July 2, 2021
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Important Updates
Ag Pesticide Applicator Update 2021 
COVID-19 Pandemic (Grace Period ends 12.31.2021)
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of positive cases across the state, 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, 2021. To learn more click the link below:

Upcoming Events
Feral Hog Program (CEUs)
July 13, 2021
Washington County
The Washington County Extension Ag Committee and Washington County Farm Bureau are partnering to offer a Feral Hog Program where we will share updates on management options and provide landowners an opportunity to view trapping demonstrations. There are currently no registered toxicants or other products that can be legally used as poisons to control feral hogs. Best management practices suggest that trapping can be highly effective but ultimately a strategic combination of multiple management techniques will have the greatest impact on feral hog populations in Texas. 

The Washington County Feral Hog Program is scheduled for Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at the Washington County Expo – Sales Facility.  The doors will open at 5:30pm for registration. A meal sponsored by Washington County Farm Bureau will be served from 5:30-6:00pm with the program beginning promptly at 6:00pm. At the conclusion of the program all licensed pesticide applicators will have earned two continuing education units in laws and regulations (2 L&R).  
Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course (CEUs)
August 2 - 4, 2021
Brazos County
The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course has a rich tradition and historical place in the programs emanating from the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. The Cattleman’s College features more than 20 concurrent sessions. Topics include animal health, nutrition, reproduction, breeding, genetics, selection, research, marketing and handling. Management sessions will cover business, forage, range, and purebred cattle. Topics such as landowner issues and fence building will be featured at this BCSC. Sessions are designed for everyone, from the newest member of the industry to the most seasoned producer. A number of pesticide CEUs and veterinarian CECs are available to attendees. Additionally, over 150 agriculture related businesses and trade show exhibitors annually attend the course and attest to the fact that it is the most highly attended activity of its kind anywhere in the United States. 
Generation Next: Our Turn to Ranch
August 16 - November 7
Online Series
The Generation Next: Our Turn to Ranch online course is now open for registration. The 12-week program, offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, runs from Aug. 16- Nov. 7.

The program cost is $300 and it is limited to the first 100 registrants. Participants should register as soon as possible at http://bit.ly/OurTurntoRanch.
Private Applicator Training
August 19, 2021
Washington County
If you plan on using a state limited use or state restricted use pesticide, such as Grazon P+D, 2 4-D, Weedmaster, etc., and need a license, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be sponsoring a Private Applicator Training on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility, 1305 E Blue Bell Road, Brenham. Books and study materials for the course need to be purchased ahead of time for $40.00 at the Extension Office. A registration fee of $10.00 will be charged for the training. The registration fee will include the training and additional study materials. The training will begin at 8:30am and conclude at approximately 12:30pm. Please reserve your spot for the training as soon as possible; seating is limited.
Bees & Trees for Homeowners (CEUs)
August 20, 2021
Washington County
The August meeting for the 2021 series will take place on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham! Beekeeping continues to be a hot topic, especially for medium to small acreage landowners. Before you jump in head-first and order the equipment and a hive of bees, come learn what to expect! We will hear from several area beekeepers on what it takes to raise honeybees in this area of Texas, some of the challenges they face, and what they’ve found to be good solutions. In addition to bees we will take a portion of the afternoon to talk trees! In Texas and especially in our part of Texas trees are a valuable commodity that landowners care about and strive to keep them healthy and vigorous. Come learn about tree biology, how to recognize common tree problems, and how to manage for tree health. We will “leaf” no question unanswered, discussing planting, pruning, watering, fertilizer, insect and disease control. 
Gardening Lunch-N-Learn Series
Washington County
The Bluebonnet Master Gardeners of Washington County are pleased to present the 2021 “Lunch-N-Learn” series to be hosted on the first Tuesday of each month, September-November. The series boasts topics related horticulture with the homeowner and backyard gardener in mind! Speakers are experts in their fields and practical gardeners with great tips and information for everyone.  

Program registration will begin at 11:50am with the program beginning at 12:05pm and concluding at 12:55pm. At the conclusion of each session the speaker and our Washington County Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions.

All Master Gardener Lunch-N-Learn programs are free to the public and you are welcome to bring your own lunch and drink.  
Online CEU Courses
Pest and Weed Control 
Choose from a variety of pest and weed control courses covering topics such as structural pest control, residential and school IPM, aerial applications, aquatic vegetation management, herbicides, minimizing spray drift, pest resistant plants, and more.
Range Management 
Learn more about topics such as prescribed burns, dicamba and 2,4-D auxin, and picolinic acid chemistry including use of Invora™ herbicide for brush and weed management.
Mark Your Calendars for Future Events!
Horticulture Committee
Fall Plant Sale
50th Annual South Central Texas
Cow-Calf Clinic
Washington County Pecan Show
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight!
2021 Washington County Extension GLC TMN Scholarship
Lee Michalik
Austin County
After I graduate from Texas A&M University, I plan to attend law school. After earning my law degree, I will practice agricultural
law, representing the interests of local farmers and ranchers.
Leroy Stavinoha, III
Colorado County
I will majoring in Animal Science (Science Option) with plans to pursue a professional degree in Medicine after receiving my
undergraduate degree. I am interested in a medical career in orthopedics and sports medicine. I will join the Corps of Cadets
while at Texas A&M to continue my leadership experiences.
Taylor Limbaugh
Fayette County
After college, I plan to use my degree in Animal Science to become either an Agricultural Science Teacher at a Texas high school or pursue a career as a 4-H County Extension Agent. It is my goal to introduce the diverse world of agriculture, and what it offers, to kids coming from all backgrounds.
Kailey Burgdorf
Lee County
After graduating with my bachelors, I do plan on attending grad school to get my pharmacist license. I plan on working in a hospital when I graduate to help pay off my future student debt. Once I decide to settle down and have a family, I would like to work at a local pharmacy or possibly have my own practice. When I am done having children, I plan on going back to the hospital to work in the chemotherapy section of pharmacy.
Jacob Counts
Washington County
I hope to use my degree in Ag Engineering to help Whitetail deer managers. I hope to specifically work with Deer Breeders by analyzing and improving upon current techniques and facilities. I hope to be able to contribute in the creation of a safer and more effective deer breeding process.
Contact your Washington County Extension Agent
Kara J. Matheney, MS
County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources
Washington County
1305 East Blue Bell Road
Brenham, Texas 77833

(979) 277-6212 ext.2
kjmatheney@ag.tamu.edu