ATTENTION AGRICULTURE PRODUCERS

Noble Foundation Ranch Tour

The Wise County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Livestock and Forage Committee will be hosting a tour of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation on Friday, May 15^th.  The costs of the tour will be $25 per person which includes transportation and lunch.  We will be leaving the Wise County Extension Office (206 South State St.in Decatur) at 7:30 am and arrive back at the Extension office in Decatur around 5:30 pm.

We will arrive at Noble Foundation’s Oswalt Ranch at 9:00 am.   The topics covered for the day will be: 

·         The Integrity Beef Program

·         Cattle Handling Facility-Live Demonstration

·         Grow Safe System

·         The Boar Buster

·          Weather Outlook. 

We will start at the Pasture Demonstration Farm where we will look at New Technology for Cattle Production/ Forage Measurement Technology.  We will finish the day with one for their new forage management programs called “Forage 365.”

Our committee is excited about providing this opportunity to producers in Wise County.  Registration for this program is due by May 8^th.  Space is limited, so please call to reserve your spot or if you would like more info please contact the Wise County Extension office at 940-627-3341.

Laundry and Mildew

     Laundry—nobody’s favorite task. However, it’s even more difficult when stains won’t come out in the wash. What should you do? Our Texas A&M AgriLife Extension experts recommend that you start by making sure damp or wet clothes are not placed in the laundry basket and left for several days. 

     Wise  County’s rising temperatures and high humidity along with  any remaining food on clothing—especially kids’ clothes—creates the perfect conditions for the growth of mildew. Mildew is a fungus and appears as dark-colored spots and splotches on textile items. When the textile is left in a warm, humid location with little or no light or air circulation, you have created the perfect condition for very difficult to remove mildew. 

     Mold and fungal growth can damage many fabrics. The affected areas may lose strength and will be further damaged by any mold removal process.

     Prevention is the key. Experts at the International Fabricare Institute suggest drying any wet textiles before placing them in the laundry and certainly not storing them dirty. Some typical items might include infants’ and children’s clothing, sports wear, jackets, t-shirts, kitchen towels, and other common items. Avoid tossing damp clothing in a dark laundry hamper or closet. If you can’t get to the laundry immediately, hang the item in an area with good air circulation until the item is dry. Or wash the item as soon as possible, treating the soiled area with a pre-wash enzyme product.

     What removes mildew? Actually, only chlorine bleach removes and kills mildew growth and stains. Since not all fabrics are safely treated with bleach, preventing the growth of mildew may be a better solution than trying to remove it later and possibly ruining the item.

     For more information and to obtain a copy of AgriLife Extension’s ‘Quick Stain Removal Guide’ contact the Wise County Extension Office at 940/627-3341.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected During a Tornado

It’s tornado season and hopefully Wise County residents will not be involved in a tornado this year. However, it is always smart to be prepared for the unexpected by preparing a home tornado plan.

Pick a place in your home as a shelter, and practice having family members go there during drill sessions. A storm cellar, center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest level of your home is best. Take your pets and your emergency kit with you.

            There are several emergency supplies that should be included in a portable kit:     

·                    -  flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries, and a cell phone

·                    -  first-aid kit

·                    -  at least three gallons of water per person

·                      -protective clothing, bedding, and sturdy shoes

·                   -   emergency food, cooking equipment, can opener

·                      -special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members

·                   - written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so

·                      -cash and credit cards

·                  -    emergency kit for your pets

            Develop an emergency family communication plan. Select an out-of-town friend or relative for everyone to check in with if family members are in different locations during a disaster.  Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.

It is also a good idea to visit with neighbors to determine how you can work together during an emergency. Also be aware of tornado warning sirens in your community and if you can hear them from your home and work.

For more information concerning preparing for the unexpected during a tornado call Texas A&M  AgriLife Extension, Wise County at 940/627-3341.

District 3 TEEA Conference

Six Wise County Extension Education members represented Wise County at the District 3 TEEA Conference Tuesday, March 31 in Vernon. Those attending were Dixie Range, Bobbie Ashley, Linda Hood, Janice Millican, Feliberto and Rosa Martinez.  Activities included: motivational speakers, silent auctions, and a cultural arts contest. 

The purpose of the cultural arts contest is to establish a broader understanding and awareness of arts and to envision individual growth, inspiration, and enrichment through participation in varied forms of art.  Wise County winners included:  Linda Hood, 1^st place- recycled items; Gerry Galloway, 2^nd place-Garments and Accessories Handmade and 2^nd place-Machine embroidery; Janice Millican, 2^nd place-Holiday Decoration; and Marilynn Collins, 2^nd place-Wall Hanging . 

The mission of the Texas Extension Education Association is to work with Texas AgriLife Extension Service to strengthen and enrich families through educational programs, leadership development and community service. Membership is open to adult Wise County residents regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or nationality. An Extension Education club is established in the Greenwood community.  You are encouraged to visit their club meeting on the 4^th Friday of the month at 11:00 am at the Greenwood Fire Hall.

For more information on the Texas Extension Education Association, call the Extension office at 627-3341.