Staff
Michelle Martin Owner/Editor michelle@theagmag.org (956) 330-8870
Al Benavides
Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407
In This Issue: Page 6
1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
A Letter from the Editor It’s that time again when people rush to the store to purchase their favorite pumpkin flavored dessert, the time when families come together to celebrate for being thankful, and of course hunting season! Yet, as the sunny days shorten and the hot days cool off a bit, we are simply reminded of what this season means. This is a time of harvest, a time of togetherness. It is a time when we reflect on the past year and plan for the next year. With the New Year around the corner, we begin to start planning our goals and aspirations for our fresh start. Many of you this year may have had a really great year; others maybe not so great a year. I began to ponder on which category fit me for a memorable 2015 and I quickly placed myself into the “Not so good.” Quick moves aren’t always the best moves, however, and after I thought about it a little more, I began to think maybe I was wrong. Yes, my mother passed in 2015 and I found myself in other less-than-ideal situations, but there were also abundant blessings. It seemed that for every not so good thing I encountered, I was comforted by a blessing at the end. For one, my magazine is doing well, thanks to all of you, I am expecting a sweet baby boy in December, and I have met some of the most amazing people through the Ag Mag. This magazine has taken me places I never thought I would go, and it is because of God and because of people like you reading. This year may not have been your year as far as farming or ranching, but I am sure there were several good things that occurred. As you continue to watch your crops, your cattle, or your 4H/FFA projects remember that God never gives us more than we can handle. Every year isn’t as bad as we may first think - especially after looking a little deeper into it. We all are truly blessed. This Thanksgiving and Christmas, lets gather around and thank a farmer for his harvest, Thank a cattle man for putting food on our tables, and thank one another. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Look forward to writing to you again in January.
Owner/Creator of AG MAG
Keep Getting Wiser in Planning Next Year’s Crops
Page 10 It Takes Three to Tango Page 13 Texas A&M Kingsville Student Experiences Soil Conservation Page 15 New Kid on the Block Page 16 Featured Farmer Story Foundation Built on Family Page 19 Pasture, Rainfall & Forage Page 23 Women of Ag Q&A Page 24 New Vegetable Research Facility in Weslaco Aims to Rebuild Produce Industry Page 28 High Tunnel Workshop Recap Page 29 FFA & 4-H Goals of the Year Page 30 FFA & 4-H Calendar 2015-2016 Page 32 La Muñeca hosts 28th Annual LMC South Texas Jr. Roundup & LMC Futurity Page 36 Bull Gain Testing 2015 Page 38 Enduring Legacy: Building Your Foundation Page 40 Star Gala 2016 Page 41 Updated USDA Programs Enables Farmers and Ranchers to help Monarch Butterflies Page 44 Anticipating a Plentiful Harvest Page 46 26th Annual 4-H Country Hoedown Volume 2, Issue 2. November/December 2015. 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 © 2015. To advertise in Ag Mag, call (956) 330-8870 or email michelle@theagmag.org
Keep Getting Wiser in Planning Next Year’s Crops bY NOEL GARCIA, CCA Technic al Director, Texas Plant & Soil Lab ngarcia@tpsl.biz TexasPlantAndSoilLab .com
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ith costs get ting ever higher com bined with, it seems, even more unpredict able weather – ranging from draught to flood and now often cold, wet, dark springs – making a good profit from farming has gotten even more interesting. The really successful grower has to get smarter and wiser, and now is the traditional time for the successful grower to plan next year’s crop – and wise beforehand. The Harvard School of Business approach is to cut the biggest expense items. The Top Profit Producers in farming know that there are better ways, because sometimes inputs must be increased to improve the bottom line – way beyond additional input costs. (We have a few clients who are determined to break records, at any cost.) Maximum Economic Yield (MEY) is that point on the yield curve where more inputs such as fertilizer, adjuvants, inoculants, herbicides, varieties, protection pesticides, etc. increase returns on investments. This is not necessarily the highest yield possible, where incremental input costs meet or exceed incremental production revenue. The conventional mentality of simply cutting costs usually reduces profit potential. Productivity is the guiding force for profitability. Ag Economists tell us that budgeting at this time of year can be your most profitable exercise. Costs must be managed and they generally fall into two categories: Variable Costs - inputs for a single crop, such as out-of-pocket costs for fertilizer, pesticides, labor, etc are usually big items for the cost cutters. Fixed Costs - the long-term investments in equipment, land, buildings, etc. are those spread over several years of crop production. These fixed costs need serious analysis for progress. Fixed Costs are constant each year but are subject to adjustment, such as under-utilized equipment to be shared with neighbors or rented. Spreading these fixed costs over more units of yield is the best management. Increasing yields must be the goal - not just cutting inputs such as fertilizer that can reduce yields. Variable Inputs Costs are the easy quick fix to cut, but cutting them can sure enough increase harvest cost because
cutting inputs usually results in reduced yields. Reduced yields results in higher unit cost of production because there are less units over which to spread the fixed overhead cost. Top producers concentrate on maximizing inputs that increase profits such as balanced fertilizer, best seed quality and varieties, adequate chemicals, etc. Fertilizer is one of the biggest budget items. Since the soil is the foundation of all agricultural production, to improve profits, management must recognize that spreading fixed costs over units of yield and value, not acres, is where the best profit potential occurs. Crops have different market values. An acre of grapes, olives, sesame or hops usually has a higher value than an acre of corn, wheat or sorghum. Balanced fertility for optimum profitable yields should start with a soil test so that pre-season nutrients, suited for the soil chemistry and crop, can be applied to get the crop off to a good start. Nitrogen is the highest cost fertilizer nutrient with the most visible influence on yield and has traditionally received the most attention. However, Nitrogen is also the nutrient where the biggest cost reduction can be realized, at least in terms of cost per yield unit (pounds, bushels, etc. per acre). Balanced plant nutrition for the specific crop at critical stages of development is the key to reducing overall fertilizer costs per yield unit. Nitrogen is often one of the most volatile nutrients and plants can take up only so much of it, especially during the early growth stages. Excessive amounts applied early-on are simply wasted, equaling higher cost per yield unit. Efficiency of Uptake. But this is true for other nutrients, as well. Depending upon soil chemistry, other nutrients can rapidly “tie up”, forming plant-unavailable compounds. Aside from determining existing nutrient levels and other soil qualities, a soil test predicts what will happen to the fertilizer after it is applied and makes appropriate fertilization recommendations. But Balanced Plant Nutrition involves much more than N-P-K. Deficiencies in secondary nutrients, micronutrients and trace elements can have a greater impact on yields, quality, water demands and the plant’s ability to resist disease and insect pressures than can the Big Three. Ignoring the crop’s full nutritional needs can get very expensive – not only in loss of yields and quality, but in additional inputs of [unnecessary] water, fertilizer, pesticides and fungicides.
Timing is everything. Plants need what they need when they need it – and their needs can change frequently (anywhere from once a week to two or three times a year) throughout the growing season. Knowing when, what, how much, where and how the appropriate forms/compounds (products) are to be applied, are the keys to highest productivity and the most efficient use of your fertilizer dollar and lowest cost per yield unit. Soil Tests are the best tool for managing a large percentage of fertilizer costs. Crop development in the first two to three weeks after emergence for many crops largely determine the future of your crop’s success for the season. A weak start often forecasts a reduced yield. For those unhappy with soil test reports because they all say the same thing, year after year: Seek another lab and more importantly, choose a better consultant whether they be independent, a supply fieldman or County Extension Agent. Crucial to every lab report is the ability to interpret the numbers and then to make recommendations which eventually result in a [remarkably] profitable year. If your yields and quality are not improving, on the average, year after year, you’re losing money. Sample correctly. Take samples from the surface to 12 inches. Ideally, take another sample from 12 inches to 24 inches from the same hole. This is especially important in dryland farming, as plant roots will go down this deep and much deeper, seeking water and nutrients. An additional benefit of deep-sampling is in discovering how deep, how hard and how thick your plow- or hardpan may be. A well-developed and deep root system is necessary for the plant to be an efficient feeder and producer. Correct sampling procedure is essential for accurate reports. Your twocup soil sample to the lab represents very many tons of soil in the field. Irrigation Water Quality is crucial to determine and manage as, “What’s In Your Water Becomes Part Of Your Soil”™. With declining aquifers, dissolved mineral salts are becoming more concentrated in the remaining water to the point that water quality has become of serious concern in many areas across the country – including many parts of Texas. Hard water (high in bicarbonates) is most often the biggest problem – but, sometimes, also salt (Sodium Chloride), as well. If you irrigate, you really need to get your water tested, as hard water applied to an alkaline soil can literally turn your soil to stone. It gets a whole lot worse when there is also salt.
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Additionally, hard water will change the chemistry of many fertilizers, making them plant-unavailable or otherwise ineffective. Crop Varieties are essential ingredients in any profitable farming formula. Choose a crop suitable for your soil and good rotations can reduce expenses for controlling pests and diseases. The proper variety for each of your fields can vary because most often soils vary within narrow boundaries. Many yield trials are made in your area to help with selection but the best way is to plant your own comparison plots in your own fields. Coffee-shop talk is not always accurate. Plant population can have a big influence on yields. Quality seed is the best way to get a proper stand with plant population being a key factor in matching your soil and water potential. Again, run your own test plots. Over-population because of fear of not getting a good stand reduces yields and is often based on poor quality seed. In some cases, fields are overly-populated in an attempt to offset chronic disease problems. In these cases, the first thing we want to see is the micronutrient and certain trace element levels. In most of Texas, we are always planting earlier than optimum conditions so seed vigor is more important than just germination percentage. If you’re dryland, plant lower populations. If you’re irrigated, you can plant higher. But again, variety can have a great deal to do with success. Don’t plant a variety that is more suited to irrigation (shallow root system) in dryland (which needs a deeper, more robust root system). This is especially true in corn. Crop Monitoring by taking plant samples at critical stages of development for sap testing provides current information about plant nutrient levels. With typical report turnaround times of 24 to 48 hours after sample receipt, the grower has about seven to 21 days to correct nutritional problems before they appear in the field. This is important, because when problems can be detected by eye, productivity (money) has already been lost for the season. If problems appear, it is important to get the crop tested and nutritional problems corrected as soon as possible to avoid further loss. Some growers request nitrate and/ or phosphate analyses, only. A colossal mistake. Remember Balanced Plant Nutrition? When you order a plant test, be sure to order one that is comprehensive – and includes tests for any special nutritional requirements of your crop or its end-usage. Most post-planting crop nutritional problems are most efficiently and rapidly cor8 Ag Mag
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rected with foliar sprays, as plants readily take up nutrients through the leaves. However, the correct forms (compounds) of nutrients must be used for the most immediate effect – and beware of incompatibilities when combining products. Perhaps more than with irrigation water, spray water quality is really important, as dissolved mineral compounds can drastically change the chemistry of nutrient products – and for that matter, herbicides and pesticides, as well – reducing or neutralizing the effectiveness of them all. Yield Monitors on your harvesting equipment, while generally differing with elevator tickets, can provide you with comparative information on yields between fields or areas of larger fields to inform you of problem areas that need attention next year. Minimum, Strip and No-Tillage are gaining great popularity across the country. Equipment and fuel costs today represent the
greatest percentage increase of all farm inputs. Equipment must be used wisely – hopefully, performing more than one operation in only one pass. Just running it across more acres is not necessarily profitable. Keeping it parked with less trips across the land may be the wisest use, thereby increasing the life span to spread the cost over more units of production. Tillage trips may just be recreational plowing. But there’s more: At the very least, by leaving a layer of trash (organic matter) on top of the soil, it provides an insulating layer holding-in moisture and reducing soil temperature – important in hot climates - and especially if you’re a dryland grower. Remember your plants’ roots are your profit producers and roots don’t care what the surface looks like. Hence “trash farming” can be more beneficial for roots than the pride in your eyeballs. Rebuilding organic matter is essential for healthier soils
and crops. Every trip you save across a field puts profits in your pocket. Investigate least-tillage options for your operation. It does not have to start with a complete implement overhaul. Chisel plows that leave more crop residues on the surface and less disking and moldboard plowing improves the soil conditions for better root and water penetration, thus getting better fertility and water-use efficiency. Longterm profit potential is great with improved (minimal) tillage methods, crop residue management and cover crops. Heavy tillage of any kind, whether by heavy tandem disc or by moldboard is a profitskiller in a number of ways: It requires bigger tractors with high tractive effort and high fuel consumption rates. It destroys soil structure and life, and leaves the soil bare to dry out, heat-up and be blown away. Valuable organic matter is lost and in fact, we now often see organic matter levels in many soils of less than one percent. While heavy tillage may yield good results at first by loosening and ærating the soil, those benefits disappear after several seasons, due to collapsed structure and deci-
mated life – and plow-pan. And remember that plow-pan and/or hard pan will dramatically limit your soil’s water-storage capacity to that soil above those hard layers. You lose a little more each time you heavytill – in a lot of ways. Practicing heavy tillage really means that you start over from scratch and get a little more behind, year after year. It is difficult to get ahead and make better money by starting from scratch with increasingly higher expense and loss, every time. Chemical costs are unavoidable evils but they can be managed. Outside advice from a progressive consultant can pay dividends not in just cutting input costs but also from improving profits through better use of inputs, such as the proper herbicides at the right times to reduce fertilizer loss to weeds. Preventing pest and disease build-up will surely reduce and control costs later, and increase yield. Again, cutting some costs is not always the most profitable approach. But “chemicals” are not always the best solution. Exciting and remarkably effective and very economical products, including
biological and other products, including Silicon, amino acids, enzymes, hormones and others, can reduce or eliminate disease and insect pressures, recover weatherdamaged or hindered crops and greatly enhance productivity. “Lost” crops and fields can often be recovered. These are exciting times to be in agriculture! Profits can be improved by proper planning. If cost of crop inputs are not disproportionately adding to productivity and bottom-line increases, they should be cut. If economic yield increases are possible, inputs should be increased to lower the unit-cost of production. It all starts with the soil. A healthy soil produces healthy crops for healthy animals, including us. Best Management Practices equals Maximum Economic Yields.
If You Don’t Know, Don’t Guess...
Soil Test! You Can’t Afford Not To Know ®
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‘ It takes three to tango ’ recent disease outbreaks in the Lower Rio Grande Valley showcase the essence of the concept of plant disease triangle
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bY Dr. Olufemi J . Alabi
he 2014/2015 cropping season has been a challenging one for growers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of South Texas. With record rainfalls during the season, one could say that the drought experienced in previous years has abated. The paradox however is that the prolonged periods of wetness, while supplying the much needed rains for the crop, also predisposed them to attack by economi cally important plant pathogens.
Several fungal and bacterial pathogens thrive under wet and cool weather conditions which favor their sporulation, dispersal and colonization of susceptible host crops. Hence, growers of some crop commodities in the LRGV experienced outbreaks of certain yield-limiting diseases during the 2014/2015 season that affected their crops’ productivity and eventual bottom-line. Notable examples of such outbreaks are the late blight disease of potato and 10 Ag Mag
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other solanaceous crops, black rot disease of cabbage and other brassicas, as well as downy mildew, purple blotch and bacterial blight that affected the onion crop. The same weather conditions favored the abundance of some insects that vector (or transmit) certain viruses, virus-like and bacterial agents. This explains, for instance, why citrus growers in the LRGV experience peaks in the population of the Asian citrus psyllid, a vector of the dreaded huanglongbing (citrus greening) disease in September. Thus, the intricate association between some pathogens, certain insects and the prevailing environmental conditions is such that one could adequately predict the outbreak of these pathogens and insect pests by simply looking at predicted weather patterns for the coming season. A few examples of outcome of such a tripartite interaction and its consequence for crop production are worth highlighting. During the 2014/2015 cropping season, potato growers in the
valley experienced the scourge of the dreaded late blight pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, a water-loving fungus-like organism (also known as water mold) that produces masses of spores capable of swimming from infected plants to cause new infections across the field. The word “Phytophthora” means “plant destroyer” and aptly describes the fate of plants infected by the water mold pathogen (Figure 1). The magnitude of losses attributed to the late blight disease was so severe that entire portions of fields were destroyed with consequent loss of revenue to affected growers. Phytophthora infestans may produce resting spores that persist in planting material and/or soil debris awaiting the perfect wet and cool weather conditions that favor its germination, sporulation, dispersal and ability to cause disease. Growers of leafy and other vegetables were not spared either. Early on during the season, an outbreak of black rot disease of cabbage and other brassicas was reported across the valley. The causative bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris, was isolated and confirmed from several fields of cabbages, turnips, mustard greens, and kohlrabi. Disease-affected plants exhibited leaf discolorations particularly along the edges thus rendering such plants unmarketable. Later in the season, it was the turn of onions, a top vegetable commodity in the LRGV. The culprits this time were a combination of fungal and bacterial diseases including downy mildew, purple blotch and bacterial blight. These diseases exploded across fields in the LRGV causing many onion growers to abandon the crop due to projected low yields and poor bulb quality. In few instances where onions of marketable sizes were harvested, the bulbs did not store well due to postharvest deterioration caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens. As with the late blight disease, outbreaks of these onion diseases coincided with periods of excessive and prolonged wetness.
B
C
Apart from the direct contributions of prolonged wetness to these diseases in terms of promoting pathogen growth and development, the same conditions made it impracticable for growers to treat affected fields effectively due to difficulties associated with moving spray equipment on soggy fields. Even where treatment was feasible, the applied products essentially got washedoff by subsequent rains rendering the applications ineffective. Thus, affected growers suffered multiple losses in terms of costly, but ineffective treatment applications in addition to crop loss due to the disease. The highlighted cases represent just a snapshot of what turned out to be a challenging year for growers in the LRGV and brings to mind one of the basic and time-tested plant pathology concepts - the ‘Disease Triangle’ (Figure 2). The take-home message is that plant disease is an outcome of interactions between a susceptible plant and a pathogenic organism under the influence of environmental factors. The vertices of the so-called ‘Disease Triangle’ therefore consist of three key elements involved in disease development i.e. the host plant, the pathogen and the environment. Added to this would be a ‘vector’ vertex for insect-transmitted pathogens such as citrus greening disease. Thus, efforts geared towards avoiding or managing a plant disease should be tailored towards modulating one or more of the vertices of the disease triangle. For instance, the choice of planting location (for soil-borne pathogens) and/or choice of planting materials (for seed or cutting-borne pathogens) helps in avoidance of the disease-causing pathogenic agent, even if the crop variety is susceptible and the environment is conducive for disease establishment. Similarly, disease may fail to develop, even in the presence of a susceptible host plant and a pathogenic organism, when prevalent environmental conditions are unfavorable to the pathogen or its insect vector. Likewise, the presence of a pathogenic agent and favorable environment does not guarantee disease development if the cultivated plant species is resistant or not susceptible to the pathogen. Thus, having the benefit of knowing that the causative organism of the late blight disease is present in the LRGV, and that the organism is capable of causing disease on potato and other solanaceous host plants, approaches to avoiding or limiting future disease outbreaks may require two or more combinations of the following: crop rotation with non-solanaceous plants, adjusting the time of planting to avoid periods of prolonged wet and cool conditions, use of resistant materials where available, propagation of certified clean plant materials, and timely treatment with registered chemical or biological agents prior to disease establishment.
D Figure 1: (A) Potato field devastated by the late blight disease during 2014/2015 season in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas. (B) Disease symptoms consist of black and/or brown lesions on leaves and stems that appear water-soaked. (C) Under favorable conditions, the fungus-like agent, Phytophthora infestans, produces sporangia and sporangiophores visible as white growth on the lower surface of leaves. (D) The sporangia and sporangiophores show distinct structures under the compound microscope.
Figure 2: The disease triangle
Host
Environment
Pathogen
Disease Figure 2.The disease triangle.
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Texas A&M Kingsville Student Experiences Soil Conservation
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By David Coy, Texas A&M Kingsville Agriculture Student/ NRCS Earth Team Volunteer
hat is soil conservation? This is a question that can be asked to an average member of society and who respond with a generalized answer on how it is the protection of soils from some type of erosion, something we were all taught in science class. As I began the journey of my summer intern ship with the United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), I figured that it would consist of the protection of our top soils and maybe even some water conservation for soil health, but I had no idea that there would be so much more to the process.
macro and microorganisms that thrive in the soil. In this cycle organisms in the soil such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa create key nutrients for the plants to absorb, and the plants release sugars back into the soil for these organisms to continue making nutrients. While these organisms are consuming residues to make nutrients, they are also creating aggregates in the soil that help the water absorb and store better. In order to continue this beneficial cycle, the disturbance of the soil must be reduced to a minimum. There are methods that help with minimizing the amount of soil disturbance and improve the function of the soil.
In taking some relevant coursework in pursue of my second degree, I studied and learned the importance of soil care and its impact to our ecosystem. In fruit and vegetable production, we depend on the soil to be able to sustain the amount of crop production we need to get out of it. The amount of crop land has decreased, while the demand for food has increased, and this land is expected to give at least the same production as the last good harvest. Working with the NRCS, the agency stresses to everyone that our soils are full of life and must be treated well to produce properly. A teaspoon of soil can have more living organisms in it, than there are people on Earth. The soil has to be treated well in order to give its full potential, and that’s what this agency helps our farmers and ranchers not only understand, but also to take action into conservation.
In improving the soil function it is important to keep the soil covered, the rotation of a cash and cover crop helps keep living roots in the soil to maintain the activity beneath ground and build soil organic matter. The use of a cover crop is a method to return nutrients into the soil, and increase the amount of water stored in it. The cover crop acts as an organic blanket as the remains of it provide an extra layer of protection from the elements, for the soil and its organisms. These crop residues are eventually created into organic matter by the soil organisms, and this organic matter provides a safeguard for the soil from temperatures. The water storing capacity of a soil can be increased with a higher percentage of organic matter in the soil. An increase of organic matter by just one percent can help store about an inch of water into the soil profile, this can be near 20,000 to 25,000 gallons per acre, which can be quite pain relieving especially on non-irrigated farm land. This method is not only good for the soil, but by reducing the amount of fertilizer, water usage and fuel on unnecessary tillage the producer can save time and money.
Soil conservation is much more than just erosion protection, it’s also about conserving the soil’s life and its ability to sustain the life that revolves around it. Not to be underestimated, soil erosion can be a problem around here in more ways than one. Not so much wind in the Rio Grande Valley, but with the vast amount of rain we have received in the last month or two, one can see by the amount of crevices created by the water runoff carrying away the top soils. The health of the soil is a main priority when it comes to soil conservation, and it is affected by every practice conducted on the land. There is a mutual symbiotic relationship between plants,
Theodoore Roosevelt said, “Conservation means development as much as it does protection. I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us.” And I know every action we take on our soils has an effect on them. They may have been misused and overworked, but now’s the time for us to step up and take the initiative to conserve and protect our soils. Today’s world has a demand for more with less to produce, and soil conservation is the key.
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ALAMO, TEXAS
DONNA, TEXAS
EDCOUCH, TEXAS
García Grain Trading 956-464-6000
SERVING THE VALLEY FOR OVER 20 YEARS
MCCOOK, TEXAS
PROGRESO, TEXAS
SANTA ROSA, TEXAS
New Kid on the Block bY NICKy BRASHEAR
Imagine it...a breed of cattle that offers the heat tolerance of a bos indicus breed, the milking and mothering abilities of a bos taurus breed, all wrapped up with a black hide and white coat. A Rio Grande Valley producer’s dream. Well such an animal has arrived, after 20 years of development, in the pastures of the University of Florida Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Florida. I introduce to you, the White Angus. The beginning of this wonderful breed was not the intention of the researchers. In the original study, the productivity traits of full and crossbred Black Angus, Charlais, and Brahman cattle were being examined. In the 1990’s the study was then redirected to analyze the reproductive efficiencies of the animals when bred back to Simbra bulls, thus introducing Simmental genetics. In 1999 the herd was then bred to Black Angus and Black Brahman bulls. The white heifer calves from that cross were then bred to Black Angus bulls. The cows that were consistently able to throw white calves became the foundation cows for the White Angus breed. The genetic composition of the White Angus breed breaks down to Black Angus, Charlais, Brahman, and Simmental. The white coat is a result of the genetic dilution of the dominate black trait from the Charlais and Simmental genes. The White Angus animals were found to have lower vaginal temperatures and tended to sweat more than their black counterparts. This ability allowed them to spend more time in the sun grazing with no ill effects. Their white coat kept them cooler, while their black hide offered protection from the blazing sun. This herd was grown on primarily Bahiagrass pastures. This pasture grass has shown tolerance to overgrazing, disease and insect resistance, drought, and has good forage quality even with a low level of pasture management. Even though it is less digestible than the popular Coastal grass, it can still maintain 10-11% Crude Protein (CP) with little management from the producer. Coastal has been a popular choice for cattle production in the Rio Grande Valley since the 1940’s. As mentioned above, the Coastal variety has higher digestibility than the bahiagrass. That coupled with slightly superior nutrition indicates that the predominate pasture type in the RGV should prove more than adequate to support this new herd. In recent times, producers have begun to sprig their pastures with the Bermuda grass hybrid, Tifton 85. With its high protein and low sugar content, these pastures should also provide a foodstuff that would allow the White Angus breed to thrive. The University of Florida will auction off the herd at the end of October. Texas producers should keep an eye on this breed’s further development and future commercial application. How very exciting to have another viable option for our climate and pasture types!
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Ag Mag Featured Farmer
FOUNDATION built on
FAMILY M bY MICHELLE MARTIN
any things can make a farming family unique, but the Reavis family takes it to a new level. Every member of the Reavis family has been involved in Agriculture since before they can remember. Reavis Farms currently operates in Starr & Hidalgo counties by Randy Reavis (father), Kathy Reavis (mother) and sons Wayne and Jim Bob. Watermelons, onions, grain, sunflowers -and a little dabbling in honeydews this year-are what are primarily grown at Reavis Farms. While the
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family farm has been going strong for several years, it began back in the 1950 in Mission, Texas. In 1950 Randy’s father, J.D. moved the family from Georgetown down to Citrus City, a small development north/northwest of Mission on the Seven mile line. During that mid-century era, oftentimes land companies would bring men to the RGV to promote citrus, the Valley’s abundant crop of the day. After several of these trips, J.D. finally decided to purchase 10 acres of citrus. Unfortunately for him and many citrus growers, the 1950 freeze destroyed many crops and left farmers not knowing what to do.
family farm has been going strong for several years, it began back in the 1950 in Mission, Texas. In 1950, Randy’s father, J.D. moved the family from Georgetown down to Citrus City, a small development north/northwest of Mission on the Seven mile line. During that mid-century era, oftentimes land companies would bring men to the RGV to promote citrus, the Valley’s abundant crop of the day. After several of these trips, J.D. finally decided to purchase 10 acres of citrus. Unfortunately for him and many citrus growers, the 1950 freeze destroyed many crops and left farmers not knowing what to do. J.D. was one of those left with a ruined crop. He decided to stay in the Valley, however, and took interests in land leveling, grove care and, later on, running a butane business. He even tried his hand at farming outside the United States. Randy can remember traveling to Australia with his father. J.D. had partnered with an Australian on a wheat farm in Monee, New South Wales. He says his father was progressive, a risk taker, never scared to take a chance. In 1970, Randy Reavis started following in his father’s footsteps in McCook. He claims he knew there was never a doubt that he would be doing anything other than farming. Randy met his future wife Kathy-a farm girl herself in college. Kathy is the daughter of Ralph and Leona Jones and has a long bloodline of Agriculture. Randy and Kathy married and have had three children-sons Wayne and Jim Bob, and daughter Nancy, who currently resides in Phoenix. They have been blessed with four grandchildren. Kathy values Agriculture as much as her predecessors. She is the first woman to sit on the United Irrigation District’s board and is a former National president of American Agri-Women. The Reavis family is quite unique because not only do they farm, but they raise cattle .
In 1980 commercial cattle were added to further diversify the operation and this venture led the family into purebred Simbrahs in 1987. Their love for cattle has been going on for several years. They have concentrated on building a strong maternal base and an aggressive embryo transfer program to advance the quality of their program. Over the years, they have incorporated the genetics of leading Simmental cow families to advance their Simbrah program. They can now proudly say that the genetics of cattle has greatly improved due to technology and hard work from the Reavis family. When asked which they prefer their answer is pretty simple.
“We love them both. When we aren’t farming, we are ranching. It’s a pretty even distribution. We have great love for both entities.” As most know, agriculture is always changing and a lot of the time there may be no choice but to embrace the change. Like most father and son duos, Randy enjoys the simpler times, even though he finds the technology fascinating. Wayne and Jim Bob however realize that the technology is essential for survival these days. Throughout the years the Reavis’ have changed with the demands of technology. One of their most significant changes has been the conversion of an 800-acre dry-land block to a drip irrigation farm. They are growing more vegetables than what they previously had. The family claims that as long as they can reap the rewards from their hard work, they are ending the day fully satisfied. The Reavis family is a true testament to a family-run operation. It would not be possible without the blood, sweat and tears from each of them. They believe in the good Lord directing their path. They also are true believers that you need the creme de la creme for Agriculture. You have to be educated and know what you are doing. After all, it’s a farmer’s job to feed America and the world!
photo by Hanna Wine
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Pasture, Rainfall & Forage bY CASEY CLIPSON
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ow, what a year for the Rio Grande Valley. Pastures are green, hay is abundant, and subsoil moisture is everywhere. We have not seen this type of Rainfall in a 12 month period since 2004. If you look at the past 12 months you would see that 2015 has had anywhere from 35 to 60 inches of rainfall depending on the area since Jan 1. So this means most producers have seen no indemnities from their PRF policies for year…..yet! I say this because as premiums are now due for this policy, it is important to remember 1 thing:
The measurements from NOAA have only been posted through the June-July interval. This means 5 more intervals still have to be posted for the policy to finish its calculation. The PRF policy, if written correctly has paid in dry periods very well, which offset producers’ costs of feed which of course increase during these times. Hay producers have collected indemnities for additional irrigation cost and lack of production with the premise of “Rain makes Hay grow!” The PRF program has some changes in 2016, which will better identify Hay practice (irrigated or Non Irrigated), and re-established county base values bringing more protection to the rancher.
Hay Type/Practice
Irr or Non-Irr
In 2016, the producer must now select Irrigated or non-irrigated practice when writing Hay insurance. The county values also
were adjusted in the table below. This change will effect some Hay producers, but from what we normally see will not effect most producers as they were trying to control cost of the Hay insurance by reducing the County Base Value to 60%.
Grazing
The big change in the PRF policy comes from the Grazing side of the policy. In the counties of the Rio Grande Valley the County base value went from $9/ac in 2015 to $25/ac in 2016 is almost 2 ½ times higher. So when producers write the productivity level at 150% the value of the ground goes to $38/ac county value. So we encourage producers to get with their agents and make sure they have dialed in the correct coverage so no one is starring at a huge premium bill next year.
Yield of the policy The program’s protection has been very helpful and most have seen some returns of 245%. This policy is unique because it takes the 12 month insurance period and breaks it down so produces can insure certain more critical months when rainfall is most needed. These critical months are when the losses actually occur. Unlike other programs where the entire year is averaged together, The PRF program has much more flexibility for our very important livestock producers. For More information, Please call CropGuard Group. We’ll be happy to help!!!
County 2015 Hay Value/Ac 2016 Irr Hay Value/Ac 2016 Non-Irr Hay Value/Ac Cameron Hidalgo Starr
180 180 180
84.59 84.59 74.74
104 104 104
* This is a basic example and a grower should check with his/her agent for their specific coverage options
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Q A
Women of Ag Q When was the organization founded? A AAW was formed in 1974 Q What was the purpose of this organization? To enable members of AAW to come together to A advocate for agriculture. We unite to communicate with
one another and with other consumers to promote agriculture for the benefit of the American people and the world.
Q What areas can we find Agri-Women? members are farmers, ranchers, producers, agriA AAW culture business professionals, educators, consumers,
Texas and American Agri-Women National President: Sue McCrum
students, researchers .. really anyone interested in agriculture.
Q How many members currently are involved? A We have over 50 affiliates, serving several thousand members Q What is the most challenging thing the organization faces and why? we have yearly elections, we need to be constantly educating our elected officials as to how A Because our food and fiber is produced. Q Why do you think it is important for women to be involved not only in Agriculture but in your organization as well? have been involved with agriculture for generations. We are only recently recognizing how important A Women a role that has been. By coming together as an organization, we are a force for truth and a reasoned, nonpartisan voice for the agricultural community to the public
Q How does your organization give back to the community and youth? have a “Legacy Kids� program for children from birth to age 18. This allows them to become eligible for A We scholarships to our yearly Fly In in Washington, D.C. AAW encourages new members with scholarship opportunities to our conventions for first time attendees. We also have college and post graduate scholarships available to eligible students. Many of our AAW affiliates also offer college scholarships.
Q What would you say your biggest accomplishment as an organization is? organization is a grassroots organizations established over 40 years ago. We still continue to thrive and A Our grow. We are still that credible voice for agriculture! Q If someone wants to join what steps do they need to take? A Please look up our website at: www.americanagriwomen.org and look under memberships! NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
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New vegetable research facility in Weslaco aims to rebuild produce industry By ROD SANTA ANA An AgriLife Publication
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he Rio Grande Valley Vegetable Research and Education Building, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco, was dedicated today toward helping Texas regain its domi nance of the vegetable production indus try. “Being a net importer of vegetables is not only unacceptable; it’s un -Texan,” said John Sharp, Texas A&M University System chancellor, who led a ribboncutting ceremony. “This facility will be dedicated to research that will help restore Texas to its former role as a top vegetable producer both locally and nationally.” Built in 1994, the repurposed facility once housed honeybee research efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal budget cuts in 2012 led to the closure of this and other facilities located adjacent to the center facilities. For the past year, Texas A&M AgriLife has been remodeling the building to bring it up to university standards for conducting high-tech vegetable research, according to Dr. Juan Landivar, resident director of the center. “This new facility will support the local and state vegetable industry by conducting research on vegetable breeding and genetics, cropping systems and vegetable marketing and economics,” he said. Texas is now a net importer of vegetables but once ranked among the top vegetable producing states in the country, he said. “A variety of reasons led to the decline of vegetable production in Texas,” Landivar said. “Among them were a lack of cultivars suited to local production conditions, pest and disease pressures and problems with production practices. These caused growers here and throughout the state to abandon vegetable production in favor of other crops. This
facility will help turn that back around.” The four counties that make up the Lower Rio Grande Valley currently produce a yearly vegetable crop worth some $60 million, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service statistics. The vegetables include watermelon, onions, leafy greens, cabbage, carrots and potatoes.
A survey of Texas fruit and vegetable producers helped Texas A&M AgriLife Research develop short- and long-term strategic plans to revitalize the state’s vegetable industry.
“Among other things, this survey found that common priorities for growers include pest and disease control and produce quality,” Landivar said. “But we also found that there is a strong demand among consumers for regionally and locally grown U.S. produce. So we have a huge opportunity.” After the analyses conducted by AgriLife Research, a strategic plan for the Texas vegetable industry was developed based on a concept of having three vegetable programs located at Weslaco, Uvalde and College Station respectively, Landivar said. “These centers will have multidisciplinary teams to address those critical issues affecting the vegetable industries, including marketing and natural resources management,” he said. “To implement the strategic plan, we’ll be hiring plant breeders at Weslaco and Uvalde, a plant molecular biologist and an entomologist in Weslaco, and a plant physiologist in Uvalde.” AgriLife research and education resources will be invested to address the short- and long-term limitations facing producers to help increase vegetable production in Texas. According to estimates, Texas imported and consumed more than 7.5 billion pounds of vegetables in 2014. “As an example,” he said, “growing only 1 percent of the current tomato-production deficit of 23 million pounds with Texas-grown tomatoes would benefit the state’s economy by more than $26 million.” Landivar said that by developing new vegetable cultivars at the new Weslaco facility that are better suited to South Texas growing conditions, both consumers and growers would benefit. “Vegetable growers would see increased production and profitability,” he said. “Consumers would enjoy fresh, higherquality vegetables produced locally, the local and state economies would improve and we’ll be less dependent on vegetable imports. And finally, consumers will see lower vegetable prices because long-distance trucking will be reduced, plus the overall carbon footprint of food production will be reduced.” Research at the new facility in Weslaco will begin immediately, Landivar said.
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High Tunnel Workshop RECAP bY AISHA CRUZ-REYES
photo by Melissa Blair
A
s you travel through the less-urban areas of the Valley, you may notice an occasional long, half-circle structure. It could be an agriculture production tool that is gain ing popularity in the Rio Grande Valley - a high tunnel, also referred to as a hoop house. Usually shaped like a long arch and covered with a thick, clear plastic, high tunnels protect plants from excessive sunlight and cold temperatures as well as strong winds.
High tunnels offer the ability to have more control and therefore affecting the appearance and overall quality of the growing produce. Properly used high tunnels have the added benefit of adding diversity to, conserving, and improving the soil. Juan Raygoza, owner of Tierra Preta Farm, attests to the bigger, tastier produce that came out of his own high tunnel. It was Raygozas interaction with Christopher Bueno, garden manager at the Food Bank of Rio Grande Valley that eventually resulted in a collaborative effort between the Food Bank and Texas/Mexico Border Coalition (TMBC).
Funds to construct the high tunnel at the Food Bank were provided through TMBC’s outreach project that focuses on empowering small-scale ag producers with options to improve their operations. The two-day event in Pharr included information from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and UTRio Grande Valley. NRCS District Conservationist Raul Hinojosa discussed the benefits of a no-till or reduced-till approach to planning as well as some of the federal programs small-scale producers can take advantage of. AgriLife Horticulturalist in Cameron County Jennifer Herrera introduced newly-hired counterpart for Hidalgo County Ashley Gregory and then gave some pointers on participating in farmers markets. TDA’s Nelda Barrera highlighted their programs, including the Young Farmer Grant, a state-wide grant competition for producers 18 to 46 years old to create or expand their ag production. Financial assistance for purchasing high tunnels is available from 28 Ag Mag
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NRCS. Additionally, agronomist Bruce Henderson is an excellent source of information and technical assistance for choosing, constructing, and using high tunnels. He says there are multiple variations of high tunnels and each grower should take into consideration irrigation, drainage, and even pollination. Cruz Salinas with UT-RGV’s Center for Rural Advancement closed the classroom portion of the event by reviewing the general process of preparing for and constructing the high tunnel. For producers who opt to construct the high tunnel themselves, safety is extremely important as well have having lots of help. Led by Salinas, approximately thirty-five people were on hand to assemble the high tunnel at the Food Bank Community Garden. Among the crew, were participants from the Community Garden, teachers from local schools, and other growers who want to build a high tunnel for their own operations. For now, Bueno will utilize the Food Bank high tunnel to grow more and better produce used in Food Bank activities. For more information about the event and future events, contact Aisha Reyes at (956)481-3256 or Aisha.Cruz@TM-BC.org.
FFA & 4-H
Goals of the Year Aylin Salinas Q. What makes FFA and show season so special to you? A. “It has been in my family for years, Preston Vela and I think it is important to keep the tradition going and share it with Q. What is the most important thing about everyone else”. showing to you? A. “Meeting people, the learning process itself, responsibility, and having fun!”
Josh Evans Q. Why is showing so important for our youth? A. “It gives an opportunity to be responsible not only for an animal, but for life in general. It also gives you the chance to meet all different types of people and build realtionships ”.
Leandra Flores Q. What do you plan on teaching others this show season? A. “I plan on teaching others about communication and leadership. I find these qualities really attributes to an individuals success”.
Miranda Farias Q. What is the best advice you can give to a freshman this show season? A. “Not to be shy to branch outside of your comfort zone, and make as many friends as possible”. Megan Lambert Liberty, Texas Q. What is your goal this show season? A. “ To go to and win the San Antonio, National Show, and the Liberty Show ”. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
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FFA & 4-H 2 015 - 2 016
November 17, 2015
RIO GRANDE VALLEY DISTRICT LDE’S 10am
November 28, 2015
Sabercat Show Ring Shootout
November 21, 2015
Location and Time TBA
Bobcat Showdown
December 1, 2015
RGVLS Time TBA
November 21, 2015
TIP-O-TEX DISTRICT LDE’S
November 23, 2015
AREA 10 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENT (LDE) TAMUK 8 am
November 24, 2015
Hog Validation Edinburg Ag Facilities 3pm -6pm
November 26, 2015
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
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MAJOR LIVESTOCK SHOW ENTRY DEADLINE RESPECTIVE SHOWS 5pm
December 4, 2015
STATE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENT (LDE) PRE-LIMS HUNTSVILLE,TX (SHSU)
December 5, 2015
STATE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENTS (LDE) FINALS HUNTSVILLE,TX (SHSU)
December 8, 2015
RGV District Meeting (Menudo Classic) Mission High School 5:30pm
RGV
DISTRICT
January 9, 2016
Cougar Classic RGVLS Time TBA
January 16, 2016
Star Gala
Pharr Event Center 6pm
January 18, 2016
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY January 19, 2016
AREA 10 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30pm Location TBA
January 21-22, 2016
RGV District Show RGVLS Time TBA
January 21-22, 2016
Judging of Citrus/ID Mission, Texas Location & Time TBA
C
Calendar
C ALENDAR
OF
ACTIVITIES Sponsored by:
November 21, 2015
January 26, 2016
District Food Show / Food Challenge
County Council / ALPA Meeting
November 22, 2015
February 11, 2016
Alice Time TBA
March 2-5, 2016
South Texas Agricultural Roundup (STAR Show)
Extension Office 7pm
www.gostar.gov
District 12 Consumer Decision Making
County Photography Deadline
November 24, 2015
February 18, 2016
Alice Time TBA
Swine Validation
Edinburg Ag. Farm 3-6pm
January 12, 2016
Ambassador Meeting Extension Office 6pm
January 16, 2016
Star Gala
Pharr Events Center 6pm
January 23, 2016
County 4-H Fashion Show
Location and time TBA
Extension Office 5pm
County Photography Judging Extension Office Time TBA
February 20, 2016
Market Rabbit Validation
RGVLS Grounds-Mercedes Time TBA
February 23, 2016
County Round-Up TBA Time TBA
March 11-20, 2016
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo RGVLS Grounds - Mercedes
March 22, 2016
County Council / ALPA Meeting Extension Office 7pm
April 2, 2016
District 12 Fashion Show Laredo Time TBA
April 9, 2016
District 12 Round-Up
Kingsville Time TBA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
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bY Carlos x. guerra
La Muñeca Hosts 28th Annual LMC South Texas Jr. Roundup & LMC Futurity “La Muneca Cattle Co. hosted its 28th Annual LMC Jr. Roundup and LMC Futurity on October 3, 2015. Over 110 participated in the judging contest and approximately 175 more individuals attended the field day. Every junior won at least one door prize and there was over $2,000 awarded in door prizes, premiums and buckles to the juniors. Buckle donors were Scott Martin, Santos Escobar of La Escoba Cattle Company and the Benny Cano Family of Top C Cattle Company. The field day is a one of a kind, fun filled, family oriented educational event open to the public for free. The Special Award donors were the families of Doug Lightfoot and Norberto Lopez. The premium sponsor for the field day was the Darryl Raub Family,” stated Carlos X. Guerra. “Each year we are humbled by the support of the community and those that we do business with in an effort to contribute to the development of the youth of Texas. We were blessed this year with a beautiful day, a great group of attentive and energetic kiddos who enjoyed a motivational set of speakers on various topics. We want to thank all the volunteers, our staff and all those who had a hand in making the field day the success that it was,” stated Carlos X. Guerra, owner of La Muneca Cattle Company. “The Field Day Contest winners were: Junior – (1–3) – Randy Garza, Kaitlynn Hendrix and Roel Garza. Intermediate – (1-3) – Caleb Fuchs, Megan Lambert and Robert Stavinoha. Senior – (1-3) – Josh Evans, Marco Moreno and Dennis Cano. Adult – (1-3) – Brandi Miller, Mike Owen and Greg Miller. Over $2,000 in door prizes were given away THANKS to the following donors: – Martin’s Farm & Ranch, Farm & Ranch in San Isidro – Kito & Letty Saenz, Hidalgo County Farm Bureau, Mueller Inc. – Frank Trevino, Chorizo de San Manuel, Creative Awards, San Isidro FFA – Raul Hinojosa, Rio Grande City FFA – Randy Lee Lara, Tandy’s, Ful – O – Pep Feeds - Bryan Bettice, StarLite 4-H Club, La Muneca and the families of Israel Sanchez, Tucker Tanner, James Cano, Alicia Canul, Doug Lightfoot, Mike de los Santos, Charlie Murphy and Norberto Lopez. There was $5,000 awarded in premiums and awards in the showmanship contest judged by Allison Grainger with the following winners: Senior Division (Champion – 7th Overall): 32 Ag Mag
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John Paul Rodriguez (buckle, show halter & stick & $450), Brody Hill (buckle, show stick & $350), Amelia Stavinoha (banner, show stick and $300), Josh Evans (banner and $250), Diego Caballero (banner & $200), Arianna Cantu (banner and $150) and Christian Betancourt (banner & $100). Intermediate Division (Champion – 7th Overall): Robert Stavinoha (buckle, show halter & stick & $175, Natalie Martinez (buckle, show stick & $125), Caleb Fuchs (banner, show stick & $100), Cassidy Fuchs (banner & $75), Dawson Raub (banner & $65), Lorelai Hill (banner & $55) & Clay Smith (banner & $45). Junior Division (Champion – 4th Overall): MaKayla Sanchez (buckle, show halter & stick & $150), Kace Owen (buckle, show stick & $100), Victor Balderas (banner & $60) and Matthew Sanchez (banner & $50) La Muñeca again hosted a Registered Purebred Brahman Steer Show open to all Rio Grande Valley Juniors in conjunction with the LMC Futurity. As more and more Registered Brahman steer shows are established, the market for Brahman bulls will improve plus the public will appreciate how good and how important these cattle are. The Champion Brahman Steers were exhibited by Carlos X. “Pops” Guerra III and Brody Hill with steers sired by LMC Polled Jody and JDH Shank Manso bred by La Muñeca - Kelly Barnard and Brolaco Cattle Co. Overall there was $11,000 in premiums, buckles and banners were awarded and sponsored by the RGV Brahman & F-1 Association, La Muñeca and sponsors. Upcoming events will be the Simmental/Simbrah Superbowl during the 2016 San Antonio Jr. Show and the $10,000 LMC Jackpot held in conjunction with the LMC $ellabration Sale and $20,000 + Show V on April 1 - 2, 2016. LMC Juniors will compete for $100,000 in awards and premiums to be given out this next year at LMC sponsored events. Call or email on how you can get involved in one of America’s most supportive junior programs. A BIG HEARTY THANKS goes out to all of our juniors, their families, our speakers, donors and VOLUNTEERS for helping to make our 28th Annual LMC Jr. Round Up and Futurity the best ever.
For more information, please call La Muñeca Cattle Co. at (956) 383 – 7566 or (956) 802 – 1641 or email lamuñecacattle@aol.com.
Enduring Legacy:
Building Your Foundation bY:
I
In developing this series of articles my research led me to realize that not only are our modern agribusiness entities incredibly diverse, but they are also increasingly isolated and atomized. Unless you’re involved with a larger corporation or multinational there is a good chance that working in agribusiness means you’re in a small to medium sized company that shares a number of characteristics. They are usually run by the founder or recent generations, they ownership of such firms skews older, they typically employ under 150 employees, and for the most party they could all use some legacy help both in planning and developing their future because they’re so used to being on their own. We’ve touched upon what you can do in the greater community to develop agribusiness as an enduring legacy, especially here in the Rio Grande Valley, and we’ve also seen how even the initial conversation of where you stand in your business endeavors is you, your heirs, and your partners might not have the clearest picture of at the moment. Continuing in the vein in this column we’re going to go over some concrete things you can do beyond the initial conversations to build the foundation for your business.
Let’s Get Physical I relayed an actual conversation last column of what took place between a farmer and his wife when they were in the way overdue throes of planning their estate. When discussing the value of the lands and equipment the wife was shocked and in denial that they had millions in dollars in assets. What’s even more shocking in the follow up to that
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Kurt Schuster
AgMag Columnist
story is that when an actual appraisal at market value was made, the farmer was shocked at how many extra millions of dollars in assets they had! As in most things in this column most advice seems fundamental and obvious, but as in varied subjects from weight loss to investing everybody claims to know the basics to get things done yet hardly follows them. Getting a new fair market appraisal for your equipment and your land is something you need to do now, and should typically be doing regularly when talking to your banker and CPA. Land prices rise and fall, and with them so do factors like: your tax basis, access to collateral for financing, development potential, etc. If you’re planning your estate, what is the value of it? If the appraisal district has hit you with new taxes because of a market value increase, how do you fight it? Not knowing the value of one of, if not the most, fundamental assets in agribusiness if beyond foolhardy and verging on insane. With new GPS technology, online resources, and appraisal techniques the time and cost of determining your lands value has been diminished categorically. At the same time what you find might surprise you whenever you take stock of your land. In these past few years I’ve personally been involved in a number of adverse possession claims against governmental entities, and in undivided mineral claims simply based upon the fact that surveys done from seventy to even twenty years ago may contain errors. Farming that one small piece because “you always have” or dealing with estate or probate issues years after the fact
may become a nightmare simply because you haven’t precisely and accurately figured out what is actually yours and what it is worth. Everybody out there has heard of a story about a nightmare of issues raised because of a miniscule piece of land was not dealt with properly when all it takes to forestall this scenario is a little time and money combined with foresight. Most people in agribusiness are familiar with equipment appraisals as a necessary component of financing and lending. However, the majority of these deals are seldom so straightforward that one can “set it and forget it”. Issues of depreciation, fair market value, tax implications, lending collateral, etc. can and usually do change every year with your equipment. Purchasing a new, or used, piece of equipment? Guess what your picture changes again, that isn’t a surprise, but the effect that it could have on your situation as a business (in either a positive or negative manner) is a dynamic and stochastic event over which you will want to exert some control. At the same time, events come up in the equipment world that might surprise you. Last year at an equipment auction we found ourselves in the strange position of being in a bidding war for older model tractors that lacked all the fancy bells of and whistles of newer electronics and hydraulics. As our chief mechanic put it to us though, “You cannot destroy these things.” as everybody apparently also knew. As such, surprisingly to us these older tractors now have a higher market resale value than some of the newer models! The implications for our deprecation expenses and tax payments then changed drastically beyond what we had assumed, making building our books a new adventure in itself. A hard and fast appraisal of your equipment can be done by almost any dealer, or by a variety of professionals, there is no excuse to avoid it. As a final note though, you are not an equipment appraisement professional and as such your valuation of your equipment is pretty subjective, leave it to the professionals less your run afoul of the tax man or your banker.
Mind Games
In taking stock of what assets you have available to you, most people tend to focus on the physical and quantifiable ones. If you’ve got a million dollars in the bank to you’ve got a new spray rig, it is much easier to see and understand what’s physically there. However, as everyone knows, there’s much beyond what you can empirically prove, especially the skills and knowledge you and your employees have. The old adage of, “It’s hard to find good help” is still true to this day.
and accountant on hand, and if you still don’t have these tools available to you, you’re playing with fire. If you do have professionals on call, take time to review them and make sure they understand your unique situation and business. The third cousin of somebody’s brother-in-law that’s giving you a deal because you’re “family” is no way to get professional advice in your business. Beyond these professional advice in your business. Beyond these professional realms make sure you the advice you get from other professionals such as bankers, mechanics, extension agents, chemical and see reps, and even your doctor is something you’re utilizing. In all of this controlled chaos though make sure to never, ever, forget that the most important mental abilities and skillsets you need to recognize are those of your employees. As many owners need to realize, they are not a one man show. In agribusiness, as in most, one obviously hires individuals for the positions as they are needed, so if you need a mechanic that can weld you’ll look for that skill set. However, from giving employees new training to letting them try things are their own there are a variety of ways to develop your best asset. Personally, we’re involved in a joint education program with South Texas College that has allowed our employees to take classes in everything from industrial skills to computer and language courses. Courses and training through such areas or through extension agencies and continuing education programs should never be seen as an expense, but as investment in the future of your business.
NEW HORIZONS
As the proudest member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2005, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that we in the Rio Grande Valley are getting a branch of Texas A&M University! This is not a satellite campus, but a full-fledged university setting that, among other things, will focus on agriculture science, business, and education. This is a fantastic opportunity for our community and our industry and I am very happy with such an institution helping to establish our future.
I’ve at length talked about needing to have a quality attorney
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W
e are excited about our upcoming STAR GALA and our 13th Annual STAR Show as the original STAR Board was 13 years ago. WHY?
Because IT’S ALL FOR THE KIDS!!
We WELCOME May and Donald Kelly as new STAR Show managers. They have a lifetime of dedication to youth development. Mary is also the manager of the Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation. They both are great VOLUNTEERS and have a big heart. STAR is very fortunate to have them on our team. The new STAR President is Aaron Vela who was on the original board of directors that invested hundreds of hours creating the by-laws and show rules. He is excited and brings lots of leadership experience to the board. Another new board member and proven leader is Chuck Sellman, the Founder of Smokin on the Rio that has raised over a million dollars for the youth of South Texas.
The new STAR GALA President is Tonya Hill who has a very impressive VOLUNTEER and LEADERSHIP resume. The STAR GALA has always believed in bringing in NEW BLOOD and having fun while VOLUNTEERING to raise the money for the STAR PREMIUM Auction and scholarships. Our new board members are Joe Carter, Danny de la Vina, Carlos X. Guerra, Arturo Ponce, Laura Ramirez, Patti Ramos, Olympia Reyes, and Glenda Sanchez We have big plans with a goal of raising an extra $250,000 this year. In order to do this, we need all of your support.
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How do we plan to do this? (1) We plan to do a better job of distributing our Add On forms. All Ag Teacher and Club Managers will soon have them to distribute to their students earlier so that they will have both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to use them to raise support for their projects. (2) Encourage all Ag Teachers and Club Managers to make more authentic STAR GALA auction items as parents and others like to bid and buy projects made by the students. (3) We have improved the quality of raffle items in our STAR Raffle headed up by a 2016 Nissan Sentra that our good friend Charlie Clark gave us a deal that no one can beat. Please support Charlie when possible. We hope that the students and other supporters will sell $150,000 worth of tickets. (4) We also have had to raise the price of our STAR GALA Tables to $1,250 for a table of ten as the Pharr Convention Center does not hold more than 120 tables and we had to turn away tables last year. (5) We plan to have better items in both the silent and live auctions. If interested in donating a great item, please contact one of the people below. The 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters and the STAR GALA board members are now selling tables for STAR GALA to be held on January 16th at the Pharr Convention Center. It is a fun event with super mariachi music, excellent food, great service provided by our students, awesome auction items and the popular Scott Randolph band that keeps the dance floor full.
See You There!
Updated USDA Program Enables Farmers and Ranchers to Help Monarch Butterflies bY Justin Fritscher and Jocelyn Benjamin, Natural Resources C onservation Service
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n update to one of USDA’s Natural Resources Conser vation Service (NRCS) key conservation programs will enable farmers and ranchers to aid the imperiled monarch butterfly. This year, NRCS updated its Con servation Stewardship Program to include incentives for farmers and ranchers who plant milkweed and other nectar-rich plants favored by monarch butter flies. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed to lay their eggs during their annual journey from Mexico to the United States to as far north as Canada. Data show that monarch populations have decreased significantly over the past two decades, in part because of the decrease in native plants, including milkweed, on which their caterpillars feed. NRCS conservation programs help monarchs and other pollinators by providing assistance to farmers and ranchers who plant pollinator-friendly wildflower, shrubs and trees. This update to CSP is intended to better target that help to monarchs in need. Specifically, the agency created a special supplement to CSP’s Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Habitat Enhancement Activity that encourages planting milkweed and other plants with high-value nectar for monarchs. CSP helps farmers and ranchers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns, earning payments for conservation performance. It’s available to farmers and ranchers nationwide. Agriculture and development have removed much of the native milkweed that once spanned the country. In addition to its leaves serving as the sole food for monarch butterfly caterpillars, milkweed has other ample benefits. It produces high quality nectar, which is not only used by monarchs but native and honey bees, too. Milkweed also supports insects that are natural predators and parasitoids of many crop and garden pests, providing a natural pest control to destructive insects. Selecting the appropriate milkweed species and nectar producing plants for different parts of the country is an important part of NRCS’ conservation efforts. Because monarch butterflies are on the move, they need to have the right plants at the right time along their migration route. That means having milkweeds for the caterpillars to complete their life cycle and nectar producing plants in bloom for needed energy when the butterflies are passing through an area. NRCS is working with many partners
to develop recommended species list of native plants to meet the unique habitat needs for the monarch butterfly. NRCS is also working to broaden its monarch-friendly activities beyond CSP into other Farm Bill conservation programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). These programs already help provide benefits to pollinators, but NRCS hopes to tailor these as well to the needs of monarchs and to target specific funding to enhance or restore monarch habitat across its range. NRCS’ effort is part of a multi-agency, international strategy to reverse the monarch’s population decline in North America. The North America Monarch Conservation Plan has a goal for 10 million acres of monarch habitat to be created or restored in the United States. President Obama met with Mexico President Enrique Peña and Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper last year to discuss a continent-wide effort to help the monarch and restore loss of milkweed. This week marks National Pollinator Week, and USDA is highlighting the important role that pollinators, including monarchs, play in agriculture. To get started with NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. - See more at: http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/06/19/updated-usda-program-enables-farmers-and-ranchers-to-help-monarch-butterflies/#sthash.MNjzLJxB.dpuf
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32054 Weaver Road, San Benito, Texas
956-207-9004 Harvesting year ‘round Delivery Available
Your business is our priority! Locally grown
TIFT 419, Bermuda, Floratam & St. Augustine
l u f i t n e l P a
t s e v r a H
Anticipating
bY KATHRYN BRADY
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fter the severe drought of the past four years, the 2015 spring rains were welcome and appreciated. The rains kept the temperatures mild and held in the ground moisture. Which was an unexpect ed blessing for retaining soil moisture for spring and summer plantings, but as is the life of a farmer some of south Texas saw too much rain at one time leading to flooded fields and a delay in planting. For ranchers and hay producers, however, the spring weather replenished the grasses; keeping them green and growing.
The spring rainfall was due to an El Niño weather pattern which is associated with the warming of Pacific equatorial waters. El Niño usually brings heavier than normal spring and fall rains to Texas along with cooler temperatures. And the El Niño weather pattern is expected to continue into the fall and winter. So far, however, we haven’t seen much evidence of the rainfall and cooler temperatures, as it has been extremely hot and dry throughout most of August and September. The end of the summer broke records again. Jim Spencer, Meteorologist 44 Ag Mag
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with KXAN in Austin reports that “the summer of 2015 was the fifth straight record hot season.” The last three months culminated with below normal rainfall over portions of the Rio Grande Plains reports NOAA forecasters. However, NOAA weather predictions are optimistically forecasting above normal rainfall and below normal temperatures throughout south Texas. This will help with fall and winter vegetable and wheat plantings. But due to the dry weather of the summer most locations in south Texas are at about twenty-five percent below normal rainfall and many areas have seen deficits of 1 to 3 inches, so some of this predicted fall and winter rainfall will be making up for the soil moisture shortfalls. AgriLife Today’s Texas Crop Outlook dated September 25th reports that soil moisture has remained adequate in Kleberg and Kenedy counties and the hot, dry weather was favorable for cotton harvesting. Furthermore, AgriLife Today mentions that wheat and oat plantings were delayed due to dry conditions and many producers have been applying pre-plant irrigation water. In the southern most region of the Rio Grande Valley rains increased
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the summer of 2015 was the fifth straight record hot season. Jim Spencer, Meteorologist - KXAN Austin, TX
so that forage production improved range and pastureland conditions. In Cameron County fall vegetable, wheat and oat plantings were progressing with no additional irrigation water needed. The Crop Outlook report also states that Hidalgo County has been delayed in harvesting cotton due to the wet conditions of late, but positively this means that there is a surplus of soil moisture for Rio Grande Valley vegetable farmers. Hopefully as predicted; El Nino conditions will prove true and wetter, cooler weather will occur for the rest of autumn and on into winter and spring leading to plentiful harvests for the upcoming seasons. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
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26th Annual
4-H Country Hoedown Back to our Roots
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Deer Breeder Movement standards plan Finalized Framework Addresses Chronic Wasting Disease Management, Industry Needs bY TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION (TAHC)
T
exas deer breeders will be able to resume animal movements under a plan finalized today by staff of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and the Texas Parks and Wild life Department (TPWD). The Breeder Deer Movement Qualification Standards Plan will take effect upon the filing of Emergency Rules by TPWD and will be in place through the 2015-16 Texas hunting season. Details of the plan are available online at www.tpwd.texas. gov/cwd.
Key elements of the plan include: A framework giving breeders who met previous movement qualified standards an option to move and liberate deer. Movement qualification is also dependent on administrative compliance with deer breeder permit regulations and statutes. Enhanced options for closely-monitored herds with a status of “fifth year” or “certified” in the TAHC Monitored Herd Program. There are no additional release site requirements for ranches that receive deer only from these herds. Additional Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing in deer breeding facilities.
Under the plan, the vast majority of the 1,300 permitted deer breeders in Texas can gain movement qualified status by testing two or fewer animals. There will be CWD testing requirements for a proportion of deer that are harvested on some release sites. The goal of the Movement Qualification Plan is to provide deer breeders with options prior to the September 22 deadline for movement and liberation of bucks and before the 2015-16 hunting season. This is just one of many steps Texas is taking to mitigate the spread of CWD after it was detected in deer from a Medina County deer breeding facility earlier this summer. “We have received and tried to be responsive to the extensive feedback from the state’s many and varied deer management interests in developing this revised plan,” said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. “In the development of this framework, both agencies are balancing the need to minimize the risk of unwittingly allowing the movement or liberation of Chronic Wasting Disease-positive deer on the Texas landscape while adopting reasonable movement qualification standards that allow qualified deer breeders to begin moving and liberating captive deer. The complexity associated with the development of this framework is immense.”
A joint agency CWD Working Group will now focus efforts on developing individual herd plans for affected deer breeders and develop a plan for strategic sampling of hunter harvested deer from free- ranging populations this fall. “Our goal was to protect the health of freeranging deer and captive breeder deer, while maintaining business continuity for the breeder industry,” said Dr. Dee Ellis, TAHC Executive Director. “We believe this plan accomplishes those goals.” Factors such as level of connectedness to the index facility, level of testing in the TAHC Monitored Herd Program, relative percentage of the overall herd that has been tested, and variable liberation criteria are all being considered in development of the herd plans. The TAHC and TPWD are continuing the investigation of the index facility in Medina County, where 42 deer have been euthanized and tested for CWD. “The results from the partial testing of the animals in the Index Facility, as well as samples from the CWD-exposed herds, are important to making reasonable, prudent, and responsible decisions for the remaining captive herds, neighboring landowners, and wild deer,” said Clayton Wolf, TPWD Wildlife Division director.
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A PUBLICATION FROM THE DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
Commissioner Miller Encourages Texans to Help Farmers and Ranchers Devastated by Wildfires Across the State
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s firefighters struggle to contain wildfires in areas of rural Texas, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling on fellow Texans to lend a helping hand to those in need by donating to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund or STAR Fund.
The STAR Fund was created to collect monetary contributions from private individuals and businesses to assist farmers and ranchers in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. Funds may be used to rebuild fences, restore operations and pay for other agricultural relief efforts.
“These raging wildfires are catastrophic in nature, and in their wake, they’ve destroyed homes and devastated the livelihoods of the farmers and ranchers who dedicate their lives to supplying us with food and clothing,” Commissioner Miller said. “We are Texans, and when disaster strikes, our citizens rise to meet the challenge. I ask all Texans who have the means to assist their neighbors in need to please come forward and show their support.” You can learn more about how to donate to the STAR Fund on the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) website at TexasAgriculture.gov. As farmers and ranchers begin to assess the damage and rebuild their lives, Commissioner Miller is encouraging them to apply for assistance through the STAR Fund. TDA is now accepting applications for grants, which are available in areas where a state of disaster declaration has been issued by the governor. “Every day, we depend on farmers and ranchers to provide our families with the healthy food and clothes that sustains our lives, and now is the time for Texas producers to lean on us,” Commissioner Miller said. “This is not a hand out, rather it’s a helping hand. I hope people in need will take advantage of these funds.” Farmers and ranchers can apply for assistance through the STAR Fund by contacting TDA’s Grants Office at Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov or by visiting TexasAgriculture.gov.
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Pesticide License Training - A&M Kingsville Citrus Center, Weslaco (RSVP required) , November 4 , 2015 Seminar for Spring 2016 Crops - Rio Farms November 19, 2015 Sunflower Grower Meeting - McCook December 1, 2015 Cotton & Grain PrePlant Conference- RGVLS, Mercedes January 19, 2016 CEU Workshop (Nursery & Landscape Topics) A&M Center, Weslaco January 26, 2016
Important upcoming dates for Ag Producers: 2015-2016
Contact the County Extension Office for details on any of these events
Brad Cowan, County Extension Agent Agriculture Hidalgo County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 410 North 13th Avenue, Edinburg, TX 78541 b-cowan@tamu.edu http://hidalgo.agrilife.org o) 956-383-1026, m) 956-330-3208
Program Gives Students Hands-on Training with USDA-NRCS bY MELISSA BLAIR
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Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) agriculture students
“stepped up” to the challenge of working during their summer vacation to gain hands-on training with the U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
USDA-NRCS
in Texas has been a partner with TAMUK since 2012 on the
“STEP UP to USDA Career Success.”
STEP UP is an acronym for Science, Technology and Environmental Programs for Undergraduate Preparation. STEP UP provides Hispanic students working experience with USDA and other agencies prior to graduation. The STEP UP to USDA Career Success: Science, Technology and Environmental Programs for Undergraduate Preparation to USDA Career Success began in 2011 as a south Texas educational institution collaboration involving five Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) and multiple USDA research or service centers and state agencies. This unique program provides experiential learning to students in agricultural- or natural resourcesbased areas of study. Having access and opportunity to engage in research and career training experiences allow HSI students, mostly first-generation college attendees, to enhance their acquisition of needed skills that will be required to replace a retiring USDA workforce while increasing USDA employee diversity. This unique model is not typical of most academic programs and is designed to increase student recruitment and retention within the participating institutions through a seamless bridging of regional community colleges and four-year degree universities. Students attending two year community colleges (Del Mar College, South Texas College, and Texas State Technical College) can easily transition into either Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK, lead institution) or University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (formerly UT-Pan American). The ‘STEP UP to USDA Career Success’ program is increasing the success of Hispanic students in higher education and preparing them for careers in USDA, agricultural research, or the agriculture industry. “Low enrollment of underrepresented students in agricultural and natural resource sciences, as compared to other disciplines, has resulted in few students prepared to obtain USDA careers,” said Dr. Shad Nelson - STEP UP Project Director at TAMUK. “Furthermore to have a successful USDA career, it is required that individuals have science, technology and environmental skills. Thus, the program STEP UP to USDA Career Success was developed.” STEP UP is funded through grants from the USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Funds and BuildinG Regional Energy and Educational Network (BGREEN). These funds help the University provide undergraduate students with a stipend while they are interning. “One of the goals of the USDA-NRCS is to recruit and hire a culturally diverse workforce,” said Salvador Salinas, NRCS State Conservationist in Texas. “Natural resources and
agriculture are not areas that many minority students pursue as careers, making it difficult to recruit qualified minorities.” The following partners have worked with USDA-NRCS in Texas, the past three years to place students as Earth Team volunteers as part of their educational working experience: Dr. Shad Nelson - STEP UP Project Director; Professor, Chair, Dept. Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences at TAMUK; Dr. Randy Stanko - Professor, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences. STEP UP Co-Director; Dr. Tanner Machado - Assistant Professor, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences; Dr. Greta Schuster - Professor, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences and Mrs. Consuelo Donato - PhD student, STEP UP Project Manager. “The ‘STEP UP to USDA Career Success’ program has provided a fundamental change for increasing the competitiveness of our students, many of which are Hispanic, to obtain careers with the USDA,” said Nelson. “It is rare for our students to truly know what NRCS employees do in their careers, and the summer interns have returned with a new vision and can see themselves as future employees of the USDA, and the good they can do helping others during their careers.” Nelson also said, students return with renewed purpose to graduate, increased selfconfidence, and excited to join the workforce in the agricultural and natural resource sciences. Through STEP UP, 237 undergraduates have received training at USDA agencies, or in scientific research, or other career training within agriculture. The students who volunteered during this summer at NRCS field offices as Earth Team volunteers were Alexandra Bazan in Uvalde, Jose “Joey” Cortez in Rio Grande City, David Coy and Alfonso Sandoval in San Benito, Laura Leigh Steele in Victoria, Iliana Rodriguez in Houston, and Sam Young in Lockhart. Sandoval and Coy were also student transfers from Texas State Technical College to TAMUK through the STEP-UP program. Two students in the STEP-UP program worked with NRCS through the USDA Pathways program, Hunter Hamilton in Bryan, TX, and Xavier Alfaro-Lopez in Thibodaux, LA. There were 30 more students in the program who worked with a variety of other agencies and partner institutions including: USDAAnimal Plant and Health Inspection (APHIS), USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Forestry Service (FS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), Purdue University and others.
Over the 10-weeks the students working with the NRCS offices learned who NRCS is and how the agency “Helps People Help the Land,” from conducting field assessments to the nine step process of developing a conservation plan, and how to work with landowners to implement the conservation practices recommended in their plan. Students also helped with completing conservation plans with agency software, coordinated special events, as well as learned field techniques and tools used in the conservation planning process. “It’s an honor to be able to work with the TAMUK students to give them the chance to broaden their knowledge about the opportunities with USDA-NRCS and the careers available through our agency,” said Melissa Blair, State Earth Team Volunteer coordinator for NRCS in Texas. “Even if a student doesn’t pursue a career with NRCS, they have learned skills that will benefit them in a variety of agricultural careers. Plus, they know how NRCS and its staff can provide technical and financial assistance without a fee, to help landowners, and can share that with others they encounter throughout their career.” Students are required to present a power point or a poster presentation about their STEP UP internship. This year’s presentations was a part of the TAMUK’s “Hispanic Heritage Celebration” on Sept. 22, 2015 at the University. Blair was the keynote speaker at the event sharing about opportunities with USDA-NRCS. “Iliana was a tremendous asset to me this summer, especially with my office being a one employee office,” said Delwin Cannon, district conservationist with Harris County NRCS office. “She assisted me in the field with a few practice check-outs and helped quite a bit around the office with incoming calls and organizing new conservation folders. Also, she had a unique opportunity at our Team Leader’s office in Liberty, to put her bi-lingual skills to work. She assisted with translation between a farmer who only spoke only Spanish and the District Conservationist, who was very pleased with how professional she handled herself.” Since the partnership started, 18 STEP UP students have volunteered 6,400 hours to NRCS which is valued at $147,648 of savings to the U.S. taxpayers. Their work has not only benefitted USDA-NRCS and landowners, it has helped protect and improve the natural resources on agricultural land as well as the environment, and helped these students gain a new outlook on a career with the USDANRCS.
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Want to Advertise? Contact Michelle Martin at the Ag Mag (956) 330-8870 michelle@theagmag.org