April - May 2013
Hold on tight! PRCA Rodeo heads to Athens Shop projects? Make room for the girls Microloans making a difference Ride away with ETMSAR
Serving Anderson, Henderson, Cherokee, Smith, Leon, Houston, Angelina, Nacogdoches
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April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
East Texas Farm & Ranch News is a collaborative effort between the Palestine Herald Press, Athens Daily Review and Jacksonville Daily Progress. Contact Information: Palestine Area 903-729-0281 Athens Area 903-675-5626
Jacksonville Area 903-586-2236
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New ‘breed of farmers; Sanderson Farms calls meeting April-May 2013
When it comes to farming and ranching, we generally look on the bright side of the equation. But that bright side can’t bring much needed rain for growing crops or grass. As for bringing a crop to market — calves, corn or hay--farmers have had little luck in pricing their production. Seems we are in the only economic enterprise that makes farmers price takers, not price makers. Nearly 100 percent of all poultry production is now raised under contract with the big companies. As for hogs, close to 90 percent of pork produced is bred, fed and marketed by the few and controlling pork monopolies. The farmer is basically a hired hand working for the companies. That’s where the "new breed" of farmers comes into play. More and more smaller operators are raising livestock along with fruits and vegetables for a consumer market nearby. Grass fed beef, free range chickens — eggs and hogs that are raised on the soil rather than in a confinement building. Most of our larger cities have farmers markets that specialize in those small-farm produced edibles. And there is money to be made by selling livestock free of growth hormones and steroid-like chemicals that build muscle and increase growth rate. Those fruits and vegetables grown in smaller plots are picked fresh and in consumer hands within hours of harvest. This is a market that is growing every day — and it gives a younger and less-capitalized farmer or rancher a chance to get started on a career. I know several cattle producers that have sold a cow or two with calf at side, and rebred, to some of these grass fed beef farmers. That calf will be raised on grass, harvested at a small meat packer nearby and that beef sold cut and wrapped at local farmers markets. Most of these farmers are charging close to twice what their beef cuts sell for in the local chain store. But when the consumer can buy hormone-free meat, range chickens and eggs and the freshest in fruits and vegetables raised just down the road, they will pay the price and return for more! There has been plenty of action at our local county livestock shows over the past few weeks. FFA and 4-H members have spent several months preparing their animals and special projects for these local events. Win lose or draw, it’s been an exceptional teaching and learning program for these See MCQUEEN - Page 21
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
No bull — this guy knows his talent April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
By Jeff Riggs
Athens Daily Review
Does it take a lot of experience and knowledge to produce the Elder Dodge Henderson County PRCA Stampede in Athens? If so, the event has one of the best in 60year-old Sammy Andrews, a third-generation rodeo stock producer. His grandfather, Sam Andrews of Kilgore, produced rodeos in the 1940s and 1950s, and his father, B.D. Andrews, owned rodeo stock in the same era. But, in 1980, Sammy Andrews picked up the family tradition when he formed his own enterprise, Andrews Rodeo Company, in Bagwell. He turned pro seven years after forming the company. Andrews will be in the spotlight at this year’s PRCA Stampede in Henderson County at 7 p.m., April 27-28, at the Henderson County Fair Park Complex. A resident of Bagwell, he has carried the duty of stock producer for the past 27 years in Athens. Andrews has many awards which prove his ability to produce quality stock. One of the most notable was the 1999 Hall of Fame Bucking Bull, Bodacious, with 135 outs and
Bodacious
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Dallas MorningtoNews visitedStampede the Andrews Andrews’ top stock is once again headed PRCA Ranch the same year, publishing a full-page
only eight qualified rides. Bodacious won Bucking Bull of the Year in 1994 and 1995
Sammy Andrews
and Bucking Bull of the NFR in 1992, 1994 and 1995. The son of Bodacious, Bo Dipping began taking the spotlight in the rodeo circuit, being awarded Rankest Bull Summer Finals in Dallas in 2001 and 2002. But Bodacious was Sammy’s biggest star ever and arguably the most dangerous champion bucking bull of all time. The PRCA’s top bull in 1994 and 1995, Bodacious weighed more than 1,800 pounds but could make exceptional moves for his size. The high-ranking bull died in 2000 and is buried at Andrews’ Northeast Texas ranch near Paris. His grave has become a tourist attraction. Today, Andrews is bucking numerous Bodacious offspring. Sports Illustrated magazine followed Andrews’ career with an article in June 2003. The Fort Worth Star Telegram and
article on Sammy and Bo Dipping. In 2004, Outdoor Life visited the Andrews Ranch and aired a documentary called “Fearless Bodacious.” The Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show honored Sammy in 2004, awarding him with a bucking chute to use as a memorial for Bo’s grave. ESPN has also visited the Andrews Ranch and aired a segment about Sammy and Bodacious throughout the telecast of the 2005 NFR displaying the much-appreciated bucking chute. But what makes a champion animal in this type of activity? One of he world’s most famous owners of pro-rodeo bucking bulls, Andrews has an eye for an animal that’s lean and muscular, one that can become a prime-time athlete on the road and whose heart is bigger than his hump. “There are a lot of bulls that will buck hard at home,” Andrews said. “But when you put them on the road, they will fall apart on you. Those types of bulls are like a football players who thrive only with the home-field advantage. You just have to wait and see what they will do as you roll the diesel smoke over them.” Andrews has been in situations where his bulls appeared in Tampa, Fla., and then the next week all the way across the country in Casper, Wyo. and Oakland, Calif. “So hauling them was probably as tough on them as bucking them,” he said. “When you have a set of good bulls after all that, you know you’ve really got something.” As Andrews recruits bulls, an athletic appearance is the first criterion. “First you want one that looks like an athlete, a bull that looks like he can buck,” Andrews said. “You don’t want one that has a lot of excess skin hanging around. Granted, there are bulls that buck that have a lot (excess skin), but I guarantee you the percentage of them that become bucking bulls are not there. You’re looking for a bull that’s real tight made.”
Girl Power
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April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
More young ladies compete in male-dominated event By Jo Anne Embleton Jacksonville Daily Progress
It’s traditionally been viewed as a “guy event,” but in recent years, more girls have competed in the shop project category at the annual Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show and Sale. “For some of the girls, it takes it takes a little bit of time to really get comfortable with it, but they begin having fun with it,” said Rusk FFA teacher Kelley Hutchinson. “Not only do they enjoy it, they’re learning trades they can use outside (school).” While the Rusk contingent entered 60 projects in nine different divisions this year, “the kids in our school mainly get interested in the shop projects,” she said, adding “we’ve got girls doing welding projects, and there’s a trio doing an outdoor cooler … they kind of mix and mingle with the guys.” And the boys, Hutchinson said, don’t seem to find it unusual. “I think they used to, but now it’s so common, so I don’t think it’s a big deal to them.” Royce Traylor, who manages the Look 4-H and serves as stock show treasurer, agreed.
“The culture has changed,” he said. “Girls can do just as much as guys, and I don’t think the guys are surprised, but it does encourage a healthy competitiveness.” 16-year-old Natalie Truett of the Wells 4-H Club said she first became interested in doing shop projects after seeing her older brother, Cody, work on his stock show projects. Jo Anne Embleton/Jacksonville Daily Progrress “When I got old enough, I wanted to do it, too,” she Kaitlyn Hutson poses with the cedar swing she built for her project. said, describing past projects that included a rocking horse and a log cabin playhouse. This year, she researched, designed and built a wooden smoker fueled by a small tank of propane. “I’ve seen more girls getting interested (in building shop projects) – girls can do anything boys can, it’s just that I think the boys have a call for it because it’s like ‘manly’ stuff,” she said. “But I enjoy doing it a lot.” Jacksonville 4-H’er Kaitlyn Hutson, 17, said she entered the shop category this year “because it interests me more than animals – I’ve done animals before and I wanted See POWER - Page 19
Jo Anne Embleton/Jacksonville Daily Progrress
Natalie Truett designed a smoker in the guise of an outhouse.
ETMSAR completes trail ride at Champion Ranch April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
Palestine Herald Press
Members of the East Texas Mounted Search and Rescue team went on a trail ride earlier this month at the Champion Ranch, southeast of Centerville. The group, which is comprised of members from Anderson, Brazos, Houston, Leon and Madison counties, used the experience both as a training day and as an excuse for a pleasant ride. Led by Champion Ranch foreman Gary Robertson, the group toured the more than 6,000 acre ranch on horseback after learning about the Ranch’s history. The ride took more than two hours to complete. During the course of the ride, the group experienced different obstacles that members might see during a rescue operation. They also traveled through brush and across Keechi
Creek. The group will be hosting a simulated search and rescue on Saturday. If you’d like to be part of a mounted searchand rescue team, you’ll first need to do your homework. Here are the skills you’ll want to develop. • Horse camping. Gain experience in trailering your horse in the field. • Trail-riding safety. If you or your horse is injured you become a detriment. Your should keep yourself and your horse out of trouble so you remain safe and a active resource for the search team. • In-saddle conditioning. You don’t need to be a perfect rider, but you do need to be able to endure long hours while remaining alert and effective. Also, learn how to select safe, comfortable, protective clothing and gear. • Organization. Get together with like-minded riders like the ones in
ETMSAR. Our broad range of resources increases the chances for success in a search and rescue call out. • Communications. Familiarize yourself with our latest communications and incident-command systems. • Navigational skills. Develop navigational expertise, including how to use a global positioning system(GPS), a compass, and a map in the field. • Tracking. Take our courses in tracking and clue identification, and practice these skills in the field. Cultivate your horse. Search horses are cultivated and trained. Here are ways you can help your horse become a good search partner. • Select the right tack. Avoid using a tie-down or heavy bridle that restricts movement. If you ride bitless, continue to do so. Your horse needs to be comfortable and allowed to move freely. Any type of sad-
For more information on the group and
information on how to join, call Andy Stewart at 903-536-3574, or visit its Web site at www.etmsar.org.
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Members of the East Texas Mounted Search and Rescue team participate in a trail ride earlier this month at the Champion Ranch, near Centerville. The group will hold a simulated search-and-rescue Saturday.
dle is fine, but a saddle is essential. You need to maintain a relaxed-butsecure seat, so if your horse reacts to something on the trail, you’ll be able to stay with him. • Pack up. Whether you’re on a training mission or a real search, pack all your gear, so your horse knows this isn’t simply a recreational outing. Your serious approach will cue your horse that this
is serious business. • Ride for miles. Ride trails, ride fields, ride miles at the walk. Let your horse pick his footing. East Texas Mounted Search and Rescue is always looking for new members in Leon, Brazos, Houston, Madison, and Anderson counties either mounted, ground support or friends, all equally vital and important.
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Practice Halter Safety April-May 2013
I can always count on my friends to add a new page to my scrapbook entitled “How to Mess up a Simple Calving.” This chapter would be entitled “Halter Safety.” Rob was deep into calving his heifers. His calving lot was football field size including a small shed and a couple jugs. It was decorated with swells and depressions common to the coulee ranchland in eastern Washington. For his regular heifer checks he used a typical “rancher’s” 4-Wheeler that he’d bought from an orchard man who had traded up in a good year. Ron paid him $50 plus two grandstand tickets to the Mariner/Cleveland Indians baseball game. It was dipping into twilight when Rob made his “just before supper” heifer check. He was looking for No. 112, a brockle-faced heifer that he’d noticed going into labor earlier. He found her in a large depression on her back and gasping! Grabbing a halter from his calving box he put it over her head and gave it a manly pull…no luck. Thinking quickly, in his first responder mode, he pulled the 4-wheeler in front of the upside down heifer and tied the halter shank to the back of his machine. So far, so good. The rope came tight, but the 4-Wheeler, which weighed at least 600 lbs less than the heifer, lifted off its front wheels and came dangerously close to tipping over backwards. Next try, he locked his legs around the handlebars, leaned out over them like a figurehead on a schooner to distribute the load, and gave it the gas! He felt all four wheels grab and the cow move just before the rope broke! Rob fell forward, head first as the spinning machine climbed over him, rolled him up and laid him out flat on his back! Third time is the charm. Rob found a heavier piece of rope, re-hitched and…voila! He drug the heifer to flatter ground. He dismounted to untie the slipknot from the machine, unfortunately not noticing that the brockle-faced heifer had regained her feet and was coming his way. She hit him from behind, bounced him off the 4-Wheeler and walked him like a foot-log! Then she turned to escape the scene of the crime and pulled the machine over on top of our hapless hero, eventually dragging the whole wreck to a stop. In retrospect, Rob said she turned out to be a pretty good mother but he was never able to drive his 4-Wheeler into any pasture she inhabited without being attacked. EPILOGUE: The heifer outlived the machine. ———— www.baxterblack.com
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
Introducing Kodi the little cowdog
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
Hi Y’all, My name’s Kodi and I’m head of security, best pal and traveling companion at the Clem Brangus Ranch here in East Texas. I’m 2 year’s old and full of vim and vigor most of the time. My best bud is a 22 pound cat named Mr. P. He swears he’s not fat, just very fluffy, but I think the vet’s scales tell a different story. I have a great life and it’s said that I’m a privileged pup. If that means the world revolves around me, then I guess it’s true. Now that I’m old enough, I get to help with the cows when they need moving from one place to another or need separating for some reason. I now refer to them as ‘my girls’ since I’ve had to learn the language of ‘MOOOOOOO’ to be better able to communicate with them. To the untrained ear all moos may sound the same, but I’ve learned in my short life that’s not true. Moos can have different meanings such as, “Nice weather today, isn’t it or this sure is good grass we’re grazing on or did you get a good look at the new bull cause he’s a hottie.” When the moo is directed at a calf it can mean,” Time for dinner little one or stay put while I go and graze a while”. But when the moo is directed at me it usually means,” little dog if you get any closer to my back heels, I’ll kick you into next week”. I pay them no mind though and go on with my job. I mean I am a little cowdog so I can’t be afraid of some ole cow with an attitude. I’ve also learned that when working cows with baby calves life can be hazardous, if you know what I mean. The other day I had to help separate some of ‘my girls’ from their babies and you would have thought the world was coming to an end from
all the bawling and bellowing. I tried in my own little way to tell them that all would be OK once their little ones got their new ear tags, but they sure didn’t appreciate ‘hearing’ anything from me. I guess that was because I was the one who split them up to begin with. And you know what, they mooed some things to me that, let’s just say, I shouldn’t repeat. Finally the task was completed and everyone got back together. You would have thought those cows hadn’t seen those babies in a week what with all the licking and mooing that took place. I know they love those little ones, but geese they were only on the other side of the fence from each other. I sure was a pooped pup after that, but that’s life when you work cows for a living. And it wasn’t but a couple of days later that my herding skills were called upon to ‘save the day’ so to speak. Daddy had headed out on the tractor to do some pasture mowing and Mama and I headed out the back door to fill up the horses’ water tub. As we rounded the corner of the house we noticed that a group of yearling heifers, not ours, were running down the side road headed for the busy highway. They belonged to a neighbor who lives about a mile up that road, but they were headed in the opposite direction from their home and in a hurry, too. Mama told me to load up in the mule and we took off in a flash to try and stop the mob before they could make it to the highway. Fast moving cars plus loose cattle make for a disaster just waiting to happen. We got there just in time and headed them off. Then I got my instructions to get out and herd them back up the road toward the field they were supposed to be in. Now you know I speak “MOOOOO” and ‘my girls’ understand my different barks, but I wasn’t sure about that bunch of wild-eyed heifers. I gave them my “get moving or you’ll regret it” bark and I guess they understood cause they did just as they were told. I guess the language of “MOOOOOO” is the same no matter the breed of cattle. About this time the owner showed up and opened a gate so they could go down a lane and
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at least get away from the road. I backed off a bit, let them settle and then Mama told me to “put ‘um down the lane, Kodi” and away I went. One turned at the right spot and the others followed with me right on their heels. The gate was closed, the crisis averted and we all heaved a sigh of relief. The owner took over from there and Mama told me to load back up and we headed home. One bystander watching all this from his truck commented, “that little dog sure knew what to do.” I thought to myself, “well of course I do; I’m a little cowdog and that’s how I roll.” The next morning after we got back from our walk, my run, I decide I better make a check of things around the house before coming inside for a nap. We’d been gone for over an hour so who knows what could have invaded out territory. On my second run around the house I spotted something very strange under a bush. It was big as a dinner plate with a very hard back. There was no head, no tail, no feet, just a hard shell. I decided to poke it with my paw to see if the thing would move, but nothing happened. I poked it several times/ but there was no movement, nothing. Then I thought barking might get it moving so I tried that. I have several different barks and this particular one meant something was wrong. The thing didn’t move ,but the racket bought Mama out of the house to see what was going on. She took one look and said,” Kodi, that’s a big snapping turtle so leave it alone.” I thought, “what’s a turtle?” She went back inside but I got to thinking about something I saw on tv just a few days ago on the Nat. Geo Channel – my folks always leave the tv on something educational when I’m home alone. There was this program about aliens and their flying saucers and this turtle thing looked kind of like one of them. Later Mama came out to get me and she carried the ‘turtle’ down to pond north of the house. Wonder why she did that? Was that where it’s space ship was See COWDOG - Page 21
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April-May 2013
Mr. Dependable
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
Warren has become reliable and friendly face at HC Fair Park grounds “He is a huge asset to the fairgrounds. We depend on him a lot and there is nothing that he can't do or
handle. He will do whatever we ask him at a moment’s notice and is always available when he is called.”
— Wayne Carrell
By Joe Elerson Athens Daily Review
For LaRue resident Jim Bob Warren, working at Henderson County Fair Park has been something he has been proud of doing during his free time. Now he has been honored with the 2013 Catalog Dedication Award by the Henderson County Livestock Association. “It meant a lot to me to be noticed by those people that I have known and worked for over the years,” Warren said. The award is focused on those who have put in the time and effort — not necessarily the monetary donations — to make sure the livestock show (held at the fairgrounds each year) is successful. Jim Bob has spent the 33 years in the small town after
moving with his family at the age of two. He graduated from Athens High School, where he was involved in track and choir. He attended Trinity Valley Community College on a choir scholarship. Jim Bob said he first got involved with the Fair Park Complex when he met facility manager Wayne Carrell while bagging his groceries. “I used to take care of Wayne while he was working with the police department and one day a relative of mine told me that Wayne needed some help,” Warren said. “I kept being persistent with him and he finally let me join the complex and that is how I got started.” Warren began working at the fairgrounds in January 2001. Carrell said Warren is a hard worker at the complex. “He is a huge asset to the fairgrounds,” Carrell said. “We depend on him a lot and there is nothing that he can't do or handle. He will do whatever we ask him at a moment's notice and is always available when he is called.” A member of the Baxter Baptist Church, Jim Bob has also worked on several area ranches. Jim Bob has spent countless hours hauling pig pens, panels, shavings, trash or digging the arena or fixing water leaks — all with a smile — to make sure the livestock show and the many other events go off without any problems each year.
Joe Elerson/Athens Review
LaRue Resident Jim Bob Warren has worked at the Henderson County Fair Park Complex for the past 13 years and was honored as the 2013 Catalog Dedication Award winner for his service by the Livestock Association. Warren is the assistant manger of the fairgrounds.
“That is a part of my job to do whatever is asked of me since I am the the assistant manger,” Warren said. Jim Bob is married to his wife, Marianne, and has two
daughters, Jenny and Lizzie. He is also an avid hunter and enjoys spending time in the woods with his daughter. He feels that gives them quality time together.
Beef cattle researchers explore nutritional strategies to time puberty in replacement heifers
April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
By Blair Fannin
Texas A&M Unviersity
BEEVILLE – Cattle producers typically wean replacement heifers at seven months of age and raise them with limited nutritional input before their first breeding. This managerial strategy is often associated with delayed puberty, particularly in tropicallyadapted Bos indicusinfluenced cattle, according to researchers. To maximize successful pregnancies in replacement heifers early in their first breeding season, studies conducted at Texas A&M University and at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station-Beevi lle are evaluating nutritional strategies to promote puberty consistently by 12-14 months of age in Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbred heifers. Pictured are BrahmanXHereford-F1 heifers. (Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo) In Texas, Bos indicus influence generally comes from Brahman genetics, but can involve the Nelore breed as well. To maximize successful pregnancies in replacement heifers early in
their first breeding season, studies conducted at Texas A&M University and at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station-Beeville are evaluating nutritional strategies to promote puberty consistently by 12-14 months of age in Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbred heifers. Drs. Marcel Amstalden and Gary Williams, reproductive physiologists at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, along with doctoral students Rodolfo Cardoso and Bruna Alves, are evaluating mechanisms that lead to the early onset of puberty in heifers. The goal of the work is to use newfound fundamental knowledge of heifer development to optimize pregnancy in replacement heifers by 15 months of age and increase the proportion of heifers calving early in their first calving season. “Nutrition plays an important role in the developmental controls of puberty in heifers,” Williams said. “Breed type is a factor as well, and there are dietary strategies that can help us time the onset of
puberty.” Recent research has shown that age at puberty in Bos taurus beef heifers is reduced to approximately nine months of age by early weaning calves at three to four months of age and feeding high-concentrate diets that promote increased rates of body weight gain for as little as 70 days, according to the researchers. “A similar response is observed in heifers with Bos indicus-influence,” Williams said. “Our studies have indicated that early weaning, combined with elevated intake of high-concentrate diets, is associated with enhanced propionate production in the rumen and increased concentrations of the fat-derived hormone, leptin in circulation.” “The brain is a major target for leptin’s control of feed intake and energy expenditure,” Amstalden said. “Because the impact of nutrition on age at puberty is largely mediated at the hypothalamus, a region of the brain involved in the regulation of various body functions including reproduction, studies hav e f o c u s e d o n t h i s
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Texas A&M AgriLife Research Photo
To maximize successful pregnancies in replacement heifers early in their first breeding season, studies conducted at Texas A&M University and at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station-Beeville are evaluating nutritional strategies to promote puberty consistently by 12-14 months of age in Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbred heifers. Pictured are BrahmanXHereford-F1 heifers. brain region to explain the process of reproductive maturation.” Their studies have found that a number of genes in the hypothalamus are regulated by nutrition and body weight gain during calfhood. Structural and functional changes in neurons (nerve cells) are also evident. These scientists are now testing management changes that would
improve pregnancy rates early and optimize lifetime productive in replacement heifers. However, the scientists warn that strategies to accelerate puberty have to be considered with caution to avoid precocious puberty and unwanted pregnancies, compromising heifer development and reproductive efficiency later in life.
“Nutrition plays an important role in the developmental controls of puberty in heifers.”
— Gary Williams
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FARM & R ANCH
April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
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April-May 2013
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Palestine farmer finds success with Farm Service Agency Microloan program April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
“It will provide easier access to capital for eligible applicants who want to get involved in agriculture in some form or fashion.”
— Joseph Grier
By Cassie Bable
USDA Farm Service Agency
John Lee Meyer applied for his first loan with the Smith County Farm Service Agency (FSA) to purchase a John Deere 2750 tractor with cab for his hay operation. Meyer owns a small horse hay operation in Palestine. He runs his own equipment and cuts, rakes and bales hay on 68 acres. Meyer’s loan application began as a direct farm operating loan, but, due to a streamlined application process, the loan type quickly changed to a Microloan shortly after the new program was announced in January. The new FSA Microloan program features a simpler application process requiring less paperwork than traditional operating loans. The requirement for managerial experience and loan security has been modified to ensure that small family operations and beginning farmers and ranchers can obtain the credit needed to start, continue, enhance or expand an agricultural operation. Eligible applicants can apply for a maximum amount of $35,000 to pay for initial startup expenses such as hoop houses to extend the growing season, essential tools, irrigation, delivery vehicles, and annual expenses such as seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, marketing, and distribution expenses.
John Lee Meyera Joseph Grier, Smith County FSA farm loan officer worked with Meyer throughout the application process. “From my perspective, the Microloan program will be easier and not so intimidating for producers,” said Grier. “It will provide easier access to capital for eligible applicants who want to get involved in agriculture in some form or fashion.” Meyer’s involvement in agriculture started at a young age. He grew up on a farm in
Brenham, Texas and had his own row-crop operation in the Brazos Valley. Meyer moved to Houston and started working for Houston Power and Light when he was 19 years old. He retired from Houston Power and Light in 1998 and moved to Palestine, Texas. After retiring, Meyer decided to switch from a row-crop to a hay operation because he believes there is more money in the hay business. Meyer’s Microloan was
approved and he is sure to see some changes in productivity and efficiency. He is the first to admit that the weather can be hard on him and limits the amount of time he can spend in the field. His new tractor will have an air-conditioned cab that will allow him to work through Texas’ notoriously unpredictable weather and heat. “I used to wait until after 3:00 p.m. See FARMER - Page 19
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
April-May 2013
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April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
‘Battleground to Breaking Ground’ will be May 18 in Dallas; June 1 in Belton Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas AgrAbility Project and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will present an agriculture workshop designed especially for military veterans during May and June in two northeast Texas locations. A workshop specifically designed for military veterans interested in agriculture and agribusiness will be held in Dallas and Belton. “From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey” is a workshop specifically designed for military veterans interested in agriculture and agribusiness to be held in May 18 in Dallas and June 1 in Belton. The workshop will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both locations. The first will be May 18 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Road in Dallas. The second will take place June 1 at the Bell County Expo Center, 301 W. Loop 121 in Belton. “From Battleground to Breaking Ground: A Transformational Journey,” gives military veterans interested in farming or ranching the opportunity to get information on aspects of starting, developing and funding an agriculture-based business, program coordinators said. “The workshop also addresses the possibilities for ranching or farming for veterans with disabilities,” said Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, AgriLife Extension specialist in disability transition with the Texas AgrAbility Project. “We’re hoping military veterans will take advantage of this program which has been
designed with input from AgriLife Extension, AgrAbility, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farm Service Agency, Texas Department of Agriculture and ATTRA -National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.” The cost is $10 and program registration is payable at the door. However, due to space considerations, attendees must RSVP in advance at http://txagrability.tamu.edu/or download the registration form from the website and send to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Attn: Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, 2147 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2251. The program begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m., followed by a short welcome. Presentations start at 9:15 a.m., and include a presentation by a veteran currently involved in production agriculture. Morning presentations will address resource networking and the Texas AgrAbility Program of the Texas A&M University System. Afternoon presentations include a panel discussion on resources available for funding options, business plan development and resource networking. “The Texas AgrAbility Program’s focus is on connecting, assisting and empowering agricultural producers, their family members and employees with disabilities and chronic health conditions to stay engaged in production agriculture,” Grenwelge said. “About 45 percent of returning veterans are from rural areas and we want to enable veterans with or without disabilities to return to the area of production agriculture if they choose.” For more information, contact Grenwelge at 979-845-3727 or chgrenwelge@ag.tamu.edu
The cost is $10 and program registration is payable at the door.
However, due to space considerations, attendees must RSVP in advance at http://txagrability.tamu.edu/or download the registration
form from the website and send to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service,
Attn: Dr. Cheryl Grenwelge, 2147 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2251.
New native grassland monitoring/management publication announced April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
By Steve Byrns Agrilife Today
COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a new publication available to help landowners monitor and manage the health of their native rangeland, said the author. The publication, Native Grassland Monitoring and Management, targets landowners within the Trinity River Basin and similar areas, said Blake Alldredge, AgriLife Extension associate with Texas A&M University’s wildlife and fisheries department at College Station. He said the publication describes in detail several range monitoring and management techniques. It is now available as publication WF-001on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Bookstore website at http://agrilifebookstore.org . Alldredge noted that the monitoring and management information offered is applicable across the state.
“Monitoring the ecological site condition or health of the land is necessary for landowners to evaluate how past land management decisions are affecting the plant, soil and water resources of the landscape,� Alldredge said. “Monitoring specifically examines the plant species present and how much area they cover. Being able to see how range conditions change over time, which is also known as range trend, will allow land managers to make the best management decisions as conditions change.� The monitoring techniques covered in the publication will be of particular help to wildlife managers and livestock producers to help them determine what management activities are needed to reverse negative range trends, he said. The monitoring techniques covered in the publication include photo points, grazing exclosures, nest and cover surveys, grass stubble height surveys and forage clipping surveys. Management techniques covered
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include chemical and mechanical treatments, prescribed burning, disking, shredding and grazing. “The main goal of the publication is to connect land monitoring and management techniques with proper watershed protection, because they are one and the same,� Alldredge said. “Well-managed native grasslands and tame pastures are important to watershed protection as they increase the water storage capacity of the soil, reduce erosion, promote groundwater recharge and provide more efficient nutrient absorption. Landowners also benefit from increased forage production and quality wildlife habitat.� Alldredge said his bottomline hope is that the publication will aid the watershed enhancement efforts of AgriLife Extension, Trinity Waters and other groups seeking to improve the wildlife and water quality resources in the Trinity River basin. For more information contact Alldredge at 979-845-7471, balldredge@tamu.edu.
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Corn germination and emergence
April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
The germination process requires the accumulation of heat units known as growing degree days. In general the accumulation of approximately 100 to 125 GDD are required for corn seedlings to emerge. If soil is cold at the time of planting, additional GDDs may be required to warm the soil around the seed to approximately 50 degrees F, sufficient to facilitate germination. Corn needs a minimum temperature of approximately 50 degrees F, soil moisture, and light for germination. While a minimum temperature of approximately 50 degrees F is required for germination, it is not advisable to base planting deci-
sions on soil temperature alone. Soil temperature in the seed germination zone fluctuates considerably based on ambient air temperature and, therefore, is not a dependable indicator of when to plant. Modern corn hybrids appear to maintain viability for long periods from planting to emergence. However, increases in the time of emergence generally result in increased variability in time of emergence between plants. This loss of symmetry in emergence can compromise grain yield. Damage from cold temperature stress adversely affects the germination of seeds and the growth of
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young seedlings and probably predisposes the plants to invasion by soil fungi capable of causing seed rot and seedling blight. In addition to slowing the germination process, cold temperatures, especially if accompanied by precipitation (snow and freezing rain), may cause irreparable harm to the delicate structures of emerging corn seedlings. When dry corn seed absorbs cold water as a result of a cold rain or melting snow, “imbibitional chilling injury� may result. Cold water can cause similar injury to seedling structures as they emerge during germination. Such injury in corn seed ruptures cell
membranes and results in aborted radicles, proliferation of seminal roots, and delayed seedling growth. When temperatures remain at or below 50 degrees F after planting, damage to germinating seed can be particularly severe. When this physiological damage is combined with surface soil crusting, saturated soil conditions, compacted soils, deep seed placement, and seedling blights, you have a recipe for widespread emergence problems. For more information on this or other topics related to corn production, contact your state extension corn specialist or your local extension educator/agent.
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East Texas Farm & Ranch News
POWER, from page 6
to do something different this year.” She invited visitors to relax on the 7-foot “big-man” swing she designed and built out of cedar, with a slanted back and a “butt groove” for comfortable seating. The swing, which can seat four, also features a storage compartment large enough to hold a small ice chest, with cup holders and a small area for cell phone and keys. It hung suspended from a frame created out of treated wood. The project “was an idea I had in my head,” Hutson said. “I drew it on a piece of paper and I told my ag teacher what I wanted to do and it came together – I’ve always wanted to build a swing and I made it my own by making my own design.” It’s drawn “a lot of compliments
on how cool the idea is,” she said. “One guy wants me to build one for him this summer for his work. So me and my sister might build some this summer, she thought it was a cool idea.” Looking over his daughter’s portable wooden smoker – which people have jokenly asked if it was an outhouse because of the similarity of design – Carl Truett described how Natalie generally “looked for something different” for each of her projects. Her interest in shop projects doesn’t come as a surprise, because “she’s always been interested, (and) every year, she tries to go a little bit bigger,” he said. “It’s exciting for me, because when she’s grown and gone (from home), she’ll be able to do things by herself if she needs to,” he said. “She won’t have to depend on nobody, that’s what I like.”
April-May 2013
FARMER, from page 14
to get on the tractor because it was so hot outside,” said Meyer. “Owning a tractor with a cab will allow me to work longer hours even when it’s hot or cold outside.” His new tractor will especially come in handy next year when he expands his hay operation to 200 acres. Meyer sells his square bales to an established customer base of horse owners for $4 a bale. The drought adversely impacted his hay operation the past few years; fortunately, he got by unscathed last year. Unlike many hay producers, Meyer did not raise his hay prices during the drought. Despite the high demand for hay in many drought-stricken states, he left his hay prices at $4 a bale.
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“I didn’t raise prices during the drought,” said Meyer. “That’s slamming a customer against the wall during a hardship. I’ve saved my customers during the drought and they will remember me.” Meyer gets his business sense from Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company and Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart. He believes in keeping his price lower than the competitor’s price. While this was Meyer’s first time to work with FSA, he said he would look into using another FSA loan when he starts operating on a larger scale. “There would be no small farmers and ranchers without the help of FSA,” said Meyer. “I always tell other small farmers and ranchers to get all of the help you can.”
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April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
Beef Cow Herd Calendar April Spring Calving
1. Check weight and body condition score on replacement heifers and adjust supplemental feeding program as necessary. Begin breeding replacement heifers 20 to 30 days before the rest of the cow herd. 2. Although some spring growth may appear, continue to supplement cows grazing lovegrass, Bermuda grass, and native grass pastures. 3. If not previously done this year, after calving and at least 30 days before breeding, vaccinate cows with 5-way Leptospira/Campylobacter bacterin, IBR, BVD, PI3, and BRSV vaccine. This schedule should be approved by your veterinarian. 4. If not previously done in February and March, complete sire selection and culling of replacement heifers. Base decisions on performance records. 5. Conduct fertility check and provide a breeding soundness exam for all herd sires. 6. Plan and implement MGA based synchronization program for artificial insemination. If the MGA system will be used (14 days of MGA feeding followed by 17 days without MGA and a prostaglandin injection on day 31) for cows or heifers to be bred in early May, MGA feeding will need to begin in early April. General Recommendations Vaccinate bulls for anaplasmosis, if not previously done this year and continue other control measures for the herd. Plan fly and tick control program. Check spraying equipment, dust bags, and oils and purchase needed chemicals or tags for fly and tick control. For established new strand of lovegrass, seed in April and May. Spray or burn weeds in Bermuda and native grass pastures in late April or May.
May Spring Calving
1. Castrate, dehorn, implant (except replacement heifers), and vaccinate new calves for 7-way clostridial bacterin, intransasal IBR, PI3 vaccine (consult local veterinarian). 2. Vaccinate heifer calves for brucellosis between four and 10 months of age. 3. If not previously done this year, after calving and 30 days before breeding, vaccinate cows with Leptospira/Campylobacter bacterin, IBR PI3, BRSV and BVD vaccine depending on the veterinarian’s recommendations. Also vaccinate bulls with the above vaccines. 4. Vaccinate bulls with the above vaccines on a yearly basis. 5. Deworm cows and bulls from mid May to early June if needed. 6. Turn bulls out with cows. Assign yearlings 10 to 15 cows; two to three year olds 20-25 cows; and aged bulls, 25 to 40 cows. 7. Critically evaluate body condition in thin cows. If body condition score is less than 4, consider weaning calves early, especially first calf heifers.
April-May 2013
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MCQUEEN, from page 4 young folks. At the recent Leon County stock show, the grand champion steer sold for a whopping $40,000 — coupled with add-ons, the steer brought $42,975. Sandra Mullenax and Jason Lane Energy Partners teamed up to reward steer owner Jacie Jones of the Buffalo 4-H Club with that big payday. Reserve champion steer sold for $14,450. From the first animal in the ring to the last, Leon County buyers made sale day one to remember for a long time! Local people who want their young people to succeed in life are the backbone of these county shows. The Sanderson farms poultry outfit has called an open meeting to discuss their new operations in Anderson and surrounding counties. Sanderson will be offering poultry raising contracts to area farmers, ranchers and other landowners within a 50-mile radius of Palestine. The meeting takes place Thursday, May 2 at the Palestine Civic Center on Loop 256 West. Start time is 6:30 p.m. and should be over by 8 p.m. For additional information, contact Sanderson Farms at 800-844-4030. Anyone interested in raising poultry for Sanderson is invited to attend. Now, we need some rain — and need it badly. Hopefully it’s just over the horizon and heading this way! that’s --30-- horace@valornet.com
COWDOG, from page 9 hidden? I’m still not convinced that it was a turtle and not some alien masquerading as one to throw us off. The tv show said those things can transform themselves into all sorts of shapes so why not a turtle. The whole incident was very strange. The next time I see Mr. Donkey in the next field I need to mention this incident to him. Those big ears of his could be our alien early warning system. I mean there needs to be some use for those oversized, floppy things. Well, happy trails to ya. Be wary of things that are not what they seem to be; I’m just saying. Your friend, Kodi PS: I forgot to mention that I hope you and yours had a wonderful Easter. I know that Christmas and Easter are two special days for those of you of the Christian faith. What I don’t get is how a bunny and looking for eggs/candy got to be part of that day. With my super sniffer I bet I could find more than my share of stuff to put in a basket if I had the chance. I mean I can find one of my buried horse hooves months after I’ve hidden them. Those things just get better with age – yum. Think I’ll go dig one up and have a little chew. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
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April-May 2013
HAY FOR SALE 196 rolls of Coastal hay, net wrapped, cut Nov. 2012. Good cow hay, heavily fertilized. $65 per roll. 903-478-3840 CHARBRAY BULLS FOR SALE We have a large selection to choose from. Caney Creek Ranch in Oakwood. 903-5452743.
K&R LAWN CARE & SPRAYING Fully licensed and insured, residential & agricultural & weed spray, also lawn care. 903-2213259.
WILL BUY COWS Horses or farm equipment. Will pay cash. Call Johnny Mattingly at 903-489-1211. HAY Fertilized net wrapped round bales Coastal Bermuda $50. Call (903)316-9632.
COASTAL BERMUDA & Jiggs Sprigs Dug fresh to order, custom planting avail. (903)724-3868 or (903)7249778.
CLASSIFIEDS
SQUARE BERMUDA Horse Quality Hay. Fair Price. Call (903)879-1788.
ROUND BALES Fertilized Coastal Bermuda $40. 903-586-2747.
TRAILERS FOR SALE 1996 Big Tex gooseneck, 2 horse slant load, front dressing, rear tack, all metal. $3000. Also 28 ft flatbed gooseneck, was a travel trailer, $600. 903391-6267. 2010 MASSEY FERGUSON 1533 4wd, front loader, syncro shuttle 5ft mower, cultivator, 6ft disc, 4ft box blade, 238 hrs, $18,500. (903)675-4836 or (903)288-0726.
TIME TO PLANT Coastal Bermuda. Gopher control etc. Tony Thomas. 903880-2312.
HAY FOR SALE 196 rolls of Coastal hay, net wrapped, cut Nov, 2012. Good cow hay, heavy fertilized, $65 per roll. 903-478-3840
BERMUDA COASTAL Rolls Highly fertilized. 4x5.5 net wrap $45, Delivery avail min 5 rolls. Sq. Bales $8.50 Palestine (903)729-8689.
7 ACRES for sale with septic in Athens area ,$42,000. (903)326-4851.
125 ACRES $2185/ ac. Great hunting, huge hardwoods, FM Road frontage, owner finance with 7% down payment. 903-729-2333.
CORSICANA 31 acers. Owner finance. $79,500; $2000 down, deer, hogs, squirrels & other wildlife. Creek, water, electric. Call (903)391-1907 Broker. CORSICANA 5 ac. water & electric, great for recreation & homesite. $500 dn $285. (254)315-8155 Broker.
at Brushy Creek
ROUND BALES Fertilized Coastal Bermuda $40. 903-586-2747.
HAY FOR SALE 4 X 5 fertilized coastal, no weeds, $45 per roll. 903-3916267.
NEEDED Dependable ranch hand. Must have experience with general maintenance ground keeping and care of cattle. Apply in person at Mud Technology International Inc., 2610 Hwy 31 West, Athens, TX 75751. No phone calls please.
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
FOR SALE 15 acres off FM 2138 Deer Hogs - Timber $3000/ac (903)586-5718.
48 ACRES Recreational or agricultural use property. Intermittent creek all utilities available. Good hunting. $109,500. Call (817)9487031.
4 ACRES Near Hubbard on HCR 3373. Owner Financing available. Discount for cash. For Sale by Owner $16,000 Call (979)3244808 or (254)733-3515. FROM 3-50 ACRES CR 420, less than 5 min. from airport & Wolf Creek Lake. Reduced. $3500 per acre. (903)729-3468.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Rebuilt Tractors F o r d s : 3000 w/loader, 7000 w/ loader, 8N, 800 and 2000. I n t e r n a t i o n a l H a r v e s t o r : Cubs w/cultivators, Super A, 100, 130, H and 444. We also have used Massey Fergusons & Mahindras. Lots of equipment including 1 & 2 row planters, tillers, disk, box blades and much more. Parts for Mahindra, Long Bush Hog and others. Service on most makes.
anderson county’s only complete saddle repair shop
Wallace Garden Center & Equipment 1800 S. Loop 304 • Crockett
936-544-2127
or
544-3727
April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News
Weekly Market Report East Texas Livestock, Inc Hwy 7 West Crockett, Texas
Slaughter Cow
Canners: $64 to $3
Boning/Utility $74 to $80 Cutters: $81-$87
Slaughter Bulls $1,330 to $1,740 Feeder Calves
#1 Large Frame
#1 Large Frame
150 - 200 lbs $190 to $212
$140 to $208
Feeder Steers/Bulls
205 to 300 lbs $185 to $197.50 305 to 400 lbs $170 to $185
Feeder Heifers $130 to $168
$ 125 to $163
405 to 500 lbs $160 to 170
$113 to $160
605 to 800 lbs $120 to 134
$100 to $128
505 to 600 lbs $127 to $155
$105 to $137
Total Sellers 91 Total Buyers 48
Packer Buyers 4 Order Buyers 11
Cattle Companies 24 Feeder Orders 186
Compared to last week: most classes of feeder steers and
heifers ended fully $3 to $5 lower with some classes $5 to $7 back. Slaughter cows finished $2 lower with slaughter bulls
being off $5. Buyer demand is somewhat lacking due to last week's thumping of the futures markets.
903-589-8024
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm • Sunday 1pm-5pm
All 6 pk. Bedding
Reg. $10.98 Sale $7.98
Plants • Marigold • Begonia • Petunia Verbena • Salvia • Impatients & Lots More
Thurs., April 25 - Sun., April 29, 2013 Reg. $10.99 Sale $7.98
Mona Lavender • Bolivian Jew • Golden Globe • White Fuzzy Purple Jew Basket • Bridal Veil Basket • Iboza Basket Asparagus Fern Basket • Begonia Basket & Lots More
Visit our Web Site joesmithfarmsgardencenter.com Hwy 79 East towards Henderson
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April-May 2013
East Texas Farm & Ranch News