Department Updates

Texas A&M AgriLife sets inaugural Livestock Guardian Dog Field Day May 10 at Menard

June 7th, 2018

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]: Dr. Reid Redden, 325-657-47324, [email protected] Brown, 325-396-4787, [email protected]. John Walker, 325-653-4576, [email protected] MENARD – Texas A&M AgriLife will conduct their first Livestock Guardian Dog Field Day on May 10 at Menard. “To my knowledge, this will be the first program devoted strictly to livestock guardian dogs that our sister agencies,…

Global trade, forage and weed management strategies highlight Cow Country Congress

June 7th, 2018

Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, [email protected] Contact: Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, 903-834-6191, [email protected] CROCKETT – Global trade impacts on the beef industry as well as herbicide and forage management strategies were discussed recently at Cow Country Congress at Santa Rosa Ranch near Crockett. The event drew nearly 250 beef cattle producers from East Texas counties who also participated in…

Improper mosquito control on livestock can do more harm than good, expert warns

June 7th, 2018

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected] Contacts: Dr. Sonja Swiger, 254-968-4144, [email protected] Dr. Joe Paschal, 361-265-9203, [email protected] STEPHENVILLE — In an effort to save their livestock from the torment caused by the plague of mosquitoes in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, some producers are making the mistake of misusing chemicals to control the pests, said a Texas A&M AgriLife…

Lice in cattle herds can bite producer profits

June 7th, 2018

OVERTON – A common wintertime pest in cattle herds – lice – can suck money from producers’ pockets, said Dr. Jason Banta, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist, Overton. Banta said lice can infest cattle throughout the year, but more problems are seen from December to March. “As the weather gets colder, cows…

What are big carcasses doing to the future of the beef industry?

June 7th, 2018

Large carcasses are forcing retailers to cut more of the middle-meat steaks thinner to meet package and cost restrictions. Does that move the beef business away from consumer preferences? Commentary by Dr. H. Russell Cross, [email protected], 979-862-1705 It’s a conundrum that has long plagued the beef business—what’s economically necessary for producers presents big challenges for…

Smith, Forrest receive 2017 Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence

June 7th, 2018

Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, [email protected] COLLEGE STATION –  Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Excellence honors were presented to several statewide faculty and staff of Texas A&M AgriLife during a ceremony Jan. 9 on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station. The awards, established in 1980, recognize the commitment and outstanding contributions of faculty and staff across…

Selection Considerations to Improve Longevity

June 7th, 2018

By Associate Professor & Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Jason Banta, PhD., PAS Every cow-calf producer wants a cow that is productive for 12 to 15 years or more. Longevity of both cows and bulls is influenced by a host of factors including disposition, feet and legs, udder and teat confirmation, fleshing ability,…

Bulgarian dairy farmers participate in training

June 7th, 2018

Nine Bulgarian dairy farmers participated in a two week dairy training program organized for the second year in a row by Dr. Michael Tomaszewski, professor emeritus. The program was sponsored through the American Bulgarian Foundation and conducted jointly with Thomas Hall, assistant director for international training with the Borlaug Institute. Dr. Larry Fox,  professor, Washington…

AgriLife to offer wool and mohair workshops in January at San Angelo

AgriLife to offer wool and mohair workshops in January at San Angelo

June 7th, 2018

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]: Dr. Reid Redden, 325-653-4576, [email protected] SAN ANGELO – Texas A&M AgriLife will conduct two separate educational programs aimed at both the novice and professional in the sheep industry. Wool and Mohair 101 will be a one-day workshop on the basics from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Texas A&M…

AgriLife Extension recognizes Panhandle Wildfire Response Team with agency award

June 7th, 2018

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, [email protected]: Brandon Dukes, 806-677-5600, [email protected] AMARILLO – The actions of a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service team in the wake of the devastating March 6-7 wildfires earned them recognition as Superior Service award winners by the agency. Superior Service awards, presented Jan. 9 in College Station, recognize AgriLife Extension personnel who provide outstanding…