Issue 20

Staff Michelle Martin

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

Al Benavides Psalms 128:1-2

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

A Letter from the Editor Well, it’s that time again when we scurry to get the fall décor set out, then hurry and shove the fall décor back into its hidden place in the attic and replace it with our Christmas stuff. We have endless grocery shopping to do, and those Christmas checklists aren’t going to check themselves off their own list.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the holiday mayhem that we lose sight of real meanings. For most, the holidays are strenuous, but at the same time fulfilling. For you parents out there, I am sure you have that ONE toy your child desperately wants and you have to travel to what seems like a thousand stores to find it. By the time you get that toy in your hand, you never want to see it again. That all changes when you see your child’s face light up as he or she sees that toy they’ve longed for. The battle that took place to find that toy was more than worth it.

That’s just how the holidays seem for most. We run around getting all the food, spend countless hours making sure our house is perfectly set up for company. But when everyone is there and the food is cooked, it’s each other’s company we enjoy the most. The work was worth it. Maybe that’s how our life really is….

We work every day to make sure that bills are paid. We work to provide food for our families.

We work to provide a good life for our children and ourselves, we tidy up around the house to make sure it’s livable, and the list goes on. After all our work is completed we reap the fruits of our labor. I remember when I first started my magazine. There were so many tears that were shed, countless moments of uncertainty and definitely moments of insanity. But, with a goal in mind I kept pressing forward trusting in God’s plan.

I was informed that I have been awarded the “2017 Excellence in Journalism Award” from The Farm Bureau. What a blessing and honor. It would not have been possible without all my readers, writers, advertisers, graphic designer, husband and, most importantly, the Good Lord.

I look back to when I started almost four years ago and I see the fruits of “our” labor. I say “our” and not “mine” because this magazine is as much mine as it is yours. Without you this would not have been possible. I thank God for all I have every day and all He has given me and allowed me to do. So, whatever it is that you are stressing about right now to get done, keep pressing forward.

Everything in life takes work. It’s that endless pressing where you stay on the path that will put a smile on your face - and someone eles’s. God gave us life to enjoy. This holiday season, enjoy going to the store to prepare a meal - some don’t have anyone to cook for, others cannot afford to buy a meal. Enjoy time with family even if its crazy and maybe not everyone gets along all that well - some have no family to share the holidays with.

Cliché as it sounds, the holidays are a time of giving (although I think every day should be).

Try to give to someone in need this holiday season and place a smile on someone’s face, even if it requires a little more work on your end. Thank God every day for what you have because you never know when it will be gone.

Thank you again for reading, supporting, and believing in the Ag Mag. Owner/Creator of AG MAG

Graphic Designer (956) 492-6407

In This Issue: Texas Industry Update...............................................6 Texas NRCS Provides USDA Learning and Career Experiences.................................................10 The Changing Landscape of the World of Grain.....12 Leap of Faith............................................................16 The Enemy at the Gates..........................................20 Rangeland Management......................................... 22 Follow the Road to Irrigation Mart........................... 26 Lower Rio Grande Valley Soil Testing..................... 27 The Foodbank Helps Families.................................28 Post Harvey Weed Control...................................... 30 Hurricane Harvey......................................................31 In Loving Memory of Gerald Eckel.......................... 34 JBS Scandal............................................................ 39 Man of the Year........................................................44 Cotton and Grain Golf Tourney................................ 47 2017 Hoedown.........................................................48 4H and FFA Calendar.............................................. 52 30th Annual LMC Jr. Roundup.................................56 2017 First Bale.........................................................57 Dynamic Duo........................................................... 60 Growing Together.....................................................61 Year 3 of PLC...........................................................62 La Muñeca Field Day...............................................64 All Decks on Hand................................................... 68 Texas Land Trends.................................................. 72 Valley Land Fund Gala and Skeet Shoot................ 74 Are you Marketing your Cattle Ranch and Farm.....76

Volume 4, Issue 2. Nov/Dec 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

Cover Photo taken by Aaron Vela

TEXAS CITRUS INDUSTRY UPDATE AS THE 2017-2018 SEASON BEGINS

BY ELISHA ENSIGN

Every year in October, there is an excitement in the air! Not only are cooler temperatures on the horizon and the holidays around the corner, but the new season for the Texas Citrus Industry is upon us! All summer long growers meticulously cared for their trees and nurtured the fresh crop of our world renowned red grapefruit and sweet oranges. And now, the time has finally come to begin the new season and start the process of picking, packing and shipping our fruit out of the RGV and off to destinations across the United States and the rest of the world.

Along with growing the sweetest, juiciest fruit possible, growers must also focus on important issues effecting the industry today.

Industry groups such as the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation (TCPDMC) has been working on several important issues that growers are facing this upcoming season.

PEST AND DISEASE ISSUES

Citrus Greening Disease

Citrus Greening Disease or HLB was first found in the RGV in 2012 and over the past 5 years it has continued to spread.

In 2015, 1,287 trees were found positive with Citrus Greening Disease. The following year 594 trees were found and thus far in 2017, 652 trees have been identified. This is an incurable citrus tree disease that is spread by a small insect called the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). This disease has a latency period, meaning the tree can have the disease without showing any symptoms for 2-3 years. This is a great challenge in controlling the spread of this disease. And an even greater risk to commercial citrus trees is the over half a million citrus trees planted in residential dooryards throughout the RGV. These trees are oftentimes minimally

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or not cared for at all. For growers, the best recourse to prevent their commercial citrus trees from being infected is ACP suppression.

The TCPDMC is working with growers to focus on an ACP suppression program, which has been in effect since August 2017.

The Corporation has trapped approximately 3,000 acres at least twice from August through the end of September with multiple visits to the same groves to ensure ACP threshold compliance.

ACP levels were high throughout the citrus production area in September due to recent rains. Rain induces flushing or new growth, which attracts ACP which feed on the new leaves. Due to these rains, flushing will continue through October. All growers must remain vigilant on ACP treatment to avoid egg/nymph outbreaks before the dormant season begins. During the dormant season (mid-November through mid-February) the Corporation will continue an even more intensive trapping effort Valley-wide with same day reporting to growers. This instant feedback on ACP in groves will enable growers to hopefully reduce adult ACP levels to 0 before the spring flush begins. Stopping the cycle of ACP reproduction is key in slowing the spread of Citrus Greening Disease in commercial groves.

Citrus Canker Citrus canker, another incurable citrus tree disease, was first found in the RGV in October 2015. To date, 191 trees have been found in the Rancho Viejo Quarantined area in South Texas. All of these trees have been properly destroyed, which is imperative to slow the spread of this disease. This is a highly contagious disease that is spread by wind-driven rain, lawnmowers and

ABANDONED GROVES

other landscaping equipment, people carrying the infection on their hands, clothing or equipment and by moving infected or exposed plants or plant parts (fruit, leaves or stems). Citrus canker was also found in both the Houston and Richmond areas. 1,001 trees have been identified in these two areas combined. Hurricane Harvey significantly impacted this area, and given how this disease spreads, there is extreme concern as to how many more positive trees will be found in the coming months, and especially the potential for the disease to spread further south to the citrus production area.

Research shows that abandoned citrus groves can harbor unwanted pests and citrus diseases, further exacerbating these issues the industry is facing. In an effort to help destroy those safe havens for deadly pests, Texas Citrus Mutual lobbied to pass Senate Bill 1459. This bill allows property owners to keep their agricultural open space exemption provided they enter into a written agreement with the Corporation to destroy the citrus trees on their property at their own expense. This voluntary grove removal program offers land owners that are unable to provide sufficient pest management for their citrus trees in the RGV and/ or would like to remove their trees an opportunity to do so and still maintain their agricultural tax exemption for 5 years. The method of destruction and removal must be sufficient to destroy the tree’s roots so that no regrowth appears.

The Mexican Fruit Fly The Mexican Fruit Fly is another pest that typically plagues Texas citrus growers, season after season. Currently, there are no quarantines in place for this pest and the Corporation stands ready to disseminate information on fruit movement requirements to growers if/when the first quarantine is in place. Outreach efforts are underway to educate residents about the importance of removing fruit from their trees to help reduce the fruit fly population.

FRUIT THEFT Fruit theft is another very serious issue that growers deal with season after season. Growers spend their time, effort and funds on growing this season’s crop and oftentimes loose a significant amount of fruit to theft. This stolen fruit is regularly sold at roadside stands or at flea markets. This season, the Corporation has created and distributed a buyer/seller reporting form to hopefully reduce this fruit theft issue. They have also reinstated compliance officers to inspect roadside stands and flea markets for stolen fruit, who in turn report any findings to law enforcement.

The Texas Citrus Industry faces many challenges. Industry groups such as Texas Citrus Mutual, the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation, USDA - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, The Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services as well as scientists from Texas A&M University - Kingsville Citrus Center empowers growers and support groups to work together to battle these issues as a combined front.

For more information about these industry challenges or programs, please contact the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation at 956-580-8004.

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Texas NRCS Provides USDA Learning and Career Experiences

BY MELISSA BLAIR, USDA-NRCS Public Affairs Specialist

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) partnered with Texas A&M University in Kingsville (TAMU-K) and the USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach’s HispanicServing Institutions National Program in Texas to provide hands on career experiences for high school and college students, and a teacher this summer.

Spencer Smith said his time with NRCS helped him think like a conservationist by teaching him how to address resource concerns on agricultural lands.

TAMU-K students, Kassandra Montes worked in the Edinburg NRCS office, while Spencer Smith worked in the Kingsville NRCS office, as Earth Team volunteers for 10 weeks. The opportunity was provided through the university’s agriculture department’s “Wheel of Change” program that helps students learn about USDA careers. Two other TAMU-K students had the opportunity to work with NRCS through another program in the agriculture department called START NOW: Students in Agricultural Research Techniques by Novel Occupational Workshops. Elisha Palomo was a volunteer in the Rosenberg NRCS office and Valerie Ruiz volunteered in the Eagle Pass office for 10 weeks.

“The opportunities provided to our students are changing lives and helping to define their careers,” said Dr. Shad Nelson, TAMU-K professor and dean of the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environmental Sciences. USDA-NRCS in Texas also works closely with Ruby De La Garza, education specialist with the USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program on outreach and learning opportunities during the year. “This is the third year the USDA has participated in the Academic Leadership Alliance Summer Education Externship Program,” said De La Garza.

“The program provides local high school teachers with a two-week opportunity with state and federal agencies. The teachers use their experiences to develop career in action lesson plans to be used in the classroom with their students. By talking about their experience with USDA, teachers will help develop a pipeline of students entering into food, agriculture, natural resources and STEM careers.”

Antoniette Madrazo who teaches sophomore chemistry at La Joya Palmview High School in Mission, Texas wascselected for the Academic Leadership Alliance (ALA) Summer Education Externship Program to work with NRCS for two weeks in Edinburg. She developed lesson plans from what she learned with the NRCS to use in her classroom.

“It was an eye opener to realize the complexity involved in preparing conservation plans for management and financial assistance for all of us to enjoy the benefits of productive soil, safe and clean water and thriving cattle and abundant produce,” said Madrazo.

Two students were selected through the USDA Agricultural Ambassador Program (AAP), Sabrina Cano, a junior at Pharr San Juan Alamo (PSJA) North High School and Tyler Denny, a junior at McAllen High School. The USDA Agricultural Ambassador Program is a partnership between the Office of Advocacy and Outreach’s Hispanic-Service Institutions National Program and the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley (UT-RGV) to provide high school students with an internship with USDA for five weeks (20 hours per week) during the summer. After completing the program, Ambassadors represent USDA at their respective high schools and serve as a resource to students interested in agricultural-related fields. Denny competed at the American Junior Simmental Association National Classic this

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Kassandra Montes, Sabrina Cano and Tyler Denny assisted the Edinburg NRCS office as Earth Team volunteers.

Earth Team volunteer and teacher, Antoniette Madrazo, learns about conservation planning.

Elisha Palomo and Valerie Ruiz shared about their experience as NRCS Earth Team volunteers to fellow TAMU-Kingsville agriculture students.

summer, where he participated in the public speaking contest. One of Denny’s topics was: “How can a farmer keep and run a sustainable farm?”

“My experiences with NRCS really helped me prepare for my public speaking contest in the 30 minute time slot and answer questions from the judges,” said Denny. “Out of more than 100 Intermediate Public Speaker contestants, I placed 5th. I do believe that my time with NRCS helped me achieve this.”

All the volunteers agree they would recommend volunteering at USDA-NRCS to learn more about career opportunities and what the agency does in providing conservation technical assistance and financial programs to help farmers and ranchers voluntarily improve their land which benefits all Texans.

For more information on all USDA Earth Team programs, contact your local USDA Service Center (http://offices.usda.gov) or online at www.usda.gov.

The Changing Landscape of the World Grain Trade

BY MARK WELCH

The world grain trade has changed significantly in the 21st century. Since the early 2000s grain consumption on a per capita basis (barley, corn, millet, mixed grains, oats, rice, rye, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat) has increased from 340 kg per person per year to over 396 kg, a 17 percent increase. And there are a billion more of us over that same period of time. Economic growth in many emerging or developing economies has caused a surge in average income levels which has expanded the middle class around the world. More and more people can afford to live better and eat better and that has driven consumption levels higher for grain for all uses: food, feed, and fuel.

much of the country has a climate that allows for a double crop of corn each year, the primary source of exportable supplies.

Argentina has experienced a change in domestic governmental policies that are much more favorable for trade and support export increases.

Of course, much of the growth in grain consumption has occurred in nations where grain production is limited. Hence, the world grain trade has expanded to meet this demand. Global grain exports for corn and wheat since 2000 for example have increased from 178 million metric tons (mmt) to over 330 mmt, an 86 percent increase.

Competition in the global wheat trade has increased from the same source that disrupted world grain markets 45 years ago.

The “Russian Wheat Deal� of 1972 sent about 30 percent of that year’s wheat crop to one buyer, the Soviet Union. Wheat exports are still an important component of the U.S. wheat use, accounting for about 50 percent of disappearance each year. But, like U.S. corn, the level of exports has been little changed in recent years, running at about 28 mmt (Figure 2).

For much of this period of time the United States remained the number one exporter of corn and wheat. However, competition has increased for both these grains from two different sources on opposite sides of the world. Corn production in Argentina and Brazil has more than doubled over the last 16 years. In Brazil, 12

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Corn exports from the U.S. have remained steady at about 47 mmt per year. Argentina and Brazil first surpassed the U.S. in corn exports in the 2011/2012 marketing year and reached 60 mmt in exports last year, a level they are projected to achieve again in 2017/2018 (Figure 1).

Excellent growing conditions over most of the last 10 years combined with an increase in the proportion of wheat planted to higher yielding winter wheat varieties compared to spring wheat,

Figure 1. Corn Exports, 000 mt

and the nations of the former Soviet Union, FSU-12, have become the number one exporter of wheat in the world, over 50 mmt the last several years and growing.

Export competition is on the rise. Other producers in other parts of the world are responding to marketing opportunities by increasing production and actively participating in the global grain trade.

Though the U.S. market share of the global trade for corn and wheat is on the decline, export market opportunities are still vital for U.S. grain production profitability. Export potential is expanded by economic growth around the world--as persons earn higher incomes they aspire to higher standards of living. This leads to increased grain demand and increased trading opportunities.

This means that trade agreements and positive relationships with our trading partners around the world are more important than ever. Policies and practices that promote trade and increase market access can be a significant source of competitive advantage for U.S. grain producers and a key contributor to profitability.

Figure 2. Wheat Exports, 000 mt

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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Ag Mag Featured Farmer

O

ne day, Al Martin saw a lady across the

street walking with a bag of money. “I’m

going to marry that lady,” he said to his friends.

Decades later, Al Martin’s son saw a girl in a morality class and called the school’s head nun to get the girl’s number.

Two different routes – two long-lasting marriages. That’s just how the Martin’s roll...goal oriented and they know what they want.

“We’ve been blessed,” said Doug Martin. “I go to work, I work hard, have had no major problems and been blessed with good health, great and loyal customers and community.”

Al Martin who started Martin Farm and Ranch Supply in 1955, had moved from Tyler in 1940 after graduating from Texas A&I. Shortly after graduating he met Harriette Hagedorn, whose dad was the founder of Golden Jersey Creamery, a mega-successful business creamery that many

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people believe made the best ice cream anywhere. When Al told his buddies that he was going to marry the girl he had just put his eyes on, they laughed and told him he didn’t have a chance.

“She’s a Hagedorn. You’re a nobody,” Martin said, recalling the early story. “Regardless of what anybody said, it worked out. They got married and started putting a family together.”

Al first moved to La Feria and worked as a banker in Mercedes. He played a major role in the Mercedes Livestock Show and become involved in the community. The family moved to Edinburg and bought a building in 1955 on East Harriman Road – now better known as University Drive and began selling Texo Feed (Texas – Oklahoma).

Al Martin was also registered as a quarter horse judge by the American Quarter Horse Association and judged many state and local shows. He believed in giving back to his community and staying as active as possible. Al was also a salesman for Surge Dairy equipment. He would visit all of the 50 dairies – most of them small except for a couple in Rio Grande City and Miller’s Dairy (now Sunrise Dairy) and Carpenter Dairy closer to the Edinburg area – selling bulk feed and working closely with the farmers to meet all of their needs. He became known all over for his expertise in dairy farming and at one point, under the request of the Tamaulipas, Mexico governor Enrique Cardenas, was flown to La Pesca Mexico to consult and guide the construction of a large dairy farm.

“While dad was doing that, we were working the store and the store just grew and grew and my dad’s banker Nathan Winters from First State Bank in Edinburg said that he thought it would be better if my dad moved out of downtown and moved near the sale barn that had been constructed,” Martin said. “My dad didn’t want to do it but Nathan would not take no for answer.

“He told my dad that if he went out there and after a couple of years if he’s having trouble with his payments that the bank would refinance. He wanted to make this work. He believed in my dad more than my dad believed in himself.”

Still, Al Martin took that leap of faith and opened the store on Monte Cristo Road in 1977. Forty years later, they’re still calling it their new location.

Doug Martin is one of nine children. He has six brothers and two sisters and each one of them – at one time or another, worked at Martin Farm and Ranch, either filling up little bags to feed to chicks unloading trucks or mixing feed or whatever other tasks were needed to be completed.

“I was already working there full time after graduating with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry and was thinking about going into medicine, but had two brothers in medicine already and one in vet school so I said ‘nah,’” Martin said. “I couldn’t really decide what to do so dad said why don’t you work here until you figure out what you want to do – that was 40 years ago and I’m still here but it’s worked out really good.”

Martin graduated from Edinburg High School, the same school his future wife (Mary Alice Sanchez) graduated from. They were one grade apart but the same age (she came from California and when she got here they put her a grade ahead of me, Martin said). However, they didn’t know each other from school.

“We had a course on morality we were taking at the catholic church and I saw her and said ‘hey she’s cute,’” Martin said. “So I went to the phone book and there were too many Sanchez’s so I called Sister Dorothy, the one who got us to go to this class. To this day she says she was the match-maker – she takes credit for putting us together.

She gave me her phone number and the rest is history.”

The Martin’s have three children; the oldest is Alyssa Anne, followed by the middle child, Gregory Douglas and the youngest, Charrise Alayne. “All of his children helped with the business at one time or another. His oldest daughter Alyssa got married and now works at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. She married Joe Augustine, a former reporter at Channel 5, and just blessed us with a grand baby – Scarlet Rose Augustine.”

Gregory and Charisse both work at the store. Gregory earned his degree in business marketing while Charisse earned her degree in business and just earned her dietician license. She is looking for an opportunity to work with a school district in the area.

Al Martin clearly had a huge influence on his family. Douglas Martin quickly recalled a story when asked what was the biggest piece of advice his father ever gave him.

“One year we went to the stock show in San Antonio and while visiting Callahan’s western wear, I saw something I liked and said ‘dad look at this cute cowboy hat, it’s only 15 bucks.’ Dad said ‘your head ain’t worth 15 bucks.’”

“All of us have a story that dad used on us that put us in place,” Martin said before fessing up to the best advice question.

“He said you’re family is very important, that in the end they are all you have. And he would say ‘son, you have to learn to roll with the punches in life. I remember him saying that 100 times.

You’ve just got to get up and get going.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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The enemy at the gates:

BY JOSÉ G. JUAREZ, SELENE M. GARCIA, ESTER S. CARBAJAL, EDWIN VALDEZ, ISMAEL E. BADILLO-VARGAS, AND GABRIEL L. HAMER

Evaluating vector control methods for Aedes sp. in our fight against Zika and other arboviral diseases in the Texas/Mexico border

M

osquitoes such as Aedes aegypti (Figure 1A) and Aedes albopictus (Figure 1B) are the main vectors of arboviral diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika [1], [2]. Their close association with humans and their dwellings make them ideal transmitters of such arboviral diseases [3].

Furthermore, their preference for human blood, daytime biting behavior, and use of water holding containers such as buckets and tires for breeding [4], make them one of the main concerns for public health in several places. In the continental United States, Texas is one of two states with autochthonous Dengue cases [5]. The singular risk of Texas is due to the proximity to Northern Mexico where Dengue and other arboviral diseases are endemic [6]. Within this region, four Counties [Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Co.] are usually affected with local Dengue transmission, of which Cameron and Hidalgo Co. have also reported local Zika transmission (Figure 2A).

With the presence of Aedes mosquitoes and local disease cases, vector control programs must remain vigilant to prevent disease outbreaks. However, with reports of insecticide resistance in Northern Mexico [7] and the elimination of breeding sites being impractical at a city-wide scale [8], new control methods are needed to reduce the burden of arboviral diseases that have no available treatment or vaccines thus far.

Our research team from Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station and its Research and Extension Center in Weslaco within the state of Texas has several projects to evaluate different control methods to reduce mosquito populations along the Texas—Mexico border. We currently have a funded project by

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the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate the use of non-toxic Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (AGO) in communities within this region. The control method using AGO traps was chosen since it was efficient in reducing populations of Aedes mosquitoes in Puerto Rico [9], has a low cost and does not rely on insecticides. The AGO trap consists of a black bucket that has water and a bundle of hay inside covered with a lid that contains an adapted smaller container with a protective mesh to prevent mosquitoes from reaching the stagnant water and a sticky board surrounding the smaller container (Figure 3).

The AGO trap exploits the Aedes mosquitoes’ natural biology of laying eggs in dark containers with stagnant water, which generates an ideal breading site for these mosquitoes.

When these mosquitoes enter the AGO trap they get captured in the sticky board within the trap. The mosquitoes can then be collected, identified, and tested for several different purposes.

Our research team has been working with these projects within the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas since August 2016 to generate baseline information (i.e. quantities, species, and arboviral diseases they carry) for mosquito populations inside and outside of specific households in this area.

This research work has been conducted in eight communities located in Hidalgo (Balli, Christian Ct., La Vista, Chapa, Rio Rico, Mesquite, Progreso) and Cameron (La Feria) Co. (Figure 2A and 2B). We are currently beginning our intervention phase where we will test the effectiveness, risk factors for indoor mosquito populations and general perception of homeowners to use this type of non-toxic trap in the region. Another project set to begin in 2018 seeks to evaluate the use of Auto-dissemination traps to reduce mosquito populations in containers that are difficult to detect and eliminate during source reduction campaigns.

This would help in determining the procedures and effects of these type of control methods for Aedes mosquitoes in the Texas—Mexico border, providing health officials with key information that may help expand the available tools being used to fight these mosquitoes and arboviral diseases in our communities.

New methods of control for Aedes mosquitoes are without a doubt extremely need it, especially within the Texas—Mexico border to fight off the introduction and establishment of Zika and other arboviral diseases in this region. However, a proper evaluation of their strengths and limitations in local conditions are critical to optimize state resources and improve the current mosquito vector control programs. Our research team expects that our multiple projects will generate critical information on alternative tools that can be used by local vector control programs in their ongoing fight against mosquitoes in this region, thus, maintaining the enemy outside the Texas gates.

Figure 3. Non-toxic Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) being used in our field studies. Nine components made the non-toxic AGO trap being placed inside and outside of specific households in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX.

References: 1. Barrera, R., Acevedo, V., Felix, G. E., Hemme, R. R., Vazquez, J., Munoz, J. L.

Figure 1. Female mosquitoes of the genus Aedes in feeding position. A) Ae. aegypti. B) Ae. albopictus.

and Amador, M. (2017) ‘Impact of autocidal gravid ovitraps on Chikungunya virus incidence in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in areas with and without Traps’, Journal of medical entomology, 54(2), pp. 387–395. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjw187.

2. CDC (2016a) Entomology and ecology of Aedes aegypti. Atlanta. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/entomologyecology/index.html.

3. CDC (2016b) Surveillance and control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in

the United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/resources/vector-control.html.

4. Flores, A. E., Reyes Solis, G., Fernandez Salas, I., Sanchez Ramos, F. J. and Ponce Garcia, G. (2009) ‘Resistance to permethrin in Aedes aegypti (L.) in Northern Mexico’, Southwestern Entomologist. Society of Southwestern Entomologists, 34(2), pp. 167–177. doi: 10.3958/059.034.0207.

5. Fredericks, A. C. and Fernandez-Sesma, A. (2014) ‘The burden of dengue and

Chikungunya worldwide: Implications for the Southern United States and California’, Annals of Global Health, pp. 466–475. doi: 10.1016/j.aogh.2015.02.006.

6. Paupy, C., Delatte, H., Bagny, L., Corbel, V. and Fontenille, D. (2009) ‘Aedes

albopictus, an arbovirus vector: from the darkness to the light.’, Microbes and infection / Institut Pasteur, 11(14–15), pp. 1177–85. doi: 10.1016/j. micinf.2009.05.005.

7. Sivan, A., Shriram, A. N., Sunish, I. P. and Vidhya, P. T. (2015) ‘Host-feeding

pattern of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in heterogeneous landscapes of South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.’, Parasitology research, 114(9), pp. 3539–46. doi: 10.1007/s00436-015-4634-5.

Figure 2. Communities under non-toxic Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) surveillance in the Lower Rio Grande Valle, TX.

A) Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy CO. with reports of Aedes mosquitoes. B) Google map showing the geographic location of these eight communities under non-toxic AGO surveillance along the Texas—Mexico border.

8. Thomas, D. L., Santiago, G. A., Abeyta, R., Hinojosa, S., Torres-Velasquez, B.,

Adam, J. K., Evert, N., Caraballo, E., Hunsperger, E., Muñoz-Jordán, J. L., Smith, B., Banicki, A., Tomashek, K. M., Gaul, L. and Sharp, T. M. (2016) ‘Reemergence of dengue in Southern Texas, 2013’, Emerging Infectious Diseases, 22(6), pp. 1002–1007. doi: 10.3201/eid2206.152000.

9. WHO (2012) Global strategy for dengue prevention and control 2012–2020,

World Health Organiszation, Geneva, Switzerland. Available at: apps.who.int/iris/ bitstream/10665/75303/1/9789241504034_eng.pdf.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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Rangeland Management Things you can do this winter!

BY MEGAN CLAYTON, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & EXTENSION RANGE SPECIALIST, TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE, CORPUS CHRISTI RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER

Winter is a welcomed reprieve from the sweltering days of summer.

Holiday celebrations and time with family and friends give much meaning to this season. Planning for our next growing season does not have to wait until spring green-up! Winter is an ideal time to tackle many rangeland management projects; here’s a few ideas:

1. Get rid of invasive brush plants Typically we think about controlling unwanted plants with herbicide while they are green and growing, but the cut-stump or stem spray treatments can be done any time of year.

For cut-stump, remove the top portion of the tree by making a flat, clean cut as low to the ground as possible without getting dirt on the cut surface. Immediately spray the cut stump and any remaining stem with an 85% diesel/15% triclopyr (Remedy Ultra®) mix. Stem sprays are done with a 75% diesel/25% triclopyr mix. Simply spray every stem of the tree, all the way around from the ground up to 18”. This can be done on any stems less than 4” in diameter and trees with 3 or less stems.

Leave tree “skeletons” for at least one year before removing the top portion of the plant.

2. Test cattle nutrition and forage Cattle diet supplementations during winter are often necessary, but can be expensive. To monitor cattle diet quality and see if adjustments need to be made to their supplementation program, send a fecal sample of your cattle herd to be tested. Collection 22

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and mailing instructions can be found at cnrit.tamu.edu/ganlab and the cost for a basic analysis is $35.

It’s best to test hay before purchasing, but even post-purchase testing can help to understand additional diet supplementation that may be needed. A forage analysis can be conducted on standing crop or baled hay, with sample collection techniques outlined on the form at soiltesting.tamu.edu. Testing packages cost anywhere from $5-$26, but can save you from wasting money on unnecessary supplementation.

3. Calibrate sprayers When plants are greening up and it’s time to spray in spring, taking the time to do a yearly calibration on sprayers may not be top on your to-do list. Be ready for next spring by visiting http:// southtexasrangelands.tamu.edu/useful-publications/ and click on ‘Sprayer Calibration Guide’ to download instructions.

This simple practice can make sure the right amount of chemical goes out, increasing your success and saving money on any wasted chemical.

4. Install fire breaks Winter is an excellent time to maintain or install fire breaks for prescribed burning. Fire breaks can also be used to protect pastures, barns, and equipment from wildfires that may spread quickly during dry seasons. Multiple disking and/or blading could help create these fire breaks, but be sure to leave them in a drivable condition in case you need to use them. Learn how to protect your land and property at texashelp.tamu.edu.

7. Learn something new Even during unfavorable weather, educational webinars are available from your own home computer! The Texas Range Webinar Series at naturalresourcewebinars.tamu.edu hosts one live hour-long webinar every first Thursday of the month at noon OR you can watch any of them archived all winter long!

5. Mend or install fences Fixing fence certainly seems more tolerable during cooler weather, but it’s also the perfect time to reevaluate your grazing regime. Grazing livestock is as much of an art as it is science.

Are there areas of your property that are not grazed well?

Are there others that are overgrazed? Determining how to best set up a rotational system and where new fencing, either permanent or electric, could help to accomplish your goals will allow for an easier start next spring.

Watch for free or pay $10 to get a Pesticide Applicator CEU (on actively qualifying webinars- check out November’s!)..

6. Scout weed problems early Did you know that typically for every pound of weeds controlled, about a pound of native grass comes up in return? This number may even be higher for introduced forage plants. The key to effective weed control is spraying at the best time. Note areas of the ranch where the largest weed problems exist, and scout those places early and often for signs of weed return. Spraying annual weeds when they are 6” tall or less is not only more effective, but also saves money because the lower rate of chemical suggested may be used, as compared to later in the season.

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Follow The Road To

Irrigation Mart Many of today’s adults can tell stories from “back in the day” of playing baseball at a nearby park or in a back yard where the nearest house should’ve been in foul territory. Somehow the story ends up with a broken window in the aforementioned house. If you sit down with Jay or Robin Robbins, you won’t hear those cliche-laden tales. You’ll hear of two kids who played, instead, at picking blueberries or working on irrigation systems and whose vacations were usually work-related vacations.

Nonetheless, you’ll hear those stories with the same exuberance as any glove-wearing, bat-swinging kid who grew up chewing way too much bubble gum at one time, pretending it was tobacco. “We literally grew up in the business,” said Jay Robbins who, along with his brother Robin and dad Jackie started and own Irrigation-Mart based in Ruston, LA, and a newly opened office in San Juan, TX. This is where the story all begins.

In the early-mid 1960s while a faculty member in the Agricultural Engineering Department at Louisiana State University, Jackie Robbins began working to adopt drip or microirrigation in greenhouses. In those days he only had hard pipe to work with, so he tried making emitting holes in it to serve as emitting devises – all to no avail. Then in 1971, after stints at North Carolina State University and the University of Missouri, Jackie became Head of the Ag Engineering Department at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA. In 1977 he was awarded a Science Faculty Professional Development Grant from the National Science Foundation to take a Sabbatical Leave from Louisiana Tech University to study micro Irrigation at the University of Hawaii. Upon returning to Louisiana Tech University in 1978 -- at the urging of the few microirrigation manufacturers and in order to get samples of the microirrigation products that existed then for study by his faculty members and students --he began a family irrigation company.

The Robbins’ business began purchasing materials from irrigation manufacturers and distributing to those products to those who were looking for irrigation information and supplies. - “As a result of that”, Jay said, “we had microirrigation projects and used many of dads Tech students; we all were learning micro irrigation without thinking too much about it. One such project was our own 25 acres of blueberries that we grew commercially in the early 80s. We started putting together little kits for small gardens or orchards and ‘it grew from there’”. The business was incorporated as Robbins Association/Irrigation-Mart, Inc. upon the retirement of Jackie from LTU in 1989. Now the Robbins’ have a presence not only in San Juan, TX but locations also in Baton Rouge and Ruston, LA. They have a very large footprint, covering all of the Central and Southern United States and reaching into Mexico, Central America and even in South America. They started in the two southeastern states, LA and MS, because that is where they lived for one, but also because the blueberry

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industry there was just beginning and the Robbins’ were instrumental in getting the blueberry farms established. “We would assist the growers in getting the plants and the growing material and we would supply the drip systems -- not only for blueberries but for other crops as well,” Jay said.

“That’s kind of where it took off.”

In every area of farming, and most of aspects life in general, changing to better technology has been the biggest challenge. The drip/microirrigation industry is no different. “Today everything is automated,” Jay said. “From controlled automation, to monitoring of soil moisture and plant condition.

You can see what is going on inside the plant and in the field remotely.

One of the biggest challenges has been getting this technology to the grower’s level and then actually having it where the growers can utilize it to the point where they can change their bottom line; where they can remain viable by making more money”. Jay said sometimes there’s a reluctance to change on the part of those who have been farming for several decades. They don’t recall their grandparents nor their parents doing it any other way. Therefore, they don’t want to do it any other way either – the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.

“A lot of them have been at it a long time and it’s the young guys and ladies coming who buy into it first. They are the ones who grew up with a computer or a hand-held device. It’s the ones who embrace the technology that reap a difference. Commodity prices have gone up and come back down. Costs have gone up but haven’t come back down, so the bottom lines get stretched. If the farmers are going to learn to make money (to survive), they have to be able to adopt today’s technology and embrace new cultural practices. Farming just is not what it was 20 years ago.”

And while technology is the key selling point for Irrigation-Mart, Jay said that working with the farmers and providing a high level of professionalism and technical support are what separate them from their competitors. Jay said his favorite part of the job is working with the farmers and seeing their success as improved technologies get incorporated.

“I’m hands on with the farmers,” he said. “I like seeing grower satisfaction; the best part of my job is when they come up and say this is going to make a difference or this has made a difference. I also get real satisfaction from the fact that we are a family business too”. Jay’s brother Robin oversees purchasing and warehousing. Their dad, Jackie, almost 78, also comes in to work every day. “He comes in every day and tells us what we do wrong,” Jay joked. “He picks and chooses his jobs, and does whatever he feels like he wants to work on. His work, this business, is his only hobby. His best advice was that honesty and constancy is the only way.

That’s what made it what it is today.”

Lower Rio Grande Valley soil testing campaign runs through January Agricultural producers in Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy counties encouraged to participate WESLACO– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in the Lower Rio Grande Valley is offering its annual soil testing campaign Oct. 11-Jan. 31, according to agency personnel.

The free Lower Rio Grande Valley soil testing campaign will run Oct. 11-Jan. 31.(Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo) “We’re encouraging all commercial agricultural producers in Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties to take part in this free soil testing campaign to help with nutrient management and improve water quality,” said Victor Gutierrez, AgriLife Extension assistant in Weslaco. “This will be the seventeenth consecutive year we’re offering this service, and it’s been instrumental in reducing nutrient runoff from entering the Arroyo Colorado.”

Agricultural producers can pick up free soil sample bags and forms from AgriLife Extension offices in Willacy, Cameron and Hidalgo counties as well as the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco, said Brad Cowan, AgriLife Extension agent for agricultural and natural resources in Hidalgo County.

“The samples can then be dropped off at the AgriLife Extension offices for shipping to the laboratory at Texas A&M University in College Station — all at no cost to producers,” he said. “Results will be mailed directly to producers.”

“The soil testing campaign first began in the Valley in 2001 and has been funded by various sources,” Gutierrez said. “Since 2008 the campaign has been funded through the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership with a Clean Water Act grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, administered through the Texas Water Resource Institute.”

The following is contact information for participating AgriLife Extension offices:

Cameron County, 1390 W. U.S. Hwy 83, San Benito 956-361-8236, cameron-tx@tamu.edu.

Hidalgo County, 410 N. 13th Ave., Edinburg 956-383-1026, hidalgo-tx@tamu.edu.

Willacy County, 170 N. 3rd St. Raymondville 956-689-2412, willacy-tx@tamu.edu.

District 12 office, 2401 E. Highway 83, Weslaco 956-968-5581, d12south@ag.tamu.edu.

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BY DEBRA ATLAS

THE FOOD BANK HELPS FAMILIES GROW HEALTHY FOOD WITH HOOP HOUSES

F

Photos taken by Debra Atlas

armers have grown crops in the Valley for over 100

years. Until the late 60’s, farmland was everywhere,

bursting with carrots, onions, cucumbers, okra and other healthy offerings. Generations of families relied on home gardens for food. But times have changed; much of our farmland has been replaced by strip malls and shopping centers.

Younger generations have lost the gardening knowledge or skills their grandparents had. The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is working to change that. Many know the Food Bank provides free food to those in need. But its community gardens encourage kids and families to learn gardening skills and healthy eating. Hoop houses help with this.

Also called high or poly tunnels, hoop houses - often used up north during cool months to extend the growing season - resemble tall greenhouses, covered with white plastic fabric and large hoops. Unlike traditional greenhouses, crops are grown directly in soil. Food Bank was one of the earliest Valley users of hoop houses, said Chris Bueno.

Photo taken by The RGV Food Bank

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Hoop houses offer plenty of benefits. They’re are easy to setup, quick and easy to build or expand and they stand up to heavy winds or rough weather.

Bueno says their 48 feet by 20 feet by 18 feet high hoop house is a controlled environment, controlling things like wind, weather and water.

Bueno said the first year they planted strawberries in the structure, along with a crop outside. The following season they planted tomatoes both inside and outside of it. The cherry tomatoes grown inside it were so prolific they filled five-gallon buckets every week!

“We had so many, we sent some over to other farmers to help fulfill their CSA orders – some to Edinburg, some to Harlingen.” CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a way consumers can buy locally-grown seasonal crops directly from farmers. The Food Bank isn’t a CSA. But their prescription program is like a small model CSA, Bueno said.

Doctors give prescriptions to patients suffering from dietaryrelated illnesses like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. “(This) allows us to fulfill twenty to twenty five bags of (fresh produce) per week to two different doctors at (McAllen’s) Hope Clinic,” said Bueno. Food prescription programs operate around the country, including in Oregon, Georgia, Delaware and Detroit, Michigan. Patients can fill prescriptions for fresh produce at partnering farm stands, markets or, in down here, at a clinic. They can also receive nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations and educational support for making healthy eating changes.

Unfortunately, said Bueno, “not everybody believes that food is your medicine.”

Food Bank gardens produce a variety of crops, Many – including iron-rich leafy greens like Swiss chard, bok choy, collards and kale – are strange to locals. But recipes they receive from a nutritionist encourages them to try these new foods. And starting on November 2nd, the Food Bank’s local Farmers Market reopens. People can come, see a cooking demonstration and see what the recipes look and taste like. Nothing gets wasted as the Food Bank practices sustainable gardening. Produce that’s damaged or without sales appeal becomes food for their chickens, who roam the property in moveable pens. Schoolkids come daily to gather eggs and feed the chickens, learning about nutrition and the difference between factory farmed chickens and eggs and organic ones that aren’t injected with hormones.

Plant waste from tilled cover crops that are allowed to decompose and animal waste become compost for the following season’s crops.

Currently fourteen families bring their home-schooled kids to work in the gardens on Tuesdays. The kids tend the plots, then return on Thursdays to harvest, package and sell their produce at the Market.

With the math and sales skills they’ve learned, last year the kids raised almost $500 from the Market.

Everything is free for the Food Bank “growers”. They’re provided seeds, compost, soil, water and tools. The families must,

however, fill out applications, which include questions like:

• were they eating vegetables before they started the program?

• are they eating veggies after the season?

The kids learn how to grow things naturally since we don’t spray chemicals, said Bueno, Garlic oil, which acts as a repellant for aphids and white flies, along with organic soap and Neem oil are used. Neem oil’s scent also helps repel mosquitoes.

Bueno pointed out many fruit trees planted around the garden area. They have Neem trees, so one day they can make their own Neem oil. Their micro-budding citrus trees will produce in around 1½ years instead of the usual five. There’s also banana, fig, pomegranate, avocado, papaya and dragon fruit.

“We’re growing trees we can harvest in the summertime, when there’s not many vegetables,” Bueno said.

Increasing soil health is important, he said. Many times Bueno’s heard the statement “when you have healthy soil, it’s not a good habitat for pests to thrive in.” And healthy soil also means more nutritious vegetables.

To further their goal of helping the community, Food Bank held a two-day workshop in 2015 to teach people how to build hoop houses. Forty local farmers attended, learning their benefits and how to build them.

People use them for different reasons, Bueno said, like growing tomatoes from August until November, possibly later, or even reducing plant disease.

“This is educational,” said Bueno. “We’re trying to teach people how to feed themselves. We let people grow it there, then take it home.”

When you learn how easy it is to grow something, that’s a skill that will last for generations.

A freelance journalist and professional blogger, Debra Atlas is reachable through www.Envirothink.wordpress.com or debraatlas@gmail.com

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T

he topic many growers continue

to debate over is the economic

value of a burndown treatment.

Let us take a step back and

consider this past growing

season. For example, did we observe any sugarcane aphid populations? Yes, in many areas throughout the Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend, and even the Texas High Plains, growers observed the presence of sugarcane aphids. In the Rio Grande Valley, many sugarcane aphid populations were found in johnsongrass and volunteer sorghum along the borders of many fields. Being a relative to sorghum, johnsongrass serves as alternate host for sugarcane aphids. Johnsongrass germinates from seed as well as it can grow from rhizomes overwintering in the soil. Because managing johnsongrass in sorghum fields can be difficult, control should be aim after harvest. During this timeframe, traditional tillage practices of plowing and disking disturb root systems of actively growing johnsongrass. There are very limited herbicidial options that can be used to control johnsongrass in sorghum during the growing season. As a burndown, gramoxone is an example of a herbicide that can be used to control seedling johnsongrass at planting. So, is it worth controlling weeds after harvest?

I say yes because controlling weeds between growing seasons can help manage insect pest issues that may arise in the following growing season.

We are very fortunate in South Texas that growers do not have to manage for her-

bicide resistant weeds as many as of our fellow growers in the Southeast, Midwest and other regions of the US. However, it is still crucial to minimize the risk of herbicide resistance from developing.

One common and very problematic weed throughout the US is Palmer amaranth.

In Texas, Palmer amaranth or Palmer pigweed, can emerge throughout the growing season and after harvest. Currently, in many disked fields in Nueces County, I am observing Palmer amaranth emergence with heights ranging from 2 to 5 inches. Much of my background has revolved around Palmer amaranth and I have seen this weed grow 2 inches overnight when growing conditions are optimal. Lately, we have had cooler nights but we are continuing to have daytime temperatures reaching into the 90s.

In this type of situation, the use of glyphosate or glyphosate tank-mixed with a residual herbicide such as saflufenacil has been proven to be an effective strategy for managing Palmer amaranth. A single Palmer amaranth plant has the capability of producing anywhere from 200,000 to 600,000 seeds per plant. Therefore if left unmanaged, Palmer amaranth can quickly grow and replenish the seedbank for the next growing seasons.

With any herbicide burndown program various considerations should be taken into account. Therefore the first step I continue to advocate is to read the label.

There are many herbicides labeled for

a burndown application but

some may have plant-back

restrictions with certain crops

and should be carefully ex

amined as we are preparing

for the 2018 growing season.

Another factor to consider is

the timing of application. In

some cases, weed densities

many not be high enough

to warrant a herbicide appli cation but by holding off until

more weeds have emerged

could provide better results.

And lastly, using the recom mend rates for targeted

weeds can provide effective

control.

weeds are going to germinate and emerge following fertilizer application. As a result, weeds can utilize these nutrients and could reduce the availability of nutrients for the following growing season.

So, is it worth controlling weeds after harvest? I say yes.

Alinna M. Umphres, Ph.D. Adjunct Lecturer Weed Science and Integrated Pest Management at Texas A&M University – Kingsville Email: alinna.umphres@tamuk.edu

As we close a record year,

many fields are being

prepped for the next growing

season starting with fertility decisions. One concern here in South Texas is not IF but more of WHEN are NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

31

HURRICANE

HARVEY

T

exas witnessed a very destructive and cata strophic hurricane about two months ago which

affected almost half of Texas in one way or anoth er. Meteorologist, David Yeomans, with Austin’s

NBC affiliate station, KXAN, made his way down to the Texas gulf coast before Hurricane Harvey and was in Rockport when the hurricane made landfall. Because of this he could report minute by minute updates on the storm and its intensity. After his return to the Austin area, I was able to interview David about his experience in Hurricane Harvey; the aspects and intensity of the storm.

As we are all aware the storm was an incredibly strong hurricane that was very destructive for the middle Texas coast and dumped a lot of water on southeast Texas. Yeomans explained that Hurricane Harvey was a “very long- lived storm that started in the Caribbean as a tropical storm. It began to dissipate in the Gulf of Mexico, but then began intensifying and heading toward the Texas coast”. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association or NOAA had been closely watching and monitoring Harvey. They began warning Texas three to four days before it made landfall. David said that “NOAA had really accurate predictions for when and where it would make landfall.” Harvey began to undergo rapid intensification as an eye developed and its central pressure quickly fell. Rapid intensification occurs when a tropical cyclone intensifies dramatically in a short period of time. Harvey made landfall around Rockport-Fulton and Aransas Pass. Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast as a Category Four hurricane. Once it made landfall it was a very slow moving and strong storm.

David and his crew were staying at a hotel in Rockport along with some storm chasers. He said that “the eye sat over them for about two hours, which is an example of how slowly the storm was moving”. Yeomans added that one of the notable aspects of being in the hurricane was: the power of the storm and the noise of the wind which sounded like a jet engine.

There was a lot of debris flying around and a part of the 32

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BY KATHRYN BRADY

wall of the neighboring hotel was peeling off. You could see green flashes due to power lines being snapped from flying debris and trees.

By Saturday, Harvey was pretty much “stationary and stayed along I-10”, explains Yeomans. “The storm stayed inland for 1.5 days”. The flat terrain and moist atmosphere of central and southeast Texas allowed the storm to continue to pick up water and to behave like a tropical storm; dumping more than two feet of rain in some places. After spending time in Texas the hurricane re-entered the Gulf and then made landfall again, this time hitting far-eastern Texas and Louisiana.

As has been seen in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands storms of this intensity and magnitude can completely interrupt infrastructure as well as day to day activities that we take for granted. After being in Rockport before, during and after the storm, David observed that these hurricanes “set towns, especially small towns, back decades or centuries: no running water, food services, electricity, internet, cell service, transportation. And people are unable to perform basic daily tasks like brushing their teeth, flushing the toilet, and no fresh food to cook”. “Emergency crews in Rockport didn’t have landline and had to go door to door checking on causalities and needed a runner to report causalities to dispatch”, cited Yeomans.

Re-building can take months and in the case of Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria, may take years for them to get back to where they were as far as infrastructure.

As for the Texas coast, up until this year, when Hurricane Harvey hit; the last storm to hit Texas was Ike; almost a decade ago. When asked about how Texans can better prepare for Hurricanes, David answered that: there are a lot of new residents to the coastal area that weren’t aware of the severity of storms as well they could do it again. But it is still important to heed weather warnings for the storms and

because: One degree of temperature rise increases potential hurricane sustained wind speed by twenty miles per hour which increases the categories of the storm. So a tropical storm would be a hurricane and a category 3 would be a category 4; if the ocean was the only control and there weren’t other variables involved in hurricane intensity. The climate has been warming from one to two degrees in the last century. Warmer air produces more moisture and makes heavier rain events. Contributing factors to hurricane intensity are: 1.) water 2.) air 3.) wind shear: The ocean has risen 7 inches in 100 years. Storm surge is the-rise of ocean from winds and moisture during a hurricane. The warming air and water have been shown to increase the frequency and intensity of the strongest hurricanes since the satellite era began in the 1950s and 60s.

evacuate. Many of the areas hit by Harvey were small towns with little resources available to them to prepare to the extent of larger metropolitan areas are able to prepare. As of the time of the interview we were only halfway through hurricane season. David mentioned that: we’ve had people die in all of these storms. Both Hurricane Harvey and Irma were category 4 storms within the same season. It is unprecedented to have two category 4 storms hitting the U.S. in the same season in recorded history. Which means both of the hurricanes have had their names retired due to the loss of life and property they caused.

So why has there been so many severe hurricanes this year alone? Janice Dean, Senior Meteorologist for Fox News Channel says that in the “Atlantic conditions were favorable in atmosphere to produce several strong hurricanes a similar phenomenon happened in 2004 when Hurricane Andrew hit Florida”.

“The Gulf of Mexico was also one to two degrees warmer than average during Hurricane Harvey which creates favorable conditions for hurricanes” explains David Yeomans. However there are many different factors that contribute to the strength and power of a hurricane. The Gulf has had increasing temperatures over the last several years. And this increase in temperatures can be attributed to climate change. Yeomans illustrates it his way: Since the 1830’s we have known that Carbon Dioxide contributes to trapping heat in the atmosphere. A representation of this is to imagine the earth’s atmosphere as a down comforter in which every molecule is a feather that traps heat: adding more feathers is like adding more molecules that trap more heat. Even though the sun activity is decreasing in intensity; temperatures are still rising.

David explains that this temperature rise affects hurricanes

As we have seen after a hurricane there is a lot of damage to agricultural land, livestock infrastructure and commodities.

The wind and flooding contributes to most of this damage.

Downed fences, loss of livestock, crops and food are just some of the issues. After the waters recede there are things to look out for; such as “debris that can cause injury to animals as well as humans. There are also displaced wildlife and predators or varmints; such as Rattlesnakes. Additionally there is a greater threat of livestock catching diseases following flooding”. Texas Horseman Volume 4 Number 12.

Although sometimes all seems lost there is still several resources available to help agricultural producers; such as crop, livestock and farm and ranch insurance. Additionally the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service also have programs available to help agricultural producers that have been affected by the hurricane in the counties deemed a disaster by the Federal government. The program is the Emergency Conservation Program and can be utilized for fences that were lost in the storm as well as for livestock mortality and erosion. Losses and damage must be reported to the local field office.

For those looking to donate to those affected by the hurricane there are donation sites available to give specifically to agricultural producers through the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Farm Bureau.

There is some positive news after the disaster of Harvey in the form of this autumn’s weather outlook Yeomans tells us that “NOAA’s three month outlook predicts a warm, but wet fall.

However a La Nina is predicted for winter, which means warmer and drier winter”.

I would like to express my gratitude to David Yeomans for allowing me the opportunity to interview him about his experience in Hurricane Harvey and his hurricane expertise. I would also like thank him and his crew for braving the storm to report back to us on Harvey’s happenings.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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In Loving Memory to our friend GERALD W. ECKEL

orn in Karnes City in 1954, Gerald graduated

from Poth High School and Southwest Texas

State University. Gerald taught and coached

at Kenedy ISD in the early 80’s before returning

to the family business (Lyssy & Eckel Feed Co.) Gerald spent over 40 years serving farmers and ranchers across Texas. He sponsored countless agricultural programs with a special interest in youth activities.

Gerald was a person who exemplified the true meaning of generosity, who we have all come to love and cherish. Gerald began attending every Cattleman’s RoundUp auction benefitting Driscoll Children’s Hospital. He flourished in to a major supporter of Driscoll, and for 28 years he spearheaded the Cattlemen’s Roundup. He was a Driscoll Board member, and is currently an honored Emeritus member of the Driscoll Board. The magnitude of this man’s passion for Driscoll led to an ambulance being dedicated in Lyssy and Eckel’s name.

Gerald was a man who loved to make people laugh with his many pranks and jokes. His knowledge of sports, be it high school, college, or professional was legendary. He was so proud of the accomplishments of everyone; be it his former students, Poth kids, 4-Her’s & FFA members and musicians.

He never turned his back on any kid in need. That was especially obvious with everything he has done for the Driscoll Foundation.

He was so proud of how well the benefit auctions would do at the local sale barns and he took great joy in knowing the money raised was buying equipment (ambulance) that the hospital needed to help the sick children.

Gerald’s devotion to giving was unmatched and no one had a closer eye on the workings of fundraising for many causes.

Gerald’s contributions to South Texas is immeasurable, and he did it quietly, preferring to roll up his sleeves instead of seeking attention but as you can see it did not go unnoticed. So, Gerald, on behalf of Debo and Annika and friends and family, we thank you. We salute you for your brilliant mind, for your passion, for your nurturing of others, for your generosity, for your moral leadership, for your patience and understanding, for your spirituality, for your deep devotion to your family and friends, for your truth, and for your uncritical acceptance and love.

We love you dearly dear friend.

You will never be forgotten.

Gerald Eckel, 63, passed away on October 6, 2017

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SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATED: ADAMS FARMS ALTHEA PANNELL ANITA & RANDY MCMURRAY ASHLEY PANNELL ASHLEY TAYLOR DALE ROBERTS DANIELLE & MAGNUS GOSLIN ELKS LODGE 1889 ERIC & SUMER KNIGHT-POLLY GLORIA BISHOP HEATH & PEGGY HARRIS JIM & LUPITA GORMAN JOSE PEREZ JUDY KELLY KANDI HEARN KAYLA SUAREZ

LEVI & BROOKE BURNS LOGAN & MADISON HARRIS LORI KEHLER MARTHA HALL MICAH GIBBS- GONZALEZ & MYLES GONZALES NORA ROBLES SAMANTHA TAYLOR TATIANA VAKHLOMOVA & ALEKSANDER KHAZONOV

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MADE YOU

JBS

Scandal

BY NICKY BRASHEAR

Brief Overview of Events : JBS was founded by Jose Batista Sobrinho in the 1950’s in Goias, Brazil. At this time he was a 5 cow-a-day slaughter operation. By the 1990’s, Jose had partnered with his sons, Wesley and Joesley Batista, and began to export.

In 2007 JBS went public. JBS, with funds from the National Banks for Economic and Social Development (known as BNDES in Portuguese) purchased the US company Swift & Co. Swift & Co. produced the Butterball Turkey among other meat products, and this acquisition made JBS the world’s largest beef company.

It must be noted here that the BNDES loaned JBS over $3billion at single digit interest rates, when the going rates for commercial loans were close to 30%. In 2009 JBS purchased Pilgrim’s Pride and by 2014 was second only to Nestle as a worldwide food company.

May of 2017 the media made public recorded conversations between Brazilian President Michel Temer and Joesley Batista that implicated them both, and up to 1,800 other government politicians, in illegal kickbacks. Accusations include bribing food safety officials to approve the export of contaminated meat. This

information resulted in the forfeiture of Brazilian meat in many countries. JBS knowingly entered into this recording in an effort to secure a plea bargain with the federal prosecutor office. Both brothers were granted immunity at this time and remained free of both charges and imprisonment.

In September both brothers were taken into custody. Prosecutors indicate that Joesley Batista may have violated his plea agreements by withholding information. Wesley Batista was arrested on suspicion of insider trading. The warrant was for both Wesley & Joesley. Currently the Batista brothers remain in jail on the insider trading charges.

With all of this scandalous greasing of palms and unscrupulous activity, it is important to remember that this has only been the Brazilian sector of the company. As of yet, the US sector has remained unnamed in any depravity. The newly founded Compliance Division of JBS has hired a past USDA official to increase confidence. The company is also taking aggressive measures to reduce debt, including ongoing talks to sell several business units, including American based JBS Five Rivers Cattle Feeding LLC. With the potential for a US criminal investigation of its corporate practices, JBS has hired a team of lawyers. JBS maintains that “none of our U.S. subsidiaries or executives committed any wrongdoing.”

Financial fallout hasn’t been what was predicted with last quarter’s numbers coming in better than anticipated. The American sector shows strong performance. In recent news, a Brazilian federal judge granted an injunction that unfroze the assets of the Batista family and some of their companies.

This story is far from over, and considering the mammoth size of this company and the breadth of its reach worldwide, we are bound to feel some impact. It is important that we remain aware of issues that affect our national food supply.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

39

From our family to yours.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

García Grain Trading 956 - 464 - 6000

SERVING THE VALLEY FOR OVER 30 YEARS ALAMO, TEXAS MCCOOK, TEXAS

DONNA, TEXAS PROGRESO, TEXAS

EDCOUCH, TEXAS SANTA ROSA, TEXAS

Scott honored as

“Man of the Year” in Texas agriculture

BY ROD SANTA ANA

Andy Scott, right, longtime recently honored as “Man service to South Texas ag Hidalgo County, nominate

S

EDINBURG – Andy Scott, a long-time agricultural researcher in South Texas, was recently honored as “Man of the Year” by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association at their annual meeting and banquet in Odessa.

For over 50 years, the TCAAA has been honoring deserving Texans for their “outstanding leadership in agriculture, agribusiness and their support of the educational efforts of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county agents,” according to

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Brad Cowan, AgriLife Extension agent in Hidalgo County.

“Andy joined Rio Farms, a private ag research center in Monte Alto, in 1972 as a research staff horticulturist and in less than two years was promoted to director of research, a position he still holds today,” Cowan said. “It’s amazing to think Andy is now celebrating 45 years of service to the Valley agriculture community. In that time, among his many other accomplishments, Scott has released several varieties of cotton, soybean, peas and sugarcane that are still grown successfully here,” Cowan said.

“He’s also been involved in the development of new crops for our area,” he said, “including kenaf, tropically adapted soybeans, tropical legumes, blackberries and even grapes. And beyond excelling in his chosen professional field, Andy has devoted tremendous efforts to the community, having selflessly served on countless organizations to help improve the world around him.”

In Cowan’s 27-year career in Hidalgo County, he and Scott have teamed up to conduct over 100 field days and seminars of benefit to local ag producers. “It’s been a real pleasure collaborating with Andy all these years in providing timely information our local growers use to sustain production and a thriving ag industry here that contributes greatly to our local economy. While many of Scott’s contributions are visible, including his educational field days, many others are not,“ Cowan said.

“Much of his dedicated work is not so well known, such as collaborating with scientists from across the country on a host of different crops and conducting research field trials far too numerous to count,” he said.

e research director at Rio Farms in Monte Alto, was n of the Year” by AgriLife Extension agents for his exemplary griculture. Brad Cowan, left, the AgriLife Extension agent for ed Scott for the prestigious award.

Andrew Wilson Scott Jr. was born in Ft. Worth where he graduated with honors from Childress High School in 1966, lettering in track, football and basketball. He was also involved in FFA and 4-H, where he won numerous honors.

After high school, Scott began his college career at Texas A&M University, where he lettered in rugby. He graduated, again with honors, in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, then served two years as a graduate research

assistant to Dr. Leonard Pike of 1015 onion fame. He then joined Rio Farms where he managed to earn a master’s degree in horticulture from Texas A&M while raising three children with his wife Pam. “Andy has led an exemplary and highly productive life,” Cowan said. “He’s a devoted husband and a father to three children, all of whom graduated from Texas A&M and are now pursuing successful careers of their own. He served on the Monte Alto school board for 12 years, president of the Knapp Medical Center board of director and currently sits on the boards of the Engleman Irrigation District and First United Methodist Church of Edcouch.”

“Scott is also a familiar sight at Friday night high school football games, having served as a referee for 30 years, another of his many passions,” Cowan said.

Scott has also served as past president of the Texas Vegetable Association, the Rio Grande Valley Horticulture Society and the All Valley Winter Vegetable Show.

“Successful agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley doesn’t just happen,” Cowan said. “It flourishes thanks to the efforts of many, including agricultural research giants like Andy Scott who pour their heart and soul every day into making agriculture the leading industry we enjoy today.”

Previous Rio Grande Valley recipients of “Man of the Year” awards in Texas agriculture include D.V. Guerra, 1977; Kika de la Garza, 1981; Charlie Rankin, 1983; Wayne Halbert, 1993; Dale Murden, 2009; and Ray Prewett, 2013.

For more information, contact Cowan at 956-383-1026

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

45

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RGV

D I S T R I C T

Nov 1, 2017

District, Area, State & National FFA Dues Deadline Location: Respective Org. Time 5pm

Nov 7, 2017

C A L E N

Nov 18, 2017

Bobcat Showdown Location: RGVLS

Nov 20, 2017

Area X LDE’s

Location: TAMUK Time 8am

Nov 21, 2017

Rio Grande Valley District LDE’s

Hog Validation

Nov 11, 2017

Dec 1, 2017

Location: Edinburg Ag Facilities Location: RGVLS Time: 10:30am Time: 2-6pm

RGVLS GALA Location: RGVLS

Nov 16, 2017

Temple Grandin’s handling livestock presentation Location: Edinburg North Performance arts center (10 students per chapter)

Major Livestock Show Entry Deadline Respective Shows Time 5pm

Dec 2, 2017

State Leadership Development Event (LDE) Finals

Location: Huntsville, TX (SHSU) Time: 8am

Dec 2, 2017

Cowboy Classic

Location: Huntsville, TX (SHSU) Time: 8am 52

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H Calendar DA R

O F

AC T I V I T I E S

Sponsored by:

Nov 18, 2017

District Food Show/ Food Challenge Alice High School, Alice,TX 8am

Nov 19, 2017

District 12 Consumer Decision Making Alice High School, Alice,TX 12pm

Nov 21, 2017

Hog Validation Edinburg Ag. Farm 2-6pm

Nov 28, 2017

County Council Meeting Extension Office 7pm

Dec 9, 2017

District 12 Shooting Sports Archery (Modified 600 & 3-D) Match Benavides, TX 8am

Jan 23, 2017

County Council Meeting Extension Office 7pm

Feb 2-3, 2017

Rally in Hidalgo County (Photography, Fashion Show, Edu. Pres.)

AgriLife Res. Center, Weslaco Time: TBA

Nov 28, 2017

Major Show Entry Deadline Extension Office 5pm

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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30th Annual LMC Jr. Round Up A Big Success

”The 30th annual LMC Junior Round Up and LMC Futurity was held on October 7 at La Muneca Ranch. Over 200 4-H and FFA students from all over Texas, their leaders and family members were in attendance. This is an all day, family oriented, fun and free educational field day. This year’s theme was all about leadership, opportunities and motivation. Hidalgo County 4-H Council President Charles C. Lee led the participants in the 4-H Motto, Pledge and Prayer. The FFA Creed was recited by ENHS FFA member and State Finalist Beth Quintanilla.

There were eleven speakers - Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening, Michael Grahmann, Nelda Barrera, Steve Atzenhoffer, Michelle Martin, Brad Cowan, Cassie Flores, Pastor Chris O’Laughlin, Benny Cano, Laura Ramirez plus Aaron Moreno and his Hidalgo County Canine Team.

Everyone got to judge four classes of Polled Brahman and Simbrah cattle, two classes of hay and did weight guessing. The buckles, prizes and premium money were donated by Doug Lightfoot, Juancarlo Rendon, Lone Star National Bank-David Deanda, Santos Escobar, Benny Cano and Mike de los Santos Families. Every Junior participant won a door prize thanks to our many donors.

Door prizes and special awards were donated by Hidalgo County Farm Bureau, Chorizo de San Manuel, Creative Awards, Mueller Inc.-Frank Trevino, Martin’s Farm & Ranch, Farm & Ranch Supply San Isidro, Tandy’s Farm & Ranch, Fernando Perez, Norberto Lopez, Pete Garcia Jr., 6G Ranch, La Muneca and the families of Nelda Barrera, Robert Mora, Israel Sanchez and Leroy Stavinoha.

Overall winners were: Juniors - 1st -3rd - Harper Mau, Ryan Garza & Aryanna Garza. Intermediate 1st - 3rd - Cooper Mau, Lorelai Hill & MaKayla Sanchez. Seniors - 1st - 3rd - Julian Mora, Matthew Salinas and Cole Mau. Adults - 1st - 3rd - Karolyn Mau, Claudio Lozano and Rachel Longoria.

Judges for the LMC Futurity were Russell Boening and Michael Grahmann. Showmanship winners were:

Elementary - 1st - Harper Mau, 2nd - Rigo Mora and 56

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3rd - Ryan Mack Simpson Jr. High - 1st - Cooper Mau, 2nd - Victor Balderas, 3rd - Lorelai Hill. 4th - Cattle Ward and 5th - Matthew Sanchez. High School - 1st - Kendyl Sellman, 2nd - Cole Mau, 3rd - Kiley French, 4th - Preston Vela and 5th - Robert Martinez Jr. The Champion Bulls were exhibited by Cattle Ward and Julian Mora. The Champion Simbrah Heifers were shown by Caleb Fuchs and Matthew Sanchez . The Champion Brahman heifers were exhibited by Kendyl and Kylie Sellman. The Champion % heifers were shown by Caleb Fuchs and Cooper Mau. The Champion Simbrah steer was shown by Taylor Trevino. The RGV Brahman & F1 Association Champion Brahman Steers were shown by Carlos “Pops” X. Guerra III and Beth Quintanilla.

One of the many highlights of this event is the awarding of the Annual LMC Awards. The LMC Booster of the Year went to Russell Boening, the Volunteer of the Year to Doug Martin and the Educator of the Year to Celinda Alvarado. These are three special people that make a big difference in the world today.

Our Client Appreciation Dinner is very special. We want to thank Chorizo de San Manuel, Louie Flores, Benny and James Cano for their efforts in providing this delicious meal to conclude the event stated event host Carlos X. Guerra.

Over $9,000 was awarded in show premiums, banners, buckles and awards. The farthest traveled award and stipend went to Cattle Ward from the Mike Quintanilla family. The next LMC event will be the LMC & Friends Giving THANKS Online Sale IV on November 18-21. For more info, please contact Carlos at 956 802 -1641 or at lamunecacattle@aol.com.

2017 First Bale

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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DUO

Dynamic Kendyl and Kylie started showing cattle when about five years ago, when they were 13 and 10, respectively. Now, about five years later, they are among the most recognized showers in South Texas. When they were young, their dad was insuring crops including at the England farm in Mercedes. Mike England is also a breeder and one day told their dad that he would insure with him if “your girls will show a heifer or a steer for me.”

One ended up getting a heifer to show and the other got “a crazy steer.” “I showed the heifer,” Kendyl said. “And she (Kylie) was going to show the steer but she chickened out and I got stuck with the heifer and the crazy steer. It just escalated from there and the England’s just kept giving us more cattle.” Their involvement now takes them all over the state, and not just for showing. Kendyl is the Texas Junior Brahma Association director and the sisters have learned that showing an animal is more than about winning.

“Banners fade, buckles tarnish but memories will last forever,” Kendyl said.

“It’s not about winning – you’re not going to look back and say ‘ooh I should’ve won.’

I’ve made so many friends and I didn’t know most of them when I started showing.

That wouldn’t have happened otherwise and I’m truly forever grateful.” Kylie remembers when she first started that others would come up to her and make the first move toward conversation and friendship. She said she tries to pass that one whenever she sees the opportunity.

“

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Banners fade, buckets tarnish, but memories last forever.

“

“I learned you need to go out there at shows and events and talk to kids who are just sitting with their calves and get them to be more comfortable with everyone,” she said. “Become friends with them. It helps them and it will help you too.” The sisters are also in their first year of the TJLA and are ranked No.1 and No. 2 in the state.

They are on the board for the RGV Junior Brahman F1 Association where they have worked together to double the organization’s membership. They have conducted events and showmanship clinics to help raise money for senior scholarships.

“We really want to keep that up,” Kendyl said. “We put on our clinic and the skill-athon and made a lot of money for the organization. We had about 40 kids, which is good for the first year and ended up clearing about $2,500. We want to keep it going.”

Both girls are quick to thank the England’s for putting them on the show path. They’re just as quick to admit that they’ve learned from many people, including Carlos and Sister Guerra at La Muñeca Ranch. “The first show I ever showed in I walked in wearing skinny jeans and boots,” Kendyl said, laughing. “We’ve learned a lot. We are doing a special kids rodeo and like Kylie said we are going to go out and have a prospect show in the fall and winter. We want to make an impact.”

– Kendyl

Participants toured the Guerra Ranch.

BY BERTHA T. VENEGAS

The Spanish architecture of the Casa de Palmas Renaissance Hotel built in 1918 welcomed participants to the first Texas Hispanic Farmer and Rancher Conference held September 14-15 in McAllen.

A fitting venue for the kick off of Hispanic Heritage Month, the “Growing Together, Creciendo Juntos” conference focused on the accomplishments of Hispanic farmers and ranchers and the exchange of information from agriculture agency experts who provided both technical and real life experiences to conference participants.

The USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) was instrumental in bringing this conference to fruition.

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) joined in as the third key partner in this endeavor.

Addressing the opening plenary session for NRCS was Tomas Dominguez, assistant state conservationist for field operations, who emphasized that, “outreach to a growing Hispanic population is important now more than ever with the latest Agriculture Census showing a 21 percent increase in the number of

Hispanic producers from 2007 to 2012. Texas has the highest number of Hispanic principal operators in the nation with 34,624.”

The conference focused on four key tracks that included urban farming, ranching, farming and SSARE on-farm research and education presentations. The conference offered both plenary sessions and breakout sessions. One plenary session included women producers describing their struggles and successes in agriculture. The panel included Diana Padilla with Yahweh’s All Natural Farm and Garden and Patricia Garza with PPC Farms.

Garza is a vegetable producer in the Mission area and spoke of the availability of funding sources for agriculture producers but emphasized to participants, “to close the gap between the USDA institutions and agriculture producers by doing research and meeting with USDA officials before applying, and that it is a lengthy process that requires much persistence.”

The conference also offered the opportunity for participants to attend field tours. The tours included PPC Farms, the Guerra Ranch, and Terra Preta Farm. Gerardo “Jerry” Guerra from the Guerra Ranch talked to participants about the benefits that a high stock density operation would have on the land and its requirements.

The conference concluded with a panel of agency and organization speakers answering questions for all participants about their respective programs.

Participants listen to state and federal officials at the Opening Plenary Session.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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Year 3 of PLC

BY CASEY CLIPSON

BY CASEY CLIPSON

As Oct 2017 is upon us we looking at another low commodity year in agriculture. The times of high prices seem to have come and gone with no return in the near future. As we ponder on these current times and low prices we must ask ourselves how do we become more efficient in our operations and utilize our safety net programs that were developed for producers in 2014 farm bill.

Price loss coverage (PLC Program)

The PLC program being the most dominant chosen program of the 2014 Farm Bill is the program will focus on today. PLC payments are going out in October through November for crop year 2016 and will result in a proximately 2 to 2 1/2 times more than 2015. These increase in PLC payments only reemphasizes the hard times farmers across this great nation are experiencing. With farm income decreasing 50% from previous years, it is vitally important to understand why this payment is higher, how it works, what the details tell us about our operations, and how we can better position ourselves in the future, LEARNING what we know from the past. Today I’ll speak on how to maximize the benefit from the PLC program.

As I speak at meetings across the state of Texas I tried to emphasize on the efficiency of ones farming operation. This is the key to making profit as it is an any business. I would venture to say that all Farmers endure 80% of the same problems everywhere I speak, hi cost of operation and Low commodity prices. The 20% left I catorgorizes as 10% farm efficiency and the other 10% that I’m going to focus on today has to do PLC program and navigating generic base scenarios. What is generic base? Generic base acres are FSA base acres they were once cotton base acres tied to individual farm numbers. Not all Farms have Generic base, but most do. Generic base acres are now assign to what you plant on that particular farm. As I speak at these meetings I’m amazed at just how many farmers make decisions on their farming operation without knowing the full impact of that decision and how it will affect the bottom line revenue. Of course I’m talking about PLC payments as they relate to generic base. The 2014 farm bill being so complicated with 62 Ag Mag

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generic base is one huge algebraic equation and can not be simplified in the this article. It takes work or knowing someone with the full in workings of the program.

WHAT YOU PLANT COUNTS

What you plant counts is the most correct statement of this entire article. Corn PLC payments generated somewhere between 22 and $32 an acre for the 2016 crop year, while Grain sorghum generated somewhere between $60 to 110 per acre depending on the yield of both crops for each farm. As we move into the third year Grower’s are starting to understand that planting corn in certain situations can come at a cost and negative to your bottom line. Remember, We must focus on efficiency of our monies. I have scenarios that growers grow a corn crop and made less net money than growing Grain Sorghum on that Farm, or plant cotton on the entire farm only to find out later that all of the generic base sat outside the program, and could have been in the program with a little strategic planting. With profit margins being so tight, it is critically necessary to understand what affect your planting strategy has on your operation, what you are giving up when planting one crop versus the other.

Certain farms should should never be planted to corn based on PLC potential for grain on that same farm. It is very difficult, impossible to apply a one size fits all plan for all farming operations due to the fact that every farm has a different potential. We must learn/know where revenue is generated on our farms.

Growers must embrace the program in a way to maximize the safety net as long as there are forecasted low prices. How do you do this one may ask, all growers must learn and understand the value of you base acres.

The safety net is working as planned, when prices come back, PLC payments go away, as they should. Things also get a lot simplier

If you would like us to look at your operation, please give us a shout.

2017

˜

Field Day

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ALL HANDS ON DECK

O

BY:

Kurt Schuster

ne of the subjects touched upon from time

to time in this column is the pressing need

for labor in the ag industry. Most of the

time people decry the lack of skilled labor

that can be found easily, especially in the

often-remote areas where agriculture is conducted. However, anyone who has worked in any form of agribusiness knows that almost all labor is skilled these days.

The commonly held conception by the uninformed public that farming is easy is usually held by people in air-conditioned offices with soft hands and sweater vests. Finding not only the staff you need to manage your business, but those individuals to harvest, sort, grade, process, and pack your product in any combination thereof is becoming harder each year. While this article deals with immigration issues we take no stand on any of the politics involved other than to note the quote by Mark Twain that, “Politicians are like dirty diapers; they need to be changed often and for the same reason”.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING Currently most agricultural labor is done by individuals with 68

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AgMag Columnist

questionable or outright no legal status. This is done in two ways, illegal and through such programs as the H2A guest worker program we currently have in place. Like most laws though it doesn’t encompass the myriad situations of labor that arise when agriculture is in the mix. The setup for this program is onerous and demanding with binders of paperwork required, interminable wait, inexplicable denials, and of course other ancillaries like need to provide housing for workers under H2A. With a program of this level of complexity, most employers choose to use it only by need rather than desire.

At the same time, the current political climate is such in the US that programs such as H2A are looked at with an increasingly jaundiced eye as to the continuing residency and overall societal implications of having guest workers.

With these shortcomings in mind there is currently an effort underway spearheaded by Rep. Bob Goodlatte to introduce a bill creating a new guest worker program with the designation of H2C. The bill’s provisions include greater access to guest workers, no pathway to citizenship, a touchback provision for workers (requiring them to return to their host country before applying), a wage scale that would be 15% above a state’s minimum wage, and no requirement for worker housing and transportation. Importantly, the bill would allow currently illegal farmworkers to participate in the program so that anybody currently employed could simply be rolled over into the new program. Unfortunately, this bill hasn’t gained much in any way as the increasing focus on border security has swept these more common-sense ideas along with an increasing emphasis on abuses of the H2A program, especially in the high-tech industry. As is usual in the machinations of politics, various other programs and initiatives

involved are being used as bargaining chips in the back and forth process of trying to get these new programs and bills codified into executable laws.

The bill on its face is a marked improvement from the H2A program it is trying to separate from and addresses many of the complaints by agribusiness owners and the by the communities surrounding these agricultural areas. Most notably the provisions to provide for housing and transportation were difficult for most agribusiness owners as they have no experience in operating essentially a hotel for their employees.

At the same time, communities weren’t often eager to have dormitories full of ag workers as they were being blamed, rightly or not, for the societal ills you get when you mix coed strangers together away from home, family, and friends.

Beyond that though the merits stand on their own or aren’t issues to begin with. Greater access to workers is an ambiguous phrase, but essentially the thrust here is to clear up a variety of blockades from bureaucratic red tape to visa and security issues.

A 15% premium over minimum wage typically isn’t an issue as piece rate work appears to be the predominate form of compensation for employees. The no path to citizenship provision again is in political debate, but differs little from the previous H2A provisions. However, it of course is being used as a negotiating point in the broader immigration debate.

One provision of the bill that seems absurd and hard to support is the touchback provision. Having people currently in the United States travel home to travel suddenly and easily back ready to work isn’t grounded in reality. The bureaucratic process is too random and slow, traveling is too cost prohibitive and complicated for most workers, and the time wasted in transit all prevent an orderly and logical deployment of workers for labor needs.

FARMERS PACKERS PROCESSORS

this bill may not be the best idea out there, this bill even in its current form is a sight better than anything we have currently.

The ability to safely, ethically, and easily procure labor for the high unmet demand in agriculture is something we strongly encourage all operators in any level of agribusiness to support. Having a method in which labor goes from an unknown problem to a known variable reduces costs, saves time, and helps all those involved.

We urge all readers to please contact your representative, industry group, or whomever you know that works in political advocacy to help support the passage of this bill. Currently it’s future is very much in doubt as the greater immigration debate roils but existing labor conditions in the status quo is something that agribusiness as a whole can no longer accept as our best option.

LEND ME YOUR EAR

Labor reform for agribusiness is something that is often bandied about, but hardly ever tried. Even though provisions of NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

69

Texas Land Trends report shows changes in rural working lands, operators

BY PAUL SCHATTENBERG, A reprint from Agri-Life publication

SAN ANTONIO – Fragmentation of rural working lands, an increasing population and changes in landowner age, residency, land-use preferences and other factors are addressed in the new Texas Landowner Changes and Trends report.

Lopez said the state’s dramatic loss and fragmentation of privately owned farms, ranches and forests, known as working lands, affects the state’s rural economies and can have a serious impact on natural resources and food security.

“The goal of this report is to describe the state’s growing population and the data relating to rural lands,” said Dr. Roel Lopez, director of the Natural Resources Institute, part of the Texas A&M University System. “Using several datasets, we have also evaluated a number of demographics among landowners of privately owned rural working lands.”

He noted benefits derived from Texas’ working lands, such as clean air and water, natural habitat, a functioning ecosystem and recreational opportunities, are affected by a shrinking openspace landmass. Understanding changing trends can help toward making important planning and development decisions.

The report addressed landowner age, intergenerational land transfer, operator gender, landowner residency and more from 1997 to 2012. It can be found on the Texas Land Trends website, http://txlandtrends.org, an interactive website and database detailing current land use trends within the state. It can also be found on the institute’s website at http://bit.ly/2xb3s3q.

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“Understanding the state’s changing population and land management needs can help toward making important planning and development decisions as well as in determining those policies that will affect these working lands and natural resources for generations to come,” he said.

He said privately owned farms, ranches and forests in Texas are

increasingly threatened by suburbanization, rural development and land fragmentation driven by rapid population growth.

an overall increase in the number of operators, especially the number of new operators near urban centers,” he said.

“Demographic projections show most of the increase in population growth will be in the central, southern and eastern part of the state, and the state’s population will likely double by 2050,” Lopez said. “This will put serious stress on our working lands and natural resources.”

Other data from the report shows as of 2012 there were 65,547 Texas operators who had less than 10 years experience in their current operation, with 42 percent of all rural landowners depending on their operation as their primary occupation. The top three reasons identified for owning land were family recreation, hunting and wildlife enjoyment.

Lopez said another problematic trend is the aging of the average rural landowner. From 1997 to 2012, the average landowner age has increased from 56 to 60.

“In 2012, the average age of women landowner/operators was 63,” he said. “And while men still constituted 85 percent of operators in 2012, the number of women since 1997 has been steadily increasing.”

“Data from this report and from Texas Land Trends provides public and private decision-makers with information needed to plan for the conservation of Texas farms, ranches and forests,” Lopez said. “They are a critically important data source for policy makers, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies for understanding the changing landscape of our working lands and the people who own them.”

Lopez said the report also shows from 1997 to 2012 the number of absentee landowners remained consistent while there was a gain of about 40,000 new resident landowners – those who own and reside on the land – during the same period.

Find more stories, photos, videos and audio at http://today.agrilife.org

“Land transfers from one generation to the next, rising land values and expanding urban centers have all contributed to

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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2017 SKEET SHOOT

VALLEY LAND FUND

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Are you Marketing your Cattle Ranch and Farm

BY YVONNE (BONNIE) RAMIREZ

SOMEWHERE DOWN IN TEXAS- Marketing plays an integral part in keeping any livestock operation front and center and top of mind. Agriculture, livestock ranching, has a long and rich history. There’s a heck of a story to tell … are you marketing?

What separates your operation the rest of the pack?

You may know this; but do others know this? An excerpt from an article by Ken Brubaker of Brubaker Sales and Marketing, “Everyone measures their success in the cattle industry differently. Those goals may have many different meanings from producing and showing a National Champion to having a successful production sale or just having a productive sustainable breeding program. The cattle industry is one of the most diverse industries in our country, with many breeds, philosophies and kinds of cattle being produced. The great thing about that diversity is there seems to be a buyer for everything of quality within those different kinds.

Our industry is very similar to the automobile or fashion industries. Over the years our industry has gone through many changes and usually those changes have translated into income. Right or wrong change equals an increase in income. When you have some76 Ag Mag

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thing that nobody else has they will want it. Successful programs spend as much time developing and maintaining a marketing program as they do their breeding program. Regardless, if your program’s end-product is feeder cattle or seedstock, understanding and utilizing the basic principles of marketing give you an advantage and a much greater chance for success.

There are two truths that you will deal with in your marketing program. “Perception is Reality” and “You can have the best cattle (or crop) in the world, but if nobody knows about them, how can you sell them”. Marketing is more than advertising, advertising is only part of your entire Marketing Program.”To read the entire article, the 6Ps of Cattle Marketing, visit https://brubakersales. com/the-6ps-of-cattle-marketing/ So much goes into the marketing phenomenon. There’s advertising, customer service, social media, ranch/ farm, reputation, websites, informational and promotional material, sales, field days, trade shows, ranch/ farm tours, public relations, and selling to name only a few.

Marketing is a crucial part of an operation and to be profitable, it continues to be increasingly important for cattlemen to partake in this endeavor. Some may not consider themselves to be marketing savvy. Marketing may be quite the chore for them. All too often, marketing efforts may take a back seat in comparison to other “operational goals,” but they shouldn’t.

So, why do we encourage marketing when we could just focus on some of the “easier” things like improving genetics, improving the ranchland, growing the herd, etc. Well … simply put, marketing can put more money in your back pocket! Ultimately, you marketing endeav-

ors could yield you a bigger bottom-line return. Marketing will work … If you work on it.

Effective marketing efforts will help you grow your operation, aid in generating your business a profit and ultimately raise awareness for the livestock industry.

Market away friends!

Ready, Set, Go!

Stay tuned for a marketing follow up article in the next Ag Mag issue

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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