Forage Field Tour Set

We have all experienced another year of unpredictability, or should I just say, challenging to say the least.  This spring has been cold, it has been dry, it has been wet, but most of all it has been windy.  On May 31^st the Wise County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Livestock and Forage Committee, will be hosting a Forage Demonstration Field Tour that will be Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences.

There is no doubt that weeds are plentiful this year and controlling them in a timely manner has been difficult.  The Field Tour provides a unique opportunity to see how different applications affect forage production.  A demonstration plot has been established to observe newer technology of impregnated herbicides on fertilizer for single application, herbicide applications following fertilizer applications and herbicide applications only without fertilizer.  This demonstration will allow us to see the effectiveness of impregnating herbicide onto fertilizer compared to other practices.   This would be the best practice to use when battling the windy conditions we have been facing.   Fertilizer applications are heavier and assist in controlling drift.

Speakers for the Forage Field Tour are:

●   James Jackson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Program Specialist, Range Management;

●   Todd Vineyard, County Extension Agent, Wise County – Agriculture & Natural Resources; and

●   Ethan Westfall, Dow AgroSciences LLC, Sales Representative.

Registration is 8:30-9:00 a.m. with coffee, donuts, and pigs in a blanket.  Program begins at 9:00 a.m.  Please come by the Extension Office at 206 South State Street in Decatur by Tuesday, May 29^th to register.  The cost for the program will be $10 per person.  Each participant will receive 2 CEU’s for Pesticide Applicator License, 1 general and 1 IPM.   For more information concerning the Forage Field Tour, call the Wise County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 940-627-3341.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, 1 in 3 Texans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their life. Even if you don’t plan to spend the day at the lake, you are likely to soak up some rays as you run errands, walk your dog or mow the yard. Dr. Martin A. Weinstock, representative from the American Cancer society states that it’s impossible to completely avoid sunlight, nor would it be wise. Following are some pointers to use so that your skin will be protected from the sun.  According to Dr. Weinstock the best protection is “slip, slop, slap.” “Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat.”

           Dr. Carol Rice of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service indicated that skin cancer is usually curable if caught early and the best news about skin cancer is that it is easily preventable by following these simple steps:

•           Avoid the sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.

•           Use a broad-spectrum (UVA / UVB protection) and water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.  Re-apply every 2 hours while in the sun, and after swimming or perspiring.

•           Wear a hat with a 3 inch brim to make sure your hat covers your face and neck.

•           Cover your arms and legs in the direct sun (dark, tightly woven clothing is best).

•           Wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from damaging rays.

•           Don’t fall for the story about indoor tanning being safe!

•           Check your skin regularly. Look for new moles or changes in existing moles, dark patches, or long lasting pearly-looking bumps.

•           If you need more color in your skin, use a self-tanning lotion that uses DHA, a harmless dye that wears off in 5-7 days. (Recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology).

To learn more about skin cancer and ways to prevent it, be sure to stop by Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension’s Sun Safety display at the upcoming Summer Safety and Fun Festival hosted by First United Methodist Church in Decatur. The festival is scheduled for Saturday May 19 from 4-6pm in the Church Parking Lot. Additional activities and information will also be available: Decatur Police and Fire Departments; Fit ‘n’ Wise; and Decatur Public Library.

Weeds in Pasture and Hay Fields

      Weeds cost ranchers in Texas millions of dollars in lost production each year because they rob desirable forages of moisture and nutrients.  This is the time of year we usually apply herbicides to our summer pastures for broadleaf weed control and a few troublesome grasses.  With the ongoing drought it is even more important to utilize all the moisture we have recently received towards forage production.  The weather forecasters continue to predict we are not done with the drought yet.  That magnifies the importance of producing maximum forage with limited rainfall we receive.

       The cooler temperatures this spring have slowed the germination of some weeds.  Also, herbicide applications have been slowed down because of the increased high winds we face in the Spring, it has kept custom applicators behind but it’s not too late to apply herbicides and still achieve good control.  Costs for herbicide plus application range from $10 - $25 per acre depending on the herbicide used and rate. Research has shown that for every one pound of weeds killed can produce up to four pounds of forage. Used in combination, herbicide and fertilizer can significantly increase more grass production.  However, herbicide alone increases grass production more than fertilizer alone.  If you have fields free from weeds, fertilizer alone is the right choice. 

        Producers are lucky in that several herbicide choices are out there that do not require a pesticide applicator license for the purchase. 

        I get questions every year about mowing weeds.  According to Texas A&M Trials mowing cost $10 to $15 per acre, or about the same as herbicide.  One difference, mowing doesn’t improve grass production since it won’t kill the weeds. 

        Pastora herbicide is used for grassbur control.  It is recommended as a post emerge application at about 1 oz. per acre.  No license is required.

        If you haven’t applied your weed killer yet, contact your custom applicator today to get on their list or get your sprayer calibrated and ready for the next wind free day. 

        Be watching for more information on a Forage Field Day we will be having sometime in the end of May or 1^st of June.  We have established herbicide plots with herbicide applications and herbicide applications impregnated in fertilizer.  We look forward to seeing you at the field day and sharing results.

Ways to Reduce Cancer Risks

The word cancer strikes fear in our lives.  Fear because we all know of friends or family members who have dealt with the disease, and we are afraid that we, too, could be a victim.  The American Institute for Cancer Research states that cancer cases could be reduced by about one-third if everyone ate a healthy diet, was physically active every day, and maintained a healthy weight.  For the vast majority of Americans, taking control of one’s life to achieve these behaviors may mean lifestyle changes.  It may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think.

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas indicates that a good starting point is to make dietary changes by choosing a varied meal plan and reducing the serving sizes of food.  When selecting meat and meat-alternate foods, select more often either plant-based foods and/or lean meat choices from the leg or loin cuts – about the size of a deck of cards. Select poultry with the skin removed.  Fresh fish is another good choice. Select whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, and rice, all of which are good sources of fiber.  Make an effort to eat a variety of dark green leafy and orange vegetables, and brightly colored fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, citrus fruits, melons, etc. A diet high in fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of cancers of the colon, esophagus, lung, and stomach.

Set a goal to be physically active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more.  It can be as simple as walking, gardening, and doing household chores that require you to move and be active.  Research shows that activity can keep our hormone levels healthy, which may play an important role in reducing our cancer risk.

For more information on reducing your cancer risk, contact the 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.

       A basic emergency supply kit could include the following items (recommended by www.ready.gov) and should be assembled and customized according to individual needs:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Manual can opener for food.
• Local maps.
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

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.