Jul. 05, 2007

Texas Continues Preparation and Response to Storms Across the State

Gov. Perry Activates Additional State Resources

AUSTIN – Governor Rick Perry has activated additional state resources as severe weather events continue to threaten Texas communities.  Numerous state resources were already deployed in response to major weather events that have impacted areas from the Oklahoma border to the Rio Grande Valley and the state will continue to provide necessary assistance as requested by local officials. 

“Rather than celebrating Independence Day at backyard barbeques with families and friends, many Texans spent the Fourth of July holiday battling the dangerous weather events that continue to impact their communities,” Perry said.  “We will continue to help local communities respond to emergencies and recover from the heavy storms and rains that have saturated a large part of our state and we will make sure the necessary resources are in place if the situation worsens.”

Threatening storms are expected to produce additional rain throughout a large portion of the state.  Potential storms may also redevelop over the North Texas area, where some locations are already saturated by previous storms, posing continued danger of flash flooding in several communities.  Additionally, many reservoirs in these areas are presently at or near capacity to hold storm water and are releasing into the major rivers. This situation has the potential to produce heavy flooding in many places not previously affected.

In anticipation of continued storms, Gov. Perry has activated additional Texas Military Forces resources, now totaling 71 high-profile vehicles and more than 250 soldiers to assist with response efforts related to heavy flooding and other emergencies.  Perry also activated additional assets to assist with potential search and rescue operations, including three Texas Military Forces helicopters; nine Texas Department of Public Safety helicopters; one helicopter and 156 boat teams from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; 12 boat teams from the General Land Office. Sixteen swift water rescue boat squads from Texas Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2 are standing by to assist as needed.  Perry has also requested and received approval for additional aviation assets if needed from the U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Currently, state, local and nonprofit resources are helping with response and recovery efforts in impacted areas.  These resources include:

• Texas Department of Transportation to provide personnel and equipment for emergency road clearing, signage, and debris removal for affected areas;
• Texas Department of Public Safety aircraft, personnel and equipment to assist in communications, coordination of resources, security, damage survey and search and rescue;
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel and boats to assist in evacuations;
• Texas Military Forces personnel, aircraft and high-profile vehicles to assist with evacuations;
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality technical advisors to aid in restoring public water and wastewater systems, and debris removal;
• Health and Human Services Commission to provide bottled and bulk potable water;
• State and local personnel to conduct damage assessments where flood waters have receded;
• Salvation Army to operate canteens, provide clean-up kits, supplies and pastoral crisis counseling teams;
• American Red Cross to provide shelters, mobile feeding units, conduct damage assessments and continue outreach and casework;
• Texas Baptist Men to provide shower units and teams for clean-up operations; and
• Mass care support to be provided by the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention, Adventist Community Services, Victim’s Relief Ministries, Air Land Emergency Resource Team, Texas Food Bank Network, Latter Day Saints Humanitarian Response, the TZU CHI Buddhist Compassion Relief, and Baptist Child and Family Services.

“I urge all Texans to heed the warnings of their local leaders and take all possible precautions to stay out of dangerous situations as this severe weather continues,” Perry said.

Since mid-June this year, the governor has issued a state disaster declaration for 44 counties, which include Archer, Baylor, Bell, Blanco, Bosque, Brown, Burnet, Callahan, Coleman, Collin, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Fannin, Gillespie, Grayson, Hamilton, Hood, Hunt, Jones, Lamar, Lampasas, Lipscomb, Llano, Mason, McLennan, Menard, Mills, Ochiltree, Parker, Runnels, San Saba, Starr, Stephens, Tarrant, Travis, Webb, Wichita, Williamson, Wise and Young. 

Perry’s request for federal disaster declarations for six counties, which include Burnet, Eastland, Parker, Starr, Webb and Wichita, are pending approval.

President George W. Bush has already approved federal disaster declarations for Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Grayson, Lampasas and Tarrant Counties, allowing residents in eligible counties to apply for Individual Assistance programs intended for losses by individuals and families that are uninsured. Individual Assistance can include financial assistance, temporary housing, tax relief, legal services, crisis counseling and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. In addition, as a result of this action, these counties are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

July 5, 2007

Expert: Federal Aid Available For Some Flood Victims

Writer: Linda Anderson, 979-862-1460,lw-anderson@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Joyce Cavanagh, 979-845-3850,jacavanagh@ag.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – If the rain clouds hanging over Texas have a silver lining, it might be this: Some people affected by the recent flooding could be eligible for federal aid, said a Texas Cooperative Extension expert.

But not everybody, said Dr. Joyce Cavanagh, Extension family economics specialist.

"Only the people who live in the counties declared by the president to be disaster areas are eligible for FEMA assistance," she said. Those counties are Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Grayson, Lampasas and Tarrant.

To apply call 800-621-3362 or go online at http://www.fema.gov/ .

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety's Web site ( http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ ) , the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up disaster recovery centers for residents of those counties who eligible for assistance. The centers are at:

- Gainesville Factory Stores, Suite 500, 4321 N. Interstate 35 (exit 501), Gainesville (Cooke County).

- MDRC Copperas Cove (Human Resources Center), 1012 North Drive, Copperas Cove (Coryell and Lampasas counties).

- Old Ready Mix Administration Building, 5517 Denton Highway (U.S. Highway 377), Haltom City, (Denton and Tarrant counties)

- Shafer Crossing, Suite 400, 2918 U.S. Highway 75, Sherman (Grayson County).

Although only these counties are eligible for federal aid, other areas of the state might find relief through other agencies.

"Counties declared by the governor to be disaster areas might be eligible for state assistance," Cavanagh said.

On June 29, Governor Perry declared 37 counties as disaster areas, she said. However, residents of these counties are not eligible for FEMA aid unless and until they are declared disaster areas by the president.

According to information on the governor's Web site (http://www.governor.state.tx.us/) , "The president's disaster approval allows residents in eligible counties to apply for Individual Assistance programs intended for losses by individuals and families that are uninsured. Individual Assistance can include financial assistance, temporary housing, tax relief, legal services, crisis counseling and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. ...

"The governor's disaster declaration opens the door to a variety of assistance from state agencies, including the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the office of Rural and Community Affairs."

However, Cavanagh said, residents applying for federal aid need to know that "FEMA does not cover loses that are insured."

Most of the federal aid available in disaster areas "comes in the form of low-interest loans and not outright grants," she said.

These loans are handled through the Small Business Administration, even those loans granted to homeowners and renters, Cavanagh said.

More information on federal aid can be found on the FEMA Web site at http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm .

Extension's publication, "Obtaining Disaster Assistance" (ER-024), is available free through the TCE Bookstore at http://tcebookstore.org/ . Click on the link to Disasters and Emergencies.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Texas Attorney General Charges Mannatech with Unlawful, Misleading Sales Practices

Illegal scheme markets supplements as cure for cancer, improved health

DALLAS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged Coppell-based Mannatech, Inc., its owner, Samuel L. Caster, and several related entities with operating an illegal marketing scheme in violation of state law. Today’s enforcement action stems from a large-scale investigation by state authorities, who examined Mannatech’s dubious claims about the health benefits of its products.

Documents filed in Travis County district court reveal Mannatech’s scheme to exploit families, including those challenged by cancer, Down’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses. According to investigators, exaggerated claims about the therapeutic benefits of Mannatech’s dietary supplements and nutritional products were unlawfully used to increase sales. The attorney general’s enforcement action asserts that Mannatech’s deceptive practices pose a health risk to seriously-ill consumers who may forgo traditional medical attention because of the company’s false claims.

“Texans will not tolerate illegal marketing schemes that prey upon the sick and unsuspecting,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Aided by an army of multi-level sellers and their fictitious claims about its products, Mannatech has aggressively marketed supplements to countless unwitting purchasers. With today’s enforcement action, the Office of the Attorney General seeks to shut down an elaborate scheme to defraud innocent consumers across the nation.”

Mannatech, a self-described “global wellness solutions provider,” claims scientific validation from the field of glycoscience, which is the legitimate study of sugars, their structure and how they function. Through its multi-level marketing network, Mannatech claims that its proprietary products’ main ingredients, glyconutrients, enhance the body’s cell-to-cell communication and improve overall health.

Today’s lawsuit charges Mannatech with encouraging their salespersons’ false statements by allowing sellers to continue utilizing various sales tools, brochures, videotapes and personalized Web sites that exaggerate the supplements’ effectiveness. According to investigators, the defendants encourage product user “testimonials” that tout their supplements’ alleged healing effects. These exaggerated testimonials, along with misleading “before and after” photos, are displayed prominently in seminar booths, brochures, videos, sales associates’ personal Web sites and training materials. Together, these marketing techniques mislead consumers into believing that the supplements dramatically cure or treat serious illnesses.

In fact, the company’s health claims are not supported by legitimate scientific studies, nor are its products approved as drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The defendants are accused of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which can result in civil penalties of $20,000 per violation. In addition to DTPA violations, the attorney general, along with the Texas Department of State Health Services, also charges Mannatech with violating the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under the Act, the defendants face penalties of up to $25,000 per day, per violation.

Mannatech Inc. sells its nutritional supplements in 10 countries, including the U.S., through more than 500,000 independent sales distributors worldwide. It is traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol, “MTEX.”

Consumers who encounter a business that is making false claims may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (800) 252-8011 or online at www.oag.state.tx.us.

July 5, 2007

Day Care Decision No Small Matter for Parents

Writer: Linda Anderson, 979-862-1460,lw-anderson@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Steve Green, 979-845-3850,s-green@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Here's a question many parents must consider: Is putting their children in day care good, bad or indifferent?

The answer, said a Texas Cooperative Extension expert, is: All of the above.

"It can be good or it can be bad or it can be indifferent," said Dr. Steve Green, Extension child development specialist. "The key issue related to child care is quality."

Leaving their children in some kind of care facility is a fact of life for many parents in this country, he said.

"Over 13 million children in America spend time in non-parental care arrangements and the (numbers) continue to increase," Green said.

Almost 75 percent of the children aged 3-6 in this country are included in that number, he added.

For the parents of those children, finding quality day care situations becomes a priority, he said. While the size of the facility and cost of its services are factors in that choice, they aren't the only ones.

"Regardless of the type of care, if it is high in quality, the kids will fare better," Green said.

But what do parents look for when evaluating child day care situations? Green offered the following three criteria, as suggested by Dr. Karen DeBord, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service child development specialist:

- Availability or accessibility. What types of care centers or facilities are available in the community and do they suit your family's needs? Available facilities may be center-based, family day-homes, church-affiliated centers or even grandparents or other relatives or friends. Parent should consider distance, hours of operation and what age children the facility will accept. In some communities, however, availability may be limited.

"In rural areas parents often have difficulty finding quality care," Green said.

- Affordability. Does the cost of having the children in the care facility fit into the family budget? Some families might qualify for subsidized child care if their income falls below certain levels, Green said.

- Quality. The cost of the care is not always an accurate indication of the quality of the care, Green said. Will the programs at the center contribute to the child's growth and development? What is its staff-to-child ratio? What is the staff turnaround rate? How well educated is the staff and are they warm and responsive to children? What kinds of activities – such as age-appropriate books, toys, blocks, puzzles, games and art supplies – are available to the children at the center? Is the center a family-friendly place that promotes the health and safety of the children and encourages parents to drop in and visit? What kind of nutrition is provided and when? Is it clean? Are medicines and cleaning supplies kept locked up and away from children? How does the center deal with children who are sick?

Keeping these factors in mind, parents should go visit each center, Green advised.

"Don't just go to one," he said. "Check out all that are available. Interview the director; ask questions."

Then talk to friends, relatives and co-workers who have used the child care facilities and learn about their experiences and opinions about the centers, Green said. Also check the Web site of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/ and click on the link to Child Care Licensing.

Finally, he said, parents need to pay attention to their own feelings about the center: Ask themselves if they would feel comfortable leaving their children there for hours every day?

Like other aspects of life, perfection in child care does not exist, Green said, but with some time and effort, parents can find the best care situation for their family.

For more information on this and other child development issues, visit Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences Web site at http://fcs.tamu.edu/ and click on the link to Families.

Jul. 05, 2007

Gov. Perry Awards $246,246 to OneStar Foundation

AUSTIN – Governor Rick Perry awarded $246,246 to The OneStar Foundation, Inc., to fund the implementation of a community capacity development project. This project will promote coordination and partnership between faith-based and community organizations, and regional councils of governments throughout the state. These grants are awarded through the State Criminal Justice Planning Fund and are distributed by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD).

“The OneStar Foundation is a visible example of the power of human compassion, helping families and communities throughout Texas prosper and succeed,” said Perry. “This grant allows the foundation to generate greater capacity within community and faith-based organizations in efforts to coordinate their services for citizens even further across the state.”

Funds will support the project, building capacity among faith-based and community-based service providers; defining priorities, resources and barriers; and improving organizational effectiveness through the development of sustainable collaborations.

Created in 2003, OneStar supports volunteerism, community service and nonprofit capacity-building efforts in Texas.  The OneStar Foundation administers state programs such as AmeriCorps, the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative, and the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative. 

Each year, the CJD awards more than $113 million in grants through the State Criminal Justice Planning Fund to support programs that enhance the criminal and juvenile justice systems through various means. These include law enforcement training and development, juvenile delinquency prevention programs, substance abuse treatment programs, special prosecution and criminal investigation units, and victim services programs.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Former East Texas Senator Indicted on Charge Linked to 2006 Election

Drew Nixon of Panola County charged with official oppression involving local election

CARTHAGE – A Panola County grand jury charged former State Sen. Drew Nixon, 47, with illegally committing acts of official oppression prior to the 2006 local election. The two-count indictment, which was unsealed today, stems from an investigation by the office of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Earlier this year, officers with the Texas Attorney General’s office began investigating several pre-election irregularities involving the May 2006 Panola County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 board member elections. At the time the irregularities occurred, Nixon allegedly served as both accountant and election administrator for the district. The state’s investigation revealed Nixon’s attempts to impede two prospective water district board candidates from appearing on the election ballot.

“Texas will not tolerate illegal acts that undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” said Attorney General Abbott. “Election officials have a duty to serve the public’s interest, not their own. Voters can rest assured the Office of the Attorney General is committed to strictly enforcing election laws.”

Nixon surrendered today to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office.

While working as the water district’s paid accountant, Nixon simultaneously served as a self-appointed election administrator for the May 2006 board election. Nixon is charged with misleading two potential candidates, Dickie Jacks and Jon Kunkel, who planned to challenge incumbent board members.

Despite advice and instruction from the Texas Secretary of State’s office, Nixon initially refused to accept the challengers’ ballot applications. Despite questions from both would-be challengers, Nixon claimed they were not eligible to appear on the ballot. He told both candidates they resided in the wrong precincts.

Official oppression falls under the category of offenses known as “abuse of office” in the state’s Penal Code. It is a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in a punishment of up to one year in prison and a maximum $4,000 fine.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Grand Jury Indicts Former Wichita Falls Businessman Investigated by Attorney General's Cyber Crimes Unit

Michael McDonough suspected of collecting and distributing child pornography

WICHITA FALLS – An Archer County grand jury indicted Michael McDonough, 59, of Wichita Falls, Monday for collecting and distributing sexually explicit images of children.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit presented the former businessman’s case to the grand jury, which indicted him on 10 counts of child pornography possession and two counts of promotion.

“Texans will not tolerate criminals who prey upon our children,” Attorney General Abbott said. “The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue to protect young Texans by aggressively cracking down on sex predators and child pornographers.”

Cyber Crimes Unit investigators conducted a search of McDonough’s place of business after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he was distributing child pornography over the Internet. Forensic analysis of confiscated computers and external media revealed images of children being sexually assaulted. At the time of the Attorney General’s investigation, McDonough was employed as a president with an energy company.

Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he launched the Cyber Crimes Unit, which targets online predators by assuming the identities of young teenagers in Internet chat rooms, and the Fugitive Unit, which locates convicted child sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children. Attorney General Abbott’s initiative has resulted in more than 600 arrests of such offenders. His office also has obtained convictions against more than 60 men on child pornography charges.

Possession of child pornography is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Promotion is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

For more information, contact the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 252-8011 or visit the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

Salute

A special SantaAnnaNews.com Independence Day salute and thank you to my friend, James Culpepper and all of those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

James, stationed at Naval Air Station LeMoore California, is an At1 aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. The Stennis which, according to the USS John C. Stennis website, is part of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) which entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) Feb.19 to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in regional waters, as well as to provide support for ground forces operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. James should be returning home sometime in the next two months.

Independence Day, 2007

I send greetings to Americans everywhere celebrating Independence Day.

Two hundred thirty-one years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a bold creed of freedom that set the course of our Nation and changed the history of the world. On this anniversary, we remember the great courage and conviction of our Founders, and we celebrate the enduring principles of our Declaration of Independence.

Through selfless sacrifice and unrelenting determination, the patriots of the American Revolution ensured that our Nation's claim to liberty and equality would not be dismissed or forgotten. The ideals they fought for and the country they helped establish are lasting symbols of hope to the entire world.

Our commitment to America's founding truths remains steadfast. We believe that freedom is a blessing from the Almighty and the birthright of every man and woman. As our Nation faces new challenges, we are answering history's call with confidence that our legacy of freedom will always prevail. On Independence Day, we express our gratitude to the generations of courageous Americans who have defended us and those who continue to serve in our country's hour of need, and we celebrate the liberty that makes America a light to the nations.

Laura and I wish you a Happy Fourth of July. May God bless you, and may He bless our wonderful country.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Capitol Comment
by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

The Fourth of July: A Legacy of Liberty
June 29, 2007

Each Fourth of July, we gather to celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, street parades, backyard barbeques and other familiar rituals that mark a summer in full swing. But this uniquely American holiday commemorates not only the anniversary of our nation—it celebrates America’s bedrock principle of freedom and honors our steadfast legacy of liberty.

When the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, they pledged their “lives, fortunes and sacred honor” to defeat tyranny. They had faith in the righteousness of their struggle, but no guarantee of its success. And yet, they strove through difficult times and against seemingly impossible odds to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. For eight long years, the Continental Army and Navy struggled against the much larger English forces. The members of America’s first Congress stayed true to their chosen course, even as King George III called for their heads. With help from our allies, America eventually secured its independence.

America continues to share its legacy of liberty throughout the world. Our first military action as a new nation was to drive the Barbary Pirates from the shores of North Africa. In World Wars I and II, we allied with the free nations of Europe and Asia to combat and repel the forces of despotism and oppression. For over 40 years, we fought a Cold War against communist dictators.

Today, freedom is again embattled, and our legacy demands that we defend it. The enemies that attacked us on September 11th have no respect for human life and no respect for freedom. They have vowed to subjugate the world to their fundamentalism and to establish a global theocracy based on their extreme and corrupted version of Islam. We cannot allow them to succeed.

We have engaged these enemies in a Global War on Terror. Make no mistake—Al Qaeda seeks the destruction of liberty as assiduously as any foe we have ever faced. They attacked us and our allies before September 11th, and have done so since in the London, Madrid and Bali bombings. Our vigilance has thankfully foiled such attempts on our soil, including recent bomb plots at Fort Dix and JFK International Airport. Our brave servicemen and women are fighting terrorism in Iraq, in Afghanistan and around the world so the terrorists will not be able to export their heinous crimes to America.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, we send our special thoughts and earnest prayers to those American men and women who fight to defend our way of life. Our founding fathers pledged everything they had to secure our freedom. Today, we honor the men and women who follow in their footsteps to preserve it, and carry on our legacy of liberty.

FEMA URGES Residents to Be Cautious This July 4th

Release Date: July 3, 2007

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. More than 23,000 fires are attributed to fireworks every year, and according to FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison, more than half of those occur the first week in July.

“When celebrating the 4th of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care,” said Paulison. “Have fun, but be safe.”

Thousands of serious fireworks-related incidents typically injure eyes, heads and hands each year. Most of those injuries are inflicted on victims between one and 24 years of age. Sparklers, firecrackers, and bottle rockets are leading contributors to these injuries. Older children should be closely supervised, and younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks.

USFA serves the American public and the nation’s fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: www.usfa.dhs.gov.

Coleman County Historical Commission to Meet

The Coleman County Historical Commission, which does not usually meet in July, will have a special meeting this Thursday, July 5th at 7 p.m. in the First Coleman National Bank Hospitality Room on the 3rd floor of FCNB. The special meeting has been called because of the urgency of addressing planning for the 2008 Coleman County Sesquicentennial. Special guest at the meeting will be Randee Green, Executive Director of the Brownwood Reunion Celebration, has organized award winning events. She is a specialist in event planning and often holds workshops for event planners. Ms. Green will conduct a short workshop to assist those individuals or groups planning events during the County’s sesquicentennial year.

Interest in Coleman County’s 150th Birthday Celebration is growing after the recent meeting at the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Ron Owens, who chaired that meeting, pointed out that time is short for planning that is required to execute a successful celebration. Owens' suggested that all organizations in the county working on events, either annual or special, slant the themes of those events toward this celebration. This workshop will be very helpful to those leaders and all are encouraged to attend.

Everyone in the county is invited, especially those interested in making this a great celebration of Coleman County's heritage. Snacks will be provided at the meeting. So, if you are a little pressed for time, come and combine a light dinner with an interesting program.

Pre-Harvest Sprouting

Contributed By: Luther Dunlap, CEA/AgNR Coleman County
Authored by: Gaylon Morgon, State Extension Small Grains Specialist Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Due to the increase of rainfall many farmers have been experiencing pre-harvest sprouting. When wheat seed has been exposed to adequate moisture and temperature it will begin to germinate. According to Gaylon Morgan, State Extension Small Grains Specialist Texas A&M University, the extent of pre-harvest sprouting is dependent on duration and severity of moist conditions prior to harvest, temperatures during such wet weather, the growth stage of ripening grain and the inherent dormancy level attributable to a variety*s genetics.

Some visible characteristics of pre-harvest sprouting are swelling of the kernel, germ discoloration, split seed coat and emergence of the root or the shoot. This will have a negative affect on grain quality, seed viability, seedling vigor, and milling and baking properties. This also will have a negative affect on the market value of your wheat. Producers that market sprouted wheat will more than likely be docked at the market due to fact that the milling and baking quality is decreased.

The best thing to do when marketing sprouted wheat is to keep your sprouted wheat and your unsprouted wheat separate from one another. This will help minimize your dockage when you take your wheat to the market.

Management considerations at or immediately following harvest
1. If signs of high levels of sprouting are obvious, you should strongly consider purchasing high quality seed.
2. If signs of sprouting are at low levels, then having the seed cleaned of sprouted wheat seed can increase the seed quality. However, the seed cleaning process is not going to separate out swollen seed from non-swollen seed

Management consideration prior to planting
1. Conduct a germination test on the seed a month prior to planting
2. Increase seeding rate based on results of germination test, if the germination percentage is within reason.
3. Consider fungicide seed treatments to help protect the weak seedlings from fall diseases.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR at 325-625-4519 or come by the Coleman County Extension Office, 2nd floor, County Courthouse.

July 3, 2007

Texas Crop and Weather Report

Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

Audio MP3(1.9 Mb) Audio Script

COLLEGE STATION – While rain has been plentiful across Texas, it's throwing a kink into hay harvesting activities but producing bumper grain crop yields, Texas Cooperative Extension reports.

While most producers harvested a first cutting earlier this spring, hay continues to grow in the field reaching above-average maturity levels, said one Extension specialist.

"The biggest challenge is there's hay out there right now that's two to three weeks overdue," said Dr. Jason Cleere, Extension beef cattle specialist in College Station. "Tonnage is going to be good, but quality is not going to be as good because of the maturity level. When this rain shuts off, there's going to be a large amount of hay being baled."

Just a year ago during the drought, producers were doing good to get one cutting of hay harvested, Cleere said.

"With this cutting of hay out in the field, we may have already cut and baled as much hay as we've baled in the past two years," he said.

Meanwhile, the wet weather is also hampering the wheat harvest, but good yields are expected, said Dr. Travis Miller, Extension agronomist in College Station.

"West Texas and the Panhandle wheat farmers are reporting excellent yields with some dryland wheat exceeding 60 bushels per acre or more, twice normal averages," he said.

In the Blacklands region from Central to North Texas, Miller said the wheat crop is excellent, but 30 percent to 40 percent of the crop remains to be harvested.

"Quality has been severely damaged by lodging and sprouting due to prolonged wetness," he said. "These losses will be keenly felt, as wheat yields were very low last year and prices were very favorable this year due to last year's failed crop."

Corn and sorghum yields statewide are expected to be excellent due to all of the rainfall received in June, Miller said.

"Overall, we should have much higher grain yields this year than last due to favorable moisture," he said. "The main concern is having favorable harvest weather."

The following condition reports are from Extension officials:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were near or below average for the week. Thunderstorms brought some rain and hail to the area. Rain from a trace to more than 2 inches was recorded. Soil moisture is rated very short to adequate with most areas reporting adequate. Corn is fair to excellent; cotton is fair. Peanuts are fair to good with no pest problems reported. Sorghum planting is ending. The crop is fair to good. Soybeans are fair to good with no pest problems reported. Wheat harvest is about 50 percent complete. Rain has caused harvest delays in much of the area. Cattle in excellent condition.

SOUTH PLAINS: Some southern counties received heavy rain, hail and high winds. Straight line winds caused structural damage on farms and ranches. Estimates of crop damage are still pending. Cotton is in fair to good condition and is progressing well with the warmer temperatures. Wheat harvest continues and yield reports have been excellent. Corn is in good condition and responded well to recent rains. Sorghum is in good to excellent condition. Peanuts are in good condition. All pumpkin acres have been planted and are progressing well. Pastures and ranges are in good to excellent condition. Cattle are in good to excellent condition.

ROLLING PLAINS: A surplus of rain has caused creeks and rivers to overflow their banks. Wet conditions continue to hamper agriculture activities throughout the area. Rains caused substantial flooding to low areas along the Wichita River. Storms last week destroyed some barns and pivots. More rain has again stopped the wheat harvest. Rain has slowed down cotton planting. Peanuts looking good. Most pasture land is looking good with grass and forbs, and most tanks are full and running.

NORTH: Soil moisture ranges from adequate to surplus. Continued rains are causing moisture-related problems in crops. Heavy rains have hampered attempts to bale hay, but rainfall over the past two weeks has helped pastures. Some forage producers are waiting to harvest due to continued rains. Corn, grain sorghum and soybeans are in good condition, but need to dry out. Corn is in good to excellent condition but will suffer soon if rain does not stop. Soybeans are planted, blooming and in good condition. Sorghum is planted, headed and in good condition. Cotton is in good condition, 95 percent squared and 20 percent to 40 percent setting bolls. Heavy rains have damaged the wheat crop so much that very little can be salvaged. Oats are 20 percent to 100 percent harvested. Livestock are in good condition, but rains have hampered the market and sellers are not getting cattle out. Range and pasture conditions are good to excellent. Bugs and weeds are increasing and grasshoppers are becoming a major problem.

EAST: Three inches to 8 inches of rain was reported throughout the week. Producers are moving livestock to higher ground. Rainfall is still prevalent around the region. Disease problems were reported on various vegetables, especially tomatoes. Hay is being cut, but getting wet from evening showers. Many producers are waiting to cut hay. Some hay cuttings have been lost due to heavy rains over several days. Vegetable and ornamentals have aphids, spider mites and whitefly problems. Vegetable crops are making high yields. Outbreaks of webworms in various trees have been reported. Forages are growing well and cattle have adequate amounts in most pastures. Calf working continues on late spring calves. Selling of fall-born calves and cull cows continues. Cattle prices remain high. Blueberries and peaches are producing good yields. High cost of fertilizer is causing producers to cut back on fertility programs. Livestock are doing well. Milk prices are increasing.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture ranges from very short to surplus, and crops and pastures are in very poor to excellent condition. Corn is in fair to good condition. Cotton is in very poor to excellent condition. Peanuts are in fair to excellent condition. Sorghum is in good to excellent condition. Winter wheat is in very poor to fair condition. Scattered showers and thunderstorms were reported across the region. Cotton looks good and sorghum looks promising.

WEST CENTRAL: Cooler temperatures this week along with extreme amounts of rainfall were reported in most areas. Flooding has been reported in many counties. Soil is saturated and water is standing in fields. Wheat harvest has been delayed once again due to heavy rainfall. Many cotton fields are very wet or under water. Cut hay is laying in fields and unable to be baled. Range and pasture conditions continue to improve with good rains. Livestock remain in good to excellent condition. Internal parasites have been reported in sheep and goats.

CENTRAL: Flooding has occurred across the district. Producers cannot get into the fields to bale hay. Much of the fruit and vegetable growers have too much water on their crops. Forage producers are concerned about nitrogen loss.

SOUTHEAST: Soil moisture is limiting access to fields to harvest hay or apply fertilizer. Continual rain has slowed or stopped all operations. Livestock are fairing well. Rice borer moths are being collected in traps but the infestation is low.

SOUTHWEST: Excellent May-June rainfall was reported at about 150 percent of the long term average. The region is green and the agriculture production outlook appears good. Corn, sorghum, cotton, peanuts, watermelons and cantaloupes are progressing. Corn and sorghum have matured and are starting to dry down. The harvest should start in about two to three weeks. Forage availability is above average for this time of the year. Harvesting of wheat, oats, beets (for processing), green beans and squash continues. Some watermelons and cantaloupes are being harvested. The onion harvest is complete but disappointing. Heavy rains as onions matured caused a serious increased incidence of disease problems. About 40 percent of the potential onion harvest in the Winter Garden region of Texas was rejected.

COASTAL BEND: Excessive rain causing some problems in grain harvest and hay cutting. Continued rain should keep grain harvest and cotton spraying at a standstill for most of the week. Livestock and pastures are in good condition.

SOUTH: Soil moisture throughout the region has been adequate due to rainfall. No irrigation has been reported in the western part of the region because of the constant rain in that area. All the rain has provided an abundance of native range and pasture forage. Dryland sorghum producers are concerned about the amount of rain. Harvesting should begin in next five to 10 days. Sorghum harvesting in the Starr County area was halted due to the rainfall, while in the Hidalgo County area it is peaking.

Request for Crop Loss due to Recent Increase in Rainfall

To: All farmers and Ranchers in Coleman County

From: John Pearce and Coleman County Extension Office

To all farmers and ranchers in Coleman County. If you have lost any crops due to the increased amount of rainfall we need an estimate of how many acres you have lost. John Pearce is the emergency management Coordinator and needs to know how much damage has been done in the County.

Farmers that have Wheat, Hay Grazer or Coastal Hay, and Milo let us know how many acres have been lost due to the increase of rain fall.

To let use know please contact the Coleman County Extension Office at (325) 625-4519 Or you can email us at coleman-tx@tamu.edu

We need to know by Thursday morning July 5th by 10:00 am

July 3, 2007

Texas Wine Industry Participants Have Plenty to Ponder

Writers: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575,paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Lorri Jones, 281-855-5620, LJones@ag.tamu.edu
Tim McAlavy, 806-746-6101,t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contacts: Dr. Ed Hellman, 806-746-6101,EWHellman@ag.tamu.edu
Penny Adams, 830-997-7047,psadams@ag.tamu.edu
Fritz Westover, 281-855-5600,fawestover@ag.tamu.edu
Fran Pontasch, 254-968-4144,fmpontasch@ag.tamu.edu
Jim Kamas, 830-997-7047,j-kamas@tamu.edu
Teresa Burns, 806-746-6101, Ext. 4328 thburns@ag.tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

Audio MP3(2.3 Mb) Audio Script Video Video News

COLLEGE STATION – The domestic demand for wine is so great that Texas could produce twice as many wine grapes as it does – and sell far more wine, said a Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association official.

"Filling this consumer demand provides a significant economic opportunity for those in the Texas wine industry," said Dacota Julson, executive director for the association.

Texas has more than 3,700 acres of family-owned vineyards with about 3,200 acres currently producing, she said. It also has nearly 140 commercial wineries.

Unfortunately, many people who want to start a vineyard or winery are focusing on the wrong reasons or are unaware of the challenges they may face, according to Texas Cooperative Extension experts.

"I get several calls each week from people wanting to become involved in commercial wine-making,"said Penny Adams, Extension viticulture advisor in Fredericksburg. "Many of them think it will be ‘romantic' or fun. Others are interested because they were good in chemistry or had done some wine-making at home."

But the business of wine-grape production and wine-making is much more complicated than most people realize, said Adams.

"It's important that people know as much as they can about what they're into before, during and after making such a serious financial or personal commitment," she said.

For example, she said, the Hill Country, one of the largest wine-producing areas in the state, has its own set of challenges.

"In this region, there's a possibility of wine-grape crop damage due to late-season freezes and hail," Adams said. "We also have a lot of underlying rock formations that inhibit rooting, which can mean inadequate drainage for successful grape production."

Texas has eight distinct viticultural areas and currently ranks fifth among wine-producing states, said Dr. Ed Hellman, Extension viticulture specialist at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Lubbock.

Hellman is program coordinator for the Texas Viticulture and Enology Extension Team, which is comprised of four regional viticulture advisors, two enology specialists and a fruit specialist. He also maintains the Texas Winegrape Network Web site, http://winegrapes.tamu.edu , which provides information on wine-grape growing, weather, and viticulture and enology research, along with wine industry news.

"To help current and future participants in Texas viticulture better understand its challenges, Extension has placed viticulture advisors and enology specialists in different wine-growing areas," Hellman said. "While there are similar challenges across the state, each region has its own unique challenges, and people interested in viticulture need to be aware of them."

Starting a vineyard or winery requires a significant investment in time and money, he said, so those interested need to do their homework before taking the plunge.

"We work like blue blazes," said Cord Switzer, chief executive officer of Fredericksburg Winery. "We're open seven days a week, except for Christmas and a few other major holidays. And during harvesting and processing we sometimes work 24 hours straight."

Switzer, whose winery produces about 7,000 cases per year, added that one of the industry's main challenges is that it is one of the most regulated in the country.

"We have to get a variety of permits just to produce and sell our wine," he said. "Plus, we're accountable to the state and county health department, the FDA and even the Department of Homeland Security."

"In my area, the geography ranges from river lands to desert to the arid High Plains and Panhandle," said Teresa Burns, viticulture advisor for West Texas.

Most of the about 75 vineyards in Burns' region range from 30 to 100 acres, making them some of the largest wine-grape producing operations in the state, she said.

"The primary concerns I'm addressing in my region are damage to vines from phenoxy herbicide drift, irrigation scheduling, and encouraging producers to use nematode-resistant rootstock when they plant new vines," she said.

"For some wine-grape growers in my region, the grape berry moth is a problem," said Fritz Westover, Extension's viticulture advisor for the Gulf Coast area. "There are also problems with fungal pathogens that vineyards in drier areas of the state may not experience. The hot, humid climate of Southeast Texas makes wine grape production challenging due to increased disease pressure."

Jerry Watson, owner of Austin County Vineyards, has about 4 acres of vineyard in Cat Spring, about 70 miles west of Houston. He has provided grapes for the Texas wine industry for 20 years.

"A lot of people associate owning a vineyard with some kind of Napa Valley lifestyle, but it's not for the faint of heart, especially while you're getting through the start-up period." he said. "Anyone getting into this business needs to realize it's the ultimate hands-on farming operation. There's a lot of work to do in the field, plus you have to be aware of weather, plant disease and many other factors beyond your control."

The eclectic mix of growing environments in the North Texas region pose greater challenges than other areas of the state, added Fran Pontasch, Extension viticulture advisor for that area.

"Every limiting factor (to wine-grape production) can be found in the region," she said. "Low pH, high pH, heat. It pretty much depends on where you are. That's why site selection is so important."

Pontasch councils newcomers to viticulture to have their soil and water tested before planting, she said.

But by far, the greatest single threat to viticulture anywhere is Pierce's disease, a bacterial pathogen transmitted by insect vectors, the experts said. Its symptoms include leaf scorch, leaf drop, cluster collapse, and blackened, shriveled fruit.

"Pierce's disease has attacked vineyards in almost every region of Texas, and vineyard survival depends greatly on reducing the risk of contracting this disease," according to Jim Kamas, Extension fruit specialist and a member of the viticulture and enology team.

Kamas, who is involved Pierce's disease research and various viticultural education outreach, oversees research efforts at the 1-acre test vineyard at the new Texas Pierce's Disease Research and Extension Program facility in Fredericksburg. There, researchers from several scientific disciplines are working together to learn more about the disease so effective best-management practices can be established and shared throughout the industry.

"The facility provides us an infrastructure for developing a better understanding of the disease and what factors influence its spread and control," Kamas said. "And while our efforts are primarily on behalf of the Texas wine industry, what we learn here should have a positive impact on the U.S. wine industry as a whole."

Along with Pierce's disease, vineyards are susceptible to several fungal diseases, as well as strong winds, hail, freezing temperatures and humidity, he added.

"You can't just grow wine grapes anywhere and expect them to succeed," Kamas said.

Another problem is finding enough labor at harvest time, he said.

To help spread the word on the pros and cons of grape growing, the viticulture and enology team holds field days and workshops in different wine-grape growing areas of the state, Hellman said. For the past three years, it also presented the Texas Viticulture Short Course – an intensive three-day course on wine-grape production principles and practices taught by viticulture experts and specialists from Texas A&M, Texas Tech University and the University of Houston-Downtown.

The short course has been replaced with the new Certificate Program in Viticulture, which will offer 14 continuing education units and 144 hours of non-degree credit through traditional and online instruction, Hellman said.

Though this combination of efforts, these experts hope to provide the Texas wine industry with useful, research-based information for making well-informed financial and operational management decisions, Hellman said.

"We're not trying to take the fun and romance out of viticulture," he said. "But having a vineyard or winery isn't for everyone and people should know what they're up against. But for those who are suited to it, we can provide practical and useful information to help them succeed."

-30-

Texas Attorney General's Cyber Crimes Unit Helps Parents Keep Kids Safe

By Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas

Texas’ greatest resource is its children. From toddlers to teenagers, young Texans are truly the future of our great state. As concerned citizens, we must do everything in our power to protect children from sex predators. While law enforcement agencies across the state work together to arrest and prosecute criminals who prey on kids, parents and guardians must teach their children not to trust individuals they meet online.

Since 2003, the Office of the Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Unit has aggressively cracked down on sex predators who use the Internet to sexually solicit children. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators work undercover, posing as underage teenagers in Internet chat rooms and social networking Web sites. These highly skilled officers have one goal: to catch would-be sex predators before they harm a child. Within minutes of going online, undercover officers are sexually solicited by prowling adults seeking young children.

In less than four years, the Cyber Crimes Unit has arrested more than 90 predators that used the Internet to arrange a meeting where they planned to sexually assault a child. Another 63 offenders have been convicted for posting or trading online child pornography.

Many of these sex predators lurk on Web sites that are prominently used by children and teenagers. During a two-week operation in June, our law enforcement officers investigated and arrested several previously convicted sex offenders who had activated online profiles on the wildly popular social networking site, MySpace.com.

While our Cyber Crimes Unit will continue cracking down on online sex offenders, parents and guardians must help us keep their children safe.

The most important safety tip is simple: parents must be involved with their child’s Internet habits. Parents should educate themselves about cyber safety and speak openly with family members about online activities. Children and teens are more likely to come to an adult that they feel is calm and comfortable discussing the subject matter. Parents can contact the Office of the Attorney General for a copy of our Cyber Safety Brochure, which offers valuable information on chat room “lingo” and provides online security tips for both children and adults.

Parents with teens who visit social networking sites should be especially cautious. Our investigators encourage parents to have the passwords necessary to regularly monitor their child’s account. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, teenagers are more likely than younger children to get into trouble online. Teens are more likely to explore and reach out to strangers. Sadly, sex predators often exploit the anxiety and confusion that comes with adolescence.

Parents should keep the computer in a common room and limit the use of Web cameras. Digital images are easily captured online and are difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve once they are circulated on the Internet.

Teens and children who are approached by a stranger online should immediately inform a parent, guardian or any other trusted adult. They must not reveal personal information, including photos, video, last names or telephone numbers to strangers. Teens should never, under any circumstance, arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online.

We must speak openly with our children about making good decisions in life, including safely using the Internet to interact with others. We thank all parents and guardians for their commitment to the safety of their children and the future of Texas.

---

POINTS TO REMEMBER
Internet Safety

For TEENS:

• Never post revealing information online, including personal photos, addresses, telephone numbers or school information, which would enable a stranger to locate you.
• Report unwanted solicitations, harassment or bullying to a parent or trusted adult.
• Do not trust a stranger you meet online. Remember, a person who says they’re a 14-year-old girl from another state may really be a 55-year-old man from your hometown.

For PARENTS:

• Educate yourself and encourage open discussions about online safety.
• Keep the computer in a common room of the house and limit the use of Web cameras.
• Establish rules restricting children from displaying personal information, including their name, address, phone number and pictures online.
• Get involved. Keep passwords handy and regularly monitor your child’s account.

To report online child pornography or unwanted sexual solicitations, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.com.

For more information on Attorney General Abbott’s ongoing efforts to fight online sex predators, visit the agency’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011.

Jul. 02, 2007

Gov. Perry Declares Disaster for 37 Central Texas Counties

President Bush approves disaster request for six Texas counties

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today issued a Disaster Declaration in Archer, Baylor, Bell, Blanco, Brown, Burnet, Callahan, Coleman, Collin, Comanche, Eastland, Ellis, Fannin, Gillespie, Hamilton, Hood, Hunt, Jones, Lamar, Lipscomb, Llano, Mason, McLennan, Menard, Mills, Ochiltree, Parker, Runnels, San Saba, Starr, Stephens, Travis, Webb, Wichita, Williamson, Wise and Young counties due to severe storms and flooding damage in Central Texas.

Also today, President Bush approved Gov. Perry's disaster declaration request from last week for Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Grayson, Lampasas and Tarrant Counties due to heavy rains, flooding and tornados.

"Recent storms have devastated the communities in Central and North Texas, sadly taking lives, homes and livelihoods," Perry said. "State resources and volunteer organizations are on site providing assistance, and we will continue to work with local officials in addressing the needs of these devastated communities."

The president's disaster approval allows residents in eligible counties to apply for Individual Assistance programs intended for losses by individuals and families that are uninsured. Individual Assistance can include financial assistance, temporary housing, tax relief, legal services, crisis counseling and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. As a result of this action, all 254 counties in Texas will be eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The governor's disaster declaration opens the door to a variety of assistance from state agencies, including the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, (TDHCA), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Office of Rural and Community Affairs (ORCA).

TDHCA administers emergency assistance through the disaster relief HOME program. This program can provide up to $500,000 per jurisdiction for distribution to qualified individual applicants.

NRCS, which issues emergency assistance through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, can assist communities with a range of projects such as debris removal, erosion control, and repair of bridges and culverts.

Upon request from the governor, qualifying communities with populations less than 50,000 and counties with populations less than 200,000 are eligible to receive up to $350,000 in emergency grants from ORCA for infrastructure losses.

July 2, 2007

Texas Wheat Fairing Well Despite Rain-Delayed Harvest

Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Gaylon Morgan, 979-845-2425,gmorgan@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

WACO – Though shaping up to be a great Texas wheat crop, continued rainfall is putting harvest efforts behind schedule. Producers should be mindful of several potential issues when things do dry out, according to one Texas Cooperative Extension expert.

"This time last year, 86 percent of the crop had been harvested," said Dr. Gaylon Morgan, Extension state small grains specialist. "This year, only 45 percent of the Texas wheat crop has been harvested. Overall, statewide the crop is in good shape."

Extension wheat experts and agriculture agents at a Blacklands strategy meeting in Waco highlighted various topics.

Seed quality is one topic. Many wheat farmers save seed from one year to the next. However, weeks of continued rainfall could create some seed quality issues, Morgan said.

Pre-harvest sprouting can cause some marketing issues and could cause producers to second guess about saving seed, he said.

"As the wheat seed is exposed to prolonged damp conditions after maturation, seed quality goes down. When you have lower seed quality, you have lower stand counts," Morgan said.

As a result, seed availability could become an issue in the Blacklands this year, he said.

"Remember the Plant Variety Protection Act, which means a farmer can save seed, but can't sell seed of a protected variety," Morgan said.

In turn, seed quality affects forage and grain yields: Producers who planted wheat as a forage crop in the past may have opted for cheaper seed, but likely decreased their forage yields.

"In the past, if you thought you were going to plant wheat for forages, you'd go out and buy the cheapest seed and throw it out, there's likely going to be a big yield difference, especially on the forage yields, " Morgan said. "Either save or purchase good quality seed because it is going to make a difference in terms of yields."

With all of the wet weather in the current crop, "good seed quality is what you want to go for," Morgan advised. "It's going to be worth it in the long run."

Pre-harvest sprouting is another factor that will have an impact on marketing and seed quality, Morgan said.

"The seed quality can be affected even if the root is not exposed," he said. "Conduct a germination test to make sure you have good seed quality and conduct the test about a month or several weeks before you plant. This will insure that seed with good germination is being planted."

"Producers can conduct a germination test at home or send seed samples to a Texas Department of Agriculture seed quality lab, " Morgan said.

With a national move towards biofuels production, Morgan also shared some early experiences on Blacklands canola trials. Plots were harvested in Hill County, but a plot at McGregor was hailed out.

"We wanted to see if we could plant canola in the Blacklands," Morgan said. "It's doable, but harvesting has its challenges because of indeterminate growth of the canola plant."

In many cases, the mature canola bogged the harvester down. Plants were more than 6-foot tall and stems were 2-3 inches in diameter.

"If the biodiesel market takes off, that's why we were looking at (doing this)," he said. "Canola can be used as a food oil and there's more interest in it from farmers. There's some (producers) north of the Red River growing it. The biggest challenge in planting canola is the planting depth. It's a very small seed."

Yield data as well as other research outcomes on the canola trials should soon be available, Morgan said.

Dr. Ron French, Extension plant pathologist in Amarillo, discussed the possible development of black point on wheat.

"It's a black spot on the head of the seed," he said.

Most fungi develop when there is moisture and the recent rainfall could create such a favorable environment, French said.

Another fungus, stinking smut, will often release a fish-like odor, and grain elevators will reject a load if they detect it, he said.

Wheat producers interested in more about the latest in production can visit http://varietytesting.tamu.edu . A wheat newsletter is also available at the site, offering producers the latest information on research and Extension activities happening throughout the state.

July 2, 2007

Reducing Feed Costs, Grazing Management Strategies Topics of Beef Cattle Short Course

Contacts: Dr. Jason Cleere, 979-845-6931,jjcleere@tamu.edu
Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Hay production costs have risen sharply in recent years due to higher fertilizer, equipment, fuel, and labor prices. Supplemental feed costs have also increased.

Strategies for dealing with these problems, plus many more beef production issues, will be featured at the 53rd Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, coordinated by Texas Cooperative Extension, Aug. 6-8 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

"Beef cattle producers are at the mercy of ever changing weather conditions and must continuously make adjustments to management practices in response to changing environmental conditions," said Dr. Jason Cleere, Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator. "It would be nice to eliminate hay and supplemental feeding in the cow-calf and stocker business; however that is probably not a reality because there are times when cattle need to be supplemented with additional hay or feed due to limited forage quantity or quality."

The goal should be to reduce the amount of hay or supplemental feed without sacrificing performance, Cleere said.

Several cattleman's college sessions at this year's short course will focus on managing a ranch so that cattle harvest more of the forage themselves.

"Management Strategies to Combat Rising Costs of Fertilizer, Fuel, and Hay" is the title for this year's forage management program during the short course, said Dr. Larry Redmon, Extension forage specialist.

"Fertilization strategies, hay quality, overseeding winter pastures and utilizing legumes to reduce nitrogen inputs will all be discussed during this session," Redmon said. The nutritional management session will be centered on supplemental feeding programs for the cow-calf and stocker producer. Topics include: What will protein and energy prices be in the future? What are my options? Should I use a self-fed supplement or a hand-fed supplement? An additional cattleman's college seminar will focus strictly on grazing management.

New to this year's cattleman's college will be a session titled "Issues Affecting Landowners."

An in-depth discussion on leasing the wind, water and mineral rights of your land will be highlighted during the program.

The short course will have 19 specialized workshops that are part of the cattleman's college. A general session will include discussions of the cattle market outlook, the beef industry of the future, and emerging cattle markets. Numerous opportunities for Beef Quality Assurance and pesticide applicator continuing education units will be available.

Short course registration costs $140 per participant (if registered by July 30), and includes admission to the two and a half-day conference, including the cattleman's college, a copy of the short course proceedings (a 300-page publication), trade show admittance, tickets to the "Famous Aggie Prime Rib" dinner, noon meals and morning and afternoon refreshment breaks.

Producers interested in attending may register online at http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/BCSC/index.html or by contacting Cleere's office at (979) 845-6931 for more information.

June 29, 2007

Diary of a Wildlife, Fish Manager: New Calendar Makes it Easier

Writer: Kathleen Phillips, 979-845-2872,ka-phillips@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Billy Higginbotham, 903-834-6191,b-higginbotham@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

Audio MP3(2.6 Mb) Audio Script

COLLEGE STATION – The number of people buying and managing rural property for wildlife recreation is increasing at an exponential rate – and so is the need for information on managing ponds or land, according to a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist.

A new calendar, "Wildlife and Fish Management Calendar for Texas and the Southeast," may help meet that need.

The calendar, produced by Texas Cooperative Extension, is designed specifically to assist land and water managers to attract and maintain wildlife and fish resources, said Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Extension wildlife and fisheries specialist and author.

The calendar offers management recommendations each month geared to specific wildlife and fish species. The calendar is not printed for a particular year, so a land manager could begin using it at any time. Space is provided for notes which will help compare management done over years.

"The idea was to pack the essential need-to-know management information and the timing of application of those techniques in a user-friendly calendar format" Higginbotham said.

Through one year's cycle, calendar users will become better at managing a variety of fish in ponds, deer, ducks, quail, mourning doves, squirrels and other wildlife species, he said.

No two species have exactly the same habitat requirements at exactly the same time because of direct competition, he noted. "The savvy wildlife manager will create a mosaic of interconnected habitats to target featured species they are interested in managing their habitats to produce."

The key is knowing what type of habitat each wildlife species favors and what can be done to create those favorable habitat conditions, Higginbotham said.

In March, the calendar reader is told, squirrels may need nest boxes placed 20 feet above the ground in trees that are at least 10 inches in diameter, if there are not enough mature cavity trees available. Quail, the calendar notes in June, need 50 or more clumps of prickly pear or bunch grass per 300-foot transect for abundance nesting cover. Pond owners are told in September not to start stocking fish unless the weather has cooled. And turkeys might benefit from supplemental feeding in December, according to the calendar.

"Anyone interested in improving wildlife and fish habitat on their property will benefit from this publication. Space on the calendar provides for notes which the landowner can refer back to and track progress toward management goals" Higginbotham said.

In addition to the 12-month calendar section, the publication has extra information in the back such as a fish management section that describes how to properly collect and interpret angler catch data, how to handle and release caught fish, and the top 10 mistakes pond owners make.

A deer management section depicts white-tail bucks from six months to 7-1/2 years old to help hunters and managers determine age – an important criteria when selecting bucks for harvest, Higginbotham said. This section also describes how to conduct a deer population census using spotlight counts and remote –sensing camera counts.

A partial listing of supplemental forages concludes the calendar with a breakdown of which wildlife species benefit from which plants.

The wildlife and fish management calendar is available for $7.95 plus tax and shipping from Texas Cooperative Extension Bookstore, http://tcebookstore.org/pubinfo.cfm?pubid=2422, or by calling toll free 888-900-2577. Orders of 50 or more are sold for $3.50 each plus tax and shipping.

June 29, 2007

GIS to Help Ranchers Manage Natural Resources

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Dale Rollins, 325-653-4576,d-rollins@tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – Texas Cooperative Extension will present an introductory Geographic Information System workshop at 8:30 a.m. July 12 at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center in San Angelo.

The workshop, titled "Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resource Managers in West Texas: Exploring the Possibilities,"will introduce the technology to range managers.

Two later workshops, set for Aug. 29-30 and Sept.19 at the center, will offer in-depth instruction on several commonly used facets of the satellite technology, according to Dr. Dale Rollins, Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo. .

"Back in 1997, we introduced the concept of selective brush control, what we now call ‘Brush Sculpting,' as a way to enhance wildlife habitat," Rollins said. "Back then, Brush Sculpting meant lots of flagging tape to define the areas for brush removal. Today it means a global positioning unit and a computer on the bulldozer or on the spray plane doing the control work."

A global positioning system – commonly known as "GPS" – is usually a hand-held unit that uses satellite technology to pinpoint geographical positions, Rollins said. And a Geographic Information System incorporates GPS and other databases for "a communication support-type interface."

"Simply put: GPS is the ‘bullet,' component of the system and GIS is the ‘rifle,'" Rollins said.

Topics at the July 12 meeting will concentrate on how to develop and implement brush sculpting and range monitoring plans.

"We'll also discuss how GIS has opened new windows relative to counting wildlife and managing a quail-hunting operation," Rollins said. "They've even got a GPS unit for bird dogs that allows the hunter to keep up with the whereabouts of up to 15 dogs simultaneously."

Individual pre-registration, which includes lunch, is $15 by July 10 and $25 at the door.

The Aug. 29-30 workshop is an introduction to ARC/GIS software. Individual registration is $375. The training is an Environmental Systems Research Institute - certified training in ArcView 9.2. Environmental Systems Research Institute markets ArcView.

The Sept. 19 daylong "Geospatial Field Day" will feature hands-on training on various equipment used in the field. Individual registration which includes lunch, is $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Consult the TeamQuail Web site http://teamquail.tamu.edu to view the workshop's agenda.

For more information on any of the three workshops, call Rollins at 325-653-4576 or Steve Sturtz, Extension agent in Tom Green County at 325-659-6525.

4-H Multi-County Camp

Friday Rainfall

Tex Wright reported a half inch half of rain from Friday and I poured out half an inch.. doesn't seem like enough to talk about, but I think that brings the total to almost ten inches for the week! ... close enough.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Secures Judgment to Shut Down Unlicensed Payday Lender

'Advance Internet' owner John Gill Jr. prohibited from making deceptive loans

EL PASO – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott secured a court judgment against Advance Internet, also known as Texas Advance Internet, an unlicensed payday lender. The court judgment prohibits the El Paso-based company from continuing its unlawful predatory lending activities.

According to court documents, Advance Internet’s owner, John A. Gill Jr., used the guise of on-premises Internet access and “instant cash” to lure consumers into a payday lending scheme. Advance Internet’s customers, many of whom were military families, were essentially tricked into entering into fraudulent high-interest contracts.

“Texans will not tolerate predatory schemes to defraud military families,” Attorney General Abbott said. “With this judgment, these defendants are prohibited from continuing their unconscionable scheme. The Office of the Attorney General will continue to aggressively enforce the law.”

In 2006, Attorney General Abbott charged the defendants with violating numerous provisions of Texas consumer finance laws, including provisions requiring lenders to obtain proper licenses before making loans. The laws also presume that usurious interest contracts like those written by Advance Internet are null and void.

The company tricked consumers into schemes with interest rates as high as 782 percent for short-term cash advance loans. The result was an unending cycle of debt for Advance Internet customers. Texas Advance Internet maintained offices in El Paso, Coryell, Bell and Bexar counties, all counties with military bases in close proximity.

Gill’s Internet “rebate” program was a subterfuge used to hook consumers into debt. Customers who signed up were given an immediate $100 “rebate” that was followed by Advance Internet making monthly withdrawals from consumers’ bank accounts. These withdrawals continued until the amount, further burdened by exorbitant interest, was repaid. Consumers who elected to pay off the “rebate” early were told they would be assessed a “termination fee” equal to the original amount of the rebate.

Consumers who believe they have been targeted by a deceptive lender may file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, toll-free, at (800) 252-8011 or access the agency’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us

FORAGE TOUR

By: Marty Gibbs Runnels County CEA-AG
The Runnels County Forage Tour will be held on Monday, July 2, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Olfen at the Leon Hoelscher Farm on FM 2133. The tour will include a variety test plot of haygrazers featuring 11 different varieties planted in April. Also included in the tour will be a Bermuda grass tour of Jiggs and Tifton 85 bermuda grass hay fields as well as a native grass plot with 11 different native grasses established in March of this year. Two hour s of continuing education units will be offered to licensed pesticide applicators in attendance. The tour is sponsored by the Runnels County Ag & Natural Resources Committee and should conclude by 11:30 a.m. For more information or directions to the Leon Hoelscher Farm, please call the Runnels County Extension office at (325)365-2219.

CONSERVATION TILLAGE CONFERENCE

By: Marty Gibbs Runnels County CEA-AG
The Runnels County Conservation Tillage Conference will be held in Ballinger on Friday, July 6, at the new St Mary’s Hall. Scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration, the conference will offer 2 hours of continuing education units to pesticide applicators. Programs and speakers for the morning program include “Weed Resistance Strategies” , Dr Wayne Keeling, Texas Cooperative Extension, Lubbock; “Soil Insects: Are they a Problem?” Dr Chris Sansone, Texas Cooperative Extension, San Angelo; “Soil Analysis: Differences in Methods” Mr David Embry, NRCS-USDA, San Angelo; “Producers Panel” on conservation tillage practices including area farmers Paul Minzenmayer, Fred Wilde, Kenny Halfamnn, and Richard Pelzel

Also scheduled for the conference is “Ethanol and the Future of Grain in the Southern Rolling Plains” Wayne Clevelend, Executive Director, Texas Grain Sorghum Association, Austin; “Economics of Bio-Fuels and Developments in the New Farm Bill” Dr Joe Outlaw, Texas Cooperative Extension, College Station; and “Update on the Lipan-Kickapoo Groundwater Conservation District” Allen Lange, Manager, Lipan-Kickapoo Groundwater Conservation District, Vancourt.

A complimentary cater lunch will be provided at 12:15 p.m. provided by Porter Henderson Implement Company, Bigham Bros., Ballinger National Bank, Citizens State Bank of Miles, Runnels County Farm Bureau, Helena Chemical, First National Bank of Ballinger, First Community Federal Credit Union, Uap Southwest and First Ag Credit. The Conservation Tillage Conference is sponsored by the Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Association, Texas Cooperative Extension, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Runnels County Ag Committee, Concho Valley RC&D, the Runnels County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Soil and Water Conservation Society of America – Concho Valley Chapter.

City of Clyde Centenial Celebration

The Clyde Community invites everyone to help celebrate our 100th Birthday. The celebration weekend will be July 6th & 7th. A street dance Friday night will feature a DJ, Eric Logan from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and then at 10 p.m. the group Ten Mile Crossing will play till midnight. Historical displays, historical artifacts, crafts, food, Blue Bell Ice-cream and art exhibits will be on show in the downtown; Historical documentary with narration, video, pictures, music and Antique Tractor and Car Show at the Junior High Auditorium. The Bar-B-Que brisket cook-off registration is Friday at 5 p.m. at the Clyde Lake. Horseshoes, washers, volleyball, anvil toss and beach volleyball will be enjoyed. The kid games will include egg toss, balloon toss and sack race and then all will enjoy fireworks at Clyde Lake. These are just a few of the planned activities. Most of the events will be free to the public.

We want a big turnout for the Centenial Celebration. Please consider this an official invite to our party.

For information call the City of Clyde at 325-893-4234 concerning the Bar-B-Que cookoff entries and the arts and craft booths, or the Clyde Chamber of commerce at 325-893-4221 for general information.

4-H Updates

By: Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

District Record Book Judging
July 17, 2007
If you are planning on submitting a 4-H Record Book, please let us know what category and age division your book needs to be entered in. Completed record books should be turned in to the Extension office on or before July 9th .

ICE CREAM SUPPER AT Coleman Co. Electric Coop Annual Mtg.
Friday, July 13, 2007

This year, Coleman county 4-H has been asked to host the refreshments at the Coleman County Electric Cooperative Annual meeting on Friday, July 13 at the Coleman ISD School Cafeteria. We will begin serving at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments which 4-Hers need to bring are *homemade ice cream and homemade cookies.

We also need 4-Hers to help serve at this event. 4-Hers.....this is a great community service activity. Please call the Extension Office at 625-4519 and sign up for what you would like to bring and if you are available that evening to help serve.

4-H Calendar

July
9 Record Books due to Co. Extension Office

13 Ice Cream Supper for Coleman Co. Electric Coop
(Serving begins at 5:30 p.m.) (4-Hers be there by 5:00 pm)

15-21 State Shooting Sports Games - San Antonio

17 District Record Book Judging

23 District Junior & Intermediate Fashion Show

If you have any questions about any of the 4-H events listed above or would like more information about the 4-H programs in Coleman County, please come by the Extension Office, 2nd floor, County Courthouse, or give us a call at 325-625-4519.

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