August 2017. The ACEP combines NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection, Grassland Reserve and Wetlands Reserve programs. Since 1995, NRCS

conservation easement programs have protected over 120,000 acres of restored wetlands and working agricultural lands, in Texas. Learn more about ACEP and other Farm Bill programs at www.nrcs.usda.gov/

farmbill.

To get started with NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.nrcs.

usda.gov/GetStarted.

Learn more about the Farm Bill at

www.nrcs.usda.gov/FarmBill.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

COMPOST a Smart way to

Better Soil Health

bY DEBRA ATLAS

ompost – a decaying mixture of or ganic matter that can include dead leaves, food waste, animal manure, even coffee grounds - is a solution to many soil-related problems.

It’s long been used to help enrich soil. As early as 1760, George Washington – a farmer himself - used compost to improve his soil and restore its nutrients. Erosion is one of this country’s most serious soil issues. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says erosion causes the United States to lose more than 2 billion tons of topsoil each year. This causes loss of soil productivity and creates water quality problems from sediment run-off. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that sediment contamination of surface waterways is the biggest threat to our water resources. Eroded sediment carries fertilizers, pesticides and other contaminants attached to the soil particles. A study showed that applying compost helped reduce soil loss by 86 percent compared to bare soils. Compost also decreased sediments reaching nearby surface waters by 99 percent when compared to silt fences, and 38 percent when

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Incorporating composting: • Increases water infiltration to the soil surface. • Increases the soil’s capacity to hold water, which reduces runoff • Helps prevent pollution • And buffers soil pH. But it does more than this. It helps alleviate compacted soil by increasing soil structure and increases plant growth and soil cover. In South Texas, there are only a few sources of good quality compost. The Cities of McAllen and Brownsville are the only municipalities in the Rio Grande Valley that offer compost. McAllen is by far the largest facility for this. The majority of its customers are landscapers, small scale organic farmers, a few larger farmers and homeowners. “It’s a great quality product,” said Robert Trevino, Renewable Resources Manager for the City of McAllen’s Public Works – Recycling Division. “It’s dark, moist and (doesn’t) smell,” he said.

FYI - good rich compost never smells. McAllen’s compost is thoroughly analyzed every three months, Trevino said, before it gets certified.

“It’s a great product for producing food,” he said. “Compost would be a plus to add to practically any soil,” said Brian Cowan, Texas A&M AgLife Extension Service’s County Extension Agent – Agriculture, Hidalgo County. “The heat and a long growing season keeps our organic matter depleted here,” he said. “I’d love to have more organic matter in our soils.” But cost and necessary volume are obstacles farmers face. With 1 million acres of cropland in the four counties, Cowan said, to make composting viable for larger acreages, the price would have to come way down. Another problem is not having enough organic sources out there. East Texas has plenty of pine bark from lumber operations, and other areas are experimenting with mushroom sourced compost. “We’ve been looking for cheap sources of organic matter down here for a long time,” Cowan said. There used to be several other sources for commerciallyproduced compost in the Valley. One long-term farmers go-to source - Earthwise Organics - was recently purchased by Dennis Holbrook, who’s company, South Tex Organics, is an organic grower / producer of citrus and vegetables. One of Earthwise’s largest customers, Holbrook wanted to protect their ability to have that product available long-term. So when Earthwise decided to sell its composting division, Holbrook purchased it. “We’ve been using compost for a long time”, he said, “for fertility and overall health of our soils.” Compost’s nutrients are very stable in soil. It stays in the soil longer and doesn’t leach like synthetic fertilizers, said Holbrook. “Compost is broad based in its nutrient make-up. You have nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and a percentage of

micronutrients,” Holbrook, said. “more than if you buy a conventional product that’s basically nitrogen or sulphate.” Many growers are concerned that compost isn’t high in nitrogen. But, says Holbrook, because you don’t have the leaching, you get a higher percentage of consumption of that source of nitrogen. “When you look at the overall cost, the cost/benefit ratio is substantial,” he said. “You’re getting not only the nutrient but also the live biology which has enormous benefit to the soil. You’re replenishing the live system in the soil.” “A lot of the synthetic fertilizers - some of the pesticides / herbicides used - are detrimental to the lifecycle in the soil,” said Holbrook. “You create issues like compaction and lack of oxygenation. There are a lot of other factors that have to be looked at,” he said. “You can find cheaper means of fertility but you’re not getting the entire package,” he added. “It’s improving the nutrition as well as the microbial content of the soil. That’s the whole purpose of compost – regenerating recyclable materials back into your soil just like Nature does in the rainforest or in the redwoods.” Compost isn’t as cheap as buying regular nitrogen-based products. But, Holbrook points out, over time “what we’re doing is significantly better than what traditional production (will yield)..” McAllen’s Recycling Center, located at 4101 N. Bentsen Road, and Brownsville’s Landfill, located at 9000 FM 802, have compost as well as mulch available to the public. Price depends on the amount needed. Brownsville sells it in bulk while McAllen sells it either by the cubic yard or by 40 pound bag. Utilizing compost is definitely worth considering, especially when you’re talking about long-term soil health and production.

A freelance journalist and professional blogger, Debra Atlas is reachable through www.Envirothink.wordpress.com or debraatlas@gmail.com

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

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Promoting Agriculture in South Texas bY KATHRYN BRADY

There is a growing need to get the word out about agriculture and those working in the agriculture industry. As the population of the United States continues to urbanize; there is a general lack of knowledge about where exactly our food, textiles and materials come from as well as a lack of knowledge about how the products are produced and the care that those in agriculture take to conserve and nurture the land, plants and animals.

Force for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative, of which Texas is one of 21 states within the initiative. This event exemplifies the initiative’s mission of providing assistance to individual and communities in persistent poverty areas for improving their quality of life and creating conservation opportunities in rural communities and tribes across the nation,” explains Melissa Blair.

Agriculture is also a great avenue for students to learn, excel and pursue STEM classes and careers. There is a push in school systems to promote and teach STEM subjects so that the United States does not fall further behind the rest of the world. This past autumn south Texas was fortunate to have many programs and conferences promoting STEM and agriculture to the public. I have included a short summary of three of the programs held throughout south Texas promoting agriculture, science, technology and math.

Women in Agriculture: The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Public Affairs specialist for Zone Three reported about the Women in Agriculture Ranch meeting held on September 15th at the East Foundation’s San Antonio Veijo Ranch, south of Hebbronville. More than 100 women and 45 men were in attendance, this was the largest adult event ever held at the East Foundation’s ranch.

“The workshop came about after women from Duval County attended the 10th Annual Minority Landowner magazine conference in San Antonio in February 2016,”

said organizer Jessica Benavides-Paredes, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil conservationist and Texas Federal Women’s Program manager. “They wanted a similar

event in south Texas to help other ranch and farm women expand their knowledge on agriculture resources and options for their property.”

“The agriculture workshop was part of the USDA’s Strike-

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STEM Getaway: During the beginning of October “educators and students learned this first hand during the Hispanic Engineering, Science, Technology (HESTEC) week recently held at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Edinburg, Texas, where they were provided with a wealth of information that can be incorporated into science, technology, engineering and math; subjects known as STEM,” clarifies, Bertha Venegas of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in an article about STEM at HESTEC. The article goes on to detail the events and presentations of the week.

Bertha Venegas, NRCS state outreach coordinator, kicked off the week with a presentation to educators on how NRCS can serve as their STEM gateway. Information included links to resources available through NRCS like the Web Soil Survey, a plants database, conservation resources, while also learning how this information can be incorporated into the STEM curriculum taught in schools. The presentation familiarized teachers with careers available with NRCS and the various degrees required to qualify for these agency positions.”

Later in the week, Jessica Benavides-Paredes, NRCS soil conservationist and Albert Aguirre, NRCS engineer, presented during the Student Leadership Day. The use of survey equipment was demonstrated to 100 high school students. The demonstration also included how the information taught using the equipment can be used in math and how NRCS employees utilize this technology in their careers.

During Latina Day, a day specifically for high school girls and their mothers, Mari Hrebik, NRCS engineer, spoke to over seventy young Latinas about her role as an engineer and how through her speech - “Anything is possible if they strive for it.”” “NRCS’ participation in HESTEC week concluded with a Fall Career Expo. Benavides-Paredes and Flavio Garza, NRCS resource team leader, in Laredo, provided college students information about careers with NRCS and USDA,” describes Venegas.

“NRCS’ participation in HESTEC week concluded with a Fall Career Expo. Benavides-Paredes and Flavio Garza, NRCS resource team leader, in Laredo, provided college students information about careers with NRCS and USDA,” describes Venegas.

Texas Section Society for Range Management: Every October the Texas Section Society for Range Management (TSSRM) holds their annual meeting in a different location around the state. The 2016 (TSSRM) Annual Meeting was held in Uvalde, Texas. This year the theme was Water: How Can TSSRM Lead Its Stewardship. Texas NRCS Zone Two Public Affairs, Specialist, Donnie Lunsford summarizes the meeting stating that “approximately 275 people were in attendance and the meeting focused on watershed management, the conservation and management practices needed to accomplish the goals and objectives of many ranches throughout Texas.” Lunsford accounts that “graduate students presented the most current research being conducted by Texas universities. And undergraduates were able to test their plant identification skills by competing in the annual plant ID contest.” As well as a poster contest which allowed graduates and undergraduates to showcase their research.

“This meeting allows members and non-members to come together to educate, network, socialize, identify and solve problems facing agriculture, eco-tourism, and range management,” describes Lunsford, “it is a great time for students and professionals, alike, to network, talk to potential employers, and learn what it is to be a range professional The meeting concluded with a tour of the Annandale Ranch located outside of Uvalde. “The tour allowed everyone to see the conservation efforts such as hillside restoration, the effects of a prescribed fire, brush management, and proper grazing that are being implemented to improve water flow,” illuminates Lunsford. As you can see the autumn of 2016 was an exciting time for the promotion or agriculture in south Texas and we hope that many were inspired to carry on the tradition and technology of the agricultural industry. J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

The Importance of Risk Management bY ELISA TAYLOR

Sorghum checkoff communications manager

s the year comes to an end, many producers are starting to plan for the next crop year. One of the best ways to be proactive in approaching opportunities for profitable pric ing in 2017 is to consider risk management options. The Sorghum Checkoff met with John Miller, owner of Southwest Agribusiness Counsulting located in Caldwell, Texas, to discuss what risk management can do for producers. Risk management refers to a pre-arranged plan to utilize market information and lock in profitable prices. Risk management plans help producers secure a price to sell their crop before they even harvest.

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“We feel there is more risk in doing nothing than in making profit-oriented decisions utilizing sound risk management principles,” John Miller said. “With a volatile market, profitable opportunities come and go quickly.” For producers specifically in a region like South Texas, where there is high unpredictability in weather and crop production, risk management can be key to success. Risk management plans are a way to be proactive in the marketplace by protecting high prices on paper when it may be too risky to sell cash commodities. Yet many producers are wary to lock themselves into a risk management plan. There is a certain amount of risk a producer

must assume when entering into a risk management plan since they are unsure of how their crop will harvest or how the market will change over time.

input costs. Good bookkeeping skills will help you gage how much you can afford to spend in preparation and how much you need to make in production in order to break even or profit.

“A challenge is the difficulty associated with predicting input costs six or even eight months before planting,” Miller said. “However, we begin working with our producers to develop price targets as much as a year in advance.”

Find a risk management or marketing plan that you are comfortable with. You should know the details of your market, production, and finances in order to make a thoughtful, educated decision on how to protect your crop in the marketplace.

The first step to starting a risk management plan is doing the research. Producers should understand the way their market is moving and know the cost of their product. If a producer feels uncomfortable with this information or is unsure of how to interpret it, they should seek guidance from a consulting firm.

Risk will come with any risk management plan that you create because there will always be uncertainty. Risk comes if you don’t harvest as you anticipated, if you don’t meet the target market specifications, or if the costs are higher than you planned. To help manage your risk, a conservative approach is best. This means picking the plan that best suits your needs and will lock in the opportunity for you to make a profit with as little risk on loss as possible.

There are numerous firms in the market today to help producers understand and start risk management plans. Firms like Southwest Agribusiness Consulting help producers from initial assessments to securing contracts in the process of creating a risk management plan. “We help producers find the right elevator, access cross-country buyers and brokers, use a trading account to reduce reliance on cash markets, build storage to better manage harvest and selling opportunities as well as vertically integrate,” Miller said. “Our producers can concentrate more intently on their business knowing we are monitoring commodity markets with their best interests in mind.” To start a risk management plan, you need to understand your

Risk management plans can be a great tool to help producers remain profitable within a market that is constantly changing. These plans can be used throughout any region and with any crop. A successful plan will rest on four fundamentals: know your cost, be comfortable with your plan, be aware of any risk, and use a conservative approach.

For more information on sorghum markets or management, visit sorghumcheckoff.com

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

USDA Announces Updated Conservation Stewardship Program

emple, TEXAS - Nov. 10, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting and processing applications for enrollment in the updated Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like cover crops, ecologically-based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat – all while maintaining active agriculture production on their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and new management techniques. “This year, the Conservation Stewardship Program provides even more opportunities for conservation and greater flexibility at the local level to prioritize resource concerns and conservation approaches,” says Texas NRCS State Conservationist Salvador Salinas. “Customized CSP tools for Texas will improve the customer experience during application evaluations.”

the additional opportunities the updated CSP offers can find information, including national and state ranking questions and enhancement descriptions, on the new CSP web portal at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/csp.

NRCS has made several updates to the program. Producers are now able to better evaluate their conservation options and the resultant benefits to their operations and natural resources. The implementation of new methods and software for evaluating applications will help producers learn quickly if they are or are not meeting stewardship thresholds, in turn allowing them to pick practices and enhancements that better fit their conservation goals and objectives. The CSP application software updates also provide producers with potential payment scenarios for conservation practices earlier in the application process. NRCS offices will begin processing CSP applications on Nov. 14, 2016, with the first priority funding ranking period ending Feb. 3, 2017. Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers. CSP is for producers who are already established conservation stewards, helping them to deliver multiple conservation benefits on working lands, including improved water and soil quality and enhanced wildlife habitat. People interested in

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

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J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

Barn Talk

with Bonnie

NEW YEAR... NEW YOU

find what makes you come alive. It could be several things that make your heart happy! I, myself, have several passions. I love writing, leadership/mentorship roles, jogging, CrossFit, I wholeheartedly love everything about the agriculture and rodeo worlds, I thrive in knowing I am making a difference, I get an adrenaline rush from public speaking about things I’m passionate about … the list could go on.

Do what makes you come alive bY YVONNE (Bonnie) RAMIREZ

BY YVONNE (BONNIE) RAMIREZ

OMEWHERE IN TEXAS--- What fuels you? What makes you come alive? 2016 has come and gone. 2017 is here; make this new year one that counts! This year I challenge you to find your passion. Do what makes you come alive!

Is it showing livestock? is it farming? is it rodeo’ing? is it raising clubbies? is it competing in 4-H and FFA competitions? is it showmanship? is it being a leader? is it volunteering?…. Whatever it is that makes you come alive; do it! Find your passion, find what makes you a better person, find what makes you happy, find what ignites your heart and do it with all you have. The world needs more passionate people who have come alive and are making their mark in this great world we live in. It’s easy to say that agriculture-driven individuals like ourselves are passionate about their roots and their lifestyle. To have the privilege to be raised in and live the agriculture way of life suggests you are passionate about what our industry produces and stands for.

Over the years I have fallen in love with a lot of things and the love that I have developed for the aforementioned passions have made me who I am. Find your passion in 2017! That’s my challenge to each one of you reading this. When you do; you’ll know it because you will feel so alive! And when you find it; never let your fire be extinguished. Remember, the world needs more people who have come alive!

Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year and here’s to a new year and a new you!

We feed and clothe the world … what an extraordinary phenomenon to be a part of! We are definitely one of kind; there’s something special about us that separates us from the rest; we’re the cream of the crop (no pun intended)! As 2017 unveils, and you prepare for major and county stock shows, harvesting your crops, leadership and/ or public speaking engagements, calving season, 4-H and FFA competitions, preparing for college, livestock judging, volunteering as part of your community service efforts, etc.; make sure you take the opportunity to truly

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

Ramsey Park parking lot doubles as environmental filter for water quality Reprint from Texas Animal Health Commision

id you know a parking lot could double as an environmental filter to help improve water quality? A newly constructed parking lot in the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen not only provides parking for visitors but its environmental features are also helping improve water quality in the Arroyo Colorado watershed.

AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. “Since the basin and wetlands are located on the banks of the Arroyo Colorado, they will keep untreated urban nonpoint source runoff from entering it,” said Flores, who serves as the watershed coordinator for the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership in Weslaco.

The Arroyo Colorado winds 90 miles from Mission to the Lower Laguna Madre. Treated wastewater, urban stormwater runoff, irrigation return flows and base flows from shallow groundwater all flow into the arroyo.

Flores said the former parking lot at Ramsey Park flooded after large rains, resulting in water pooling, which created potholes and eventually ruined the parking lot.

In the center of the new Ramsey Park parking lot, a bioretention basin was built and planted with native plants and trees. The basin collects and filters stormwater runoff from the parking lot and then redirects the runoff to a newly expanded wetland area in the park. The retention basin and the five-acre wetland system are part of a Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) project to improve water quality and enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the Lower Laguna Madre and tidal portion of the Arroyo Colorado, said Jaime Flores, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program coordinator for TWRI. The institute is part of Texas A&M

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The entire parking lot was ripped up, the bioretention basin was constructed in the middle of the area and the parking lot was reconstructed around it so stormwater would flow to the basin, Flores said. “Native plants and trees planted in the basin will remove nutrients from the runoff, and as the runoff percolates through the underlying layers of sand and rock in the basin, sediment and additional pollutants will be filtered out,” he said. “The treated water will then be channeled into the expanded wetland system where it will evaporate over time.” Flores said the wetlands also serve as a demonstration project for

other municipalities and counties that may be interested in using this type of technology to treat urban stormwater. “Cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley may be interested in this type of project because it treats and stores stormwater instead of it going directly into the nearby Arroyo Colorado without any treatment,” Flores said. “Storing the water can also help alleviate flooding.” The Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership provided the plants and tools to volunteers, he said. Construction of the project involved collaborations between TWRI, the city of Harlingen, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Cameron County, Flores said. “This was a big effort and one that we had discussed for several years,” he said. The Texas General Land Office made all this possible by awarding TWRI the Coastal Impact Assistance Program grant to complete the project. All project partners brought their expertise to the table and worked together beautifully to make it a success. The city of Harlingen’s engineering department did a great job designing the basin, Cameron County’s public works department excelled in building the basin and Cameron County did their part by tearing out the old parking lot and constructing a new one.

Flores said the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership, representing federal, state and private organizations, works to improve the water quality of the Arroyo Colorado and identifies possible projects to help reach that goal. Other successful partnership projects have included monitoring agricultural runoff to evaluate effects of implementing best management practices and educating farmers on integrated farm management systems and turf producers on nutrient, pesticide and irrigation management. The widely used annual soil testing campaign in the Lower Rio Grande Valley has also been funded by the partnership’s projects.

The bioretention basin at the center of the new parking lot at Ramsey Park in Harlingen is hardly visible. It will be landscaped during the wetlands project workshop June 25. (AgriLife Extension photo by Jaime Flores)

“The annual soil testing campaign has been instrumental in reducing the amount of nutrients from agricultural runoff from entering the Arroyo Colorado. Additionally, many growers often find they don’t need to spend as much money on applying fertilizer,” Flores said. He invites anyone interested in the Arroyo to participate in the partnership and the free soil testing campaign.

For more information about the partnership or getting your soil tested, contact Flores at 956-969-5607 or jjflores@ag.tamu.edu or visit the partnership’s website: http://arroyocolorado.org/

Construction workers build the bioretention basin at Ramsey Park in Harlingen to collect parking lot stormwater that will be filtered of pollutants then diverted to a newly expanded wetlands area. (AgriLife Extension photo by Jaime Flores)

Portions of this story were taken from an AgriLife Today story

The bioretention basin at the center of the new parking lot at Ramsey Park contains native plants and trees that filter the stormwater runoff. (AgriLife Extension photo by Jaime Flores)

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

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Modification of the Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area in Cameron County, Texas

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he Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) will modify the 223,000 acre Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area (TPQA) in Cameron County, Texas on November 17, 2016. The TPQA was established two years ago when cattle fever ticks were discovered on cattle, horses, whitetailed deer, and nilgai antelope. Through enhanced surveillance in the area, the TAHC has now determined 14,460 acres located in the southwest corner of the TPQA meet requirements for quarantine release. The modified TPQA will consist of approximately 200,000 acres. Although the TPQA is being reduced, the TAHC and USDA continue to closely monitor and respond to the expansion and northward movement of fever ticks. Currently there are 17 individual cattle fever tick infested premises in Cameron County, 19 infested Willacy County premises, 2 infested Kleberg County premises, and 45 infested premises in the permanent quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border. Within the TPQA, permanent quarantined zone, and on quarantined premises, all cattle, equine, and live or hunted wildlife (such as nilgai antelope and whitetailed deer) that are capable of hosting fever ticks, are subject to movement restrictions, inspections and treatment as prescribed by TAHC fever tick regulations. To read the regulations visit Title 4, Chapter 41 of the Texas Administrative Code. To learn more about hunting in a temporary or permanent fever tick quarantine zone visit the TAHC YouTube channel.

-97.390577); thence, east along the Arroyo Colorado shoreline for 4.45 miles to Laguna Madre (26.353917; -97.325179); thence, southeast along the Laguna Madre shoreline for 55.33 miles to the Brownsville Navigation District Ship Channel (26.064276; -97.775511) (Brownsville Ship Channel); thence, southwest along the Brownsville Ship Channel for 16.4 miles to the point on Windhaus Road that is a straight line southwest of the Brownsville Ship Channel (25.952057; -97.403765); thence, north along Windhaus Road for .1 mile to Captain Donald L. Foust Road (25.952738; -97.404135); thence, west along Captain Donald L. Foust Road for .52 miles to FM 511 (25.950997; -97.412259), the beginning. For questions regarding livestock or wildlife inspections, please call 956-443-6609. To learn more about fever ticks visit http://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_FeverTick.pdf. To learn more about the efforts in Cameron County visit https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=pmAZIIwu.

Cattle Fever Tick Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area as of 11/17/16, Cameron County, Texas

The Temporary Preventative Quarantined Area as of 11/17/16 is within the boundaries of a line beginning at a point in Cameron County where Farm to Market Road (FM) 511 and Captain Donald L. Foust Road intersect (25.950997;97.412259); thence, northwest along FM 511 for 6.15 miles to FM 1847 (26.014478; -97.481208); thence, north along FM 1847 for 7.94 miles to FM 510 (26.129494; - 97.471077); thence, west along FM 510 for 2.89 miles to FM 803 (26.132970; - 97.517470); thence, north along FM 803 for 14.01 miles to FM 2925 (26.335137; - 97.491350); thence, east along FM 2925 for 7.28 miles to the east side of the Adoplh Thomae Jr. County Park eastern-most parking lot (26.349462; -97.390468) (parking lot); thence, north along side of the parking lot for 61.3 yards to the Arroyo Colorado (26.349960;

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

Important upcoming dates for Ag Producers: RGV Cotton & Grain PrePlant Conference January 17, 2017

5 Hour CEU Workshop January 31, 2017

Check out the details at our website:

Pesticide License Training February 8, 2017

hidalgo.agrilife.org/ home/agriculture

5 Hour CEU Workshop February 16, 2017

Final weighing, 16-17 Bull Gain Test February 23, 2017

Registration Due, RGV Beef 706 Class March 20, 2017 Contact the County Extension Office for details on any of these events

Brad Cowan, County Extension Agent Agriculture Hidalgo County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 410 North 13th Avenue, Edinburg, TX 78541 b-cowan@tamu.edu http://hidalgo.agrilife.org o) 956-383-1026, m) 956-330-3208

Want to Advertise

Contact Michelle Martin at the Ag Mag

(956) 330-8870 michelle@theagmag.org

Grain Referendum Voting Begins The Texas Grain Producers Indemnity Board (TGPIB) is holding a referendum of eligible Texas producers of corn, sorghum, soybeans and/or wheat, including grain which is sold for seed, to decide if a refundable assessment should be collected. The assessment will be 0.2 percent of the final sale price of grain. TGPIB will set the assessment rate each year. If the referendum is approved, collection of the assessment at the set rate will begin on Feb. 1, 2017, and continue until such time as TGPIB notifies grain buyers to cease collection. Each grain buyer or grain elevator, including a purchaser, warehouseman, processor or commercial handler who buys grain from or stores unsold grain for a producer, shall collect the assessment by deducting the applicable percentage from the final sales price of the grain or from any funds advanced for that purpose. Claims can be made by producers who suffer losses as a result of the financial failure of a grain buyer. Only a producer who has sold grain in the 36 months preceding Dec. 9, 2016 is eligible to vote in the referendum. Eligible grain producers are individuals, including the owner of a farm on which grain is produced or the owner’s tenant or sharecropper, or legal entities engaged in the business of producing grain or causing grain to be produced for commercial purposes. Each person or legal entity is entitled to one vote, regardless of how many participants are involved in the entity. The referendum will be conducted by mail balloting from Dec. 5 – 9, 2016. Eligible producers may cast a ballot at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension county offices during regular business hours. If you are unable to access an AgriLife Extension Office, a ballot may be requested from TDA by calling (800) 835-5832. In order to be valid, all ballots cast must be mailed to TDA and must be postmarked no later than Dec. 9, 2016. Ballots will be counted at TDA headquarters by department staff, and the Commissioner of Agriculture will certify results. The nine-member TGPIB is appointed by Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and includes a representative from the Corn Producers Association of Texas, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Grain and Feed Association, Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, Texas Soybean Association and Texas Wheat Producers Association, as well as a member with expertise in production agriculture financing and a representative with the non-warehouse grain buying industry.

Reprint from texasagrjiculture.gov J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY

2017