Issue 32 of the AG MAG by THEAGMAG

Michelle Martin

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

Al Benavides

Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407

In This Issue: Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

A Letter from the Editor Lately, my son, husband, and I have been going fishing in our neighborhood lake every night. Every night we bait our hooks hoping we catch something, mostly my son. We still sit there in anticipation of having that fish take the bait. We sat there the other night catching fish after fish, when I looked over to my right I saw a little boy with an extra long stick, a simple string, and no bait. Just a hook with a colored bobber. I looked over and said to my husband, “he doesn’t really think he’s going to catch anything does he?” My attention seemed to just focus on this little boy trying to catch a fish with what I thought was a clever, yet near impossible contraption. You could tell the little boy was positive as could be and knew he was going to catch something. Sure enough after 10 minutes of trying, he did! I think I was more excited and amazed for the little boy than he was. As soon as this instance happened I felt as if God was talking to me. Sometimes in life all we need is faith. We don’t need anything fancy. We don’t need money, we don’t need to do something a certain way, all we need is faith. This little boy had the simplest of homemade fishing poles you have ever seen but enough faith to move a mountain, and quite frankly that’s what he did. You might be going through something extremely difficult and feel helpless and like you can’t bare anymore stress or feel like giving up. I am here to tell you just have faith. I know sometimes saying that is easier said than done, but if you truly believe and have faith that God will take care of you, it will be OK. I promise. Throughout the years, I have had my fair share of wondering if having faith would help my situation. But throughout those same years, I have learned that faith is not believing that GOD can, but GOD will when the time is right. Whatever you may be going through today, remind yourself that God will never leave you empty. He will replace everything you’ve lost, and if He is asking you to put something down, it is because He wants you to pick up something greater. Have faith in God because God has faith in you.

Owner/Creator of AG MAG

6. 10. 12. 16. 20. 22. 26. 28. 30. 31. 34. 38. 44. 48. 49. 50. 52. 56. 58. 61. 68. 72. 77.

Sleigh Ride in Texas Why It Is Important? Managing Salt Loading through Irrigation Practices What’s In A Name? A Citrus Tradition FARM HER Sounds Texas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour Fall ArmyWorms In The Valley Valley Land Fund Photos Skeet Shoot Photos Frequently Flooded Ag Land May Be Eligible for NRCS Easement Restoration Program 2020 Soil Fertility Strategy Walk To School With Your Kids To GET MOVING! Texas Farm Bureau, business urge Congress to ratify USMCA SkySon Financial Structured Sales FFA & 4-H Calendar of Events North Alamo Water Supply Corp. FEATURED FARMER: Zavala County Rancher Uses Conservation to Benefit Ranches Conservation Helps Texas Olive Orchard Thrive MEET HOLLY the New A&M Research Center Entomologist The Trade Dispute Cotton & Grain Annual Golf Tournament La Muñeca Field Day 2019

Cover Photo taken by Jason Garza Year 6, Issue 32 November/December 2019. 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 ©2019. To advertise in Ag Mag, call (956) 330-8870 or email michelle@theagmag.org

Fall armyworms in the valley:

Using DNA to inform pest management BY ASHLEY TESSNOW & DANIELLE SEKULA

For growers and entomologist alike, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tis the season for fall armyworm outbreaks. Notorious for reaching extremely large densities in the autumn, fall armyworms were originally named for their propensity to march like armies across corn, sorghum, and hay fields consuming everything in sight. Although these insects are present year round in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), they typically do not reach damaging densities until late in the season. But, this may be changing. There are many indications that the frequency and magnitude of fall armyworm outbreaks is on the rise across the United States. But, the underlying cause of these outbreaks remains a mystery.

Fall armyworms in the LRGV For the majority of growers in the LRGV, fall armyworm is mainly a pest of grain sorghum, fall corn, sweet corn, Bermuda grass and hay for pasture or forage. While we encounter fall armyworm in the vegetable crops from time to time it is mainly beet armyworm that thrives on vegetables grown in the LRGV. Many growers are mindful of fall armyworm pressure in grain sorghum and sweet corn in the spring, planting early (mid-January through February) to avoid heavy damage when these crops are at the soft dough stage. Fall armyworms are known for their unique windowpane damage that is caused by the insect feeding deep in the whorls of corn and grain sorghum when the plants are in the early vegetative stages of development, prior to maturity. Most do not spray for fall armyworm early on as its infestation is usually spotty in the fields and is very low in presence. It is only when grain sorghum is in soft dough stage that fall armyworm numbers can get out of hand causing economic damage and might need control late in the season. In the fall, many growers who plant hay or forage have trouble with fall armyworms. It is in this time frame that the fall armyworm lives up to their name when armies of fall armyworm have been reported and seen migrating into hay pastures and other grasses (Bermuda) feeding heavily as they travel from pasture to pasture. Fall corn planted during this time will also have greater fall armyworm pressure, as fall armyworm population densities are often high this time of year.

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Photos by Cesar Valencia

During September in the LRGV we generally receive nice rainfalls along with high temperatures and that encourages favorable conditions for the reproduction of lots of fall armyworm that will continue to feed and be a nuisance until early November.

The key to this pestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success The worm-like caterpillars, or immature insects, are the primary crop pests causing damage by directly chewing on plant tissues. These caterpillars develop into adult moths. Even though the moths only consume nectar and are relatively harmless, they truly are the key to this species pest status. Despite only having a wingspan of 1.5in, fall armyworm moths can travel nearly 1000 miles on prevailing winds, which is about the distance from Weslaco, TX to Kansas City, MO. This means that the progeny from a single infested field in the LRGV could be found across the entire state of Texas. Although fall armyworms can be found as far north as Canada in the summer, this species is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot survive over the winter in much of North America. As a result, in the United States these insects are only able to survive the winter in South Florida and South Texas. These two sites are considered the source of all fall armyworms found across the US during the warmer moths of the year. Understanding the populations that occur at these sites may be the key to determining the cause of increased armyworm outbreaks. The fall armyworm is unique as a species because it is comprised of two genetically--distinct strains that are actually two inherently different agricultural pests. These strains are known as the corn-strain and the rice-strain. Although the two strains are identical in appearance, they exhibit slight differences in their host plant preferences with the corn-strain primarily found on corn and sorghum plants, and the rice-strain primarily found in forage, pasture grasses, and hay fields. Additionally, there is evidence that these host strains respond differently to insecticide treatment. Thus, it is imperative that we develop tools to differentiate between these strains, so we can implement more targeted past management strategies.

Understanding outbreaks: New insights from DNA sequencing Researchers believe the answer to controlling these fall armyworm outbreaks may lie in the insectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA. Ashley Tessnow, a PhD candidate in Dr. Greg Swordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lab in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University is using DNA sequencing to track the spread of these insects across Texas and the central United States. Since advancements in DNA sequencing technologies have made it feasible to sequence the partial genome of hundreds of moths, Tessnow is able to identify fine scale differences in the genetic code of these insects. Using this information, she can determine how closely related each moth population is to one another and potentially identify the source of a fall armyworm outbreak. Early findings suggest that fall armyworm populations in the LRGV may be more complex than we ever thought before! Additionally, Tessnow has identified unique mutations in moth DNA that can be used to differentiate the two host strains. Using this information, these researchers are developing rapid diagnostic assays to easily identify Corn-strain, Rice-strain, and any potential hybrid individuals in order to deploy pest management strategies that specifically target the host strain present in an infested field. Ultimately, using insights gained from DNA sequencing, Texas A&M researchers hope to develop strategies to better control the fall armyworm populations that are responsible for fall outbreaks. This new information could allow us to predict when and where these outbreaks of fall armyworms will occur, limiting the damage caused by this important pest. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Why it is

important BY NAGARJUNA PRASAD PEDDABHOINI

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hy it is important to buy fertilizer raw materials? The main reason is the big savings on cost of investments when fertilizers bought

as raw materials and formulated on field. A formulation is a mixture of two or more different fertilizers raw materials created by various companies as their own blends. Most of the companies offer fertilizer formulations both in liquid or dry forms. Companies add marketing, technical, automation and

automation and freight costs to the formulations. All these costs can be avoided when farmer buy raw materials and mix on field. The other reason why to buy raw materials? is every week crop growth requirements varies with essential nutrients; hence it is important to observe and formulate the fertilizers on fields before applications than buying already formulated fertilizers from market. This is sustainable approach because in a formulation there are some nutrients which are either over applied or under applied.

IMPORTANCE OF RAW MATERIALS Formulated liquid fertilizers are dissolved nutrients manufactured at company location delivered to distributors and finally to farmers. This add different products as raw materials cost, formulation cost, and automation cost. Formulated dry fertilizers are also expensive as liquid formulations, costs include different products, company technical cost, and automation costs. This provides an opportunity to farmers save cost with use of raw materials mixing with their own irrigation water. In simple words farmers can save more money or buy more raw materials with same money spend on company formulations. Dry raw materials such as water soluble Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP), and Sulphate of Potash SOP (SOP), Potassium Nitrate, Calcium Nitrate, Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt), Zinc Sulphate, Iron Sulphate cost wise are way less compared with other products like specialty mixes formulations, foliar feed, chelates etc. in market. The phosphate from MAP is orthophosphate form, most preferred form for active uptake of plant. Potassium Sulphate (SOP), Potassium Nitrate are two excellent raw materials which are high source of Potassium and affordable. Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom salt) is great source of Magnesium. For micro nutrient applications use of Sulphate of Zinc, Iron mix with your own formulations will reduce your cost drastically. Most commonly used liquids Urea Ammonium Nitrate 32 (32% of N), Urea Ammonium Sulphate, Phosphoric Acid, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate are also excellent cost effective fertilizers. The main issue with liquid raw materials is hard to blend on fields because of its compatibility, but if applied individually they are cost effective. There are many nutrition programs in market from companies using their formulations but it either increases costs by satisfying crop needs or try to match farmers budget by reducing crop needs. In both the cases farmer crop investments is at the risk because by increasing the fertilizer costs increase in total costs which will decrease final returns. Or matching the costs but not satisfying the needs crops affecting the yields and quality ultimately the returns. But buying raw materials and mixing on fields, farmers are eliminating the risks of not paying extra and not affecting yield, quality and returns. An important thing for nutrition there is no substitution for plant needs, its growth has to be observed, analyzed and applied accordingly. Based on my

experience, on average there is a 40% reduction of costs on crops when formulated own pop up, starter, preplants,

materials and mixing on fields, farmers are eliminating the risks of not paying extra and not affecting yield, quality and returns. An important thing for nutrition there is no substitution for plant needs, its growth has to be observed, analyzed and applied accordingly. Based on my experience, on average there is a 40% reduction of costs on crops when formulated own pop up, starter, preplants, side dress and foliar on fields.

MAKE OWN POP UP, STARTER, PREPLANT & FOLIAR Specialty formulations such as pop ups, starters, preplants and any side dress from market are high in costs. But when fertilizers formulated on fields, the cost is same as bought as raw materials. The only cost added is mixing which is negligible. To make your own pop up, starter and preplant is easy, all these forms of formulations consist of high phosphate preferably ortho form. Use of MAP is very good option to create own pop up, starter, preplant. MAP consists of both Nitrogen, Phosphate the primary macro nutrients necessary for germination and establishment. By adding SOP as Potassium source becomes complete N P K blend for pop up, starter and preplant. On comparison with other pop ups, starters and preplants, self-formulated on fields are inexpensive (costs on avg. $2 or less per gallon). Cost wise importance of foliar products is same as pop up, starter and preplant because savings are high when formulated on fields. General concentration of raw materials mix is rates are 2-4% depending on crop and its stage. When formulated on fields with using Urea, MAP, SOP, Sulphate of Magnesium, Zinc and Iron etc. a lb. of material will cost $1 or less. The costs associated with plastic jug, tote, marketing, automation, technical is removed.

IMPORTANCE OF BUYING IN BULK When buying bulk, request a better price from companies by setting up product purchase by volumes per month. This gives a better price in terms of volume and payments. For dry land farming or irrigated farming, an efficient to buy the fertilizers in bulk. Even if there is any fertilizer left over from the bulk purchase can be used during next season. As the volume is known because of planting schedule, request dry materials product in super bags of one ton. This will decrease cost of baggage in small presentations per ton and per truck load.

EASY TO HANDLE AND MIX Water solubles are easy to mix and store. To mix the fertilizer on fields a motor pump is required to agitate and mix, with an inlet and outlet. 300 gallon tote or 500 gallon set up is manageable for 100 to 500 acres. All these small savings by buying raw materials, water solubles, making own formulations on fields, buying bulk, and in super bags add up to big savings to farmers.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Managing Salt Loading through Irrigation Practices BY GIRISHA GANJEGUNTE, Ph.D. professor, Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Center, El Paso and LUCAS GREGORY, Ph.D., senior research scientist, Texas Water Resources Institute Contacts: Girisha Ganjegunte, 915-859-1908 ext. 2 gkganjegunte@ag.tamu.edu

Lucas Gregory, 979-845-7869 LFGregory@ag.tamu.edu

Declining water quality in the Lower Rio Grande is an increasing concern for growers who rely on Rio Grande water for crop irrigation. Increasing salt content from natural and human influenced sources are the primary concern, but other contaminants such as bacteria are also problematic. Salinity risks associated with irrigation are complex and include components such as salt concentration, sodicity hazard (measured by sodium adsorption ratio or exchangeable sodium percentage (in soil only), and toxicity of specific ions such as boron, sodium and chlorides. To help with salinity management, growers need to know their irrigation water’s salt concentrations. Concentration of salts can be measured in two ways: (1) total dissolved solids (TDS) measured as mg/L or parts per million of salts in irrigation water or (2) specific conductance (also known as electrical conductivity (EC)). The latter is more commonly used and is a measure of water’s ability to conduct electricity corrected to 25 degrees Celsius and is reported in units of micro-siemens/centimeter (µS/ cm). TDS is estimated from specific conductance readings by multiplying the value by 0.64. Effectively, each 1000 µS/cm in specific conductance equals 640 ppm TDS. In irrigation water, specific conductance concentrations less than 250 µS/cm are considered low salinity. Moderate salinity ranges from 250 to 750 µS/cm, high values range from 750 to 2,250 µS/cm and very high salinity is above 2,250 µS/cm.

Rio Grande Water Quality In the Rio Grande, specific conductance values have always been variable due to hydrologic conditions and human influences. The last 20 years — Jan 1999 to Dec 2018 — (See Figure 1) have been no different. Specific conductance concentrations at the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge have ranged from 591 to 2,040 µS/cm as reported by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. During this time, specific conductance has generally been trending upward; however, large variations in measured conductivity readings occur. Measured conductivity usually places the Rio Grande’s quality in the high salinity category.

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Figure 1. Long-term specific conductance concentrations at the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge

Salt Loading ‘Salt’ loading refers to the amount of salts added to the root zone by irrigation water. Specific conductance of water applied determines how much salt loading a field receives. Increased salt loading affects a crop’s growth potential and yields by reducing water uptake, reducing the availability of nutrients from fertilizers and burning leaf tips and plant parts exposed to salty water. Thus, it is important to control salt loading in irrigated fields to maintain healthy soils and higher crop yield potential.

Irrigation-Based Salinity Management Applying water in excess of crop needs to push salts below the effective root zone is a primary salinity management technique. The amount of additional water required to push salts below the root zone is called leaching fraction and is calculated based on the current salinity of soil, irrigation water salinity and crop salinity tolerance. An important requirement for leaching is to have soil with good drainage. However, this may not be a viable option in times of limited water availability.

Improving Irrigation Efficiency A simple approach to reduce the effects of ‘salts’ on irrigated cropland is to become more efficient with irrigation. The concept is simple: less water applied equals less salt applied. Using a typical specific conductance value seen in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of 1,300 µS/cm, applying 1.5 acre-feet (AF) of irrigation water per acre per year adds 1.69 tons of salt per acre.

By decreasing irrigation volume to 1.0 AF per acre per year, salt loading is lowered to 1.12 tons per acre, a reduction of 0.57 tons per acre. While applying less water won’t completely eliminate salt accumulation issues, it can slow the process. Using higher efficiency irrigation application techniques that apply less total water while meeting crop water needs can help.

Irrigation Methods Salt accumulation and distribution within the soil is highly dependent on the irrigation methods used. Generally, surface water application methods, such as flood/basin, furrow, sprinkler and surface drip, aid in pushing salts deeper into soils. Subtle variations in irrigation methods, such as flat bed, alternative furrow, sloping bed and skip/double row planting, can manipulate salin-

ity accumulation away from plant roots (Figure 2). Alternatively, subsurface drip irrigation leads to salt accumulation in the upperroot zone and can adversely affect crop growth if not properly managed. Beds and furrows come in many shapes and sizes. Sloping beds with seed placement at the top of the bed and furrows on 36- or 40-inch centers with irrigation applied in every furrow is common across the LRGV. In this scenario, salt accumulation largely occurs in the center of the bed where the plant and its roots are primarily located. If salt content is high enough, plant performance may suffer. Modifying bed dimensions, seed placement and irrigation approaches can mitigate salinization effects. The images in Figure 2 show common techniques for bedding, planting and irrigation modification to manage where salts accumulate relative to the crop.

Figure 2. Clockwise from Top Left: Flat bed, double row planting, irrigate both furrows; sloping bed, single row planting on side of slope, skip-row irrigation; flat bed, single row planting, skip-row irrigation; sloping bed, double row planting, irrigate both furrows (Courtesy: Shahid, 2013).

The placement of drip lines either on the surface or sub-surface (Figure 3) also affects where salts accumulate. Similar to accumulation in furrows, salts will accumulate near the surface away from the drip line where water is applied. Surface drip lines create a plume of lower conductivity below and around the drip line. Salts accumulate between the lines near the surface. For

sub-surface drip, the depth below the surface affects where salts accumulate. Accumulation is highest between the lines near the surface, but some accumulation occurs directly above the line where plants are commonly planted. Ensuring that planting is done directly above the drip line can limit the effects of soil salinization on plant survival and performance.

Less is Sometimes More These techniques do not address the underlying issue — increasing salinity concentrations in the Rio Grande — but they do provide some ways to make the most of what you have. Managing salt loading to your fields by applying less or making slight changes to how you apply your water may lead to improved, or at least sustain yields over time. Remember, before you can effectively manage salt accumulation, you have to know the specific conductance of your water and how much water you are applying to calculate how much salt you are applying to your fields. Figure 3. Salt accumulation plume under surface drip (left) and sub-surface drip installations (right). (Courtesy: Shahid, 2013)

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What’s in a Name BY KATHRYN BRADY

Food:

it has become more than just something that we need in order to survive. Food in our country is so common and easily accessible that it is an art form in some cases; a sign of how affluent one is. And now instead of just eating what is placed before us regardless of how it was produced or raised, we have the luxury as consumers of such a vast array of foods available to us and the knowledge available to us that we can choose or demand how a food is produced or raised. In a less fortunate country, one would just be appreciative to have something to eat regardless of how it was raised or produced. But does the average consumer understand what exactly all the food labels and terms mean?

What exactly does all natural versus USDA certified organic mean? What exactly does it mean for a food to be non-GMO? What is Gluten free and which foods naturally never had Gluten anyway? Is grassfed meat really healthier? 16

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Are free range chicken eggs really healthier? How much of our meat, milk and eggs really have added hormones? Is it really bad to vaccinate animals? This article will attempt to briefly answer some of these questions and also to discuss the possible future to the agricultural producer in a consumer driven market. Let’s begin with the question of the difference in the labels; all natural versus organic versus USDA certified organic. If a food product is labeled as all natural; thst can possibly mean a myriad of things. Possibly just one of the products in the item could have been produced naturally; free from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, hormones, etc, or it could mean that the whole item was produced naturally, but has not gone through the rigorous certification process to be labled as USDA certified organic. Likewise, if the food product doesn’t

have the USDA seal on it then it is not certified organic. To be certified organic, the farmer or rancher must be working with USDA to meet the organic standards. As far as the free range chickens, does this make the eggs any healthier? No, but perhaps the meat itself will be more lean. However, most people are used to purchasing large cuts of chicken meat. So the look and texture would be a bit different to the average consumer. The same goes for grass fed beef. The taste, however is different and there is less grease when cooking it. But there are also very lean cuts of grain finished beef available at the grocery store now. Locally grown products are not necessarily healthier either, but the appeal for me as a purchaser is that I know the farmers and ranchers that I am buying from. Now there are many partnerships with Audubon Society and the like where ranchers can be working toward restoring grassland bird habitats and a label will be placed on the meat that they sell at the store. That in and of itself doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the meat any healthier, but could mean that you as the consumer understand a little more about the values of the rancher. Naturally only food products with flour contain Gluten. But many food products are packaged with other products that could contain Gluten for packaging purposes. Such as pre-shredded cheese, which is sprinkled with Gluten to keep the moisture off and the shreds from sticking together. Gluten in and of itself is natural and is not unhealthy unless you have an allergy to it. The same for high fructose corn syrup. Fructose is naturally occuring in fruits and vegetables, but anything that is added later would be the unnatural part of it.

In the United States history, the only crops that have been genetically modified have been wheat and corn and only a couple of others. A lot to the modifications are for higher yields, larger edible parts to the plant, resisitance to disease, etc. Without some of these modifications, we would not be able to have the abundance of food availability that we have. Vaccinating animals, in my opinion, is the safest and most humane way to protect your livestock and does not harm the by-product of the animal. Most of us vaccinate our children to protect against life threatening diseases and outbreaks of epidemics, the same is true for vaccinating animals. As a consumer in the land of plenty, there is nothing wrong with wanting to purchase the best and healthiest food out there. I would just stress that you do your research to know what that is and what all these words and abbreviations mean on a food label. As a farmer or rancher, if more and more consumers are wanting grass fed or free range or pesticide free, etc. Do you change to meet your customers needs and to be able to continue to market your product and make a profit or do you maintain the attitude that these new millennial hipsters are crazy and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fad that will disappear? Side note: This is an exploratory article, while some of the information about food labels are researched, others were partly based on my opinion and should not be taken as fact. And in no way am I telling the consumer or the producer how they should conduct their business.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

A Citrus Tradition BY DALE MURDEN

ur Rio Grande Valley agricultural scene is filled with great traditions, and due to our location in the United States, we are also filled with many firsts.

Cotton and Citrus are two such commodities here with rich histories, and traditions, and are typically the first in the nation to get started with harvest. I’m honored to be a part of these traditions. I have a deep respect for ‘who we are’, ‘where we have been’, and ‘where we are going’, as we continue the old traditions and maybe start some new ones. We’ve wrapped up another cotton season here in the valley, complete with the Annual Algodon Ball and First Bale Auction. In 1952, the Cotton Committee of the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce was granted permission by the Houston Cotton Exchange to auction off the first bale of cotton in the nation.

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This led to the organization of the Algodon Club the following year. The Algodon Club is a non-profit civic organization founded by the belief in the importance of the economic value of cotton to the Rio Grande Valley. It was formed to publicize and create interest in cotton and the cotton industry through social activities. The prime activity was the Algodon Ball. In 1954 the first Queen of Cotton and her Royal Court were selected to reign over the cotton week of festivities. The first Don and Dona were chosen in 1956 and this honor was and still is a secret until the night of the Ball. The 2019 Algodon Queen, Claire Cherrington and the 2019 Don and Dona, Lance and Melissa Neuhaus were honored at the Ball and we’d like to congratulate them as they represent RGV Cotton! Although everyone enjoys the pageantry and festivities, one of the leading ways these, and other valley ag organizations show encouragement and support of the industry, is by awarding scholarships. These scholarships are given to outstanding Valley students who demonstrate academic achievement, are involved in extra-curricular activities, and who plan to pursue an agriculture related career. Through the giving of these scholarships, the Algodon Club provides for the cotton industries and agriculture its most valuable resource – tomorrows agribusiness leaders. Congratulations to all the volunteers that make up the Algodon Board of Directors as they were able to award $31,000 in scholarships this year to ten very deserving future leaders! The fall and winter months here in the valley now belong to our Citrus Industry, and harvest is in full swing. The Texas Citrus Fiesta dates back to 1932. And much like its cotton neighbor from Harlingen, the goals of the first Texas Citrus Fiesta organizers, were to promote the national marketing and

sales of citrus fruit and to stimulate business by bringing visitors to Mission. The first fiesta, entitled “Coronation and Pageant of Citrus,” established many of the traditions that continue today. John H. Shary, considered the Father of the Texas Citrus Industry, reigned over the one-day celebration. It started with a concert and ended with the coronation of the King Citrus and Queen Citrianna. This became a tradition of “royalty”, with a citrus industry leader chosen as King and a Queen chosen from the Rio Grande Valley, along with “Duchesses”, each representing a community and its product or industry. Fiesta activities begin in October with the Princess Anna pageant. Young ladies age 6, from around the valley compete to reign over the ‘Tangerine Court’. In December a citrus product costume show, shoe-box float and grapefruit pie competitions are held. Then in January the Royal Reception is held honoring King Citrus and Queen Citrianna. The culmination of events is held in late January with the Coronation of a new King Citrus and Queen Citrianna followed by the Parade of Oranges. Much like the secret of Cotton’s Don and Dona, the naming of King Citrus is a well-guarded secret not announced until the night of the Coronation. The 2019 King Citrus is Brandon Thompson and Queen Citrianna is Alexandria Canchola whom have reigned over our citrus industry with passion and pride. Congratulations and thanks to you both! Traditions and values must be held closely. Remember that we are the keepers. So to anyone who has served as volunteers to any of these and other agriculture and youth organizations I say THANK YOU. To any of you ‘looking for a cause’, I can think of none better than giving back to an industry that supports you. Stand for Something. Why not Agriculture!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

FARM HER BY RONI MARIE MCCARTLAN

Sounds

It was the sounds that she found life-changing. The sounds of a city, rough and raucous filled with sirens, horns beeping, cars passing, neighbors talking, loud mufflers. The noise was annoying, comfortable and familiar. She found the quiet of the farm terrifying, creepy, and it filled her with an uneasiness. Yet, she could sit on the patio gently rocking and feel soothed. The voice of the farm was the beep of a piece of machinery in reverse or the low growl of a tractor slowly moving out to the field. The coyotes at twilight added to the eerie night but the bird’s song in the morning started the day right. The phrase “make your impossible possible” formed in her mind and begin to burn. That was the motto for the farm. She looked out over the fields of white, the summer snow. It was time for the harvest again. The days, weeks, and months had whizzed by. It had been a hard year this year filled with change and newness. Change is fun, change is bold, and…change is hard. Stress penetrated every perimeter of each field and all through the farmhouse. ‘Old things have passed away, and all things become new’ was a scripture she had heard many times from her ministerial father. She had listened half heartedly but the experience of living the oft jangling jingle was shaking her chains. In some ways she was growing and learning beyond limits and in some ways she was stuck in a quagmire. A farm wife was a whole

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new world. She could not hold onto the life she had. Homesick? Maybe. Sometimes, she couldn’t understand the life that was. Sometimes, she wondered why she couldn’t stay the same. It was hard work changing. She only knew that she loved agriculture and the whole process was like watching miracle after miracle happen. And, she knew staying the same would lead her to nowhere. She must reach forward to go to the height that was calling. Her farmer was struggling in his own way. Technology was advancing, and he had to change his methods of farming to keep up. Again she thought. Change is exciting, adventurous, growth oriented, but most of all, it’s a challenge. She loved challenges. She loved adventure. Her farmer was like that as well. It just took so much energy. They both were working hard in this new year of planting, sowing, and reaping. The rains had come at the beginning and the seed had to be replanted not once, not twice, but three times. The seedling was slow and even the ‘third time charm’ planting tested the patience of an impatient man. He pondered, he brooded, he inspected, he berated. Her farmer told her he knew it was her faith that was keeping them afloat. As the time passed and the sun daily arose, the struggling

seedlets became stronger and stronger. The weather cooperated. Rain came when needed, and those coping plants sprang to life and became vigorous and healthy. It was preparing for the harvest, beginning with the corn, that turned the normal difficulties into mechanical complications and dilemmas. The combine developed many issues and days passed with the crew feverishly working to bring it into tiptop shape. During that harvest progress, the upgraded cotton picker was delivered, along with the discovery that it also had multiple problems. The men would finish a day of harvesting corn and then go work on the picker. Not only did they have to bring it to working order, they all had to discover how to run the machine. The farmer realized he could not simply buy a new cotton picker, but also had to purchase many other accessories and tools to add to the sophistication of the machine they were privileged to acquire. While it cut down on the man power used to harvest, it added to the financial stress to get it ready. In addition, the specialized part of the system was far advanced from the old cotton picker. They had to master how the sensors worked, they had to grasp how to start, stop, turn around, drive. They were excited but as they learned, they realized the challenge of keeping it in good working order. It was a Whole. New. World. Like kids in a candy store, the crew could hardly wait to get it out in the field. However, it seemed that hourly it would break down. They would pull out the manuals and look online but could not bring it back to par to begin harvest again.

and the families it’s supported. RoniMarie reached into her faith reserve and faith saved them. As her farmer completed this year’s gathering of the fruit, she looked ahead. She could feel an electricity in her being. She was becoming ingrained in this new world and this new world was becoming her. She felt it calling her. She was ready to step forward. And then her farmer asked life changing words. “How much time do you think I have?” She is looked at him quizzically. “I don’t understand your question,” she recountered. “I have so many things I want to do. How much time do you think I have?” He continued, “I want 50 more years.” All she said was, “Let’s go on our honeymoon.” He stopped, looked at her, and then embraced the idea. “Let’s go! “ And they did. Before everything was cleaned and put away. Before planning for the new year started. Before the sound of winter. Before regrouping. Before the present moved forward. Tomorrow was ahead, and it would be there when she and her farmer returned. Today, it was the season for a honeymoon. And the sound the future made, was a sizzle.

The sun would beat on them as they intensely searched for answers on fixing what was wrong. It took mechanics hours to figure it out as well. There would be euphoria as the problem got solved, and they would start again only to be stopped an hour or a day later with another unexpected glitch. So the harvest that began in such a joyful anticipation, became grueling, heat melting, and wearing away at the stamina, energy and excitement. Finally, after weeks had passed, they went two days without a breakdown and there was exuberance. However, they were not out of the woods yet. A tropical wave developed in the Gulf and the thrill quickly became trepidation. The harvest became fast moving, giving the impression of a cartoon. This was no comic strip, though. This was the livelihood of an entire farm

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Texas Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Farmers and Ranchers Fall Tour BY KATHRYN BRADY

2019

n the first week of September young farmers and ranchers from all across the state in San Angelo, TX for the Texas Fam Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Farmers and Ranchers Tour. It was a great time for these young agri culturalists to interact and relate to each other while learning more about the agricultural industry.

The tour kicked off around noon on Friday with the first stop at the San Angelo AgriLife Extension and Research Station. We heard from the district seven (west central Texas) administrators and specialists. They told us about the agricultural composition of district seven which stretches from the Brownwood area all the way up toward Abilene and back down to the San Angelo/El Dorado area. We also heard from the extension specialist such as Range Specialist Dr. Morgan Treadwell, Agronomist, Dr. Nolan, and Sheep and Goat Specialist Dr. Reid Redden. Then after the introduction we went on a tour of the facilities where they are doing research. We were showed a guard dog project, Rambouilet Sheep versus hair sheep, Angora goats and the research that they are doing on the super cedar eating goatsSpanish Goats. Next we went to the Angelo State Range Site and Agricultural classes. Dr. Cody Scott showed us around the range site and told us about the range and cattle research. Then we headed into the classrooms and learned more about the sheep, goat and cattle research, about the food safety and meat provessign research. After those two tours we had dinner hosted by Angelo State, where we could get to know the our fellow farmers and ranchers.

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Early the next day we headed out to Denis Ranches, where they have a small shhep and goat feedlot, raise some of their own grain and have silos where they store their own grain and where other frmers can store their grain too. They also sack their own feed that the surrounding farmers can purchase to feed livestock. They store milo (sorghum) and cotton seed. Then we headed down the road to Coats Saddlery and learned all about the process of making saddles.

be stored and shipped and/or sacked right their on-site. A train also runs through to ship the grain. Across the road was Highway 67 Gin Company where the cotton is ginned.

The Grain and Gin company hosted dinner for us at the Young Framers Hall in Miles, TX. Then we headed back to the hotel to get some rest before returning to our everyday lives. Many of the older folks who run the ag businesses that we stooped were impressed and commented on the amount of us who were on the tour and were proud to see that there are still many young people working in the ag industry.

Then we headed back into San Angelo to stop by Producers Livestock Auction Company. Folks come from miles around (as far way as New Mexico) the auction off and buy livestock from sheep goats, and cattle. They have a train that runs past the auction barn to ship the livestock too. We heard from manager and walked across the cat walk and they were loading and unloading livestock. Then we had lunch which was local lamb with BBQ fixins Then the manager talked to us about the market and about policy effecting livestock producers and auction barns. Next we went to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. They rescue donkey from all over the United States that are running wild across the landscape and on public lands and then break and train them and sell them to people interested in buying donkeys and mules. Nest we went to Halfmann Red Angus. This family and the two brothers told us about their ag enterprise in which they raise and market pure bred red angus cattle and also have some cropland in which they utilize soil health. For each of these endeavors they use all kinds of modern computer programs to help them manage and keep track of their timings of vaccinations, calving, fertilizer, weed control, etc.

I met up with my friends Melody and Cody Kneupper of Sisterdale TX and the advisory council members and some of the other farmers from our area, including a couple from Floresville and a couple from Hondo who raise crops and exotics. Then met a couple who farms and ranches down around Sealy. And brother who are fist generation farmer near Waxahachie, TX and ac couple who farms and ranches near Brownwood. And reconnected with my friend, Preston, who is an extension agent in Palestine, TX and his friend Chase and chase’s wife who also works for extension. And a girl who manages an exotic game ranch near Gatesville, TX. Don’t forget about your own reps Michelle and Clayton martin. The Texas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers is a great group to be a part of.

Then we went to Top Tier Grain and Feed Company. They also allow local farmers and ranchers to drop off their grain to

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Sleigh Ride

in Texas BY PATRICK DUDLEY

Over the River and through the wood, to grandmother’s house we go; the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, through the white and drifted snow. Or how about this ol’ classic? Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh; over the fields we go, laughing all the way!

With the first real cool spell to come through Texas, songs of the upcoming seasons begin playing subconsciously. Anyone remember this song we learned in elementary school?

ow, while the High-Plains will probably be the only spot in Texas close to needing an actual sleigh, the songs beginning to roll through our heads will undoubtedly be of the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays just around the corner (we know the box stores are close to hitting the Christmas music play button soon). So, what happened to October?! October? Heck, where did the year go?! Anything we wanted to do this year and didn’t, we better do quick; there are only two more months until 2020 rolls along. Regardless of whether we are ready for the new year or not, all Texans great and small, old and new will be getting into a more festive spirit, planning holiday sojourns with loved ones and looking forward to the feasts and fiestas that bring us together. Texans, of course, have a few things during this season we get excited about other folks just wouldn’t understand; can we say “Tamales”? Perhaps your family has been looking forward to a Deluxe Fruit Cake from the Collin Street Bakery or being able to have fresh grapefruit and oranges from the Rio Grande Valley! Pecans are falling by the millions all over the state as harvest is increasingly picking up and will be ready to be in hand for our culinary pleasure. (Remember pecans are not just for

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dessert anymore!) Yes, a table in Texas can be graced with many diverse delectable dishes coming from a multitude of different customs. German, Mexican, Czech, Cajun, the list goes on and so do the recipes! Is a traditional oven roasted turkey going to be presented at your table, is a deep-fried turkey in your future, or perhaps beer can turkey? Homemade smoked sausage made from wild game, pulled pork, carnitas, venison, beef tenderloin, or brisket; and what Texan’s Thanksgiving or Christmas be complete without queso or wrapping something in bacon? Side dishes abound with combinations of fruits, nuts and vegetables. Broccoli – cheese casserole, green been casserole, butternut squash, romaine salad with grapefruit, cranberry-orange relish, pecan crusted mac and cheese, Texas Caviar; there are just too many goodies to list. In between meals (taking in a kolache or two) as you line your sidewalk with luminaries or hang a barbwire wreath, you of course can’t forget about dessert! Pumpkin pie, homemade fudge, flan, peanut brittle, buttermilk pie, pecan pralines, Texas sheet cake, churros, apple strudel, sopaipillas; the mouth begins to water just imagining the sights and aromas laying in store for us in just a few short weeks! Where will you be feasting? Is your fiesta in your hometown or are you going to take a sleigh…err car ride? Texans will be traveling thousands of miles throughout the state and beyond to enjoy the company of loved ones, take in some football and nap profoundly.

from say, Fayette County, to relatives in El Paso County, please think again. Taking inshell pecans from a quarantined county, into a quarantine free county puts those farmers at risk. The extracted pecan meats are allowed into the free areas, but untreated inshell pecans are not. The Texas Department of Agriculture works hard at keeping invasive pests and diseases out of Texas in order to protect our farms and ranches. Before packing up any plants, food or other agricultural items and bringing them back into Texas, please look at the following websites to determine if those items are quarantined articles or not.

https://www.texasagriculture.gov/ RegulatoryPrograms/Quarantines.aspx

Any families taking a sleigh ride to another country? Please find the information from this website:

https://www.dontpackapest.com Third, enjoy your time with your loved ones and before “digging in” please don’t forget to thank the farmers and ranchers helping make the holidays memorable!

A few things to remember during this traveling season. One, if you would like to try out some new recipes for any of your holiday get togethers, feel free to check out TDA’s GO TEXAN website. You can find a host of dishes you might like to make a family tradition at: http://www.gotexan.org/

ExperienceGOTEXAN/ Recipes.aspx

Two, be cognizant of any plants, food, or other agricultural items you may plan on taking into other areas of Texas, out of state, or what you may bring back into Texas. There are several pests and diseases our farmers and ranchers would hate to see brought across the border. Similarly, there are areas within Texas that are free from pests and diseases infesting different parts of the state. For instance, El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Presidio counties are the only pecan weevil free areas in Texas. The rest of the state is considered quarantined or “infested” with pecan weevil. So, if you’re thinking about taking a bucket full of inshell pecans

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

ValleyLAND FUND

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FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMER & RANCHER

SKEET SHOOT

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

To Catch a Cow Thief

Special Ranger Joe Aguilar investigates agriculture crimes across South Texas

uring an average day on the job, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Rais ers Association Special Ranger Joe Aguilar Jr. covers quite a bit of ground. On a busy day, he might wind up driving a few hundred miles.

When he’s not as busy, Aguilar spends his time at local sale barns, meeting the community he serves and, sometimes, taking reports of stolen cattle over breakfast. If you happen to bump into him, feel free to say hello: he’s got a good sense of humor and a heck of a lot of good stories. As one of only 30 TSCRA rangers covering Texas and Oklahoma, Aguilar is responsible for investigating agricultural crimes in Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Willacy and Zapata counties. At 10,441 square miles, the territory is larger than the states of Delaware, Rhode Island and New Jersey combined. Aguilar is a commissioned peace officer, working as part of a

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law enforcement organization that investigates about 1,000 agricultural crimes and recovers an average of $5 million in stolen agricultural assets annually. “We investigate anything involving the theft of livestock and basically any other crimes related to agriculture,” Aguilar said. “Under the Texas penal code there’s an actual agriculture code, and we investigate a lot of those issues, anything from stolen cattle to fraud.” Aguilar grew up in the Valley and his parents owned a farm and ranch business in Penitas. In 2017, after serving as a detective with Mission PD for 16 years, he was commissioned as a special ranger. “One of the biggest focuses I have right now is getting people to know who I am,” he said. “I grew up in the Hidalgo area, so I know a lot of ranchers in Hidalgo and Starr, but I’m trying to get to know more of the people in the other counties.” Aguilar says in some senses, being a special ranger isn’t so very different than being a regular police officer, only you

wind up driving down a lot more dirt roads and you don’t get to rely on traffic cameras to find cattle rustlers. “It’s like any other crime,” he says. “I’m looking for any type of evidence of a theft. I’ll look for any kind of indication that there was a trailer or something, footprints. We’ve had instances where they cut themselves on the barbed wire, so I’ll take blood as trace evidence.” Although the TSCRA’s been around for over a century, Aguilar says the agency constantly modernizes itself to keep up with criminals. “This agency has been around since 1877. Back in the day they were mounted on horses looking for cattle rustlers, and we’re doing the same thing now, only like everything else we have to evolve to the times, but we still have those guys out there who go cut fences and take cattle and rustle them up to a trailer,” he said. “It’s the same thing, but now there’s different methods.” Chief amongst those methods is the internet, which allows rustlers to sell stolen livestock hundreds of miles away.

Whether you have five or 500, you need to brand your stuff.” According to Aguilar, it’s also important to write down identifying information on agricultural equipment, like tractors. “We’ve got a rash of tractor thefts right now,” he said. “We’ve got about 30 or 40 tractors stolen between Hidalgo, Willacy and Cameron Counties.” Recently, someone identified one of the stolen tractors across the border. Fortunately, the tractor’s owner had recorded its VIN number. “One of the state police guys confirmed the VIN and we were able to get the tractor across back to the owners,” Aguilar said. “If we wouldn’t have had those numbers, we wouldn’t have been able to bring that tractor across.” Aguilar says that the other key to preventing agricultural crime is to be a good neighbor and report suspicious activity to property owners or to the authorities. “If everybody was very vigilant, I think that we would stop a lot of stuff,” he said.

“People are using Facebook, they’re using Craigslist, they’re using Backpage, they’re using all those different sources, and even though it’s this old school crime, we’re having to use all these different methods to keep up with it,” Aguilar said. In addition to looking for stolen livestock on the internet, special rangers rely on a group of individuals known as market inspectors who observe livestock sales at sale barns and report the cattle sold to the organization. “One of my first cases was a livestock theft case. A guy in Cameron County went to a secluded ranch and stole about six head of cattle in the middle of the night, and two days later they ended up there at a livestock auction in Alice,” Aguilar said. “We found the cattle and we went back to the different consignors and we were able to make an arrest.” Aguilar says that being able to identify stolen livestock is the most important factor in getting them returned. Often people will report that a cow is stolen and only be able to describe its color. Sometimes ranchers can even find and identify a stolen cow, but without some specific identifying mark, it’s difficult to prove that they own it.

More information on the TSCRA can be found at http://tscra. org. Reports of agricultural crime in the area can be reported to Aguilar by calling him at (956) 222-7805.

“The common thing is people will shake a bag of feed and call him, and he’ll come. But I give them the example, if you shake a steak in front of me, I’ll come running too,” Aguilar said. “It’s hard, because you know it’s yours, I know it’s yours, but when we go to court at the end of the day, the judge is going to be reluctant to say it’s yours. A brand costs, give or take, $100... That’s not even half of what that animal costs.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Frequently Flooded Ag Land May Be Eligible for NRCS Easement Restoration Program

he USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas is taking applications through November 15, 2019 for floodplain easements through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program Floodplain Easement (EWPP-FPE). The program’s focus is to provide landowners with another option for frequently flooded properties such as agricultural fields, forested land, fallow land, pasture and in certain situations residential areas in cooperation with a qualified sponsor. Through the EWPP-FPE program, eligible applicants voluntarily agree to sell a permanent conservation easement to the United States through NRCS. EWPP-FPE is administered in locations where a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been made or areas identified and funded through Congressional legislation. For eligibility, the applicant must have documented evidence of flooding which occurred at least once within the previous calendar year or at least twice within the previous 10 years. Lands also inundated or damaged because of dam breach also qualify. Compensation is based on fair market value. “Landowners across the Texas have faced—and continue to face—significant challenges from flooding and natural disasters,” said Acting NRCS State Conservationist Darren Richardson. “This easement program offers an option that alleviates the stress of operating in a floodplain while still retaining ownership of their property.” A major goal of EWPP-FPE is to restore the floodplain functions and values to the greatest extent practicable. Structures, including buildings, fences, pipes, etc., within the floodplain easement must be demolished and/or removed, or relocated outside the affected flood-

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plain area. The costs of all restoration practices are also paid for through the program and the landowner can participate in the restoration efforts. To apply for the program, visit your local USDA Service Center for an application package. Applications will be prioritized by a statewide ranking. For more information on the EWPP-FPE or other conservation programs to assist you with your agricultural land, please visit NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.

MORE THAN JUST INSURANCE! H We award $8,500 scholarships a year

to graduating seniors that are Cameron County Farm Bureau members.

We spent over $11,000 at the Livestock Show on animal bids

H We donated $7,500 to the Cameron

H Texas Farm Bureau has a mobile learning barn.

H We donate to Sunny Glen Children’s Home in San Benito.

H Your Farm Bureau membership provides a

County Fair & Livestock Show to build a new barn.

Anyone can become a member and take advantage of all these services for only

$49.00 a year

lot of services to youth and community

Why you should join your Cameron County Farm Bureau Membership Discounts:

Farm Bureau promotes today’s farmers and ranchers!

Support us today!

Cameron Co. Farm Bureau

335 N. Oscar Williams Rd. San Benito, TX 78586 (956) 399-8183

ADT Home Monitoring System Hotel Discounts Grainger Industrial Supply Discounts CAT and John Deere Amusement Park Tickets Insurance Services Defensive Driving Course Discounts on Polaris, ATV and UTV $500 Discount on new 2016,2017,2018 Ford Vehicles Case IH Discounts

National voice of agriculture, working through our grassroots organizations to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities.

Meeting your needs as they grow

www.te xa s f ar m bur eau .c o m J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 9

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

956-688-8485 Thanks for 11 Years!

LOOK!

MADE YOU

2020

Soil Fertility Strategy BY DEREK EMERINE

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he last several years have been filled with multiple challenges. There have been excessive rainfall events, droughts, diminished commodity prices, and static to higher input costs. It is more important than ever to make sure soil fertility is managed as well as possible. Utilizing an accurate soil sample is the best place to start. Precision soil sampling is the best strategy to determine in-field variability and to help prioritize where fertilizer dollars should be spent. Economics is also a huge player. It is essential to understand that utilizing precision soil sampling does not necessarily mean more money has to be spent on fertilizer. Shifting where fertilizer dollars are spent can be an economical and agronomic way to improve fertilizer efficiency and profit. Historically, a majority of the fertilizer budget has been spent on nitrogen and phosphorus. Ignoring the other essential plant nutrients can prevent reaching the full yield potential. Liebig’s law of the minimum developed by Carl Sprengel and popularized by Justus von Leibig visually explains the importance of all essential plant nutrients. The “barrel” illustration explains this logic very well. The maximum amount of water (yield) the barrel can hold is determined by the shortest barrel stave. In many cases, nitrogen and phosphorus may not be the shortest barrel staves.

and sulfur must be present in adequate levels to convert nitrogen fertilizer into plant proteins. If there are budget concerns with adding sulfur, nitrogen rates can be reduced 10-15% to help pay for the additional sulfur. Lastly, pay attention to potassium. Many Texas soils have high soil test potassium levels, but they have two issues that affect the plants’ ability to utilize the soil test potassium that is present. One is that many Texas soils have relatively high clay content. This results in a sizable amount of the soil test potassium getting tied up in the clay structure present in the soil. The second issue is that many Texas soils also have high pH. High pH soils have large amounts of calcium and/or magnesium. Plants grown in soils with very high calcium or magnesium have a more difficult time taking up potassium present in the soil. We have seen significant yield responses to adding potash to many Texas soils and/or applying foliar potassium in season. Soil fertility can be complicated. Utilizing a soil test, whether it is a standard or precision sampling, is the best place to start. Soil tests help determine which nutrients are yield limiting factors. As commodity prices fluctuate and profitability becomes more challenging, it will be imperative to have an open mind about where fertilizer dollars should be spent. Ask questions of your consultants and fertilizer dealers, and most importantly utilize soil test data to make an informed decision.

Most growers have multiple yield limiting factors. In the example above, spending the entire fertilizer budget on nitrogen and phosphorus will not necessarily improve the yield potential because zinc, iron, sulfur, and potassium have not been addressed. The good news is that addressing multiple soil fertility issues doesn’t have to break the bank. Micronutrients like zinc and manganese can be addressed with starter fertilizers or relatively cheap foliar applications in season. Sulfur can be added to nitrogen applications. We are seeing an increased need for sulfur and

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Walk to School with your Kids to

Get Moving! Benefits of walking to school: • Increase daily physical activity • Help to control weight and blood pressure • Maintain bone, muscle and joint health • Reduce the risk of diabetes • Improve mental focus and emotional well-being • Improve a student’s academic performance

On October 2nd, get a few steps in and spend time with your kids, to celebrate International Walk to School Day.

middle school students walked or biked to school in 1969; that number is less than 15-percent fifty years later.

According to the non-profit organization, Safe Routes to School, the day’s effort is aimed at increasing physical activity among children, reducing traffic and benefiting the environment with reduced vehicle emissions or with increasing safe pedestrian routes. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that almost half of elementary and

To promote physical activity for youth, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has introduced the “Walking School Bus” program which organizes Parent and Volunteer efforts to help children get to school safely and let them move their bodies before the learning starts. “Children show up at school and behave better, and learn

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better, when they’ve had some physical activity – like walking to school.” said Suzanne Duda, the President of the organization, Blue Zones, whose is mission informed and inspired by the world’s longest-lived cultures. Blue Zones organization help people live longer and better lives by improving their environment. The Walking School Bus is a flexible program that allows two or more children to walk a set route to school under adult supervision for just eight weeks or the entire school year if desired. Erica Reyes, Extension Program Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, is a developer of the “Walking School Bus” Program. She says, “Walking to school offers an opportunity for school-aged children to increase their levels of daily physical activity, and that is important as a community effort to reduce the number of children that are overweight as that can have health implications for them later in life”.

teenagers; like bone and muscle strength and learning or behavioral aspects. Reyes concludes, “Walking is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay healthy”. Another way to help form a sustained habit of walking/activity is by participating in any local Extension Walk Across Texas (WAT) programs.

Walk Across Texas! is a FREE, 8-week program designed to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity.

Research in community health encourages physical activity, like walking, as it has numerous benefits for youth and

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Your business is our priority! Locally grown

HANKA SOD 32054 Weaver Road, San Benito, Texas

956-207-9004

Harvesting year â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;round Delivery Available TIFT 419, Bermuda, Floratam & St. Augustine

A Letter from the Editor Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Have you ever felt like you were in a fork in the road? Not knowing which way to take? Do you take the right or the left? I have faced this many times, and a lot of uncertainty surrounds your choice. You know that no matter what road you take, each will present its own trials and triumphs, but which road is better? When I got the idea to start my TV show, it was a road that I was very uncertain of. Was it going to work, were people going to watch it? I was putting myself out there, which I have been learning to do over the years as I become more comfortable in my own skin. What if I say or do something wrong? All these “what ifs” were running through my mind. After prayer it hit me one day. It doesn’t matter what road I take, as long as I stay on the road and don’t veer off the beaten path, so to speak. If I didn’t pick a road to go down I would be at a stand still. I had a choice to make, and I chose to take a leap of faith and get on that road and start the TV show. On my journey, I’ve faced failures, I’ve faced successes, but there were - and still are - times when I think to myself, should I just stop? The simple answer is NO. I need to stay on the road with the path that lies before me. Just as in life, we go down several paths every season and it’s important to stay on that road to the end point. When we get off the path that God has set before us is when we get lost, just like sheep without a Shepard. I had a time in my life when I decided to get off the path, and quite honestly I felt as if I was in the dark woods filled with many dangers. At a point, I felt as if I would never find the path again and would be lost forever searching for the path I had decided to get off of. A soon as I realized I couldn’t find my way back alone, God graciously took me back to my path. There are no wrong turns on your path (off the path yes), only paths we had not known we were meant to walk. You may be going through a time in life where your surrounding are brand new. You may be filled with fear, sadness, a lot of uncertainty, but I am here to tell you, stay on the path that God presented to you and you will be rewarded. You never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything, or it could be nothing. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain. God presents paths as a way of growth and as a way to grow closer to Him. God will never steer you wrong. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Texas Farm Bureau, businesses urge Congress to ratify USMCA The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will benefit Texas businesses— including agriculture—through job creation, increased opportunities for exports and freer markets and fairer trade. Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Association of Business and more than 100 other agricultural and business groups urge Congress to quickly ratify the trade agreement.

(WACO, Texas)—Texans need a major economic victory and that lies with ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). That was the message Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Association of Business and more than 100 other businesses and agricultural organizations delivered in a letter today to House and Senate leadership urging them to quickly approve the trade agreement. “Ratification of USMCA is critically needed to provide certainty for the many business sectors in Texas that rely on trade with Canada and Mexico, while in turn contributing to the U.S. economy,” the groups wrote. Texas exports more than any other state to Mexico and is second only behind Michigan for exports to Canada. More than 950,000 Texas jobs are supported by trade with Mexico and Canada. In 2018, Texas exported more than $137 billion worth of products to its North American partners, accounting for 43 percent of Texas’ total exports to the world. These numbers, the groups said, will only grow with the implementation of USMCA. The trade agreement also would create much-needed certainty for Texas farm and ranch families. “The annual value of Texas’ agricultural exports to our North American neighbors totals more than $7.2 billion,” the groups said. “USMCA would only build on these achievements by breaking down existing trade barriers and opening more market access for products like beef, dairy, corn, wheat and pork.” It will also enhance biotechnology standards, reduce trade distorting policies and establish modern sanitary and phytosanitary standards, among others.

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Mexico and Canada, the groups said, purchase half of Texas’ total global manufacturing exports for more than $120 billion in 2018. “Passage of USMCA will help Texas manufacturers be more competitive and create many more jobs in Texas and the U.S.,” the ag and business groups said. Improvements to the trade agreement also support economic growth by requiring increased portions of automotive content be sourced in North America. New provisions under USMCA will strengthen and enforce environmental and labor obligations, which makes strides in leveling the playing field for Texas and U.S. workers and businesses. “USMCA also provides a strong framework to support North American energy trade,” according to the groups. “It will bolster North American competitiveness and help lower our reliance on energy imports from outside the region. It also maintains the free flow of energy across borders in North America through the continued zero-tariff treatment of U.S. energy exports to Mexico and Canada.” The trade deal not only expands job opportunities in Texas but also in the U.S. A recent independent International Trade Commission report estimates USMCA will add $68.2 billion to annual gross domestic product and create more than 176,000 additional jobs. “We respectfully request that you quickly bring USMCA up for a vote in Congress and support its final passage,” the groups said. “Hardworking Americans are counting on your leadership on this important issue.”

SkySon Financial Structured Sales:

“My brother and I sold our dairy assets to convert the land to trees. We were referred to SkySon Financial by another former dairy that had used the strategy. SkySon Financial was extremely helpful and worked closely with us in developing an appropriate strategy and cash flow. They worked with our tax advisor to ensure this was the best strategy for us, and by doing so we saved over $1.2MM in taxes. SkySon Financial has been extremely professional at every stage, and we strongly recommend that anyone considering the sale of a farm, crops, or a business contact them for assistance. In fact, we have already been recommending them to other farmers.”

he structured sale is an effective tax deferral tool for the sale of commercial real estate, land, businesses and other highly appreciated assets, however there are some distinct advantages for AGRICULTURE. The dealer disposition rule prohibits manufacturing and other industries from selling inventory or production under the installment sale method pursuant to IRC sec. 453. However, agriculture is specifically exempt from the dealer disposition rule, allowing farmers, ranchers, orchards and other growers to sell their crops, livestock or production, under Sec. 453. Structuring crop sales allows the farmers to defer income into future years to provide a more consistent cash flow, match income with needed expenses or provide a secure income stream for retirement. Farmers no longer need to purchase equipment or incur other expenses for the sole purpose of offsetting taxes. Agriculture is also exempt from the pledge rule under Sec. 453. The standard rule is that anyone can pledge the future payments from an installment sale contract and borrow against them. The loan proceeds are treated as a payment and taxed as such. A farmer, however, can borrow against installment payments and the loan is treated as a loan, not a disposition of the installment sale, and therefore not taxable. The taxes continue to be

due in the year in which the underlying installment payments are received. This allows farmers, ranchers, etc. to enjoy tax deferral as well as tax free liquidity! In addition, agriculture is also exempt from the special interest rule. Farmers can defer capital gains in excess of five million dollars without incurring an interest penalty. These rules apply to the sale of crops, livestock, or the sale of the farm as a whole and gives a seller more options and flexibility than sellers of other non-agricultural assets.

What is SkySon Financials’ role in the process? The professionals at SkySon Financial will work with both buyer and seller as well as their trusted advisors to guide them through the process. We apply our unparalleled experience and expertise to work closely with the CPA, tax attorney or other advisors to develop and implement a plan that is most beneficial to the seller. We will provide the advisors with all the pertinent tax and legal information necessary to make the most informed decisions possible. Skyson Financial gives farmers a tool to better manage cash flow and taxes, to enhance retirement income and succession planning while eliminating buyer default and providing guaranteed future payments.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

FFA&4-H C 2 019

RGV

D I S T R I C T

C A L E N

2019 FFA EVENTS CALENDAR

November 8, 2019 Citrus Valley LDE Event

November 21, 2019 Hog Validation

RGVLS 9am - 2pm

Edinburg 9am -11am and 1pm - 4pm

November 14, 2019 Palm Valley LDE’s

November 23, 2019 RGVLS Gala

November 16, 2019 Bobcat Showdown

November 25, 2019 AREA X FFA LDE’s

November 18, 2019 TRI-Dist FFA LDE’s RMB Fairgrounds

December 1, 2019 Major Show Entry Deadline

November 18, 2019 Winter Garden Dist LDE

December 1, 2019 STAR Entry Deadline

RGVLS

Poteet

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RGVLS

RMB Fairgrounds

Calendar DA R

O F

AC T I V I T I E S

2019 HIDALGO COUNTY 4-H EVENTS CALENDAR

November 16, 2019 District Food Show/ Food Challenge Time and Location: TBD

November 17, 2019 D12 Round Up/ Consumer Decision Making TBD November 21, 2019 Hog Validation 2:00 PM–6:00 PM Edinburg Ag. Farm

November 23, 2019 RGVLS - GALA

Time and Location: TBD

November 26, 2019 County Council Meeting/ Adult Leaders Meeting 7pm Extension Office

Sponsored by:

December 7, 2019 District 12 Shooting Sports (Modified 600 & 3-D) Archery Match 8am Location: TBD

December 10, 2019 County Council Christmas

Time and Location: TBD

January 18, 2020 S.T.A.R. – GALA

Time and Location: TBD

January 22-25, 2020 S.T.A.R. (www.gostar.org) Time and Location: TBD

January 28, 2020 County Council Meeting/ Adult Leaders Meeting 7pm Extension Office

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

North Alamo Water Supply Corp. contributes more than just water to the community BY NORA GARZA

roviding drinking water and sewer service may be the primary role of North Alamo Water Supply Corp., but it is also known throughout service area for its strong outreach efforts. North Alamo Water Supply Corp. staffers can often be seen at cook-offs as a way to support local organizations. Not to brag, but the team’s pan de campo and ribs have won a few prizes. On Veterans Day, the corporation honors its employees and board members at an early morning outdoor ceremony by the flag pole. “It’s our sincere way to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifices,” said Steven P. Sanchez, general manager. For years managers went into the community to talk about water conservation and the process of treating raw water into safe drinking water. As the utility grew and expanded into the rural communities of eastern Hidalgo, Willacy and northwestern Cameron counties, managers were hard pressed to find time in their daily duties for presentations. The position of outreach coordinator was created in 2012 to provide educational outreach, as well as to coordinate tours of water plants and help plan other special events. Children have always been an important focus for NAWSC’s outreach efforts. General manager Steven P. Sanchez has often said, “Children take home the information they learn about water conservation and share it with their parents and siblings. This way, you are

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actually reaching two generations.” NAWSC has long supported Kids, Kows and More, and Wild in Willacy, two educational programs that bring the world of agriculture to schoolchildren. NAWSC provides financial gifts and employee speakers. Nora N. Garza, outreach coordinator, also goes into schools and visits youth clubs to give a magic show, which demonstrates the importance of conserving water and protecting water sources. The educational efforts continue with tours of the water treatment plants and waste water treatment plants. Students have varied in age from 10 years old to university students working on their master degrees. In the past, students have commented how producing clean, drinking water is more complicated than they imagined. For years, NAWSC has contributed to youth agriculture scholarships: Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Willacy County Fair and Premium Sale, and South Texas Agriculture Roundup (STAR).

During recent hurricane relief efforts, NAWSC employees collected and donated cash, which was matched by the corporation. Cases of water have been donated to the Hidalgo County Sheriff Office and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Association for their various community projects. Donations have also been made to the Sheriff’s annual Thanksgiving dinner baskets and to Valley Interfaith, which champions water treatment plants and sewer services for colonias. Community outreach is such an integral part of the its mission that NAWSC was recognized by the Texas Rural Water Association for excellence in community outreach in 2017. “This award is a tribute to every person who works at North Alamo Water Supply Corp.,” said Steven P. Sanchez, general manager. “It takes everyone working together to deliver the kind of courteous and efficient service our customers deserve.”

Nora N. Garza is the Outreach Coordinator at North Alamo Water Supply Corp. To schedule a presentation or a tour of a water plant, please contact her at ngarza@nawsc.com or 956-383-1618.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBERR 2019

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Ag Mag Featured Farmer

Zavala County Rancher Uses Conservation to Benefit Ranches BY DEBRA PARSONS

or outdoors fanatic Anthony Gallegos, work ing as ranch manager for the Double Dime Ranch in Zavala County, Texas, was a dream come true. Gallegos worked at the 9,000-acre ranch for 16 years while it was owned by Atlanta Braves MVP third baseman Chipper Jones. In addition to running the ranch during this time, Gallegos leased approximately 1,000 acres to run his cattle at the ranch. Soon he realized his cattle needed more forage to graze.

The Winter Garden SWCD, in partnership with the Texas-Mexico Border Coalition, would like to highlight the success story of Zavala County producers. For more information on SWCD assistance, please contact Debra Parsons and for more information on how NRCS can assist you with your land management goals, please contact J. M. Villarreal. Their telephone number is (830) 374-3838, extension 3. The SWCD and NRCS office is located at 319 N. 1st Ave., Suite 2 in Crystal City. For more information on how FSA can assist you, please contact Judy Muller at (830) 876-2115, extension 3128 or visit the local FSA office at 200 South 1st Street in Carrizo Springs.

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Gallegos decided to seek assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Winter Garden Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Gallegos applied for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which is a Farm Bill program that provides financial and technical assistance for implementing recommended conservation practices. To increase forage, NRCS District Conservationist J. M. Villarreal created a conservation plan for Gallegos to help meet his short- and long-term goals for the ranch. This included cross-fencing, a conservation practice that allows for the rotation of cattle to improve grazing land health. Villarreal also provided technical assistance to Gallegos for rotational grazing, prescribed burns and brush management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all conser-

vation practices to improve pasture conditions. Gallegos now manages a private ranch where the owner has utilized a different Farm Bill program, the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The CSP is the largest conservation program in the United States. It is a five-year program designed to address natural resources concerns through a more comprehensive approach. Additional conservation activities are undertaken while existing conservation activities are improved, maintained and managed. This approach is more cost-effective and achieves a greater conservation result when activities are performed simultaneously. Conservation practices completed at the ranch under the CSP program include patch burning to enhance wildlife habitat and grazing management to improve wildlife habitat. These practices complement practices previously implemented at the ranch, which include improving pond conditions for livestock water quality and quantity, cross-fencing and the reduction of his cattle herd. Winter wheat, oats and sorghum are planted for livestock and wildlife, but also as cover crops for soil health improvement. “We also plant a spring dual mix for birds,” states Gallegos. “We have a large quail population right now.” Just like during his tenure at the Double Dime, Gallegos leases land at this ranch to run his cattle as well. Gallegos still finds the time to manage his own 135-acre ranch near La Pryor. For many years, this land was leased, and the lessee had a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract administered through the USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA). Through this program, the lessee was able to continuously plant buffelgrass and rotate planting milo, oats and wheat. “Thanks to these previous cover crop programs, the soil has been kept pretty healthy for my cattle to graze,” says Gallegos. “I have continued to plant milo, and I rotate planting oats with winter wheat myself. Once again NRCS has provided me with the technical assistance I need to improve the pasture with brush management and cross-fencing, two practices I was already familiar with from practices implemented at the Double Dime.” He went on to say, “Aerial spraying was recommended to help control the huisache. Probably most important was the technical assistance I received for my pumping plant at my water well; water is essential – I can’t do anything without it. No matter where I am, I can tell that conservation practices really do enhance the land.” Whether working or relaxing, Gallegos likes to be outdoors. He is an avid hunter and likes to hunt whitetail deer with his bow. He is also an avid fisherman, taking his bass boat out on Lake Amistad every chance he gets.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Houston is grateful to the NRCS for their technical and financial assistance. “They have contributed to my knowledge of my soil and helpe

Conservation Helps Texas Olive Orchard Thrive BY MELISSA BLAIR,

NRCS Public Affairs Specialist

Near the small southwest Texas town of Asherton, there is a sight that surprises everyone the first time they enter Kerry Thornhill Houston’s ranch. As you top the hill, the land transforms into a rolling valley with a vibrant green olive orchard that some would compare to pictures of Tuscany. One of the most impressive factors is this orchard was only established seven years ago. For more than 100 years, Houston’s family has lived and owned land in Dimmit County. Her dream of carrying on a Texas family legacy has come a long way since she purchased her land in January 2012 and by September had planted 8,000 olive tree seedlings on 40-acres. Disappointment came the following year when she lost a portion of her orchard to flooding. Houston harvested her first olives in late 2016 from the four varieties she selected to grow on the ranch: Arbequina, Mission, Picual and Tosca. The olives were milled, racked and bottled as extra virgin olive oil in 2017 under the name, 1836: A Texas Olive Company. Today, the boutique olive oil is showcased at select cooking and chef events, sold online, and sold at fine stores across Texas as well as carried by a major food distributor. Taking care of the land and natural resources is important to Houston, who believes the impact of these conservation efforts will translate improved production and a high-quality olive and oil. 58

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Getting Started In 2015, she began working with Dusty Crowe, district conservationist with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Carrizo Springs, to develop a voluntary conservation plan for her farm. “I connected with NRCS staff after attending a soil health workshop, and they have provided assistance and support to implement conservation practices in the olive orchard that are helping increase soil health, olive health and production,” said Houston. “One-on-one technical assistance from Dusty and his unwavering support of a ‘first time farmer’ to encourage and educate me on conservation has helped create a thriving and productive olive operation in six and a half years.”

Helping Others Houston is no stranger to hard work. As a woman entrepreneur, she knew going in as a first-time farmer that she had a lot to learn. She also gladly shares the knowledge she aquires with current and new olive producers she meets. She serves as a board member and secretary of the Texas Association of Olive Oil and is a member of the American Olive Oil Producers Association. She is working on a grant received by Texas AgriLife Extension Service on treatment for root rot and preventing freeze damage to olive

ed me build my farming practice. Most importantly, I’m proud to work with them to conserve our most precious Texas resource....water.” trees. This grant funds an organic chemical trial in selected TXAOO member orchards, including Houston’s. She has witnessed firsthand how this pathogen in the soil can cause root rot and take its toll on her olive trees within a few days. She was elected in December 2018 as the first female district director of the Dimmit County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) #320. As a board member, Houston hopes to expand the knowledge of what the SWCD does in helping county landowners and land managers. “I became involved with these organizations to collaborate with and educate other Texas growers to ensure our collective success,” said Houston. Sharing about a conversation with a fellow olive grower, she offered the following advice: “Installing an orchard takes thoughtful planning. You must take the whole design into consideration including the soil, compaction, irrigation, and harvesting to make sure it all will work before you ever put a tree in the ground. Even with all the planning and calculations, things will still happen such as floods, drought, root rot and more but you learn as you go and learn how to handle and treat each of these events.”

designed to preserve South Texas water resources while still supporting her orchard farming practices. The management plan requires her to monitor rainfall and soil moisture with soil moisture probes. She says soil moisture, rainfall and monitoring trees are all important but when the trees start blooming, she is in full fruit management mode for three to four months. After harvest, she is back to orchard maintenance with tree trimming, spraying copper on tree wounds and providing beneficial nutrients through the water fertigation system. Cover crops are another conservation practice Houston has implemented to alleviate soil compaction, allow for the expansion of root systems through moisture distribution, provide biological diversity, and reduce soil erosion. After preparing the orchard, she installed a cool season cover crop seed mix recommended by NRCS based on the soils on her farm. Houston said driving through the orchard and seeing the cover crops go from seed to a thriving crop has been a remarkable show. Several acres in the orchard were planted with a native plant mixture of pollinators as well. “What really impressed me about Kerry when we first started working together was that she understood that you can’t cheat the land,” said Crowe. “She knew that in order to be successful and sustainable she had to put in the work and do the right things for the right reasons.” Crowe added, Hous ton took a marginal piece of ground in Dimmit County and turned it into something unique and amazing through hard work, perseverance, and constant learning. “I am proud of her for what she has accomplished and grateful to have her as a cooperating producer.”

Sweet Taste of Success During the heat of the summer, Hous Finding the Perfect Balance

ton can be found walking or riding her ATV through the orchard checking the olives, looking for water leaks, and enjoying the fruits of her labor.

Houston implemented a customized conservation plan to address her short and long-term goals, while maximizing her natural resources for a sustainable olive orchard and vibrant harvested olive crop. The conservation technical assistance of the NRCS along with the financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) helped her install the recommended conservation practices to improve her operation. It also helped Houston stay prepared for the farming challenges, while supporting the management of three different and distinct soil types within the orchard.

The growing season for olives in South Texas runs from March to September, but rain can delay harvest as late as October, as it did last year. This year she was able to harvest her crop in September during the night when temperatures were cooler. The harvesting machine drives over the row of trees, wraps around and shakes the tree, depositing the olives onto a conveyor belt that transports them into the holding bin. Then the olives are offloaded and driven to Dripping Springs for milling.

She installed a micro irrigation system with filtration to control water application and timing directly to the orchard tree line. This system removes impurities in the water, improves water distribution, and allows her to fertilize the orchard through the system, also known as water fertigation. Proper irrigation management is critical for all stages of olive evolution production and is crucial to sustaining consistent yields in South Texas. Additionally, she follows the NRCS irrigation water management plan

“For the best olive oil, milling the olives the same day as harvest is best,” said Houston. “To comply with International Olive Council (IOC) rules for Extra Virgin classification however, the fruit must be converted to oil within 72 hours of harvest. After roughly two to three months of racking, the oil is filtered and bottled for sale.” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Photos &

Inspiration by Robert Salas

Ag Mag THEAGMAG.ORG

MEET HOLLY

the new A&M Research Center Entomologist

ello! I am the new Extension Specialist in Entomology at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research Center in Weslaco.

I began my time here on September 3rd and have been working hard to learn the area and the wide variety of crops grown in the LRGV! Before moving to Texas, I was a Research and Extension Associate with Kanas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. For the past six plus years I have worked closely with extension agents, industry specialists, growers, consultants, homeowners, etc. to conduct research that allows us to provide viable recommendations and pest control options that will help lessen the impact of arthropod pests in crops, farm structures, and even in homes. The majority of our work has been done in alfalfa, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower, and wheat. However, I have also had the opportunity to participate in some research investigating better management of the brown recluse spider, a very common venomous and concerning household-dwelling spider throughout Kansas. I like to tell people, whether we are aware of it or not, arthropods impact our lives every day. They are one of our top competitors for food and fiber, thus a lot of work goes into protecting the crops that make our morning bowl of cereal, glass of orange juice, and that salad at lunch. From the time a plant goes into the ground through harvest and even in processing and storage these products are under threat of attack from a multitude of pests. Yet, the first, and most important step in controlling these pests is correct identification which leads to an understanding of their biology and thus better management. I served as the Insect Diagnostician for the state of Kansas from 2008 to 2013 and have found that the taxonomic skills I gained in that position continue to be incredibly useful.

from our research out to the end users where it can be applied. My former colleagues and I worked with a wide range of individuals, from growers to consultants, and healthcare workers to homeowners, to help them better understand insect pestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; biology and how to implement Integrated Pest Management Programs (IPM) to produce the safest, most effective and long-lasting control possible. Before I moved to Kansas for graduate school, I spent several wonderful years living near the San Antonio area and have missed Texas living ever since. So, I am very excited to be a part of the AgriLife system here in Texas and look forward to opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to identify and work to find solutions to, or at least better management for, many insect related issues. In short, I hope to bring the skills my experiences have provided me to the LRGV, learn a great deal from the folks here, and do a good job serving as the Extension Entomologists for all stakeholders in the region!

I feel that it is very important to get the information we gain

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

Organic Farming Andrew Downing walked up next to some of his students as they laughed and worked in the dirt. “What are y’all doin’,” he asked. “Taking out the transplants,” one of the students replied, as water sprayed and kids happily yelled in the background. “You poke ’em through from the bottom and get them up so you don’t ruin the roots?” “Yeah.” As Downing walked from one group of kids, to another it became clear that the short conversations were part of the learning process Downing leads at Horizon Montessori Public Schools. Downing is teaching organic agriculture to the children, most of who have never been a part of agriculture and what it entails. “Children need to learn the importance of Ag so that the United States can continue to have young people interested in getting into farming,” said Downing, who took the job as the school’s organic farmer in June 2017. “And we as a country can use the land we have been blessed with to feed the rest of the world and our families.” According to National Geographic, organic food sales in the past decade have more than doubled and consumer demand for organic food “growing steadily.” Also, organic acreage in the U.S. has “increased by 20 percent between 2011 and 2018.” The amount of land, however, estimated at 5 million acres, amounts to less than one percent of the country’s total farmland. Downing began his trek into the organize farming when he was asked several years ago to plant a garden at his church. He quickly began to involve some of the kids from the bus ministry to help in the garden as it grew bigger. “Later, when I applied for the job at Horizon Montessori, I guess you could say I had already been trained to do what the school CEO, Alim Ansari, wanted to do with the children at the school,” Downing said. “Involve them in planting vegetables in their school garden.” “Our organic garden started producing in the spring of 2018 after we cleared the brush, leveled the land and installed an irrigation system.” The students will help in all areas of the garden, from setting up barriers to keep javelins from digging under the hurricane fence to get to the children’s corn, all the way to harvesting the food the students have planted. “The plan, with the help of the school children, their teachers and Mr. Ansari, is to have an organic school garden that not only produces healthy food that the children can eat, but also gives them the experience of planting, growing and eventually harvesting the vegetables that they plant,” Downing said. “I hope the children’s work experiences can be a part of their educational foundation that they can build on for years to come.” Downing continued moving from one group of students to another, stopping to see what they have learned and to take the opportunity to teach as well. “What’s your favorite part,” he asked. “Digging the holes,” one boy quickly responded. “Making a mess with the water,” a girl yelled out. “Are y’all excited about harvesting and eating it?” Downing asked. “Yes! If they allow us to. … Can I take some seeds too?”

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The Trade Dispute is not the only challenge faced by exporters of US Commodities to China BY JOHN MILLER

For most of 2019, the primary focus for those watching commodities has been the planting and development of US crops such as corn, sorghum, soybeans and cotton. A large share of US farmers, especially in the Midwest, experienced rarely seen challenges that suggest yields could end up below expectations. A wet planting season followed by prolonged dry periods in summer resulted in lower crop condition ratings than seen in a decade.

The US-China trade dispute has been the main feature going on two years now and there is no doubt that a ‘trade deal’ would be huge for a multitude of US industries and products. For US agriculture, there have been other forces limiting upside price potential despite the otherwise bullish US crop situation. South American countries have been very successful in expanding corn and soybeans over the past decade and have purposefully taken advantage of lost US business to China.

The biggest surprise in all this is that, after a brief price rally in early June based on planting concerns, as the corn and soybean price charts below show, corn and soybean prices fell to levels deemed unprofitable. This counterintuitive price behavior really does illustrate the global nature of agriculture these days, and the increasingly complicated nature of commodity trading in general.

A strong US Dollar driven by worldwide political and economic turmoil has also hurt the competitiveness of US agricultural products, especially in the case of South American corn and soybeans. Another issue I feel does not get the press it deserves is the impact of the African Swine Fever (ASF) which has been sweeping across the Chinese hog herd over the past two years. Believe it or not, China consumes half the world’s pork.

68 Ag Mag

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The world map below illustrates how big the Chinese hog population had become, reaching over 680 million and representing over 50 percent of world pork supply prior to ASF. Analysts say 2019 pig production could fall by 210 million head and pose a major challenge for Chinese leadership. Even after releasing 40,000 metric tons of pork reserves into the market last month, pork prices increased 30 percent during early October. And keep in mind that pork is by far the most important protein in the Chinese diet. Continued decimation of the herd would send meat prices there much higher and spur considerable demand for protein imports. A major problem is that there is no cure, and ASF kills 90 percent of infected pigs. Like Blue Ear disease seen a few years ago, ASF does not harm people, but the World Organization for Animal Health requires reporting. Since the summer of 2018, 112 outbreaks in 28 provinces and

regions have been reported as shown by the map. The agricultural ministry claims the situation is improving, but many suspect the disease is worse than reported. Effects from ASF will dampen pork production and feed demand in China through next year due to direct losses from the disease, and indirect losses from herd liquidation. For recovery we have to understand the ability of producers to protect their farms, but this will be difficult without a vaccine. Higher hog prices and record profits will encourage expansion, but further outbreaks are highly likely. Even with government assistance, recovery

could take several years since more sows will be needed as well as upgrades to the farms themselves. There has been some switching to chicken in the diet, but it is our understanding that beef has a ways to go to become a mainstay. As farmers and the broader commodity trading community wait for US-China trade progress, it’s hard not think that if China needs agricultural commodities from the US, it’s going to first be finished pork, or other meats. The broken hog production system is likely not fully fixable for a very long time. And I doubt the “Veggie Burger Craze” now unfolding in United States will be the answer. It is true that the EU and Brazil supply up to 64 percent of Chinese pork imports, with the US providing 11 percent. However, many Eastern European countries have reported cases of ASF themselves and cannot export pork. Maybe interesting to South Texas landowners is that Feral pigs are the main conduit for the virus in Europe. Although the Chinese will reluc tantly eat beef, there has been some impressive growth in beef

imports primarily from Australia and New Zealand. As you might suspect, the largest supply of beef to China is from South America. As this trend of more beef and chicken being consumed continues, or even accelerates, the prospect of a US-China trade deal becomes even more interesting. There is no question that there will be increased opportunity for US corn, sorghum, soybeans and cotton as in the past, but now it is likely that we can add beef and chicken to a greater degree given the ASF outcomes.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

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God has blessed us with you! Because of you, AG MAG is now expanding to TV! Do not worry, the magazine is still continuing, but we want to make AG MAG available for everyone to see!

Tune in the first two Sundays of every month at 5am on KRGV channel 5 for new episodes. Last two Sundays are re-runs. Check our social media for full episodes as well. (DVR it if you are a late sleeper) you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss it! NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

South Texas

Heritage Sale 125 head of functional, top Santa Gertrudis and Star 5 Santa Gertrudis females N O V E M B E R 2 3 , 2 019

Borchard Fairgrounds Robstown, TX. Starts at Noon

Cattle arrive on Friday, November 22nd by noon and available for viewing. Leo Casas: Auctioneer

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South Texas Heritage Sale

Larry Garza at 956-206-1244 or email to: stxheritagesale@gmail.com southtexasheritagesale.com

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FIELD DAY 2019