Cattle fever tick numbers on the rise

AgriLife experts warn of ticks’ potential negative economic impact Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are working to help thwart the spread of cattle fever. An announcement from the Texas Animal Health Commission, TAHC, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, USDA-CFTEP, that cattle fever tick infestations have spread outside the permanent quarantine zone prompted concern from AgriLife experts, who last dealt with a large outbreak in 2017. “The discovery of more fever tick infestations, particularly outside of the… Read More →

Organizers move Texas A&M’s Beef Cattle Short Course to online format

Texas A&M’s Beef Cattle Short Course, an annual event that draws thousands of people to campus each summer, will be held online this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will broadcast Aug. 3-5, but will be available for registered participants to watch at their own pace. Topics include animal health, nutrition, reproduction, breeding, genetics, marketing, landowner issues, fence building and more.  There will be a virtual trade show and live demonstrations. Last year’s 65th annual event attracted more than 2,300 attendees and more than 140 exhibitors,… Read More →

Market changes hurt Texas milk producers

Industry experts say they hope worst may be behind them Milk production remains steady despite COVID-19-related disruptions to the farm-to-market supply chains, said Jennifer Spencer, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service dairy specialist, Stephenville. Texas is the No. 5 milk-producing state in the U.S. with about 12.6 billion pounds of milk annually valued at approximately $19 million. The direct economic impact of dairy production in Texas amounts to more than $3.3 billion annually, and the Texas Association of Dairymen reports milk products bring almost $40 billion into the… Read More →

Senior Merit awarded to five #tamuansc students

Each year during Family Weekend, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences holds its Ag Convocation. One of the highlights is the Spring 2020 Awards, but due to COVID-19, the event was canceled. However, we wanted to recognize our Senior Merit Award Winners, two faculty teaching awards and the Alpha Zeta outstanding students. A video presentation and more about the award winners is below. Senior Merit Award winners Senior Merit Awards have been presented by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for over 50 years.  The awards… Read More →

Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees Announces Outstanding Student Award Recipient

The award recognizes outstanding graduating Aggie seniors who succeeded in college despite experiencing personal or family financial challenges. The Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees named Isolde Parrish ’20 as the recipient of the Foundation’s eighth Outstanding Student Award. She graduated with an animal science degree in May and will enroll in Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in the fall. Created in 2012 by former Foundation trustee and Texas A&M graduate Melbern Glasscock ’59 and his wife, Susanne, this endowed award publicly recognizes… Read More →

Former #tamuansc graduate promoted to Executive Director at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

By Kaitlyn Arnold On May 12, 2020, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo® (HLSR) announced that CEO and President, Joel Cowley, will leave the rodeo at the end of May. According to HLSR, Cowley’s last day will be May 22. He is moving on to pursue an opportunity in the agriculture industry. “I am incredibly thankful to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Executive Committee for the opportunity to serve this organization for the past 15 years, seven as president and CEO,” said Cowley. Replacing Cowley as CEO… Read More →

2 ANSC grads re-appointed to TAHC

On May 4, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott appointed two new Commissioners to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), Jimmie Ruth Evans representing the sheep and goat industry and Melanie Johnson, Ed.D., representing the general public. The governor also reappointed Kenneth “Ken” Jordan representing livestock markets, Barret J. Klein representing the swine industry, Joe Leathers representing the equine industry, and Thomas “Tommy” Oates representing the exotic livestock and fowl industry. Jimmie Ruth Evans of San Antonio is a rancher and partner of Wittenburg Ranch. She is a member and… Read More →

Online beef cattle, forage management program set for May 15

An online Beef Cattle and Forage Management program will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on May 15. The program, presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Atascosa, Bexar, Guadalupe and Wilson counties, will offer one general Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit for attendees. The cost is $10. Attendees will need a laptop or desktop computer and internet access. To register, email Chris Lambert at christopher.lambert@ag.tamu.edu. Once registered, attendees will be provided the link for participation. Make checks payable to Bexar County Ag and Natural Resources Committee and… Read More →

Color and Food Safety Considerations When Smoking versus Grilling Ground Beef Patties

By Dr. Davey Griffin1, Professor and Extension Meat Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Ground beef is one of the most common beef products consumed. It is used as a main ingredient in thousands of recipes and stands alone or with condiments in hamburgers, cheeseburgers and many other methods of preparation. Because ground beef is so versatile, new recipes and cooking styles are constantly being featured and advertised through conventional as well as social media applications. Traditionally, ground beef patties would be grilled or pan fried, but lately… Read More →

Livestock Auctions Going Smoothly, But Meat Processing Could Face “Backlog”

AUSTIN, Texas — Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, workers in the agriculture industry are tasked with keeping food on the table, meaning livestock auctions are continuing as usual. While more animals are being sold, what happens further down the supply chain is becoming an issue. “A lot of your feed yards are getting bogged down cause the packing houses are cutting down on their killing,” Donne Richter with Seguin Cattle Co. said. “And so the fat cattle are getting backlogged, and you don’t have many places to go with… Read More →