August 2005 AgNews Links

August 31, 2005
Weevils Threaten East Texas Sweet Potato Crop Industry  
CANTON – Growers from the several East Texas counties gathered here Tuesday night to learn more about the bad news they already knew: The sweet potato weevil has returned to East Texas fields.

August 31, 2005
Forage Silage Can Equal Corn Silage, Offer Water Savings  
AMARILLO – Cattle can munch more efficiently if producers are willing to look at sorghum forages and silages, two Texas A&M University System specialists said.

August 30, 2005
Texas Crop and Weather Report  
COLLEGE STATION - While this year's peanut crop is thriving, overproduction from last year has Texas growers concerned about price, according to Texas Cooperative Extension.

August 30, 2005
Annual Sonora Ram Test Starts In September  
SONORA – The annual ram performance test conducted by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station begins Sept.12-13 with delivery of the rams to the station.

August 29, 2005
Doctor Visits Made More Effective With Advance List  
AMARILLO – Making a list of questions and checking it twice is the best way to get the most out of a doctor's visit, a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist said.

August 29, 2005
Extension Agent: Something’s Got to Give with Farm Inputs  
LONGVIEW – With higher costs for fuel, fertilizer, replacement cattle and seed, as well as feed and forage or hay, farmers have to look for ways to economize, said a Texas Cooperative Extension agent.

August 29, 2005
Valley Irrigation Districts Prepare for the Next Drought  
HARLINGEN – Wayne Halbert knows it's a matter of when, not if, the Lower Rio Grande Valley suffers another drought.

August 26, 2005
Symposium Will Cover Hot Topic for Land Managers  
KERRVILLE – There'll be a hot time in the old town when land managers throughout Texas arrive for a fire symposium to be held Sept. 14-16 at the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center here.

August 26, 2005
Eight Steps Could Help Dairies Survive the Drought  
DALLAS – Drought conditions are still evident in parts of Texas, despite the recent rains, said Dr. Ellen Jordan, Texas Cooperative Extension dairy specialist. That means dairy producers should take action now to deal with forage shortages.

August 26, 2005
Research Targets Vegetable Production  
LUBBOCK – Is there a better way to control weeds or grow tastier tomatoes, watermelons or snap beans? Research under way at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Lubbock seeks to answer these questions for commercial vegetable producers and home gardeners.

August 25, 2005
Mason Area Range Tour Compares Various Brush Control Techniques  
MASON – Producers can weigh the pros and cons of various brush control techniques during Texas Cooperative Extension's Blue Mountain Peak Ranch Range Tour at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 8.

August 25, 2005
Researchers Examining Virus in Winter Garden Onions  
COLLEGE STATION - Six samples taken in three Winter Garden fields in Southwest Texas late last spring indicate a virus may have become a significant problem in onions.

August 25, 2005
Western Gulf Silvicultural Technology Exchange Rescheduled  
SHREVEPORT, La.– The Western Gulf Silvicultural Technology Exchange, a conference for professional foresters, has been rescheduled from Sept. 1 to Oct. 3.

August 24, 2005
Animal Health Regulations Affect Livestock Shipping  
FARWELL – Summer heat continues across Texas, and recent rainfall across much of the state has boosted forage production and pastures. Even so, the days are getting shorter and fall is just around the corner – a time when livestock producers contemplate a change of pasture for their stock.

August 24, 2005
Texas Cooperative Extension Program Prepares Producers for a Lifetime of Success  
SAN ANGELO – Texas Cooperative Extension's Tomorrow's Top Agricultural Producer Program is meant to make good producers better.

August 23, 2005
Candidates Interview for Weslaco Center Director’s Post  
WESLACO – Four finalists are being interviewed for the position of center director of the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Weslaco. Members of the search committee evaluating candidates are hopeful a new director will be in place this fall.

August 23, 2005
Texas Crop and Weather Report  
COLLEGE STATION – Pumpkins sometimes grow to an enormous size, but this year's crop won't be out of the ordinary, a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist said.

August 23, 2005
Forage Legumes Could Help Counter Sky-High Fertilizer Prices  
OVERTON – As gasoline prices reach for the sky, so do fertilizer prices.

August 23, 2005
Beef Cattle Reproductive Strategies to be Discussed at Meeting  
COLLEGE STATION – Veterinarians, animal scientists and breeders are invited to the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle meeting here on Nov. 12-13.

August 22, 2005
Urban Plant Detectives Seeking to Solve Mysteries  
DALLAS - Dr. Kevin Ong, Texas Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, has a passion for plants, especially sick ones. His mission is to identify what makes them sick and develop treatments to not only make them well, but prevent them from getting sick in the first place.

August 19, 2005
Just Like Your Car: Winterize Your On-Site Wastewater Treatment System  
COLLEGE STATION – Many people think about getting their cars or home furnaces checked out before winter. Those with onsite wastewater or septic systems may want to do the same, said an expert with Texas Cooperative Extension

August 18, 2005
Addition, Subtraction Are Keys to Financial Future  
COLLEGE STATION – For college students and other young adults just starting out, keeping track of personal finances can seem overwhelming, said a Texas Cooperative Extension expert. But basic mathematics plus a little common sense can go a long way toward keeping finances in line.

August 18, 2005
Seminar for People ‘Game’ to Manage Wildlife in Urban Areas  
SAN ANTONIO – For some, managing urban wildlife may involve visions of bar-hopping or nightclubbing. For those attending the "Managing for Wildlife in an Urban Island" seminar, it means learning how to provide a habitat for wildlife that will also benefit the property owner.

August 18, 2005
Financial Literacy Coalition Counting on New Volunteers  
AUSTIN – For many people in Austin and surrounding areas, basic money management just doesn't add up. That's why the Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas is looking for volunteers and "host agencies" to support its ongoing and upcoming financial education activities.

August 17, 2005
Second Year Tests Prove Wildlife Food Plot Mix Viable  
OVERTON – The second year of tests has proved the practicality of a seed mix for white-tailed deer feed plots in East Texas, said a Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientist here.

August 16, 2005
Texas Crop and Weather Report  
COLLEGE STATION – All systems are go, and it's an "on-year" for the state's pecan crop, according to a Texas Cooperative Extension expert.

August 16, 2005
Expert: Traditional Financial Institutions Provide Online Services Too  
COLLEGE STATION – If the number of television commercials is any indication, online lending must be a booming business. These direct-to-the-customer agencies are advertised as less complicated to deal with and easier to contact than traditional financial institutions.

August 15, 2005
Annual Texas A&M Invitational Slated for Sept. 12  
DALLAS - Texas A&M University alumni are finalizing plans for the eighth annual Texas A&M Invitational here on Sept. 12, with promises this year's golf tournament will be the biggest and best yet. Tournament proceeds, which go to the Texas A&M Foundation, are earmarked for turfgrass research and scholarships.

August 15, 2005
San Angelo Center Sets Annual Sheep and Goat Field Day  
SAN ANGELO – The 32nd annual Sheep and Goat Field Day conducted by the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center here has a new twist.

August 15, 2005
Strange-Looking Dove is in the Bag  
UVALDE – Fashions at most rural Texas convenience stores run to camo-green starting Sept. 1, leading one to believe "camouflage" may suddenly be the next big thing.

August 12, 2005
New Beef Cattle Specialist Good Fit for East Texas  
OVERTON – The new Texas Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist here said he expects to be "good fit" for East Texas.

August 12, 2005
Pike’s Career Applauded with Texas Vegetable Association President's Award  
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Dr. Leonard Pike was honored today with the President's Award from the Texas Vegetable Association.

August 12, 2005
Oct. 6-8 Hair Sheep Symposium Will Look at Growing Industry  
SAN ANGELO – The North American Hair Sheep Symposium, Oct. 6-8 in San Angelo, will offer new and seasoned producers the most current information about this budding industry.

August 11, 2005
Annual Angora Goat Test Results Released  
SONORA – Strong prices prevailed at this year's Annual Angora Goat Performance Test Field Day and Sale, conducted by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas Cooperative Extension here July 28.

August 11, 2005
Soybean Rust Fears Premature in Texas  
AMARILLO – Diseases resembling Asian soybean rust have caused concerns among Panhandle producers in recent weeks.

August 10, 2005
Flying Senior Citizens Can Cut Down Screening Anxiety  
AMARILLO – Although millions of people pass through metal detectors at the nation's airports every day, many of those being screened seem to be senior citizens, a Texas Cooperative Extension expert said.

August 10, 2005
Disparate Mole-rats: Underground Soap Opera Brings New Science to Light  
COLLEGE STATION – This is all underground, and naked mole-rats prefer it that way: Momma naked mole-rat is the only one having babies, and she's got several naked mole-rat boyfriends.

August 09, 2005
Texas Crop and Weather Report  
COLLEGE STATION - "Just dig it." It's time for fall gardens, Texas Cooperative Extension experts report.

August 09, 2005
Casey Selected to Fill Air Quality Position  
AMARILLO – Dr. Ken Casey steps into the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station laboratory here with one goal – to help clean up the air.

August 09, 2005
Reclaimed Wastewater: An Idea that Could Soak in  
EL PASO – As water becomes ever more scarce, quenching thirsty crops with wastewater may be OK if done right, researchers here say.

August 08, 2005
Animal Identification Highlights Big Country Beef Conference Set for Aug. 25  
ABILENE – The proposed National Animal Identification System will highlight Texas Cooperative Extension's Big Country Beef Conference. The event is set for 8 a.m. Aug. 25 in the Big Country Hall located on the Taylor County Expo Center grounds.

August 05, 2005
Scientists Give Thought for Food at 2005 Biotechnology Conference  
DALLAS - Nobel prize winner Dr. Russell Hulse and Dr. Elsa Murano, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences and director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in the Texas A&M University System, were featured speakers at a recent biotechnology conference on food safety. The event was presented at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center in Dallas.

August 05, 2005
Veg Out to Live Longer? International Meet Links Doctors, Horticulturists to Judge  
QUEBEC CITY – Doctors say it's true. Farmers want it to be. Scientists are finding it is.

August 05, 2005
Fire Ant Awareness Week Aimed at Promoting Proactive Treatment Efforts  
DALLAS - Fall is a prime time for treating for fire ants in order to reduce the numbers that will appear in the spring, say experts. That's why, since 1998, Fire Ant Awareness Week has been held the second full week of September.

August 05, 2005
Research Seeks Answers to Lygus Bug Questions  
LUBBOCK – Got Lygus? You may indeed, without knowing it. Sampling your alfalfa, cotton or even roadside vegetation with a sweep net will tell the tale pretty quickly.

August 05, 2005
Forage Sorghum Field Day Scheduled for Aug. 30  
AMARILLO – Several years of research on forage sorghum silage production and grazing sorghum sudangrass hybrids will be discussed at an Aug. 30 field day sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.

August 05, 2005
Field Day Will Celebrate 100 Years of Crops Research  
VERNON – The Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center will celebrate 100 years of crops research at its Chillicothe station on Sept. 29. The Chillicothe station is 5 miles southwest of Chillicothe on Farm to Market Road 392.

August 04, 2005
Beef Grid Marketing 101 Offered Aug. 16  
CANYON – Beef producers wanting to know about marketing options for finished cattle can attend the Beef Grid Marketing 101-North seminar Aug. 16 at West Texas A&M University here.

August 04, 2005
Ways to Grow Good Kids Sprout from Children’s Literature  
COLLEGE STATION – Long before Jack cast some bean seeds and scaled the resulting stalk into the heavens, children's books have sprouted imagination while planting positive thoughts.

August 04, 2005
Water: Researchers Seek Ways to Make the Most of a Limited Resource  
EL PASO – Mild winters, low humidity, lots of room, cultural diversity, higher education opportunities and a lively economy – El Paso has a lot to offer.

August 04, 2005
Researchers Find Ways to Turn Manure into Power  
AMARILLO – Record oil prices and incentives to find alternative fuel sources are lighting a fire under research to turn biomass materials such as manure into energy.

August 03, 2005
Recording Keeping Goes High Tech At Beef Short Course  
COLLEGE STATION – Laptops, electronic wands and ear tags are not staples of chute-side work among ranchers, but that could change with animal identification looming over the horizon.

August 03, 2005
Enjoy the Tastes of Summer Without Worries of Foodborne Illness  
COLLEGE STATION – Peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, berries and melons in various sizes, shapes and colors: The summer heat may be scorching, but the produce of the season can make it worthwhile.

August 03, 2005
Extension Names Hines New Randall County 4-H Agent  
CANYON – One of the largest county 4-H groups in the region will get a new leader when Ellie Hines steps into the 4-H and youth development position at Texas Cooperative Extension in Randall County on Aug. 15.

August 02, 2005
National Animal ID System Highlighted at Beef Cattle Short Course  
COLLEGE STATION – Beef producers attending the Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Short Course here Monday heard the latest information about the National Animal Identification System.

August 02, 2005
Gary Acuff Named Animal Science Department Head  
COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Gary R. Acuff has been named head of the department of animal science at Texas A&M University. He assumed his new duties on Aug. 1.

August 02, 2005
Texas Crop and Weather Report  
COLLEGE STATION – Texas wine grape producers are expecting the sweet taste of success this year, said Texas Cooperative Extension experts.

August 02, 2005
4-H Members to Receive $120,000 in Scholarships at Awards Program  
HELOTES – Ten graduating high school seniors from 4-H programs throughout Bexar County each will receive a $12,000 scholarship at the 4-H Awards Program on Aug. 12 at the 4-H activity center here, 12132 Leslie Rd.

August 02, 2005
Relationship Between Lawns, Allergies and Asthma Studied  
DALLAS – "Have you ever driven down the road and seen someone mowing the lawn wearing a mask? This is an example of the relationship between allergies and mold spores in lawns." Dr. Phil Colbaugh, research plant pathologist at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Dallas, cites a common image seen in Texas throughout the warm weather months.

August 02, 2005
3rd Annual IPM Pride Award Winners  
DALLAS – The third annual "IPM Pride Awards" for the best integrated pest management programs in Texas' public schools have been announced.

August 01, 2005
Pond Fish: Drought Isn't Over  
OVERTON – Despite recent rains in East Texas, as far as pond fish are concerned, it's still a drought, according to a Texas Cooperative Extension expert.

August 01, 2005
Kellogg Executive Tapped as Head of New Department of Nutrition and Food Science  
COLLEGE STATION – Kellogg Company executive Dr. Michael McBurney has been named the head of the new department of nutrition and food science at Texas A&M University. He assumes his new duties on Aug. 1.

August 01, 2005
Two Agricultural Economists Receive Awards  
COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Bruce A. McCarl and Dr. James W. Richardson recently received awards at the annual American Agricultural Economics Association conference in Providence, RI. McCarl was presented the Fellows Award, and Dr. James W. Richardson was presented the Distinguished Teaching Award for Graduate Teaching: More than 10 Year's Experience.

August 01, 2005
When Buying a Home, Know the Vocabulary  
COLLEGE STATION – Home-buying is a complicated business. Not only does it require a lot of time, money and form-signing, but also learning a new vocabulary, said an expert from Texas Cooperative Extension.