kinney county ag/wildlife...
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KINNEYCOUNTYAG/WILDLIFENEWSLETTER
UPCOMINGEVENTS
HUNTERS ROUNDUP Saturday, November 4 6 to 10 PM Kinney County Civic Center
KINNEY COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOW BOARD 2017 GALA Nov. 18 ‐ Steak/Dancing $25 Individual ckets $50 Couples ckets Contact the Extension Office for more info.
STEAK & QUAIL Absentee Landowner Program –Bracke ville — Dec. 2 10:30 to 4 pm —2 CEU’s RSVP to 830‐563‐2442.
KINNEY COUNTY JR. LIVESTOCK SHOW & SALE JANUARY 12‐13 BBQ and Sale on Saturday, Jan. 13
BIRDING THE BORDER April 23 through 26, 2018 Informa on on page 4
Reports of tainted Texas corn raise concern among some deer hunters Posted: 27 Oct 2017 08:56 AM PDT Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected] Contact: Dr. John Tomecek, 325-650-3520, [email protected] Dr. Cat Barr, 979-845-3414, [email protected] THRALL – Concerns over corn tainted with Fusarium fun-gi, which can produce Fumonisin, continue to flow into Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists’ offices, but with the main deer hunting season only days away, the calls are increasingly from concerned hunters feeding corn to deer and less from corn produc-ers, said agency experts. “Shelled corn is the traditional ‘go-to feed’ in Texas for deer, so it’s understandable there would be concerns considering how much of it is fed to wildlife,” said Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at Thrall, who also serves West Texas. Worries over tainted corn have experts fielding questions as hunting season arrives. Wild turkey gather under a feeder full of corn in this typical West Texas scene. Tomecek said it’s best for hunters to be aware of the problem and know what they are buying, but not to be overly concerned. “I think what is important to re-member when we feed corn to free ranging deer, is chances are we aren’t providing much more than a treat to these animals in the greater scheme of their diets,” Tomecek said. “Granted, corn helps provide energy during cooler months and is a great bait for hunting success, but it really doesn’t make up a high percentage of most deer diets.” Dr. Cat Barr, veterinary toxicologist with the Texas A&M Vet-erinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at College Station, had simi-lar thoughts. She said the upper limit for deer feeding on
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Fumonisin-tainted corn should be no more than 30 parts per million and should be no more than half their diet. These rates are limits set for confined breeding cattle, a scenario not likely to occur in free-ranging deer. “Even if the corn kernels themselves are nearing the recommended toxin ceiling, the deer are diluting it with all the greenery they’re eating as well,” she said. Tomecek said the excellent growing conditions most of the state has enjoyed this year resulting in this greenery is another strong reason for lesser concern. Aside from its diluting effect, the lush growth tends to limit corn-feeder visits by wildlife. As far as a human health threat from consuming Fumonisin-eating game, Barr said studies of ducks, turkeys and pigs showed no measurable Fumonisin B1 levels in muscle tissues when animals were fed up to 20 ppm at 50 percent of the diet, a level unlikely to occur in free-ranging animals during favorable growing conditions. “As for the effects on game birds, we know these kinds of toxins can have serious adverse effects on birds in general,” Tomecek said. “But again, unlike a domestic poultry production scenario where the birds are confined, wild birds — be they game birds or those frequenting a backyard feeder — are using the corn as only a part of their diet, although perhaps at a higher proportion than do deer. “A concerned hunter can always examine the crops of birds harvested to determine how much of their diet is coming from the corn, but most will find there is a great variety in diets of wild birds.” Fumonsin toxin is produced when certain Fusarium fungi are present on corn, a condition exacerbated by moisture during seed development, Tomecek said. “The good news about Fumonisin is that Fusarium molds don’t grow in storage, the way Aflatoxin-producing molds can, “ Barr said, “so at least the amount of Fumonisin in the corn is not going to increase, regardless of changes in temperature or moisture. Just keep in mind that some corn may contain both mold types.” “An Aflatoxin problem can increase inside metal feeders where corn heats and cools at a different rate than the outside air, so condensation forms inside,” Tomecek said. “We see this pretty frequently any time of year where dew or condensation forms on vehicles and such things as metal fence posts and uninsulated tin roofs. Typically, this problem is minor, especially in mostly dry West Texas, but when it does occur clots of dust from corn or other feeds may form and toxins can grow in this environment. “I recommend cleaning feeders before and after the hunting season, or when it’s convenient at some point during the year. Letting them run low or out, then refilling them with tested corn devoid of toxins should keep your animals coming, while keeping the feed and your investment in that feed, protected.” Tomecek said corn shouldn’t be feared and is an excellent and cost-effective feed for wildlife, but he does recommend knowing the product and how it should be handled. “I don’t think folks should shift away from corn entirely,” he said. “But these outbreaks are good reminders to hunters of the importance of proper feed and feeder management; namely to buy quality corn and ask your supplier if they have test results. Ask when the corn was tested and how it has been stored since that date.” Tomecek said not all corn storage is created equal, especially in productive years, as the grain may have been left outside and is of lower quality, hence lower in price. “The main take-home points are to purchase a quality product, store it in dry containers and clean your feeders. Do these things and you’ll have no worries.”
UPCOMINGEVENTS
Webinar to discuss range management toolbox November 2 Topic: Tools in our Land Management Toolbox This webinar is part of the Texas Range Webinar Series scheduled for the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. Conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service ecosystem science and management unit. Presenters are Dr. Morgan Russell, San Angelo, and Dr. Boy Lyons, Uvalde. They will discuss the different op ons for manipula ng plants on rangelands, including the benefits and weaknesses of each op on and when combining them may be more effec ve. One TDA integrated pest manage‐ment con nuing educa on unit will be offered during this webinar. Par cipants seeking CEU’s must pay a $10 fee on the website. For all others, there is no fee. This webinar and others in the series can be accessed at: h p://naturalresourcewebi‐nars.tamu.edu for more info contact Pete Flores at: [email protected]
Online Food Handlers Course h ps://extensiononline.tamu.edu/courses/food_safety.php Basic overview of food safety principles & prac ces that are necessary to ensure safe food is served at your workplace. Accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services & re‐quired to obtain the Texas Food Handlers Card that is valid for 2 years.
Stockpiled forages reduce need, cost of hay, supplemental feed Posted: 21 Oct 2017 08:12 AM PDT Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, [email protected] Contact: Dr. Jason Banta, 903-834-6191, [email protected] OVERTON – Stockpiled forages and winter annuals can reduce the need for and cost of hay and other supple-mental feed for beef cattle producers in regions with adequate annual rainfall, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Dr. Jason Banta, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Overton, said producers can reduce the need for hay and supplements by providing stockpiled forage mid-November through December and winter annuals October through May. Stockpiled winter forages can provide four to six weeks of protein and energy for cows and calves and reduce the need for and cost of supplemental feed and hay. “If they choose these options, we want them to know how to best utilize them,” Banta said. For stockpiled Bermudagrass and bahia grass, pro-ducers should bale the field for hay or graze the pasture 3-6 inches tall in the first part of September each year. Then fertilize and allow growth until the first frost, which is typically by mid-November in East Texas, Banta said. After the frost, the forage can be utilized until the first part of January. “Utilizing stockpiled forage helps us avoid feeding hay for 4-6 weeks poten-tially,” he said. Banta said producers should “strip graze” the pasture by using electric fencing to restrict cows’ access to the forage if possible. “Provide access to what they could eat in two to four days,” he said. “Then every few days move the fence to allow more access. Restricting access will help prevent the cattle from wasting the available forage.” The forages should be utilized by the first of January to mid-January in high rainfall areas because rain will begin to reduce quality and palatability for cattle, Banta said. “If we fertilize and have good growing conditions, the stockpiled forage should meet all nutrient requirements for dry cows,” Banta said. “Additionally, it will meet the requirements for most lactating cows. However, in some situations small amounts of supplements may be needed depending on the forage quality, milk production and body condition score of the lactating cows.” In those cases, Banta said lactating cows should generally receive 1-2 pounds of a high-protein supplement per cow per day. Legumes and winter annual grasses such as ryegrass, small grain rye and wheat, can also be used to reduce the need and cost of hay. “Those forages will be extremely high in both protein and energy,” he said. However, utiliz-ing winter annuals and legumes differs for replacement heifers, pregnant females in late gestation, and cow/calf pairs, Banta said. “If abundant winter annual forage is available, pairs and replacement heifers can be grazed full time in lieu of feeding hay,” he said. “In contrast, pregnant females in late gestation should be limit grazed on winter annuals to avoid potential increases in calf birth weights and calving problems.” Banta said late gesta-tion cows should be limited to two-hour grazing sessions daily. “After a cou-ple days, the cows should be used to the routine and become easier to remove from the winter annual pastures,” he said. Grazing dry cows or pairs on winter annuals or legumes should also negate any need for protein or energy supplements, Banta said. Producers should, however, provide minerals with moderate-to-high, 5-13 percent, magnesium to reduce the chances of grass tetany in lactating cows. “If utilized effectively, grazing stockpiled forages and winter annual forages can tremendously reduce winter feeding costs for producers,” he said. “Whatever is spent on seed and fertilizer can be more than made up in quality forage.”
QuickBits
3rd Annual Sheep Shearing School set for Jan. 13‐15 San Angelo Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center —Registra on is $150 for Texas residents and $250 for non– residents, minimum age is 16 yrs. Old. Deadline for applica‐ons is Dec. 1 online at h p://
agrlife.org/sheepandgoat/registra on or call 325‐653‐4576. Class is hands‐on & focuses on the “Australian style”. The school is physically taxing—dress appropriately in work a re. $100 discount for previous a endees. All stu‐dents will receive a sheep shearing handbook and DVD. “Goal is to develop industry professionals willing to use the most efficient technique, equipment and tools to harvest wool on a commercial scale.“ said Reid Redden.
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has contracted with PSI Services to administer exams for agricultural pes cide applicator licensing. This is the same vendor that administers exams for structural pest control licensing. PSI has been providing creden aling and tes ng services to state and federal agencies, private sector businesses and professional associa ons for over 65 years. Exam opportuni es and a convenient schedule for pes cide applicators to test will be available in 22 loca ons across the state. Step 1 to ge ng the process started is contac ng Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at www‐aes.tamu.edu or calling (979)845‐1099 to obtain pes cide examina on study manuals.
Registration open for 2018 Birding on the Border
Posted: 07 Sep 2017 08:02 AM PDT
April 23-26 program will include
sites in Kinney and Val Verde
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752,
Contact: Dr. Maureen Frank, 830-278-9151, [email protected]
BRACKETTVILLE – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a Birding the Border program from April 23-26 of next year at locations in Kinney and Val Verde counties. The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. April 23 and con-clude at 10:30 p.m. April 26. Birding locations will include sites at Fort Clark Springs, private ranches, Kickapoo Caverns State Park and San Felipe Creek. Fort Clark Springs will be one of the Birding on the Border program sites. “The goal of this program is to provide attendees with a unique birding experience in southwest Texas that goes beyond a typical birding tour,” said Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde. “It will feature both public and private lands, and educational talks about bird ecology and management.”
Frank said while she expects many experienced birders to be interested in this program, birders of all experience levels are welcome to participate. Frank said “target birds” for the program include the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, Black-Capped Vireo, White-Collared Seedeater, Gray Vireo, Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Varied Bunting, Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher, Elf Owl and three species of Kingfish-ers. During the program, Frank will also provide educational presentation on migration phenology, building a native bird habitat and preventing invasive species, and basic bird biology, habitat and behavior.
Lodging for four nights and meals will be provided, as well as transportation to the various birding sites. All nights will be at the same lodging locale in Fort Clark Springs. The program cost is $625 per person, $525 if sharing a room and $425 if there’s no lodging. To register online, go to https://birdingtheborder-tamu.ticketleap.com/bb2018/.
“The field trips will include easy to moderate terrain and a combination of walks, short to moderate hikes and roadside birding,” Frank said. Upon arrival, partici-pants will have a meal at historic Fort Clark Springs in Brackettville where they will learn about the area and the bird species they can expect to encounter. “We will spend time birding at Fort Clark Springs, where dozens of species of migra-tory birds pass through on their way north,” Frank said. “We will also have the opportunity to bird at a local private ranch with Golden-Cheeked Warbler habi-tat, then enjoy a catered picnic at Kickapoo Ranch State Park in time to watch the bats depart and listen for owls.”
Attendees will spend one morning at a local ranch known for its populations of Painted Buntings, Northern Bobwhite and Orioles. Lunch on that day will be in the native plant garden at the ranch and will include a program on habitat man-agement for songbirds. Frank said the birding experience will also provide nu-merous photographic opportunities for those who would like to bring cameras. “April in southwest Texas usually offers beautiful weather with warm days and mild nights, but rain is possible,” Frank said. “Please check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.”
Event flyer - http://counties.agrilife.org/kinney/files/2017/07/Flyer.pdf
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Kinney County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
602 East Military Hwy P.O. Box 266
Bracke ville, Texas 78832 830‐563‐2442
EmilyGrant
ExtensionAgent
817‐995‐0765
Contact us via email:
Look for the us on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com
/KinneyExtension/
Kinney County Website
h p://kinney.agrilife.org/
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