RANGE MANAGEMENT FIELD DAY – APRIL 29

Managing our native South Texas Rangelands will be the focus of a Field Day on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation refuge eight miles north of Sinton, off  Hwy 77.  The Field Day activities will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude by 3:30 p.m.

Dense mesquite stands on rangeland reduce productivity.

            Topics of discussion in the morning will include the following;  Managing Pastures with Fire by Dr. Megan Dominguez, Extension Range Specialist,  Coastal Bend Prescribed Burn Association by  Dr. Terry Blankenship,  Director of  Welder Wildlife Foundation,  Pond Management by Jon Herrmann,  Herrmann’s  Fish Farm, and Beef Cattle Handling Tips by Dr. Joe Paschal, Extension Livestock Specialist.

            Following a catered noon meal on the Refuge, topics to be discussed include;  Rangeland Risk Management Tools by Dr. Larry Falconer, Extension Economist, South Texas Brush Management by Dr. Dominguez and Managing Rangelands to Sustain Wildlife by Dr. Terry Blankenship.

            To assist with program planning, all those planning to attend should pre-register by April 25, 2011 to either (361) 364-6234 or (361) 767-5223.  There will be a registration fee of $25 per person payable on site to cover field day expenses, including meal and educational materials. Three CEU’s will be offered for pesticide applicators and 5.75 for certified crop advisors.  This workshop is being sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Livestock and Forage Committees of Nueces and San Patricio County, and the Welder Wildlife Foundation. Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 361-767-5223 at least eight days before all programs for assistance.  Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

SOUTH TEXAS RANGE MANAGERS SHOULD ALWAYS PLAN FOR DROUGHT

The dry conditions of South Texas are becoming far too familiar for us, but you know this  unfortunately seems to be the normal for us.  Yes, our South Texas climate is recognized as unique, because it is the only subtropical prairie on earth, located downwind of a large water body like the Gulf of Mexico, that has a semiarid climate.  Our atmospheric humidity in South Texas is similar to areas that have greater rainfall due to the effect from prevailing winds off the Gulf, yet we have these dry spells. Wow, sometimes it is not good to be different, but that is what the creator gave us, so we have to learn to manage what we have.
    The solution to dealing with our semiarid climate and managing our rangeland is to always plan for the next drought. Someone once said, planning for drought should begin when its wet or raining, so that means we should have been doing that last summer.  As one thinks about how to plan for extended dry periods here are some things to consider as suggested by Wayne Hamilton, Director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management at Texas A&M University.
    Range managers should work to build their forage base so that soil cover is maintained, while at the same time work toward having the best kinds of plants and animals.  Other tips include improving efficiency of range utilization with better grazing distribution, and make sure that livestock water is not a limiting factor.  Matching animal nutrient requirements with range nutrient availability is important, along with being able to assess the forage quality and quantity and mediate the deficiencies.  Prepare a wildlife management plan and improve the efficiency of supplemental feeding programs, while at the same time develop less drought sensitive on -and off-ranch alternative income sources.  This is just a small sample of items to consider when planning for droughts, but your number one goal should be to maintain soil surface cover, as this will facilitate rainfall recovery in the soil profile when rains return.

COTTON WORKSHOP FOCUS - EMERGENCE TO EARLY BLOOM

    The second in a series of Gulf Coast Cotton Management Workshops will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center on Hwy. 44 just west of the Corpus Christi Airport.  The focus of this workshop will be the “Emergence to Early Bloom” period.  This series, offers producers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with industry representatives, consultants,  AgriLife Extension and Research personnel.  With cotton prices currently at record levels, it is important to fine tune cotton production needs to be as efficient as possible to take advantage of the excellent prices.   This workshop is designed to provide local cotton growers with tools to help them be successful in the coming growing season, according to Dr. Juan Landivar, Director of the Corpus Christi Agrilife Research and Extension Center.
    The workshop will begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude by 5:00 p.m.  Topics will include a discussion of  Ecological considerations in managing early season insect pests by an invited guest speaker, Dr. Megha Parajoulee, Professor and Faculty Fellow/ Cotton Entomology Project Leader   in Lubbock.  Dr. Parajulee has a strong background in ecology and population dynamics modeling of arthropod pests and natural enemies. His research focuses on developing biologically and ecologically intensive arthropod management approaches for Texas High Plains cotton.  He has organized several national and international invited symposia including at the International Congress of Entomology in Australia (2004) and South Africa (2008) and International Plant Protection Congress in China (2004).
    An online management tool available at the Crop Weather Program website will be discussed and demonstrated, while agronomic considerations for producing a good cotton crop will also be discussed, including the use of growth regulators.  In addition, marketing updates and risk management strategies will be discussed by local Extension Economists.
    2 CEU’s will be offered for pesticide applicators and certified crop advisors.  This workshop is being sponsored by Texas AgriLife Research and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 361-767-5223 at least eight days before all programs for assistance.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without
regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

COTTON’S MOST CRITICAL STAGE - FIRST 40 DAYS

One of the most critical stages in cotton growth and development is its first 40 days. As a result good early crop management is key to a successful crop.  Seed germination is favored by high soil oxygen, with adequate soil moisture and soil temperatures above 65 degrees F.  Root development following germination occurs quickly as the primary root, or tap root, may reach a depth of up to 10 inches by the time the cotyledons unfold.  In fact, roots may have reached a depth of 3 feet when the above ground portion of the cotton plant is only 14 inches tall.  This year our cotton will need to do that to tap our deep soil moisture.  Currently, our above normal temperatures have our daily heat units about 40% above normal for this time of year.

Protecting early leaves is important as they produce carbohydrates that the plant uses to survive, grow and produce fruit.  One of the most detrimental influences on crop uniformity, earliness and the season-long crop management system is thrips. These pests can reduce cotton yields by 70 percent or more. Based upon history, choose an at-planting systemic insecticide with the longest residual possible. Avoid programs or systems built around “automatic” oversprays for thrips control, which can lead to aphid and mite problems as the season progresses.

Scout and overspray as required to assure insect control through the first forty days – especially during periods of cool temperatures or extremely dry conditions. It is absolutely critical to protect the plant and keep it healthy through the 4-true-leaf stage.

Entomologists agree that good weed control, including around field perimeters can lead to optimal and efficient insect control by eliminating host plants and breeding sites.  To keep some great technology, rotate weed control systems and use residual herbicides in the weed control program. We all know that the incidence of resistant weeds is increasing fast making herbicide rotation extremely important.  Treat weeds in a timely manner and keep weed competition out of the field by three to five weeks after planting.

The minimum cotton plant population in the final stand should be about two plants per foot or about 30,000 plants per acre, with a maximum of 60,000 plants per acre. A plant height-to-node ratio of at least one is desirable.  Replanting is discouraged when there is at least one plant per foot and few large skips.

NEW LANDOWNER SERIES BEGINS APRIL 15

    So you recently purchased your “Back 40" and have your property in the country and are looking for ways to improve your property while at the same time keep it in Agriculture production, you just need some help to attain that goal.  An educational program to address your very needs will be launched locally very soon.  
    The Landowner series is a unique and innovative series of informational meetings designed by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to assist new landowners in understanding the concepts of rural living. Participants in the series will be given exposure to ideas on raising livestock, plant identification and pasture management, and instruction on how to properly apply pesticides, the importance of soil testing to improve your land, water testing to insure water quality, stock pond design, construction, stocking and more. The series is a great way for new residents in South Texas to network and meet new people, find out what type of agricultural enterprise would be best for their property, while at the same time gain valuable tips to practice good stewardship on your piece of Texas.
    The first in a series of meetings will be held on Friday, April 15, 2011 at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, (10345 State HWY 44) just west of the Corpus Christi Airport from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The focus of this first session will be Support for Landowners, with topics including Overview of Services Provided by Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.  In addition Tax Valuations for Agriculture and Wildlife will be reviewed, Options for Leasing Pastures, Loan Options for Agriculture Enterprises, and Pesticide Applicator License requirements will be reviewed.
    Topics to be covered at later dates include the following; May 20 - Pasture and Brush Management, June 17 - Beef Cattle Production, and July 15 - Natural Resource Management.
This series is being sponsored by Extension staff in Nueces, Jim Wells, San Patricio and Kleberg counties, and more detailed information is available upon request from County Extension Agents in these counties.
    Fees for this series are $40 person or $60 per couple if attending all sessions.  If you choose to participate in only certain sessions, registration is $20 per session. For more information please contact the Nueces County Extension Office at 361-767-5223.

Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 361-767-5223 at least eight days before all programs for assistance.  Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

COASTAL BEND SEMINAR TO REVIEW OILSEED CROP OPTIONS

Safflower in Nueces County

            Although traditional crops like cotton, grain sorghum, and corn now have excellent prices being offered, it is always good to diversify ones farm operation.  A growing demand for oilseed worldwide has sparked an interest even in South Texas, in various oilseed crops as farmers look to diversify their farm operations.

            To address the growing interest, an Oilseed Production Seminar will be held at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center (10345 State Hwy 44) just west of the Corpus Christi Airport, on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.

            The seminar will begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude by 4:15 p.m. There will be a registration fee of $10 per person to cover expenses related educational program delivery.  Topics will include an Overview of Cool Season Oilseed Crops, including canola, safflower, and flax and Sunflower Production Tips by Dr. Rob Duncan, Extension Small Grain Specialist.  A growing interest in sesame production will be addressed including Planting Tips and In-season Management by Jerry Riney of SESACO.  Insect Management of these Oilseed Crops will be addressed by Dr. Roy Parker, Extension Entomologist. 

            Locally planted canola, safflower, and flax variety tests will be toured according to Jeff Stapper, County Extension Agent – Agriculture & Natural Resources for Nueces County. 

2 CEU’s will be offered for pesticide applicators and certified crop advisors.  This seminar is being sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at 361-767-5223 at least eight days before all programs for assistance.  Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

FERAL HOG MYTHS REVEALED

 (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Billy Higginbotham)

    “When it comes to feral hogs in Texas, separating fact from fiction is becoming a little easier as research reveals more about the pesky porcines,” said Dr. Billy Higginbotham, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist. “There remains much we don’t know about this exotic that has inhabited our state for the past 450 years.”
    Highest ranking among the myths are estimates of the actual number of feral hogs in Texas, Higginbotham said. A common number that has been bantered about for years is 1 to 4 million. But there was just no data to support this estimate.  That is, there wasn’t until Dr. Roel Lopez, associate director of the Texas A&M University Institute for Renewable Natural Resources, recently used geographic information system procedures to turn the guesstimates into reliable estimates, said Higginbotham, who collaborated with Lopez on the study.
    Using GIS techniques, Lopez was able to quantify first the extent of the feral hog habitat in Texas. He estimates that “approximately 134 million acres, or 79 percent of the state’s 170 million acres, represents feral hog habitat,” said Higginbotham.  By knowing the range of feral hog habitat and the species population density in various types of Texas environments, Lopez also came up with a population estimate that has some meat to it, Higginbotham said. Lopez estimates that the actual number could range from a low of 1.9 million to a high of 3.4 million.
    Exaggerated claims of feral hog population-growth rates are a related myth.
So what are the facts?  A 2011 consolidation of past studies done by  Janell Mellish, the average litter size in Texas and the Southeast is 5.6 pigs, Lopez said.  It is also known, that on average, a sow is about 13 months old when she has her first litter, and that also on average, mature sows have 1.5 litters per year. This means there is a significant population growth rate, but a far cry from the doubling-yearly myth, Lopez said.
    “We estimated the population growth of feral hogs in Texas averages between 18 percent to 20 percent annually,” Lopez said. “This means that it would take almost five years for a population to double in size if left unchecked.”  The study, which was conducted by Lopez and Mellish, used three methods to estimate feral pig population growth in Texas: the statewide number of aerial permits issued for shooting feral hogs; the number of pigs processed in commercial processing facilities; and feral hog control data made available from U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services.
    Another common myth is that recreational hunting alone can control feral hog populations, Higginbotham said.  “Of the dozen studies conducted across the nation, hunting removes between 8 percent and 50 percent of a population, with an average of 24 percent across all studies,” he said. “In order to hold a population stable with no growth, 60 to 70 percent of a feral hog population would have to be removed annually.”
    A common myth is that it's possible to identify the breed of a given feral hog by its color and markings. "Hogwash," said  Dr. Billy Higginbotham.  “Today’s feral hogs are descended from domestic breeds, Eurasian wild boars and, of course, hybrids of the two,” Higginbotham said. “But despite claims to the contrary, simply observing the color patterns, hair characteristics and size cannot let you definitively identify which of the three types and individual hog falls into.”
    One thing about feral hogs is definitely not a myth — the huge amount of damage they do to crops, wildlife habitat and landscapes, and most of us that live in the country have had first had experience with that.  And from all indications, the damage they do is expanding in scope and range.  Feral hogs were once largely a rural or agricultural issue in Texas, inflicting over $52 million in damage annually, but the porkers have literally moved to town and are now causing significant damage in urban and suburban communities.
    It’s important to keep in perspective that the bottom line is not an actual hog-head count, but the damage they do and how to develop ways to reduce it.
    “Texas AgriLife Extension Service has demonstrated that through education and outreach and Wildlife Services-led control efforts, damage can be significantly reduced by control efforts,” according to Higginbotham. “In a 2006-07 study funded by the Texas Department of Agriculture, agricultural damage was reduced by 66 percent via control efforts in just two years.”
Since 2007, subsequent studies done by AgriLife Extension and again funded by the state’s department of agriculture confirmed that control measures such as trapping and shooting “prevented millions of dollars in damage by reducing feral hog populations,” he said.
    “Landowners remain the first line of defense since Texas is 95 percent privately owned land,” Higginbotham said. “This means arming the public with Best Management Practices and using various legal control methods to abate the damage by reducing feral hog populations.”
For more information on feral hogs, visit the AgriLife Extension website, “Coping with Feral Hogs,” at http://feralhogs.tamu.edu .