South Texas Farm and Ranch Oct 2020 by mrobertsdigital

36th Annual

South Texas

Farm & Ranch Show VIRTUAL SHOW OCTOBER 28 & 29

EMREE WEAVER | EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

A feral hog stands in a pen inside a holding facility in Wharton. A Product of the Victoria Advocate | Oct. 18, 2020

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◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 FARM AND RANCH SHOW

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Farm & Ranch Show goes virtual The South Texas Farm & Ranch Show continues to be the longest running (started in 1982) nonprofit regional farm and ranch show in South MATT Texas and this year BOCHAT will enjoy its EXTENSION AGENT 36th year of success by providing quality, relevant, education for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and the general public. Originally, the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show was organized by local volunteers and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Now, the show is managed by a group of dedicated volunteers and AgriLife Extension personnel who serve on the South Texas Farm & Ranch Show Committee. Since its inception, the show has grown and continually provides scholarships to local and area high school students that are pursuing agriculture related degrees. Since 1991, over $270,000 of scholarship money has been awarded to more than 200 students in Victoria and surrounding counties. Due to guidance set forth from the governor’s office, this year’s educational programs portion will be held virtually. The trade show, youth program, private pesticide applicator training, and luncheon programs are canceled. The

focus of this year’s show will be on the feral hog control, and managing golf tournament and the educational rangeland for wildlife. programs held virtually. Starting early Oct. 29th will be a “The South Texas Farm & Ranch Show day dedicated to pesticide applicator Committee thought it was very import- recertification. All pesticide applicators ant to continue the show in the Covid including private, non-commercial, era in some form or fashion. Therefore, and commercial are required to get a we opted for the virtual format. The certain number of continuing education good news is that 14 hours of continu- units (CEU’s) to retain their license. Toping education credit is available in the ics for this day will include IPM strattwo days online for pesticide appliegies, ranch management solutions, cator recertification. We also hope to pesticide compliance, pesticide laws expand the number of teams at the and regulations, and water issues. golf tournament to try and supplement revenues for scholarships in lieu of no trade show this year. ............................. 3 The golf tournament will be Oct. 27th at Colony Creek. The virtual show will .................................... 4 be Oct. 28-29.

INSIDE PAGES

One of the biggest educational draws to the farm and ranch show is the Cattleman’s College and it will take place on Oct. 28th. Speakers will focus on a variety of topics including grass identification, beef sustainability, pasture & forage management, beef perception, screwworms, beef marketing outlook and much more. Day one also offers a row crops segment featuring, industrial hemp production update, and crops research in the coastal bend. Finally, day one will conclude with wildlife sessions covering native plants for quail restoration,

If You Go

▶When: Oct. 28-29 ▶Where:

https://2020southtexasfarmandranchshow.eventbrite.com

▶Registration: All of the educational programs will be online only

▶Cost: $20 /day/person

Golf Tournament Scholarships Cattlemen’s College I

Know how, when to use herbicides on pastures, hayfields....................... 5 Pasture & Range Tips Featured at Farm & Ranch Show............................ 5

Cattlemen’s College II

Expert to Discuss Current Topics in Beef Herd Management................ 7 Experts to Talk Investment of Beef Checkoff Dollars......................... 8 Exonomist to Provide Outlook on the Beef Market, Cattle Prices............ 8

Crops Management

New Bug Expert to Present on Integrated Pest Management......... 9 Coastal Bend Research Review set to help crop growers prepare for nest year..... 12 The latest on industrial hemp in Texas....................................... 12

Registration for all the educational programs will only be online. Please visit this website https://2020southtexasfarmandranchshow.eventbrite.com and register for the days and sessions of your choice. Registration will run through Oct. 29th and no refunds will be given. The cost for the virtual seminar will be $20/day/person. For more information about the show call the Victoria County Office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension at 361-575-4581.

Cover Story

Hoggone It!.............................. 10-11

Wildlife

Learn how to manage quail on your property.................................... 13 Restoring a habitat?..................... 14

TDA License Recertificvation I

Specialist Introduces Two New Hericides for pasture management.14 Expert to discuss water protection..... 15 State inspector to address pesticide compliance................................. 16

TDA License Recertification II

Pesticide laws, regulations on Farm and Ranch agenda....................... 16 Pasture Specialist Prepared to Help Rachers Tackle Weed Issues.......... 17 Extension agent to discuss integrated pest management........................ 18

Show Schedule................................. 19

VictoriaAdvocate.com

FARM AND RANCH SHOW

South Texas Farm and Ranch Scholarship Golf Tournament more important than ever BY ELENA ANITA WATTS | EWATTS@VICAD.COM The South Texas Farm and Ranch Show Scholarship Golf Tournament will be Oct. 27 at 9 a.m. at the Club at Colony Creek.

a good portion of that,” said Victor Eder, treasurer for the show. “We’re not having a physical show this year, so our income for scholarships will be more dependent on the golf tournament to help finance the scholarships.”

Teams can play for $400 and indiEder continued that if the $19,000 viduals can play for $100 each. Hole is not raised, the scholarships will be sponsorships are $100. covered by reserves. “The golf tournament reaches out to “We will not have income from a lot of kids in Victoria and adjacent booth exhibitors so we would really counties to give out scholarships,” appreciate a few more extra teams said Gill Dollins, the event co-chairplaying,” Eder said. “We will not cut man. “It’s open to the public and it’s back on the scholarships because we for a good cause, raising as much feel it is more important than ever money for the youth as possible.” before in these hard times now to The tournament normally attracts 12 help kids. We’re hopeful for a great to 15 teams. golf tournament, and we’re looking forward to it.” “The Farm and Ranch Show gives $19,000 in scholarships out each year Eder added that the full South Texas and the golf tournament accounts for Farm and Ranch Show will be back

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The South Texas Farm and Ranch Show Scholarship Golf Tournament will be 9 a.m. Oct. 27 at the Club at Colony Creek. Teams can play for $400 and individuals can play for $100. Hole sponsorships are $100.

How to Register

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY HENRY HARTMAN The South Texas Farm and Ranch Show hosts a golf tournament to help raise money for scholarships for students who plan to study agriculture-related courses in college.

▶When: Oct. 27 ▶Where: The Club at Colony Creek ▶Registration: Teams can play for

$400 and individuals can play for $100. Hole sponsorships are $100.

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◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 EDUCATION

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2020 Scholarship Winners

Fourteen Crossroads students were awarded scholarships from the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show. The scholarships totaled $19,000. HALEY FOEH

ADDISON MCKELVEY

CARLYSSA BORCHERT

ANNABELLE M. GASAWAY

of Victoria, was awarded the $1,750 Mark Scherer Memorial Scholarship. She is the daughter of Timothy and June Foeh. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in animal sciences.

of Goliad, was awarded the $1,500 Melvin Scherer Memorial Scholarship. She is the daughter of Jason and Michele McKelvey. She plans to attend Tarleton State University to major in animal sciences.

of Inez, was awarded the $1,500 John Stockbauer Jr. Memorial Scholarship. She is the granddaughter of Jennifer Dunno. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in animal sciences.

of Victoria, was awarded the $1,500 Jock Ross Memorial Scholarship. She is the daughter of Rickey and Griselda Gasaway. She plans to attend Tarleton State University to major in animal sciences.

BLAKE J. SITKA

SHELBY BERCKENHOFF

of Hallettsville, was awarded the $1,500 David Deirlam Memorial Scholarship. He is the son of Roger and Brenda Sitka. He plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in animal sciences.

of Hallettsville, was awarded a $1,250 Academic Scholarship. She is the daughter of David and Lisa Berckenhoff. She plans to attend Tarleton State University to major in animal sciences.

EMILY VINCIK of Shiner, was awarded a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Charles and Sherri Vincik. She plans to attend Tarleton State University to major in wildlife biology.

of Yoakum, was awarded a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Brandi and Robby Erwin. She plans to attend Blinn College to major in veterinary technology.

ASHLEY ALFORD

of Ganado, was awarded a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Robert and Jan Alford. She plans to attend Vet Tech Institute to major in veterinary technology.

JAKOB DAVID DENTON of Nordheim, was awarded a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. He is the son of Samantha and David Denton. He plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in wildlife biology.

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

SOPHIE SEIDEL

TAYGEN FROMME of Goliad, was awarded a $1,250 Academic Scholarship. She is the daughter of Josh and Cheyanne Fromme. She plans to attend Tarleton State University to major in animal sciences.

of Westhoff, was awarded a $1,250 Academic Scholarship. She is the daughter of Warren and Jeannie Seidel. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in animal sciences.

GEORGIA ERWIN

KEEGAN A. BRUMFIELD

of Port Lavaca, was awarded a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Jason and Sarah Brumfield. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in agricultural communication.

BRYANT BORDOVSKY

of Port Lavaca, was awarded a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. He is the son of Steven and Noemi Bordovsky. He plans to attend Blinn College to major in agricultural engineering.

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Victoria Advocate ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 ◆ 5

CATTLEMAN’S COLLEGE I

Know how, when to use herbicides on pastures, hayfields BY SAMANTHA DOUTY | SDOUTY@VICAD.COM Herbicides will be the focus for Josh McGinty’s upcoming talk at the Farm and Ranch Show. McGinty, associate professor and Extension specialist at Texas A&M University, has presented at the Farm and Ranch show since 2014. He will

If You Go ▶When: Oct. 28 ▶Time: 8-11 a.m.

present on pasture and hay field weed by the herbicides and they can have “I’m just lasting effects on future crops, Mcmanagement alternatives 8-11 a.m. hoping they Ginty said. Oct. 28. walk away Some herbicides persist in the soil from it with a The focus will be on how herbicides are used to control weeds in pastures, well after weeds have disappeared more complete and that can be good and bad, he McGinty said. understanding said. There are some herbicides farmof the plant “It’s really helpful to know that stuff,” ers want to persist, but it’s all about he said. knowing the relationship happening in physiology that they are He will discuss how environmental the plant. dealing with conditions can affect weed control There are types of herbicides that are and what herbicides to use for weathdangerous to some crops and helpful for when handling er conditions and types of weeds. a herbicide,” others and it’s about knowing what is best for a particular field for longevity. he said. Enzymes in the plant are affected

Pasture & Range tips featured at Farm & Ranch Show BY SAMANTHA DOUTY | SDOUTY@VICAD.COM

MEGAN

Those looking for tips on pasture and range management should look to Megan Clayton’s presentation at this year’s South Texas Farm and Ranch show.

Clayton, as assistant professor and Extension range specialist at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center at CLAYTON CATTLEMAN’S COLLEGE 1 MODERATOR

Corpus Christi, will give another round of tips 8-11 a.m. Oct. 28. Last year’s lecture attendees learned how to increase drones, mobile applications, software and chemicals can be used to manage their land. The practices they learned can be used for range and pastures. Clayton earned her doctorate degree in wildlife science from the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M Kingsville and has worked at the Texas A&M Agriculture Extension for about a decade.

If You Go ▶When: Oct. 28 ▶Time: 8-11 a.m.

JOSH

MCGINTY

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CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE II

Expert to discuss current topics in beef herd management some things that I need Beef herd management is an important to do?’” he topic for anyone preparing for calving said. “Be season, said Joe Paschal, Texas A&M aware of AgrliLife extension livestock specialist. heifers that That’s why, like in years past, Paschal need assistance with will offer a presentation about beef calving, for herd management during the 2020 example.” South Texas Farm and Ranch Show. This year, Paschal said he plans to talk Additionalabout current topics in beef herd man- ly, Paschal agement rather than strictly hot topics. plans to talk Primarily, he plans to discuss winteriz- about how JOE to make sure ing a cow herd. PASCHAL the cattle “I’ll go through making sure the herd are in good is up to date on vaccinations, treated body condition, regardless of what seafor liver flukes, making sure you evalu- son they are calving, and touch on how ate your nutrient supply, maybe getting to provide adequate nutrition for calves. your hay tested,” he said. “There’s a It’s an important topic for all to make lot to go through.” sure that whenever one’s calving seaPaschal said he’ll discuss winterizing for son comes around, things go smoothly, a spring as well as a fall calving herd. Paschal said. BY MORGAN THEOPHIL | MTHEOPHIL@VICAD.COM

“So someone that’s like me that’s calving now, I’ll answer, ‘What are

If You Go ▶When: Oct. 28 ▶Time: 1-4 p.m.

“It costs a lot of money to run cows,” he said. “Spring and fall calving, nutrition, health and reproduction are all important.” Paschal is also the moderator of the Cattleman’s College II portion of the Farm and Ranch Show.

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◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 CATTLEMAN’S COLLEGE II

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Experts to talk investment Economist to provide outlook on of beef checkoff dollars the beef market, cattle prices BY MORGAN THEOPHIL | MTHEOPHIL@VICAD.COM

JASON BAGLEY

As a beef producer, it’s important for you to know how checkoff dollars are being put to work, said Jason Bagley, vice president of beef resources with the Texas Beef Council.

es producers to get involved and stay informed about the beef checkoff.”

BY CIARA MCCARTHY | CMCCARTHY@VICAD.COM

Jennifer Matison, vice president of marketing, will discuss the council’s Beef Loving Texans brand and advertising efforts, Bagley said. Russell Woodward, senior manager of channel marketing, will review retail trends and promotions. Bagley will cover international marketing efforts.

In a normal year, there is considerable volatility in the U.S. beef market.

But the COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 anyOne bright side within the challenges thing but a normal year, of 2020 is that Texas Beef Council staff DAVID bringing members have been able to directly ANDERSON another reach more producers, Bagley said. dynamic into an already complex arena, The council wants to hear from produc- said David Anderson, a professor and ers to answer their questions, he said. extension economist.

That’s why Bagley and several others will discuss how the Texas Beef Council is “At the end of the day, the beef check- Anderson will address the beef marinvesting beef checkoff dollars during the beef promotion quality program’s off is a producer-led program, and we ket during a session at the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show and will discuss update at this year’s South Texas Farm want to hear from you,” Bagley said. the range of different factors that and Ranch Show. influence the market. Although Ander“We have innovative programs that son’s discussion won’t focus solely on reach consumers and industry partners the pandemic’s impact on the market, ▶When: Oct. 28 alike as we work to increase beef he said he will address the pandemic’s ▶Time: 1-4 p.m. demand both domestically and internarippling effect on beef consumption tionally,” Bagley said. “TBC encouragand demand.

If You Go

Overall, cattle numbers are declining cyclically nationwide. “We’ve seen the lowest cattle prices of this cattle cycle,” Anderson said. “And as we look towards the future, my expectation is for declining beef production and higher prices for ranchers.” Anderson’s discussion would be useful for anyone in the cattle or beef market, he said, and will cover where the market is today as well as major factors in the cattle market that ranchers should be thinking about. His session will close with his forecasts for cattle prices over the next two years, he said. In his discussion of trends in the demand and consumption of beef, Anderson will touch on the pandemic’s impact on restaurants and how their early closures affected a significant part of the chain.

If You Go ▶When: Oct. 28 ▶Time: 1-4 p.m.

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Victoria Advocate ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 ◆ 9

CROPS MANAGEMENT

New bug expert to present on integrated pest management Center in July as a Texas A&M University assistant professor and Extension This year’s specialist in entomology. His presentaSouth Texas tion will include data and audio clips Farm and from different extension agents with Ranch Show updates for agricultural growers. It will will be an also be supplemented with data from opportunity researchers at Texas A&M in College Station. for growers to be “Because I don’t know the growers introduced and stakeholders in our area, I want to Dalton to make sure they know who I am,” Ludwick. Ludwick said. “I want them to be able to reach me.” Ludwick

BY GEOFF SLOAN | GSLOAN@VICAD.COM

DALTON LUDWICK

came to the District Extension

do not grow too resistant to the toxin-creating bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, more commonly known as Bt.

including the Coastal Bend. Some of these updates can include common issues that growers in a certain region In the Crossroads, this can be relevant are commonly experiencing. to corn and cotton farming, among Because he arrived during the recent other crops. harvest period, Ludwick won’t have The Environmental Protection Agency his own research to share. But, he is looking forward to presenting updates is working on updates to resistance management, or how to best keep cer- and research findings from his coltain crops safe from a pest. The EPA’s leagues and getting to know growers in the area. draft could change this way of farming as well as how yields are bought.

Ludwick will also share resources Information on refuge-related farming on how to receive weekly updates throughout the growing season for will also be shared. Refuge-related farming is a method of ensuring insects people in various regions of Texas,

If You Go

▶When: Oct. 28 ▶Time: 8-11 a.m.

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o g g o H ◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020

EMREE WEAVER | EWEAVER@VICAD.COM A wild hog waits inside a pen with other hogs at Bob Baker’s holding facility in Wharton.

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! t i e n o VictoriaAdvocate.com

Victoria Advocate ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 ◆ 11

Feral hogs are ferocious, but they can be contained

BY MARK ROSENBERG | MROSENBERG@VICAD.COM Bob Baker has been trapping feral hogs in Wharton County for about 15 years. Last year, he JOHN bagged TOMECEK 1,198 of the notorious swine, which can weigh more than 300 pounds, each. But no matter what he does, the hogs keep coming back. “You think you’re making a difference,” Baker said. “They’re still there.”

Farmers and ranchers bear the brunt of the damage done by feral hogs, which cause an estimated $52 million in damage to the state’s agricul“I can’t really think of anything they tural enterprises annually, according do (that’s) good for the ecosystem,” to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. said Linda Tschirhart-Hejl, a College But the hogs are increasingly Station-based district supervisor for cropping up in urban and suburTexas Wildlife Services. ban areas, including city parks For the time being, reducing the and subdivisions. state’s feral hog population is out of On a recent September day, Keith the question. But John Tomecek, an Wheat, who works as a hog and assistant professor and wildlife specialist at Texas A&M University, will be coyote trapper in Victoria County sharing some tips for controlling their through Texas Wildlife Services, took a drive through the Riverside Golf spread on a local level at this year’s Course in Victoria. Huge swaths of South Texas Farm and Ranch Show. turf all over the practice course were Tomecek has studied feral hogs for uprooted and stubbled with divots. years and hunted them from helicopBy night, Wheat travels the course ters. Part of the problem, he said, is hogs’ capability to reproduce, which is with an AR-15, chasing down the unparalleled for a species of their size. packs of hogs that rove the park. In recent weeks, they’ve done Hogs arrived in Florida with upwards of $100,000 damage, Spanish conquistadores in the 16th according to the course’s superincentury. Many of the domesticated tendent, Brian Woolard. pigs eventually escaped and adapt“Thirty years ago, I loved hunting ed to the wild, Tomecek said. Some ‘em,” Wheat said. “Now, I wouldn’t cross-bred with Eurasian boars give you 20 cents for one.” imported from Russia, producing a species that can survive in the wild Tschirhart-Hejl said Texas Wildlife and breed up to three times a year. Services takes an “integrated pest As if all that weren’t enough, feral hogs carry dozens of parasites and contagious diseases.

An estimated 2.6 million feral hogs run rampant across Texas. Few animals are more destructive. Using their delicate sense of smell, hogs can unearth and devour every kernel of corn a farmer has sown. They use their curved tusks to root through the grass for grubs. Wallowing in the mud, they scar the earth and cause river banks “If you can imagine a 300-pound to erode. They prey on small animals rabbit, that’s what we’re dealing with,” Tomecek said. from deer fawns to turkeys.

management approach” to battling hogs. Employees like Wheat hunt them with thermal scopes, while oth-

ers take to the skies and try to take out an entire sounder all at once. Tomecek said landowners can open their property to Texas Wildlife Services for professional removal to help knock the population back. But it takes a sustained effort to keep hog numbers down. Fortunately, lower-cost solutions are available. Landowners can bait corral and box traps or spray grassy areas with pesticide to remove grubs and worms, Tschirhart-Hejl said. During his presentation, Tomecek plans to discuss several simple traps that can be built easily using scrounged materials. One thing is for sure, there are too many hogs for anyone to deal with the problem alone. That’s why hunters and wildlife experts alike say collaboration is important. “Everybody can do something on their property,” Tomecek said.

If You Go ▶When: Oct. 28 ▶Time: 1-4 p.m.

◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 CROPS MANAGEMENT

VictoriaAdvocate.com

Coastal Bend Research Review set to help crop growers prepare for next year BY GEOFF SLOAN | GSLOAN@VICAD.COM

research updates to pest management grain sorghum, cotton and and herbicides specific to our region. corn grown.

The summer harvest is over for crop In addition to which seeds might yield growers in the Crossroads, and it’s well, a discussion on the tools that already time to start looking at what work well will be covered. seeds to buy for next year. Biles has worked with different appliIn the Coastal Bend Research Review presentation, local research cations of pest and weed management through different types of spray nozby Josh McGinty, Stephen Biles and their colleagues will help area zles and similar tools to help growers prepare for next year. growers decide what crop seed varieties and options are available, McGinty said sharing the successes and most importantly, which ones and failures of certain research trials the research suggests will perform during the past year is important to best in the Crossroads. help those in the agriculture business Other important topics related to crop growth preparation will include

know what works and what does not. Major crops discussed will include

The latest on industrial hemp production in Texas BY GEOFF SLOAN | GSLOAN@VICAD.COM Industrial hemp growing is arriving in Texas in the near future, and Josh McGinty will explain the rules and regulations of this new industry. In the relatively short presentation, McGinty will cover where and how to obtain a industrial hemp grower’s

license, the fees associated with it, where to find additional information, additional permits and required sampling for the TABC before harvest. Research on this type of growing in the Crossroads is still ongoing because trials began on industrial hemp this summer.

“We’re really learning how much we don’t know,” McGinty said of the new research on the emerging industry. “Growing is still up in the air. We’re having problems (growing), and that’s important for growers to know, too. If we’re having problems in small research plots, those are big problems when we scale it up.” ▶When: Oct. 28

If You Go

JOSH MCGINTY

▶Time: 8-11 a.m.

During the presentation’s allotted time, there will be an opportunity for those who tune in to be part of a twohour continuing education course on topics related to their presentation and pesticide applicator’s license.

STEVEN “A lot of this research gets BILES done all across the nation, but when it’s done here locally, it is a little different,” Biles said. “It has a greater impact because it’s ▶When: Oct. 28 done on our soils with our crops in our ▶Time: 8-11 a.m. farmers’ fields.”

If You Go

JOSH MCGINTY

VictoriaAdvocate.com

Victoria Advocate ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 ◆ 13

WILDLIFE

Learn how to manage quail Restoring a habitat? on your property Try native seeds The Coastal Prairies Native Seed Project is developing local species for commercial availability

“If you’ve got a tract of land, 50 acres or 100 acres, whatever it Pretty much may be, you really can’t exclusively any landmanage that for white-tailed deer,” owner in Sumrall said. “But you can have a few BY MARK ROSENBERG | MROSENBERG@VICAD.COM Texas could coveys of quail on that same piece Drive along of property. And that gives you that learn a bit a South Texmore about opportunity to go out and actively as highway and you how to fos- manage that land and be a part of the property that you have.” may see ter wildlife lush native on their Sumrall’s session will cover native grasses or plants and how they can encourage property. flowering quail habitats. The session will be Aaron Sumforbs lining suitable for almost any landowner or rall, county anyone interested in land managethe roadExtension AARON way. ment. SUMRALL agent in When Tex“We’re giving landowners, regardMatagorda as officials less of the size of their property or County, will discuss native plants that DOUG proposed their tract of land, some ideas and JOBES can be used for quail restoration and the consome things that they can do to know ecology during a broader session on struction of their property,” Sumrall said. wildlife at the 2020 South Texas Farm a new highway, I-69, through South and Ranch Show. Almost any landown- Some simple steps, Sumrall said, Texas over a decade ago, many landcan allow landowners to better foster owners feared local habitats would be er in Texas, and particularly those in habitats for quail and a range of ripped up and replaced with Bermuda the Coastal Bend, could learn how to other wildlife to grow and mature. grass and other non-Texas species. better manage quail and other wildlife Sumrall said he hopes that landon their land, no matter the size of their owners come away with a better Landowners and wildlife experts came property, Sumrall said. understanding of the role they play in up with a plan to restore habitats once the new pavement was laid. The result the viability of the plant and animal was Texas Native Seeds, an initiative wildlife on their property. based at Texas A&M University-Kings▶When: Oct. 28 “They hold a key to the longevity ville that works to make native species of how long a species is going to be ▶Time: 1-4 p.m. commercially available for habitat viable in an area,” he said. restoration projects. BY CIARA MCCARTHY | CMCCARTHY@VICAD.COM

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Jobes, assistant director for the Coastal Prairies Native Seed Project, the local offshoot of Texas Native Seeds, which covers about 18 counties on the coastal plains and East Texas brush country. “We work with seed companies to make them commercially available.” At the South Texas Farm & Ranch Show, Jobes will discuss how local seeds can help establish native habitats for wildlife, especially in the wake of a development project like a pipeline or roadway. The Coastal Prairies project, which is headquartered in Edna, has six species in development, including the spiketipped knotroot bristle-grass, the wispy silver bluestem and purpletop tridens, a colorful bunchgrass. Not only are these species eye-catching, they can also contribute to habitats for livestock grazing, pollinators and other wildlife, Jobes said. The species take five to seven years to develop in a controlled setting before they are made commercially available. In the meantime, Jobes offers advice on site and species selection and management.

“There’s quite a bit of different seed Now, the program is expanding to the Crossroads, and researchers are available for landowners,” Jobes said. working to identify grasses and flowering forbs native to this region for future restoration projects. ▶When: Oct. 28 “Our goal is to provide regionally ▶Time: 1-4 p.m. adapted seed sources,” said Doug

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https://2020southtexasfarmandranchshow.eventbrite.com

◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 LICENSE RECERTIFICATION I

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Specialist introduces two new herbicides for pasture management “There has not been any new preemergent products for the range A range and pasture businesses for as long as and pasture I can remember, and I’ve been doing specialist The first Bayer product that Brooks will this for 25 years,” Brooks said. “Guys with Bayer introduce is Rezilon, a preemergent haven’t really had much of a choice Range & product can be used on Bahiagrass except pendimethalin.” Pasture Man- and Bermudagrass fields for annual Brooks plans to walk session attendagement will grass and broadleaf weed control. ees though the basics of the product, introduce In range and pasture management, usages and best practices. two new herbicides are typically used after herbicides weeds have already started to grow on He will also introduce Invora during on Oct. 29 pastures. A preemergent, however, kills his session, which is primarily used to at the South weeds before they even start to grow. help restore rangeland by providing Texas Farm long-term control of honey mesquite Brooks said Bayer has had over& Ranch ROB and huisache. whelming interest in the product, in Show. BROOKS Bayer has worked for about a part because the options for preemer“Both are new chemistry and are regent herbicides are limited. decade to bring Invora to market, so ally kind of groundbreaking products,” BY KALI VENABLE | KVENABLE@VICAD.COM

said Rob Brooks, who joined Bayer in 2020 after more than 20 years with Dow AgroSciences.

some may have seen the herbicide used in demonstrations or test plots, Brooks said. Compared to other available products, he said the herbicide appears to provide longer control. “It is going change the way people think about what they should expect out of a brush control product,” he said. “We’re really excited about it.”

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▶When: Oct. 29 ▶Time: 8-11 a.m.

THE VIRTUAL

SOUTH TEXAS FARM & RANCH SHOW

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TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION I

Expert to discuss water protection available resources The protection of clean drinking water is ever-important for Texans, es- and teach pecially private well owners in regions people how DIANE prone to flooding and hurricanes, to better BOELLSTORFF where extreme rain fall can lead to manager water contamination. their water system. “Water quality protection and conserIn Texas, the contaminants that well vation are becoming increasingly important as our population continues to owners should monitor are bacteria, grow,” said Diane Boellstorff, a profes- salt, nitrates and arsenic, Boellstorff sor and extension water resource spesaid, but many well owners she meets cialist at Texas A&M University. “And the hurricane season also increases the have never tested their water. BY KALI VENABLE | KVENABLE@VICAD.COM

likelihood of facing flooding.”

From 10 -11 a.m. Oct. 29 Boellstorff will give residents tips and tools on protecting water systems in both routine and emergency situations as part of the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show. She will also discuss recent extreme rainfall events, including those triggered by Hurricane Hanna and Tropical Storm Beta. Boellstorff will provide advice for residents who rely on public water systems, but mainly focus on how private well owners can best protect and maintain their wells. Public water systems are responsible for maintaining the quality of their supply and making sure they are free of contaminants for customers, whereas private well owners are solely responsible for making sure their supply is safe to use. During Boellstorff’s presentation, she will point private well owners to

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▶When: Oct. 29 ▶Time: 10-11 a.m.

Boellstorff encourages private well managers to test their water and offers some resources to help. The Texas Well Owner Network, which Boellstorff leads, has programs and resources available for well owners to learn how to better manage their water systems. To get water samples tested, well owners can turn to local labs or to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension lab in College Station, which offers lower-cost testing for non-bacteria contaminants, she said. Boellstorff’s presentation will also cover how well owners can address any contaminates discovered in their water supply, depending on the origin and severity. She said she plans to highlight the issue of arsenic in the the Gulf Coast Aquifer and importance of testing for the toxin in private wells, especially those used by residents for drinking water.

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◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION I

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TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION II

State inspector to address Pesticide laws, regulations pesticide compliance on farm and ranch agenda BY GEOFF SLOAN | GSLOAN@VICAD.COM The South Texas Farm and Ranch Show will feature a virtual course in pesticide compliance issues at 8 a.m. Oct. 29.

One issue discussed will be how COVID-19 is affecting licensing will be because Barton has fielded many questions about this in her job. “There are concerns about being able to renew on time with the same number of hours,” Barton said. Barton also will cover general information about record keeping, pesticide labeling, complaint investigations and all the laws that pertain to the licensed applicators.

Melissa “This keeps the applicators abreast Barton, an of the current situation, any current inspector for topics, any laws that might affect them the Texas Department of Agriculture, that might be changing,” Barton said. will host the event. “It’s a time for them to ask questions and discuss any topics they feel are The course is for pesticide applicators who have a license with the Texas important and need to be discussed.”

MELISSA BARTON

Department of Agriculture. They must maintain their continuing education units, and the course will provide them with one hour of law and regulation requirements.

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY | SDOUTY@VICAD.COM Mark Matocha will once again talk about pesticide laws at this year’s Farm and Ranch Show.

AgriLife Extension. He will discuss state and federal laws and regulations about pesticides 1-4 p.m. Oct. 29. Last year, Matocha talked about how people can renew their licenses to purchase products to use pesticides for agricultural work. It can be valuable information for anyone working in the agriculture industry.

Matocha is Matocha holds education programs an assistant for pesticide applicators across the professor state and works with state and federal and extenagencies to evaluate pesticide uses. sion specialMARK ist with the MATOCHA Agriculture ▶When: Oct. 29 and Envi▶Time: 1-4 p.m. ronmental Safety Unit of Texas A&M

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▶When: Oct. 29 ▶Time: 8-11 a.m.

TODAY!

https://2020southtexasfarmandranchshow. eventbrite.com

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TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION II

Pasture specialist prepared to help ranchers tackle weed issues “There’s our everyRachel Hinton often reminds people day weeds that the easiest type of weed to kill is that we the one that is never allowed to grow. know we But Hinton, a range and pasture need to specialist with Corteva Agriscience, tackle every knows that not everyone raising cattle year, and will be able to prevent irksome weeds then there’s from cropping up. Hinton and her RACHEL ones that colleagues will help anyone who is HINTON are poisontrying to graze livestock to learn the best ways to tackle weed issues during ous that we a session at the South Texas Farm and really need to be careful of and get them out super quick,” she said. Ranch Show. BY CIARA MCCARTHY | CMCCARTHY@VICAD.COM

Hinton’s session at the Farm and Ranch Show will focus on broadleaf weeds, like woolly croton, prairie tea, and others. Hinton said she’d start with a 10,000-foot view of best Hinton said she typically thinks about practices and touch on some of the weeds in two distinct categories. Those most common weed issues before anthat are toxic and vital to remove from swering attendees’ specific questions pastures before they poison livestock and concerns. and those that are nontoxic but still In general, Hinton and her colworrisome because they rob grass of leagues will cover best management nutrients, water and sunlight. practices so that people can produce the most grazeable land possible, as well the chemical control steps that ▶When: Oct. 29 might be needed when concerning ▶Time: 1-4 p.m. weeds are spotted.

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The session will be useful for virtually anyone who is raising livestock on grazeable pasture from ranchers to people who have just a few heads of cattle, she said.

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◆ VICTORIA ADVOCATE ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 FARM AND RANCH SHOW

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Extension agent to discuss integrated pest management BY ELENA ANITA WATTS | EWATTS@VICAD.COM The South Texas Farm and Ranch Show will host a virtual course in integrated pest management strategies for agriculture. Stephen Biles, the IPM Extension agent for Victoria, Calhoun and Refugio counties, will be the second of three speakers, and he will be the moderator as well.

STEVEN BILES

Biles will discuss pest management strategies for pastures, cotton, corn,

sorghum and soybeans. The course will itable level for the grower,” Biles said. ment, and most people are doing that. cover monitoring for insect abundance “Largely what we will discuss is moni- It’s a readily adopted strategy.” and what to do when they are found. toring for pests and control measures. “When we talk about pastures, army- The goal of IPM is to manage crops, so ▶When: Oct. 29 worms are an important pest there, so the growers can maintain a profit withwe will spend time talking about how ▶Time: 1-4 p.m. out adversely impacting the environwe scout a pasture to see if we have them, how many we have and then some discussion of what to do when we get an economic population, which means the damage caused by the pest is greater than the cost of the control measure,” Biles said.

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Biles said integrated pest management strategies, or IPM, is important because it’s the ideal pest management strategy and encompasses scouring for pests as well as environmental impacts as well as costs of pest management.

“It’s about controlling pests for a prof-

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Victoria Advocate ◆ Sunday, October 18, 2020 ◆ 19

FARM AND RANCH SHOW SCHEDULE

South Texas Farm & Ranch Show Schedule Wednesday: 8-11 a.m.

▶ Cattlemen’s College I:

CEU credit: 1 General, 1 Drift | Moderator, Megan Clayton

◆ Pasture & Range Management Megan Clayton, AgriLife Extension ◆ Pasture & Hay Field Weed Management Alternatives Josh McGinty, AgriLife Extension

▶ Crops Management:

CEU credit: 2 General | Moderator- Anthony Netardus, AgriLife Extension

◆ Coastal Bend Crops Research Review Josh McGinty & Stephen Biles, AgriLife Extension ◆ IPM Update in Crops, Dalton Ludwick, AgriLife Extension Update on Status of Industrial Hemp in Texas

Thursday: 8-11 a.m.

▶ TDA License Recertification I:

CEU credit: 1 Laws & Regs, 2 General | Moderator-Greg Baker, AgriLife Extension

◆ Pesticide Compliance Issues, Melissa Barton, Texas Department of Agriculture ◆ Innovative Pasture Management Concepts, Rob Brooks, Bayer Range & Pasture Management ◆ Water Readiness Issues, Diane Boellstorff, Texas A&M Soil & Crops Science, AgriLife Extension

Thursday: 1-4 p.m.

▶ TDA License Recertification II:

CEU credit: 1 Laws & Regs, 1 Drift, 1 General | Moderator- Stephen Biles

◆ Broadleaf Weed Control in Pastures, Rachel Hinton, Coteva Agriscience ◆ IPM Strategies for Agriculture, Stephen Biles, AgriLife Extension ◆ Pesticide Laws & Regulations, Mark Matocha, AgriLife Extension

Wednesday: 1-4 p.m.

▶ Cattlemen’s College II: CEU credit: 1 1PM | Moderator, Joe Paschal

◆ Hot topics in Beef Herd Management, Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension ◆ Beef Promotion Quality Program’s, Jason Bagley, Texas Beef Council ◆ Beef Market Outlook, David Anderson, AgriLife Extension

▶ Wildlife:

CEU credit: 3 1PM | Moderator-Aaron Sumrall

◆ Native Plants for Quail Restoration and Ecology, Aaron Sumrall, AgriLife Extension ◆ Feral Hog Control & Management, John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension ◆ Management Tips for Establishing Native Habitat for Wildlife, Doug Jobes, Texas A&M- Kingsville; Texas Native Seeds

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South Texas Farm and Ranch Oct 2020

Articles inside

Cattlemen’s College II

Show Schedule

pest management

Expert to discuss water protection