Tri-State Ag Quarterly Magazine

05/29/2020

Tri-State Ag Magazine has transitioned to Modern Agriculture Monthly. Please check out and like our new page: www.Facebook.com/modernagmonthly Thanks!

A free monthly tabloid and digital publication dedicated to agriculture with a focus on the Texas Panhandle including the counties of Dallam, Hartley, Hutchinson, Moore and Sherman. A product of Moore County Publishing Company, Dumas, TX.

05/01/2019

It’s been a long time coming... we’ve officially relaunched the print version of the TSA! Watch for it in the midweek edition of the news press. Or, check it out now at

Former Star Theater, Oak Lanes Bowling Alley burns (updated) Former Star Theater, Oak Lanes Bowling Alley burns (updated)

03/24/2019

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2019/03/19/registration-first-2020-dietary-guidelines-advisory-committee

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), invites the public to register to attend the first meeting of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The meeting will be held at USDA headqua...

03/24/2019

The chance of a wildfire occurring has prompted this message from K-State Extension:

With drier days ahead in Kansas, the risk of fires in urban and rural areas increases.

03/29/2018

Plains Cotton Growers to Host Annual Meeting April 6 in Lubbock

http://www.plainscotton.org/annualmeeting.html

Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., will host their 61st Annual Meeting on Friday, April 6, 2018 in the Banquet Hall of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the program will start promptly at 9 a.m. The meeting is held in conjunction with the Texas Cotton Ginners' Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show, April 5-6, 2018, in Lubbock. For more information on the TCGA Annual Meeting and Trade Show, visit http://www.tcga.org/.

Current PCG president Johnie Reed, who farms near Kress, Texas, will preside over the meeting and PCG Executive Vice President Steve Verett will report on the status of PCG operations and activities. An award recognizing the 2017 High Plains Cotton Agent of the Year also will be presented at the meeting.

Congressman Jodey Arrington is scheduled to speak to the group. Bruce Atherley, executive director of Cotton Council International, will report on CCI's export promotion activities. Tom Wedegaertner with Cotton Incorporated will report on that organization's latest initiatives, including ultra-low gossypol cottonseed. The program will feature an update on the Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. PAC and an announcement about the 2018 Celebrate Cotton Game. PCG staff also will present information on the new Seed Cotton program, and John Aldinger with the Lubbock Cotton Exchange will discuss the Texas International Cotton School.

"This meeting is an excellent opportunity to network with producers and industry leaders, and to hear the latest information on a variety of topics affecting Texas High Plains cotton," PCG Executive Vice President Steve Verett said. "I encourage everyone to put April 6 on their calendar and join us in Lubbock for our Annual Meeting, and also attend the Texas Cotton Ginners show the day before."

Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., sponsored by Monsanto/Deltapine. Lunch, sponsored by Bayer CropScience/FiberMax/Stoneville, will follow the meeting.

There is no charge to attend and no RSVP is necessary. Additional information about PCG and the Annual Meeting can be found at http://www.plainscotton.org.

Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., will host their 61st Annual Meeting on Friday, April 6, 2018 in the Banquet Hall of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the program will start promptly at 9 a.m. The meeting is held in conjunction with the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Ass....

12/04/2017

From Texas A&M AgriLife Extension:

WELLINGTON – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has hired Kenny Patterson for the agriculture and natural resources agent position in Collingsworth County.

Patterson began his new position Nov. 14 and will spend the first month in Donley and Hall counties as a part of the First Step training program.

He was raised on the family’s cattle ranch and worked for his grandfather at Wellington Livestock Commission, so he said he is excited to stay in familiar country and begin working with both the youth and the producers of the county.

11/15/2017

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2017/recall-121-2017-release

Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods, a Hayward, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 264 pounds of chicken tikka masala products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

10/27/2017

Texas agricultural losses from Hurricane Harvey estimated at more than $200 million

COLLEGE STATION – Hurricane Harvey, which decimated parts of South Central Texas and the upper Gulf Coast, caused more than $200 million in crop and livestock losses, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economists.
“The effects of Hurricane Harvey will linger for quite some time with our Texas farmers and ranchers,” said Dr. Doug Steele, agency director in College Station. “Many South Texas or coastal area cotton farmers were on the verge of harvesting one of the best crops ever in Texas, while some ranchers were unable to save some cattle from insurmountable flood waters.
“However, the livestock losses could have been far worse had it not been for the many cooperating associations that joined forces with AgriLife Extension to establish animal supply points in the impacted areas, providing livestock with fresh hay and feed donated from across Texas and from generous individuals in neighboring states.”
Hay and feed donations were valued at more than $1.3 million, according to AgriLife Extension economists.
Hurricane losses by agricultural commodity include:
– Livestock: $93 million
– Cotton: $100 million
– Rice and soybeans: $8 million
Livestock losses include not only cattle and calves that died during the hurricane but also industry infrastructure, said Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist in College Station. Beyond animals lost directly due to the storm, extensive supplies of hay for winter feeding were destroyed.
“What you must take into consideration is the replacement costs of hay that was destroyed from the high flood waters,” Anderson said. “We are right on the verge of entering winter feeding season and ranchers will have to find replacement hay that averages $63 per round bale. A rancher may typically feed two or more round bales per cow during winter, so even if there isn’t hay available they will still have to purchase some type of supplemental feed. All of this comes with a hefty price.”
The value of fences, barns and animal-handling facilities lost adds up quickly, Anderson said.
“Rebuilding fences can cost $2.50 or more per foot,” he said. “Overall, these livestock loss numbers could have been far, far worse had it not been for the quick action of ranchers ahead of and during the storm. Also important were the proactive actions of cattle industry associations in Texas, countless volunteers, and AgriLife Extension working together in coordination to either get cattle to dry points and make ample supplies of hay available, as well as the U.S. military airdropping round bales.”
Meanwhile, 200,000 bales of cotton lint on the stalk valued at $62.4 million was lost and another 200,000 harvested bales valued at $9.6 million had degraded quality, said Dr. John Robinson, AgriLife Extension cotton marketing economist in College Station. In addition, there were widespread losses of cottonseed.
“You either had cotton that was on the stalk ready to be harvested and then taken out by Hurricane Harvey, or you had cotton modules sitting in the field only to have been damaged by wind, rain and/or flood water,” Robinson said. “The Southeast Texas cotton crop was set to be one of the best of all time. You’ve got reports from ginners who have ginning quality concerns related to seed coat problems, poor leaf grade and trash.”
Rice and soybean crop losses accounted for approximately $8 million in losses. In its October crop production estimates, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered Texas rice production 614,000 hundredweight compared to pre-storm estimates. The value of that production at current market prices is about $7.5 million, said Dr. Mark Welch, AgriLife Extension grains marketing economist in College Station.
The USDA-Farm Service Agency reports 1,729 acres of soybeans have been reported as failed along the Coastal Bend. While specific production numbers are not yet available for counties along the coast, using a statewide average of 37 bushels per acre puts the value of lost soybean acres at just over $500,000, Welch said.
He said most of the corn and sorghum crops along the coast were harvested before the storm. Average corn yields of 124 bushels per acre and sorghum yields of 103 bushels per acre or 5,768 pounds are being reported for District 9, the Upper Coast, both all-time record highs, he said.
Dr. Andrew Ropicki, AgriLife Extension economist at Corpus Christi, said multiple industries tied to both commercial and recreational fisheries suffered losses.
“Commercial fisheries including bay and bait shrimp, crabbing and the Texas gulf shrimp fishery suffered losses associated with damaged vessels, gear and industry infrastructure, as well as lost fishing days due to recovery efforts.”
Ropicki said losses to the commercial oyster industry are expected to be severe due to decreased production caused by excessive freshwater in the bays.
“In the recreational sector, decreased fishing pressure as well as storm-related damage to vessels, equipment and buildings have negatively impacted charter fishing businesses, bait shops and local economies that rely on recreational fishing.”
Since oyster season begins Nov. 1 and runs through April, a complete summary of industry losses won’t be available until late spring, Ropicki said.
AgriLife Extension and USDA-Farm Service Agency’s Texas state office have teamed to produce a series of videos to share disaster assistance program details for farmers and ranchers recovering from Hurricane Harvey. The information is available at https://agecoext.tamu.edu/resources/podcasts-videos/.

Update on marketing year prices by Dr. Joe OutlawExplanation of the current Marketing Year Average Prices Estimator excel sheet at www.afpc.tamu.edu

10/27/2017

Game Warden Field Notes

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

Special of the Day
Dallas area game wardens received a request from the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington D.C. to look into the possible illegal possession and/or sale of shark fins for shark fin soup at local establishments. Shark fin soup is a traditional ceremonial dish in the Chinese culture. The wardens were asked to visit several restaurants in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that advertised shark fin soup on their menus. Shark fins are considered some of the world’s most expensive seafood and high demand for it supports a world-wide black market. At the first establishment they visited, the wardens did not see shark fin soup on the house menu. But, after inquiring about the dish from the hostess, they were given a special menu that included the shark fin soup. The wardens acted skeptical about the authenticity of the ingredients. The restaurant manager came over and assured them the shark fin soup was the real deal, and to prove it he escorted them to a walk-in freezer. Hidden in the back of the freezer tucked behind several other items were six gallon-sized bags of frozen shark fin soup. The restaurant manager also informed the wardens that the supermarket next door sold shark fins in their fresh seafood department. With that information, the wardens made a visit to the supermarket where they discovered six incomplete shark carcasses for sale in the display case. The wardens asked to speak to the store manager and found him in a walk-in freezer trying to remove a box containing several other shark carcasses. During a search of the freezer, wardens discovered more shark carcasses. In all, 38 incomplete shark carcasses were seized. The cases are pending.
I’m Headed to Jail
A Smith County game warden was on patrol when he drove up on a van parked in the middle of a county road with its emergency flashers on. When he approached the van, he realized the driver was standing in the door urinating in the middle of the road. When asked what he was doing, the driver stated he was headed to jail because he was intoxicated. He also admitted to being arrested just five days prior by state park police for DWI. The driver was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated. The charges are pending.
A Big Gator Tale
Game wardens received a call from dispatch about a large alligator in Clear Lake Park. The caller stated that he and his son were fishing when a 14-foot alligator jumped on the dock and tried to attack them. The caller claimed he and his son hit the alligator with fishing poles and barely got away. He also said that he would be coming back to the park every night until something was done about the alligator. Wardens went to the park later that night and noticed a group of people looking at something in the water. It was a large alligator floating upside down, bloated, and decomposing. The wardens pulled it out of the water and saw that it had a small hole in its head, possibly the result of a bullet wound. The gator measured 12-feet 7-inches in length. The wardens launched an investigation into the death of the gator and focused their attention on the original call to dispatch. The timing of the gator’s demise seemed to coincide with the timeline of the alleged confrontation with the angler, who had indicated during his call that the incident may have occurred 1 or 2 nights before he called it in. The next several days were spent trying to track down the caller for an interview. He initially agreed to meet with the wardens, but then backed out and began dodging them. After several days, the caller was tracked down at his mother’s house where game wardens interviewed the suspect. The individual confessed that he had gone back to his truck after seeing the alligator, got his .22 rifle, and then went back to the water and shot the alligator twice in the head. He then got worried and called in with the false story two days later. Charges and civil restitution are pending.
The Daily Double
Some dove hunters can’t resist the temptation of double bagging, the illegal practice of taking a daily limit in the morning and then returning to the field in the afternoon for a second limit. Game wardens rarely forget a face, particularly those of hunters they’ve checked only hours earlier. Some examples of greedy hunters whose double bagging attempts were thwarted recently include:
On Oct. 2 at about 6 p.m., a Frio County game warden observed several trucks parked near a fence line that bordered a pasture. He made his way toward the pasture, drove in the gate and made contact with the group of hunters. The warden noted that some of the hunters almost had a limit of doves that afternoon. After further investigation, it was determined that several of the same individuals had almost shot a limit of birds that morning as well. Several individuals were filed on for exceeding the daily bag limit and 40 birds were seized. Cases and civil restitution are pending.
A week later at about the same time of day, the same warden drove up to a ranch gate, parked his truck and listened for shots for about 5-10 minutes. He heard several shots from a ranch nearby and decided to check those hunters for compliance. After further investigation, it was determined that eight individuals had shot a limit of doves that same morning and had returned to the field for an afternoon hunt. These individuals were filed on for exceeding the daily bag limit and 52 birds were seized. The cases and civil restitution are pending.
In Maverick County, game wardens received information from Zavala County about some possible double bagging of dove in Eagle Pass. After locating the hunters and a brief investigation, wardens seized 89 birds over the daily bag limit from six hunters. The cases and civil restitution are pending.
Injured Bobcat Provides Opening for Arrest
On Oct. 3, game wardens responded to a call in reference to an injured bobcat at a residence in Bowie County. As the wardens arrived at the location, one of the wardens received a call from a Bowie County Sheriff Deputy with a warning that the individual who lived at that residence had multiple warrants for his arrest and was also wanted for questioning in reference to a theft of property investigation. The wardens made contact with the individual and took possession of the injured bobcat, and then informed the suspect that he was under arrest. He was taken into custody without incident.
Heat Seeking Road Hunter
A Delta County game warden was patrolling an area for road hunters when he observed a truck traveling very slowly on a county road near agricultural fields. As the truck approached the warden, it quickly turned around and started driving away. After making contact, the warden observed the operator of the vehicle was in possession of a rifle equipped with a thermal imaging scope. After a lengthy interview, and presented with tire track evidence of his offenses, the driver admitted to driving down the road with the gun out the window looking into the field for hogs. Cases pending.
Right Suspects, Wrong Vehicle
Game wardens are trained observers and possess an uncanny ability to recollect detail. Those skills helped a Houston County game warden solve a recent road hunting case. While investigating a complaint about some late night illegal deer hunting near Ratcliff, the warden overheard radio traffic about occupants in a Jeep discharging fi****ms from the road near Austonio. The warden responded and encountered a truck in the area with a couple of guys “just riding” around. They had no weapons in the truck and were sent on their way. The warden and a deputy sheriff were searching the area for evidence of illegal road hunting activity when the warden remembered that one of the guys in the truck, who he had recognized from previous contacts, owned a Jeep. He made a phone call to the guy’s wife who confirmed that he still owned the Jeep and also told him where his buddy in the truck lived. The warden and the deputy arrived at the buddy’s house and located the two guys as well as the Jeep in question. The guys admitted to hunting hogs and shooting at beer cans in the road. Cases are pending.
Another Timely Rescue
During a flash flood event on Sept. 27, Webb County game wardens responded to a water rescue call for an elderly couple off Las Tiendas Road near Laredo. The wardens were able to launch an airboat in the ditch and run seven miles up the creek and across pastures in order to reach the stranded people. By the time the wardens reached the home, the water was waist deep inside and moving swiftly around the home. Three people were evacuated, and four U.S. Border Patrol agents who had attempted to walk to the house were also picked up.
A Big Splash
On Oct. 7, Webb County game wardens responded to a call for assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol and Laredo Police Department on a vehicle splashdown in the Rio Grande River. The Laredo PD had attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle possibly loaded with narcotics and a short pursuit ensued. While fleeing from police, the driver intentionally drove into the river in an attempt to flee to Mexico. The driver was apprehended and taken into custody. The wardens were able to assist in retrieving the vehicle from the river and subsequently discovered 415 pounds of ma*****na located in the back seat and rear compartments.
Can’t Bear to See This
Earlier this month game wardens with the New Mexico Department of Fish and Game requested assistance with an investigation of a subject from the Waco area who may have illegally killed a black bear in New Mexico and now possessed it in Texas. Texas game wardens made contact with the subject at his residence and during questioning, the suspect admitted to illegally killing the black bear in New Mexico without a license or permit and transporting the skull back to Texas. The meat and carcass of the bear were left in the field and the pelt and paws were allowed to rot. Cases are pending in New Mexico and the suspect was issued citations in Texas for illegally importing and possessing a protected state threatened species.
Rapid Recovery
On Oct. 5, a Johnson County game warden was patrolling when a call came over the radio of an inmate escaping. He responded to the area and quickly spotted the escapee. As soon as the convict spotted the game warden truck, he turned and ran into the brushes. The warden advised dispatch of his position and gave chase. After about 10 minutes searching the field, the warden discovered the escaped inmate lying in brush under a tree and was able to take him into custody.

10/26/2017

North Plains Groundwater Conservation District will partner with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research to offer a workshop exploring the topic of rainwater harvesting. Charles Hillyer, Ph. D., Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist - Irrigation Engineer, will present the workshop that is scheduled for 9 am - 12 pm on Saturday, October 28 at North Plains Groundwater Conservation District at 603 East 1st St.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be as simple as a rain chain positioned over a planter box, or as complex as multiple integrated catchment areas and storage facilities with treatment systems to produce a potable drinking water supply. Hillyer will give an overview of the principles of rainwater harvesting to inform the mildly interested and provide a head start to anyone wanting to plan their own system. The workshop and materials are available to the public at no cost.

Please RSVP by TODAY, Thursday, October 26 by calling the office at 806-935-6401, or emailing [email protected]. Registration for the workshop is limited.

10/17/2017

USCA Responds to GIPSA Rule Announcement


WASHINGTON - The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) responded to today’s announcement that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will withdraw the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Interim Final Rule regarding the Scope of Sections 202 (a) and (b) of the Packers and Stockyards Act. The following statement may be attributed to USCA President Kenny Graner:

“USCA is disappointed in today’s announcement. The proposed and interim rules sought to maintain competition in the marketplace; withdrawing the rule is a win for multi-national packers and fails to put U.S. cattle producers first.”

“USCA has been committed to seeing through necessary clarifications to the Packers and Stockyards Act and a withdrawal of the rule does not solve the problems in today’s marketplace. Anti-competitive buying practices and the lack of true price discovery remain critical issues to our industry and ones that must be addressed.”

“The issues remain the same, regardless of today’s announcement, and USCA will look to work with industry, Congress, and the Administration on addressing the loopholes still remaining by the result of withdrawing the rule.”

09/29/2017

CRITICAL SITUATION IN CORN

Corn farmers worried about fumonisin contamination in their fields need to immediately contact their crop insurance agent – that was the message from two emergency meetings held Sept. 27 in the Texas High Plains. The potential for fumonisin contamination in corn fields throughout the region prompted about 700 farmers, crop consultants, insurance agents and end-users to pack Dimmitt and Dumas meetings conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Corn Producers.

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension/Dr. Bell