Upcoming Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Educational Programs

August 2022

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Important Updates

Washington County Extension Service Drought Resource Page for Producers

The Washington County Extension Office has developed a quick access website for drought related information. Please visit the website for the latest information and resources for drought related financial assistance, forage testing, livestock management, and more. Check back regularly for updates and more information as it comes available.

Click Here for More Information

Washington County Triggers LFP (Livestock Forage Disaster Program) and ELAP (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey, Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program) through the Farm Service Agency

The Washington County Extension Office received notice last week from the Farm Service Agency that they county was added to the disaster declaration triggering producer eligibility for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey, Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program. Producers are encouraged to visit the link below to learn more and reach out to the Austin/Washington County FSA Office by calling (979) 865-3138.

Forage Testing for Nitrates and Prussic Acid

As drought conditions worsen and forage availability continues to decline the Washington County Extension Office has fielded a number of producer calls and office visits about testing forages (standing and baled) for nitrates and prussic acid. We have worked with TAMU Livestock Specialists and put together information for a lab that will complete nitrate, prussic acid, and dry matter evaluation for a reasonable price with a quick turnaround. Visit our Washington County Drought webpage for all the details including forms, sampling instructions, shipping labels, and a guide on interpreting the sample results.

Click Here for More Information

Agreement for Bailing Hay in TxDOT Right of Way

Producers can submit a request to TxDOT for permission to bale forage on the state-owned right of way on roads adjacent to their property by completing and submitting the required TxDOT forms for the TxDOT office in the county where the property is located.

Click Here to Download the Form

Ag Pesticide Applicator Update 2022

COVID-19 Pandemic

(GRACE PERIOD ENDS 12.31.2022)

In response to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is extending this exemption of agriculture Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements. To address the CEU’s and licensure requirements for Ag Pesticide applicators, the TDA will work with the ag pesticide applicators and CEU course providers of Texas during this critical time. Licensed applicators with expiring licenses or needing CEU’s will be allowed to renew their license even if they have not met their CEU requirement for their current licensing period through December 31, 2022.

Visit the TDA Website for More Information

Upcoming Events

Fall Plant Sale

Orders Open August 1 - September 20, 2022

Washington County

For the sixth year the committee will be offering a selection of cool season plants including, arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale (curly and flat leaf), green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, spinach, and swiss chard.

If the great selection and confidence in knowing the offering are the best suited varieties for our area isn’t enough, we are also offering these plants at $2.50/pack of four! Also, all proceeds from this sale benefit the youth of Washington County through scholarships offered by the Committee. Each year the Horticulture Committee works to identify qualified graduating seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture and awards a scholarship of $1,000 or more in May at the respective school assemblies.

Orders are due by Tuesday, September 20th so don’t delay; get your orders in today. Plant pick-up will be on Tuesday, October 11th from 10:00am-5:30pm at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham! All plants must be picked up at this time!

Orders Open on August 1, 2022

Drought Assistance Program

August 17, 2022

Washington & Austin County

The Austin/Washington County FSA Office will be holding an informational meeting at 9:00am on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at the Kenney Agricultural Hall located at 444 Hall Rd, Bellville, TX 77418. We will be discussing and answering questions regarding the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), and other program areas that may be available to you due to drought and wildfires. For questions regarding the meeting, please call 979-865-3138 x2.

Horticulture Production (CEUs)

August 19, 2022

Austin County

The fourth meeting for the 2022 series will take place on Friday, August 19, 2022, at the Cat Spring Agriculture Hall located at 13035 hall Road in Cat Spring. Viticulture is growing in popularity with new landowners, and more are trying their hand at growing their own grapes to make wine. We have one of our Extension Viticulture specialist and Associate Professor discussing how to start your own vineyard. During this session we will also discuss pecan and fruit tree production with one of our Extension Horticulture Specialist. Learn what you need to know to get started growing your own orchard or a few pecan or fruit trees in your backyard. Three CEUs (3 General) will be offered for all licensed pesticide applicators. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!

The 2022 Multi-County New Landowner series is generously supported by:

Washington County Tractor- Sealy and Brenham
Texas Casual Cottages By Partners in Building

Click Here to Register

South Central Texas Ag Conference – 5 CEUs

August 25, 2022

Washington County

The South Central Texas Ag Conference will kick-off in the Washington County Expo – Event Center with registration at 8:30am, will include a catered lunch, and should conclude mid-afternoon. The topics on the program are sure to be of interest to both large and small landowners. The day will include presentations from experts in the field of livestock production, agricultural law, soils and nutrient management, feral hog control, and native grassland management. In addition to the exceptional educational presentations, we will provide a feral hog trap demonstration as part of the program. Registration is $45/person before August 22nd or $65/person at the event. Five continuing education credits (5 CEUs; 3 Integrated Pest Management, 1 Laws and Regulations, 1 General) will be offered for all applicators who attend for the entirety of the program.

Click Here to Register

Where's the Beef? Direct Sales Program

August 26, 2022

Washington County

Interest in direct beef sales skyrocketed during the pandemic, along with a public desire to make that local connection in meat sales, so two Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists are planning programs to help navigate this potential new venture for beef producers.

Justin Benavidez, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist, and Tiffany Lashmet, J.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, both in Amarillo and the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, have planned two “Where’s the Beef? Legal and Economic Considerations for Direct Beef Sales Businesses” meetings.

The extensive programs will be offered for free and include a copy of a program handbook. Lunch will also be provided. Registration is required: Aug. 26 in Brenham.