http://agnews.tamu.edu/Daily Agriculture NewsMon, 12 Sep 2005 18:37:00 GMTen-us  COLLEGE STATION – Business people who raise plants for landscapes, indoor pots, cut flowers or vegetable gardens are invited to attend the annual Growers Conference July 8-9 at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe. Highlights will include a pre-conference tour of area nursery and greenhouse operations that are using innovative ideas, a session on sustainability and a seminar on how to hire a legal workforce, according to Dr. Charlie Hall, conference committee member and holder ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=460 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=460 Horticultural Sciences WESLACO -- A glut of stored onions left over from last year has soured market prices for sweet onion growers in South Texas now harvesting the last of an exceptional crop, experts say. “We were able to almost double our normal yields per acre with picture-perfect onions, but market prices are so low this year, growers will be lucky to break even,” said Dr. Juan Anciso, a vegetable specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Weslaco. “Unfortunately, an abundance of cold ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=482 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=482 Agriculture Program FREDERICKSBURG – The “Texas Hill Country edition” of a prospective wine-grape grower's workshop will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 22. The workshop will be held at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office for Gillespie County, located at 95 Frederick Road in Fredericksburg.“This program was produced by AgriLife Extension's statewide viticulture team and was designed for those interested in commercial wine-grape growing in the Texas Hill Country,” said Penny Adams, AgriLife ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=478 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=478 Agricultural Economics Horticultural Sciences Plant Pathology and Microbiology Soil and Crop Sciences LUBBOCK – A veteran Texas AgriLife Research professional was recently honored with the Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award of Merit for 2008 by the Texas Tech University chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta. Dr. Jaroy Moore, resident director of research at the Texas A&M University System AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock was honored for his dedicated service to agriculture by the agricultural honor society. “I cannot think of a more qualified and deserving ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=479 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=479 Agricultural Communications Agriculture Program General Soil and Crop Sciences SAN ANGELO – When it comes to saving pecans from the pecan nut casebearer, time is of the essence, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert. “In Texas, May can be a make-or-break month for pecan (nut) production,” said Dr. Chris Sansone, AgriLife Extension entomologist at San Angelo. “It's also the month pecan nut casebearers hit the crop, leaving only a very short window when control measures are effective.” The pecan nut casebearer is one of the worst ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=480 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=480 Agricultural Communications Agriculture Program Entomology General Horticultural Sciences Soil and Crop Sciences AMARILLO – High Plains lenders are familiar with the cattle feeding industry, but they need a different financial understanding with the dairy industry. After requests from several lenders, Texas AgriLife Extension Service held a seminar to allow bankers to hear from specialists and dairy operators about the industry and its financial needs, said Dr. Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist in Amarillo. Many of the bankers came in with some understanding of dairy, but needed a broader ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=481 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=481 Agricultural Economics Animal Science Consumer and Family Sciences AMARILLO – When it comes to using distiller's grains in finishing rations of High Plains cattle, a Texas AgriLife Research scientist says the type of grain used makes all the difference. Dr. Jim MacDonald, AgriLife Research beef nutritionist at Amarillo, said there's been some skepticism about using distiller's grains in this region. Distiller's grains are a by-product of ethanol processing that can be used for animal feed. “I believe we can do it successfully, provided we have ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=475 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=475 Agricultural Economics Agriculture Program Animal Science DRIFTWOOD -- A new generation of insecticides could buy vineyard owners time from the ravages of Pierce's Disease, an expert recently told a group of researchers, vineyard owners and others involved in the wine industry during a two-day conference. The new insecticides wouldn't be a permanent solution, said Dr. Nick Toscano, University of California at Riverside entomologist, but would serve as a “stop-gap” until more resistant wine-grape varieties are developed and better technology and ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=476 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=476 Agriculture Program Horticultural Sciences Plant Pathology and Microbiology Soil and Crop Sciences SONORA – A prescribed burn workshop is scheduled Aug. 7-9 at the Texas AgriLife Research Station at Sonora. The burn workshop is a prerequisite to the advanced burn workshop, said Ray Hinnant, AgriLife Research senior research associate and instructor. “Individuals completing both workshops satisfy the educational component for a certified prescribed burn manager,” he said. The August workshop will provide basic information on prescribed burning, which is used to control ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=477 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=477 Rangeland Ecology and Management COLLEGE STATION – Most of the western parts of the state remained drought-stressed, while the northern and eastern parts of the state saw some relief, according to reports from Texas AgriLife Extension Service agents across the state. "Well, I guess I could be accused of sounding like a broken record, but I can't help it that Mother Nature won't allow me to report on anything else," said J. D. Ragland, AgriLife Extension agent ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=474 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=474 Texas Crop and Weather Report COLLEGE STATION – When it comes to using plant-filled pots on the porch or around the landscape, Americans are hardly able to contain themselves. U.S. consumers spend more than $1.3 billion a year on this gardening method, according to Container Gardening Associated, an online site devoted to the technique. Container gardens, the use of a variety of plants in any type of container, are often associated with yardless apartments or condominiums. But they also are popular with the elderly ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=465 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=465 Horticultural Sciences COLLEGE STATION – “Surviving Difficult Times” will be the theme for nursery and greenhouse grower workshops to be held in three Texas cities this month. The workshops will help growers “transform the businesses into leaner, stronger and more profitable enterprises,” said Dr. Charlie Hall, a workshop instructor who holds the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture in the horticultural sciences department at Texas A&M University. Hall said the workshops pertain to managing risk ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=464 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=464 Agricultural Economics Horticultural Sciences ABILENE – Robert K. Pritz will become the Texas AgriLife Extension Service's new agriculture and natural resources agent for Taylor County effective May 19, according to Taylor County Judge George Newman and Scott Durham, district AgriLife Extension administrator at San Angelo. The new agent transfers from Callahan County where he has served since 1997. “Robert is the ideal candidate for this, one of the state's key counties,” Durham said. “His outstanding quality of work ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=466 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=466 4-H and Youth Agricultural Communications Agricultural Education Agriculture Program Animal Science Consumer and Family Sciences General Horticultural Sciences Rangeland Ecology and Management Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Soil and Crop Sciences STEPHENVILLE – Young ropers from across the state should start limbering up their strings for the 35th annual Texas 4-H Calf Roping and Break-A-Way School scheduled for June 15-19 at the Tarleton State University Equine Arena in Stephenville. Scott Anderson, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent in Brown County and the event's coordinator, said the statewide event is open to boys and girls 12 and older. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, he ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=467 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=467 4-H and Youth Agricultural Communications Agricultural Education Animal Science General Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences SAN ANTONIO – While research shows U.S. consumers expect to spend a bit less on Mother's Day this year, that likely will not affect the purchase of cut flowers and flowering plants for moms in Texas, according to industry experts. According to the 2008 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation, Americans expect to spend an average of $138.63 on Mom ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=470 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=470 Agricultural Economics Horticultural Sciences GREENVILLE – If you want to see how the masters do it, take the Hope Blooms Garden Tour on May 17 in Hunt County, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent.The Master Gardeners of Hunt County and AgriLife Extension are hosting the seventh-annual garden tour from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Greenville, about 50 miles northeast of Dallas, said Sara Allen, an AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture in Hunt County.“This year's event is especially exciting because, for the first time, all ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=471 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=471 4-H and Youth Horticultural Sciences COLLEGE STATION – Six Texas A&M University former students from the department of agricultural economics have been inducted into the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry. The registry is the highest department-level honor, and inductees were recognized following Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples' keynote speech April 30 at the Veranda in Bryan. “We are extremely proud of these latest inductees,” said Dr. John P. Nichols, department head. “These professionals exemplify why Texas A&M's ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=472 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=472 Agricultural Economics  COLLEGE STATION – Young adults, teens, pickup truck occupants and nighttime motorists are less likely to wear safety belts than most drivers and passengers, according to the latest survey from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And those who don't wear safety belts are more likely to die in a crash. Though safety belts have been proven effective in preventing deaths, more than half of the motor vehicle crash fatalities in these groups were unrestrained, ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=459 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=459 Consumer and Family Sciences SONORA – Ranching amid skyrocketing grain and fuel prices will be the focus of this year's Ranchers' Roundup set for 8:30 a.m. May 20 in Sonora's Sutton County Civic Center. The program will be conducted by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service offices in Sutton, Schleicher and Crockett counties. Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available for those with a pesticide applicator's license. “Tighter management, trimming costs and ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=468 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=468 Agricultural Communications Agricultural Education Agriculture Program General Rangeland Ecology and Management Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences BOVINA – The Texas AgriLife Extension Service office in Parmer County will conduct an Animal Pest Control Meeting beginning at 10 a.m. May 27 in the Bovina EMS Building. One Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit in the general category will be offered to those with a private applicator's license. “Warm weather plus feedlots equals fly-time in our area,” said Benji Henderson, AgriLife Extension agent in Parmer County. “This meeting's purpose is to bring ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=469 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=469 Agricultural Communications Agriculture Program Animal Science Entomology Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences COLLEGE STATION – People will spend about $2 billion on flowers for mom this May, and retailers will grab a bigger piece of the pie if they price plants at, say $9.99 rather than $10. Those are some of the messages offered through “Making Cents” a blog by Dr. Charlie Hall, an agricultural economist and holder of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture in Texas A&M University's department of horticultural sciences. "Profit margins are getting tighter and tighter in the ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=461 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=461 Horticultural Sciences COLLEGE STATION – Crop conditions improved in Central, East, North and parts of the Rolling Plains thanks to rain, according to reports from Texas AgriLife Extension Service agents. However, much of the rest of the state remains short of moisture. The cost of fertilizer remains a critical issue for many producers throughout the state. "Still no changes in weather; it's dry!" said J. D. Ragland, Texas AgriLife ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=462 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=462 Texas Crop and Weather Report SAN ANTONIO – El Carmen Society for Community Advancement in southern Bexar County has been chosen as the site where more than 250 volunteers will build a specially designed playground on May 6.El Carmen Society, located at 18555 Leal Road, was selected after evaluating a number of applications from under-served areas of Bexar County, said Fidel Villegas, the community organization's president. The site, which is just outside San Antonio city limits, was chosen due to the lack of ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=463 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=463 4-H and Youth Agriculture Program COLLEGE STATION – The beef brisket, treasured by most Texas barbecue connoisseurs and a common staple found inside smoking pits throughout the Lone Star State, contains ‘depots' or tiny reservoirs of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, according to new research. Oils like olive or canola are the best sources of monounsaturated fatty acids since they contain 70 percent to 80 percent oleic acid, according to experts. “However, the fat in beef brisket from corn-fed steers contains ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=458 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=458 Animal Science VERNON – Wheat producers from throughout Texas and Oklahoma will have a chance to hear other producers talk about their fertilization successes at the Wheat Field Day on May 15 at the AgriPro Wheat Breeding Facility in Lockett, just south of Vernon. The annual wheat field day will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m., said Langdon Reagan, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Wilbarger County. “I just think this year's program is going to be real beneficial,” Reagan said. “It ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=456 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=456 Agricultural Economics Agriculture Program Soil and Crop Sciences DALLAS -- Pecan growers can now use a new Web site to predict insect pest activity in their orchards and track activity across the state, said entomologists with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.AgriLife Extension entomologists have developed the PNCforecast System, an on-line model that uses pheromone traps and temperature to predict when pecan nut casebearers will be active in pecan orchards in the spring, said Dr. Allen Knutson, an entomologist with the Texas AgriLife Research and ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=457 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=457 Agricultural Economics Agriculture Program Entomology Soil and Crop Sciences COLLEGE STATION – With the cost of diesel and gasoline getting nearer to the hourly minimum wage, too bad the fuel doesn't do more work - like deciding what route to take and pressing the gas pedal. While that concept isn't likely to work for vehicle fuel, a new study has found that it is, in fact, what goes on in the cells of yeast. Mitochondria, the fuel of a cell, has been found to be the “driver” for cell division, according to Texas AgriLife Research biochemists. This discovery ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=447 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=447 Biochemistry and Biophysics Health LUFKIN - The upcoming Pineywoods Cattle Congress, set May 9, will take a "two-pronged" approach, said Cary Sims, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for San Augustine County. "In the morning, we'll deal with bull selection; in the afternoon, Bermuda grass establishment and management," said Sims, co-organizer of the multi-county event. The morning session ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=454 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=454 CLARENDON – Landowners interested in managing small acreage for wildlife can attend a program on May 8 at the Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center in Clarendon. Registration for the program will begin at 8:30 a.m., said Leonard Haynes, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Donley County. Pre-registration is required by May 2. The program in jointly sponsored by AgriLife Extension, the Donley County Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Department of ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=455 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=455 Agriculture Program Rangeland Ecology and Management LUBBOCK – The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Tech University will conduct the “Basic Horse Management 101" workshop from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. May 21. The workshop will be held in room 101 of the Animal and Food Sciences Building located on the Texas Tech University campus in Lubbock. The program is being cosponsored by Purina Mills. “High grain prices have yet to deter many Texans from the dream of owning a horse,” said Robert Scott, AgriLife ... http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=451 http://agnews.tamu.edu/showstory.php?id=451 4-H and Youth Agricultural Communications Agriculture Program Animal Science General Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences