July 2022

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Important Updates

Washington County Extension Service Drought Resource Page for Producers The Washington County Extension Office has developed a quick access website for drought related information. Please visit the website for the latest information and resources for drought related financial assistance, forage testing, livestock management, and more. Check back regularly for updates and more information as it comes available.   Click Here for More Information

Washington County Triggers LFP (Livestock Forage Disaster Program) and ELAP (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey, Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program) through the Farm Service Agency  The Washington County Extension Office received notice last week from the Farm Service Agency that they county was added to the disaster declaration triggering producer eligibility for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey, Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program. Producers are encouraged to visit the link below to learn more and reach out to the Austin/Washington County FSA Office by calling (979) 865-3138.

Forage Testing for Nitrates and Prussic Acid  As drought conditions worsen and forage availability continues to decline the Washington County Extension Office has fielded a number of producer calls and office visits about testing forages (standing and baled) for nitrates and prussic acid. We have worked with TAMU Livestock Specialists and put together information for a lab that will complete nitrate, prussic acid, and dry matter evaluation for a reasonable price with a quick turnaround. Visit our Washington County Drought webpage for all the details including forms, sampling instructions, shipping labels, and a guide on interpreting the sample results.   Click Here for More Information

Agreement for Bailing Hay in TxDOT Right of Way    Producers can submit a request to TxDOT for permission to bale forage on the state-owned right of way on roads adjacent to their property by completing and submitting the required TxDOT forms for the TxDOT office in the county where the property is located. Click Here to Download the Form

Ag Pesticide Applicator Update 2022  COVID-19 Pandemic (GRACE PERIOD ENDS 12.31.2022) In response to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is extending this exemption of agriculture Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements. To address the CEU’s and licensure requirements for Ag Pesticide applicators, the TDA will work with the ag pesticide applicators and CEU course providers of Texas during this critical time. Licensed applicators with expiring licenses or needing CEU’s will be allowed to renew their license even if they have not met their CEU requirement for their current licensing period through December 31, 2022. Visit the TDA Website for More Information

Upcoming Events

Beef Cattle Short Course Ranch Horse Program July 31, 2022 Brazos County The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is offering a Ranch Horse Program on Sunday July 31st at the Hildebrand Equine Complex. Registration for this program is included with the full Beef Cattle Short Course registration or you can just register for the Ranch Horse Program for $50. Click Here to Register

Fall Plant Sale Orders Open August 1 - September 20, 2022 Washington County For the sixth year the committee will be offering a selection of cool season plants including, arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale (curly and flat leaf), green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, spinach, and swiss chard.  If the great selection and confidence in knowing the offering are the best suited varieties for our area isn’t enough, we are also offering these plants at $2.50/pack of four! Also, all proceeds from this sale benefit the youth of Washington County through scholarships offered by the Committee. Each year the Horticulture Committee works to identify qualified graduating seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture and awards a scholarship of $1,000 or more in May at the respective school assemblies.      Orders are due by Tuesday, September 20th so don’t delay; get your orders in today. Plant pick-up will be on Tuesday, October 11th from 10:00am-5:30pm at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham! All plants must be picked up at this time!  Orders Open on August 1, 2022

Beef Cattle Short Course (CEUs) August 1 - 3, 2022 Brazos County The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course has a rich tradition and historical place in the programs emanating from the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. The Cattleman’s College features more than 20 concurrent sessions. Topics include animal health, nutrition, reproduction, breeding, genetics, selection, research, marketing and handling. Management sessions will cover business, forage, range, and purebred cattle. Topics such as landowner issues and fence building will be featured at this BCSC. Sessions are designed for everyone, from the newest member of the industry to the most seasoned producer. A number of pesticide CEUs and veterinarian CECs are available to attendees. Additionally, over 150 agriculture related businesses and trade show exhibitors annually attend the course and attest to the fact that it is the most highly attended activity of its kind anywhere in the United States. Click Here to Register

Mill Creek Partnership Meeting & Grassland Management Program (CEU) August 9, 2022 Washington County Join us for the Partnership meeting and a discussion with Dr. Bill Fox, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management Department at Texas A&M University. Dr. Fox’s work focuses on impacts of vegetation on water resources and working landscapes. His talk will include the discussion of native grassland restoration and erosion control practices. One CEU (1 General) will be offered for all licensed pesticide applicators.  Click Here to Register

Private Applicator Training August 10, 2022 Washington County If you plan on using a state limited use or state restricted use pesticide, such as Grazon P+D, 2 4-D, Weedmaster, etc., and need a license, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be sponsoring a Private Applicator Training on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Washington County Extension Office Conference Room, 1305 E Blue Bell Road, Brenham. Books and study materials for the course need to be purchased ahead of time for $40.00 at the Extension Office. A registration fee of $10.00 will be charged for the training. The registration fee will include the training and additional study materials. The training will begin at 8:30am and conclude at approximately 12:30pm. Please reserve your spot for the training as soon as possible; seating is limited. Click Here to Register

Washington County Extension Office Blood Drive August 11, 2022 Washington County For questions or more information please contact Marshall Mohr, Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agent, at (979) 277-6212 or via email at [email protected] Click Here to Register

Mill Creek Cleanup Day August 13, 2022 Washington & Austin Counties Come together as a community of landowners and make a difference by cleaning up your land within the Mill Creek watershed! Bring your collected items to the trash drop-off spot at Bleiblerville VFD Trash accepted on AUGUST 13, 2022, 9 AM - 4 PM This event is limited only to those landowners whose properties are located within the Mill Creek watershed. You do not have to have Mill Creek run through your property to qualify for participation. Registration and verification of eligibility to participate are required prior to the event. Click Here to Register

Horticulture Production (CEUs) August 19, 2022 Austin County The fourth meeting for the 2022 series will take place on Friday, August 19, 2022, at the Cat Spring Agriculture Hall located at 13035 hall Road in Cat Spring. Viticulture is growing in popularity with new landowners, and more are trying their hand at growing their own grapes to make wine. We have one of our Extension Viticulture specialist and Associate Professor discussing how to start your own vineyard. During this session we will also discuss pecan and fruit tree production with one of our Extension Horticulture Specialist. Learn what you need to know to get started growing your own orchard or a few pecan or fruit trees in your backyard. Three CEUs (3 General) will be offered for all licensed pesticide applicators. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!   The 2022 Multi-County New Landowner series is generously supported by: Washington County Tractor- Sealy and Brenham Texas Casual Cottages By Partners in Building Click Here to Register

South Central Texas Ag Conference – 5 CEUs (Pending TDA Approval) August 25, 2022 Washington County Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 25, 2022 for the South Central Texas Ag Conference at the Washington County Expo in Brenham, Texas.   Click Here to Register

Where's the Beef? Direct Sales Program August 26, 2022 Washington County Interest in direct beef sales skyrocketed during the pandemic, along with a public desire to make that local connection in meat sales, so two Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists are planning programs to help navigate this potential new venture for beef producers. Justin Benavidez, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist, and Tiffany Lashmet, J.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, both in Amarillo and the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, have planned two “Where’s the Beef? Legal and Economic Considerations for Direct Beef Sales Businesses” meetings. The extensive programs will be offered for free and include a copy of a program handbook. Lunch will also be provided. Registration is required: Aug. 26 in Brenham. Click Here to Sign Up for the Waitlist

Mark Your Calendars - Future Events!

South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic October 28, 2022 Click Here for More Information Washington & Waller Co. Pecan Show November 30, 2022 Click Here for More Information

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Contact your Washington County Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources Kara J. Matheney, MS County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources Washington County 1305 East Blue Bell Road Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 277-6212 ext.2 [email protected] Visit us online by clicking the link below! Washington County AgriLife Extension - Agriculture and Natural Resources

Stephanie Rudolph Office Manager Agriculture & Natural Resource Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 1305 East Blue Bell Road Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 277-6212 ext. 2 [email protected]