Issue 10 of Ag Mag by THEAGMAG

Staff

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

Al Benavides

Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407

In This Issue: James 1:2-3

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

A Letter from the Editor March. Every year when I was younger and that month approached, only two words would infiltrate my mind - Spring Break. Last year the two words that came to my mind were Show Season. Now it seems the two words are “bottles” and “diapers.” How times have changed. At this time last year I was anxiously awaiting for show season to start, and I am this year too, but with baby in tow. It is funny how quickly things can change. Sitting here writing and watching my son makes me reminisce of the challenges my husband and myself have already faced. For me, the scariest day of my life was walking out of that hospital with a newborn and staring at my husband thinking NOW WHAT!! As much advice as people had given us about having a baby, we realized we would never really be fully prepared. Every day has been a learning curve. In the three months since having my son I’ve learned I am much better at dressing my son than my husband, but I am not so good at putting diapers on. I have learned how to function on two hours of sleep, and how to run my business with a baby attached at my hip. I’ve learned that spit up really isn’t that gross and talking like a baby 95% of the day is the new norm. Make no mistake - having my son was the best thing that has happened to me. Sure, it is a challenge. It’s also very rewarding at the same time. Just like farming, ranching and showing. To all you farmers, I am sure that every day is a new challenge, maybe with equipment failures, weather issues, or insects and disease. To the ranchers, maybe your challenge is never being able to predict what kind of weather we will have or how much water you will get. To all you kiddos who show, maybe your challenge is having your meet weight, keeping your animal calm, and having that animal show ready. Whoever you are or whatever your challenge may be, once we have overcome our challenge the reward is that much more appreciated. I know my 2015 was filled with several challenges, but every one of you stepped up and helped me overcome the challenges. When I announced my mothers’ death, the love and support poured out. When I announced my son’s birth, the love and words of encouragement meant more to me than the world. That is the thing about challenges, we all go through them and have one another to lean on. I believe God allows us to come together in difficult times to share His grace and mercy. This year may have started out on a rocky note for some, or a great start for others, but every year comes with its challenges, and we are here – and are called to be - to help one another. I wish you a plentiful harvest, an abundance of rain and a rewarding show season. Thank you to all my supporters who have shared this journey of AG MAG with me and have helped me grow. I am excited to continue to grow with you.

Owner/Creator of AG MAG

Page 6 What’s in your water becomes part of your soil Page 9 Supporting the Export of Texas Agriculture and Food Page 12 100 % Certified Grassfed Beef in South Texas Page 15 Food Bank Q&A Page 16 Featured Farmer Story Luck OF THE DRAW Page 19 Walk Across Texas - Healthy South Texas Kickoff! Page 25 San Antonio Jr. Brahman Show Photos Page 28 Comercio de Estados Unidos con Cuba Page 30 FFA & 4-H Calendar 2015-2016 Page 32 Star Gala 2016 Photos Page 33 Star Gala VI 2016 - A Record Breaker Page 35 Showtime ‘round the Valley Page 36 Harlingen irrigation district’s changing of the guard Page 38 Page 40 Page 44

What to do when they’re coming for you Lack of predicted rainfall good news for south Texas winter vegetables Strives to Save Our Water

Page 47 Page 50 Page 52 Page 56 Page 59

Texas to take lead in monarch program Commissioner Miller urges USDA to grant designation for cottonseed Smokin on the Rio Mychorrizal vs. Phosphorus Crop Hail Insurance

Volume 2, Issue 4. March/April 2016. 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.

‘‘

What’s IN Your Water Becomes Part Of Your Soil

hat do you know about the water you use to irrigate your crops? One may ask, “What difference does it make? Water is water ”. Well, it often isn’t. Water that goes into the soil to nourish plants comes from somewhere else. The sky provides some, or all, of the water needed for crops in some regions, but many farmers must supplement that with water from wells, streams, or surface impoundments. Everyone using water from these sources should be concerned because irrigation water quality can vary greatly, and poor quality water can really harm crops. As water becomes scarcer, as in the current widespread drought, quality is often reduced, compounding the shortage problem. We have been seeing water quality generally decline for some years with the falling aquifers as mineral salts become more concentrated in the remaining water. How can water harm crops? Water contains some amount of dissolved elements. These chemicals, most often natural constituents of rocks, are dissolved when water comes into contact with rocks and sediments around the natural environment of the water source. Problems arise when those rocks and sediments have a high content of elements that are easily dissolved and affect other nutrients that the plant needs. Regional soil and bedrock differences lead to large differences in the quality of the ground water derived from those sources. Generally, waters west of the Mississippi River are more likely to contain larger amounts of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and carbonates. These reflect the generally higher pH of soils and sediments in the more arid west. By contrast, in more easterly regions, iron, manganese, and zinc are common in ground waters, reflecting the more acidic nature of the soils. However, water from most all regions often contains a wide range of elements. Dissolved elements are not normally considered a problem, but how the water is used can lead to chronic problems with crop growth. The more we know about water quality, the better equipped we will be to manage it to minimize the problems. We can develop a feeling for water quality if we understand the effects of dissolved elements on plants and soils. To do this, it

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bY Larry Zibilske, Ph.D. Vice-President of Research Texas Plant & Soil Lab

may be useful to review the fundamental relationships involved. D:\T P S L 2012-04\T P S L\WATER\WATER-LZ-3-2016-01.doc 1/14/2016 6:15 PM 1 soils. To do this, it may be useful to review the fundamental relationships involved. At the most basic level, plants (and all other living things) carry out their metabolic reactions in a soup of dissolved substances—dissolved in water within the cells. This part is easy to grasp—no water—no metabolic reactions—no life. Plants obviously acquire water through their roots, extracting it from the soil and transporting it up to the green parts to keep cell soup well supplied and the plant alive and active. Roots pull water out of the soil and away from soil particles by using energy provided by the photosynthesizing leaves. Water in the leaves is used for the cell soup, but it also evaporates to the stomata, taking with it heat from sun exposure on the leaves. This keeps the plant cooler, and helps in “wicking up” more water from the soil. Thus, water uptake is an energy-intensive activity. As the soil dries out, the plant must use more and more energy to pull the water away from the soil particles. But plants have limits. They reach a breaking point when they can no longer generate enough energy to pull up the water. The result is a wilted plant. Water shortages tax the plant’s ability to carry out proper metabolism and result in decreased vigor, or worse. As a result of moving water from the soil to the roots, water soluble nutrients (including fertilizers) in the soil tend to move along with the water and into the plant. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, along with the required minor and trace elements are carried along with the moving water into the plant root, providing the building materials to continue plant growth and development. The amounts of these nutrients moving into the plant depends two things: 1. How much of the nutrient is in the soil and, 2. What portion of that nutrient is soluble in the water at that time. If it is chemically inhibited from dissolving, it can’t be moved to the root via water uptake. So what determines how much nutrient dissolves?

Properties of both the soil and water affect the nutrient solubility. For instance, in a high pH soil, the solubility of phosphorus is reduced because there are other chemicals, especially calcium and magnesium, which easily bond with phosphate and make it almost insoluble. The amount getting into the plant may be insufficient. Even if there is a large amount of phosphorus in the soil, the high pH D:\T P S L 2012-04\T P S L\WATER\ WATER-LZ-3-2016-01.doc 1/14/2016 6:15 PM 2 severely limits how much can go into solution. This is why an appropriate soil test is so necessary. If your test results are based on a very strong, acidic extractant you may see a large amount of the nutrient reported, but your high soil pH will not allow enough nutrient to get into the plant. It pays to know what tests are performed on your soil. No amount of water movement can get nutrients into the plant if they can’t dissolve into the water first. Keeping just the right amount of nutrient in solution for the stage of growth of the plants results in the most efficient use by the plants. That calls for special attention to nutrient and water application practices and results in healthy, productive crops. Of the elements leached from surrounding bedrock or from other sources, we are most interested in calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, carbonate, sulfate, iron, boron and manganese but there are also others. Excessive amounts of these elements can affect other nutrients’ access to plants and can chemically react with soil particles resulting in conditions of poor soil structure, water infiltration rates, and generally a less hospitable environment for plant roots. Hard water characteristically contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, and soft water contains greater amounts of sodium. Because all these elements are ions (atoms or molecules of elements that carry an electrical charge), the water containing them conducts electricity better than pure water. This can be measured by a test called electrical conductivity, abbreviated EC. This number is high where many ions are dissolved in water, and low where not. A high number indicates that many ions are there, but not what ions are present. That takes a chemical analysis of the water to determine. But why do we need to know the EC and elemental content of our water? Understanding the information on a water test report can be confusing. The performing laboratory should provide some interpretation of the results. Recommendation for action should also be included. If you’ve provided information to the lab about cropping plans, water usage and history, you should be provided enough actionable information to manage any problem that appears on the test report. We often get frantic calls from growers who have results from another lab that indicates a problem with their water, but nothing in the way of what to do about it. For instance, you received a lab D:\T P S L 2012-04\T P S L\WATER\WATER-LZ-3-2016-01.doc 1/14/2016 6:15 PM 3 report on your water that indicates it is very high in sodium. What now? What do I do? Will it harm my plants? Let’s examine the effects of some of these ions to address some of these questions.

Sodium (Na) Excessive sodium causes problems with plant water relations because it can interfere with plant metabolism. High sodium around plant roots tends to kill leaves when absorbed in excessive amounts. It can also dry out the root cells enough to stop root activity. High sodium also causes soil problems. Soil structure is often negatively impacted, rendering the soil highly erodible or as hard as concrete and virtually impervious to water—conditions that are hardly conducive to good plant growth. Sodium is often accompanied by high levels of chloride, and together produce one kind of soil salinity.

Calcium (Ca) Calcium is a strongly reactive element in the soil. When hard water is used on plants, the calcium will begin to react mainly with phosphate and sulfate in the soil, forming insoluble compounds that rob the plant of necessary nutrients. Excessive calcium also causes soil structure problems, collapsing a well structured soil into a hard mass that roots can’t penetrate or from which little water can be absorbed.

Magnesium (Mg) Magnesium is another hard water element that causes soil and plant problems similar to calcium. Affected soils can become unmanageable when wet, clodding terribly and exhibiting the same hardening and sealing effects seen for calcium when soil dries out. Tilling these soils is maddeningly difficult, requiring a lot of horsepower, tractive effort and fuel to accomplish.

Carbonate (CO32-) Carbonate dissolves out of rocks in many areas, but it is mainly problematic in soils west of the Mississippi. Limestone-based soils often carry carbonate into solution, as well as calcium. Carbonate reacts with calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and other essential plant nutrients, reducing the availability of those essential nutrients to the plants. Carbonate compounds formed affect long term availability of several nutrients because they tend to accumulate in soils where high carbonate water has been used for irrigation. As they accumulate, direct detrimental effects on plants begin to appear. Plants can’t take D:\T P S L 2012-04\T P S L\WATER\WATER-LZ-3-2016-01.doc 1/14/2016 6:15 PM 4 up enough trace metals to meet their needs, so deficiencies appear in the leaves. However, by the time deficiencies become visible. the plant has MARCH/APRIL

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already been stressed for some time. This stress manifests as reduced yield and quality, often accompanied by increased disease and insect pressures. What can be done if I have too much of these elements in my water? There are treatments for all of these problems, and which treatment is right for you depends on the specific problem and on your use of the affected water. For instance, high calcium and magnesium in hard irrigation water can be treated with sulfur addition. This acidifies the water and the soil so that calcium and magnesium are less prone to form insoluble chemical compounds. Adding humates to such water also helps buffer the system to reduce their tendency to become plant-unavailable once in the root zone. An important treatment component for many of these problems is soil biology. It might be a bit counterintuitive, but an active soil microbiota keeps the soil open and draining, facilitating the downward movement of ions through the soil, reducing their retention in the plant root zone. In addition, during microbial activity, many organic molecules that provide some additional buffering are released into soil water. Sometimes, however, just strong leaching is the answer. High sodium problems can often be fixed by just leaching the soil with better quality water. If better water is not available, other things can be done. Sodium moves very easily in a moving water front, so leaching it beyond the root zone is often helpful. Some of these problems arise from improper irrigation practices. Using water of marginal quality can be successful as long as enough is used to wash out salts retained in the soil from the previous watering. This prevents a process called â&#x20AC;&#x153;wickingâ&#x20AC;? in which salts added with minimal watering remain near the soil surface. As the soil dries out by evaporation, the salts move to the soil surface with the evaporating water and accumulate there, making a white sheet or row at the highest point from where water evaporates. Growing plants in such affected soil is difficult.

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Living with water of marginal quality is difficult but it can be managed. By treating the water according to recommendations, you can reduce D:\T P S L 2012-04\T P S L\WATER\WATER-LZ-3-2016-01.doc 1/14/2016 6:15 PM 5 D:\T P S L 2012-04\T P S L\WATER\WATER-LZ-3-2016-01.doc 1/14/2016 6:15 PM 6 at least some of the adverse affects of having to use lower quality water. In addition, managing the soil can make a remarkable difference in plant productivity. Further, studies have shown that plants with good nutrition can require often considerably less water. Soil organic matter is a marvelous buffer. The presence of organic molecules can moderate some of the directly harmful effects of excessive elements. This is another role that spotlights the importance of maintaining soil organic matter levels. By promoting soil structure, organic matter promotes good drainage through the soil. This facilitates moving the excessive ions out of the root zone while maintaining good moisture retention for plants. Drought continues in many parts of the country. Many growers are being forced to figure out ways to reduce water use and how to manage agricultural production with marginal quantities and qualities of water. Awareness of the issues and attention to the effects on soil and crops are necessary to keep soils functioning and agricultural enterprises in business. Achievement of these goals depends on how much we know about the condition of our soil and water, and on how we manage those resources. But all these considerations aside, water chemistry can have a very serious impact on the effectiveness of many fertilizers and herbicides. Additionally, hard water can plug drip irrigation emitters and change the geometry of spray nozzles. Salty water can be corrosive to pumps and piping.

bY Carlos J . Guerrero Coordinator for Int’l Marketing Texas Department of Agriculture

Supporting the Export of

Texas Agriculture

ccording to the U.S. Department of Census, exports of Texas agricultural products totaled more than $9 billion in 2015. The top three agricultural product categories leaving Texas ports for foreign markets were meat, cereals and beverages.

Exploring the international marketplace may seem overwhelming at first, but the benefits go beyond increased sales. Exporting also reduces dependence on the domestic market, stabilizes seasonal fluctuations and inspires U.S. companies to follow global trends. Furthermore, there is assistance available to support U.S. exporters, particularly small businesses. For Texans, Market Access Programs are available through the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA). Funded through the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service, SUSTA works with the state Departments of Agriculture in the southern region, including the Texas Department of Agricul-

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Food

ture, to help small to medium sized companies gain access to foreign markets. Both the state and federal government want to make sure that small businesses have access to consumers outside of the U.S., which make up more than 95% of the world’s total consumers. SUSTA’s Market Access Programs are designed to introduce U.S. brands to foreign buyers as well as offset the cost of promoting those American brands overseas. SUSTA provides support in approximately 50 countries with an average export sale of $2.9 million per participant. They offer support through two programs, the International Marketing Program and Brand Promotion. Through the International Marketing Program, SUSTA organizes roughly 40 events through the year at which SUSTA participants have opportunities to meet foreign buyers. For instance, SUSTA organizes pavilions at trade shows around the world, from Gulfood in Dubai to SIAL Paris to Food Hotel China, and beyond. The idea is that companies each have

dedicated SUSTA staff and State Departments of Agriculture Managers on hand to organize the event, troubleshoot problems and give companies a turnkey experience. Other benefits may include interpreters and financial assistance for shipping products and materials to the trade show. Other events offered through SUSTA’s International Marketing Program are trade missions. A group of qualified foreign buyers will meet one-on-one with companies who sign up to participate in the trade mission. Inbound trade missions take place in the U.S.; for instance, Canadian buyers will be in Dallas in late September to meet with companies and find new U.S. brands to sell in Canada. Whereas via outbound trade missions, U.S. companies travel to the foreign market to meet buyers as well as go on retail tours and receive a market briefing. SUSTA’s events range in price and companies pay on a per event basis; there is no membership fee.

hibit them from fully pursuing exporting. SUSTA’s Brand Promotion program attempts to reduce those financial barriers. Keep in mind, the products promoted have to be made from at least 50% U.S. agriculture, and there must be an origin statement on the label indicating it is an American product. In 2014, 18 small businesses from Texas participated in SUSTA and made collective export sales of over $24 million. Texas companies interested in learning more should contact Carlos Guerrero with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Carlos.Guerrero@TexasAgriculture.gov

Brand Promotion is SUSTA’s program through which eligible companies can receive 50% reimbursement for certain expenses tied to promoting products in foreign markets. For instance, a company can exhibit at a foreign trade show and request reimbursement for 50% of the travel for two company employees or representatives. Other eligible expenses include advertising in a foreign market, conducting in-store promotions in foreign groceries, modifying labels to meet import requirements, and the list goes on. The idea is that when a small company starts introducing their products to the global marketplace, there are expenses that may pro-

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bY HEIDI C. ARTEAGA

100% Certified Grassfed Beef in South Texas We are what we eat! This Includes cows …

Did you know that grassfed beef has leaner meat and a healthier fat than grainfed animals. This beef has high levels of omega-3 oils, which keep the heart, joints, brain, and skin youthful. Another fat, that comes directly from the grass, enables stored fat to be burned as energy, raising the metabolism and helping to maintain a trim figure. Studies also show that when we have low levels of this fat, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), there is a rise in obesity.

Heidi C. Arteaga with Nancy Klein

According to a study conducted by the USDA and the Clemson University, grassfed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, B-vitamins thiamin & riboflavin, also higher in the minerals calcium, magnesium & potassium including a lot of good antioxidants, and these are good reasons to consume it. Livestock that eats grass is known to be much healthier than regular grain fed animals since these animals evolved eating grass and not much else. Feeding these animals grains creates an acidic environment in their systems, which can lead to infection and the need for treatment with antibiotics. Practicing pasture based agriculture is also healthy for our planet. This good farming practice can help restore wildlife habitats, natural ecosystems, and improve soils and reduce CO2. Grassfed beef is becoming more common in South Texas. We have the privilege to have a certified farm in the Rio Grande Valley. Eagle Catcher Farm and Ranch is certified by the American Grassfed Association and has the stamp of approval from the national Animal Welfare program. The Animal Welfare program audits, certifies and supports farmers raising their animals according to the highest welfare standards, maintaining a lowstress environment from birth through harvest. Eagle Catcher Farm and Ranch also participates in the national Beef Quality Assurance program. Nancy and Garner Klein, M.D., owners, started this project after they retired. Dr. Klein, a cardiologist, advised patients for 40 years about the importance of a healthy diet.

Photo credit: Jose Luis Lopez

consumer. The Angus-Brahman 100% certified grassfed beef is free of pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics. The Klein’s believe it is very important to know where your food is coming from, and they follow the complete process from raising cattle to slaughtering. The Klein’s practice sustainable farming techniques and their small closed herd is maintained on 34 acres of grassland with little supplemental feeding. Dr. Klein and Nancy’s objective is to provide for your family a tasty, healthy, naturally tender beef, free of man-made chemicals from their farm to your table. For more information about Eagle Catcher Farm and Ranch go to

www.eaglecatcherfarm.com For information on grassfed beef go to www.americangrassfed.org Eating grassfed beef is healthy for people,

the planet and our communities. Small family farms in rural communities create a good economy for our area providing sustainable business for future generations. Heidi C. Arteaga, B.S.

He knows a happy cow, raised in a low stress environment on only grass, is lower in saturated fats and will benefit the health of the MARCH/APRIL

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García Grain Trading 956 - 464 - 6000

SERVING THE VALLEY FOR OVER 20 YEARS ALAMO, TEXAS MCCOOK, TEXAS

DONNA, TEXAS PROGRESO, TEXAS

Garcia Grain wishes the Farmers of the RGV a great and prosperous crop.

EDCOUCH, TEXAS SANTA ROSA, TEXAS

Food Bank

Q& A

When was the program implemented? The Food Bank RGV has been operating the Farmers Market Nutrition Program since 2013 through Texas Department of Agriculture at various Certified Farmers Markets throughout the RGV.

Why was the program started? The FMNP WIC Voucher program was started with the intention to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by WIC Clients and to provide farmers/growers an opportunity to sell their harvest locally.

What makes this program so important? People are eating more vegetables is the biggest reason…if we have healthier people we have a healthier community. Another reason is how it helps the local economy.

How can someone be part of the program?

Why was it important to start this program in Willacy County? The Food Bank RGV serves 3 counties here in South Texas…. Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy. Being that Willacy is in our service area, we decided to bring not only our Pharrmers Market (from the city of Pharr) but also the Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. It gives Willacy county WIC Clients the opportunity to receive and use their vouchers without having to travel to other cities.

What are your long term goals for this program? Our long term goal, as the local regional Food Bank, is to encourage other local farmers/growers/producers to join our market in Willacy, in hopes that one day Willacy establishes their own market. Many of our farmers/growers come from all over the valley (Pharr, Mission, Bayview) to help support the Raymondville Pharrmers Market.

The only eligibility requirement is that they must be a current WIC, Client, which is a Special Supplement Food Program for Women, Infants & Children.

Where can we find more information on this program?

How did you come up with the name Pharrmers Market?

More information about this program can be found on our webpage www.foodbankrgv.com under the link HOW WE WORK (Farmers Market Nutrition Program) or I can always be reached at 956-904-4525 or chbueno@foodbankrgv.com

The name to market association was given by a committee formed by the city members. PHARRmers market takes place every other Wednesday in Raymondville from 10am to 1pm. In Pharr every Thursday from 10am to 1pm at Food Bank RGV Parking lot.

How does this program incorporate Valley Agriculture? This program is huge when it comes to valley agriculture, it provides local farmers/growers an outlet for them to sell their harvest. It incorporates local food systems into our community and opens the door for others to become farmers/growers.

Christopher Bueno Community Garden & Pharrmers Market Manager Food Bank RGV SNAP Benefits/ Lone Star card are accepted. This means that anything you can purchase at grocery store you can now purchase at Pharrmers Market with your SNAP/ Lone Star Card (farm fresh eggs, granola, jams, jellies, raw honey, baked goods, fruits and veggies etc.) Pharrmers Market, however, is open to the public. MARCH/APRIL

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Luck Ag Mag Featured Farmer

OF THE

DRAW

ack Holcomb. There is so much to write about the man. There is to little space to give him the justice he deserves. Unlike most the farmers I have inter viewed, Jack did not come from a long line of farming. Jack is the only one in his family who farms – yes, that’s present tense. His father was a real estate guru and his mother a homemaker. Yet, Jack was determined to take on different footsteps than his predecessors. Jack will turn 100 years old March 26. He still farms onions, cotton, and sugarcane. He still drives and has 20/20 corrected vision. You couldn’t ask for a healthier 100-year-old. Jack’s story is unique. His journey is one that can keep you intrigued for hours. A well seasoned Vet many would say.

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bY MICHELLE MARTIN

Jack’s childhood was far from stationary. He was constantly on the move and lived in seven different states in a short amount of time. He says he never really made friends because of all the relocating. Despite never staying in one area long enough to make friends, he saw a lot and learned a lot, which eventually helped him when he began to farm. Jack was raised during the Dust Bowl into the Great Depression and graduated High School in 1933. He had dreams of furthering his education, but that was not in the cards for him. Instead, he worked and helped provide for his family by delivering papers. Jack also had another revenue stream during that time – playing Poker, and he attributes that as a source of income. He loved playing Poker all those years ago – and still plays the game with a passionate and competitive spirit. Jack later worked for the Department of Justice as a special investigator before going to serve in the World War II. While

serving his country his job was being held open. He recalls training while being in sinking submarine, and those aboard had to be rescued one by one. He was not sure if he would make it out alive. If he did then Jack decided farming would be his future, and he would leave his government job. When asked why farming, his answer is simple,“ I like to watch things grow,” he says. Obviously, Jack was recused and he followed through with his decision. After he left the military, he began his journey and moved to Progreso. Jack began working on the Brownsville Ship Channel and helped form the cut and for the turning basin. All those who helped received a 25% cash bonus for their two years work. Jack later went on to purchase his first piece of land in 1946 as an investment. How did he purchase it at such a young age? With his cash bonus from the ship channel and his poker winnings. That’s right, poker winnings! Jack was such an avid – and successful poker player that he continued to purchase land that way. He was part of a poker club for 26 years. Jack started farming cotton and later went on to purchase a grove care company in Progreso in 1948. He was doing very well in that business until the freezes of 1949 and 1951, eventually put his grove care out of business. He decided to leave the citrus business in 1951 and became a row crop farmer, farming vegetables. Jack’s love for watching things grow also grew. He began to dabble in the sugar business in 1970. He sat on the Sugar mill board as well as many other boards during his time. Sitting on these boards allowed Jack to fulfill an area of life he didn’t have a chance to do as a child - build lifelong friendships. Jack still farms today. When asked what his favorite crop is he is

quick to tell you onions because it makes him the most money. Jack says of all the changes he has seen, the most is in the value of a dollar. He bought his first car in 1936 for $540 and says you’re lucky to get a tire for that price today. Just as Jack likes to watch his crops grow and cares for them, he does the same for his family. A father and grandfather, he says he wanted to give every opportunity he didn’t have to his children and grandchildren. It seems like he has. His children and grandchildren have all grown to be stand-up individuals and they’ve all earned their PHD or some form of higher education, thanks to Jack. Although the value of a dollar may have changed throughout the years, the love and value farming and family has on him has not.

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Meat gift boxes available for all occasions. Great gifts for businesses, Birthdays, and anniversaries.

$85 Steak Box

Custom boxes available upon request.

2-20oz. T Bones 2-10 oz. Ribeyes 2-10 oz. KC Strips 1 pkg. Chorizo de San Manuel 1 pkg. Cilantro Sausage 1 pkg. Jalapeno/Cheese Sausage 1 bottle CSM Steak Seasoning

$50 Hunter’s Box 3 lbs. Marinated Pork Fajita 1 Baby Back Ribs Seasoned 1 Center Cut Finger Ribs/Seasoned 4 -10 oz. Pork Chops/Seasoned 1 pkg. Cilantro or Jalapeno Cheese Sausage

exhibitors Good luck to all e Valley at the Rio Grand Livestock Show !

Texas

Walk Across

Healthy South Texas Kickoff !

MARCH / APRIL

2016

bY CASEY CLIPSON

Crop Insurance Minute: Well it is that time again, and as we move into the planting period for spring crops in South Texas, there are a few things that growers need to know. Today we will go over some of these things in an effort to assist in the process.

Replanting Most growers are aware that Most MPCI policies carry a replant payment if a grower plants the seed and the crop does not come up. Corn and Grain are the most common we see in South Texas. The key word in the above statement is “most crops” as certain crops like Cotton, does not carry a replant payment. When a grower faces this situations, let’s say due to drought, it is important to know that in order for the policy to pay the grower needs to file a claim with his/her agent and the adjuster will be sent out to inspect the crop. If the crop is destroyed and replanted before the adjuster looks at the field, by rule, the replant payment should not be paid. One important note is that when a producer has to replant they should certify with FSA the original planting date. Insurance attaches on the date the first crop is planted, so if a grower has to replant he/she should always certify the original date of planting not the replanting date.

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Enterprise Unit (EU)/Enterprise Unit by Practice (EP) Qualification Enterprise units EU are a great way to lower premiums. Enterprise Units and Enterprise by Practice must be qualified by using the 20/20 Rule. The 20/20 rule means planting at least 20 acres or 20% of the total acres in two or more separate units. If a grower has irrigated and non-irrigated ground and elects EP (Enterprise by practice) both practices have to qualify under the 20/20 rule guidelines stated above.

Final Planting dates There was a change for the Grain Sorghum final planting date in 2016. The final planting date was moved from April 5 back to the March 31st for the RGV, and was move from April 5 back to April 15th in the Corpus Christi Areas. Late planting periods are specific by crop. Coverage will be reduced by 1% per day till the end of the Late Planting Period (LPP). For Example if final planting date is 3-31 and a grower first planting of the ground is on 4-5 then the coverage is reduced by 5%, this means growers will be charged full premium for 65% but will only have 60% due to planting during the LPP. These are some common LPP in our area: Grain Sorghum 25 days Corn 15 days Cotton 7 days Please refer to your Agent or Contact us for additional details on replanting and final planting dates or any other questions you me have. We be happy to help!!! MARCH/APRIL

2016

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Congrats to the Sellman Family and to England Cattle Co. for winning the San Antonio Junior Brahman Show !

Congrats to all those who competed in the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. MARCH/APRIL

2016

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Comercio de Estados Unidos con Cuba bY KATHRYN BRADY

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H On April 11th, 2015 Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro shook hands at the summit of the Americas in Panama, marking the first meeting between a United States and Cuban head of state since 1961. The meeting came four months after the presidents announced that their countries would restore ties. In December 2014, the United States announced it would re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba and implement executive actions intended to ease the trade and travel restrictions. For the United States this means importing and exporting goods and products to and from Cuba. What will this mean for U.S. agricultural producers? Will renewed trade agreements with Cuba facilitate or hinder U.S agricultural productivity? 28 Ag Mag

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According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service’s “Amber Waves” publication; “rice, pork and wheat are the three leading U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba; meanwhile sugar cane, tobacco and coffee beans were the leading U.S. agricultural imports from Cuba.” The Rio Grande Valley of Texas is one of the main producers of sugar cane in the United States. According to the American Sugar Alliance’ “United States trade deals require America to import sugar from other countries regardless of our needs.” And after trade agreements with Cuba the U.S. will potentially be adding another country to the list of sugar cane imports. Once “foreign sources displace domestic sources prices go up” and then domestic production

Cuba also grows many crops such as fruits and vegetables which could directly compete with Rio Grande Valley production of citrus and other vegetable crops.

Conversely, though many agricultural economists state that re-establishment of normal trade relations with Cuba could positively affect United States’ agricultural producers through Cuba importing and relying on intermediate and final agricultural exports to industries such as tourism, restaurants, food services, livestock production and food manufacturing as well as agricultural equipment.

H H H H H H H H H H H H

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service states that “an expanding middle class in Cuba will lead to increased consumption of meat, dairy and processed foods, of which the United States is a competitive supplier.” The Foreign Agricultural Service also suggests that Cuba can be expected to rely heavily on agricultural imports, of which the United States could be key player due its proximity to the island nation, the Foreign Agricultural Service goes on to say that outside the sugar industry, currently Cuban agriculture is stagnant.

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

It will be interesting to see where this new recognition of the nation of Cuba takes the U.S. and how it will affect United States trade and agricultural policy in the future. Congress is tasked with defining policy framework for establishing a more normal economic relationship with Cuba. As “the people” of the United States it is our duty to inform the legislative branch of our opinions as to future trade agree ments.

H H H H H H

We can also take a lesson from Europe; in 2006; Europe re-wrote its sugar laws becoming more dependent on foreign sugar and Europe’s sugar farms were decimated, thousands stopped growing the crop and sugar mills shut down leaving many people un-employed. And after supplies dried up due to a shortage, sweetened food prices skyrocketed. The American Sugar Association warns against this happening in

the United States.

H H H H H H

Once “foreign sources displace domestic sources prices go up” and then domestic production goes down says Tom Giovanetti in his article entitled Solving the Sugar Subsidy Problem. The American Sugar Alliance says that “depending on other countries for a food staple is a recipe for disaster,” during WW2 the United States was relying on foreign sugar and sugar was, therefore one of the first commodities to be rationed; which is why the United States created its Domestic Sugar Policy.

H H H H H H

H H H H H H “There seem to be but three ways for a nation to acquire wealth. The first is by war, as the Romans did, in plundering their conquered neighbors. This is robbery. The second by commerce, which is generally cheating. The third by agriculture, the only honest way, wherein man receives a real in crease of the seed thrown into the ground, in a kind of continual mira cle, wrought by the hand of God in his favor, as a reward for his in nocent life and his virtuous industry.”

Benjamin Franklin

H H H H H H

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H MARCH/APRIL

2016

FFA & 4-H 2 015 - 2 016

March 2-6, 2016

STAR

Edinburg Time TBA

March 10-20, 2016

April 16, 2016

AREA X MEAT JUDGING CDE

College Station 10am

RGVLS

April 18, 2016

March 29, 2016

(TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY)

RGVLS Time TBA

RGV District Meeting La Negra Cattle Co. 5:30 pm

April 1, 2016

TX FFA Scholarship Due To Jerome Tymrak Bishop, Texas 5pm

April 13, 2016

AREA 10 CDE RB FAIRGROUNDS, ROBSTOWN 8am

April 16, 2016

AREA X HORSE JUDGING CDE College Station 8am

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STATE CDE

Stephenville Time TBA

April 27, 2016

STATE CDE

(TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY– COLLEGE STATION) College Station Time TBA

May 10, 2016

RGV District FFA Banquet Weslaco Time TBA

May 16, 2016

AREA X Officer Interviews/ Testing/Prep Time TAMUK Time TBA

RGV

DISTRICT

May 17, 2016

AREA X Advanced Degree Check/FFA Convention/Banquet TAMUK Time TBA

May 26, 2016

RGV AST Testing

Alaniz Residence 5:30pm

June 3, 2016

AREA X Second Advanced Degree Check TAMUK 9am

June 9-10, 2016

State Advanced Degree Check ? 9am

Calendar

C ALENDAR

ACTIVITIES Sponsored by:

March 2-5, 2016

South Texas Agricultural Roundup (STAR Show) www.gostar.gov

March 11-20, 2016

Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo RGVLS Grounds-Mercedes Time TBA

March 22, 2016

County Council / ALPA Meeting Extension Office 7pm

April 2, 2016

District 12 Fashion Show

Laredo, TX Time TBA

April 9, 2016

June 7, 2016

District 12 Round - Up Kingsville, TX Time TBA

County Recordbooks Due Extension Office 5pm

April 26, 2016

County Council / ALPA Meeting

June 9-10, 2016

County Recordbook Judging

Extension Office 7pm

Extension Office Time TBA

May 14, 2016

District 12 Shooting

June 17, 2016

District 12 Horse Show

Sports – Shotgun Match Laredo Time TBA

Robstown Time TBA

May 24, 2016

County Council / ALPA Meeting

June 21-24, 2016

District 12 Leadership Lab / Election Convention

Extension Office 7pm

Kingsville Time TBA

June 4, 2016

Sports – Shotgun Match Benavides Time TBA

MARCH/APRIL

2016

Star Gala VI 2016

A Record Breaker

t was a historic night Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Boggus Ford Events Center in Pharr, Texas, as over 1200 4-H and FFA members and guests gathered for the STAR Gala VI. The guests were greeted and guided to their tables by the very 4-H and FFA members they were there to support. STAR GALA supporters enjoyed first class camaraderie and lively bidding on the silent auction items while they enjoyed the sounds of live Mariachi music from the award winning Edinburg North High School Mariachi ORO. This was followed by the awarding of $54,000 in scholarships to 41 hard working Hidalgo County 4-H and FFA students which includes the STAR, Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation and Memorial Scholarships from the Torres, Flores and Guerra Families” stated STAR GALA Board member and emcee, Victor G. Guerra. “We are so proud of our youth who served our guests a delicious rib eye dinner with all the trimmings prepared by Louie Flores, Chorizo de San Manuel, Agri-Science teachers and 4-H leaders. All of the guests were served in less than 20 minutes. Linn-San Manuel 4-H member Matthew Sanchez said the prayer. Edinburg Vela Ag Teacher Willie Flores sang the National Anthem, Claudia Martinez, Hidalgo County Council 4-H President recited the 4-H pledge, motto and prayer. Matthew Salinas from Edinburg North FFA recited the FFA Creed.

STAR GALA VI which features a silent and live auction, as well as unique raffles broke an all time record in terms of net sales thanks to the generosity of many local and state donor, bidders and buyers” stated Tonya Hill – STAR GALA VI Chairman. “In keeping with tradition, STAR GALA VI was dedicated to Luis Saldana, an original STAR board member and the Scholarship Committee Chairman and Administrator for his many years of support of the STAR Show and the STAR GALAS. Luis has managed the awarding of over $500,000 in scholarships over the past 13 years. Special recognition was also given to disabled veterans David Carpenter and Jim Stanzick who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Several Aggie graduates also honored Dr, Joe Townsend, a valley native who has helped many South Texas Aggies work their way through A & M. All three were given K2 Coolers full of Chorizo de San Manuel steaks funded by the STAR GALA Board and past A&M Students” says STAR GALA’s Co-chair Sonia Cano. “A spirited live auction followed that was topped by a pair of shotguns each selling for $8,000 to long time supporter and past State 4-H President Jim Steel and Yara Corbitt. The next top selling lot was 20 loads of caliche donated by Frontera Materials - the Eddie Forsaghe Family, long time STAR GALA donors and supporters. There were several auction items made and donated by Hidalgo County 4-H and FFA Clubs. The top selling FFA lot was a small

animal trailer made by Sharyland Pioneer FFA that sold for $3,000 to Alvin Carter. Overall 56 lots netted over $135,000 for a $2,426 average per lot, a new GALA record. Volume buyers were Yara Corbitt, Robert Mora, Jim Steele and Pathfinder Public Affairs. A BIG HEARTY THANKS goes out to our donors, bidders, buyers, committee, ring men and Colonel Steve Krenek” reports Carlos X. Guerra, STAR GALA Founder and Live Auction chairman. The live auction was followed by some great Country Western Music by the Rio Grande Valley’s own Scott Randolph and his White Lightning Band with a few special songs by budding star Lauren Corzine. As long time GALA suppporter Jim Steele stated “ We had a great evening. We really enjoyed being around such an outstanding group of youth. We are glad to see the STAR GALA will be helping these young people. The organizers did a great job taking care of the guests. It was an enjoyable evening all around. Glad we could be a part of it.” “Everyone involved with the STAR GALA would like to thank Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the Boggus Ford Events Center staff for once again rolling out the red carpet for this great event and making everyone feel at home. We also want to Thank all of the 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters for making and donating authentic items for the auctions “ says Benny Cano, silent auction committee Chairman & long time board member. “All of the work done for the STAR GALA and the STAR SHOW is done by VOLUNTEERS. Over 170 VOLUNTEERS helped that night. The proceeds from STAR Gala will help to fund the STAR Premium Auction on March 6th at noon at Edinburg’s Doolittle Park that benefits Hidalgo County 4-H and FFA Students. The public is invited to support the kids at the STAR Premium Auction. Every STAR exhibitor will earn a premium check as every one of the 41 Scholarship applicants won a scholarship - two of the great STAR Traditions. The breeding projects also get tremendous support.” stated Mike England, STAR GALA Board member and auction committee Co-chair.. STAR SHOW manager Mary Kelly reports “628 Hidalgo County 4-H and FFA Students have entered 834 entries for the 13th Annual STAR Show to be held March 3-6th at Edinburg’s Doolittle Park. They are fun to watch and appreciate the public’s support.”

For more information on the STAR GALA. please contact Tonya Hill @ 956 566 0442 or tonya.hill@fronteraproduce.com. For more info on the STAR SHOW and STAR PREMIUM AUCTION, please contact Mary Kelly @ 956 - 929 - 4767 or showmanager@gostar.org, STAR President - Aaron Vela @ 956 - 279 - 8901 or STAR VP - Benny Cano @ 956 - 499 - 5129. MARCH/APRIL

2016

Danny De La Vina

Arturo J. Ponce As an Ag. Teacher, I hope I’ve been a good role model for our students. It gives me great pleasure when a student tells me that I influenced them in the college degree they wish to peruse or the profession they want to go in to.

“I want my students to learn valuable life lessons through their agriculture courses and participation in the FFA. Whether it be hard work, respect for others, the value of honesty, or the responsibility of caring for an animal, I believe the values they develop in my class help them reach their full potential and become upstanding human beings. Over the past 39 years it has brought me great joy to see and hear of my former students’ successes.”

How do you want to impact your students? erez P . o d n a n r Mr. Fe FA truly dents that F

ch my stu students I want to tea ortunities to p p o y n a m es re life-long does provid yond; We a e b d n a re present for in agricultu ngle day is a ity to learn si ry ve E . learners ry opportun ust take eve Learn which one m the world all around us. r r own set of and discove ased on you b lf, e rs u yo . from within r than others values rathe ncements va d a e th r to maste ve ri st lve to st vo u e nd We m rning skills a of higher lea critical thinkers. become

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Joe Carte r

My goal is to better peop teach my students to le, better w be orke leaders thro ugh agricultu rs and future re educatio I hope that n. by being a me being in my class and mber of ou r FFA chap they will gro ter, w trustworthy into hardworking, and involve d adults.

Mando Correa “I want my students to learn valuable life lessons through their agriculture courses and participation in the FFA. Whether it be hard work, respect for others, the value of honesty, or the responsibility of caring for an animal, I believe the values they develop in my class help them reach their full potential and become upstanding human beings. Over the past 39 years it has brought me great joy to see and hear of my former students’ successes.”

SHOWTIME Congrats to the Thomas Family!

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; ROUND T HE VA L L E Y

Harlingen Irrigation District’s Changing of the Guard

by Johanna Arendt, WaterPR

As long-time general manager Wayne Halbert begins his well-deserved retirement, Tom McLemore steps in as the new GM of the Harlingen Irrigation District (HID). Tom has now been with the District for ten years, and together with Wayne, made HID a leader in adopting new technologies to increase efficiency and in sharing information with other districts. At his retirement party, Wayne remarked that he couldn’t think of a better qualified person to take over the reins of the district. Tom has big shoes to fill. Hundreds gathered in December 2015 to honor Wayne Halbert upon his retirement and to thank him for his decades of service. Wayne spent 30 years at HID and Adams Garden Irrigation District, the last 26 years as general manager for both, which serve approximately 45,000 acres of farmland and deliver raw water to the City of Harlingen.

Wayne Halbert and Tom McLemore at the Rio Grande Center for AWE

Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. and Rep. Eddie Lucio III honored Wayne with a gavel, an American flag flown over the state Capitol, and a proclamation from the State of Texas thanking Wayne for his “outstanding service to the citizens of the Lower Rio Grande Valley,” and for being a “statewide leader in water management.” Rep. Eddie Lucio III also thanked Wayne for being a mentor, a role model, and a leader in water conservation and innovation. Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. called Wayne an “exemplary man who defines the word leadership,” citing his ability to inspire people to do the right thing through example, “a true Texas gentleman.” A plaque from the Harlingen Irrigation District Board recognized Wayne’s foresight, sacrifice, and commitment to improving the district and always putting customers first. In remarks at the December gathering, Wayne said he was lucky to have been surrounded

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by such an incredible family, staff, board, and countless colleagues on the local, state and national level. One of the people he singled out for praise was Tom McLemore, who he said has done a “tremendous job.”

System (GIS), HID shows other districts how the District used the program to improve operations. Tom also plans to continue outreach to growers about ¬proven methods for irrigating more efficiently without hurting the bottom line.

Tom joined the district in 2005 to manage the Texas Project for Ag Water Efficiency (TexasAWE.org), a research and demonstration project funded by the Texas Water Development Board. Through this project, HID and its project partners tested different methods for maximizing water efficiency in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, both on-farm and in-district. HID’s entire conveyance system has been streamlined and is now networked by telemetry stations and remotely controlled from a master computer system. Tom shepherded this decade-long project to a successful close in 2015 and looks forward to continuing to serve the district’s customers as the new general manager.

The District also builds lightweight catch basins for irrigation turnouts that make it easy to attach poly-pipe to the valve. Other services include meter repair and testing, telemetry installations and repair, design and construction of automated gates for canal control, and design of canal automation. In addition, HID’s facilities and resources continue to be available for use by researchers and educators.

We caught up with Tom to hear more about his plans for the District. Continuing effieciency efforts that Wayne started is his top priority, and that includes lining canals and replacing pipelines to minimize water loss. “An efficient delivery system helps us with the bottom line and stretches our water supplies.” While the Valley is in pretty good shape for water right now, Tom is aware how quickly that can change. A combination of urban growth, increasing droughts, and delayed water deliveries from Mexico can all too often mean a shortage of water for farmers. While there are many efficiency improvements Tom would like to see at HID, he says the District’s greatest challenge is a lack of funding. “Like every other district in the valley, the list of needed improvements is long and the revenue stream is short due to all the good rain we received last year. Competition for grants is fierce, and it’s difficult to find the matching funds required. ” With tight budgets and the need for efficiency becoming ever more important, Tom is committed to sharing information with farmers and other districts. When we asked what District programs people might not be aware of, he highlighted their workshops for meter installation and operation as well as canal operation. Through its workshops on Geographic Information

Tom said he looks forward to working with Cameron County and the City of Harlingen. “We have a mutual understanding of each other’s needs and challenges and are willing to work together to overcome those challenges. We plan to continue that relationship and work together to provide the water needs of our area.” And while Tom thinks the chronic delays in water deliveries from Mexico will always be a major challenge, he vows to continue representing the Valley’s interest in that debate. With a focus on advocacy, partnership, and pioneering new technologies, Tom is following in Wayne’s footsteps, putting the customer first and working for the good of the entire region.

(above) Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. and Rep. Eddie Lucio III honored Wayne with a gavel, an American flag flown over the state Capitol, and a proclamation from the State of Texas thanking Wayne for his “outstanding service to the citizens of the Lower Rio Grande Valley,” and for being a “statewide leader in water management.”

To learn more about the District’s programs and research findings, visit hidcc1.org and TexasAWE.org. MARCH/APRIL

2016

What To Do When They’re Coming For You bY:

Kurt Schuster

s much as I hate to interrupt our series again to delve into a tangent of inquiry, events have been hap pening around our humble region of the country that necessitate me broaching a subject of conversa tion known to strike fear into the hearts of even the toughest men. That’s right dear readers, once again the refrain of, “We’re from the government and we’re here to help” can be heard scourging agricultural business up and down the Valley. Oftentimes though these “surprise visits” leave you flustered and rambling about, making mistakes that get you in trouble for no fault other than unchecked boxes and forms not stamped in triplicate. Hyperbole aside, a surprise visit from any governmental agency from the Department of Labor, USDA, I-9 auditors, Customs and Immigration, and even OSHA can carry some serious consequences beyond just disrupting your daily operations. Knowing what to do, and more importantly what not to do, can make or break these events.

Enemy at the Gates Lately governmental representatives of labor standards and enforcements have been visiting around the valley doing annual checkups and whatnot. For all the 38 Ag Mag

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headaches they cause us, these men and women do have an important job of ensuring that our labor supply isn’t used and abused by those shady contractors and fly-by-night firms that we all have had the misfortune to deal with at some point. As such, the most basic and yet most important piece of advice in this situation is just to have a good attitude about it. Going into government examination is about as fun as a root canal, but as Rev. Norman Vincent Peale taught for many a year, being positive about the whole event will help it to go along more smoothly for everyone involved. These individuals have a job to do and an attitude of polite respect and helpfulness costs you nothing while being confrontational and abrasive could only get you a closer examination or a note in some big government file that will spell you unending tribulations. Be polite, ask for identification, badges, business cards, etc. and inquire as to the scope of their work. Setting a standard of civility and expectations beforehand can and will improve the Sisyphean ordeal of dealing the government. In this same vein, you cannot and never should deny these people access to the facilities and people with whom they are required to work. However, as is often

the case you need to know what they are entitled to and what is beyond their purview. This will take some research on your part, and is something you should know as part of doing business, but as an example we will take the Department of Labor. You must let them inspect your facilities, interview your employees, and do other actions in carrying out their investigation. Prohibited or hindering them in any way is absolutely foolhardy. They are the government, they will outlast you. In addition, in this situation it is imperative you do not instruct the employees on how to respond or even better ask about the interviews at all. The fines and penalties for tempting such fate depend on the infraction but will never be cheap, and will leave a note on your record marking you as trouble for year to come. Be a good Boy Scout keeping yourself courteous and kind, helpful and honest and give for which they ask and volunteer not a tot more.

We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Badges Often times the greatest errors are those that the majority of people would classify as to ones of oversight, or even honest mistakes. However, the euphemism of “honest mistakes” is not appropriate in this case. Knowing that you need to have records, policies, information, standards, etc. up to date and ignoring them is the same as outright breaking them. Ignorance is not bliss and will not save you from an indifferent and impervious government monolith bent on grinding out a win. This short but important section reiterates what must feel like a Greek chorus at this point, but have you records and information in order. If in doubt, you need it. If it’s overkill, then do it. Have an attorney, CPA, or whomever check and double-check it all, then you check it personally. Benjamin Franklin opined that an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure and saving yourself from the purgatory of red tape by simply doing what is required of you surely qualifies.

Never Miss a Good Opportunity to Shut Up The above quote is widely contributed to Mark Twain, and even if he didn’t say it, it’s still a good rule to follow. By helping the agents and providing them what they need it does not in any way mean you should volunteer any extra information not tell them more than they need to know. In addition, making available records that are beyond their scope or have nothing to do with their investigation is something to avoid at all costs. Nowhere in here am I saying deliberately obscure what information you are giving the government, simply don’t tell them

more than you have to. The reasons for this are multiple and varied, but are analogous to never talking to the police without your lawyer present. You could unknowingly say the wrong thing, or give an agent a wrong idea, that spells trouble for you and yours. Government employees are people too (we believe), and as such the can and will make mistakes whether that’s a misunderstanding or incomplete information. Getting yourself in bad with the government with a misunderstanding because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut or because you volunteered more than you needed is a quick and brutal lesson that one would hopefully never again repeat. Another, and much more complicated, way to keep back information from the government is when it’s none of their business. For example if the DOL comes in, they have no need to look at your taxes. Again if Customs comes in, what right do they have to examine your human resources? You might think this is obvious but personal experience and beyond shows that governmental agencies will often and repeatedly ask for information beyond their scope of inquiry. You might think that you need to answer every and all interrogatory they give you, but the big secret here is sometimes just say, “No”. Call their superior, contest their rights, dispute the claim, get attorneys involved, do whatever it takes to stop this governmental overreach. Never be rude, never lose your temper but do not let them in where they don’t need to be. If you see no harm in this realize that under the new healthcare law, many government agencies are required to report any information they find in their investigations to other agencies. Make an accounting error and the DOL sees it? You can probably expect an audit from the IRS. Have an employee fail to give you all his I-9 info on purpose and the USDA notices it in passing, expect to get audited.

All’s Well That Ends Well Again, nowhere in here am I advocating anything illegal but the ability and opportunity to keep the government out of your business is something you all should consider sacrosanct. For those that think my column has become repetitive, I thank you. However this past month I’ve witnessed and heard of various contractors and business getting levied with fines and restrictions for bad records and worse behavior. Thinking it cannot happen to you was dispelled with the insatiable examinations of the U.S. Government recently, and if nothing but knowing how to behave and what to do is gleaned from this article then something of value has been gained.

MARCH/APRIL

2016

Lack of predicted rainfall good news for South Texas winter vegetables bY rod santa ana An AgriLife publication

An irrigated carrot field thrives east of McAllen. A lack of rainfall has helped growers produce a healthy winter vegetable crop this year. (AgriLife Communications photo by Rod Santa Ana)

WESLACO — After two consecutive years of serious disease problems and weak market prices, South Texas winter vegetable growers are getting a break this year, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Dr. Juan Anciso, an AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist in Weslaco, said predictions of a wet El Niño winter have failed to materialize so far, and that’s made all the difference in the world for growers. “Cabbage, onions and carrots in the Rio Grande Valley are doing extremely well,” he said. “There have been some disease problems, but nothing like last year when frequent rains promoted plant diseases that were out of control.” Black rot, a bacterial disease, was a major problem on the area’s cabbage crop. “We had rain events every five to seven days last year that flooded fields, set off plant diseases and ruined production,” he said. “On top of that, a very weak commodity market didn’t allow growers to make any money on the crops they did manage to produce.” Not so for this year, Anciso said. “We haven’t had the predicted El Niño rains, so we have had no disease problems to speak of. And 40 Ag Mag

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the market is good this year. Prices fluctuate, but as a whole, the vegetable market is on the upside. It’s very encouraging. All this is good for growers. So far, so good.” Rare, record-breaking rain events fueled by Hurricane Patricia last year practically wiped out severe drought conditions in Texas, according to weather experts. The second half of October was “classic El Niño, with rich moisture from the Gulf of Mexico drenching Texas with efficient rainfall,” they said. Rains soaked into the soil and enhanced reservoirs, lakes, creeks and streams, which was hugely beneficial for the state’s agriculture, according to Dr. Barry Goldsmith, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Brownsville. But too much of a good thing last year was bad for South Texas vegetable production, which normally produces a yearly crop worth some $60 million in the four-county Rio Grande Valley area, according to AgriLife Extension statistics. Summer and winter vegetable crops include watermelon, cantaloupes, onions, leafy greens, carrots, cabbage and potatoes. After several inches of rain Jan. 1-2, the month’s weather pattern

“was filled with sunshine, frequent cooling fronts, plenty of wind – but little rain for Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley,” according to the National Weather Service website. And depending on activities of the subtropical jetstream, the potential for “average to below average rainfall will continue across Texas and parts of the southeast U.S.”

lent, above average. This is a complete turnaround from last year’s abundant bacterial problems.”

Bottom line, “uncertainty ‘rains’ in the February to April outlook,” the website states. Anciso said the lack of rainfall is encouraging for vegetable growers.

“Carrots also had lots of foliar diseases last year,” Anciso said. “But they are especially healthy this year.”

“About 3,500 acres of cabbage were planted in the Valley between August and December,” he said. “The early planted cabbage has been harvested, and the late-planted will be harvested between March and May. What’s been harvested has been bringing good prices.”

And the 2,000 acres of carrots, which are planted at roughly the same time as cabbage, are now being harvested and will continue through May.

Most Valley vegetable crops are sold in the major cities of Texas and beyond, all the way into Canada. “Our vegetables are shipped straight north, straight up,” he said. “None go to either the east or west coasts. But the best news is that so far we have healthy crops to sell at good prices.”

The approximately 7,700 acres of Valley onions planted between late September and mid-November will be harvested beginning the last week of March and peak in April, Anciso said. “We’ve had little disease on foliage, and stands have been excel-

Rod Santa Ana, 956-878-8317, r-santaana@tamu.edu Contacts: Dr. Juan Anciso, 956-968-5581, j-anciso@tamu.edu MARCH/APRIL

2016

“Only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.”

Strives to Save Our

- Cree Indian Prophecy

Water is the most significant resource, critical for our food production and food security—livestock and crop producers, irrigators, homesteaders and municipalities all require large quantities of good quality water. In our modern times, the eco-conscious consumer has adopted new technologies to significantly improve water efficiency like turning off the tap while brushing teeth or using the leftover water to feed houseplants. Yet, these improvements have done nothing to the actual quality of the water supply. When it comes to our key water source in South Texas, the Rio Grande-Rio Bravo River echoes an emergency alarm for our survival. Our international river provides life to more than 6 million people; it is the 2nd longest river in the United States with its basin being more than 30% arid and drains an area greater than the size of California; correspondingly, it is ranked number 4 of the world’s 10 Most Endangered Rivers, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

The Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC)

(pronounced risk), is a nonprofit organization in Laredo, TX, who dedicate their mission to discover the key reasons for the river’s endangered status and serve as a catalyst for positive behavioral changes. Executive director, Tricia Cortez leads the immense undertaking to protect and preserve our only source of drinking water. “Everything is so interconnected and there is a lot of work to be done”, Cortez explains. RGISC cares deeply about the environment because of how it impacts our public health. Cortez describes how a clean environment helps improve our climate, creates habitat for animals, cleans and filters out storm water, before it hits the creeks and river, and more importantly, it makes for a healthier population of people and wildlife. RGISC coordinates a wide variety of events with a diverse group of volunteers that make it all happen. RGISC leads by awareness, advocacy, research, education, stewardship, and bi-national collaboration to benefit the present and future generations. For the past 22 years, the organization

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Water

by Pamela Guerra

has fought the prominent hazards of the Rio Grande-Rio Bravo River, shaping the current dangers to involve: (1) water overextraction (limited water supply), (2) pollution, (3) overallocation, (4) invasive species, and (5) drought. With environmental education, RGISC increases public awareness about the problems and ecological hazards happening in the community. The Rio Research Roundup is an example of one their efforts, an annual student water testing, reaching over 80 high school student teams from both the United States and Mexico. RGISC provides the teams with water testing kits so they can test the waters of the River or one of its tributaries through the entire basin. “The students report and analyze data for water quality parameters that include bacteria, nitrates, phosphates, oxygen, turbidity, pH, temperature and others”, says Cortez. Not only is scholarship involved, but creativity comes to play. An additional artwork/video contest is held where students can submit free-writing essays and short stories, expressing their own ideas on how to improve water quality in the basin. A panel of judges reviews their work and a winner is announced every December. Cortez adds that although RGISC has over 20+ years of water quality testing, they do not have the resources to do a comprehensive, and much needed, statistical analysis of that data. “But we are working on it!” Cortez adds with enthusiasm. The teens are not the only ones getting educated; adults participate in a multitude of activities. One of the busiest seasons for RGISC is in February when they host the Laredo Birding Festival. The dynamic and diverse river eco-system houses hundreds of species to local and migratory birds, which include the prized birds: White-collared Seedeater, Scaled Quail, Gray Hawk, Muscovy duck, Red-billed Pigeon and Clay-colored Thrush, among the many. This past February over 150 people came from all over the United States, Texas, and as far away as Canada and Mexico, explained Cortez. The Birding Festival brought educational opportunities this year, Cortez continued, like “our annual “Birds

of the Brush” art contest at the Laredo Center for the Arts, “Fun with Feathery Friends” event for children at the Laredo Public Library, and this year we had a special one-time only screening at Cinemark Theaters of a powerful, new documentary called “The Messenger: Imagine a World without Birdsong.” Interest was so great; they upgraded RGISC to the largest auditorium at the movie theater.

as upstream in Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and El Paso. However, so much depends on funding and finding the right people who espouse the same environmental vision and passion.

Monthly water testing

Rio Round Up RGISC’s activism is notable as not only are they spreading the word, they are actually changing the word through policy. A plastic bag ban was a secured victory as RGISC’s 10 year battle to limit the use of plastic bags by grocery store and retail merchants, finally became a reality. The Laredo City Council approved the ordinance that will limit the use of 120 million plastic bags used each year, thanks to RGISC and their company including, city council members, merchant leaders, and their extraordinary group of volunteers.

Laredo, TX Water Testing Site If you would like to volunteer your time for RGISC contact them at 956-718-1063, email at rgisc@rgisc.org, or tricia@rgisc. org, or visit their website at www.rgisc.org.

Volunteer takes water samples at monthly testing.

Rio Grande Trash build up Other actions that influence policy decisions for positive changes are the monthly projects that advocate the justice for the protection of the environment. “We are working to fend off any aerial spraying of chemicals/herbicides along the riverbank, constantly trying to collaborate with Mexican officials to eventually eliminate daily raw sewer discharges into the river, door to door campaigning on advocacy issues like fracking inside City limits; among many other projects”, says Cortez. It is time to take action. Ideally, Cortez would like to have a presence downstream in Zapata, the Valley, and Brownsville, as well MARCH/APRIL

2016

Texas to take lead in monarch prograM

Reprinted with permission of the San Antonio Express-News By Brendan Gibbons , Environment and water reporter

AUSTIN — Thousands of acres of private land across Texas and eight Midwestern and Plains states could become better habitat for vulnerable monarch butterflies, thanks to a federal grant program. U.S. Department of Agriculture officials Friday announced $720 million in funding for 84 projects across the U.S., including $6 million for monarch butterfly preservation in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. The iconic butterfly’s population has dropped from an estimated high of about 1 billion 20 years ago to a low of 20 million before a modest rebound to 34 million today, deputy undersecretary Ann Mills said at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Texas will be the lead state in the project because of its vast amount of private land and its importance for monarchs crossing the state during their annual migration to Mexico from the Upper Midwest and Northeast. The USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service will work with farmers,

ranchers and landowners to plan which areas of their property could serve as habitat for milkweed, monarchs’ preferred food source, and nectar plants for other pollinators. Money also will go toward building up seed supplies for milkweed and nectar plants. Milkweed also is where monarchs lay their eggs. Landowners can find out how to participate through their local USDA service centers. “Pollinators play a critical role in crop production” and are “clear indicators of ecosystem health,” Mills said. “The benefits we get from protecting that habitat create all kinds of co- benefits for Americans.” While scientists debate the exact causes of the monarchs’ decline, most believe it is tied to the destruction of milkweed and its habitat by some agricultural pesticides and catastrophic weather. The project ideally will target 70,000 acres of private land, said Jay Jensen with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which contributed funds. People in monarch country do not need large properties to make their homes

monarch-friendly, Jensen said, because anyone can plant milkweed or other nectar plants. “This is something that can be done on just a backyard or just a few acres,” he said. Other projects in Texas funded by this latest round of grants include $700,000 to preserve 22,000 acres next to Fort Hood in Coryell and Bell counties through conservation easements. The easements will protect grazing lands, as well as habitat for the monarch and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Farmers and ranchers in all or parts of 27 counties in the Texas Panhandle also will receive $2 million to spend on irrigation projects meant to conserve water from the rapidly draining Ogallala Aquifer. USDA funding for the program came from the 2014 Farm Bill, Mills said. The USDA will contribute about $220 million in funding across the country. Other agencies and conservation groups will contribute roughly $500 million in matching funds. gibbons@ expressnews.net @bgibbs on Twitter

MARCH/APRIL

2016

Texas Department of Agriculture Publication

Commissioner Miller Urges USDA to Grant Designation For Cottonseed AUSTIN - In response to volatile market conditions that threaten the livelihoods of Texas cotton producers, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today sent a letter urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to designate cottonseed oil as an ‘other oilseed’ under the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. This designation would help bring long-term stability to the cotton industry in the U.S., protect domestic jobs and safeguard this important sector of agricultural production. “Producers in our state and across the Cotton Belt are struggling with the effects of low prices, high input costs, weak demand and growing competition from heavily subsidized foreign producers,” Commissioner Miller said. “Without some relief from this situation, our producers will not be able to secure financing or continue operations. This could have a devastating impact on families and communities in Texas.” Texas is the top cotton producing state in the nation, contributing $2.2 billion. Texas also leads the nation in exports of cotton and cottonseed at an average of $1.6 billion annually. Cotton production supports a variety of jobs, including those at cotton gins, warehouses and associated businesses. The ARC and PLC programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill to provide risk management options for commodity producers in the event of systemic revenue or price declines due to sustained volatility in the market. The ARC program offers protection from shallow losses, while the PLC program protects against multi-year price declines. Similar designations have previously been made for other agricultural commodities to help alleviate the burdens associated with extreme market and weather conditions. Commissioner Miller is urging Secretary Vilsack to grant the same designation for cottonseed. U.S. cotton acreage is at its lowest levels since 1983, with a 22 percent decline since 2014. Cotton exports have reached their lowest levels in 15 years.

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AL z i r r o h c My VS. : s u r o h p s Pho Always a Problem ?

t’s gratifying to witness the growing interest and “rediscovery” of soil microbes and their function in agriculture. Mycorrhizal relationships are an excellent example. This mutualistic interaction has been involved in most plant communities for a very long time. It was around long before agriculture was developed, so they may be worth considering from a broader, ecological aspect to get a complete the picture of the process—and potentials. Mycorrhizal associations provide a survival advantage to plants. This suggests that plants growing in a phosphoruspoor environment might gain a competi-

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bY Larry Zibilske, Ph.D. Vice-President of Research Texas Plant & Soil Lab

tive advantage over plants that do not associate with the soil fungi. Having enough phosphorus to reach the reproductive growth stage ensures another plant generation will be successful, and will survive. But there is a cost. The fungi in the roots absorb carbon compounds from the root, and in exchange they provide phosphorus. This reduces the amount of materials and energy available to the plant to build its own structures and to carry out the myriad processes associated with life. The plant and the fungus strike a tentative balance, a give-and-take relationship that can result in the competitive survival of the plant. Some research ers look at the mycorrhizal relationship as a weak form of parasitism. This is consistent

with the observations that plants can resist mycorrhizal infection when there is sufficient phosphorus in the environment. The advantage to plants that can resist the infection, when extra phosphorus is not needed, would be to improve their chances of survival. Infection resistance would prevent the loss of costly carbon compounds produced in the leaves to an invading fungus. So, how has phosphorus fertilization changed the picture? Phosphorus fertilizer application inhibits mycorrhizal infection, allowing more of the carbon compounds to be used for plant processes—resulting in larger plants; more yield. Fertilization often exceeds plant requirements, resulting in a buildup of phosphorus reserves in the soil. Reasons for over-application have to do with the chemistry of phosphorus in soil. Soils generally have the capacity to render much free phosphorus unavail-

able to plants, so more is needed to make up for that. The fate and ultimate utilization of the “soil-bound” phosphorus is a separate topic of soil management and worthy of its own discussion. Mycorrhizal fungi can participate in freeing up that bound phosphorus if the amount of phosphorus in solution at any time remains very low, preventing the plant from restricting the development of the mycorrhizal infection. This is part of what the researchers are trying to achieve. If a plant could be developed that cannot turn off infection, the associated fungi could help the plant access the stored phosphorus that has D:\T P S L 2012-04\T P S L\MISC\ LZ-Mycorrhizae and soil P-1.doc 1/14/2016 2:56 PM D:\TPSL2012-04\TPSL\MISC\LZ-Mycorrhizae and soil P-1.doc 1/14/2016 2:56 PM accumulated in the soil from excessive fertilization. A worthy goal, but is this the whole story?

nutrients are not returned to the soil. There can be no re-use of mineral nutrients that are removed from the growing site. So plants, irrespective of whether they’re mycorrhizal, grow on whatever phosphorus is left in the “soil bank”. There is no replacement other than fertilization. Doing a little searching can provide the numbers for how much phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, etc. is needed to produce a certain amount of crop, giving us an amount that the crop removed from the soil and how much is taken away from the site. If equal amounts of nutrients are not placed back into the soil, the system is in a “mining” mode, meaning that soil stores are depleted for the next generation of plants. How long can this go on? Do the arithmetic; how much nutrient is removed each year, compared to how much remains in the soil.

If external sources of phosphorus (fertilizer mines) become reduced, less phosphorus will be available to replace that used in crop production. Then crops will have to rely on their ability of remove whatever phosphorus remains in the soil—for as long as that reserve lasts. Mycorrhizal fungi cannot create phosphorus. Rather a dismal outlook. Can anything be done? A combination of efficient use of phosphorus existing in the soil, coupled with an appropriate soil and crop management plan that employs a balance between gains and losses of all nutrients will ensure a real sustainability of agricultural enterprises.

Modified plants that are able to access stored phosphorus still face the “trade-off” issue. Fungi don’t work for free. Plant growth will be reduced proportionately by the amount of carbon compounds they provide to the fungi, but for the farmer, the benefit is having to add less phosphorus to the crop. Maybe this will be net benefit; we’ll wait and see. But there is an “eight hundred pound gorilla” in this that has not been considered. Ecologically, mycorrhizae can certainly provide an advantage to plants. In natural soil systems, nutrients are taken up into plants which grow, reproduce, and eventually die and rot. They decay in the same place they grew, so the mineral nutrients don’t really go anywhere; they are still present in the soil for use by the next generation of plants. Contrast this to modern agriculture. Plant products (such as corn, soybeans, sugar beets, etc.,) are taken away from where they’re grown. Their

MARCH/APRIL

2016

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Crop Hail coverage provides protection against physical damage from hail and/or fire. Most FMH hail policies include extended coverages like fire and lightning, vandalism and malicious mischief, and certain perils while in transit and storage at no additional cost to you. Helena Crop Insurance has a variety of hail coverages available – full/basic, dollar/deductible, companion, and production – depending on your specific needs.

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MARCH/APRIL

2016

Emerging Markets Sustain Demand for

Sorghum

bY Florentino Lopez

United Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director

orldwide, marketplaces continually change and there is no doubt this can be said for all agriculture commodities. As we look toward the future, it is easy to see that sellers and buyers are actively looking at securing the best price for their commodities that will return the most profit for their operation. Sorghum is no different. Similarly, much can be said of the need for diversity and increases in the number of marketplaces. This coupled with increasing demand and value, is critical in maintaining a strong agriculture economy

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and is especially needed in sorghum economics. Focusing specifically on sorghum, we see many changes that have recently occurred. The export market is one such example. China began buying sorghum in April of 2013 and has remained active ever since. We have seen tremendous commitments (sales) to this market. During 2013 China purchased roughly 2.3 million bushels, in 2014 purchases topped 177 million bushels and in 2015 purchases totaled more than 327 million bushels. So far this year, China continues to buy at a feverous pace with commitments at 184 million bushels in only

half of the marketing year. So, without question, China remains an active sorghum buyer. Interestingly, this year we have many active international buyers. Sorghum has/is being purchased by a total of ten buyers; China, Mexico and Pakistan currently hold the top three buying spots. All totaled this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s export sales have hit more than 240 million bushels, roughly 40 percent of the sorghum supply. Most of the sorghum sales are intended to be used by the livestock sector, but new markets in food and pets are beginning to take off and that will help add value to sorghum sales. Currently, port values for sorghum are

running five to eight percent above corn as reported by U.S. Grains Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketing Perspectives. This continues to reflect a strong demand for sorghum. Not to be outdone, domestic markets remain healthy and growing, and the bio-fuel markets continue to thrive. Sorghum byproducts remain a widely used feedstock produced by ethanol plants from South Dakota to Texas and on to California. These ethanol plants have worked closely with producers to provide direct sales options. Similarly, large swine facilities are developing direct producer relationships to help integrate sorghum into their operations.

Operations like Murphy, the largest pork producer in the U.S., to Texas Farms have developed opportunities for producers. These types of domestic markets allow farmers to have more assurance that their agriculture products, sorghum in particular, have a home while also being profitable. So what is beyond these markets? Many options continue to present themselves. Currently, food markets domestically and internationally are being developed, pet food opportunities continue to blossom and specialty markets are gaining momentum. Specialty markets like quail and pheasants, building materials and advanced renewable

products are all actively being pursued. Foundation markets in exports, livestock and bio-fuels must continue to be nurtured to showcase sorghums value as a nutrient rich, attribute based coarse grain. The key to any market is knowledge. Knowledge is valuable in knowing what currently is occurring and what signals are being sent that might lead to opportunity. Markets can be driven by a host of events from demand, end user needs to regional factors. By understanding the markets in your region and the effects of demand, you may be able to capitalize profits.

During 2013, China purchased roughly 2.3 million bushels. In 2014, purchases topped 177 million bushels. And in 2015, purchases totaled more than 327 million bushels.

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2016

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Contact Michelle Martin at the Ag Mag (956) 330-8870 michelle@theagmag.org