August 16, 2021
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Important Updates
Ag Pesticide Applicator Update 2021 
COVID-19 Pandemic (Grace period ends 12.31.2021)
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of positive cases across the state, 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, 2021. To learn more click the link below:

Time Nears for Re-Registration of Marks and Brands
Every 10 years, Texas requires that Marks and Brands be re-registered per Section 144 of the Texas Agriculture Code. All brands will expire on August 30, 2021. The next re-registration period begins August 31, 2021. Brands cannot be renewed prior to that date. Brands must be recorded with the County Clerk of the county in which animals are located. 

There is a 6 month grace period, from August 31, 2021 to February 28, 2022, to renew existing brands. After that date, all marks and brands that have not been re­registered are automatically available for registration by another party. 

The cost of registering a brand in Washington County is $26.00 and $5.00 for each additional location of that brand on the animal. Payment can be made by cash or credit card. 

For additional information, contact the Washington County Clerk's Office, 100 E. Main, Suite 102, Brenham, Texas 979-277-6200. Business hours are Monday 
through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Limited Spots Remaining!
Call the Office to Reserve Your Spot!
Range & Pasture Herbicide Update (CEUs)
August 17, 2021
Washington County
The Washington County Extension Office is pleased to present a Range and Pasture Herbicide Update for landowners who have an interest in learning the latest on herbicide management options. Topics for the program will include picolinic acid chemistry training (a required training for anyone interested in using the product Invora), herbicide resources for landowners, and an update from Bayer on the new Invora product. 

The Range and Pasture Herbicide Update is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility. 

Onsite registration is $25/person. Registration for the program will include a copy of the proceedings and a meal sponsored in part by Bayer. The meal will be served beginning at 5:30pm with the program beginning promptly at 6:00pm. At the conclusion of the program all licensed pesticide applicators will have earned two continuing education units in laws and regulations (2 L&R).  
Upcoming Events
3rd Annual South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic Scholarship Drawing Tickets Available 
The South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic Scholarship Committee is pleased to present the 3rd Annual SCTCCC Scholarship Drawing benefiting graduating seniors in the nine county area. This year’s drawing boasts over $30,000 worth of prizes spread out over 15 opportunities to win. Only 500 tickets will be sold for the drawing which will take place live at the 50th Annual South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Washington County Expo in Brenham. In the inaugural year the proceeds from the drawing supported ten young people as they each continued their education at colleges across Texas.     

 To purchase your ticket:
1. Visit a local County Extension Office in Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Waller, or Washington county.  

2. Contact any member of a participating county's Beef and Forage Committee.

3. Visit the 2021 SCTCCC Scholarship Drawing website and purchase your ticket online today!
2021 Fall Vegetable Plant Sale
Washington County
Calling all gardening enthusiasts! The Washington County Extension Horticulture Committee is pleased to share with you an opportunity to purchase fall garden plants and support local scholarship at the same time!  

For the fourth 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. A brief description of each cool season plant being offered in this line up has been included with the plant sale flyer to help you make the best decisions when selecting plants for your fall garden.  

Orders are due by September 21! - Don’t delay, order today!

Pick-Up will be on Tuesday, October 12 from 10:00am-5:30pm at the
Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham!
Non-Commercial/Commercial Applicator Training 
August 18, 2021
Washington County
Anyone interested in receiving training in preparation for the TDA Commercial/Non-Commercial General Standards, Vegetation Management, and Landscape Maintenance categories is encouraged to registration for the training being held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility. This course will prepare attendees for both exams required by TDA for the landscape maintenance or vegetation management license.  
 
To register visit https://washington.agrilife.org/pesticide or contact the Washington County Extension Office at (979) 277-6212. The fee for the course is $180 for one category or $200 for two categories and will include 3 manuals.  
Private Pesticide Applicator Training
August 19, 2021
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 Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility, 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.
Bees & Trees for Homeowners (CEUs)
August 20, 2021
Washington County
The August meeting for the 2021 series will take place on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham! Beekeeping continues to be a hot topic, especially for medium to small acreage landowners. Before you jump in head-first and order the equipment and a hive of bees, come learn what to expect! We will hear from several area beekeepers on what it takes to raise honeybees in this area of Texas, some of the challenges they face, and what they’ve found to be good solutions. In addition to bees we will take a portion of the afternoon to talk trees! In Texas and especially in our part of Texas trees are a valuable commodity that landowners care about and strive to keep them healthy and vigorous. Come learn about tree biology, how to recognize common tree problems, and how to manage for tree health. We will “leaf” no question unanswered, discussing planting, pruning, watering, fertilizer, insect and disease control. 
Homeowner Maintenance of Septic System Course
August 27, 2021
Washington County
Come attend the Homeowner Maintenance of Septic Systems Class for FREE on Friday, August 27, 2021, in Brenham, TX at the Washington Co. Expo Sales Facility located at 1305 E Blue Bell Road.  

The 2-hour class provides a basic understanding of the operational and maintenance activities of conventional systems and explains how activities within the home impact septic systems. Presentations will cover the treatment processes, health and safety considerations, and an overview of how to inspect and maintain the system. This course also provides answers to the most frequently asked septic system questions, including when to pump out a tank and what can or cannot go down the drain. Program is presented in cooperation with the Mill Creek Watershed Partnership. An overview of the Mill Creek Watershed Protection Plan project will be provided immediately prior to the program.

This program does NOT certify homeowners to maintain their aerobic wastewater management system. 

Pre-registration for the event is now open and accepted online at https://washington.agrilife.org/septic/ or by calling the Washington County Extension Office at (979) 277-6212 ext. 2. The course is FREE, but registration is REQUIRED by August 25, 2021.
Texas Well Owners Network Water Well Screening and Educational Program
August 27, 2021
Washington County
The Washington County Extension Office is pleased to present the Texas Well Owner Network training on Friday, August 27, 2021 in Brenham. The “Well Educated” training, which is free and open to the public, will welcome participants at 12:30pm with the program beginning promptly at 1:00pm at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road in Brenham.
 
Anyone is welcome to attend, including those who do not wish to have samples evaluated but anyone planning to submit samples must attend the course to receive the analysis results. Pre-registration for the program is required by August 25, 2021, and may be completed online by visiting: http://washington.agrilife.org/TWON
Gardening Lunch-N-Learn Series
Washington County
The Bluebonnet Master Gardeners of Washington County are pleased to present the 2021 “Lunch-N-Learn” series to be hosted on the first Tuesday of each month, September-November. The series boasts topics related horticulture with the homeowner and backyard gardener in mind! Speakers are experts in their fields and practical gardeners with great tips and information for everyone.  

Program registration will begin at 11:50am with the program beginning at 12:05pm and concluding at 12:55pm. At the conclusion of each session the speaker and our Washington County Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions.

All Master Gardener Lunch-N-Learn programs are free to the public and you are welcome to bring your own lunch and drink.  
Horticulture Production (CEUs)
September 17, 2021
Austin County
The September meeting for the 2021 series will take place on Friday, September 17, 2021, at The Vine in New Ulm! 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 and weather permitting, we will take a tour of The Vine’s 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. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity! Two CEUs (2 General) will be offered for all licensed pesticide applicators.  
Mark Your Calendars for Future Events!
50th Annual South Central Texas
Cow-Calf Clinic
Lone Star Healthy Streams
Washington County Pecan Show
Contact your Washington County Extension Agent
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
kjmatheney@ag.tamu.edu