Issue 19 final by THEAGMAG

Staff Michelle Martin

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

Joshua 1:9-10

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do no be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. So Joshua ordered the officers of the people.

Al Benavides

Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407

A Letter from the Editor

In This Issue:

When I was going to write this letter from the editor I had a completely different topic to write about. Then, in a blink of an eye, it changed. It’s funny how things can change within minutes, or even seconds. I guess that is what keeps life so interesting. Hurricane Harvey is a prime example of how one event can shatter someone’s life. But, it doesn’t take a catastrophic event to realize how short life is. You may be dealing with a life-shaking event yourself, you may feel like you are picking up pieces of a never-ending storm. Hold tight, every storm has an ending point where the sun will begin to shine.

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Happy 100th Birthday Application Open for 2018 Its’s Closer than you think Congrats Blessing of the Fleet

My heart hurts for those who were affected by this horrific storm. One of my best friends could not get in touch with his parents who lived in Rockport and weathered the storm. To see the fright on his and his wife’s face when they were left with uncertainty was terrifying. All we could do was pray. Thank God they were ok. In a time of uncertainty, you really start to re-evaluate your life. The things you should have said, the things you should have done...

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Featured Farmer Story

Most of us take the littlest things for granted, myself included. Going to bed in my own bed every night, being able to walk on my own two feet, my eye sight, being able to provide a good meal for my family - these things become a routine, a cliché - instead of a blessing. How many times have you taken the smallest things for granted? It is somewhat like that saying, “You never know how much you used your hands until you can’t anymore,” or “you never know what you had until its gone.” God gives us our days as blessings, not routines. Hurricane Harvey has slapped me back into reality to see what is really important. Material things can be replaced, but our days cannot. In times of tragedy, it is reassuring to see people come together to help those in need. To think how quickly these peoples lives have been changed within a 24-hour period. We need to come together to help those in need when lives have been turned upside down and bring good to a bad situation. Whether you were affected by Hurricane Harvey or maybe you are dealing with a different type hurricane - not filled with wind and rain, but other problems. You may feel like giving up. You may be be dealing with battles that are destroying you, others around you, and you want to just give up. Remember, the mind of the human is like the fertile soil; whatever seeds you put into the soil will determine your harvest. We must plant our seeds in the hope of the Lord, not only in times when tragedy strikes but every day. Do not lose hope. Whatever storm you are battling - Category 1 or Category 5 - know that God will continue dealing with us and teach us how to stay calm and peaceful in the midst of the storm. Everything may fade, but God will always remain constant and he will bless you for your troubles. All you have to do is remain faithful. Life is hard, life isn’t fair, but God is fair, and God will always stand firm not matter the force of the wind. In times of tragedy or throughout calm, please remember to lend a helping hand to those in need. Everyone is going through battles you know nothing about. So be kind, help when you can, do not judge, and put all differences aside. Life is too short, and tomorrow everything can change. Remember what is important. Prayers to all those impacted by Harvey, and prayers to all those who are facing hurricanes of their own.

Owner/Creator of AG MAG

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Just goes by Boyd

Has Cotton Found a New Yield? Whiteflies in South Texas Ag Part of the Family Citrus Greening Hazard MUY GRANDE Unique Journey of Ranch Broker Chapa Farms YALL Valley Native Attends Conference Learning to Do, Doing to Learn Life of Adventure 4H/FFA Calendar In Praise of TSWCB Remember to Thank a Farmer Cattle Talk Border Patrol and Ag Nevaeh’s Kids NIFA Grant Importance of Potassium in Cotton Just Watching Important Dates

Volume 4, Issue 1. Sept/Oct 2017. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ag Mag reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequence arising from it. All correspondence to the publication become the property of Ag Mag. Ag Mag is published bi-monthly ©2017. To advertise in Ag Mag, call (956) 330-8870 or email michelle@theagmag.org

Happy 100th Birthday, BY DR. MAMOUDOU SÉTAMOU

Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Citrus Center

Commercial citrus production in Texas turned 100 years old this year. This is a huge milestone for an industry that had a humble beginning with approximately 100 acres and sent out its first load of fruit out of the Valley back in 1917. One century later, after many years of ups and downs, and weathering the vagaries of weather and effects of urbanization, commercial citrus has become one of the flagship crops of the Rio Grande Valley, and its red-fleshed grapefruit one of the world’s beloved citrus fruit. At 100 years-old, one takes the time to reflect on the past, see how it has shaped the present and plan on the future. Anchored by Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is building upon its rich history of an array of crops grown on fertile sandy loam soils and 230 sunny days a year. Mouthwatering red-flesh grapefruit is one of the flagship crops that gives the RGV its identity and differentiates it from any other citrus growing region in the world. The RGV is the proud birthplace of red grapefruit discovered by growers in 1929. Little wonder the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas in 1993, through the House Concurrent Resolution No. 75, designated the Texas Red Grapefruit, the Official State Fruit of Texas. Although only a recent introduction relative to crops such as cotton, sorghum onions and vegetables grown in the RGV for centuries, commercial citrus production has grown rapidly over the years to become an iconic crop that defines the economic and ecological landscapes of the RGV. The first experimental commercial grove was planted in Mercedes in 1906, but the successful establishment of an orange grove on sour orange rootstock that tolerated the alkaline soils and saline water of the RGV by Charles Volz in 1908 was a precursor for the successful establishment of commercial groves in the RGV. The integration of the development of irrigation systems, the extension of the railroad system from Houston to Brownsville, the sale of farmland in the early years of the 20th century (between 1906 and 1920) has accelerated the development of commercial citrus production. However, it was until 1914 that the first organized and irrigated citrus grove was planted by John H. Shary, after his purchase of the First Lift Station built seven years earlier by John J. Conway and James W. Hoit of the Mission Canal Co. to pump water from the Rio Grande for irrigating crops. As a visionary, John H. Shary who arrived two years earlier in the RGV realized the potential of the lush area, and predicted that citrus was the crop of the future for Texas. Not only did Shary developed an important citrus empire around Mission in an area known today as “Sharyland” (named after him), his Land Company was also instrumental in attracting many investors and future citrus growers into the RGV. Indeed, citrus trees planted to beautify residential landscape, the fresh smell of citrus blossom in spring and the lush citrus groves bearing second to none delicious fruits were smartly

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exploited by many land developers to lure investors from the US Midwest and the North East into the Valley. This tactical investment in citrus groves led to the development of a vibrant commercial citrus industry in the RGV that rapidly grew from a mere 150 acres in 1918, to nearly 120,000 acres by 1939. Because of his significant role in the development of commercial citrus in the RGV, Shary H. Shary is considered one of its pioneers and remembered as the “Father of the Texas Citrus Industry”. Early established citrus groves were planted with seeded white and pink grapefruit and various oranges varieties imported from Florida and California. In 1929, a bud sport of red-flesh grapefruit was discovered on a Thompson grapefruit tree imported from Florida three years earlier. This discovery marked another milestone for the Texas citrus industry that patented the new variety named “Ruby Red” grapefruit in 1934. The reputation of the Texas citrus industry was built thanks to this second-to-none red flesh, sweet and rich grapefruit. As good Texans, early citrus pioneers decided to differentiate the Texas citrus industry from those in California and Florida by planting more grapefruit even against scientific recommendations and market demands. I was once asked by a grower ‘why do we have more grapefruit in Texas?’ There is a reason. To date, Texas citrus growers still showcase this uniqueness–Good old’ Texas! From its onset, the Texas citrus industry has gone through years of boom until 1947-48 when it took a hard hit with the devastating freeze that destroyed almost half of the industry’s acreage. As the industry grew nearly 30 years prior to this climatic event without a major problem, not many were prepared to face its consequences. Besides, weather forecasts during that era were not as accurate as today to allow growers to proactively prepare. Subsequent freezes (1951-52, 1961-62, 1983 and 1989) and severe droughts in the early 1950s have profoundly affected and shaped the Texas citrus industry. In addition to freezes and droughts the industry has also been affected by a couple of hurricanes resulting in considerable crop and tree and damages; but freezes remain above all the major industry killer. Those freezes have destroyed millions of trees, but the industry has shown its resilience by bouncing back each time with a better, though not necessary bigger, industry. Indeed, each of these natural disasters led to changes and improvements in the citrus industry. The industry has gone from planting nursery trees imported from California and Florida to planting only homegrown trees. Similarly, from earlier plantings of seeded oranges and white grapefruits, the industry is today dominated by seedless oranges and red-flesh grapefruit. Better grove care practices including land leveling and drainage, increased tree densities, low volume and water-saving irrigation systems, tree care programs (nutrition, pest and disease management) and weed control coupled with improved packinghouses, juice processing plants, and tree insurance programs among others are significant changes resulting from past disasters. As a result of combined effects of natural disasters and urbanization, the Texas citrus industry is covering approximately 28,000 acres today and is still dominated by the red grapefruit. Notably, the industry ownership landscape has profoundly changed. From being dominated by small scale off-site (absentee) and on-site (resident) growers during the early years, the industry is now mostly owned by Corporations (Wonderful Citrus, Lone Star Citrus and South Tex Organics), though small and mid-scale growers continue their production either under the Umbrella of a Grower Coop, the “Edinburg Citrus Association” or as “freelancers” who

pack their fruit wherever convenient. The bulk of citrus produced is shipped as fresh fruit outside of the Valley. About 55-70% of citrus produced is sold as fresh and the rest as processed juice. Four big packinghouses, a couple of small packinghouses and one juice processing plant currently handle most of citrus fruit produced in the RGV. Texas citrus and mainly its flagship red grapefruit are fancied in many countries around the world. In addition to domestic U.S. markets, Texas citrus is sold in Central and North America, Europe (England, France, Germany, and Holland), Asia (Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore) and New Zealand among others. Long before I began working for the Texas citrus industry, I discovered the red grapefruit watching western movies. Invariably, red grapefruit was used as desert in most of these movies indicating that people knew then of its nutritional values and health benefits. Rich in vitamins C and A, and potassium; and low in calories with no fat or sodium, red grapefruit is one of the most hydrating fruits in the world with up to 91% water. Thus, it helps with digestion and regularity. Several studies have shown that red grapefruit lowers the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer, and lower blood pressure while promoting healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower body weight. However, because of its enzyme binding ability, grapefruit interacts with certain medications, thus allowing such medications to pass easier and faster from the gut to the bloodstream leading to higher than normal levels. Hence, grapefruit consumption should be avoided when taking certain medications such as statin drugs, calcium channel blockers and psychiatric drugs, but our physicians are better placed to provide advice. Despite the many health benefits provided by grapefruit, our current over-reliance on drug for many ailments due to our life style is unfortunately dampening grapefruit consumption. But should people know and learn about the nutritional quality and its effects on our well-being, no one will go a day without grapefruit juice or a slice of this fruit nature and the State of Texas have been blessed with! Honoring the past of Texas citrus industry as we prepare for the future, is our way of celebrating this milestone of our industry, given its present resilience. Happy Centenarian Valley Citrus, and I hope your 200th years will be celebrated with more stars!!! Special thanks to RL Dreibelbis, Newt Dyer, Jud Flowers, Mark Frier, J. Victor French, Don Grossman, Joe Heller, Paul Heller, Jim Hoffman, Denis Holbrook, Fred Karle, Steve Lievens, Dale Murden, Earl Neuhaus, Jimmy Pawlik, Ray Prewett, Julian Sauls, Jose Silva, Donald Thompson, Jack Ware, John Williams, and many other unnamed growers for countless hours of exchange on citrus and our industry. I dedicate this to the Loving Memories of Karl Engert and Kyle Bennett, both pioneer growers and nurserymen. I will cherish forever our discussions about moving away from open-field nurseries.

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

BY PATRICK DUDLEY

Application Open for 2018 Global Agricultural Travel Scholarship

he Nuffield International Farming Scholars program provides a unique opportunity for farmers, ranchers and agribusiness profess ionals to travel internationally and explore contemporary issues in agriculture - while seeing the world and experiencing new cultures. A leading agricultural scholarship program worldwide, Nuffield International has more than 1,600 alums across nine countries. This includes a Nuffield Scholar and two delegates from the U.S.

2017 Nuffield International Farming Scholars in Brazil

Comprised of a global conference (in the Netherlands in 2018), small group travel through 6 to 7 countries (including the United States) and additional individual travel, the experience is unrivaled in terms of gaining a global perspective on agriculture and finding best practices and innovation to bring back home.

Applications close October 15, 2017, and interviews will take place in mid-November. Selected Nuffield Scholars will travel in 2018. You can find more details on the Nuffield International program and the 2018 application at www.nuffieldinternational.org. 10

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The Food Safety Modernization Act is Coming... and It’s Closer Than You Think

BY DANTE GALEAZZI, President/CEO of Texas International Produce Association

’m sure there’s readers out there who are going to look at the title above, roll their eyes, and say “Food safety again!?!” And to those readers, I’d like to introduce you to the other part of the audience. An audience that can be broken into two groups. The first group of readers will look at the title above and say “What’s the Food Safety Modernization Act?” Meanwhile, the second camp will look at the title and respond with “I don’t have time for food safety.” As a member of the produce industry, I have personally lived through and been party to a recall. Furthermore, I have seen the effects that food borne illness outbreaks have had on not only the fresh produce industry, but on those companies involved. Based on first-hand experience, not all companies are prepared or strong enough to survive the damages (direct and indirect) when associated with an outbreak. Thus, my response to all three groups of readers is this – If you grow or participate in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables, you need to be prepared and understand at a minimum how grower operations fall into FSMA’s regulations. And the time to be prepared and understand FSMA is now, before FDA or TDA shows up at the door to begin regulating. The Food Safety Modernization Act, better known as FSMA, was signed into law in 2011. Its purpose was to shift the focus from responding to contamination events and outbreaks to preventing them. Over the last six years, FDA has worked with multiple organizations – and are still working today – to develop the implementation and guidance regarding how these laws will be complied with and enforced. In response to these regulations, third party companies specializing in food safety have answered the call by farmers, shippers, and retailers to help industry understand and prepare for FSMA’s implementation. The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has helped bring classes and knowledge of the regulations to the industry, as has TDA and FDA and a host of other organizations. In fact, FDA just released their Food Safety Plan Builder – a free online tool that helps users develop basic food safety plans for their operations (visit www.fda.gov and search Food Safety Plan Builder). But why does this all matter? What does this all mean for the

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Texas growers? First, it means that the buyer community who may be purchasing product now will very soon require compliance with these regulations. Failure to comply could make your product ineligible for its intended market, and possibly ineligible for any market depending on the commodity’s intended use. Second, it means there are consequences for failure to comply. Under FSMA, officers of companies found to be in violation of the law can be held personally liable and be subject to criminal penalties. Penalties that include significant fines and even imprisonment. Look at the Peanut Corporation of America and the consequences their principal agents are facing. The reason for this article is not intended to scare people into compliance. The reason for this article is to urge those who may not yet be working on food safety to take the time today and start understanding how FSMA will impact your operation. FDA and TDA are going to “educate before they regulate” so use their offer and learn what FSMA means. For many farm operations, preparing for FSMA most likely means a few 2-day classes, writing a food safety plan, and then documenting your procedures on a regular basis. And by the way, there’s an app for that too. Honestly, the biggest hurdle is the first step – getting to a class or meeting with a food safety expert to decide how FSMA applies to your operation. Do not consider food safety as an expense. Instead, consider it akin to licensing personnel for pesticide usage or operating a combine – which is to say as a necessary and vital part of the success of a healthy business. In fact, consider it more important than that. Consider food safety as the safety of your family because every grower I know wants to produce a safe product they would happily feed to their own children. Chances are, your operation is already doing things the right way, you just need to know how to document that right way on paper. Reach out to TDA, FDA, TIPA or other grower association bodies knowledgeable on the topic of food safety to help with the process of preparation for FSMA because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing. A safe, healthy food supply for the consumers and our families.

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Blessing of the

Fleet 2017

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Ag Mag Featured Farmer

William Boyd Davis just goes by

Boyd

Boyd, the owner of B & F Trenching, was born and raised in Marlow, Okla., to a farm family who produced watermelons, cotton, peanuts, broom corn, alfalfa. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1968 with a Masters in Agronomy. The following year he moved Edinburg - Jan. 1, 1969 - to work with his Uncle Floyd Davis in grove care and farming. In September 1973, Boyd and Floyd established B & F Trenching and Drainage. (Boyd & Floyd) In 1980, he bought out Uncle Floyd and moved the business to the present location on Ware Road. This time it was Boyd & Family. Boyd’s first trenching machine was a worn-out Cleveland trencher that he purchased from oil field contractor Lee Walker. In 1981 he purchased a K280 Barth-Holland trencher direct from Holland. Two years later, sporting his cowboy hat and boots and demanding answers concerning the track sprocket drive he flew to Holland. His persistence,lead him to the real problem, the trencher was out of alignment. Once the issue was resolved, he successfully operated this machine. Big Bertha, as he named her, is still operational today. In 2014, he purchased “Old Yeller,” which is quite a yellow beauty. Old Yeller was a native of Florida and it took Boyd about a year to make modifications for the valley soils. She weighs 69,000 pounds and when loaded on the semi-trailer, the total weight is 16

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109,000 pounds. Needless to say, he has to haul with a special permit and must create his routes to the fields based on the road weight limits. This quickley can turn a short trip into a long one. Boyd’s knowledge of the Valley is inexhaustible. He has worked in Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo and Starr counties. He seems to know every unmarked road, and every canal and drainage ditches’ intricate path as they weave through the Valley. When a new job is presented, he already knows the type of soil he will encounter. It could be Mercedes clay, Raymondville clay loam, Combes sandy clay loam, Hidalgo fine sandy loam or many other combinations. The harder and more dense the soil, the more frequently he has to replace the digging chain.

He will argue with 411 concerning gas lines, fiber optic lines, water lines, etc because he has already worked in the neighboring field to the north, east and west. He knows when the lines cut at a diagonal or follow the road right of way. He will ALWAYS call 411 and many times it is a lengthy call as he tries to orally guide the employee to the field where he will be working. Over the past 36 years, he has earned the trust and confidence of many Valley farmers. He has reclaimed salted out land for Jack Harbison, Utah and Barry Dickerson, Tim Belcher, El Sauz Ranch, Manuel and Peppy Ortega, Rio Farms, Klosserman Farms, Ed Caughfield, Earl and Harvey Adams, Jack Wallace, Lone Star Citrus ( Judd Flowers), ECA, Fred Karle, Jim Hoffman, Valley Onions, Duda Farms, Glen Widle, John Whitfield, Wonderful Citrus and many more. His most recent challenge came in 2014 when he realized knowledge of technology would be necessary for his survival. He purchased a Trimble (formerly Farm Works) WM Drain program. This program allows him to survey the field in his pick-up, transfer that information to a USB flash drive

in his pick-up, transfer that information to a USB flash drive which he then plugs into his lap top to design the drainage system. When he has completed the design, he down loads it to a flash drive and that is put into the Trimble computer in the trencher. He easily navigates Google Earth and now takes a lap top and flash drive to work. Not all of Boyd’s work has been with farmers. He has put a canal underground for United Irrigation District, Water District 6 and ran a 48” bore under Highway 100. He has helped solve pump problems for Irrigation District #1 when they were about to call in the “big boys” from Chicago. (Again, you will need to talk to him about some of his jobs.) Boyd has always been involved in the community and wanted to give back to the community. In 1984, he joined the Hidalgo County Sherriff’s Posse. This was back in the day of Al Martin, Ole Dr. Baker and Carl Schuster. He helped build the horse stables, announcers’ stand, restrooms and was always involved in the maintenance of the arena. He retired from the organization in 2014 after 30 years of volunteering. For many years, Boyd was also very involved in Rio Roundup every Saturday night at the Sherriff Posse arena. With his wife, Pat, and two sons, Kenneth and Eric, he spent many nights roping and riding. Boyd never shied from his duty in the arena cook shack, spending many nights flipping hamburgers. He felt Rio Round-up gave the youth a safe and fun place to enjoy equine activities. Rio Round-up was part of the Valley from 1956 to 2014. Boyd was a founding member of the Hidalgo County Team Penners Association in 1991. That organization no longer exists as Hidalgo County Team Penners but in 2014 became part of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show. Boyd continues to pen and sort cattle on his favorite horse “Little Bit” either in San Benito at the Rodriguez Arena or the RGVLS arena.

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Has Cotton Found a New Yield Plateau? BY JOHN MILLER

t wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that long ago that most dryland cotton farmers across Texas found that harvesting a bale per acre to be a nice crop, with irrigators hoping to double that yield. It might be a good argument that evolving cultural practices, the adoption of advances in plant genetics, chemical application, farm equipment and ginning technology over the past few decades are paying off, especially in South Texas. Favorable weather will always play the biggest part in making the crop a farmer wants, but the last few years makes one

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wonder if under predominant weather conditions that the coming together of modern practices and technology has brought us to expect better yields than just a few years ago. While it takes several years of information to control for a wide range of season-long growing conditions, a pattern does seem to be developing. With some exceptions due to localized adverse weather, most Valley farmers saw a great crop again this year with 2 bales per acre being common, and 3 bales not uncommon, on dryland acres. Although this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cotton crop does not match the phenomenal crop of a year ago, you have to consider the fact that the Valley saw very little to no rain during the key crop development period that occurs in April and May. This highlights that fact these kinds of yield results do not happen overnight and that these types of crops have been some years in the making. You may remember back in 2008 when the Valley was just beginning to harvest a beautiful cotton crop when Hurricane Dolly moved in and took that from us and perhaps delaying a good understanding of what is possible when weather is favorable during the growing season. It was about that same time when we began seeing much improved cotton yields all along the Upper Coast of Texas between Houston and Corpus Christi. Outside of clearly adverse weather events that damage a cotton

crop, we have seen our customers statewide experience generally better cotton yields over the past 5 years which has absolutely led to the flexing of crop rotations back in the direction of cotton. US Cotton Yield (pounds) Source: USDA

900

+25

850 800 750 700 650 600 550 500

09 10

14 15

This is actually turning out to be a very good cotton year for most of the South Plains. As with most years, there were isolated areas that had adverse planting conditions such as the drought south of Lubbock. And as is common in late spring, there were a number of areas across the Texas Panhandle that lost acreage to hail. But these areas accounted for 25 percent or less of the acreage in the Panhandle, and likely no more than 15 percent statewide. For those cotton acres that survived into mid-summer, however, crop conditions have only improved. Even in neighboring Oklahoma and Louisiana, better than average yields are expected. You can see in the chart below labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;US Cotton Yieldâ&#x20AC;? that the national average cotton yield has been trending upward for some time. And the increase seen over the past 3 years has coincided a move from 8.5 to 12 million acres, suggesting that it is not the loss of marginal ground that is helping to boost yield as is many times the case. We have to also keep in mind that yield improvements here in the US are also being experienced elsewhere, especially in China, and can lead to larger supplies that often correspond to lower prices. While the US still has a strong competitive edge with quality, there is no question that countries such as India, Australia and parts of the Near East and Africa have also taken US Cotton Exports (million - 480 lb bales) Source: USDA

18.00 16.00 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00

09 10

14 15

notice of path to better crops which has translated into greater export competition. Earlier in the season, when US acreage and yield outcomes were much more uncertain, cotton futures prices were trading in the 74 to 75 cent range. And as the US Cotton Export chart below shows, US cotton exports were enjoying a nice recovery from 2015 lows. Prior to 2016, China was setting on an enormous stockpile upwards of 68 million bales. Improved demand encouraged China to begin an auction program which helped to reduce the excess there down to a currently estimated 40 million bales. The result of these sales coupled with lower US production in 2015 can be seen in the World Carryout chart below. While still burdensome, at least world stocks are on the decline; a situation helped by the fact that China has moved some cotton acres to other crops. Since mid-summer, however, the much-improved prospects for the US crop has helped to reduce US cotton futures prices to the 66 to 67 cent level as can be seen in the price chart below. Whether or not cotton futures are able to return to early summer levels will depend a lot on the final outcome of a Texas Panhandle crop that does not get ginned until late in the year, or even into next year. In addition to good yields which help the revenue side of things, Valley farmers have another important trend working in their favor. South Texas has led the way in the production of cotton with a very desirable quality that commands price premiums. 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30

World Cotton Carryout (million - 480 lb bales)

Source: USDA

While quality aspects are also very weather sensitive, it does seem that premium grades have been improving due to some combination of weather, technology and practices. Given the higher costs of carrying a cotton crop full season, receiving price premiums will be very important going forward. I can attest that farmers are spending more time searching for greater overall efficiency on the farm so that the operation can remain profitable under a wider range of yield and price outcomes. The volatile price environment that may, or may not, provide profitable opportunities at average yields places a lot of pressure on farmers to maximize potential in the field. Farmers are first to understand that all of this new technology that is pointing to a new plateau in yields comes at a cost. As our discussion about uncertain prices suggests, it will be creative efforts by all stakeholders in the crop including farmers, landowners, scientist and those providing products and services to the industry that keep cotton a viable crop for the Valley for years to come. S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Whiteflies in South Texas Agriculture,

a Historical Perspective BY MATTHEW CIOMPERLIK, PHD AND JOHN GOOLSBY, PHD

hitefly, or to be more specific, Silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Biotype B), became a significant agricultural pest in the southern tier of states from North Carolina to California in the early and mid 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The small white pest insect attacked a wide range of crops, many of them being important agricultural crops for south Texas (Fig 1). Silverleaf whitefly was able to complete up to 20+ generations a year by moving from spring cucurbit crops like cantaloupe and watermelons, and then to cotton in the summer months (Fig 2). Whitefly was able to overwinter on cole crops and winter weed species, as well as ornamental plants in door yard landscaping. Whiteflies reached their peak populations in cotton, often creating massive migrations from that host crop when it was defoliated. So much so, that growing fall melons became difficult due to the viruses the insect transmitted. In 1991-92 growers concerns about agricultural losses due to the whitefly epidemic prompted USDA to organize a national program to help combat the pest. The program coordinated a multi-state, multi-organizational, industry, and grower driven group efforts. The end product of that program led to the

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Figure 1. High whitefly numbers on spring cantaloupe melons in the LRGV.

development of new agricultural practices, new insecticides, and a global search for natural enemies that could be imported for biological control of the pest insect. Exploration for natural enemies of Bemisia spp. was conducted from 1991-98 in over 25 countries, and over 235 collections of predators, parasitoids and pathogens were shipped to the U.S. for identification and/or evaluation. By 1993 two species of exotic whitefly parasitoids had been permitted and released in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of TX. In 1994, over the next year approximately 30 species/populations of Encarsia and Eretmocerus parasitoids were released from quarantine, transferred to mass rearing operations and made available for field colonization programs across the U.S. By the end of 1997, Eretmocerus hayati (Pakistan) (Fig 3) was widely established across the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Follow on Climate matching studies showed that Pakistan has a close climate match to the arid and sometimes hot growing conditions found in south Texas, which helps to account for the success of the parasitoid imported from Pakistan.

Figure 2. Silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) adult and eggs

For the most part, whiteflies were becoming less of an agricultural pest problem by 2004 largely due to the integrated use of insecticides, biological control using natural enemies, and wise grower farming practices like destruction of crop residues once they were harvested. Periodic localized outbreaks of whiteflies continue to occur, usually resulting from a departure from this integrated pest management approach.

Growers also learned that secondary pest problems could be avoided by careful selection and timing of insecticides to control major pests such as boll weevil and army worms in cotton production. The release of natural enemy parasitoids such as Eretmocerus hayati and Encarsia sophia, had an overarching influence on whitefly populations by limiting the population size and increase in agricultural crops, and by controlling the pest in the surrounding environment (crops, weedy host species, and ornamental landscape plants).

Figure 3. Eretmocerus hayati a parasitoid natural enemy that attacks Silverleaf whitefly

The parasitoids released by the USDA APHIS Lab in Mission, TX became well established and continue to combat the pest in south Texas agriculture today. The parasitoids were also established in other locations in the U.S. by other USDA scientists, including the Imperial and San Joaquin Valleys of California. The success of the parasitoids in controlling whitefly was repeated in other locations in the world, as Eretmocerus hayati was intentionally re-collected from south Texas and moved to Mexico, Australia, China and Tanzania.

For example, watermelon growers learned that limited use of systemic insecticides through the drip system provide early season control and allowed the biocontrol agents to build up and maintain control, therefor limiting whitefly migration to cotton. Application of broad-spectrum insecticides to okra planted in Mexico along the Rio Grande was also discontinued, which also influenced whitefly population build-up in the spring. S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Part of the

Family

Lynn Johnson was about seven years old when Juan Hernandez – a 21-year-old worker on the Johnson Farm – put him up to a challenge. Hernandez was already a well-known and seasoned worker on the farm. When his dad gave him the option at age 14 to either return to school or work on the farm, the answer was easy – off to the farm he went. Known by the nickname Kiko by everyone on the farm, he pointed to a telephone pole in the distance and looked down at the young boy. “See that telephone pole,” Kiko said. “I’ll give you $50 if you can hit that pole.” It wasn’t going to be an easy target based on the distance and the infamous South Texas wind. It’s the perfect setup for a David vs. Goliath re-enactment. Lynn looked quickly around for the right size rock and found it. The pole was steadfast in the distance, a daunting challenge to say the least. The young boy took aim and nailed it on the first try. “Based on the interest over more than 50 years he owes me so much money,” Lynn joked. “He was always fun to work with.” Kiko has been a mainstay on the Johnson Farms. Now, 74 years old – yes, he’s diligently worked on the Johnson Farms for 60 years - it’s not unusual to hear farm equipment running at any hour of the night. Most often it’s Kiko doing the work. Recently, Kiko woke up at about 2 a.m. and couldn’t get back to sleep. While many people may have struggled, tossing and turning, or got up to watch TV or make a sandwich and try to get back to sleep, Kiko did what Kiko does – he went to work. “I did about 65 acres,” Kiko said. “Some days I would go to the farm and have 45 acres done before anybody else got there.” In a time where loyalty to a business is not what it once was as employees seemingly are always looking elsewhere, ready to jump to a new job for any one of several reasons, Kiko’s loyalty

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hasn’t wavered. “They have treated me great, they treat me like family,” he said. “They pay me well too – and I like money.” Kiko is an old-time, and modern day, workaholic. He does it because he enjoys it, because of a two-way street of respect and friendship between himself and the Johnson family, and because it provides for himself and his rather large family over the years; he has 17 children between the ages of 15 and 52. When he’s not working, you might find Kiko at the mall or maybe taking in a movie, but chances are you’ll find him working still, spending weekends mowing lawns and doing other part-time jobs. Kiko’s loyalty is not only verified through the 60 years he’s been a part of the Johnson Farms but also in an accident that took place nearly 50 years ago. During cotton season working on a cotton stripper, Kiko lost two fingers on one hand while stripping cotton. “Most people would have taken disability and gone on to do something different,” Lynn said. “He never stopped working.” “I was pretty scared though,” Kiko remembered. “But I wanted to continue working. I like working here and with them and with (Lynn’s) dad. They have always treated me like family.” Of course, there’s always some fringe benefits when it comes to working at a place where loyalty and hard work are appreciated. Kiko’s been the beneficiary of traveling to the Astrodome and watching the then Houston Oilers play the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s gone deep sea fishing with the Johnsons and has built up a collection of amazing memories. But when asked, the first thing that comes is the pecan and apple pies made by Lynn’s mom. “She would make full meals for everyone,” Lynn said. “She’d make chicken fried steak, hamburgers, green beans, the whole deal. But Kiko’s favorite is pecan pie.”

In 60 years Kiko has seen farm work change from complete physical labor to a technology-filled career. “Kiko is just a wealth of knowledge,” Lynn said. “One of the things I really admired about him is as technology has changed and none of the guys wanted to learn the new things, Kiko did. HE learned the GPS and was willing to learn it all.” “It’s much easier now, driving the tractor with GPS,” said Kiko. “When he first started driving, there were no umbrellas and the tractor was nothing more than a four-row machine. Now the vehicles are much wider, the GPS programs the tractor to virtually drive on its own and the cabs are comfortably kept cool with air conditioning.” “I can take a siesta,” Kiko joked. “No. No siesta.”

“

They have treated me great, they treat me like family. They pay me well too - and I like money. Kiko worked hard on the land from day one and remembers so many years ago when Lynn’s dad approached the 14-year-old and asked him if he thought he could drive the tractor.

Even if he tried to take a siesta, chances are the driving work ethic that first started with his dad on the Johnson farm and carried over to him, it would probably do nothing more than bore him.

“We were chopping wood one day and his daddy asked me that and I said ‘yeah I think so. Just show me how,’ Kiko recalled. “He went with me from one side to the other and then I turned it and went the other way. He said ‘you did it. You made it – now keep going.”

“He has great genetics. He can still physically do the stuff that 50-year-olds can’t do,” Lynn said. “He takes real pride in that. When the hard rain comes in the spring and you have to get on the land, he’ll beat me out there and start organizing the guys.”

Keep going – Kiko’s done exactly that. “I want him to stick around until I retire,” Lynn said. “That’s just in four more years.” Chances are Kiko will do that and, who knows, maybe more. “I like the money,” he said. “And I like to work.” S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

HLB detector dog Zsemir in a young commercial citrus planting in Florida with trainer/handler Gerry Bishop from Coast to Coast K9 Teams

THE CITRUS GREENING HAZARD

COULD THE SOLUTION BE NEAR? BY DEBRA ATLAS

The U.S. citrus industry, valued (according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service) at $3.3 billion, faces perhaps its greatest challenge – devastating pests and diseases. The Asian Citrus Psyllid, which creates a disease-causing bacteria known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, is one of citrus’s most destructive insects. It has infected commercial and residential. citrus trees from Florida to Texas to California. The disease clogs an infected tree’s vascular system, preventing fruit from maturing and eventually killing the tree. Detected in Brazil in 2004, it was discovered in Florida in 2005 and then in South Texas in 2012. The USDA, its state counterparts, and individual growers are now investing over $100 million annually to combat the impact of the psyllid and citrus greening in the United States. Citrus greening has already had a $7.8 billion adverse devastation on the citrus industry. There is no cure for Citrus greening. And trees don’t show signs of infection for three to five years, allowing surrounding trees to become infected as well. But there could be light at the end of the tunnel … In 2013, then U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack 28

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Photos by Tim Gottwald, Courtesy of the USDA

established a new, unified emergency response framework to address HLB. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, state departments of agriculture and the citrus industries in Florida, California, Arizona and Texas formed a Multi-Agency Coordination Group, (HLB MAC group). Its purpose - to create stop-gap measures while giving researchers time to find long-term workable solutions. Researchers are working on numerous projects aimed at identifying and drastically reducing citrus greening’s devastating effects. These efforts focus on early detection, diagnosis and biological and genetic control. One of the most exciting projects is the Canine Early HLB Detection program. In this pilot program, twenty dogs – ages 1 to 3 years – were trained for early HLB detection through a USDA APHIS HLB Mac grant. Dr. Timothy Gottwald, USDA, ARS has worked with the USDA canine detection program for the past 17 years, in collaboration with Coast to Coast K9 Teams, a commercial K9 training company. The initial part of this program was to isolate and identify the volatile compounds associated with

HLB. Then, once researchers did this, the canines were trained to recognize them. The dogs were subsequently field tested in citrus groves, packinghouses and with residential trees. Dr. Gottwald reported that ten trained dogs – German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and a springer spaniel – were each tested against 1,000 trees in randomized field trials in a gridded array containing varying incidents of Citrus greening. The canines identified infected trees by sitting next to them to alert the handler. Those trees could then be removed to help prevent the disease from spreading. The dogs performed with 99.17 percent overall accuracy! Next the dogs were introduced to “real world” tests in Florida and South Texas in a variety of environments. These included residential neighborhoods, mobile home parks, and even a Buddhist monastery. The dogs successfully detected HLB in all these scenarios.

new types of citrus trees and / or adding new root varieties to make trees more resistant to HLB. Additional strategies such as raised beds, mulching, and various planting densities which may promote healthy trees which can thrive in the presence of citrus greening are also being examined.

According to Dr. Mary Palm, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Director of Pest Manage-

HLB detector dog Zsemir searching a mature red grapefruit grove in southern Texas with trainer/ handler Gerry Bishop from Coast to Coast K9 Teams

ment Programs, the idea is to deploy these trained canines over the next two years to various affected states, particularly in Texas and California. Growers will be able to contract through the training company to come to their groves with Citrus Greening detector dogs. Dr. Palm stressed the dogs are not being used for regulatory purposes. Currently, there is only one federally approved regulatory method to confirm the presence of HLB – molecular-based PCR testing (polymerase chain reaction). However other promising tools are being tested. The USDA APHIS Center for Plant Health Science and Technology’s Mission Laboratory in Edinburg has developed and successfully released large numbers of beneficial insects to help control the Asian Citrus Psyllid. In 2010, up to 43 immature psyllids were detected in new leaf growth (flush) in residential citrus, where it is prevalent. Over the five years since biological controls began, the psyllid population has declined. By 2016, only 3.8 immature psyllids per flush were observed – a 91.2 percent drop! Breeding, planting and growing strategies and genetic alteration are also being explored. Researchers are working to develop

HLB detector dog Vera alerting on a dooryard tree

Genetic modification to create HLB resistant citrus trees is being researched. Thermotherapy – treating trees with heat to suppress citrus greening and encourage diseased trees become productive again - is another emerging project. MAC provided funding to help build the first thermotherapy truck. Since then, several producers and a private company have begun investing in their own thermotherapy machines. Technology offers yet another promising tool for growers. For example, a low cost, hand-held smartphone optical sensor (spectrophotometer) for early detection of citrus greening may become useful. These possible solutions are tantalizingly close, particularly the Canine Detection program. It is yet unknown which will be the “silver bullet” citrus growers are seeking. But with the future of citrus fruit and billions of dollars at risk, the stakes for the citrus industry couldn’t be higher. A freelance journalist and professional blogger, Debra Atlas is reachable through www.Envirothink.wordpress.com or debraatlas@gmail.com S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

EST 1965

Leonel R. Garza, the founder of the Muy Grande Deer Contest, is number 3 of 13 children born to Lazaro and Olivia Garza of Benavides, Texas. His parents were migrant workers who worked hard to support their large family by picking cotton in Texas as well as spearmint, double mint, sugar, beets, tomatoes, and cherry trees in Chicago, Missouri, Michigan and Ohio. Leonel married Elda Garcia of Benavides, Texas in 1961 and had 5 daughters in the years to follow. They are Leticia, Nori, Noelia, Elsa, and Imelda. All 5 daughters have contributed many hours & dedication to the family business throughout the years. A deer contest was unheard of in 1965, but Leonel wasn’t one to resist new visions. The very first deer contest began in 1965 in the small South Texas town of Freer located in Duval County. Leonel was the manager of the Center Circle Gas Station at the time. He started it all with one category, “The Widest Spread.” Homero Garza of Freer, TX. won that first year. The deer contest was a great success until the winner requested his prize! Leonel had a problem, he did not have one. Leonel’s only option was to give away his own wristwatch that he had won for selling Goodyear tires. Homero Garza was happy and Leonel’s contest continued. Sports writers continued to publicize news about Leonel and his deer contest. All was well until one reporter noted that it wasn’t a deer contest, it was a “filling-up gas station contest!” Leonel got offended and realized it was time to give his contest a name. After some thought, he created the legendary name “Muy Grande.” He said that South Texas Deer were as wide as the Rio Grande and as big as the state of Texas; therefore, they were MUY GRANDE! Today, the name Muy Grande is known worldwide and the contest is the Grand-Daddy to hundreds of deer contests to be born after. Today, Leonel is known as “Muy” to his friends and the hunting world. The Muy Grande Deer Contest now has approximately 1,900 registered life-time members and 1,000 registered entries each year. There is no doubt that Muy has created a legacy. It is estimated

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that Muy has measured approximately 18,000 heads of deer in his lifetime. Actors, politicians, sports athletes, musicians, and evangelists have all passed through the doors of the Muy Grande still located in Freer, Texas. Only a few celebrities include Nolan Ryan, Josh Beckett, Earl Campbell, the late Slim Pickens, Bob Lilly, James Robison, Ramon Ayala, Roberto & Bobby Pulido, Johnny Canales, Janie Fricke, Carl Malone, Ty & Coy Detmer and George Strait. A wall in the Muy Grande store pays tribute to the countless celebrity faces who have visited throughout the past 5 decades. In the 1980’s, Muy published a book called “The Legend of the Muy Grande.” Later, he videotaped and produced 4 whitetail deer hunting videos called “The Legend of the Muy Grande,” Part I, II, III and Part IV. He has served on past community organizations such as the Freer Lion’s Club, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Freer Sportsman’s Club, and Freer ISD School Board of Trustees. He currently sits on the Duval County Underground Water District Board. In 1973, Leonel “Muy” Garza was named Freer’s Citizen of the Year. In 1995, the city of Freer and Mayor, Arnold Cantu, signed a proclamation recognizing the Muy Grande Deer Contest for its 35th Anniversary. For the 40th Anniversary, June 10th was officially named, “Muy Grande Day” by the Freer City Council and Mayor, Andrea Bierdstedt, in honor of the Awards Banquet Day. Leonel has been honored at the Texas State Capitol 2 times in his life. He was honored by State Representatives, Richard Raymond and Ryan Guillen, and the Texas House of Representatives on the House Floor. He was also recognized twice by State Senator, Judith Zaffirini and the Texas Senate. In 2005, Muy’s daughter, Imelda Garza Sharber, joined forces with Muy just in time for the Muy Grande’s 40th Anniversary. A website was created and new visions began to surface. After much prayer, Kenneth, Imelda’s husband, left his full time job in 2007 and began to work exclusively with the Muy Grande. In late 2008, the Muy Grande opened its doors to a brand new, 5,000 sq ft building. The new store was built on the same location and features a full time restaurant, feed supplies, gasoline, groceries, sporting goods, and

souvenirs. The contest now has 11 Divisions and approximately 137 Categories. Over 200 customized Muy Grande Jackets are given away as prizes every year at the banquet. Special recognition is given to youth hunters, sports writers, land owners, and ranch guides annually at the banquet. Honorable Muy Grande Hunters who have committed to a legacy of developing and enhancing whitetail deer management, wildlife conservation, or been a multiple winner in the deer contest can be inducted into the exclusive Muy Grande Hall of Fame. The Muy Grande realizes that it takes many people to contribute a great deal of time and dedication to a successful hunt. Kenneth & Imelda Sharber, Elda Garza, family members Jorge & Leticia Escobar and friends Clint & Ashly Carpenter also sit on the Non Profit Organization, Muy Grande Ministries, located in Freer, Tx. A 501-C3 status has been given to the organization and a long list of charitable and civic work has been completed with a vision and hope for the opening of a brand new outreach center soon. Such work includes financially supporting the local food bank that distributes food to over 180 families in Freer on a monthly basis, yard clean ups and maintenance for single, widowed, elderly, or disabled community members, back to school back pack & school supply giveaways, turkeys and hams given to disabled or elderly community members, as well as thousands of dollars in scholarship money to selected high school seniors in Freer annually. Bible studies are also conducted on a weekly basis with a free hot meal given to those in attendance.

The owners of the camo line are Kenneth & Imelda Sharber and Leonel & Elda Garza. Kenneth and Imelda are Leonel’s daughter and son in law. They have been married for 18 years and have worked with Muy Grande, Inc since 2005. Kenneth manages the day to day operations at the Muy Grande convenience store in Freer, Texas and Imelda handles a portion of the office work for the store and deer contest. They both work full time for the business and have 1 daughter and 2 sons, Meghan, Riley, and Eric. Leonel Garza is the founder of the Muy Grande Deer Contest and started the business in 1965. He’s been married to Elda Garza for 53 years. Leonel managed the Center Circle Gas Station in Freer, Texas and eventually became the owner. In order to increase sales and attract the deer hunters that flocked to Duval County in the winter months, he started the deer contest. It began with one category, the Widest Spread, which measured the distance between the right and left antlers. The contest was a success and has just celebrated its 52nd Anniversary (PLEASE see attachment of Muy Grande History) Leonel and Elda have 5 daughters, 5 son in laws, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Leonel Garza is the founder of Muy Grande Camo. His inspiration for creating the camouflage line was the beautiful mesquite tree in full bloom with mesquite beans. One day in the spring time, Leonel was taking pictures of the South Texas brush country in Duval County when he captured a picture of a longhorn steer eating the beans off of a mesquite tree. He knew this scene truly captured the rustic appeal of South Texas and should be the pattern for camouflage clothing.

Leonel “Muy” Garza’s creative juices continue to flow and develop, even after 50 years of work. He created a camouflage pattern and patented it. He, along with his wife Elda and Kenneth and Imelda Sharber formed the business, Muy Grande Camo and are soon to embark on another great business adventure. Sample productions are being formulated overseas and the next phase of business in this field is soon to be embarked on. Today, the Muy Grande is grateful for its 50th ANNIVERSARY! With God’s love and faith, a clear mind, and the love and support of family, the Muy Grande will continue as a pioneer of deer contests and legacy to the hunting world.

Q. Who are the owners of the line, and tell us a little about yourselves. Leonel Garza is the founder of Muy Grande Camo.

His inspiration for creating the camouflage line was the beautiful mesquite tree in full bloom with mesquite beans. One day in the spring time, Leonel was taking pictures of the South Texas brush country in Duval County when he captured a picture of a longhorn steer eating the beans off of a mesquite tree. He knew this scene truly captured the rustic appeal of South Texas and should be the pattern for camouflage clothing.

Q. What was your inspiration for starting the camo line?

Declaring that July 22nd, 2017 is claimed in the RGV of Texas as Leonel R. (Muy) Garza Day.

Q. What year did you start this line? Muy Grande Camo began in 2013. Q. Where can people find or purchase products?

Muy Grande Camo can be purchased at the Muy Grande convenient store located in Freer, Texas or online at www.muygrandevillage.com

Q. What are some challenges you have faced while starting the line? The challenges Muy Grande Camo has faced has been finding a printing company with the experience and knowledge to deliver a quality product with appeal and comfort.

Muy Grande Camo differs from other camouflage lines by being the only company with a camo pattern on fabric that resembles a digital print and not a sketch, drawing, or painting on fabric. This effect creates a true representation of the outdoor brush which will camouflage any hunter from its prey.

Q. What is your vision for the line? The vision for Muy Grande Camo is to witness every outdoor sportsman and family wearing our camouflage design in their Search for the Muy Grande.

Q. How does your camo line differ from others?

Our mission in starting this line has been to Be Humble, Be Fair, and to promote whitetail deer hunting in the State of Texas and beyond.

Q. What has been your mission in starting this line?

Q. Whose ideas was it to start the line? It was Leonel Garza’s idea to the start the line.

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

THE UNIQUE JOURNEY OF A SOUTH TEXAS RANCH BROKER BY MICHELLE MARTIN AND SONIA DAUGHERTY-PILAND with excerpts from The Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame Dedication Ceremony.

rom his early childhood and up through college, Campbell Patton was blessed to spend a great deal of time on the Ray Ranch in McMullen County with his great grandfather, Rocky Reagan, Sr. “Mr. Rocky”, as he was known throughout the South west, was a remarkable cowman and a favorite topic of writer J. Frank Dobie. Dobie referred to him in his books as a “top brush hand, authority on outlaw cattle, and refined gentleman cowman”. “When I was in college”, Patton states, “I rode up on a bluff with some friends at the vast Ray Ranch and in a half moon shaped canyon below, we witnessed my 90 year old great grandfather and two of his cowboys gathering some outlaw steers out of a thick expanse of heavy monte. My friends watched his incredible vaquero skills with astonishment. I guess he was my hero. Because of my great-grandfather’s impact on me as a kid, I developed an intense love for the South Texas Brush Country and its rich history”. After completing his education at Texas Military Institute, The University of Texas, and the TCU Rockefeller School of Ranch Management, Patton returned to South Texas. “When I was a student at TCU Ranch Management”, Patton recalls, “we travelled throughout the U.S. looking at ranches, and although I greatly respected ranching, I noted that most of the ranchers were always concerned or complaining about poor cattle prices or surviving another drought, so I opted to enter a career in The Brush Country from a different path”. Right out of college, Patton was hired by Ed Brown, a noted cattleman and President of Brown, Beasley and Associates. Ed Brown and Jake Beasley were getting older and wanted to spend more time on their ranches. Mr. Brown hired Patton as his understudy in South Texas and Don Nunley was hired to cover West Texas. According to Patton, “It was a dream job for a kid who loved the brush country of South Texas”. Ed Brown and his partner Jake Beasley monopolized the Farm and Ranch mortgage lending business from El Paso to Brownsville. Ed Brown was highly respected in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley and Jake Beasley was a legend in ranch trading and brokerageFrom day one, the job demanded long hours, travelling many

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Campbell Patton on South Texas ranching: “It isn’t about the

money, but about family pride and honor that makes ranching thousands of miles and long hours heritage so unique. It is a place appraising ranches and making loans all over South Texas. “In those where a branding iron creates a symbol of family unity and days”, says Patton,” because we pride for generations” were a privately owned company, not subject to banking regulations, my close friend and West Texas counterpart Don Nunley and I did everything involved in making our ranch loans. Because of the lack of red tape, it wasn’t uncommon to make 45 million or more in loans a year virtually over the hood of our scratched up suburbans. In the 1980s, that was a lot of ranchland and it really gave me a great competitive knowledge of many, many large ranches in the brush country and farms in The Rio Grande Valley. I got thrown in the fire early, when, in one of my first weeks on the job, a well known former Texas Governor decided to run for President. He comes in with his son (who was a very close college friend of mine) and tells us he needs a ten million dollar loan secured by ranches all over Wilson County”, “but the loan had to be closed in ten days so he could timely submit the required financial information for his Presidential run. I worked day and night on looking the ranches over, appraising them, applications, and all of the closing matters, but the tight deadline was amazingly met”. Fast forward about 38 years and bankers would now say, “those were the days”. In 1980, Campbell and Lindy Patton moved to McAllen to better serve customers in the South Texas Brush Country and The Rio Grande Valley. “When we first arrived”, recalls Patton, “ I was blessed to spend quite a bit of time with longtime Brown and Beasley customers like Lloyd Bentsen, Sr., Vannie Cook, Jr., Othal Brand and some of the top farm, produce, and ranch operators around. Thanks to their generous efforts, I really got a crash course on the valley and surrounding ranchlands. I was able to learn a lot of unique things from them and they opened a lot of doors for me. Along the way, many area ranchers and farmers like Jack Scoggins, Jim McAllen, Tommy Funk, Fred Rhodes, and Stormy and Reagan Stone also became close friends of mine and helped me immeasurably”. After a while and under the tutelage of Jake Beasley, Patton

began to sell ranches. He could not loan on what he sold, but the unique knowledge of many ranches and the Brown and Beasley connections, he says “were of great value. I guess selling large ranches was a natural fit for me and I am so grateful to God for steering me in that direction”. Within a few years (or less) Patton became the leading ranch broker in South Texas which he claims has been a blessed career filled with rare characters ranging from “salt of the earth” ranchers to Americas wealthiest investors. “I have been blessed to make many lasting friendships in a world I really love” says Patton. Patton is often asked what the favorite ranch he ever sold was, and he says the answer is impossible because there are so many with qualities unique to that ranch. But when pressed, he states “that it would probably be the 7,000 acre Los Jaboncillos Ranch north of Premont, which he sold three or four times, Bud Payne’s Ball Ranch inside the King Ranch, or Wyatt Ranches Ramadero Ranch in Starr County. Another ranch he says he fell in love with was The La Puerta de Aqua Dulce Ranch north of Kingsville which he sold for the great grandson of Captain Richard King. The majestic antebellum headquarters mansion and surrounding 40,000 acres was a wedding gift from Captain King to his son Richard Jr. in 1883. Captain King’s riverboat bell was mounted on the front porch. “What made the ranch especially unique”, according to Patton, “besides its beauty and miles of creeks, was that it was the site of the never before explored Battle of Aqua Dulce during the Texas Revolution and it included the ownership of Captain King’s original cattle brand, the HK, designed from the initials of his wife, Henrietta King. Captain King used the brand before his King Ranch’s Running W. I showed that gorgeous ranch to several of America’s wealthiest investors before I sold it to a Louisiana Oilman with ties to South Texas”. Patton recounts many stories through the years that are as epic as the characters involved. He recalls the time he had Governor Dolph Briscoe’s 16,000 acre Valdina Farms listed. The ranch had an incredible sprawling hacienda literally on the edge of the Edwards Escarpment where South Texas and The Texas Hill Country met. “The view looking south off of the porch”, Patton states “seemed to overlook the entire world”. Patton chuckles as he recalls Governor Briscoe calling him one afternoon at his McAllen office and the Governor says, “Campbell, who are you showing the ranch to this week?”. I told him” it was some thoroughbred breeder from Florida who supposedly dates Elizabeth Taylor”. Governor Briscoe’s immediate and enthusiastic reply in a raised voice was: “ I GUESS HE IS IN THE THOROUGHBRED BUSINESS!!!!”. Patton says people in the younger generation probably won’t appreciate that remark, but he sure knew what Elizabeth Taylor meant to the Governor’s generation. Among Patton’s favorite clients in his early career was Nolan Ryan to whom and for whom Patton sold many ranches including the 15,000 acre Ray Ranch where Patton spent much of his childhood. According to Patton, “that ranch has been the crown jewel of Nolan’s ranches. It’s a South Texas brush country ranch in McMullen County but the Nueces River runs through it with a gravel river bottom that makes the water clear like the Texas Hill Country. I definitely would call that one of my favorite ranches”. Over the years, Nolan and Ruth have become cherished friends of the Pattons and “a source of encouragement, great example of integrity, and source of many enjoyable times”, says Patton, “from the Rangers dugout and throughout many colorful land trades”. As a token of their friendship, framed on Patton’s office

wall, is a gift he received from Nolan last year which was Nolan’s worn out, stained, leather brief case with the N.R. initials on the front. In Nolan’s accompanying letter to Patton, Ryan describes it as one of his prized possessions he carried for over 25 through many of their land dealings and wanted Patton to have it as a token of their long friendship. At age 63, Patton is still going strong. Instead of one scratched up suburban he now has two (one on standby), which have extensive South Texas pinstripes created from miles over ranch roads that aren’t often travelled. Although he keeps a low profile, he has been the topic of the cover of the Corpus Christi Caller article “Adios Paisano, the Story of a unique ranch sale Patton made to Brad Kelly, Americas second largest landowner. In the

corner of his office behind a bunch of maps, is a San Antonio Express cover story about Patton and his sales success entitled “Million Dollar Beauties”. The San Antonio Express article describes Campbell Patton as “easily the state’s most knowledgeable and successful broker of large South Texas Ranches”. Patton’s sales are approaching 300 significant ranch sales and 500,000 acres in South Texas and The Rio Grande Valley alone. That is well over half the size of Rhode Island. That doesn’t include a couple of hundred thousand acres where he served as a consultant to the sellers. The late Nardie Vine, one of Texas most noted ranch appraisers, was of record stating “a lot of brokers can sell a ranch by accident, but damn few like Campbell Patton can sell them on purpose”. Patton’s ranch sales booklets he prepares include many unique features like the history of the respective ranch back to the Spanish and Mexican land grants and are truly a work of art and knowledge of South Texas. The booklets have become collectibles for many, and have received much acclaim. Those have led to many high profile transactions like “The Savior Of The Alamo”, Clara Driscoll’s 50,000 acres, he sold for the Driscoll Foundation to billionaire oil man Jeff Hildebrand, or the 30,000 acre J.F. Welder Heirs ranch in Duval County where his brochure was a lesson in history dating back to the Wool Trading King of South Texas. Perhaps one of the most interesting was the brochure of the historic Gray Ranch, owned by Buddy Temple (whom Texas Monthly called the King Of The Forrest), which Patton recently sold for the Temple family. While he and Lindy are entertaining their grandkids on a Sunday afternoon, it is not uncommon for him to be getting calls from S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

client friends from all over the country. Whether it is a European prince, the President of Goldman Sachs, Philadelphia billionaire Al West, or a small landowner friend from Rio Grande City, he treats everyone with the same respect and valued friendship. “Basically, honesty and trust is essential in my business to survive over the long haul” says Patton. From his office in the Rio Grande Valley, according to the San Antonio Express, Patton has been hands down the leading broker of large ranches in South Texas since 1981. In addition, Patton has continued to appraise ranches as a State Certified Appraiser and his appraisal expertise has contributed to several “landmark” Federal and State District court decisions or resolutions to cases, primarily involving “damages to the remainder” in high profile eminent domain cases. “ I really don’t have the time do as many appraisals as I would like”, but he says “it is hard to stand by and watch a rancher taken advantage of when a big utility company tries to test his smaller pocketbook with slick or unfounded appraisal methods”. As a sideline to his ranch brokerage business, Patton was recognized by his community for his efforts in developing restricted subdivisions which were cornerstones of Palmhurst, Texas as it became one of the valley’s fasted growing communities. He gives most of the credit for another venture, Texas Steak Partners, to his brother in law, Tim Honeycutt, when they as partners, developed one of the region’s most successful steak franchises with restaurants in McAllen, Harlingen, and Brownsville. At the time they sold out, the McAllen store was ranked #1 and Brownsville #3 in the nationwide chain. The success of the venture attracted many restaurant franchises to the Rio Grande Valley. With a client list of rich and famous, Patton is known for never letting someone’s notoriety supersede the needs of the smallest landowner for whom he frequently helps for free. could not always do that or I would have gone broke”, Patton says, “but I like to be controlled by the need for help, rather than the money. When I conduct business like that, things just seem to work out in life”. Patton states that among his most valued clients “are valley families wanting to continue their multigenerational ranching heritage in South Texas and The Rio Grande Valley. In his words, “’it isn’t about money, but about family pride and honor that makes ranching heritage so unique. It is a place where a branding iron creates a symbol of family unity and pride for generations”. “As my career has ripened” , Patton emphasizes he has found it very rewarding to deal with the many innovative farm and ranch operators always “looking for a new way to improve the efficiency of their operations by thinking outside the box. Landowners like Jack Scoggins, Jim McAllen, the Stone Brothers, Tommy Funk, Betty Bentsen Winn, Dr. Gary Schwarz, Brad Wyatt, Reavis Farms, the Schuster families, and so many others whom he states he considers more than just good friends, but highly respects their ongoing contributions to the ranching traditions and heritage of the South Texas. It is also very satisfying”, says Patton, “to watch big farm and ranch operators like my friends Jack Scoggins, Bud Payne, and Brad Wyatt” who Patton says “create pride amongst their large employee families by treating every single employee as if they were the most valued horse in the remuda. It isn’t for show, they mean it. Watching things like that is a rare benefit of a career like mine, so far from the entanglements of the Corporate World”. Every step of the way, the Pattons have given back to the community which they

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believe has been so good to their family. Patton has served on many Boards ranging from Chairman of the Museum of South Texas, the Board of Valley Baptist Hospital, a Director of McAllen National Bank, a deacon and fundraising chairman for his church, a Sunday school teacher for high school youth, and has spent countless hours in his home personally tutoring Sharyland students to help them achieve. The Pattons have personally acquired multiple properties for, and donated the funds to help construct Spanish Speaking churches in underserved areas of the Rio Grande Valley. Lindy Patton has a Masters Degree from TCU in Speech Pathology. She retired from serving the Sharyland to San Isidro area Speech Therapy needs in order to dedicate her efforts to the care of Hunter, their special needs son. According to Campbell, “she dedicates countless hours to fundraising for CAMP University as she loves the cause of helping mentally or physically challenged young adults reach their maximum potential”.

According to Patton, “we started with nothing but a $250.00 loan. Nothing was handed to us. We faced a lot of adversity when our son Hunter was severely brain injured in a tragic accident at six months of age. My wife, for 38 years has been a rock for our kids and a blessing to come home to after long days in the saddle (or should I say the suburban). During our time here, we are so grateful to the Rio Grande Valley for opportunities unique in America. We have tried to repay that with service to our community and instill that obligation in our children”. The Patton’s raised three daughters in Sharyland that graduated from Baylor University and all of whom have Masters Degrees in Speech Pathology; Patricia Patton Reavis (husband Wayne Reavis), Faith Patton Stouffer (husband Blake Stouffer), Catherine Patton Smith (husband Drew Smith), a son Hunter, and five grandchildren. Campbell Patton is honored by one grandson being named Campbell and one being named Patton. In 2017, at Borderfest, Campbell Patton was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley “Walk of Fame” by the Rio Grande Valley Chambers of Commerce. The award recognized and celebrates the life achievements and significant contributions of the outstanding men and women to communities in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. According to the Pattons, “we aren’t deserving. We travel under the radar but are really grateful to be honored by the community to whom they owe so much. I would not trade my career for anything” says Patton. “It is great to wake up each morning when you know that God has directed your life’s path, through trials, adversities, through thousands of lonely miles over ranch roads, through the beautiful smell of a coma thicket in bloom, or the lonesome howl of a distant coyote, Gods majesty is all around us!”Our family is so very grateful to the friends in the valley we have made, and “who have constantly been there for us on an incredible journey”.

CHAPA FARMS

BY AISHA CRUZ-REYES

r. Frank Chapa has been in love with ranch ing all his life. He was just a small boy, but he remembers the feeling he had when he would help his father on the family ranch. Then, at 14 years old, that all changed when his father passed away and Frank Chapa became the head of the family. In order to settle debts and take care of his mother and his family, all livestock, equipment, the land all had to be sold. However, young Mr. Chapa knew in his heart that one day he would live his and his father’s dream again. Now with a wife, Elizabeth, and two sons Frank Jr. and Willie, Mr. Chapa has acquired 200 acres in Garciasville in Starr County from which he has started re-building his childhood vision. He focuses on raising quality Beefmasters for breeding and his goal is, “having the reputation of providing the best quality Beefmaster in this area.” Family involvement is important to the success of the Chapa Farms, as is the basic step of setting goals. Their method for attaining their goal is to each excel at their individual roles in the operation and to communicate. He also credits the help that he received from USDA as a major reason for his success in developing his family’s ranch and achieving his goals and overcoming all the obstacles he faced. Early on, Chapa visited with their local NRCS officers to create a conservation plan that included cross fencing and a cistern. Then, when the opportunity arose to purchase neighboring land, the Chapa Farms grew to 600 acres with the assistance of an FSA Ownership Loan. Again, NRCS created a conservation

plan that incorporated the new acreage and resulted in ten 43 acres tracts. The divided pastures facilitate intensive grazing to maximize nutritional value and growth. Other conservation practices included water wells and another water trough. Without the partnership with and the commitment from USDA, Frank believes his ranch would have failed in the tough years. Instead, his revenues have increased as he’s been able to manage is herds at optimal levels. The use of USDA programs can greatly improve the success rate of ranchers and farmers, improves the land and other natural resources, and results in better quality agricultural products. He attests he will forever be an advocate of the programs provided by USDA and plans on seeing about another purchase of ranch lands and more conservation practices. Frank and his sons are also regular faces at local outreach events. Those events, sponsored by various agriculture organizations including Texas/Mexico Border Coalition, have helped him to garner a deep understanding of USDA programs, processes, and benefits. In addition to the information and updates, the outreach events are an opportunity to network with specialists and agency officials as well as other producers. An additional value is the morale-boost achieved when the producers’ concerns are being heard and acted upon by local USDA offices. Mr. Chapa is involved in multiple projects including being a member of the Beef Masters United since 2003, Rio Grande Valley Beef Masters Association since 2013 and organizing and serving as Vice President of Rio Grande Valley Beef Masters Sales organization since 2014. The long-term plan for Chapa Farms is continued operation and even growth. More importantly, Frank Chapa will still be producing quality Beefmaster products with his family – realizing a life that nearly alluded him all those years ago. S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

LL YAYouth Agriculture Lifetime Leadership PROGRAM Tell us a little about YALL. Roy Walston, County Extension Agent in Kerr County deserves the credit as it was his idea and forward thinking that got this off the ground. He asked a few of us fellow agents what we thought and we all agreed this was something that was needed and could really benefit youth in agriculture. The main goals we had include: a. Introduce youth to commercial agriculture production b. Learn about technology and its role in agriculture c. Be advocates for the industry by having a deeper appreciation for food and fiber production d. Introduce youth to various colleges and career opportunities e. Enhance their leadership skills

ated with agriculture and the magnitude of the industry in Texas. These opportunities will only continue to be available through the generous support of sponsors that allow us to offer such a unique experience. It costs about $20,000 annually to make this work.

What does YALL stand for? Youth Agriculture Lifetime Leadership Program

What year did YALL start? 2015

Who started YALL? Roy Walston, Micah Walker, Sam Silvers, Sam Womble

What is your vision for YALL? Continue to offer youth an opportunity to explore ag production on a large scale and explore different parts of Texas. Also, to have a better understanding of the many job opportunities affili-

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What do you think students gain from being part of YALL? Deeper appreciation for the men and women who have a part in producing an agricultural commodity that many of us enjoy on a daily basis. I hope they also learn to separate fact from fiction and will stand up and advocate for agriculture. They learn how complex it is and the challenges associated with things outside your control like weather, market/commodity price fluctuations, ectâ&#x20AC;Ś

Where can we find more information on YALL? Visit us on facebook

Who can join YALL?

The YALL Program is open to 10-12th grade youth in Central and South Texas interested in learning about agriculture production and enhancing their leadership skills.

Tell us a little about where you take the organization and what are some things that are learned there? In 2015 and 2016 we traveled to West Texas, High Plains and the Texas Panhandle. We had stops at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M and Angelo State University. We learned about row crop production, plant breeding, irrigation technology, fed cattle, dairy industry, reproduction technology to include cloning, progressive beef seedstock and equine operations, and wool and mohair production to name a few.

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Valley Native attends national conference Kenneth Miller wants to return to his family’s farm one day and, in the long run, for that farm to be handed down to him. A recent conference he was chosen to attend helped him map the way to go back. The New Century Farmer conference, held July 16-22 in Des Moines, Iowa “helps students develop their careers in production agriculture by providing them with an opportunity to advance their: entrepreneurial leadership, practical knowledge, visioning, global perspective and continuous personal growth,” according to the website ffa.org. One of the key areas of discussion during the five-day conference was on succession planning; the process for identifying and developing new leaders who can replace the previous leaders when they leave, retire or die. In the case of farming, succession planning is, more often than not, handing the farm down to the owners’ child, or children. Of course, with more than one sibling, the dividing up of responsibilities, assets and everything else included can be contentious. The conference tried to shed light on how to ease any possible tensions and make the transition smooth. “You need to get everything in writing before people pass away or a divorce happens,” Miller said. “Everything needs to be planned out. Kids are ready to go back to the farm or have been working on wages and a promise that they will get the farms. Sometimes they have to wait because their parents live to be 90 and still working or there has been a divorce and other people get involved. So putting it all in writing will keep the transition clear.” Miller, a Los Fresnos High School graduate and currently a sophomore studying Ag Business at Texas A&M, said he wants to return to the family farm and run it one day. His parents, however, gave him some advice as well – go work for someone else first. “They have an unwritten rule to get my feet wet for five years and work for somebody else, whether it’s doing agronomist work or whatever.” Kenneth’s dad is a third-generation farmer, so keeping the farm in the family is a big deal. The Millers have grown cotton, sorghum and corn but their key crops recently have been organic vegetables. Something else that the succession farming topic focused on was preparing to take over the farm and Miller found one piece of advice exceptionally helpful. “They showed us how

to transition if you were going to eventually be the boss and one of those things was to talk a little more serious with the other guys you work with – you want them to take you more seriously,” Miller said. “You have to handle your parents and the people you work with.” The conference chose only 50 people to attend the conference, but they came from all areas of agriculture. Miller’s roommate was a farmer from Montana. “He lived on a 25,000 acre ranch with 800 momma cows,” Miller said. “The things he told me were news to me, like how much hay they needed to feed all those cows and what type of winters they had.” Miller said the conference also helped open his eyes to things that prior to the conference were nothing but an afterthought. “Things like how am I going to buy a tractor or trucks, they laid those things right out in front of us,” Miller said. “They showed us how to apply for loans and what you need to do to get accepted even if you are just starting and have no capital or assets. They gave us all the paperwork and gave us cash flow charts. It was really helpful.” Along with the speakers, the conference attendees were able to tour facilities and greenhouses, visited labs where new seeds were created and went to a corporate farm, whose owner started a small-scale farm but then started looking for investors. Miller also learned more about precision farming, a crop specific type of farming that uses high technology, satellite images and remote sensing data. The goal, according to earthobservatory. nasa.gov is “to improve farmers’ profits and harvest yields while reducing the negative impacts of farming on the environment that come from over-application of chemicals.” “I’d like to learn more about that,” Miller said. “I’d like to do an internship or something with it and bring that knowledge back to the farm and I’d like to implement some of those ideas.” S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

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Learning to DO Doing to LEARN Earning to LIVE Living to SERVE BY JOHN RYAN

When I was in junior high, my world revolved around playing the trumpet in the school’s band program, and making A’s in my classes. I was content with being an introvert, and shying away from any challenges that came my way. However, all of this changed when I took my first Ag Science class during my freshman year of high school. My Ag teacher, Mr. Barrientes (Mr. B), asked me to participate in a FFA contest called “Greenhand Skills Demonstration”. At that time I had no idea what this event consisted of, nor the impact it would have on my life. At first I was skeptical, but I knew I could trust Mr. B. We trained consistently for our district and area contests that year. We earned first place at both events, and qualified for the state contest. On December 7th, 2013, not only did my team and I walk away with a 4th place state banner, but we walked away knowing that we could accomplish anything we would set our minds too. This December will mark four years since that day that changed my life forever. Since then, I have been positively influenced by the FFA officers, members, and Ag teachers that I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from. I fell in love with each of their stories, and eventually, I found myself being called to serve them as an officer in the FFA.

This year I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve as a Texas FFA State Officer. I plan to use my year in state office to advocate for the importance of agriculture and agricultural education. This community of ours has truly made a profound impact on my life, and I can’t help but express my sincere gratitude towards everything it has provided for me. The FFA motto states, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” My focus this year is to serve the youth Texas, and guide them towards living a life of purpose. When I think of FFA’s involvement in the youth of the agricultural community, four virtues come to mind - leadership, selfless-service, hard work, and respect. As a state officer I plan to continue this tradition of excellence, and help the 119,000 members of Texas FFA reach their fullest potential.

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

A Life of Adventure on the Texas Frontier BY KATHRYN BRADY

I recently had the privilege to hear historian and author, Dr. Paula Mitchell Marks speak about one of the first Texas families, the Mavericks, and more specifically about wife and mother, Mary Adams Maverick. This inspired me to read the book that Dr.Mitchell-Marks wrote entitled “Turn Your Eyes Toward Texas” and the diary written by Mary Adams Maverick and compiled by her granddaughter, Rena Maverick from a collection of letters, journals and memoirs; entitled: “Memoirs of Mary A. Maverick: A Journal of Early Texas”. Reading these accounts and was like taking a step back in time to early Texas. Mary Ann Adams was born in Alabama on March 1818 and married Samuel Augustus Maverick of South Carolina in August 1836 also in Alabama. And within a short year after their wedding day, they left for Texas. Mary travelled across the South with a new husband and a new baby. Mary began to chronicle the life and times of the Maverick family in those early days of Texas, at the time, probably not realizing the significance of the history that she was recording. It was important to Mrs. Maverick to be the family record keeper (the first pages of her memoir are filled with the lineage and ancestry of both her family and Samuel’s family), she wanted future generations to feel connected with past generations. She originally had six copies printed and distributed to family members, never intending for her account to be available for the whole world to read. But granddaughter, Rena Green Maverick, recognized their worth and took it upon herself to publish the manuscript in 1921. Because many of these books and chronicles come from Mary’s exact account, one can assume that they are not embellished, but were reported as she thought, heard saw and experienced the “daily struggles and uncertainties faced by those making their home in the “wilderness”. According to many accounts, Mary A. Maverick was “the first female of United States origin to settle in San Antonio” as many of the other Anglos in San Antonio in the mid-1830’s were “male adventurers drawn by land speculation and trade with Mexico.” Mary A. Maverick was a brave, steadfast woman of character, who faced many challenges and hardships common in frontier Texas. She endured them all (even at times alone as her husband travelled) with fortitude through faith in God. Although most of her married life, Samuel Maverick was away from home, serving in the legisla48

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ture in Austin or roving to find new trade routes with Jack C. Hays or looking for more land to purchase, Mary, loved and honored her husband and saw her role as any traditional woman would have in this time. She kept the “home fires burning” and saw the spiritual and educational growth of her children as well as the communities in which she lived. On New Year’s Day 1838 the young Maverick family crossed the Sabine into Texas after travelling for nearly a month “with no real adventure or misfortune.” However, the weather was cold and damp and many times along the way they had to stop because of needing to give the roads time to dry out and a few times they were bogged down in swampy areas. Even though, they had crossed into Texas, they still had many miles to go before arriving in San Antonio. They travelled on the “sparsely settled” area of Texas through “Washington and high up on the Brazos.” Then the real adventure began. Just outside of Victoria a wagon wheel broke and Mr. Maverick “went to Goliad to have it mended” which failed, so they “mended it as best they could with rawhide” and false spokes. The first introduction to frontier life happened along the way to San Antonio when a party of Tonkawa Indians rode up

beside the Maverick party. Mary records that the Tonkawa braves seemed “interested in two things - the party’s horses and Samuel and Mary’s one-year old son, Sammy.” The Indians continued to ride along with the Mavericks, but finally by around mid-night, they began to drop off one by one and by morning when the Mavericks awoke all the Indians were gone. Mary, not having much knowledge of Indians, but having heard many stories, was convinced that the Tonkawas would steal the horses, eat baby Sammy and kill the rest of the party. But after this incident the Maverick clan continued onto to San Antonio along the San Antonio River. Mary Maverick records that they “passed many ranchos owned by various well-established Mexican Texans.” Finally, on June 15, 1838, the family arrived at what would become their home. When many of the Anglo-American travelers arrived in San Antonio they would typically pause at a distance to gaze and “admire the town rising like an oasis from the valley floor”. To most, like the Mavericks, it seemed like a town that you would come across in Europe like “the dilapidated cities of old Spain.” The Mavericks spent a few years in San Antonio, raising their growing family, but had to flee in a hurry later due the threat from the Mexican government to re-establish itself. The family was uprooted and moved to La Grange where they stayed for a short time, but felt like there was too much “dampness in the air” that led to disease, so they picked up and moved again to land that Samuel Maverick owned on Matagorda Island. The years on Matagorda Island were happy ones, they made many friends and established a church. But because Mr. Maverick was always travelling to San Antonio to look over his other lands and to Austin to serve in the legislature; the family picked up and moved again; back to San Antonio. Mary Maverick did not seem all too happy about the move, but as was her character, she expressed some optimism toward the future; writing in her diary “I felt really sad to leave the place that has been a home for three years. We leave behind a delightful summer house, fine gardening soil, fish and the sea breeze. But we will surely find something in exchange in that earthly Eden, Bejar.” So, San Antonio and the surrounding country-side became their home. Here they continued to raise their ever-growing family, made friends, bought more land, buried children, fought off Comanches, disease and bandits. Mary Maverick spent much of her and Samuel’s married life without him, as he was often speculating for more land, surveying and exploring more roads and trade routes and serving in the Texas legislature, he also spent months at a time travelling back to South Carolina to take care of lands and accounts for his father. Mary called these times when her husband was away “terribly anxious days”, not knowing where her wide-ranging husband was or if he was safe. During part of their time in La Grange, Mary was terribly worried about Mr. Maverick as he had returned to San Antonio to help fight the Mexican soldiers out of Texas, but was captured and taken prisoner and hauled all the way to Mexico City. She witnessed many settlers being captured by Comanches and a few Indian raids. But the most trying of all the hardships of frontier

life was the untimely death of three of their children. Her first two daughters died merely one year apart and then the following year another son was born, but died only days after birth. The constant reminder of the lack of control and the briefness of life, took a toll on both Mary and Samuel. Samuel found solace going on more of his adventures ranging throughout the wild countryside of Texas, while Mary found comfort in the word of God, tending to her other children and seeking knowledge in the art of medicinal herbs. As the Mavericks continued to have more children, they found it grim to name the newest editions as they didn’t want to become too attached. Mary usually showed much fortitude despite her circumstances and rarely displayed much emotion of the distresses and worries that life had put her through, but one time after their sixth son was born many reports were coming in about Indian raids as families were seeking refuge in San Antonio, Mary wrote to her husband, pleading for him to come home and bring their oldest sons home too, “You cannot know how many and atrocious the murders and depredations of the Indians have been.” She insisted that she would “joyfully give all ranches and all stock in creation” to see the three of them alive and well at home once more. Concluding, “Oh come, I am alone and sick and God only knows how weary with expecting and miserable with disappointment.” Dr. Mitchell-Marks reports that “after more than sixteen years in Texas, Mary Maverick was still facing the same uncertainties she had to face when her husband rode out of San Antonio in the late 1830’s.” But this desperation was rare in the spirit of Mary Maverick she was usually led by a strength of character that was spurred on by her spiritual journey and she was known as woman of faith and fortitude. On her death bed, she quoted Isaiah 40:31: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Mary Maverick renewed her own strength again and again under adverse circumstances and lived to see her family flourish as well as to see her city and state flourish. Mary A. Maverick wife of Samuel A. Maverick, “served in no state legislatures and made no trips of exploration, but she, too, contributed to the development of Texas through her perseverance in turning her eyes toward Bexar, through her church, civic work and raising a family whose descendants remain influential in San Antonio and Texas affairs to this day”, reports Mitchell Marks. It has been said that perhaps in the future, historians will find “more importance in Samuel A. Maverick’s wife’s story - of her “traditional life at home”, of her struggles, and her contribution to the community and domestic aspects of early Texas - than of “her husband’s empire building.” “We find ourselves a family of adventurers, as far west as it is possible for Americans to go under the present circumstances.” Mary Adams Maverick in a letter to her mother, August 25, 1838 Bibliography Marks Mitchell, P. (1999). Turn Your Eyes Toward Texas:

Pioneers San and Mary Maverick. College Station: Texas A&M Univeristy Press. Maverick, M. A. (1989). Memoirs of Mary A. Maverick: A Journal of Early Texas. Maverick Publishing Company.

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Labor Day

Sept 5, 2017

RGV District Meeting

Location: RGVLS Time 10am

Sept 9, 2017

Oct 2, 2017

Location: Pioneer

Sept 12, 2017

Area X Advisory Committee Meeting

Area X Greenhand camp Location: RGVLS

Oct 7, 2017

La Muneca Field Day

Location: Robstown

La MuÃ±eca Time 8am

Sept 19, 2017

Oct 14, 2017

Hog Tags are due to David Vela Location: TBA

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Plant & Land ID Contest

Weslaco 5:30pm

STAR Steer Validation

Sept 19, 2017

Rattler Diamond Back Showdown Location: RGVLS

H Calendar DA R

O F

AC T I V I T I E S

Sponsored by:

Sept 6, 2017

Swine Validation Tag Orders/Payment Due Extension Office 5pm

Sept 9, 2017

STAR Steer Validation

Pioneer HS 8am

Sept 23, 2017

Achievement Night RGVLS Event Center 6pm

Sept 26, 2017

County Council Meeting Extension Office 7pm

Sept 29, 2017

Robotics Training (Adult Leaders/ Volunteers)

Weslaco Research Center 8am

Sept 30, 2017

Horticulture Workshop Weslaco Research Center 9:30-11am

Oct 7, 2017

La Muñeca Field Day La Muñeca Ranch All Day

Oct 8, 2017

One Day 4-H Project Yaqui Animal Rescue 8am

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

In Praise of Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board

BY NORA GARZA Reprint from Rio Grande Guardian

The staff for the Harlingen regional office of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is staffed by, standing, left to right: Fidencio Mesa, planner; Ronnie Ramirez, conservation planner 1; and Ricardo Chapa, manager; sitting, Laura Gonzalez, administrative assistant.

Scorching summer temperatures make me feel as if I’m 2 degrees away from withering up, much like what happened to my once lush green lawn. Since I take water conservation seriously, my grass is on its own. I have other things to worry about. On the other hand, it’s Ricardo Chapa’s job to think about vegetation, soil and water every day. Chapa is the manager for the Harlingen Regional office of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.

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The board is the state agency that administers the state’s soil and water conservation laws and coordinates the planning and management of conservation and nonpoint source water pollution prevention and abatement programs. “Nonpoint source” refers to rainwater moving over and through the ground, picking up and carrying natural and man-made pollutants into water sources. The conservation board also offers technical assistance for the state’s 216 Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Just as the Dust Bowl was winding down in 1939, the Texas Legislation created the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. The panhandle of Texas was caught in the heart of the Dust Bowl, and most of the northern half of the state suffered damage. In 1934, during what is considered one of the worst drought years on record, Congress declared soil erosion “a national menace.” According to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board Website, www.tsswcb. texas.gov, water has become the most limiting natural resource in Texas. The

state’s economy and continued growth depend on the availability of water now and for the future. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board maintains six regional offices and is governed by a seven-member State Board. The Harlingen office covers a 21-county area in the Southernmost tip of Texas and is staffed by Chapa; Fidencio Mesa, planner; Ronnie Ramirez, conservation planner 1; and Laura Gonzalez, administrative assistant.

spent is optimized and the project outcome will be successful. For instance, if an ag producer requests a pipeline, the land must be level, Chapa said. Land owners can apply to be reimbursed for the cost of leveling and for incorporating conservation practices. These cost share projects are effective, Chapa said.

for wildlife. The soil and water conservation board partners with the Natural Resource Conservation Service of the U.S.D.A. and follows the national practice standards for range and pasture land, Chapa said. The conservation board recently participated in a program to enhance and restore habitats for the Monarch Butterfly

“Our conservation story is a success story,” Chapa said. “Doing conservation practices 100 percent guarantees it will enhance the project. It will enhance water quality and reduce erosion – either soil or wind erosion.” The kind of technical assistance and advice the soil and water conservation board offers to ag producers, include brush management, grass and range planting, water troughs, livestock pipelines, irrigation pipeline, cross fencing, wildlife management and ground leveling. The conservation board works closely with Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Districts and assists with financial and program matters, and administers grants.

In the background are bales of hay harvested from a field that was once brushland. The land was cleared and planted with grass in a project through the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.

“When ag producers follow their management plan, it works,” Chapa said.

and is involved in the Rio Grande Carrizo Cane Eradication Program.

Brush management also improves water quality and quantity, Chapa said, adding

While the conservation board is celebrating its 75th anniversary, the agency has kept up with technology. Satellite equipment mounted on a utility vehicle is used to perform land surveys, replacing stakes from years past. This is an example of precision ag, such as moisture meters, Chapa said. Editor’s Note: This column is part of an occasional series on water issues by Nora N. Garza, customer service coordinator for North Alamo Water Supply Corporation. Garza says that in the U.S., citizens seldom give water much thought after they turn off the tap or the shower. In her series, Garza navigates the myriad of agencies and organizations that regulate, protect and preserve our water sources.

Ricardo Chapa, manager of the Harlingen regional office of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, stands by a project in northwest Cameron County. On the left is a field cleared and planted with grass. It once was covered with brush like the land on his left.

“We help everyone who walks in the door,” Chapa said. “We work for the state. We work for the tax payer.” Chapa said individualized water quality management plans are developed for each land owner to ensure every dollar

brush takes up a lot of water. Cattle producers remove brush and replant with grass for grazing. Grass purifies water, takes in some nutrients, keeping them from running off into the Laguna Madre. Since grass can’t grow under a canopy, some people clear in strips to leave brush S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Remember to thank a farmer

BY PATRICK DUDLEY

s Coordinator overseeing numerous agricultural commodity boards and pro ducer relations, I am blessed to be able to interact with farmers and ranchers all across the state. One thing I love about my job is being able to see firsthand how diverse the Texas agriculture industry is. Every day I am reminded of how great our producers are, and that our agriculture industry is one of the most diversified in the world.

Each region of Texas gives us something unique to be proud of, and contributes to the 115 billion dollar industry we call agriculture. With each journey, my appreciation for our industry grows. As the total solar eclipse cast its shadow across much of the U.S., I found myself bound towards Lubbock, primarily for the Texas Corn Producers Board meeting. You have heard the saying, “Texas, it’s like a whole other country.” Truer words have never been spoken. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen kicks off the nation’s cotton season with selling the first bale of cotton; a proud tradition of more than 63 years!

However, while the Valley is busy harvesting cotton, in the High Plains of Texas it is just now flowering. For each of my trips across this state, I try to hit as many birds with one stone. I at least try to get a skillet shot. This trip, the first bird down was the Texas Peanut Producers. As the number two producer of peanuts in the nation, their trip to China in September will be an opportunity to expand into world markets. While I look forward to the next couple of days with our state’s corn producers; I plan to catch up with our cotton and sorghum growers, too. While I may have started my week focused on corn, my journey will end 500 miles away in rice country. Ranking sixth in the nation in production, families in the Coastal Bend of Texas have been producing rice for generations.

As vast and diverse as the regions of Texas are, each stays bound by a rich agricultural heritage generations in the making. So whether you are cracking into a bag peanuts at a baseball game or throwing on your favorite pair of jeans, remember to thank a farmer!

Patrick Dudley is your producer relations liaison for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Give him a shout at 512-787-9966 or send a message to

Patrick.Dudley@TexasAgriculture.gov.

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CATTLE TALK BY EDDIE GARCIA

We had 830hd this week! With 125 Drovers and 45 buyers. The theatrics in the ring this week was like the bulls in the bullpen before the sale. All the buyers posturing and sparring to show their dominance. It’s a shark tank in there, every man for himself. Most people don’t realize it but the mind games and competitive nature of buying cattle is on full display.

One component of the competition is getting customers who need to buy cattle, which in turn produces an order, that enables the buyers to make commissions and the companies they work for can make a profit reselling lot loads of desired cattle. Who ever can get the most customers, usually has the most fire power and can take on more collateral damage because they have more areas to spread it around. Some times you hear of certain instances of buyers “getting along” or “brother in-lawing.” Usually those terms refer to buyers intentionally sharing the livestock or giving up volume in order to achieve better profits by not fully competing. While that may be the case elsewhere, I guarantee you it doesn’t happen here. What makes our market unique is that a lot of the men who own the order buying companies actually attend the sale, and the commissioned order buyers that we do have are some of the most tenured within their respective organizations. This gives our market the flexibility to go beyond the normal peramiters of the buyers having to adhere to the price limits they’ve been given.

bigger egos and don’t like to be “blown out” by their competitor. In reality the buyers are there to buy the cattle as cheap as possible, and make their rivals cattle as high as possible. In limiting the competitions profit margin, they have a better chance of driving them away and capturing more market share for themselves, the same as a dominant lion chasing off the others to ensure a bigger portion of the carcass. That’s where the magic happens, cause in doing so the buyers get “hung” with cattle they don’t need because they were “plugging” which is a term used when buyers intentionally raise the price on cattle they don’t particularly need just to agitate or cost others profit. While the volume of buyers is something that is very important, having the right buyers makes all the difference, and all it takes is the right two. Thanks again for your interest in our business, I know some of these can be rather long to read, but there is just so much information to share regarding the structure and nature of the livestock auction business. Which has been proven and in my opinion when done properly, the truest form of price discovery for your cattle. While we can not guarantee the market, we can guarantee the effort to do all we can to promote and referee the contest in which your cattle compete. We have a combustible marketplace, all we need from you is a quality calf that will provide a spark!

It’s a phrase commonly used in our business, “Do as I say, not as I do” which means if the bosses put out an order, for example 1.45 on a four weight steer, that’s what they’re buyers cattle better average, while the owners same four weights averaged 1.55. For one the owners are paying for them, and two they usually have S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Border Patrol

he relationship between farmers, ranchers and Border Patrol is not an area that is heavily discussed or report ed on regularly. That relationship, however, is critical considering the amount of ranch and farm land agents scour on a regular basis. It’s so important to nurture that relationship that Border Patrol is adding a rancher/farmer liaison to its already existent border community liaison team. The purpose of the program is to increase the relationship between the border patrol and the community it protects. “We have a tremendous relationship with the farmers and the ranchers,” said Raul Ortiz, Deputy Chief Patrol Agent for the Rio Grande Valley. “We used to do farm and ranch checks in the 80s and 90s, but now we patrol our area of responsibility.” Ortiz said there is a lot of ranching and farming land that the agents are checking in on, on the lookout for illegal entrants and illegal drugs. Ortiz estimated that there’s 60,000 or more acres of that type

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of land that his team has to patrol. And while apprehension is the key job for the Border Patrol, protecting life is another major area of concern. “Loss of life is something we never want to see,” Ortiz said, referring mainly to illegal immigrants, who take lives into their own hands by either walking through brush land for days on end with no water and in the melting heat, or by crossing the Rio Grande and being swept away by a strong undercurrent. “In 2017 we have seen a decrease in the number of deaths we have encountered in our area,” Ortiz said. “It has decreased by almost 19 percent. We do our best to preserve life by having first responders available to react swiftly to emergent situations. Smugglers have no regard for those they smuggle or their lives. We try to respond as quickly as we can.” Smugglers have no regard for the lives of the people’s land they are crossing either and Ortiz said it’s important for ranchers and farm-

“We have agents who wear this uniform whose sole purpose is to coordinate with farmers and ranchers out there. We have a Border Patrol app so if a farmer or rancher wants to sign up with the program they can get the app on their phones. If there’s illicit activity happening on their property or they just want to give us information, it’s right there for them to use.”

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Not only do the agents coordinate with farmers and ranchers, they are also taught farm/ranch etiquette. “If somebody is gathering their cows or doing a certain project, we make sure our new agents know how to act and when they can’t interfere. Not everyone grew up on or around farms and if you are from Buffalo, N.Y., you need to know that there are certain things you must abide by.” But of course, Border Patrol deals with a lot more than farmers to keep our borders secure. There are about 315 miles of river country and “a lot of country between the river and our northern corridor,” referring to Corpus Christi, Brooks and Kleberg counties. “The biggest challenge right now is that we don’t have enough resources to accomplish our mission,” Ortiz said. “Of course we’ll never have enough agents or technology or infrastructure to feel comfortable that we can apprehend and seize everything – that meaning people, narcotics and weapons that cross the river.”

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In 2017 we have seen a decrease in the number of deaths we have encountered in our area

That support is what Ortiz calls the three legged stool – all three need to be there to hold the stool up. “We need the right personnel, the right infrastructure and the right amount of technology,” Ortiz said when asked about the border wall. “I think we are doing a decent job on people but need a few more agents. Some technology and infrastructure are in place, but it’s not enough – or else this wouldn’t be the busiest sector in the country. We certainly need to build some more infrastructure.”

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Ortiz has lived in the Rio Grande Valley for four years and said this area has been more open to him and border patrol agents than anywhere else he has worked and lived. “I honestly expected it to be more contentious here,” said Ortiz, who grew up in a military family and hails from Del Rio, Texas. “But people here understand the situation and it’s amazing how often they are kind and will say thank you and we appreciate what you do. Our agents are here to apprehend criminals and keep the border safe. I’m proud of our agents and the work they do but they couldn’t do it without the partnerships with law enforcement, and cities and the people of the community.”

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ers to do two things – first is to not engage and try to take the law into their hands. The second is to make contact with law enforcement if there is any illegal activity on their property. Not calling to report can result in another farmer or rancher engaging danger on their own, which can end in serious harm, all because the previous person didn’t call it in.

“As far as the ranchers and farmers go, I don’t think communication has ever been better.”

Loss of life is something we never want to see

We do our best to preserve life by having first responders available to react swiftly to emergent situations – Raul Ortiz, deputy chief patrol agent

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At Nevaeh’s Kidz Conquering Cancer our desire is to provide children and adolescents battling cancer and their families with much needed support with a wide range of programs, education, relaxation, and support. We diligently strive to ensure the needs of families through emphasizing information, advocacy, and promoting public awareness. NKCC is dedicated in providing the opportunity to learn and socialize in a suitable, fun and safe environment and for families to enjoy a stress free atmosphere. Nevaeh’s Kidz Conquering Cancer will also provide different categories of helpful resources and home assistance to bring some relief, happiness and encouragement to these children and their families. Our primary task is to lift the spirits and enhance the quality of life for these children and to do whatever we can to make their lives (and their families) a little brighter.

With great determination, we are here to helping these children in need, at a time in their young lives when other avenues of help and hope are closed to them and encourage and empower others, especially children, to get involved and make a difference for children with cancer. To provide a chance for these children to gain back the time and events in their lives that cancer forces them to lose, a chance for normalcy again and to interact and unite with others going through the same experiences. NKCC seeks to immediately impact the child’s life in valuable and constructive ways that will alter their outlook about their situation, whereby giving them hope and courage to fight this insidious disease and to receive love and support as they struggle through their everyday challenges. It is our desire to touch the lives of these children and their families by offering them hope for today and hope for the future and dedicated to give them the emotional and financial support that they need to face the challenges ahead.

Our Mission

is to enrich the lives of children and families of pediatric cancer by providing a wide range of programs, guidance, support and helpful resources all while emphasizing advocacy and promoting public awareness. We envision helping children and families in need at a time in their lives when other avenues of help and hope are out of reach. With great determination, we hope to empower, inspire, and encourage our community to get involved promote awareness and make a difference for children battling cancer. at Nevaeh’s kids are to provide counseling services to help children and their family cope with the serious impact of illness and of their lives and move towards stability in the midst of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. To advocate and create public awareness that will help fund pediatric research and lead to a cure for ALL childhood cancers. To provide emergency financial services directly to a patient’s guardian for items needed immediately following a financial crisis. To provide a sanctuary designed to ease their fears so they can enjoy a clean and stress free atmosphere away from the discomfort and damaging reactions the public tends to put on these children due to their appearances caused by treatment.

Our goals

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A place to create magical moments for them with special events, celebrations, and holiday parties. Special activities that offer normalcy during a stressful time with crafts, art projects, and more. A Child Life Specialist who will ease a child’s fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational play activities, encourage understanding and cooperation by providing non-medical preparation and support for children undergoing tests, surgeries, and other medical procedures, consider the needs of siblings and support families confronting grief and bereavement issues. A nutritionist that will help parents maintain an adequate nutrition and develop an eating plan based on the current medications the child is receiving and to help kids’ stay healthy and cope with the side effects of cancer and its treatments. To establish support groups for children, adolescence, and parents affected by cancer, offering ongoing guidance that will help them learn about the disease, treatment and beyond. To cope with the many difficult stages of treatment along with the loss of a loved one. To feel united and not alone. To make home sanitation service available for local families who has a child in treatment. Giving and allowing the parents time and relieving them from stress they often face when having to tend to a child with cancer and bringing them home to an un-sanitized environment.

Join us for a 5K on Septe mber ! For more in

fo on our organizatio n and how to help or to part the 5k please contact An icipate in a Vasquez at nevaehskcc@gmail.co m

USDA - NIFA grant will help address water, agricultural challenges in Rio Grande Basin Texas A&M AgriLife, New Mexico Water Resources Institute will lead project research Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu Contacts: Dr. John Tracy, 979-862-7221, john.tracy@ag.tamu.edu Dr. Kevin Wagner, 979-845-2649, klwagner@ag.tamu.edu Dr. Sam Fernald, 575-646-1041, fernald@nmsu.edu Dr. Bruce McCarl, 979-845-2116, mccarl@tamu.edu Dr. Girisha Ganjegunte, 915-859-1908 ext.21, gkganjegunte@ag.tamu.edu Dr. Raghavan Srinivasan, 979-845-5069, r-srinivasan@tamu.edu

team of researchers representing various Texas A&M entities and the New Mexico Water Resources Institute has been awarded a $5 million four-year grant from the U.S. Depart ment of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to address water challenges in the Rio Grande Basin. The grant will help researchers from the Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and New Mexico Water Resources Institute investigate alternative water sources, new crops, management practices and improved water conservation to sustain agriculture in the basin. The project, “Diversifying the Water Portfolio for Agriculture in the Rio Grande Basin,” will be led by Texas A&M AgriLife’s Texas Water Resources Institute director Dr. John Tracy. The project will be funded as part of the USDA-NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “The water resources within the Rio Grande Basin, plus the societies, economies, species and ecosystems that depend on them, are seriously threatened by drought, climate change and rapid population growth,” Tracy said. “Through this project, we hope to diversify the sources and conditions of water to sustain agricultural production in the basin. Our goal is to provide more stable and sustainable agricultural production while enhancing water use efficacy to improve economic and ecosystem conditions.”

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Researchers representing various Texas A&M entities and the New Mexico Water Resources Institute will be involved in the Diversifying the Water Portfolio for Agriculture in the Rio Grande Basin project, which has received funding from USDA-NIFA.

The project will include co-principal investigators Dr. Sam Fernald, director of the New Mexico Water Resources Institute, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico; Dr. Girisha Ganjegunte, associate professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso; Dr. Bruce McCarl, professor of agricultural economics, Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College Station; Dr. Raghavan Srinivasan, professor, ecosystem science and management, Spatial Sciences Laboratory, College Station; and Dr. Kevin Wagner, TWRI associate director, College Station. Fernald said Texas A&M and New Mexico State University have a significant and successful history of collaborating with each other. “The strategic partnerships among the project team from these two land-grant institutions and with other initiatives and key stakeholders in the region will create a platform from which we can build many successful projects, proposals and partnerships,” he said.

Tracy said a team of more than 16 collaborators will be involved in the project.

Ganjegunte said agriculture is a valuable component of the basin’s economy, generating $1 billion annually. “Since agriculture withdraws 80 percent of the freshwater resources in the area, one of the major objectives of this project is to develop alternative water sources and appropriate salinity management practices to ensure long-term viability of irrigated agriculture,” he said. Ganjegunte said the researchers will identify the most suitable crops and cultivars plus a diversified cropping system based on salt tolerance, adaptability to the climate and economic importance. McCarl said the project will employ models that link the basin’s hydrologic and economic systems to examine the how changes in water management practices would impact water availability and environmental conditions. “This will allow for investigation of different water allocations schemes and the variables in water use throughout the entire spectrum,” he said. “We’ll look at variables such as how changes in climate – such as dry, moderate and wet conditions – will impact water availability and agricultural production. We hope to help stakeholders identify the most desirable alternatives to current water management practices throughout the Rio Grande Basin.”

Figure 4. Bait spray application

e hope w t, c je ro p is th h g u Thro rces and to diversify the sou sustain to r te a w f o s n io it d con on in the agricultural producti vide more pro basin. Our goal is to agricultural le stable and sustainab cing water han production while en conomic e e v ro p im to y c a c use effi itions. and ecosystem cond

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“Each of these members will fulfill an important role in their area of research or extension expertise,” he said.

Dr. John Tracy

data for input into river models — in order to assess the hydrology and availability of the basin’s water resources.

“We’ll be working to improve the understanding of water availability and how to how best to use the available water resources,” he said. “Agricultural producers in the basin have limited water access and availability, so we hope to assess this availability and help find out what’s happening in both the landscape and the basin itself. Linking the SWAT and RIVERSIM models will help us get a more complete picture of both access and availability.” Wagner said the project will use outreach, demonstration, teaching and other tools to facilitate efficient use of all available water resources for regional stakeholders. “This project will produce a lot of useful data on the use of alternative water sources such as higher salinity water and reused water and how to manage that water to produce a crop,” he said. “There’s also a water conservation component. AgriLife Extension will work with Extension personnel in New Mexico to involve and educate stakeholders along the Rio Grande as to the results and practical applications of this research.” Wagner said the project will benefit more than farmers and water managers in the Rio Grande Basin area. “The results will serve as a model for basins around the world facing similar challenges,” he said.

Srinivasan said the project will include the integration of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, or SWAT, and RIVERSIM — a river simulation web application framework for selecting and preparing

For more information, contact Tracy at 979-862-7221, john.tracy@ag.tamu.edu. S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Importance of Potassium in South Texas Cotton BY DEREK EMERINE Southern Business Unit Agronomist Helena Chemical Company

Potassium is arguably one of the most important nutrients needed for successful cotton production. Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other nutrient except nitrogen. Potassium is known to control water relations within the plant. Plants deficient in potassium have increased water loss to transpiration and are more prone to drought stress. Potassium also plays a role in enzyme activation and translocation of sugars within the plant. Lastly, in cotton, potassium is needed for optimal nitrogen uptake and protein synthesis. In South Texas, a majority of the soils have optimum to very high potassium levels. Therefore, most people are under the assumption that no potassium fertilizer is needed. However, a large number of tissue samples collected from cotton in season show that potassium is indeed deficient. There are several reasons for this phenomenon, and there are several ways to reduce this problem. The only two ways to measure nutrient availability are soil sampling and plant tissue sampling in season. Soil sample data from South Texas cotton fields tells a compelling story against the need for potassium fertilizer. Only about six percent of soil samples from South Texas are very low to low in soil test potassium and about 71 percent are very high in soil test potassium. Conversely, 67 percent of soil samples are very low to low in olsen soil test phosphorus. This information backs up the conventional wisdom that the only nutrients needed are nitrogen and phosphorus. Plant tissue sampling tells a completely different story. Across all cotton growth stages, tissue data shows that about 1.75 percent of tissue samples are deficient in phosphorus and about 42 percent of tissue samples are deficient in potassium. What is going on? Soil test phosphorus will most likely remain low in most soils in South Texas unless large amounts of fertilizer, chicken litter, and/or manure are continually applied. The main reason is that most of the soils in South Texas have a very high pH. The phosphorus applied converts to an insoluble calcium phosphate relatively quickly. Historically overcoming this issue was achieved by over applying phosphorus fertilizer. Soil test potassium will most likely remain high in most South Texas soils. Additional potassium is needed for two reasons. One, high pH soils are dominated by calcium and magnesium. In these soils, plants will inadvertently take up larger quantities of calcium and magnesium when they are trying to take up potassium. Two, the nature of todaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cotton varieties plays a huge role. Approximately two thirds of the total potassium in cotton is taken up in a six week period beginning at early flowering. These two issues are the main culprit for potassium deficiency showing up in plant tissue samples. Figure 1 shows typical nitrogen and potassium uptake in cotton by growth stage.

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Figure 1.Â The growth and development of the cotton plant follows a typical sigmoid curve.Â This curve is representative of nutrient and water demands during the season (NCC, 1996).

Potassium is extremely important to cotton during flowering and fruiting. Flowering and Fruiting in Cotton, published by the Cotton Foundation in 2012 sheds light on the importance of potassium in flowering and fruiting cotton. Maximum whole plant uptake of potassium phosphorus is about 278 lbs/A and about 44 lbs/A respectively. Maximum potassium and phosphorus accumulation per boll is about 103 mg and 21.4 mg respectively. Cotton that yields about 900 lbs/A takes up about 69 lbs of potassium and 11.6 lbs of phosphorus. Cotton that yields about 1600 lbs/A takes up about 149 lbs of potassium and 24 lbs of phosphorus. This data illustrates the importance of potassium. In all these comparisons, potassium uptake is 4.8 to 6 times greater

than phosphorus uptake. Soil test generally show that soil potassium levels are about 13 times greater than olsen soil test phosphorus. Problems with potassium are still showing up for several reasons. As cotton reaches reproductive growth stages, root activity decreases and inhibits some potassium uptake. Another issue is that soil potassium is taken up with the soil water. Later in the season there is a greater possibility of limited moisture and therefore less potassium uptake. Lastly, is the fact that about two thirds of all total potassium is taken up during a six week period beginning at early flowering.

There are a couple different actions that can be taken to help reduce potassium deficiency in cotton. Always begin by looking at a soil test. It is important to compare the phosphorus and potassium levels. If soil test potassium levels are less than optimum, it probably makes sense to move some of the fertilizer budget from phosphorus to potassium. Applying more than about 30-40 lbs of broadcast phosphorus is more than likely an over application of phosphorus. If soil test potassium levels are optimum or higher, then some supplemental potassium via a foliar application can definitely provide a yield response. A foliar potassium application is not a fertilizer replacement. However, a foliar potassium application can help provide additional potassium during the important flowering and fruiting stages in cotton.

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The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with the LRGV Water District Managers Association, and others will be holding the 2017 LRG Irrigation Conference and Trade Show on October 26, 2017 in Mercedes. This is a grower-oriented conference with an irrigation industry trade show. Registration and trade show booth information will be available in September 2017. The conference will include updates on government programs, the climate outlook for 2018+, and the Rio Grande water supply situation. Other topics include irrigation district efforts to reduce losses, what’s new in irrigation technologies, the state-of-the-art in use of drones for on-farm management, and keys to improving the effectiveness of furrow irrigation. The afternoon session will feature manufacturers’ panels on topics such as listed below. Companies interested in participating should contact Charles Swanson clswanson@tamu.edu or Guy Fipps gfipps@tamu.edu • Advances in Drip Irrigation • Surface Irrigation and Water Management • Polypipe as gated pipe and the sizing of holes • Surge flow irrigation • Advances in and the use of Soil Moisture Sensors

Speakers: Bech Bruun, Chairman – Texas Water Development Board Bryan Shaw, Chairman – Texas Comission on Environmental Quality Edward Drusina, U.S. Commissioner, International Boundary and Water Commission For more information: hidalgo.agrilife.org/home/agriculture/irrigationconference

“Just Watching” BY KATHRYN R. MENKE, USDA-NRCS District Conservationist, Cotulla Field Office & JAMES ROGERS, USDA-NRCS Zone 3 Wildlife Biologist

Sidney J. Williams, IV

Observation, experience, and experimentation have taught Sid Williams IV that timing and flexibility are the keys to successful ranch management. The ranch Sid manages has been in Sid’s family, in one form or another, since 1934. It started when Sid’s grandfather, Sid Jr., purchased land and leased adjoining acres. When Sid IV, began leasing the ranch from the family, he was able to acquire the leased land as well due to the long term relationships that Sid’s grandfather and father built with the adjoining absentee landowners’ families. In time, Sid and his wife, Zane, were able to purchase some of the leased land themselves. Today, Sid manages just under 7,000 acres in Frio and La Salle counties. When Sid first began his ranching operation, water was limited to a few windmills and a few old tanks, not nearly enough to ensure uniform livestock grazing or support a healthy wildlife population throughout the entire ranch. Through cooperation with the La Salle County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Sid received assistance with the drilling and installation of two water wells with solar pumps. Although this helped to aid in distribut72 Ag Mag

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ing grazing and providing additional water for wildlife, you really can’t have enough water in an area that is described by early settlers as “…a land of continual drought, interrupted by periodic flooding...” The most recent water developments include three additional shallow water wells with solar pumps that are piped to water troughs. Troughs are rigged to overflow a short distance away into draws, dry creeks, or earthen dugouts to serve as wildlife watering areas. “It’s amazing to see how the quail population explodes when we put these in,” said Sid of the overflow areas. Sid has pin-pointed several areas on the ranch that he deems basically unusable by deer, quail, and livestock. He implements a variety of brush management techniques (prescribed fire, root plow, hydro ax, and herbicides) to target these areas that are characterized by monocultures of impenetrable white brush with bare ground underneath. His goal is to convert these areas into usable space by providing the proper arrangement of food and cover for deer, bobwhite, and blue quail. Sid says, “Providing food, cover and water are the only things I have control over. God controls the rest.” Turns out the areas he targeted with brush

management re-vegetated on their own with an impressive, lush mix of native grasses and forbs that also benefit his cattle. Sid is a fruit and vegetable broker in San Antonio. He often says with a chuckle, “We make a living in the fruit and vegetable business so we can lose it in the ranching business.” Although he

Transitional stage towards native grass establishment

Impenetrable whitebrush thicket

Naturally regenerated establishment of native grasses following brush management Before and After: Creating edge and useable space

jokes about it, he is still a wise steward of money. He is appreciative of the fact that he doesn’t have to make a living at ranching and says, “A year that we breakeven is a good year.”

Leaving brush mottes in cleared areas for wildlife food and cover

Sid’s love of the land and desire to improve it and share with future generations is part of the reason Sid is open to experimentation. In the past, he’s allowed Bayer Crop Science to conduct herbicide trials on the ranch and he and his son-in-law, Jeremy, are experimenting with a few new techniques in hopes to share the outcome with other land managers via field days sponsored by USDA-NRCS and the La Salle SWCD. He encourages his children, who are also involved in the ranch, to make observations and write them down. He tells them, “You’ll forget things when you get old.” Kathryn Menke, District Conservationist in Cotulla, said that although she’s been working with Sid for the past 14 years, she’s never really had to provide Sid any technical recommendations or do much educating. “He has a world of knowledge about south Texas range, wildlife, and cattle. Pretty much the only thing I’ve done for Sid is help him with some paperwork.” When Sid was asked how he learned everything he replied,

Cover crop of oats after brush management prior to natural regeneration of native grasses

“ I love it. I always have. I pay attention to detail and just watching.”

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Important upcoming dates for Ag Producers September/October 2017 Dates Sept 7 - Pesticide License Training- Edinburg Sept 14 - First Bale Auction- Harlingen Sept 28 - Beef 706 Class at Rio Beef Feedyard Oct 7 - La Muneca Field Day- Linn Oct 13 - 4-H Country Hoedown- Mission Oct 20-21 - Beef 707 Class at A&M Kingsville Oct 25 - Seminar on Water Rights & Public Policy- RGVLS Mercedes Oct 26 - RGV Irrigation Conference- RGVLS Mercedes Oct 31 - Kids & Kows & More Ag Awareness Day- RGVLS Mercedes Contact the County Extension Office for details on any of these events

Brad Cowan, County Extension Agent Agriculture Hidalgo County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 410 North 13th Avenue, Edinburg, TX 78541

https://hidalgo.agrilife.org/home/agriculture o) 956-383-1026, m) 956-330-3208

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