Issue 21 of Ag Mag by THEAGMAG

Staff Michelle Martin

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

Al Benavides 1 John 3:20

God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

A Letter from the Editor The New Year has come and many people look forward to its meaning of a new beginning. A new year for new goals and a clean slate. Every year when the New Year rolls around I am excited to see what it has in store for me but with that excitement comes doubt. Sometimes I doubt and fear. What if this year will be a trying year? What if this year success becomes failure? Doubt. It is something we all have in our lives, some more than others. It’s a battle we all fight some time or another. Doubt can be viewed as a generational curse to many. Doubt has been prevalent since the biblical times. Almost every story in the Bible revolves around the human species having doubt that God was real, and fear that they would never be relieved from their current situation. Doubt has the ability to ruin one’s self-worth and prevent an individual from achieving their true self-worth. It is something we tend to allow into our lives whether we realize it or not. It really is present almost every day. We doubt if we will be able to pick up the kids on time, will we be able to make a deadline, will we have a successful crop, will we be able to provide for our family, will the weather permit for our activities. All these things and more cloud over our days. Doubt is a serious and inevitable thing. But if we chose to become a slave to it, we will never progress to be the person God has set out for us to be. When doubt clouds over our minds we are literally in a battle. A battle to choose to overcome or to surrender to despair. The choice is ours. In a positive light, if we overcome our doubts we essentially turn the doubt to faith. Having faith helps us overcome mountains while having doubt helps build them. God is ultimately the one who is in control so why waste time worrying and doubting? Matthew 6 says, “Who of you can add a single hour to his or her life by worrying?” It won’t get you anywhere. This year I challenge you to try to rule doubt out of your life and don’t let it steal your joy. God gave us life to enjoy and we should not allow something to take that away. God has a plan for us. Some years will be more challenging than others, but it’s those challenges that help us become the person we were meant to be. So with 2018 in full swing, embrace the good, the bad and the ugly. Make the best out of every situation and trust that God will take care of the rest. I pray all farmers have a bountiful crop, all the ranchers have a healthy herd, all the children have a great time participating in agricultural, and everyone else succeeds in their daily lives. Doubt will kill us if it’s allowed to. It will tear us away from the things we were meant to do. Don’t be afraid. Love others and don’t doubt they will hurt you because they will, but love anyways. Don’t be afraid to go for that dream job you’ve always wanted, and don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith. Faith comes from God and He will never fail you or forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Thank you to everyone who has believed in me and supported me in my adventure in the Ag Mag. Without you this magazine would not be possible. I hope to bring a bigger and better Ag Mag to you in the years to come! May God bless you always. Owner/Creator of AG MAG

Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407

In This Issue: Stepping Up Onion Production..................................6 Sorghum races to Support Renewable Fuel Partnerships.............................................................10 Texas Office of Produce Safety................................12 Havelka of a Good Time..........................................16 Planting Decisions....................................................20 Arroyo Colorado Watershed.................................... 22 Irrigation Efficiency................................................... 26 The River Rock Band...............................................28 The Case of the Irish Carrots................................... 30 Keep Calm and Handle your Cattle..........................32 Meet the Hidalgo Co. Extension Agents.................. 34 Growing Growers Market Celebrates 10 years....... 38 UTPA Students enhance studies............................. 39 Its all about the Mesquite.........................................44 STAR GALA............................................................. 47 The Influence of an Ag Teacher................................48 FFA Student of the Month........................................ 49 FFA/4H Calendar......................................................52 RGVLS Vegetable Show..........................................56 Drones, Sensors, and the Future.............................57 My Governmental Wish list...................................... 60 Harvey was Strong but TEXAS is Stronger.............62 Major Changes for 2018 Crop Insurance................65 Comida de Navidad................................................. 68 Valley Growers Cope with Increased Salinity in the Water.............................................................. 72 What Can Marketing do for your Cattle Operation................................................................. 76 Nitrogen Stabilizer.................................................... 77 Volume 4, Issue 3. Jan/Feb 2018. 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 ©2018. To advertise in Ag Mag, call (956) 330-8870 or email michelle@theagmag.org

Drip irrigated red onions on split application nutritional program.

LARRY ZIBILSKE, Ph.D., Vice-President of Research, TPS lab

Nutrition and Yield

uch information is available for onion fertilization and care. Recommended amounts of the common fertilizer nutrients (N, P, and K) vary greatly depending on the variety being grown, location and, sometimes, soil type used. A common theme in these recommendations is to add the nutrients needed, based on soil test results and local factors, in a few “split applications”. An important rationale for splitting fertility applications is to ensure adequate amounts of nutrients are present later in the season as bulbs fill rapidly. This approach recognizes that loss of nutrient availability in soil is high when they are applied at planting. Chemical and biological transformation of the nutrients, making them less available to plants, is more likely the longer the raw nutrients are present in the soil. Splitting fertilizer applications reduces these losses but cannot totally prevent them. Splitting fertilizer applications increases uptake efficiency which increases profits. The question is…do we get even more benefits from increasing the number of splits? In theory, yes. Why? Because splitting fertilizer applications more resembles the way in which plants grew in soil before cultivated agriculture came along. Plants feed every day, so they do best when they have access to adequate amounts of nutrients every day. In earlier times, these nutrients came from the decomposition of organic matter. Microbes breakdown organic matter and release nutrients a little at a time, over the whole season. In response, plants developed powerful abilities to efficiently take up the smaller amounts of nutrients. But we don’t really want to grow onions with minimal fertilization. Yields would suffer. So how can we take advantage of split applications and still produce good onion yields? There are two concepts that will ensure good (probably better) yields with split applications. The first concept is timing. Plants need different amounts of fertilizer nutrient at different times during the season. For instance, phosphorus is needed in moderate amounts early in the season. If all, or most of it is applied pre-plant, it is exposed to chemical changes that later restrict uptake into the crop. Later on, the crop may run out of phosphorus because that added at the beginning is no longer available and the plants suffer deficiencies. Another example is nitrogen. Nitrogen is usually the largest need. Early plant growth actually needs little nitrogen. If added in large amounts early, crops suffer from large necks and leaves,

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reflecting luxuriant growth that is more susceptible to diseases and insects. Most of the nitrogen is needed later in the season. Increasing nitrogen application in a later split promotes healthier plants and greater yields. Other nutrients follow this general trend of use and it pays to make sure your fertilizer applications are done at the right time to get the most benefit. Application by drip or sprinkler irrigation greatly facilitates splitting applications; essentially allowing a “spoon feeding” management approach to fertilization. The second concept is “balanced nutrition”. Onion, like other crops, needs different total amounts of the individual fertilizer nutrients. As mentioned above, nitrogen is needed in the largest amount, with lesser amounts of phosphorus and potassium. But little nitrogen is needed early in the season. By splitting applications, nutrients can be individually adjusted to meet the needs of the crop at that time; providing lower amounts of nitrogen at the beginning, then increased amounts later. Balancing these “macro” nutrients with the other required nutrients is important. Calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and sodium are needed in addition to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These minor elements are just as important and need to be included in fertilizer decisions. Micro- or trace nutrients, such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, are also very important. They are needed in very small amounts, but they have a big impact on yield and quality. More about the trace nutrients later. It’s clear that fertilization of any modern crop is a complex task— more so now than in the past. It is important that the information you need to make these decisions is reliable and based on complete understanding of the newer crop varieties, including knowledge of all required nutrients. Your testing lab should be able to provide all this information. Do they have both soil and plant physiology expertise? Unfortunately, many testing labs do not and are often using very dated plant nutrient standards to make recommendations. Ask your testing lab whether they use modern plant standards and basic crop physiology when making fertility recommendations.

Nutrition and Quality Good yields and high quality are goals sometimes considered to be at odds. The thinking is that one compromises the other—great yields often come with lower quality. This does not have to be the case. Following a “spoon feeding” program of basic fertility will go a long way towards achieving good yields, as well as high quality. But to really get the high quality, we must

maintain adequate levels of micronutrients, such as boron, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. Of these, boron is often the most neglected, and the most problematic in maintaining adequate levels for plant uptake. Boron is extremely important all stages of growth. It is one of the “gatekeeper” elements that help direct other nutrients to where they’re needed in the plant. Coupled with the fear of boron toxicity, many instances of boron deficiency are found. Good, complete recommendations take all this into account to ensure the crop has enough boron to push yields and to maintain plants in a healthy condition. The other micronutrients are necessary for proper plant enzyme activity. These are needed to produce leaves and bulbs so are needed throughout the season. High quality depends on the maintenance of sufficient amounts of micronutrients. During the season, addition of these when needed can be accomplished via irrigation or foliar sprays with a proper wetting agent. To determine whether nutrients are needed during the season, leaf samples need to be taken frequently for analysis. If these are taken on a ten-day to two week interval, the results can be returned to you in plenty of time to address crop needs. This is the heart of the “Spoon feeding” concept, and is a superior way to keep the correct amount of nutrients available when the plants need them. But it only works when the grower follows the progress of the crop with a good leaf sampling program and acts on the recommendations. High quality also includes post-harvest issues. Firmness, shape, defects including harvest and storage damage, dryness of outer leaves and stems can affect quality. Most of these can be managed with proper nutrition and with special attention to certain nutrients. Calcium, magnesium, silicon, and iron play a major role in minimizing susceptibility to damage and storage problems. Recommendations from your testing lab should include these.

Pungency Pungency is one of the taste characteristics important to consumers. It is caused by a volatile oil that is produced in highest amounts when excessive sulfur in taken up by the growing onion. Varietal differences and market goals come into play here. While many consumers choose low-pungency onions, pungent varieties are often preferred for cooking. The point is that pungency is a quality index that can be managed for the desired goal. Adequate amounts of sulfur are necessary for healthy onion growth. However, keeping sulfur at just that level is important to keep pungency low. Keeping sulfur acceptably low also affects sugar content. Higher sugar content also depends on maintaining low sulfur in the growing medium. Pyruvate assays for pungency are often 2.5 times lower in onions from lower sulfur growing environments, where sugar content is higher in the same conditions. Other factors, such as climatic conditions and storage issues affect pungency. Soil characteristics can also affect pungency. Some soils, especially low pH soils, can contain much soluble sulfur. The plant available form of sulfur is the anionic form, sulfate. It is very water soluble and can be leached from the soil fairly easily. This process can reduce the amount of sulfur available to the plant which would reduce pungency. Other soils, notably high pH, gypsic soils are very high in sulfur, but it is tied up in chemical forms. The pungency issue arises when these soils are treated with acid to reduce the pH. Using sulfuric acid to reduce soil pH is common, but obviously not recommended for future sweet onion production. But use of other acids will release the sulfur in large amounts from natural sources and cause pungency issues. The other issue is high organic matter soils. These contain much organic sulfur, some of which is released by microbial action during the year that can result in too much taken up into the crop; leading to pungency issues. To summarize, pungency is difficult to control via soil management and the best hope lies with sulfur availability control with fertilizer management. Once again, frequent

testing for leaf sulfur content can provide the guidance the onion grower needs to control pungency to the extent possible.

Rio Grande Valley of South Texas drip irrigated field yielding over 700 cwt/ac.

Nutrition and Pests There are a number of insect pests that affect onion. The major ones in many regions are thrips and the onion maggot. There is a role for nutrition in fighting these. Onions grown with a balanced nutrition plan are more generally resistant to insects. Building on that, the grower can boost silicon in the plant with foliar sprays. Silicon-treated plants show increased resistance to thrips and other insects. Improved plant silicon toughens the tissues and increases resistance to piercing. In cooler climates, the major pest is often the onion maggot. Foliar sprays may not get much silicon to the roots to protect them from maggot larval invasion. More research is needed, but it is likely that a season-long silicon nutrition program, coupled with better health of plants grown with balanced nutrition, will help control onion maggot losses. It should be noted that when silicon is recommended, we’re really talking about products that contain silicate, not actual elemental silicon. It would be difficult to accept that increasing silicon would have any effect at all because the earth’s crust contains so much silicon to start with. It’s the second most common element on earth! Silicon is sparingly soluble in water; only a very tiny amount goes into solution naturally. Silicate is the soluble form that plants can take up and is the form contained in several products.

Nutrition and Diseases Onion diseases can wipe out a crop quickly. Prevention is a key, but there are good products available that will stave off disasters. Significant losses to downy mildew, white rot, pink root, and purple blotch take their toll in many situations. Once again, a properly fed plant resists diseases generally. Several nutrients have been used to specifically retard disease progress in crops. Calcium, magnesium, silicon, sodium, and potassium can provide a strong first line defense against diseases. As these are part of the balanced nutrition plan, a double benefit is realized from improving plant content of these nutrients. This effective approach is used by watermelon growers. Sodium or potassium silicate foliar sprays are effective against mildews and insects at the same time. Using the baseline balanced nutrition program, the silicate sprays add to the control factors already in the crop. Good control is often achieved by multiple methods. There are good chemical control methods when nutrition and other sprays just are not enough. Saving the crop is the bottom line.

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Sorghum Races to Support Renewable Fuel Partnerships BY ELISA ALVARADO Photos by AM Racing

Austin Wayne Self, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver with his #45 truck, next to Wayne Cleveland, Texas Grain Sorghum Producers executive director, and John Duff, Sorghum Checkoff renewables program director

NASCAR is known for its fast cars, loud crowds and

patriotism but many do not associate the high-speed auto racing events with grain commodities. This all changed, however, when sorghum raced through Texas Motor Speedway on November 3 featured on the hood of a NASCAR truck. Sorghum’s presence in this race resulted from state and national partnerships to increase opportunity for sorghum and ethanol. In 2015, the Sorghum Checkoff partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board and Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission to invest in renewable fuel infrastructure across the country with the hope to create more demand for sorghum and ethanol. The Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) launched in 2015 as a program designed to aid states in delivering higher blends of renewable fuel. USDA partnered with 21 states through the BIP program to nearly double the number of fueling pumps nation10

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wide that provide renewable fuels, significantly increasing the market for sorghum and other grains in ethanol production. The USDA committed a one-to-one dollar match for funds totaling up to $100 million provided by state and private industry. The Sorghum Checkoff, Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board and Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission provided a combined contribution if $250,000 in support of BIP and sorghum’s future in the renewable fuels industry. “What the industry needs is added access to blender pumps as a way to get more demand to support feedstock grains like sorghum into ethanol,” said Jesse McCurry, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission executive director. “[BIP] is a perfect way to help market development and grow the fuel ethanol customer base in states in the Sorghum Belt.” McCurry noted that stations in Kansas like Jump Start have seen great success with BIP already. The program is able to help offset

costs for tanks, hoses, pumps and other infrastructure needs when providing a higher blended fuel option for drivers. Providing this fuel option creates a wider customer base for the station while also increasing the market and demand for sorghum and ethanol. Another result of BIP was showcased at the JAG 350 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas Grain Sorghum Producers, in collaboration with the Sorghum Checkoff, partnered with Niece Motorsports and AM Racing to promote sorghum use in ethanol by showcasing Sorghum: The Smart Choice® on the hood of the #45 racing truck driven by Austin Wayne Self. This partnership was an opportunity to promote sorghum to an audience that may be unfamiliar with its use in ethanol fuel.

Texas Grain Sorghum Producers executive director. “For our growers, that’s a testament to their commitment to this program. We promised growers that we were going to increase capacity for sorghum, and this is a small step in a big world, but it’s in the right direction.” As the second largest market for sorghum in the U.S., ethanol and renewable fuels is a steady and important industry for sorghum producers. Through the BIP program, the USDA projects a total of 1,486 stations, 4,880 pumps and 515 tanks will be established to offer higher blended fuel options across the country. This is a large-scale program that will continue to provide benefits to sorghum growers by providing increased opportunity for the ethanol industry in the U.S.

“This entry-level NASCAR race was a great start for our commodity to be seen by the public who may be unaware of grain sorghum,” said Wayne Cleveland,

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l kaTIME HOFavA eGOOD

Ag Mag Featured Farmer

on Havelka has some serious advice for his sons. “I tell these boys – you have to really love farming to be in this business. If you don’t love farming, you are going to have problems.” Don Havelka began farming in 1969 in Nueces County, his stepfather had been farming in the area since 1910 and his dad was a farmer who moved from Illinois to South Texas specifically in search of farmland. They farmed cotton and grain; in the winter they would farm some vegetables such as cabbage and onions, but “cotton was the money crop,” Don said. That’s well over 100 years of farming. That’s loving to farm. “I think the most memorable time for me when it comes to farming was in the late 50s and 60s when all the cotton harvesting was still done by hand,” said Don, who has four sons – three of them working with him in farming. “I have fond memories of that time when the migratory workers would come in and spend the summer on the farm. It’s light years different now because of the equipment, the lack of labor availability, and so many more regulations. It was a much more calm time then.” Don’s biological father died in 1950 and his mother remarried in 1952 to Otto Boerner, a lifetime farmer who was a World War II veteran and returned to farming after finishing his military career. “He started farming as soon as he came out,” Don said. “He farmed up until almost the day he died when he was 82. I took over the family farm and added that

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to my farm land.” Don married Carolyn Rothlisberger in 1968, one year before he went out on his own as a farmer “That was a scary year,” he said. The couple had four sons. The oldest son Matt, Keith and the youngest son Kris are all part of the Havelka farms. The other son Jason is a Border Patrol Agent in Kingsville. In 2006, Kris and his dad decided to create a partnership and formed Turfco Grass Farms. Kris said that he noticed that the market was open, and in need of this area of business and approached Don with the idea. Turfco Grass Farms mission is “to meet the landscape needs of a growing Coastal Bend community.” For new construction projects and landscape jobs, sod is an essential component to the completion of the work. With sod being a perishable commodity, freshly cut locally grown grass is quite appealing.” “We wanted to diversify and that’s why we started the grass farm,” Kris said. “We had some land that was able to be irrigated and a market close by in Corpus Christi. There’s not a lot of irrigatable land around this area and there’s not a lot of groundwater. But there was a little pocket of irrigated land where we thought we would try it a bit.” “We’ve added on every year, putting a little more in the grass business. It was a good opportunity, especially at that time the ag market was flat.”

Obviously farming has changed over the years and, according to Don, every change is due to technology – from financing to equipment to labor. Don said that everything that has changed in farming is 100 percent due to technology. From financing to equipment to labor. That doesn’t mean everything is better these days. Because of higher costs, margins are tighter and more planning is required. Fortunately this year, the Havelkas have seen a bumper crop.

Despite all the changes and challenges, however, the Havelkas still hold strong to principals that have been handed down for more than 100 years in their family line. “Work hard, work long and don’t expect a lot,” Keith said. “Invest well in your equipment,” added Don. “Be honest in all your doings,” Kris concluded. “What goes around, comes around.” The family is strong in faith and owes all their successes to the Good Lord.

“The good Lord has been looking down on us – and that crop is all from dry land. It’s pretty amazing,” Don said. “Farming today and farming in the past, both had their advantages,” Don said. “I think the quality of life for families and earning a living the traditional was was better and different from a business standpoint. Today its better because the physical labor was tougher in the old days. One person can farm a lot more acres today than they ever did back then.” Kris said a farmer today needs to be a jack of all trades these days, being savvy in finance, economics, marketing, technology and more.

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Planting Decisions Requiring Second Looks BY JOHN MILLER

While South Texas seems to experience a wider range of weather extremes in the growing and harvest seasons than most other U.S. production areas, I do think there are some common trains of thought across Texas and nationwide when it comes to evolving attitudes about an upcoming crop mix. Prior to just a few years ago, discussions about rotational needs and market outlook went a long way to deciding what to plant and how to manage inventory after harvest. Nowadays the planting discussion almost always includes the pursuit of high-end yield potential, avoidance of certain crops based on potential for diseases, striving for better grading/discount outcomes, ease of harvest and transportation, and crop insurance or FSA program outcomes. As is so often discussed about cotton, harvesting a bale to 1.5 bales per acre used to be a nice crop, with irrigators hoping for the opportunity to double that yield. Most farmers now include inputs and effort for 2 to 3 bale dry land, and 3 to 4 bale irrigated cotton. Dryland corn across South Texas that used to struggle to make 90 to 100 bushels per acre routinely average 130 or more. And we have at times seen some similar stories with wheat and soybeans. There is no question that that evolving cultural practices, the adoption of advances in plant genetics, chemical application, farming and handling equipment and ginning technology over the past few decades are paying off. While the right weather plays the most important role in making the desired crop, the past decade makes one wonder if under wider weather conditions that the coming together of modern practices and technology has us expecting better yields. Even though it can take researchers quire a few years of information to control for a variety of season-long growing conditions, a strong yield pattern seems to be emerging in an area that has long lagged behind national averages. This can clearly be seen in the US and World historical corn yield history charts shown below.

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What started to peak my interest in changing perceptions of the crop mix was the fact that I starting seeing decisions on what to plant that did not seem intuitive at first, but later made perfect sense when more of the story was revealed. For example, soybean futures relative to corn would suggest that farmers in certain areas would plant considerably more soybeans when using typical planning yields and basis forecast. After going over South Plains customer dryland budgets, the $350 to $400 per acre full economic cost of growing soybeans seemed to fair well against an approximately $500 to $550 cost for corn. The past three years, however, have seen late season weather that has seriously impacted soybean plant development, made Green Stem disease harder to control and led to severe quality discounts when sold. A more educated foreign buyer, and more sophisticated testing equipment have made our only market, exports, more difficult to depend on at harvest given rejection risks. In addition, it is much more difficult to store soybeans on the farm in our climate which makes one more nervous knowing that harvest delivery may be subject to rejected loads and no plan B. For these reasons, we have seen corn acres remain steady in Texas and Louisiana despite market signals to do otherwise as corn yields have in recent years become much more stable in a wider range of growing season weather experiences. There is also the perception that the most common corn quality issues are easier to manage once the crop is in storage since there is a much more diversity among users with respect to their ability to use corn of this type. Even sorghums attractive $360 per acre cost estimate only goes so far when one considers the wide yield and quality variations that we have experienced over the past few years. The arrival of the Sugarcane Aphid and associated cost of control added to the risks of lodging and/or sprout during the tropical weather season has prompted major change despite a

budget that at first glance appears more profitable under selected yield and basis scenarios. It is true that the prospect for a large PLC payment on cotton generic base and basis volatility for those farming close to export markets has kept sorghum an important part of the crop mix, but this potential government payments alone are often not enough to steer acres from corn or cotton given the yield prospects discussed above.

For the South Texas production area, however, there is not a better example of the issues just discussed than with cotton. Even farmers themselves have been dismayed at what their cotton crops have done in the face of what in years past would have been considered difficult growing years. The once radical cotton yields that have become common across the South Plains in recent years has definitely helped the national average cotton yield to trend upward; and the increase seen over the past 3 years has coincided a move from 8.5 to 12 million acres, suggesting that it is not the loss of marginal ground that is helping to boost yield as is many times the case. Cotton is also a case where quality has been improving under a wider range of weather experiences which can be an important boost to the bottom line due to the way cotton premiums are established and paid. While quality aspects are still very weather sensitive, it does seem that seed technology and practices are making a big impact. Even our findings of an estimated $600 to $650 dollar per acre full economic cost on dryland seems to draw little attention relative to other crops as virtually all South Plains growers hope to achieve 2 to 3 bale dryland yields.

yields are being experienced worldwide. There are a myriad of other factors that has made cotton more attractive than just a few years ago. But the underlying fact is that improving yields and quality under broader weather experiences along with advances in harvest, ginning and transportation processes have seen cotton acres grow in the face of formerly unattractive price environments. These factors affecting the planting decision for cotton are virtually identical to those keeping soybean acres in check versus corn across the South Plains despite a yield and price outlook that might suggest otherwise.

Working with a diverse clientele across the greater South Plains, I can attest that farmers here are spending more time searching for greater overall efficiency on the farm so that the entire operation down to field level can remain profitable under a wider range of yield and price outcomes. The volatile price environment that may, or may not, provide profitable opportunities at average yields places a lot of pressure on farmers to maximize potential in the field. Farmers are first to understand that all of this new technology that is pointing to a new plateau in yields comes at a cost however, and therefore requires a constant vigil of controlling costs. As our discussion about uncertain prices suggests, it will be continual creative efforts by all stakeholders in the crop including farmers, landowners, scientist and those providing products and services to the industry that keep South Plains farming as viable and widespread as it is currently in the decades ahead.

And as the cotton yield history chart below shows, better cotton J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership publishes updated Arroyo Colorado watershed protection plan

BY KATHY WYTHE Texas Water Resources Institute

Thanks to the work of numerous stakeholders, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership recently published the Update to the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan, developed by the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership, Texas Water Resources Institute and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accepted the plan and work has already begun to implement the measures within the plan.

The updated watershed plan effectively outlines a strategy to improve the watershed’s two water body segments impaired by bacteria and low dissolved oxygen, said Jaime Flores, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program coordinator for the Texas Water Resources Institute and the partnership’s watershed coordinator.

“The Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership has been working with local stakeholders and project partners for the last five years to conduct baseline monitoring, model best management practices and management measures, and complete the updated plan,” he said. “This update to the plan represents the quintessential marathon effort,” said Dr. Jude A. Benavides, Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership and Steering Committee. “It is not the work of any one single individual. It is instead a direct outcome of the long-term commitment, continuous support and goal-oriented work of numerous individuals and organizations. We all look forward to helping put this plan into action in order to preserve and best manage the Arroyo Colorado for our current and future stakeholders.”

hanks to the work of numerous stakeholders, the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership recently published the Update to the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan, developed by the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership, Texas Water Resources Institute and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accepted the plan and work has already begun to implement the measures within the plan.

The tidal segment of the Arroyo Colorado watershed has been included on Texas’ list of impaired water bodies since 1978, due to periods of low dissolved oxygen levels. In addition, both the tidal and above-tidal segments are impaired by high levels of bacteria that exceed the state’s contact recreation standard. Flores said the first Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan was published in 2007, with guidance measures to carry through 2015. “But that was only the first phase of a long-term plan,” Flores said. “While great progress has been made in both urban and agricultural areas to reduce pollutant loads, we have not reached our goal of removing the Arroyo Colorado from the list of impaired water bodies. This updated plan will guide us in that

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effort.” Benavides, an associate professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, said the updated plan reflects the progress made within the watershed since 2007 and outlines the next phase of efforts to improve the water quality in the Arroyo Colorado. Watershed stakeholders have established an overarching goal and sub-goals as targets to achieve in the short- and long-term to improve the health of the watershed. The long-term goal of the plan is to achieve state water quality standards in the Arroyo Colorado by lowering pollutant loadings, enhancing streamflow and aeration, and restoring aquatic and riparian habitat through voluntary measures and existing regulatory controls.

A few of the Partnership’s water quality goals are: • encourage voluntary best management practice adoption on an additional 35,000 acres of cropland (i.e. 75 percent of cropland under a conservation plan), 10,000 acres of pastureland and 7,500 acres of rangeland; • improve the quality of treated effluent from wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs), reduce sanitary sewage overflows and where possible, encourage voluntary implementation of enhanced biological treatment projects to remove nutrients from WWTF effluent; • increase wastewater and stormwater infrastructure development for rural and unincorporated low-income communities in the Arroyo Colorado watershed; • repair/replace 300 failing onsite sewage facilities (OSSFs) and provide colonia residents and homeowners with OSSF information on how to properly inspect, maintain and service their septic systems;

• reduce lawn fertilizer use by homeowners by 10 percent through educational and outreach; • reduce pet waste loading by 10 percent; • protect and restore valuable terrestrial habitat areas throughout the watershed; • protect and restore riparian areas, resacas and freshwater and coastal wetlands; • protect, restore and expand urban habitat and urban forestry; • continue to improve the awareness and understanding of the water quality issues associated with the Arroyo Colorado, its connection to the Lower Laguna Madre and the value both these natural resources bring to the communities of the Lower Rio Grande Valley; • coordinate decision-making for the protection, restoration and enhancement of the Arroyo Colorado and its watershed; and • implement an illegal dumping campaign in cooperation with existing municipal, county and Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Illegal Dumping programs. Development of the updated plan was funded through a Clean Water Act grant to the Texas Water Resources Institute, administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The institute is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University. The watershed plan is currently available for download at

http://arroyocolorado.org/.

• pursue installation and operation of aerators in the zone of impairment for low dissolved oxygen;

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

BY KAREN FORD

Surge valves in furrow irrigation can cut water consumption from 22 to 52 percent.

griculture is the biggest driver of the economy in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It’s a $28 billion industry that fuels thousands of jobs, supports many families, and feeds millions of mouths across our globe. Agriculture is also the number one user of water in the Valley, so imagine what might happen if we don’t have enough water to irrigate our crops. The economy of the Valley could collapse from lack of water. Agriculture researchers, with a focus on the Valley, have spent the better part of the 21st century testing and validating a wide range of water saving irrigation techniques and technologies on every crop grown in the region. Their ultimate goal was to find and demonstrate which practices save water and hold steady or increase net cash farm income. The results are in, and it’s time to share. That’s why the good folks at the Texas Water Development Board have enlisted the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) and its project partners to deliver water conservation and efficiency programs to Valley growers and irrigation districts – based on the results of the past years’ rigid testing in the lab, on the farm, in the district, and on the spreadsheet. TWRI’s Lower Rio Grande Valley Irrigation Education and Outreach program will spend the next year promoting water 26

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conservation strategies among growers and irrigation district boards and managers. The programs will share the benefits and advantages of water conservation and water use efficiency of various on-farm irrigation and irrigation district water management practices, especially when compared to conventional practices. TWRI’s project partners include Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M UniversityKingsville Citrus Center, Harlingen Irrigation District, WaterPR, and commodity group leaders in the Valley. The project team will deliver six grower education programs in the LRGV—three irrigation training programs and three commodity-specific trainings for citrus, row crops, and vegetables. At each educational event, water conserving technology and practices, irrigation scheduling, available cost share opportunities (i.e. RCPP, EQIP, WQMPs), and other relevant information will be discussed. In addition, the project team will provide two educational programs for Irrigation District Directors and General Managers regarding use of SCADA, UAVs, on-farm BMPs, metering, automated gates, and better partnering with cost-share programs. Adopting water conserving ag practices goes a long way toward implementing the 2016 Region M Water Plan, which calls for:

1) conserving water needed for future growth,

2) ensuring the continued vitality of agriculture in the LRGV, and 3) positively affecting the Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy and environment. Current water conservation methods such as narrow border flood, drip irrigation, and microspray have been shown to save between 26,200 and 49,000 acre-feet of water each year for the Texas citrus industry alone (Nelson et al. 2011, www. TexasAWE.org). But widespread adoption of such practices is needed to truly have an effect on fulfilling the ag water demand of 1.6 million acre-feet predicted by 2070. According to the 2016 Region M Water Plan, an additional supply of 797,344 acre-feet per year will be needed by 2070 to support the municipal, irrigation and other water needs in the LRGV. Between 2020 and 2070, population in the region is expected to grow 106 percent. With increased municipal demands and less reliable water delivery from the Rio Grande, significant unmet irrigation needs are projected. Agricultural irrigation water demand makes up the largest share of current water demands but is projected to decrease due largely to urbanization. Water conservation by irrigation districts and growers is expected to provide 43 percent of future water needs projected for the Valley. Given that most water rights reside with the Irrigation Districts, it is fundamental to have a partnership between farmers and irrigation districts. Further, Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas A&M

University Kingsville continue to work to develop, demonstrate, and release new methods for improving water resource management in this important region of the state. Watch for TWRI and Texas A&M AgriLife programs coming to a farm or a district near you. Make plans to participate and learn how irrigation water efficiency can offer growers proven ways to save water, enhance yields, and improve net cash farm income.

For more information contact: Lucas Gregory, lfgregory@ag.tamu.edu The Texas Water Resources Institute, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, fosters and communicates research and educational outreach programs focused on water resources and management issues in Texas and beyond.

ATTENTION GROWERS & DISTRICT BOARDS/STAFF We want to know what you think! Please participate in our online survey.

SpeakUpAg.com Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a short, safe and important survey from the Texas Water Resources Institute.

About the author: Karen Ford is owner of WaterPR, a full service marketing and communications firm with a niche focus on water issues for water-centric clients in the public, private and non-profit sectors. WaterPR.com

Replacing manual gates with automated gates is one way for districts to move water more efficiently.

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

THE RIVER ROCK BAND

hen asked where the name River Rock Band came from, band members J.P. English and Doug Martin look at each other and say “that’s a good question.”

from events where they have performed. Some of those events include the Museum of South Texas History’s gala, the Edinburg Rotary’s CajunFest, the annual Ranch Gala, Juan Diego Academy’s fundraisers and for beef clubs around the Valley, among others.

“I think River came because of the Rio Grande,” one says. “I’m not sure about Rock, because we weren’t really a rock band,” the other adds. Regardless of where the name originated, the country band’s name has etched itself into the landscape of the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas, providing fundraisers and benefits with great contemporary country and classic rock entertainment for the past 15 years.

English taught himself how to play guitar when he was 10 years old. His cousin was older and was the lead guitarist for a band called The Outcast, kind of putting out the map for English to follow. When English entered high school he played in a rock band, while also balancing his time as a high school football player.

“We like doing fundraisers,” said English, who is the band’s general manager, booking agent, lead guitarist and one of the vocalists. “We’re really not out there playing the bars but we’ll do weddings, parties and benefits. We all have jobs and we don’t want another job.” “We want something that is fun and meaningful.” English and Martin, who are part of the original band, estimate that they have raised more than $100,000 in donations

Photos taken by Debra Atlas

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“My claim to fame is we got to play in front of ZZ Top twice,” he said. “But life happens – you get married and have kids and they become your first love and priority.” Martin said his mom was a major influence in his musical upbringing as she sang in the church choir “from as early as when I opened my eyes,” he said. “Then when I was in band and choir, in choir because I had a choice – choir or typing and I chose choir because that’s where all the cheerleaders were.”

Overall, the band’s musical influences – and who you will hear them performing songs of – include George Strait, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Credence Clearwater Revival and the Rolling Stones, among others. Martin is also part of the band’s vocals. Other members include Lee Baucum on steel guitar and David Elliott on drums and vocals. At press time, the band was looking for bass player, most recently held down by Dale McNallen. The group members all work full-times jobs but between them have more than 100 years of combined music experience. “It’s hard work to keep up a band and learn new music but we are at a point where we can knock out a new song quicker than we used to because of who we have

in there,” English said. “Finding time for all five guys to get together is a challenge, we have to turn down a lot stuff. Our busy other careers are what conflict with making ourselves available when other organizations want to have us.” English and Martin met at a rotary meeting, where they became friends and got to know each other. JP who is the vice president of Amigo Power Equipment and Doug who owns Martin Farm and Ranch cater not only to agriculture through their businesses, but also cater to raise money for those involved as well. Both are big advocates of the rotary organizations around the world.

so much. Bill Gates is now a member and rotary has almost single-handedly stamped out polio and we will one day have a polio-free world,” Martin said. “Rotary deserves a lot of credit for a lot of good it does in each community.” English said the band remains adamant about not performing in the “9 to 2 bar scene” but welcomes invitations to play for organizations to raise money for a good cause. “Fortunately we have guys who have so much music experience and we all just want to play – we’d rather even play for beer money than not play at all.”

Doug and JP share all booking and management decisions.

To book River Rock Band or for more information call (956) 607-0022 or

email river.rockrgv@yahoo.com

“A lot of people within rotary all over the place have done

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

THE CASE OF THE

IRISH CARROTS A TRUE DETEC TIVE MYSTERY

NOEL GARCIA, CCA, Technical Director, TPS Lab LARRY ZIBILSKE, Ph.D., Vice-President of Research, TPS lab

few years ago, we were contacted by a grower in Ireland. One of his concerns was that his carrot crop had really bushy two-foot tops. We immediately jumped to the conclusion that he had applied too much nitrogen – and he agreed that he had applied considerable N – but months previous. Additionally, he had serious disease problems – especially Crown Rot. But excess N could explain that, as well. Most, if not nearly all plant diseases are only symptoms of nutritional problems. He told us that he previously had an expert in from Holland and one from Spain, both of whom left baffled without providing any substantive answers - it was an expensive exercise for nothing. But we were also a little baffled, as even a non-expert would have reasonably concluded that excessive N was the probable cause of disease and excessive vegetative growth. So why were the Europeans baffled? The grower sent us some whole samples for sap and tissue analysis, and to our astonishment, the sap contained virtually no N (or much of anything else)! At that moment, we realized that we were faced with an “interesting” case. We had already expected and then confirmed that his rich

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Irish soil was high in organic matter with a strong ability to hold nutrients – especially boron. Additionally, he told us of his fertilization program, which while a little lacking and ill-timed, was nonetheless conventional for the area. So, what was the matter? After several weeks of considerable back-and-forth communications, he finally told us that his part of Ireland had experienced (and was experiencing) very wet, cloudy and cool weather. In fact, he had received only seven days of sunlight over about three months. So, while he had applied a lot of N several months earlier, it, along with other nutrients, even boron, had been flushed out of the soil by all the rain. Why then, the huge tops? The plants were trying to maintain some overall level of photosynthesis. In low light, this requires a larger surface area of foliage. And more foliage growth requires more N. So, his nitrogen had been depleted in two ways: loss due to leaching and extraordinary foliage growth. Additionally, he had planted at a very high population rate and so his plants were naturally etiolated. Oddly however, the tops were green, although a bit floppy. It was already well into the season when he contacted us, so after determining the cause of his initial complaint, the next

problem was to eliminate the disease and build up the nutritional value of his crop to meet European Union standards, fast. The major issue was imbalanced nutrition, especially in the micronutrients and traces. This imbalance was also causing improper hormone production of auxins and gibberellin, thereby also precipitating the excessive tops. All plants require balanced nutrition to be healthy, especially as to the micronutrients and traces, the combination and amounts of which are unique to the crop and its stage of growth. They are key nutrient hormone co-factors that provide proper nutrition and hormone balance for optimum development and enhanced production. At least zinc, copper, iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum and silicon all play vital rôles in carrot (and other crops’) health. The many dark days were not only causing excessive vegetative growth but also the nutritional problems, together with unusually wet conditions and cool soil, combined with a very high plant population resulting in extreme plant stress – thereby making his crop ideal for highly-successful disease encroachment. And he had secondary nutrient deficiencies, as well: His local lab told him that he had plenty of soil calcium and magnesium. Yet,

sap analysis revealed that his carrots had very little of these – which explained the floppy tops and much of the disease problems - both due to low rigidity and strength of the cell walls. So, why did his lab tell him that his soil had plenty of Ca and Mg? Many soils, especially high pH, calcareous ones, contain very much more plant-unavailable (water or carbonic acid insoluble) nutrient compounds than they do available ones. His lab very likely used the Mehlich III strong-acid extraction method, which is the standard method used by many labs around the world. A strong-acid extraction extracts well into, and reports nutrient compounds which are not plant-available - including those that are (giving a sense of over-adequacy). These extractions can’t discern the proportions of each. This explains why nearly all soil labs are regional and plant-availability must be estimated (guessed), based on the lab’s experience in the area. His local lab was dramatically over-optimistic, as most are. Our recommendations are based on generic compounds or elements, and we rely upon local crop advisors to specify the products and oversee the implementation. In this case, we recommended amounts of actual calcium, magnesium and boron, together with other nutrients. Our client faithfully followed our recommendations by foliarly-applying these nutrients periodically, yet his plants remained very deficient in at least Ca and Mg for the rest of the season. What was wrong? It wasn’t until the next year, after many conversations, that it emerged that his crew had been mixing calcium in the form of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and magnesium in form of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in the spray tank and trying to apply them in one pass. The result? Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) – pretty insoluble, with little plant-availability. In fact, much of it precipitated in the tank, but the operators wouldn’t have noticed, due to the continuous agitation.

It was something that an experienced crop advisor wouldn’t have done. Once his nutritional program was adjusted and he started applying Ca and Mg separately, the crop’s natural hormone pro duction became balanced, the program lead to a succ essful harvest. Balancing also included increasing zinc, boron, silicon and calcium for better cell structure, thereby preventing Crown Rot (and other diseases), plus magnesium to stimulate photosynthesis and to keep top growth to a minimum – all part of a custom-designed very intensive remedial carrot-crop nutrition program. He was able to profitably market his crop. The lessons of this case: ● Comprehensive Plant Sap Testing is The Cornerstone for identifying nutritional problems and maximizing crop performance. All the nutrients (including the ones of which you may have never heard) needed by the crop must be included in the analysis, together with accurate standards for judging plant nutrient adequacy and subsequent recommendations. ● Solutions to serious problems can’t be discerned by laboratory analysis, alone. Field experience and overall knowledge are essential and real detective-work is often required. ● The Whole Picture: Solutions to problems require an overall view of crop dynamics and circumstances, taking all the growing factors into consideration (the “holistic” approach). ● Tell your lab’s consultants Everything! Assuming your lab has the knowledge and experience to deal with unusual or difficult growing conditions (holistically), provide it with all the details, right up front. Doing that can save a lot of time. ● Don’t mix stuff together and hope it works! Always jar test, first! Gel or precipitate spell grief in the spray tank and screens. It’s a lot easier to wash out the jar - and precipitates or gels that do pass through the screens do the crop little good. ● Solutions to successful crop production, especially under difficult conditions, require your lab’s consultants to have advanced knowledge extending way beyond just soil chemistry and basic plant nutrition – well into all of your local growing factors (weather, irrigation water quality, plant physiology, etc.) influencing crop development!. (By the way, are your lab’s plant nutrition standards up-to-date? Many labs

Many labs still rely upon “traditional” standards published in the 1950s – which do not reflect late discoveries in plant nutrition and physiology, new cultivars or precision measurement instruments.) ● Knowledge of newer products: We, together with most labs, make recommendations based on generic compounds (as sulfates, etc.) or as actual elements (N, Mg, Zn, etc.), as we do not know what products may be locally-available to the client. However, newer products, especially the N-based and the chelates, may be much more effective. Many product advancements and discoveries, even over the last few years, have been made. Your consultant should have good knowledge of these products and he or your fertilizer distributor should be able to translate generic recommendations into their product-specific ones. But very important!

Many current products are slow-release. If sap tests show that your crop is seriously deficient and needs an immediate infusion of some nutrient(s), slow-release products will not be sufficient. Typically, foliarlyapplied sulfates are most rapidly-absorbed by the crop (there are exceptions). Remember that the point of sap tests is to enable you to fix your crop’s nutritional requirements seven to 21 days before quality and yield are impacted for the season! Most growers are always fighting the weather. It takes time to get and apply nutrients. So short report turn-around times are very important. And biological inoculants, organic acids, hormones and more, are crucial and can be real game-changers in transforming a (whatever the) problematic crop into a profitablysuccessful one – especially those that have been physically-damaged (due to hail, sandstorms, etc.). J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

TEMPLE GRANDIN COULD’VE STARTED THE WHOLE “KEEP CALM...” SERIES OF SLOGANS AND SHIRTS MANY, MANY YEARS AGO. SLOGANS WHERE THERE IS GREAT MEANING BEHIND THEM IN REGARDS TO GRANDIN’S LIFE AND SUCCESS.

HANDLE YOUR CATTLE KEEP CALM

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randin is a consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and an autism spokesperson. She was named in Time magazine’s annual list as one of the 100 most influential people in the world under the heroes category in 2010. She is also an author and inventor of the “hug box,” a device to calm those on the autism spectrum.

She was a guest speaker at the recent Cattle Baron and shared her story, successes and challenges to children and attendees of the annual event. Being calm is not only a part of her life as she has dealt with autism throughout her life, but also when it comes to handling livestock. Her 2007 book “Livestock Handling and Transport” discusses the concept that when livestock are calm, their lives are better and their weight gains are greater and more consistent. The author of several publications and journal studies also has a new book entitled “Temple Grandin’s Guide to Working With Farm Animals.” “The first thing that people need to do when they are working with cattle is calm down,” Grandin said. “When they calm down the cattle calm down.” Grandin said that cattle handling and stockmasnhip have greatly improved since the 70s and that people are realizing that better stockmanship leads to better weight gain and productivity for their animals. Keeping animals calm include keeping away as many distractions as possible. “Animals notice a whole lot of little things we may notice,” she said. “They may see a shadow, ora chain hanging down or a coat on the fence. I find even after doing this for 40 years that I am still reminding people to get the coat off the fence or tie up the chain that’s hanging down – people are not seeing.” According to her website templegrandin.com, she has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio) and a BBC Special – “The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow.” She has also appeared on National TV shows such as Larry King Live, 20/20, Sixty Minutes, Fox and Friends, and she has a 2010 TED talk. Articles about Dr. Grandin have appeared in Time Magazine, New York Times, Discover Magazine, Forbes and USA Today. HBO made an Emmy Award winning movie about her life and she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016. Dealing with a form of autism since an early age, Grandin said she is a visual thinker and more livestock owners need to learn or practice that trait as much as possible. “You need to be watching what your cattle are looking at,” she said. “Where are they stopping in your facility and why?” Grandin has several scientific journal entries away from the livestock field and into the field of autism and child behavior. She believes that children are not being given opportunities

at a young age, instead being places in a special ed category, thus being pretty much left behind. She would like to see more kids involved in FFA and 4H. “One of the big problems I see today is that kids are gutting shunned and put into special ed; fully verbal smart kids – not learning work skills. Kids have got to learn work skills before they graduate from high school. That’s especially important for kids with a special ed label.” Grandin said she recently visited the Kennedy Space Center and what she noticed inspired her. “It was the misfits and the kids that were different built the stuff – I’m saying that absolutely seriously,” Grandn said. “Right now these major companies like Tyson or JBW swift or Cargill can’t find people to fix their stuff because the kids who should be fixing their stuff are playing video games at home on a social security check.” J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

Meet the Hidalgo County Extension Agents

BY ASHLEY GREGORY

While most people are familiar with Texas A&M University, many are unaware of the multiple organizations that fall under the umbrella of the A&M System. I’m often surprised by the lack of awareness of the Extension Service and its many educational programs. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a part of the Texas A&M University System and has a unique partnership with local county governments creating a statewide network of 250 county offices and over 900 professional educators. The concept of County Extension Agents dates back to the early 1900’s when Dr. Seaman A. Knapp, Special Agent for Promotion of Agriculture in the South for the U.S.D.A., worked with a farmer to conduct the first ever farmer led field demonstration. Leaders of Smith County were intrigued by this local, “cooperative” research and provided funding to hire someone to work under Dr. Knapp as the first “agent” in the nation to serve a single county. By 1914 the Smith – Lever Act was signed into law, allowing states to establish a Cooperative Extension Service as part of the land-grant university system of teaching and research. Today County Extension Agents provide every county in Texas with relevant, quality outreach and continuing education programs and services. Hidalgo County has one of the larger staff’s with 7 Extension Agents, and 8 staff members that support various programs. There is often a misconception that we only work with agriculture, but Extension has a variety of educational programs that range from health and nutrition to money management and anger control. Meet the staff and learn all about the numerous educational programs provided to the community of Hidalgo.

County Extension Agents (CEA):

Andrea Valdez, CEA

Family & Community Health Hidalgo County Coordinator

Andrea provides Food Handlers certification train ing, and implements the Walk Across Texas program (http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu/) for Hidalgo County. Ms. Valdez supervises the Better Living for Texans program (with 2 program assistants) which provide nutritional classes to adults and youth. She also assists in the 4-H Food Show, 4-H Fashion Show, and other 4-H contests. Ms. Valdez serves as the County Coordinator and is responsible for the relationship between AgriLife Extension and Hidalgo County government. She also coordinates the activities of the Leadership Advisory Board, provides training for Administrative Assistants, and provides interpretation of Hidalgo County Extension programs to stakeholders.

Brad Cowan, CEA

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Brad started his career as a CEA in Montgomery County, where he was part of the very first Master Gardener class in Texas. He spent some time in Galveston County before joining the Hidalgo County office in 1990. Brad is responsible for educational programs and applied research in cotton, corn, grain sorghum, sugarcane, sunflowers, emerging crops, beef cattle, forages, irrigation technology and water conservation in production agriculture. He also provides Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license training and assists other county faculty with the Leadership Advisory Board, commercial vegetables, citrus, and 4-H programs.

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Ashley Gregory, CEA Horticulture

Ashley grew up in Edinburg and started working for Extension in 2008 shortly after graduating from Texas State University. She held several positions with Extension; working with On Farm Food Safety and the Arroyo Colorado Watershed, before becoming the Hidalgo County Horticulture Agent in 2015. Ashley coordinates and conducts educational programs and demonstrations involving vegetable crops, landscape plants, water conservation and the environment. She also supervises the Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities (GNHC) program; with the help of 3 program assistants, they maintain 8 community gardens throughout Hidalgo County. Additionally, she provides leadership for the Texas certified Master Gardener Volunteer program; assists with 4-H outreach programs, offers training on the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) school program, and works with CEA’s from Willacy and Cameron Counties to provide educational workshops for Small Acreage Producers.

Vidal Saenz, CEA

Cooperative Extension – Prairie View

Vidal coordinates the Small Farm Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program, as administered by Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. He provides financial planning and management for farmers and ranchers; specializing in technical assis tance with filling out loan applications from USDA-Farm Service Agency. He also offers outreach education on loan programs and other USDA programs servicing agricultural producers. Our mission is to remove any obstacles that impede producers from applying for USDA loans and programs.

Esly Reyes, CE Assistant in Training

Family Community Health & 4-H

Esly grew up in Reynosa, Tamaulipas and graduated from TAMUK in 2015. She joined the Hidaglo County office in 2016 and is currently working on her Master’s Degree with Texas A&M Health Science Center. Esly is responsible for Si,Yo Puedo!, a 7-week diabetes self-management program for Spanish-speaking adults with type 2 diabetes and over the age of 18. The aim of this research-based program is to educate, empower and equip participants to better control their diabetes using a real-world practical approach. In addition, she facilitates the Master Wellness Volunteer Program, which provides volunteers with 40 hours of training in health and nutrition education, food safety and food demonstrations, dietary guidelines, stress management, physical activity, communication, presentation skills and much more.

Joanne Ureste, CE A Family Resources

Joanne is a native of Edinburg and has been with the Hidalgo County Extension office since September of 2014. Previously Joanne worked with Girls Scouts of Greater South Texas and Ignite Public Schools. Joanne is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating education programs in the areas of personal financial literacy for youth and adults, budgeting and money management. In addition she offers parenting and anger management classes, and manages the Master Clothing Volunteers of Hidalgo County. She also coordinates and assists in 4-H Food Show, 4-H Fashion Show, 4-H RoundUp, 4-H Ambassadors and 4-H County Council.

Melissa De Leon, CE A

Expanded Food and Nutrition

Melissa oversees the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), which provides food and nutrition education for limited resource families with young children through the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, with funding from USDA. She manages a staff of 6 program assistants that help low-income families and youth acquire the knowledge, skills, and changed behaviors necessary for nutritionally sound diets. These changes contribute to their personal development and the improvement of total family diet and nutritional welfare.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATED: ADAMS FARMS ALTHEA PANNELL ANITA & RANDY MCMURRAY ASHLEY PANNELL ASHLEY TAYLOR DALE ROBERTS DANIELLE & MAGNUS GOSLIN ELKS LODGE 1889 ERIC & SUMER KNIGHT-POLLY GLORIA BISHOP HEATH & PEGGY HARRIS JIM & LUPITA GORMAN JOSE PEREZ JUDY KELLY KANDI HEARN KAYLA SUAREZ

LEVI & BROOKE BURNS LOGAN & MADISON HARRIS LORI KEHLER MARTHA HALL MICAH GIBBS- GONZALEZ & MYLES GONZALES NORA ROBLES SAMANTHA TAYLOR TATIANA VAKHLOMOVA & ALEKSANDER KHAZONOV

DISCOVER A

PACE EDUCATION

17767 PRIMERA RD HARLINGEN, TX 78552 956-778-4295

2315 W. Expressway 83 #102, San Benito, Texas 78586 www.cropguardinsurance.com

956-688-8485 Thanks for 11 Years!

LOOK!

MADE YOU

Growing Growers

Farmers Market Celebrates 10 Years! The Growing Growers Farmers Market, in McAllen’s Firemen’s Park, at 1st Street and Business 83, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this February. The Saturday morning market has a special history beginning with consumer demand and served up with a real since of community and family. “We all work together to serve our customers, says Pat Ozuna, a market member and owner of Circle 3 Farm and Ranch. If I don’t have something, I know what others are growing, so I can send the customer to the right person. A lot of customers say that they can feel the friendship, when they shop with us. That is something that comes from the way we started as a family market with a purpose of sharing our knowledge with the community.” Market Manager, Edwin Storz, and volunteers greet customers, from the Welcome Desk, when they enter the market under a park pavilion. Vegetable Planting Schedules, in English and Spanish, and basic gardening information is available, as well as, recipes and information about upcoming workshops. Master Gardeners answer gardening questions, and provide information on workshops. Just a few feet from the Welcome Desk is a kitchen where cooking classes are offered once a month from local chefs or health care professionals. “Our customers are often trying some fruits and vegetables for the first time, says Barbara Storz, founder of the market and retired Texas A & M AgriLife Extension educator, so they want to be sure they conserve nutritional benefits and maximize flavor when they prepare their purchases. Our growers like to share recipes, too, and often provide cooking demonstrations. We started the market by educating people to grow vegetables and now the market continues to support education in every way that we can.” The Growing Growers Farmers Market opened in February 2008 as an extension of a gardening and nutrition education program. Weekly classes met over several months covering vegetable production, nutrition, food safety, food preparation, as well as, business management and marketing. The purpose of the program was to increase vegetable consumption by the class participants and their families and to help them learn to market their excess vegetables. Not every student had the space or wanted to grow vegetables to sell. But for many, this was a way to provide a service to their communities and an opportunity to share their knowledge. “The Extension office had been receiving calls, since the late 1990’s, about the need for a farmers market, so I thought this would be the most likely class to do this,” said Storz. Besides fresh vegetables and fruits, the market also has a wide range of farm products, such as eggs, artisan cheese and chocolate, raw honey, grass-fed lamb and beef, as well as, Gulf caught shrimp. Natural skin care products are available, as is imported fresh-roasted organic coffee and Greek olive oil and Italian vinegar. The Growing Growers Farmers Market also carries traditional and specialized bakery options. “We have customers with food allergies and special dietary needs,” says Storz. “I called upon my friend, Lebby Salinas, a certified health coach and home economist, to organize a

Pat Ozuna, Circle 3 Farm and Ranch with customer

class for people who were interested in baking for the market. Lebby, who also has food allergies, held a class on the Cottage Food Law and taught bakers about using alternative ingredients that would produce baked goods that are gluten free, vegan, or offered reduced sugar options. This has been a great service to our community and several of the bakers now provide custom baked goods for parties and weddings.” The Growing Growers Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until noon. For more information about the market, contact Barbara Storz, 956-330-6410, or email her at: bstorz@rcommunications.com. Idelma Gomez, Grower Ricardo Carranza & Esmeralda Guerra, Master Gardeners*

Juanita Ramos, Provenza Farm and Ranch

Lebby Salinas, Home Bakers Market*

UTPA students enhance studies with field trips to geological wonders

Trips to interesting and rare geological sites give students field experience and an appreciation for local environmental gems.

BY NORA N. GARZA

The next generation of water experts is likely to come from the School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, at the University of Texas RGV. Academic majors such as these will help young graduates address the global water crisis. Yet, it is surprising that with the close proximity of two major bodies of water in our area with international significance that Hispanics are underrepresented in earth science, also known as geoscience. To boost interest in this academic field, The National Science Foundation funds the Stimulation Hispanic Participation in the Geosciences program (SHIP-GEO). The program offers field trips to give students hand-on learning opportunities about local geology and the environment in the Rio Grande Valley. “SHIP-GEO has many components,” said Chu-Lin Cheng, assistant professor in the School of Earth, Environmental & Marine Sciences. “Field trips are open to anyone, while scholarships, research opportunities, career path are available to mainly Environmental Science students.” Among the geological wonders students have visited are a 27 millionyear-old volcanic ash deposit in Rio Grande City and rare wind tidal flats and lomas (clay dunes) near Boca Chica. To learn about reverse osmosis used in the industry, students toured the water treatment plants at North Alamo Water Supply Corp., whose business office is located in Edinburg. The participants of the SHIP-GEO program are mainly Environmental Science majors, said Dr. Chen. “But we try to ‘convert’ anyone who might be interested, even policy and business majors.” A question generally asked by students and their parents: what careers or jobs will they be prepared for? Depending on the courses they take, they will have the background to be a hydrologist, geologists, environmental specialist, geo-engineer, geological specialist, petroleum specialist, agriculture specialist, environmental protections specialist, or wildlife conservation specialist. “There are many opportunities with federal/state agencies, which deal with water, land and environmental issues. The list includes Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Water Development Board, U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Also, cities and environmental consultant firms hire graduates in these fields.” Students get into the environmental sciences for reasons as varied at the students themselves. Eli Gonzalez earned his bachelor of science in Environmental Science and now is working on his master’s in Ocean Coastal and Earth Science. He hopes to work as a geologist/hydrogeologist. “I enjoy the outdoors very much, and these fields will allow me to conduct field research in order to provide new information on untapped resources,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez, who is a graduate assistant for Dr. Chen, also encourages others to enter the Environmental Science Program. “It’s a great time for students to study geosciences,” he said. “There are plenty of opportunities for students at UTRGV to get exposed to future opportunities and many job opportunities throughout the nation.” Biology major Robert Otken said his minor in environmental science will help with his understanding of the composite Earth systems and the intrinsic interdependence between the disciplines. Otken recommends environmental science as a major or minor for “anyone interested in understanding how our little planet works.” “I feel the general public needs a greater appreciation of the Earth system sciences,” said Otken. Following graduation, he would like to work for a federal or state agency helping manage wildlife resources. Maria Benitez, an environmental science major, wants to be part of the solution of the local water shortage. “South Texas is always in need of water and the fact that the RGV is growing so fast, it becomes concerning as well as exciting to see how water consumption and development will be further implemented. “I am excited in applying my knowledge and skills obtained during my education to adequately produce and contribute in bridging the gaps in efficiency and exceed the growing supply and demand with an environmental friendly process.” One thing is for sure, there will always be the need for water. Talk about job security. Nora N. Garza is the Outreach Coordinator for North Alamo Water Supply Corp. She can be reached at ngarza@nawsc.com or 956-383-1618.

Students from UTRGV tour a water plant at North Alamo Water Supply Corp. to learn how reverse osmosis is used in the industry. J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

It’s All About the Mesquite!

s the 2012 drought dried up every thing within its grasp, leaving many who rely on the land for their living wondering what they were going to do for revenue lost, Victoria Cappadona noticed that the mesquite trees on their ranch were like a mini oasis. My father-in-law stopped by and we noticed how everything looked so gruesome, dry, and dead. However, the mesquite trees were all bright green and loaded with mesquite bean pods.

The ranch was covered with mesquite trees and Victoria thought “what do people do with them? They’re everywhere.” Her father-in-law said that during a drought, mesquite trees help sustain wildlife. He mentioned that they made jelly out of the beans as well. That turned on a bright lightbulb for Victoria. “After he said that, I had some time and googled a couple recipes,” she said. “He had mentioned something about a honey too but there was a lot more info on a jelly. I started 44

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experimenting and made mesquite bean jelly, a couple of cases of it.” The response was better than the Cappadona’s expected. Everything they made was gone within a few weeks. It was a good enough response where they decided to collect more. Victoria got the entire family out collecting beans. She had an especially memorable conversation with her dad. “My dad said that as kids they would sit out under the mesquite trees on the ranch and chew on the beans. It was their candy,” Victoria said. “Then my father-in-law told me that he thought the jelly would taste great with chile piquin. So I went over and picked his chile piquin plants, ground them and made one with chile piquin.” That recipe was also a hit and the Cappadona’s sold their two jellies in 2012, 2013 and 2014. They were onto something. “Every year I would sell out,” Victoria said. “We were going into 2016 and I told Justin ‘I think we have something here. I don’t know but I think we do. Maybe we should create an

LLC and get more serious.” The couple decided to move forward and one day while Victoria was preparing beans, distractions of life – the FedEx guy coming to the door and the kids fighting over what kids will – caused her to forget about the beans. When she went to check on them, they were roasted, dark and smoky. Victoria recalled reading about mesquite in the Texas almanac and how the soldiers often times didn’t have coffee readily available so they would take the mesquite beans, roast them over an open fire and make their “camp coffee.” “I ground them up and told Justin to try it,” she said. “He tasted that coffee flavor right away. “We started then making the coffee and from there we made tea and that is absolutely delicious,” she said. “At that point I tried the flour and that’s how it all came about.” The Cappadona Ranch is located in Linn, Texas. The website, cappadonaranch.com offers visitors the products to purchase as well as some combination gift bags. Justin said the biggest challenge has been to educate the younger generation that mesquite is an edible native local plant with many nutritional benefits. “One of the things we come across when we’re out at events is that we hear quite often that people in their 40s and 50s will come up and ask ‘Is mesquite edible?” Justin said. “Several would tell us that their parents always said it was poisonous; if you ate too much it would give you pink eye.” “It’s interesting because a lot of the older generation will taste it and suddenly it brings them back to their childhood. I gave a jar to a lady at the office for Christmas and that’s what she said, it reminded her of her childhood.” While the mesquite business has been a blessing for the Cappadona’s, they are looking at opportunities to do more than just sell products. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, what we’re trying to do with local universities in general is get studies done, to get the nutritional benefits and how it affects diabetes – could it be beneficial for diabetics – and educate the public,” Justin said. “It’s a good food and it’s local and who knows, maybe we can bring some of the skyrocketing diabetic problems down a little.

skyrocketing diabetic problems down a little.

“This also could be another source of income for farmers. People are looking for mesquite and we have an abundance of it.”

Justin said more people are going gluten free and organic, wanting to go back to their native roots. “You’ll find more breads that are gluten free,” Justin said. “They’ll ask us if it’s gluten free and it is. Of course one of the concerns is costs but right now we have it at an average price. Hopefully in the next year we’ll have a hammer mill to help lower the cost and it will help the production of the flour so much easier to process.” “South Texas has an abudance of mesquite. Its native and nutritious.” If you are interested in ordering, please call Victoria Cappadona at (956) 867-1819

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

Want to Advertise

Contact Michelle Martin at the Ag Mag

(956) 330-8870 michelle@theagmag.org

HANKA SOD 32054 Weaver Road, San Benito, Texas

956-207-9004

Harvesting year â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;round Delivery Available

Your business is our priority! Locally grown

TIFT 419, Bermuda, Floratam & St. Augustine

In just fourteen years STAR has raised over 7.7 million dollars for the hard working 4-H and FFA students of Hidalgo County. Every STAR exhibitor that qualifies, has applied for a STAR Scholarship and gone through the interview process has won a scholarship. $554,000 has been awarded to 474 students in fourteen years. Your family can award a scholarship at STAR. 960 STAR exhibitors have won STAR Showmanship buckles with $140,000 in showmanship premiums & buckles awarded THANKS to many generous sponsors.

me The best is yet to co at STAR 2018 on

February 28 – March 3, 2018

ing We will be celebrat RY our 15TH ANNIVERSA

STAR is responsible for many firsts always keeping what is best for our 4-H and FFA Students as our goals. STAR’s support for breeding projects in the hog, goat and cattle divisions is phenomenal. STAR believes that most of these juniors are invested in American Agriculture for the long haul, have more expenses than market projects do and thus support them like no other county show in the country with half of each class making the premium auction and receiving great support. Last year 127 breeding project exhibitors were paid $95,800 at the STAR PREMIUM AUCTION for an average of $755 per junior. STAR is proud of the support we offer these kiddos who are already in ag business. The STAR GALA is a fun and true Country HOEDOWN held at the Pharr Convention Center with some great folks, great food, great camaraderie, great music, great entertainment, the best kiddos and a fantastic cause – our Hidalgo County 4-H and FFA Students. Please consider becoming a sponsor or buying a table. Everyone is invited to support these great kiddos at the 2018 STAR SHOW PREMIUM AUCTION on March 3, 2018 at 10am. Any and everyone can bid and buy at the auction plus participate in our ADD ON program. THANKS for your continued support!!! J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

The influence of an BY VERONICA LIZETTE

The Rio Grande Valley is known for its lush citrus and the ever-growing agriculture that becomes home to all who reside here. For the students who study this field of agriculture throughout our region, the most important factor becomes the preparation they receive from their leaders within the community, beginning with the education system of every school district. At Sharyland Pioneer High School, educators, Mr. Marco Barrientes and Mr. Joe Carter successfully guide the young individuals in the FFA and Ag classes towards their career paths of choice. Barrientes, who has been teaching these classes for 25 years, begins by sharing how he prepares his students for future careers, stating, “We constantly practice and develop new skills, such as parliamentary procedures, public speaking, etc., which prepares them inside and outside classrooms, which leads them to different competitions. As far as teaching is concerned, I’ve always said that I teach for the outcome.” Barrientes explains how he feels proud seeing students succeed, whether it’s on a small or large scale. This success essentially becomes his motivation to push students towards their career goals. “A motto we have is “We don’t rebuild, we reload.” We always try to do better and supersede the accolades that we’ve accomplished in the years prior.” This is something that has definitely been the case these last 4 years of Pioneer’s opening. Barrientes finishes by saying, “I can only hope that these students carry that mentality with them when beginning their desired career.” Carter, Ag and FFA teacher for 28 years, shares that teaching a class in an Ag program is individualized by stating, “We have a wildlife class where we cover a variety of things, including taxidermy; shop classes where we teach students to weld or build; we have animal science classes where we prepare students for a career in the ranching or farming area.” These classes essentially lead students to college where they can immediately enhance their knowledge and skills through further hands-on practices. This moves into the extra-curricular portion of the FFA, which Carter considers to be the most important aspect. “We participate in so many contests that provide professional tools for everyone, no matter what job they choose. It takes a lot of time, dedication, memorization, and overall a lot of work. I teach the kids that nothing’s easy and nothing’s free. Everything takes time and work, and that’s what they learn through these programs. You’re not always going to win, but if you prepare to win, you’re always going to be more successful.” Carter adds, “I currently have 7 former Ag students who have moved on to become Ag teachers. That lets me know that I have made an impact enough for students to say, “I want to do what he does.” He explains that he is able to feel accomplished knowing that these students are accomplishing their goals, something Carter always tries to push them towards. “My goal is for my kids to graduate from school and go out to do what they want to do. If they are willing to put in the work, it will pay off.” When asked how these educators have contributed towards the individual success of students, Pioneer’s FFA President, and RGV District Vice-President, Gabriella Alaniz, a junior, states, “Not only are the agricultural classes Pioneer offers beneficial to those who see a future in the agricultural industry, but Mr. Barrientes and Mr. Carter, have helped me in many ways, specifically by giving me the hope and drive to succeed in the FFA, and life in general. I have gained a stronger view on the job opportunities in agriculture, such as being a farm and ranch manager, a veterinarian, or even a wildlife biologist. In terms of individual goals, they’ve taught me to always strive for my dreams because they’re always reachable.” Alaniz is a six time FFA state qualifier in leadership and career

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

Ag Teacher

development events. She states that they also encouraged her to become an RGV FFA officer, and eventually helped her rise to the top to become the RGV FFA District Vice President. “They have taught me public speaking skills, time management, dedication and hard work. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Ag teachers, and I’m grateful to be able to take these skills and knowledge with me to college as I pursue a career in the agribusiness.” Senior, Fernando Balendrano, Pioneer’s FFA Vice-President begins by explaining how Ag was a new-found love of his. “Joining my freshman year was a major turning point for me. All my experiences, especially competing, made me fall in love with Ag, and I began to appreciate everything about it.” Balendrano explains how the Ag classes offered at Pioneer allow students to understand future careers that are specifically tailored to their interests. “These classes made me want to be a leader and strive for a better future, which is a goal I definitely think I achieved. My Ag teachers have been a great influence on me throughout all of this. Both Mr. Carter and Mr. Barrientes have shown me how to be a strong leader, speaker, and overall a good person. I thank them for that.” Finally, senior, Audrey Smith, Pioneer’s FFA Treasurer states how she too found Ag on somewhat of a whim. “I was almost lost and looking for a way to get me involved in school, as well as incorporating my love for animals and the outdoors. When I began looking into FFA, I thought it would strictly be about raising and learning about animals. I had no idea that FFA was as large of an organization that it is, and that it has evolved over time to focus not only on “traditional” practices of agriculture, but on modern and business professional skills as well.” Some examples of these are the Leadership development events and Speaking development events that students, including Smith, participate in during the fall.

“Upon joining, I immediately knew FFA was the place for me because of how unified this organization is and all its opportunities. It has taught me responsibility through raising livestock, public speaking skills through competition, and leadership roles through becoming an officer, which I never thought I would develop.” With it being her senior year, Smith looks back and tries to imagine not having her Ag teachers and their classes, which is something she describes as terrifying, and impossible to fathom. “I wouldn’t know what I want to do in college and for the rest of my life. Mr. Carter and Mr. Barrientes have lit a path to finding my passion for agricultural business.” Smith shares that the agricultural business is in fact what she will be studying at Texas Tech next fall. Through the words of these young adults, and of the educators themselves, it is clear to see the necessity of these Ag teachers within the community in order to effectively prepare and lead students toward their passion inside the industry, and out.

FFAStudent OF THE AG MAG EDITION

What being a part of Agriculture means to me? To me Agriculture is the base of all life and is very important. Not only in making items and food, but building the future. Being in Ag means a lot to me especially in the aspect of making the world a better place. Ag isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only about cows and being outside all day. I love Ag because it provides students here with a place to be in. For example, FFA is a big part of Ag and really my passion for Ag lies in the FFA. FFA has brought me so much. Being part of the FFA has changed my life for the better. FFA inspired me to be an outgoing person and look for the positivity in any dull moment. I now have achieved many goals within the FFA. I have been an officer for three years now in my chapter. My chapter, which is the Sharyland Pioneer FFA Chapter, has made a second home for me and a family. The FFA is a big part of me, and means a lot to me. Being part of the FFA doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only give this to everyone, but much more. For example, a kid here at my school new very little English and he was told about the Spanish FFA Creed Competition. The only competition that allows kids to speak Spanish and compete for it. I believe this is very important. This means that kids can feel comfortable speaking their language. The FFA has provide many experiences that are worth remembering. For one, the competitions are a blast and I have so much fun competing and laughing afterwards. After competing the ag teachers take us out to eat. We talk and talk and make jokes and just have a blast. All other experiences come for being an officer. Being an officer means a lot to me, because people look up to me and I can make an impact in others lives. Along with being an office comes going to almost every single competition, convention, and banquet. Conventions are probably the best, especially the state convention. I have been to three state conventions, in which I have seen two of my friends run for state office and one make it for state. In these state conventions you get to hang out with the rest of your officer team and your ag teachers. The banquets are fun to, mainly because you get food, but also because you get rewards for achievements and get to be with your friends. The last part I love about being an officer is all the community work and help you get to do. We have helped with kids on Christmas and thanks giving and given blankets to the P.A.W.S club. Agriculture is very special for many reasons. This is what being in agriculture means to me.

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

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FFA&4-H 2 018

RGV

D I S T R I C T

Jan 6, 2018

Cougar Classic Location: RGVLS

Jan 20, 2018

STAR GALA

Location: Pharr Event Center

Jan 25-26, 2018

RGV Welding Contest Location: STC

Feb 28 - Mar 3, 2018

STAR

Location: Edinburg

Mar 8-18, 2018

Location: RGVLS

Jan 30, 2018

Mar 29, 2018

Location: TAMUK

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

Feb 8, 2018

RGV District Show

Area X Advisory Committee Meeting

C A L E N

RGVLS

RGV District Meeting

Location: Red Gate Time: 5:30pm

H Calendar DA R

O F

AC T I V I T I E S

Sponsored by:

Jan 23, 2018

County Council Meeting

Feb 28-Mar 3, 2018

S.T.A.R.

Extension Office 7pm

www.gostar.org

Feb 2-3, 2018

Mar 8-18, 2018

Rally in Hidalgo County

(Photography, Fashion Show, Edu. Pres.)

AgriLife Res. Center, Weslaco Time: TBA

Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show RGVLS Grounds

Feb 8-25, 2018

San Antonio Livestock Show

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

The

VEGETABLE SHOW

After being absent for almost 10 years, the Vegetable and Citrus show is back. December 15-16 marked its return. Vegetables and citrus play a huge role in our daily lives and this show really showcases Rio Grande Valley agriculture. This show educates the Valley on what agriculture has to offer and how it plays a key factor into our everyday health.

vegetables. If a spectator wanted a break from the market there was also live cooking demonstrations. These demonstrations showcased how to cook with fresh veggies and fruits.

Friday afternoon the event hall at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds was packed full of vegetables and fruits ready to be judged. The smell fresh vegetables and sweet-smelling fruit wafted through the place. Vegetables of all sorts were on display from beets, cauliflowers, radishes, grapefruits, oranges and much more. The children scurried in with their vegetables and citrus, ready to proudly place them on the tables for display and anxiously waiting for them to be judged.

Overall, the return of the Vegetable and Citrus show was a hit! The room was filled with proud children and parents, and the community supported local growers. The main goal of the RGVLS in all its events is to support the kids and be able to provide them a path for their future. Hats off to all those involved in putting on this great event.

Saturday morning the day started with a 5k Run and a children’s one-mile run. Shortly after the run there was a product identification contest for the children where they are responsible for identifying vegetables and citrus. The winners were awarded buckles, cash, ribbons and more. There was also a farmer’s market from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.Saturday. There was freshness in abundance to choose from. The vendors’ products ranged from fresh organic cookies, to jellies, and 56

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A Precision Agriculture Update:

BY GREG KUNKLE-AeroAg, Info@aeroag.net (979) 450-1821

Drones, Sensors, & The Future To address the food and fiber needs of a world population increasing from 7.1 billion to a predicted 9.6 billion by 2050, crop production per unit area must be increased dramatically while soil and other natural resources are conserved to maintain our ecosystem. The goal of precision agriculture is to increase crop yield while maximizing the use efficiency of farm resources, especially soil and water. In today’s application, drone systems present farmers the opportunity to see crop response to environmental and management factors in real-time without any disturbance to the crop and soil. Recently, the largest fixed-winged drone technology, a trademarked UAS built and operated by Elbit, took flight on daily missions flying at 8,000 feet to monitor crop health at an 8cm resolution. The aircraft demonstrated its ability to survey 40,000 square acres of crops in an hour. To manage all of Texas cotton, a project of this scale would be needed, and people are trying. In Texas right now, we have university research projects that contribute to our growing knowledge of precision ag with new genetics and innovative techniques. But as we all know, you can’t predict the weather. Texas presents its own set of challenges because of her sheer size, soil variability, and ecoregions for growth. The best way I have heard it put, “Texas is not 1 cotton state, it’s 7 cotton states.” From the first days of the TDA’s pesticide applicators training to today’s CEUs, we are told that more fertilizer and chemical is not always the best way to make more money. Some may have learned that the hard way. Striking that balance for your land is crucial for successful, profitable farming. Because soil properties (which drive crop yield and quality) do not change rapidly over time, keen agronomic choice with soil variability in mind has the potential to increase profits. But how do we decide which agronomic choices to proceed with? How do we measure choices that have already been made? That is where AeroAg comes in, to provide you with data from your land for your management. This holds true not only for our most valuable resources like time but also applies to every decision made on the farm. With winter finally here, you may or may not have crops out in the field, but preparations are well underway for spring planting and harvesting of winter fruits and vegetables. Although not every reservoir is to capacity in the watersheds, most have been filled across the state of Texas, and with this in mind, the coming year of farming may “yield” some new opportunities.

Are you trying a new seed this year? Switching a fertilizer or irrigation schedule? Are you creating a prescription application for the first time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, AeroAg can show you what kind of progress and crop health you are experiencing by looking at stress and photosynthesis rates in your field. We now have the capability to see when your crops need to be irrigated based on the drought stress of the plant, not the moisture content of the soil. Additionally, measuring crop stress over time and in response to management may enable agronomists and plant breeders to make more informed decisions about variety selection than traditional end-of-season yield and quality measurements.

Figure 1: Texas A&M AgriLife ground sensing vehicle, 2017. Genomes to Field experiment to measure height, normalized difference vegetation index, and other phenotypes of corn. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Colby Ratcliff)

included building and developing their own rigs for testing (as seen above). Some significant data pointing to the benefit of precision agriculture has been acquired with the continual study of these plots expected to span the next 3 years. Preparing for this season at AeroAg, we are looking over end of year studies in crop trials and preparing our equipment for next spring. This includes new sensors and capabilities that will bring even more data (and money) to the producer’s fingertips, fast. Drones are regularly being integrated into all facets of life with agriculture primed for exponential use. Some of AeroAg’s current capabilities include: Crop Health Monitoring using NDVI, OSDVI, and NIR. We can monitor exactly what your crop is doing in response to any treatment or application. Over time and with multiple flights, you can see what your soil will produce with different input factors optimizing for your best plant characteristics and greatest yield. John Deere AMS- If you are using John Deere’s Agricultural Management Solutions in your field without drone data, you are wasting (some) money. Our software and files are already integrated with Deere’s cloud based system and with your info, we can send prescriptions directly to your tractor. Pest Vector Mapping- Whether it is fungi or insect, AeroAg can map and track pests in your field, – soil, airborne, or genetic related. With drone imagery, we see plant response long before the human eye can see any effect in the state of the plant. Seed Vigor- Using a new variety or seed in a field offers the ability to keep track of how your crop responds to your inputs. Before flowering (and even using the temperature of the plant), with regular flyovers, we can create a timeline of processes of your crop down to the growth of a single leaf.

Up and coming precision agriculture applications:

Elevation mapping and monitoring of your field on an annual basis or after significant weather. As precision comes down to the centimeter, low spots and elevation changes will be easily mapped and remedied without even the use of a tractor. Especially after significant rain events (Texas 2016) or even significant drought (Texas 2009) runoff and drainage may have altered your plot and can cause problems for irrigation and soil moisture conservation. Having up-to-date elevation data is very useful for farmers. We can provide gps maps to show depressions in the field and help you understand how to drain your fields more effectively. Plant species identification using basal temperature. As Lidar and thermal sensors come down in price (can’t wait to get one for my gun), producers will be able to accurately map what kinds of plants are growing in their plot. If you are a breeder, rapid phenotyping and thermal time can give exact details as to the characteristics of your seeds’ genetic information. Breeders can select breeds faster by measuring minute changes in plant temperature to decide if certain responses are beneficial to the environmental conditions. For the regular farmer, different plants will have a different temperature reflectance offering ideal weed identification. 3-D Field Yield Monitoring. The newest and most detailed form of precision agriculture is real-time yield monitoring. Some current studies can accurately predict the growth and timing of the 10th basal leaf in varieties of cotton, sorghum, and maize. These studies significantly correlate some phenotypic features of growth directly with yield potential. That is to say, the taller and longer the sorghum and corn grows, the larger the yield will be, especially in drought and stress conditions. Ironically and perfectly for Texas, plants that do not experience harsh growth conditions do not follow the same model. God Bless Texas.

Figure 2: South Texas Phenotyping Update (Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas A&M Corpus Christi)

Some great studies have been published and are giving us insight into new methods and capabilities of precision agriculture. Scientists have built machines that can take data from the soil, air, and plant all at the same time to analyze each individual plant and create a profile of growth. Unfortunately, it looks like this. AeroAg takes some of the best features in scientific crop monitoring and applies them to producer driven models in your field. One of the largest drone tests in the history of Texas A&M University is in its 3rd year of testing and utilized the latest technology and scientific minds in Aerospace Engineering, Remote Sensing, and Soil Science. Their conclusions after last season: Catastrophic failure due to abnormal precipitation event “313mm over the course of 3 days.” Fortunately, not every plot was destroyed, and they did some fantastic work testing and modeling new ideas with some of the best technology and methods available on the market today. This

Rest assured life will continue without drones and technology in the midst of some areas. In other areas, growing crops in space and new planets are becoming a fast reality. But around these parts of Texas, I find myself looking for more vinyl records and old printed books. In terms of business, changes in technology are inevitable and offer us valuable tools for our use in perfecting our crop programs. AeroAg provides you that data, at a faster and more detailed rate for you to make informed management decisions. A changing tide in agriculture allows us greater control in not only business decisions, but stewardship of our greatest natural resource, our soils. For more information please visit our website at www.AeroAg.net

My Governmental

Wish List for 2018

BY:

Kurt Schuster

s we proceed to close out our calendar year I pray that all is well with you and yours, kith and kin, friends, and all. Pre viously we’ve gone over what we have and need to be thankful for in this insanity we call agribusiness. This year, however, let us look forward to what we may need and ask for from them that control the whitewashed chambers of governmental power in this land. We may pray and curse markets and their gyrations but there is precious little we can do individually or even in groups to affect the outcome of what has become global agribusiness. Where we should train our focus is upon affecting change at the state and federal levels of power as inspired by recent columns I’ve seen in the Wall Street Journal. As this column goes to press Congress is within a hair’s breadth of passing some of the most sweeping tax reform laws to date. In that morass of special interests, exemptions, and carve outs few dare to tread. As your most handsome author cannot help but perceive, this is my best bet as well. Tax rates, pass through corporations, expensing, deductions, and all the other sausage making going in Washington is far beyond the scope of this column and frankly will take time to digest beyond what we know now or will know when this bill is passed. As a general overview though things seem to be shaping up as a benefit to agricultural operations, so we remain hopeful.

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AgMag Columnist

GET GOVERNMENT OUT! In general, since crop insurance as a financial product was outsourced in the 1980s it has become a bloated, bureaucratic nightmare. After the passage of Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980, the crop insurance issues staggered around gaining various new payments, crops covered, and eternally creeping bureaucracy after various droughts, floods, freezes, and other disasters from about 1988 to 1995. As the road to hell is paved with good intentions, so has been crop insurance. Redundancies and multiple agencies and departments to report to and deal with has created a mess. Administrative costs, as examined by the Congressional Budget Office, have climbed to about half the budgeted funds for the entire organization. Essentially what is supposed to be helping insurance for farmers is being consumed by waste and overhead. My wish list for this situation would be two-fold. Remove the dross from the system and give all this back to the USDA. They should already have staff in place to manage and run this program and I pray that extra back office staff aren’t needed here. Streamlining an unwieldy organization with myriad overlapping rules would obviously get rid of waste

and clear up a lot of unnecessary work. Secondly to this would be to give the funds directly to the farmers and not to insurance companies as intermediaries. Yes, in the past this invited fraud from the farmers that insurance adjusters have helped clean up, but doing so in turn has created another recursive layer of middle management that can and should be cut to the bone.

FOLLOW THE MONEY Secondly, as we speak out about often in this column, I wish that the USDA/FSA would put their money where their intentions are in helping starting farmers and ranchers. The number of beginning farmer/ranch loans, grants, and subsidies about there is vast. What is not however, is their amount. Anyone who has spent longer than an hour in farming knows what a capital-intensive business it is. However, current loan amounts rarely top $500,000 and even then come with requirements for a matching percentage thereof. To be able to successfully start as an operating farmer or rancher significant capital in the range of millions of dollars needs to be available. The common refrain that no kids want to farm anymore rarely acknowledges the reality that few if any young adults can feasibly get into agribusiness without inheriting or incredible luck in finding startup capital. If our government is set on increasing farming, creating new farmers, and improving the food supply a greater and more realistic investment is needed to do so.

IT’S NOTHING BUT NOISE One of the favorite phrases of economists is that various taxation schemes and carves outs add distortion, or noise, to the economy in creating complicated and overly specific rules. My last wish, which will earn me few friends, is to eliminate or greatly scale back the Farm Credit System and its distorting government interest subsidies. The ability of local banks to compete based on agrilending is near minimal thanks to the subsidized system we have now. With all things there originally was

an idea for this, providing financing for farming businesses that could have few hard assets as collateral in place. The details and all the “Yes, but…” comments that can be made here are legion and I fully acknowledge they exist. My wish though is that the expansion of credit and a system that would not only open access to capital but allow smaller and regional banks to compete equally spawning further growth would be the most far-fetched, but if we can’t make wishes at Christmas than we should never make them.

FELIZ NAVIDAD! As with any wish list the reality of these ideas happening is probably ephemeral. Whether or not you agree with my wish list is moot, what we should really want as a community is individuals thinking and pursuing ideas and methods to improve agribusiness as a whole. As with other things you can’t add a minute to your life by worrying about them, so simply consider what you read, think about what you know, and be thankful for what you have. Everyone have a blessed Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

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Harvey Was Strong, but Texas is

Stronger!

BY MELISSA BLAIR, USDA-NRCS Public Affairs Specialist

Kevin Isom, NRCS District Conservationist, survey damaged windmill with Victoria County rancher Stephen Diebel, after Hurricane Harvey.

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No one knew when Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on August 25 as a Category 4 hurricane that it would be one of the most devastating hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S. Texans along the Gulf Coast saw cities demolished, peak wind gusts as high as 130 mph, unprecedented rainfall of more than 50 inches that caused catastrophic flooding in areas, the death of 88 Texans, displacement of thousands of residents and more than $200 million dollars in agricultural losses. Traveling through Refugio to Victoria after Hurricane Harvey I saw the devastation to homes, businesses and the lives of so many – it brought tears to my eyes. Then I saw a sign that summed up Texans’ resilience – “Harvey was strong, Texas is stronger.” I immediately turned around and took a picture. And strong is what farmers and ranchers have to be in their daily lives faced with the challenges of working in agriculture, especially when dealing with Mother Nature. Rancher Stephen Diebel of Diebel Cattle Company, rode out Hurricane Harvey at his family’s century old ranch in Victoria. He was unsure what devastation the daylight hours would reveal after listening to howling winds and pounding rain throughout the night. He knew it was one of the worst hurricanes he had been through during his time on the ranch. The “Harvey was strong, Texas is stronger” sign embodies the spirit of Texans

When dawn finally broke, Diebel’s first sight was the twisted metal of out buildings and barns, sheets of metal like crumpled pieces of paper laying scattered across his pastures. The pastures and roads were covered in water as far as he could see. A sense of relief washed over him after seeing the calves alive and well. He had feared they had been killed when the hay barn collapsed. The calves often sought shade and shelter there.

after Harvey.

“I was in disbelief that the weather could cause such a mess. It’s hard to comprehend the workload ahead of you,” said Diebel. A busy cow-calf operation with many items on the daily “to-do” list like calf weaning were put on the back burner as the more immediate needs were undertaken by Diebel, his family and ranch crew. Diebel said the hurricane put the operation behind 30 to 45 days on cattle weaning since they had to get power lines fixed and water wells going again. He was able to scout the ranch looking at other damages and found the windmills had taken their last spin during the storm. The bent blades made the systems inoperable. Diebel, whose family has worked with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on conservation efforts for several generations, realized one of his first calls needed to be to Kevin Isom, district conservationist with NRCS in Victoria. He knew NRCS would likely have assistance available to help replace the windmills with solar water pumps and panels to get the water flowing

again. “With the cost of repairing windmills going up each year, it only made sense to take this opportunity to look at improving the efficiency and dependability of our watering systems with solar,” said Diebel. “The NRCS technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) have helped make improvements to maximize the land and natural resources, such as brush management, range planting, cross fencing, and conservation enhancements.”

Kevin Isom and Stephen Diebel are able to work on the go with new NRCS mobile app on Harvey damages

He filed an early exemption with NRCS so he was able to obtain bids and start the process of installing the solar pumps and solar panels. The early exemption does not guarantee funding for USDA programs, but it does allow the producer to install the practice before funding is awarded. Diebel, who serves as chairman of the Victoria Soil and Water Conservation (SWCD) board, the Coastal Prairie Grazing Lands Coalition (GLC), and on the Victoria Prairie wildlife Management Association, knows firsthand the importance of land stewardship. He is always glad to visit with fellow ranchers and farmers about the technical and financial assistance offered through NRCS and the SWCD to improve their land, natural resources and overall operation. As part of the GLC, he was also able to help the Texas Section Society for Range Management (TSSRM) provide financial assistance to ranchers who needed help after Harvey. “Hurricane Harvey was a unique storm for Victoria County in that it basically stalled out west of the county before heading back down into the Gulf of Mexico,” said Isom. “The damages NRCS is seeing from the storm are mostly wind related damages with lots of damaged windmills, solar pumping plants, barns, equipment sheds, and trees down on fences and in pastures.” Isom added, “Flooding along the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers damaged fences, scattered debris and sediment in pastures, washed away livestock and caused erosion. NRCS is working diligently to help farmers and ranchers restore livestock water, replace cross fences, and with livestock mortality disposal.” Diebel contributes the ability of the flooding to disappear so fast after the storm to the family’s conservation efforts of rotational grazing that keeps their pastures covered in forage. The healthy soil was able to soak in the rain instead of ponding for days on end in the fields. As I watched the cattle enjoy the green grass that was abundant after the rain and listened to Diebel talk about how thankful he was that his family and friends were safe, I knew that even when faced with Mother’s Nature’s wrath, he like other Texans would rally together to rebuild and be stronger as a result of Hurricane Harvey. J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 63

From our family to yours. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

ALAMO, TX MCCOOK, TX DONNA, TX

PROGRESO, TX EDCOUCH, TX SANTA ROSA, TX

GarcÃa Grain Trading 956 - 464 - 6000

SERVING THE VALLEY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Major Changes for 2018 Crop Insurance BY CASEY CLIPSON

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

From your Friendly Neighborhood Crop Insurance Guy! Ladies and gentlemen, it is that time again for us in the crop insurance world to bore you to the core with policy changes, quotes, all while boggling your mind with acronyms and other government terms. All with the intent to assure you that if all hell breaks loose on your farm you will survive another season……..Aren’t you Excited? On a serious note, That is exactly what we try to do, and there have been major changes for the 2018 Crop Year. As we move into decision time, we must remember sales closing date in Januaray 31 for Corpus and the RGV. There have been some significant changes this year that we will go over and some other changes we are trying to get RMA to recognize as needed that have not yet been changed.

1. Separate unit structure by practice (IRR EU/ NI OU) This will

be a huge change for growers who look to enterprise units as a strategy to adjust risk and save money. You may have heard of the (EP) enterprise by practice term before, however the 2014 farm bill had an intention to make crop insurance more flexible in which it did. By adding flexibility, it also became more complicated. In the original understanding of this rule, it was thought the wording would allow a grower to select EU for Irrigated, and OU (Optional Units) on Non-irrigated. When the rule was written after the passing of the 2014 farm bill, that was not the case. It was written that if a grower selected EP the policy would have enterprises unit for Non-irrigated acres, and must select enterprise units for irrigated acres. If either of the practices planted acres did not qualify for their separate enterprise unit, the entire acreage would be lumped to EU across practices for all acres. This created huge problems at claim time if the Non-irrigated had losses and the irrigated did not, as by rule the claim would count all irrigated and non-irrigated production before a loss was determined. We first heard the announcement of the rule change in the mid October, but had to wait for the actuarial documents to be released on 11-30. The rule now does allow growers to select different unit structure by practice. Example a grower can select enterprise units for Non-irrigated and select Optional units for irrigated acres, or vice versa. This is a huge change to the Crop Insurance program and is a real game changer.

2. Practical to Replant changes Believe it or not, this has been

one of the hot topics in the Crop Insurance over the last two years. There have been determinations that have further defined the term “Practical to Replant”. Prior to 2017, it was basically the growers’ decision to replant during the late planting period. Now the rule states the first 10 days of the Late Planting period the grower must plant if it is practical to replant. These situations will also enforce the 1% deduction in insurance coverage per day of late planting. For example: if a grower plants 4 days into the late planting period the producers’ coverage for those acres will be reduce by 4% points. (65% coverage is now 61% coverage for those acres.) These acres planted need to be tracked daily and reported correctly on the producers acreage report.

3. Wildcat Cotton following cotton claim no longer allowed: When I first heard the rule change is a tough one to swallow. RMA has stated a crop that was initially planted to the ground, adjusted/appraised by dates of the policy and released for payment, and is at some time planted to the same crop during the same crop year as the original crop planted will be considered a replanted crop, even if it is planted after the Late Planting period and is uninsurable. There were some real concerns with South Texas as these situations can and have happened in the past. We have seen in years past that a dry winter and spring will break end of April and the grower already meeting the requirements of the policy for the ground to be released, would have a narrow window to plant an uninsured cotton crop. The rules have changed for growers in this situation.

In the Special Provisions of the Actuarial Documents it states: “In lieu of the second sentence of the definition of “replanted crop” contained in the Common Crop Insurance Basic Provisions, any American Upland Cotton will be considered an insured replanted crop and no replanting payment will be paid if we have determined it is not practical to replant the insured crop and you choose to plant the acreage to the same insured crop within 15 days after the final planting date.” To simplify, if you plant a cotton crop and it is damaged or does not come up, and you replant that ground to the cotton within 15 days of the final planting date, the second planted cotton crop will be considered a replanted cotton crop and insurance will have attached at the original planting date. If the second planted cotton crop is planted after the 15th day past the Final Planting date it will be uninsurable. (Wild Cat Cotton). I would like to commend RMA on their determination and diligence in maintain a solid program. This adjustment in the rule is another example that RMA wants to get it right, while also protecting the programs against potential problems.

4. Yield Cups Yield cups were something that were a part of the Yield adjustment (YA). It has now been separated as a standalone option to the APH. The yield cup protects the approved yield of the APH from dropping more 10% from one year to the next. This is something your agent should be looking for as it can be come very complicated to determine if YC or YE or TA or none should be applied to the growers APH. Please see your crop insurance agent on these options. 5. Whole Farm Revenue Policy: Warning/Danger This I truly

believe this is the policy of the future. It is a new approach to crop insurance as an all-inclusive, multi crop, multi-peril approach. It can be used as a stand-alone product or as an umbrella over existing crop insurance programs. As much as I am greatly encouraged by the concept of Whole Farm, I have yet to sell one. I have quoted several, but the rules do not fit for our area. I am aware of some that have been sold in my area, but not sure it turned out the way the grower thought. For now, I would say it is a product that needs more developing to fit our area. We will continue to work towards this making WFRP a solid product. There are some simple corrections that could solidify the product, but have had little traction with RMA. If you are interested in WFRP Please make sure you understand the policy and all its requirements and limitations.

On a final note: We in the RGV are losing a very special lady. Annette Harris is retiring from FSA after over 32 years of service. Please help me in wishing Annette a wonderful retirement and may her goals and dreams come true. Annette you will truly be missed!!!!! Well that does it for me. If you need any help this season on policy or strategies on how to save money, manage risk, or both, look us up, we would love to discuss options.

Your friendly neighborhood crop insurance guy….! C Casey Clipson CropGuard Group, Inc

2315 W Expressway 83 Suite 102 San Benito, TX 78586 956 793 1282 Cell 956 688 8485 Office

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 8

RGV CATTLE COMPANY

Our family has been blessed in the show ring the past few years. We are very proud of our daughter, Ava, for winning Grand Champion at the 2017 RGVLS Jr Show with RGV Enigma. She was also Reserve Grand in the Open show. We feel very proud and blessed of the fact that we have bred, raised, or shown a Grand Champion in the Jr or Open Simbrah RGVLS female shows in 6 of the last 8 years.

RGV Foxie shown by Olivia Vela– Grand Champion 2010 RGVLS Jr Show

RGV/LMC Dr. Beauty shown by Savannah and Cameron Chappell – Grand Champion 2012 RGVLS Open Show

LMC Delightful shown by Olivia Vela– Grand Champion 2014 RGVLS Jr Show Bred by La Muneca

We currently have a great set of heifers and steers for sale! Give us a call! RGV/LN Hope shown by Olivia Vela – Grand Champion 2015 RGVLS Open Show. Bred by RGV/La Negra

RGV Cattle Company

RGV/LMC/CTCF Blossom shown by Makayla Sanchez– Grand Champion 2016 Jr and Open Shows. Bred by RGV/LMC/Chappell Farms.

Edinburg, Texas (956) 279-2200

O V

rgvrene@aol.com

Comida de Navidad

Tamales!

BY KATHRYN BRADY

Christmas Time:

a celebration bringing together faith, family, food, gifts and music. Christmas time holds “different memories for everyone” says Senator John Cornyn in a special editorial to The Monitor. As with everything, traditions are just a little different: bigger and better in Texas. And Christmas is no exception. Christmas food in Texas is distinctly unique to the origins of the major cultures that settled this state. From traditional American or Southern dishes like ham, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and biscuits to the Czech, German and Polish cultures of sausage to the Tex-Mex tradition of Tamales. My Mom’s side of the family is of German descent and settled in the Texas hill country around Kyle, New Braunfels, and San Antonio; so our Holiday food traditions were synonymous with the German-Mexican-American area of south central Texas. At my maternal grandparent’s (Opa and Oma) house in San Antonio we gathered around the table to eat German Sausage, Rice Pudding, Tamales, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet and Sour Carrots, Applesauce spiced with cinnamon and red hot candies, Pecan Pie, Sweet Tea and Beer and of course Christmas 68

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cookies. “Texas families spend Christmas gathered around corn husk-wrapped tamales the way their parents and grandparents did before them”, illustrates Senator John Conryn to The Monitor. Tamale eating and even preparing is now a Texas tradition that goes back generations. But what exactly is the history of tamales? A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish originating as early as 8000 to 5000 BC. In the Olmeca and Tolteca cultures women were taken along in battles as army cooks to make the masa for tortillas and to prepare the meats, stews and drinks. As the warring tribes of the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas grew, the demand of readying the nixtamal (corn) became overwhelming. And a greater need to have a more portable, sustaining food developed. So the women got creative and the tamale was born. And early on in these Mesoamerican cultures tamales were eaten during sacred, religious holidays. Because the Aztec and Mayan people considered themselves to be the “people of corn” that the gods had crafted them from corn. And corn was quite literally the substance of life; consuming it was a way to connect with the spirits.

Tamales made by these Mesoamericans were filled with meats of local wildlife and nuts, berries and vegetables. Originally the tamales were cooked by burying them in hot ashes, which made them crispy and brown. Once the Spanish arrived natives learned different methods of cooking the tamales, such as steaming them in underground pits or in uncovered pots. Tamales then became one of the representatives of Mexican culinary tradition in Eurpoe, being one of the first samples of the culture the Spanish conquistadors took back to Spain as proof of civilization. The knowledge of tamales quickly spread north of the Rio Grande; it is understood that the Cherokee people ate tamales and called the bean bread or “broadswords” made with hominy and treated with wood ashes instead of lime. In the Mississippi Delta, African Americans developed a spice tamale made from cornmeal and boiled in corn husks. People in Louisiana have also been making tamales for centuries as well. In more recent U.S. history, tamales have been eaten since 1893. In Chicago, unique tamales are made from machineextruded cornmeal wrapped in paper and are sold at Chicagostyle hot dog stands. Tamale making is a ritual that has been part of Mexican life for centuries and today they are typically filled with meats, cheese or vegetables, especially chiles. Preparation is complex and time-consuming. Delia of Delia’s Tamales explains that:

because the preparation is so time consuming and labor intensive, tamales have become associated more with the Christmas holidays and special occasions. Perhaps because these are the times when family and friends come together and thus can work together to prepare the masa and to make sauces and meats. The kitchen is converted into an assembly line to wrap the tamales before steaming them in large pots on the stove. The tamale making process takes all day and preparations often start one or two days prior. Therefore making just a few tamales is rarely head of. Because the preparation and eating of tamales and other holiday foods brings people together; the holidays in Texas revolve around the kitchen and food combining old and new traditions with loved ones from near and far; it is a good time with good smells good flavors and good memories that last a lifetime. The holidays are also a fitting time to remember the farmers that grew the food to provide for us and our families and to thank the Lord for the rain that grew the crops. “Rain makes corn, corn makes whisk”… I mean masa and masa makes tamales and tamales make memories.

Sources: Cornyn, J. (n.d.). Tamales: Texas Christmas. The Monitor. Delia. (n.d.). Delia’s Tamales: A History. South, S. o. (n.d.). Tamale History. Wikipedia. (n.d.)

2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

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Valley Growers Cope with Increased Salinity in the Water

BY DEBRA ATLAS

Irrigation put Valley produce and citrus on the map. Our history would have been much different without it– no railroad, few settlers, even fewer farmers. The Rio Grande and its tributaries have sustained our way of life. But over the past decade, our water quality has changed, with increased saline content.

tons of salt from entering the river. Over the years, however, its effectiveness has changed. Sonny Hinojosa, General Manager, Hidalgo County Irrigation District #2, says just 20 yrs ago, water was running at 500 to 700 ppm. Above that level was considered dangerous.

Sea level rise isn’t a factor in this, said Dr. Juan Enciso, a specialist in irrigation management at the Texas Water Resources Institute. Here in the Valley, salinity comes from rocks, he said, which have natural salinity. As rain washes salt out of rocks, it gets into the Rio Grande. Saline in the river goes up and down naturally, said Tom McLemore of the Harlingen Irrigation District.

“Now we rarely get (down) to that,” he said. “Mostly we run between 800-900 ppm,” sometimes as high as 1,200 ppm.

He explained it this way. When we have low flows, rain events and/or people don’t order water, the saline in the river tends to go up because of water returning back to the river. Higher salt content also occurs when Mexico isn’t releasing any water, especially when the El Morrillo Drain Diversion Canal isn’t operational.

Salinity becomes critical in the Fall and winter, particularly for row crops like sorghum, cotton or corn. Citrus and mangoes aren’t very tolerant of increased salinity either. Rising saline levels can damage young plants. “Once they mature, said Hinojosa, “(they get) more tolerable.”

Dr. Enciso says when you have evaporation, you end up with salinity. Big rains bring that to the river which in turn becomes irrigation water for growers. El Morrillo was built to divert salt from the Rio Grande. In the early 1960’s, up to 2,500 parts per million (ppm) salt and boron were rushing through the river. In July 1969, El Morrillo began diverting salt from the river. It annually prevents approximately 300,000

Farmers are using high dissolved-solid water, he said, and it’s building up in the soil profile. “Growers can’t really mitigate this, Hinojosa said. “We don’t have a choice when it comes to irrigation. The Rio Grande is the only surface water we have.” This issue intensifies for farmers pumping well water. They’re essentially pumping from the aquifer. “It’s saline,” says Enciso. You

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Rivers and tributaries that feed the Rio Grande have varying levels of salinity. The Devil’s River and the Pecos have the highest. “it’s a serious issue,” Hinojosa said.

can do this for short time and it won’t be a problem. But, he added, if you don’t have good drainage, it will affect the yield. The Irrigation Districts monitors salt daily at their plant at the river, said McLemore. When salt levels get above 1,000 ppm, they notify growers and give them the option to not take that water. It suggests postponing irrigation until the quality of the river water goes up. “Most of them go ahead and use it,” he said. As levels approaches 1,200-1,300 ppm, the District won’t pump the water unless a grower says they HAVE to have it. The quality of our water and the amount of its salinity depends on the time of year. Salinity traditionally rises in December and January when usage drops. But other issues affect water quality too – including agricultural runoff, urbanization and unauthorized connections. People living close to the river sometimes dump their water in it without treatment, said Hinojosa. This increases salt content, bacteria, etc. Urbanization along with discharge account for this on both sides of the river, he says. “It used to be when we had a rain event, we got good quality water. Now,” he said, “rain events just flush out drains and brings other contaminants.” The Texas Water Development Board recently completed a study on water quality in Rio Grande, said McLemore.

Hinojosa says state and federal agencies need to help mitigate what’s occurring. “The awareness is out there with the International Boundary and Water Commission, IBWC’s counterpart in Mexico Comision Internacional de Limites y Aguas (CILA) and TCEQ. They’re well aware of this problem, he said. He believes the contaminants and sources have been identified. According to a CILA report, the pumping capacity of El Morillo has been reduced. Designed to have a capacity of 3 cubic meters per second (106 cubic feet per second), it currently can only intermittently do 2 meters per second (70 cubic feet per second). Trash and debris in the channel inhibits flow. There’s speculation of urbanization along the drain canal and some unauthorized connections made to it. This would explain when there’s rain, it’s draining urbanized areas rather than diverting high salinity from the river. There’s a real need for treatment and solutions. CILA is currently in the midst of a 5 year capital improvement project of the El Morrillo Drain. The problem, said Enciso, is as the population grows, there’s more activity, more pollution, and more salinity. “It’s very complicated, he said. Because this river is shared by Mexico and the U.S., there has to be investments (in good treatment facilities) on both sides to have good quality of water on both sides, Enciso said.

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BY YVONNE (BONNIE) RAMIREZ

WHAT CAN MARKETING DO FOR YOUR CATTLE OPERATION SOMEWHERE DOWN IN TEXAS – The United States is the

world’s largest producer of beef for domestic and export use. With over 100 million head of cattle and calves in the United States, how do you separate yourself from other cattle ranchers? That’s a great deal of “competition”! Can marketing efforts help set you apart from other breeders? Can marketing really impact your success in selling your cattle? And if so, how can marketing help you? Well … let’s find out.

success of a ranch/business. Marketing can build brand name recognition for your ranch. As your reputation is established and grows within the cattle industry, the potential for cattle sales increases. The reputation of your ranch is built through virtues and practices such as providing quality customer service, breeding and offering a uniform and quality set of cattle, consistency, honesty, and effective communication, all of which are supported by your marketing efforts.

What is Marketing? What exactly is marketing? The American Marketing Association defines marketing as the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. So how can marketing help you with your cattle operation? The heart of your business’ success lies largely within your marketing efforts. The bottom line of any cattle operation is ultimately to make money. Marketing plays a vital role in reaching that end goal. Marketing encompasses a variety of different endeavors within its umbrella. Advertising, public relations, social media, email blasts, promotions and sales are all part of the marketing sphere. Within the advertising sector, alone, there are different ways to advertise. Online advertising includes but is not limited to social media advertising, print advertising, billboard advertising, radio advertising and even television advertising like on RFD-TV. Your ranch may offer some of the best cattle in the industry, but without marketing, other cattlemen will not know about them, hence you may lose out on sales. There are a number of ways and methods to market your operation.

Marketing Plan: Do You Have One? Livestock (cattle) marketing is no doubt fast-paced and is always evolving. Every cattle operation should develop and maintain a strong marketing plan. These plans can be very simple to very complex. The complexity of your marketing plan depends on your operational goals. When coming up with your marketing strategy it is important to identify who your demographics is, who you are targeting and what you want to accomplish.

Cattle Sales & Marketing Regarding cattle sales, several factors go into marketing and what makes the event a success. There are the planning stages and the execution. But there’s so much more that goes in between those lines.

Reputation and Marketing Believe it or not a good reputation and marketing strategy go hand in hand. A solid reputation is undoubtedly a great foundation for the

76 Ag Mag

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Current and New Customers: Utilizing Different Ways to Sell Your Cattle While your current customers should always be a priority of yours, marketing efforts can help you expand your existing client base. Efforts as simple and easy as social media posts, photos, videos, promotional item giveaways and email blasts may not only engage existing customers, but they may also attract potential new customers/buyers. In the cattle industry, there are several options of where you choose to sell your cattle. Auction barns are the traditional method of selling cattle. But with advances in modern technology, marketing animals may also be done through online platforms or video auctions, as well as direct marketing to local feedyards. Cattle sales may also be posted on avenues such as Craigslist, cattle publications, local newspaper classifieds, your website, social media platforms, etc. Nowadays you can also hire professional sales management firms to help market your cattle and sales. Likewise, you can outsource your website and social media marketing endeavors to marketing firms with expertise in the cattle industry. Marketing is basically a 365 day a year job. Countless hours go into raising, breeding, and feeding beef cattle. The marketing strategy you implement for selling your calf crops should be just as important as the production process. Lowered or lost income opportunities may arise as result of not having a clear direction and goals for marketing your cattle. Ultimately, every cattle operation should have a marketing strategy in place and effectively execute it. In a nutshell, marketing works and it can help you retain your current clients as well as recruit new buyers with the end result being more dollars at the pay window!

… So, are you effectively marketing?

NITROGEN Nitrogen fertilizer is an essential input to make a profitable crop. In recent years, customers have been bombarded with many nitrogen stabilizers that are sold as an essential input as well. Confusion abounds because there are several types of nitrogen stabilizers and each type of stabilizer typically only stabilizes nitrogen fertilizer from one form of loss. The nitrogen cycle is quite complex and different nitrogen reactions may be occurring throughout the year. Most questions about nitrogen stabilizers arise from wondering about the risk of nitrogen fertilizer loss. There are five major nitrogen loss pathways that include volatilization, leaching, denitrification, immobilization, and erosion. In the southern United States, volatilization losses consistently account for the largest amount of nitrogen loss. Volatilization is nitrogen loss in the form of ammonia gas to the atmosphere. Any urea containing nitrogen fertilizer has a risk of nitrogen loss due to volatilization. High soil pH, warm air temperatures, moist soils, and surface crop residues lead to high nitrogen losses due to volatilization. If all of these conditions are present, up to 40% of the nitrogen fertilizer applied can be lost. Volatilization losses can be reduced by applying nitrogen on cool, dry soils, incorporation, banding or strip tilling, and by adding a urease inhibitor to nitrogen applications. Urease inhibitors are the most effective strategy for reducing volatilization. There are many â&#x20AC;&#x153;urease inhibitorsâ&#x20AC;? on the market. The only effective products are ones that contain NBPT (n-butyl triophosphoric triamide). If the product in question does not have NBPT on the label, it is not going to be effective in reducing

BY DEREK EMERINE

volatilization losses. Other nitrogen stabilizers on the market typically have the goal of slowing down the conversion of nitrogen fertilizer to nitrate. Nitrate is leachable and slowing down this conversion has the potential to reduce leaching losses. This is extremely important in the Midwest markets where nitrogen fertilizer is applied in September or October prior to crops being planted in April or May the following year. In South Texas, nitrogen is typically not applied this far in advance of a crop, and the largest nitrogen loss risk is from volatilization. The nitrogen stabilizer that has the best chance of providing a yield response and return on investment in South Texas is a urease inhibitor that contains NBPT. It is common knowledge that the availability of nitrogen from broadcast urea is greatly enhanced by adding a urease inhibitor; however many question the benefit of adding a urease inhibitor to incorporated urea, strip tilled urea, broadcast UAN, knifed in UAN. Many peer reviewed research articles have been published that show adding urease inhibitors to the above applications improve yields and/or overall nitrogen uptake. South Texas is dominated by high soil pH, warm temperatures, and usually a moist subsoil at time of nitrogen application. These characteristics greatly increase the risk of volatilization to all common nitrogen applications in South Texas. Growers ultimately have to make the decision if a nitrogen stabilizer is something they want to add to their nitrogen applications. However, utilizing a NBPT urease inhibitor makes a lot of sense for nitrogen applications in South Texas.

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