Oct. 4-10 Designated As National 4-H Week
Hopkins County Commissioners Court during a special court session Thursday morning offered appreciation to the many individuals involved in helping make the 4-H program in Hopkins County so successful. Judge Robert Newsom read a proclamation, adopted by the court, in which Oct. 4-10 has been designated as National 4-H Week. “This is a very significant event for Hopkins County,” said Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent...
Agricultural Awareness for Children is Important by Mario Villarino
October 13, 2023 – Agricultural awareness for children is important for several reasons: Understanding Food Sources: It helps children understand where their food comes from, fostering an appreciation for the effort that goes into producing it. Environmental Awareness: It can teach kids about the environmental impact of agriculture and the importance of sustainable farming practices. Healthy Eating: Agricultural awareness can...
Texas 4-H is Like a Club for Kids and Teens, and it’s BIG! by Mario Villarino
Texas 4-H is like a club for kids and teens ages 5-18, and it’s BIG! It’s the largest youth development program in Texas with more than 550,000 youth each year. No matter where you live or what you like to do, Texas 4-H has something that lets you be a better you! You may think 4-H is only for your friends with animals, but it’s so much more! You can do activities like shooting sports, food science, healthy living, robotics, fashion,...
State Steer And Heifer Validation Pre-Orders Due March 31, 2023 At Noon. By Mario Villarino
The mission of the youth livestock validation program is to promote a positive youth development environment focused on ensuring rules for livestock exhibition are being followed under the supervision of County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers. This helps to foster integrity, virtues, and values of youth and families. The purpose of validation is to encourage positive relationships with County Extension Agents,...
If You Are Having Ant Problems, by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas During a recent trip to a producer hay field I noticed several ant mounts in his field. If you are having ant problems, the first step is to identify the species. There are hundreds of ant species in the southern United States, including some...
When And What Approaches To Consider When Pruning Shade Trees
Mario Villarino By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected] All landscape and shade trees require pruning at some time during their life. Trees may be pruned to: Promote plant health by removing dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage such as crossing and rubbing...
Cool Season Weeds Can Be Detrimental To Warm Season Perennial Forages
Mario Villarino By Mario Villarino, Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected] According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, forage producers focus most of our energy on our warm season perennial pastures and hay meadows (bermudagrass, bahiagrass, etc.). That means most of our weed control efforts are also focused on warm season weeds (such as carolina horsenettle, blackberry,...
A Year In Review: 2021-2022 4-H Grows
Mario Villarino By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected] RELEVANCE The 4-H program in Hopkins County is multi-faceted. 4-H members and leaders participate in a variety of educational events, projects and activities. Youth gain leadership skills as they participate in youth based programs. The goal of this plan is to promote youth development...
2022 In Review: 4-H Agricultural Plan — Hopkins County
Mario Villarino By Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected] RELEVANCE 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources projects are an important component of the county 4-H program in Texas. Currently, 63% of Texas 4-H members are enrolled in a livestock project. These projects provide youth with subject matter education, as well as valuable learning experiences ,...
Prepare For Winter Storms: Learn Weather-Related Terms, Winterize Homes & Vehicles, Act To Protect Animals
Mario Villarino By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected] Storms can last for days, resulting in power outages, blocked or closed roads, and flooding. Being prepared for winter storms includes understanding weather-related terms, winterizing homes and vehicles, and taking action to protect family members, pets, livestock, and neighbors....
