Tips To Help Avoid Accidently Starting A Wildfire While Hunting Or Working In Fields
“Although rain has been in our weather forecast on and off, no significant precipitation has occurred in the last few weeks, causing extreme dry conditions in our fields. Drought or freeze-cured grasses provide a very receptive medium for an accidental wildfire ignition and dead grass will readily ignite under a wide range of weather conditions,” according to Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services. “An additional...
How, When To Protect Water Pipes From Cold Weather Damages
Homeowners in Hopkins County should give special attention to exposed water pipes during the winter months. Freezing pipes are a problem in warmer climates where they often run through uninsulated or under-insulated attics or crawl spaces. Although we only have a few cold snaps per season, it’s still necessary to protect exposed water pipes. Leaving pipes unprotected can cause them to burst, which can result in a tremendous amount of...
Use Of Stocker Calves In Small Acreage
Stocker calves are a good option to raise in small acreage. For this situation to work, stocker calves are either 1) weaned calves of suitable age and body condition for a grazing program, or 2) heifers with brood cow potential, grazed from weaning (at least 4 months old) to yearling age (12 to 14 months old). Stocker cattle (Texas AgriLife Extension Photo) Feeder calves, in contrast to stockers, are weaned calves bound for a feed...
Forage Quality Should Be Matched To Animal’s Nutritional Needs Before Feeding
By Dr. Mario Villarino, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension According to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension forage specialist Vanessa Corriher, one of the first considerations when purchasing hay is that it should be based on individual animal requirements. For optimal production, forage quality should be matched as closely as possible to the nutritional needs of the animal. Low quality forage can result in reduced animal performance and...
Registration Now Open For New Landowner Seminar Series On Sept. 3
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County have developed a series of educational programs to assist new landowners with the concept of agriculture production and rural living. The New Landowner Seminar Series is designed with you in mind, providing opportunities to hear from leading experts and successful producers in the field of agriculture on what it takes to start, manage, and maintain your own agricultural...
Landscaping, Flower Garden Maintenance, Planting Recommendations From Texas AgriLife Extension For February
Submitted By Dr. Mario Villarino Here are some recommendations from Texas AgriLife Extension for February: If you have ash trees in your landscape, keep an eye open for the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), an insect invader from China that has killed many thousands of ash trees in the eastern United States, and is approaching our region. The Texas Forest Service has recently begun a monitoring program in a number of counties...
Commissioners Court Tabled Road Closure Order, Approved Agreements, Contracts
Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Monday tabled a road closure order but approved several agreements and contracts as presented. Road Closure The court was originally scheduled to consider approving road closure order for a portion of County Road 3602 during their regular meeting Monday. However, Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked the court to table the motion as not all steps in the process required to close a road had...
Sulphur Springs ISD Board Approved 2 Personnel Changes, SHAC Membership
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees, in addition to receiving updates on the School Health Advisory Council, also approved 2 personnel changes, the recommended list of SHAC members, and addressed items related to 4-H and the Extension Agents during their regular September meeting. The school board also considered a petition asking the county to abandon or close a portion of County Road 3602. SSISD logo Personnel Matters Suphur...
Even During A Pandemic, Extension Agents Find Ways To Assist, Educate, Connect With Texans
Hopkins County Extension Agents have found ways to continue to assist, educate and connect with Texas, even during a pandemic. While face-to-face events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, Extension Agents Dr. Mario Villarino and Johanna Hicks and Assistant Agent Jessica Taylor have risen to the challenge of continuing to offer educational programs and continue 4-H programming. Hopkins County Assistant Extension Agent Jessica Taylor,...
Tackling Fairy Ring Disease Before It Gets Out Of Hand
Submitted By Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County Agent, Ag/NR With our lawn care season in full swings, is important to take a closer look to our lawns BEFORE conditions get out of hand. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: fairy ring disease causes brown or dark green arcs or circles that appear in lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and other turf areas. The symptoms are most likely to develop between spring and fall....
