Farm and Ranch Show

WEEKEND, OCTOBER 21-22, 2023 • A SUPPLEMENT OF THE VICTORIA ADVOCATE SOUTH TEXAS FARM & RANCH SHOW October 25-26, 2023 | Victoria Community Center | Victoria, Texas 39th ANNUAL Water quality in our streams and rivers, Page 10

Camacho Tractor & Equipment Repair 744 FM 1686 • Telferner, TX 77988 361-652-5672 • camachotractor.com • [email protected] 2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com BY MATT BOCHAT The South Texas Farm & Ranch Show continues to be the longest running (started in 1982) nonprofit regional farm and ranch show in South Texas and this year will enjoy its 39th year of success by providing quality, relevant, education for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and the general public. Originally, the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show was organized by local volunteers and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Now, the show is managed by a group of dedicated volunteers and AgriLife Extension personnel who serve on the South Texas Farm & Ranch Show Committee. Since its inception, the show has grown and continually provides scholarships to local and area high school students who are pursuing agriculture related degrees. Since 1991, more than $320,000 in scholarship money has been awarded to more than 240 students in Victoria and surrounding counties. In general, people in America are two to three generations removed from the family farm. Agricultural illiteracy is at an all-time high. Therefore, this year’s show will focus on agricultural advocacy to bring to the surface relevant, factual information about the agricultural industry. The show will be Oct. 25-26 at the Victoria Community Center. Both days will feature keynote luncheon speakers. Dr. Joe Paschal, executive director, American Brahman Breeders Association on Oct. 25 and Dr. Rick Avery, Director, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension will speak on Oct. 26. One of the biggest draws to the farm and ranch show is Cattleman’s College, which will take place on Oct. 25. Speakers will focus on a variety of topics including grass identification, beef sustainability, beef legislative issues, pasture and forage management, beef perception, economics and marketing and much more. Day 1 also offers a row crops segment featuring crops research, integrated pest management, risk management, herbicides and more. Finally, day one will conclude with wildlife sessions covering native plants for quail restoration, feral hog control and managing rangeland for wildlife. Starting early Oct. 26 will be a day dedicated to pesticide applicator recertification. All pesticide applicators including private, non-commercial and commercial are required to get a certain number of continuing education units (CEU’s) to retain their license. Topics for this day will include IPM strategies, ranch management solutions, pesticide compliance, pesticide laws and regulations and water issues and readiness in agriculture and more. Thursday morning, the show will also offer an opportunity for those who want to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license from the Texas Department of Agriculture through the Pesticide Applicator Training program. This training is required before an applicant can sit for testing to receive a private pesticide applicator’s license. Only training portion is offered for pesticide applicators. The test is administered by a third-party vendor of the Texas Department of Agriculture with those exams given off site. Training materials for the pesticide applicator training can also be purchased for $40 at the show or at the Extension office. If you plan to attend this training, the show asks that you call the Victoria County Extension Office to ensure we have adequate materials. The cost of training is $15. The South Texas Farm and Ranch Show is also known for a very diverse and informative trade show. This year is no exception. There will be about 120 booths displaying all kinds of agricultural information, equipment and demonstrations. Farm and ranch equipment will be on hand for displays and demonstrations. Antique farm tractors and equipment will be available for viewing and pictures. Registration for all the educational programs will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the main entrance to the Victoria Community Center and will cost $40 per person per day and will include the lunch program. Entrance into the trade show is free. A grand total of 17 CEUs for private, non-commercial, and commercial pesticide applicators will be available in the two-day show. For more information about the show call the Victoria County Office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension at 361-575-4581. OVERVIEW Agriculture advocacy highlights 39th annual farm and ranch show CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Matt Bochat

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fifififififffiff fifflffl fiffififffiff fffflffifl fififflfffififl fiffifl fifififififffiff ffffl fflffiff fiffff fflffi fiffiffifffffflffl fi fffifififf fflfifffflffffff fifi fflfflfiffffififlff fffflfiflffiff fi fflfflfflffifflffff fifffi fflfifi fiffifi flfffifififflfffiff ffffffifffl fflffffl fflffifffflfiffl fiffflffiffififlffl ffifi fififfff flfffflffiffi fflfffflfl fflflfiff fifififffffffi fifffflffffl fi fififffffffiffffl ffffifflfiff fifffflfifi 4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com Overview of the show ������������������������������������������ Page 2 Trade show exhibitors, map ��������������������������������� Page 5 Scholarship winners ��������������������������������������������� Page 6 Schedule ��������������������������������������������������������������� Page 7 Golf tournament ��������������������������������������������������� Page 8 Cover story ��������������������������������������������������� Page 10-11 Path to plate ������������������������������������������������������� Page 12 Dr. Joe Paschal ��������������������������������������������������� Page 14 Dr. Rick Avery ���������������������������������������������������� Page 14 Dr. Stacy Hines ��������������������������������������������������� Page 15 Dr. Josh McGinty Page 16 Stephen Diebel, Melissa Hamilton ���������������������� Page 16 Kaleb McLaurin ��������������������������������������������������������� Page 17 Dr. Yuri Calil ������������������������������������������������������� Page 18 McGinty, Biles on crop research ����������������������� Page 18 Donna Hughes ��������������������������������������������������� Page 19 Dr. Dalton C. Ludwick ��������������������������������������� Page 20 Mikayla Killam �������������������������������������������������� Page 20 Dr. Abraham Woodard ������������������������������������� Page 21 Jacob Dykes ������������������������������������������������������� Page 21 Melissa Barton �������������������������������������������������� Page 22 Rob Brooks �������������������������������������������������������� Page 22 Table of Contents PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER/[email protected] ON THE COVER: Dr. Allen Berthold said it is important to monitor local waterways as many can be corrupted by contaminants like fecal bacteria from cattle upstream.

VictoriaAdvocate.com VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 — 5 1. Prosperity Bank 2. AG Southwest Rainfall Insurance 3. Sound Agriculture 4. Affordable Health Coverage 5. Agroliquid 6. The J. C. Smith Co. 7. Victus 9. Farm + Ag CPA 10. Victoria Electric Cooperative 12. StoneX Financial Inc. FCM Division 13. F 3 Geomatic Solutions 14. Nuseed Carinata 15. Helena Agri-Enterprises 16. Corteva Agriscience 17. Multiseal 21. Mix 30 Liquid Feed 22. TrustTexas Bank 23, 24. Dean & Peeler Meat Market 25. Victoria Advocate/M. Roberts Digital 26. Independent Cattlemen’s Association 27. Postive Feed 28-30. Warrior’s Weekend 31. Texas Insurance & Financial Services 32. Purple Wave Auction 33. Higs NRM Services 34. USDA-NRCS and Victoria Soil & Water Conservation 35. Viatrac Fertilizer 36. Victoria Farm & Ranch Supply 37. VCS Companies 38. Texas Beef Council 42. San Antonio Steel Company 43. Generator Supercenter 44. Stine Seed Company 48, 49. Capital Farm Credit 50. Lazy B Ag Management 51. C W Fritcher Enterprises 52. Callicrate Banders 53. USDA Farm Service Agency 56. Ag Resource Management 59. C S Nutrients 60. ITouch Relief 61. Wholesale Tire Company 63. Texas Department of Agriculture 64. Ryker Tools 65. Anthony Short, Realtor RE/MAX Land & Homes 66. Pig Brig Trap Systems 67. Stay-Tuff Fence 68. Ful-O-Pep 69. The Bracero Group 74. AP Performance 75. Lewis Cattle Oilers 78. Marek Ag 79, 221. SCT Building Systems 101. Natures Formula 107. Analytic Acquisitions - USA 110, 111. Bobcat of Victoria 112, 113. Southern Field Maintenance 114, 115. Scherer Kubota 116. Ranch Hand Solar Lighting Systems 117. Morton Buildings 118. High Pressure Cleaning Solutions 119. Wall Equipment 124. American Windpower 125. Rockin’ H4 Enterprises 126, 127. Camacho Tractor & Equipment Repair 128,129. Scherer Kubota 130, 131. Dale’s Fun Center 132, 133. South Texas Tractor 134, 135. Atzenhoffer’s Velocity Powersports 138. Raising Cane’s 201-202. Hylio 203. Cattle Mafia 207-210. LAG Industries 211. CRC-Champion Ranchers Construction 212. Bedrock Truck Beds 213, 214. Shoppa’s John Deere 215-218. Hlavinka Equipment Co. 219, 220. Victoria Farm Equipment Co. 222. S & A Trailer Sales 223. Flagpole Solutions 225. MBJ Ranch 226. Texas AgrAbility 227. Arrow E Services 228. Martin Till FARM AND RANCH SHOW Trade show exhibitors RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS AD. We specialize in servicing major brands such as John Deere, Kubota, New Holland and others: Electrical, Hydraulics, Overhauls and A/C. 3202 Miori Lane Suite 200 | Victoria, TX 77901 361-524-4212 | www.southtexastractor.com

William Boehl II received the $1,750 Mark Scherer Memorial Scholarship. He is the son of Bill and Tammy Boehl. He is a graduate of Calhoun High School. William is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in animal science. Madyson Lovett received the $1,500 Melvin Scherer Memorial Scholarship. She is the daughter of Sarah Ezzell and Jackie Lovett and is a graduate of Calhoun High School. Madyson is attending Sam Houston State University, majoring in agriculture communications and political science. Callie Bell received the $1,500 John Stockbauer Jr. Memorial Scholarship. She is the daughter of Sandy Bell and is a graduate of Edna High School. Callie is attending Sam Houston State University majoring in agribusiness with a teaching certificate. Christopher Sanchez received the $1,500 Jock Ross Memorial Scholarship. He is the son of Christopher and Esmeralda Sanchez and is a graduate of Calhoun High School. Christopher is attending Tarleton State University, majoring in environmental policy with a minor in legal studies. Triton Simon received the $1,500 David Dierlam Memorial Scholarship. He is the son of Shane and Kathy Simon and is a graduate of Cuero High School. Triton is attending Texas State University, majoring in agriculture business/business. Reagan Teehan received a $,1250 Academic Scholarship. She is the daughter of Eric and Jennifer Teehan and is a graduate of Calhoun High School. Reagan is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in wildlife management. Lillian Howell received a $1,250 Academic Scholarship. She is the daughter of Session and Kate Howell and is a graduate of Edna High School. Lillian is attending the Texas Tech University, majoring in agriculture communications. Brooke Warzecha received a $1,250 Academic Scholarship. She is the daughter of Blaine and Brenda Warzecha and is a graduate of Industrial High School. Brooke is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in biomedical science/ prevet. Sarah Castaneda received a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Ruben Castaneda and Leanna Broll and is a graduate of Victoria East High School. Sarah is attending Victoria College and majoring in animal science. Angelina Fredericksen received a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Victor and Lisa Fredericksen and is a graduate of Calhoun High School. Angelina is attending Texas A&M University majoring in animal science. Megan Elena Miori received a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Jim and Amy Miori and is a graduate of St. Joseph High School. Megan is attending Texas A&M University, majoring in business and poultry science. Isaiah Brezina received a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. He is the son of Seth and Tara Brezina is a graduate of Edna High School. Isaiah is attending Texas A&M University majoring in wildlife and fisheries management. Emily Allen received a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Dale and Jamie Allen and is a graduate of Industrial High School. Emily is attending Texas Tech University majoring in animal science pre-vet. Daidree Zarate received a $1,250 Opportunity Scholarship. She is the daughter of Laura Garcia and Cody Robles and is a graduate of Victoria West High School. Daidree is attending Texas A&M University majoring in animal science. 6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com EDUCATION 2023 scholarship winners Daidree Zarate Emily Allen Isaiah Brezina Megan Elena Miori Brooke Warzecha Lillian Howell Reagan Teehan Triton “T.C.” Simon Christopher Sanchez Callie Bell Madyson Lovett William Boehl II Angelina Fredericksen Sarah Castaneda The South Texas Farm & Ranch Show awarded scholarships totaling $19,000 to seniors in 2023. Since 1991, the show has awarded $319,000 to high school seniors pursuing degrees in the agriculture field, according to show officials.

VictoriaAdvocate.com WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25 Annex 1&2 CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE I CEU Credit 2 drift, 1 general 7 -10 a.m. Plant identification contest Picolinic acid training (Invora) Dr. Stacy Hines, AgriLife Extension Pasture & Hay Field Weed Management Alternatives Dr. Josh McGinty, AgriLife Extension Moderator – Dr. Stacy Hines Annex 4 CROPS MANAGEMENT CEU Credits: 2 IPM, 1 General Coastal Bend Crops Research Review Dr. Josh McGinty and Stephen Biles, AgriLife Extension Crop Risk Management Donna Hughes, Stone X Financial IPM Update in Crops Dr. Dalton Ludwick, AgriLife Extension Moderator – Anthony Netardus, AgriLife Extension 10 A.M. - TRADE SHOW OPENS 11:30 A.M.-LUNCHEON – Dr. Joe Paschal, executive director, American Brahman Breeders Association Annex 1 &2 1:30-4:30 p.m. CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE II CEU credits: 1 IPM, 1 General Beef Policy Issues Stephen Diebel and Melissa Hamilton, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Beef Checkoff at Work Kaleb McLaurin, Texas Beef Council Beef Cattle Marketing Outlook Dr. Yuri Calil, AgriLife Extension Moderator – Greg Baker, AgriLife Extension Wildlife CEU Credit: 3 IPM Managing Feral Hogs Mikayla Killam, AgriLife Extension Sustainable Harvest of Northern Bobwhites Dr. D. Abraham Woodard, CWB, East Foundation Whitetail Deer Management & Habitat Dr. Jacob Dykes, AgriLife Extension 6 P.M. - TRADE SHOW CLOSES THURSDAY, OCT. 26 Annex 1&2 7 -10 a.m. TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION I CEU Credit: 1 Drift, 1 Laws, 1 General Pesticide Compliance Issues Melissa Barton, Texas Department of Agriculture Innovative Pasture Management Concepts Rob Brooks, Envu Range & Pasture Specialist Broadleaf Weed Control in Pastures Bryce MacDonald, Coteva Agri-Science Moderator – Greg Baker, AgriLife Extension Annex 4 7-11 a.m. PESTICIDE APPLICATION TRAINING Brian Yanta, AgriLife Extension 10 A.M. - TRADE SHOW OPENS 11:30 a.m. - Luncheon – Dr. Rick Avery, Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Impact of Extension Roundtable Annex 1&2 1:30-4:30 p.m. TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION II CEU Credits: 1 general, 1 IPM and 1 Laws Texas Wate Issues Dr. Allan Berthold, Texas Water Resources Institute IPM Strategies For Agriculture Stephen Biles, AgriLife Extension Pesticide Laws & Regulations Dr. Mark Matocha, AgriLife Extension Moderator – Stephen Biles 5 P.M. - TRADE SHOW CLOSES 2023 South Texas Farm and Ranch Show educational programs OCT. 25-26 Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. $40 per person both days. All educational sessions held in the Annex. 6 a.m. - early registration and breakfast both days

BY BECKY COOPER [email protected] The 20th annual South Texas Farm and Ranch Show Golf Tournament continues to serve many purposes. The main reason it was started is twofold. First, to raise money for scholarships for Crossroads students. Second, to give the tradeshow exhibitors an afternoon of recreation and a chance to get to know one another better. This year’s tournament will tee off at 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Club at Colony Creek. About 15 teams of four are expected to participate, said Tournament Chairman Gill Dollins. The money raised at the tournament is combined with the money raised at the show to award scholarships. In May, $19,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to 14 students. “All the money raised at the tournament goes to scholarships,” said Dollins, who has worked with the tournament since its inception. Since 1991, $319,000 has been awarded in scholarships, according to the show’s website. The show works to make sure the scholarships are not limited to Victoria County students. They are awarded to students from neighboring counties as well, Dollins said. Students from Jackson, Calhoun and Victoria counties received 2023 scholarships. From 2019-2023, Industrial and Calhoun school districts have had the most recipients, with nine each, followed by Cuero and Edna with eight each, Victoria West with six, Hallettsville and Shiner with five each, and Victoria East and St. Joseph with four each. Graduates from Goliad, Moulton, Future Academy, Yoakum, Austwell-Tivoli, Nordheim and Ganado have also received scholarships, according to information from Victor Eder, farm and ranch show treasurer. He too has been involved with the tournament since its start. The scholarships are not limited to students who want to study agriculture. Opportunity scholarships are awarded to students who want to study another course work, he said. This year’s golfers will have a chance to win prizes at certain holes. If they make a hole-in-one at Hole 5, they will win a Chevrolet truck donated by Atzenhoffer Chevrolet. While registration to play has closed, businesses or individuals can still sponsor a hole for a $100 sponsorship fee. To sponsor a hole contact Dollins at 361-573-3371. Putting on the tournament takes a lot of volunteers working behind the scenes prior to the event as well the day of, Dollins said. Holding the tournament in the afternoon gives the exhibitors time to set up their booths in the morning and then relax and visit with each other during the tournament, Eder said. Tournament winners will be recognized at the hamburger meal held at the end of the tournament at the club. Golf tournament raises funds for scholarships CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY HENRY HARTMAN The South Texas Farm and Ranch Show hosts a golf tournament to help raise money for scholarships for students who plan to study agriculture-related courses in college. 8 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com

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10 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER [email protected] Do you know what you’re swimming in? Allen Berthold, interim director of the Texas Water Resources Institute, has a pretty good idea. At this year’s South Texas Farm and Ranch Show, Berthold will give a presentation on local water issues with an emphasis on the quality of the area’s surface water. In his work at TWRI, Berthold and his colleagues head projects that address in-stream water-quality deficiencies and help guide local stakeholders through the watershed protection planning process. “The majority of the work that we do are grant funded projects, whether they be through state or federal level,” Berthold said. “I’ll talk about the work that’s ongoing, whether it be related to like regenerative agriculture ... but also some community water quality projects, as far as planning for how to address in stream water quality impairments.” Berthold said the quality of local waterways can affect residents more than they might realize. Harmful bacteria runs the risk of impacting those who spend time in and around South Texas’ streams and rivers. “For example, if there’s higher levels of fecal bacteria detected, then that can be harmful as far as recreation goes, so, part of that is about protecting human health,” the water expert said. “(I’ll be) discussing some of what can be done as far as reducing bacteria flowing, creeks and rivers.” In the immediate wake of Hurricane Harvey, local waterways saw a significant increase in the types of bacteria Berthold said can be harmful. That’s since decreased, but still, some local streams still see high concentrations of pathogens. For example, Arenosa Creek, a local creek that runs through Inez, has seen high concentrations of bacteria found in both animals and humans since 2010, according to a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Running through Victoria County, the harmful bacteria “may indicate a health risk to people who swim or wade in the creek,” according to the study. A graduate of Texas A&M, much of Berthold’s life work has centered around water. The interim director received a master’s degree in water management and hydrological science in 2010 and later a Ph. D in agricultural leadership, education and communications in 2014. In South Texas, it can be hard to talk about surface water without the confirmation touching on drought. While not as bad as last year overall, nearly 40% of the state is undergoing extreme or exceptional drought, as reported by The Texas Tribune. At the Farm and Ranch Show, Berthold plans to also talk about some historic rainfall trends in the area, FARM AND RANCH SHOW The importance of water quality in our streams and rivers PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER/[email protected] A bird perches atop a log along the Guadalupe River. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY TEXAS WATER RESOURCES INSTITUTE Dr. Allen Berthold

something many in the agricultural industry are likely interested in after the hottest summer in state history. Still, the water expert plans to center much of his talk on the importance of water quality, something that affects all locals in a major way. Victoria Public Works is in charge of the local quality of water in the Guadalupe River for area residents. While the public service is tasked with treating the river for consumption and provided residents with drinking water, it also treats the river itself, said Ken Gill, director of Public Works and city engineer. “We treat the water that comes down through the river,” Gill said. We collect it after it’s been used, and then we treat it and put it back into the river ... it behooves the environment to keep that water clean.” Gill said many things can impact water quality and risk the safety of locals, citing things like E. coli from cattle upstream. The director said often after major storms, treatment centers have their work cut out for them with increased runoff headed into local waterways. While Gill said the Public Works department is able to treat for virtually every kind of contaminant or solid that makes its way into the Guadalupe River, it is still important for residents to be mindful of the current quality of water in nearby rivers and streams. Relative to years past, more regulation is going into water treatment and it is becoming more costly, but Gill said that is a good thing overall. “A lot has changed in the world, and it’s getting stricter and stricter,” he said. “It’s costing more money to treat some of these things, but it’s also better in the long run.” VictoriaAdvocate.com VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 — 11 CHASE COFIELD/[email protected] The sedimentation basin at the Victoria Surface Water Treatment Plant. Come see us at Booth 222! 6811 US Hwy 59 North 361-541-5110 Trailer Sales - Parts - Service

FREE ESTIMATES! INSURED! MODEL BUILDINGS ON SITE! 5292 State Hwy 185 (Bloomington Hwy) Victoria, TX SUPERIOR QUALITY AND SERVICE SINCE 1998 IN-HOUSE DESIGN AND FABRICATION! BY PAIGE MELTON Today’s farmers and ranchers produce an abundance of food and fiber as well as fish. It is not only enough to feed us but also enough to help feed people around the world. According to the 2019 edition of the Food and Farm Facts book published by the American Farm Bureau Federation, one U.S. farm feeds about 166 people annually in the U.S. and abroad. Of those 166 people, 106 are in the U.S. and 60 are outside the U.S. The global population is expected to increase by 2.2 billion by year 2050. If you do the math, each farmer and rancher will have to grow and produce 70% more food than what they are already doing today. “Path to the Plate” at South Texas Farm & Ranch Show helps more than 300 third grade students in Victoria experience the importance of agriculture and the relevance of the agricultural products in our lives. Farming, ranching, and farm products have a natural and user “fun” friendly connection to education and that connection is even more important today, when only 2% of the U.S. population lives and works on farms, producing food and fiber for the other 98% and for many people in other countries. At the same time, agriculture is as important as ever. It is as vital to our lives as the food on our plates. This special ag awareness program gives students the opportunity to rotate through seven educational sessions like Moo U, Pizza Garden, Meet the Meats, What’s on MyPlate, and Egg to Chick. The Texas Farm Bureau’s Mobile Learning Barn will be back, and the trailer can display up to seven commodities including corn, cotton, grain sorghum, pork, and beef. Our educational programming partners include Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, personnel in several surrounding counties, Victoria County Master Gardeners Association, Southwest Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom, Victoria County 4-H and 4-H Ambassadors, Victoria Extension Education Association, and Texas Farm Bureau. The Victoria County 4-H Ambassadors help to facilitate sessions, not only keeping each session on time but also aiding in the flow of student traffic from one session to the next which greatly contributes to the overall learning experience. “Path to the Plate” allows agriculture to be the perfect context for teachers, agriculture advocates and community volunteers to teach health and nutrition as well as share a passion for educating about agriculture, food and natural resources. Today’s students are tomorrow’s community leaders and voting citizens. We want them to be healthy, empathetic, critical thinkers who are aware of agriculture and what an important place it has in their lives. Students need to know how and where their food and fiber products come from because one day they will be instrumental in feeding our world. FOOD ORIGINS Third graders to learn where food comes from CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Paige Melton 12 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com

VP Construction Construction delivers quality construction at competitive prices utilizing pre-engineered and weld up steel building systems. 13920 US Hwy 77 North, Victoria, TX 77904 www.vpmbconstruction.com |[email protected] |(361) 574-1009 | (361) 649 1308 Custom Metal Buildings VictoriaAdvocate.com VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 — 13 BY KARISSA WINTERS AND ROBIN JANECKA The annual South Texas Farm and Ranch Show is back, with a remarkable program aimed at inspiring young minds to explore the world of agriculture and ranching. For a second year, a big highlight is the “From Soil to Space: Feeding the Future” initiative, designed specifically for local high-school students curious about these industries and eager to shape their careers around them. Taking place in Victoria, the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show provides a unique platform for students to gain valuable insights from industry professionals. With a host of knowledgeable speakers and engaging activities, the event aims to ignite curiosity and passion within the next generation of agricultural leaders. The “From Soil to Space: Feeding the Future” program offers participating students the opportunity to learn about the essential role of agriculture and ranching in our community and beyond. By exploring innovative solutions, such as vertical farming and sustainable livestock practices, students can develop a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these industries. The organizers have brought together influential speakers who will share their expertise and experiences to inspire young minds. These speakers include industry professionals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural and ranching communities. Through captivating presentations, the speakers will delve into topics that will aim is to broaden the students’ knowledge and help them envision a future career within these sectors. One of the key objectives of this program is to create awareness about the diverse range of opportunities within the agricultural and ranching fields. By showcasing cutting-edge technology, latest research, and forward-thinking practices, the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show hopes to open doors for students to pursue rewarding paths in agribusiness, agronomy, veterinary science, and more. Victoria, known for its rich history in agriculture and ranching, is the ideal backdrop for this educational event. By hosting the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show, the community wants to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders and ensure a sustainable future for these crucial industries. By attending the South Texas Farm students will gain valuable knowledge, forge connections with industry professionals and discover their passion for shaping the future of agriculture. So mark your calendars and join us at the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show to support people in our community including the amazing program “From Soil to Space: Feeding the Future” that promises to be an enlightening and inspiring experience for students. Together, let’s sow the seeds of curiosity and cultivate the leaders who will feed our world tomorrow. EDUCATION ‘From Soil to Space: Feeding the Future’ nurtures young ag leaders CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Robin Janecka CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Karissa Winters

14 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com BY JON WILCOX [email protected] Hot, humid and harsh, South Texas isn’t the most nurturing environment for raising cattle. That was until Brahman cattle arrived. “They transformed beef cattle production in the South to a more economically sustainable industry, said Dr. Joe Paschal, executive director of the American Brahman Breeders Association. At his Oct. 25 luncheon talk, Paschal will educate his audience about the transformative role Brahman cattle have played in Texas, the United States and the world. Bred from various kinds of Indian cattle, Brahmans were brought to the U.S. in small numbers at first — on the order of dozens, said Paschal, who also is a retired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension livestock specialist. South Texas cattle ranchers had long struggled with the region’s unforgiving conditions — limited access to water, less nutritious grass and an abundance of parasites and pests. But the Brahman cattle, which had adapted from living in tropical India over the course of thousands of years, were at home in South Texas. Brahman cattle have bigger sweat glands and more capillaries to cool their skin better. They store fat near their shoulders rather than their rump, trapping less heat in their bodies. And they can better store essential minerals. “It was like mana from heaven,” Paschal said. The breed grew increasingly popular, and in 1924, the American Brahman Breeders Association was formed. The breed has remained popular, and exports and crossbreeding are common. In fact, Paschal said, the Brahmans’ widespread popularity has meant they now can be found throughout the world. “It is like the British empire back in the 1700s and 1800s. It was said that the sun never set on the British flag,” Paschal said. “I don’t believe the sun ever sets on the Brahman cow. I know she is everywhere.” CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE I Brahman’s exotic heritage transformed cattle industry CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Joe Paschal IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Dr. Joe Paschal discusses the importance of Brahman cattle at Wednesday’s luncheon ■ WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday BY JON WILCOX [email protected] The Agrilife Extension Service allows the average farmer, rancher and producer to stay on the cutting edge of agriculture. “We keep advancing the knowledge, and we extend that knowledge to folks,” Dr. Rick Avery, director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. For more than 100 years, the agency has served Texans through their 250 county offices, working with landowners to provide expertise for pest control; weed, rangeland and pasture management; water usage and more. The agency also does work in disaster management, community health, nutrition, natural resources and youth development. “Our mission is educational outreach,” Avery said. “We take the research that’s done by our partners in AgriLife Extension and extend that knowledge to people in the region.” Avery will lead a roundtable discussion about the agency’s impact at the Oct. 26th luncheon. As director of the AgriLife Extension Agency, Avery has made his mission to oversee the agency’s programming. He has an extensive background in government relations as well as experience on Capitol Hill, according to his biography on the AgriLife website. Most recently he served as deputy director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments. Although AgriLife serves all producers in the state, the agency prides itself on helping small- and medium-sized producers. Often, such producers will ask AgriLife experts how they can better work the land they own. “They look to our agency to provide some options for them,” Avery said. TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION I Agrilife gives everyday producers cutting-edge expertise CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Rick Avery IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Dr. Rick Avery discusses the impact of Texas A&M’s Agrilife Extension program at Thursday’s luncheon ■ WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Thursday J Barangus 23RD A nnual Bull and Select Female Sale Friday, December 1, 2023 . 1 :00 pm Hallettsville Hallettsville, T exas 195+ Top-Notch Cattle Sell! 70 Coming Two-Year Old Bulls 45 Yearling B ulls ~ 8 0 F emales Spring Breds ~ O pen A ngus Heifers ~ P airs Commercial Brangus Heifers (Pens of 3 o r 6 ) www.JBarAngus.com Formerly the Lone Star Angus Alliance Sale After 23 years, the Lone Star Angus Alliance is being dissolved this year. J Bar Angus has been hosting the annual LSAA sale since 2005, and plans to continue the tradition of an annual bull and female sale at their ranch in Hallettsville. Call for a salebook! lebook! Mark Janak, M gr. 361-798-6558 361-798-6558 Karen J anak, M gr. 361-798-6898 361-798-6898 Jordan Janak, Herdsman 361-772-6897 361-772-6897 Since 1991 "Leading supplier of Angus genetics in South Texas" Free delivery w ithin 150 m iles with a $ 10,000 purchase.

VictoriaAdvocate.com VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 — 15 BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER [email protected] Those who attend the 2023 South Texas Farm & Ranch Show Wednesday morning will have a chance to learn about and be trained to use a chemical that does well to control brush and weed management. Dr. Stacy Hines is an assistant professor and Extension Rangeland Habitat Management Specialist at Texas A&M. Hines will present a program and training session that covers InvoraTM, a Picolinic Acid and major player in the brush control game. ”It’s actually very effective in control of a brush species,” Hines said. “It’s beneficial for anybody. It’s just another option that people can use to be able to help treat invasive species.” Hines said the chemical was approved for use relatively recently. Before growers can apply it, they must complete a Picolinic Acid training like the one that will be offered at Wednesday’s session. InvoraTM herbicide is used for controlling undesirable brush and weeds on rangeland sites in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. One major benefit of the chemical is its effective long-term control of honey mesquite and huisache, two of the most problematic and widespread invasive brush species in the four-state region. The Wednesday session will also offer a plant identification contest. Hines will display an image slideshow of various native and non-native plants to ask participants to identify. After revealing the answers to those in attendance, the presentation will also include some information about each of the species along with some useful tips and tricks for their management. ”We usually get the most questions about the ones landowners should be able to identify, because they’re the ones that they want to manage,” Hines said. “Plant identification is the first step in being able to effectively manage any type of brush species or weed species.” Picolonic acid and the importance of plant identification CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Stacy Hines IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Plant identification contest and Picolinic Acid Training ■ WHEN: 7-10 a.m. session Wednesday ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center Annex 1&2. 2905 E. North St. FEHNER & SON GRAIN CO/ FEHNER FIREARMS 830-672-3710 1922 County Rd 197 Gonzales, TX Hours: Mon-Fri (7am-6pm) Sat (7am-1pm) Fehner Firearms Closed on Mon. CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE I

(361) 798-4336 PO BOX 307 140 S. AUCTION RING ROAD HALLETTSVILLE, TEXAS hallettsvillelivestock.com Sale Every Tuesday HALLETTSVILLE LIVESTOCK COMMISSION 16 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER [email protected] If you’re in the business of raising animals off grass or hay, then Dr. Josh McGinty’s presentation on Oct. 25 at the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show is likely for you. McGinty, an Extension agronomist at Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, will speak about pasture and hay field weed management service at the Victoria Community Center. The expert said he hopes attendees will learn some tips on how to best spray herbicides and when is the best time to do it. “It’ll be some details, like ideal weed size, ideal timing, why the timing is important, sprayer setup, how to calibrate a sprayer,” McGinty said. He also said much of his presentation will touch on the right environmental conditions for getting the best results out of weed management. These details can prove crucial for those trying to get the best outcome from spraying herbicide, he said. “At certain times ... they can be near impossible to control,” McGinty said. “The plants, just physiologically, behave very different when they’re mature than when they just emerged from the soil. So, it’s sometimes the difference between near 100%, weed control versus 50%.” McGinty added that this kind of information can be important to people who raise cattle and people who grow their feed. “Whether people have (animals) that graze or if they’re growing and selling hay to other livestock producers, the presentation is for folks that are in the business of feeding livestock at the end of the day,” McGinty said. “My part of that is to help them grow the feed for those animals.” Pasture and hay field weed management alternatives will take place in Annex 1&2 at the community center. CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE I Fine tuning your weed control CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Josh McGinty BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER [email protected] Beef. It’s the third largest economic generator in Texas, according to recent figures published by Texas A&M. For those who regularly raise it or consume it and are interested in how legislative policy affects it, one presentation at the South Texas Farm and Ranch show could prove crucially informative. Stephen Diebel, co-owner and manager of Diebel Cattle Company and second vice president of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and Melissa Hamilton, executive director of Government Relations for the TSCRA, will give some insight into recent beef policy wins and what’s slated for the future. “What we work on, on a daily basis, (like) private property rights and agricultural industry related issues really affect people’s daily lives,” Diebel said. “I think it’s ... really important for (people) to understand that significance of policy.” Advocates like he and Hamilton have enjoyed some notable policy victories that help ranchers recently, Diebel said. Some notable wins include a landowner liability bill, farming rights and the “fake meat bill,” that barred alternative protein products like Beyond or Impossible from being labeled as meat. “Alternative proteins need to be labeled as alternative proteins and not the tremendous protein of beef,” Diebel said. “Not that we’re for or against (alternatives), we just wanted it to be labeled correctly.” Diebel said he, Hamilton and other colleagues at the TSRCA are constantly working on policy that is important to both beef consumers and those who make a living raising cattle in Texas. For that reason, policy updates are important for Texans to be aware of. “We had a really successful legislative session,” Diebel said. “I think it’s going to be important for those in agriculture (who) are somewhat removed from the daily legislative processes ... to (hear) the successes that we’ve had.” CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE II Austin’s impact on beef for the consumer and rancher CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Stephen Diebel CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Melissa Hamilton IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Beef Policy Issues ■ WHEN: 1:30-4:30 p.m., Thursday ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center Annex 1&2, 2905 E. North St. IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Pasture & Hay Field Weed Management Alternatives ■ WHEN: 7-10 a.m., Wednesday ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center Annex 1&2, 2905 E. North St.

30 years of serving South Texas with all your hay needs and now we've added FEED & FENCING to the mix! 361-575-4745 • 276 Old Goliad Rd. • Victoria, Texas • HAY • FEED • FENCING SUPPLIES •ANIMAL HEALTH • POSITIVE FEED TUBS VictoriaAdvocate.com VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 — 17 BY KYLE R. COTTON [email protected] For every head of cattle Texas ranchers sell, $2 is set aside for the Beef Checkoff. At the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show, Kaleb McLaurin, Texas Beef Council industry relations senior manager, will showcase how far the ranchers’ money has gone in the last year. The Beef Checkoff program was first established in 1985 through a farm bill to set aside $1 for every head of cattle sold to go to the program, McLaurin said. Texas ranchers increased the checkoff to $2 years later, around 2014, with a $1 state checkoff. The program’s purpose is to fund beef research, education and promotion, he said. “Back in the 1980s, people were starting to run away from beef,” McLaurin said. During that period, medical research showcased that beef was causing high cholesterol, heart issues, cancer and more, he said. Because the beef industry felt the research was flawed, the checkoff was put in place to be a fund that advocates for the sector, McLaurin said. In the years since, research has emerged that shows there is a benefit to beef to people’s health, he said. “Now we use that research to educate the medical community on that,” McLaurin said. “I have two young daughters, and when we went to the pediatrician, one of the big talking points was that kids are low on zinc and iron, which are essential nutrients, as early as 6 months of age. So, you need to supplement milk at that age, and beef rose to the top as being a high-quality nutritional source of those because of that research and medical outreach.” McLaurin’s presentation will examine how the beef checkoff has helped the industry in the last 30- plus years and include some recent successes. “You can see that with how far Texas barbecue has come in recent years,” he said. “This is to share how (cattle producers’) hard earn money is working for them. From a producer, they put that money in every time those transactions occur, but often, they may not be on the receiving end of the education. They may not be receiving the research. They see that money leaving, and what we would hope to display is how that money impacts their operation and that they see a return.” CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE II Texas Beef Council to show producers Beef Checkoff at work CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Kaleb McLaurin BEEF CHECKOFF AT WORK ■ WHAT: Beef Checkoff at Work ■ WHO: Kaleb McLaurin, Texas Beef Council Industry Relations Senior Manager ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center Annex 1 and 2, 2905 E. North St., Victoria. ■ WHEN:1:30-4:30 p.m.

18 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com BY KYLE R. COTTON [email protected] Cattle ranchers will be presented an outlook on market trends within the beef industry and an outlook for the future. The presentation will be given by AgriLife Extension economist Dr. Yuri Calil, who hopes it positions cattle ranchers for success going forward from the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show. “The main thing with this presentation is with market trends the question is, ‘What can I do or how can use this information to make some decisions about my operation down here in the region,’” Calil said. Over the past year there has been a myriad of factors affecting the beef prices, including drought, imports of cattle and the increase in exporting of beef, he said. “We had a drought, we slaughtered a lot of cows and we are still not out of the drought yet,” Calil said. “The main questions for the producers are ‘Should I keep my cows,’ or ‘Should I sell my cows.’” The issue of drought affecting the market has been affecting cattle for about a decade, he said. However, the presentation will primarily focus on the last year. One positive in the market is that despite factors such as inflation and low supply, demand remains strong for beef, Calil said. An overall positive for cattle ranchers. “People keep buying beef no matter what. That’s a really positive thing. Even though prices are high, record prices in some cases, the consumer is still buying beef,” he said. Another aspect of the industry is many of the imported beef is being used for lower quality beef while domestic beef is being used for higher quality beef products because of the higher domestic prices, Calil said. At the end of the presentation, Calil hopes cattle ranchers and producers walk away better equipped to handle to the beef market for the coming year, he said. CATTLEMEN’S COLLEGE II Ranchers to get beef economic outlook, review CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Yuri Calil BEEF CATTLE MARKETING OUTLOOK ■ WHAT: Beef Cattle Marketing Outlook ■ WHO: Dr. Yuri Calil, Ph. D. AgriLife Extension economist ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center Annex 1 and 2, 2905 E. North St., Victoria. ■ WHEN:1:30-4:30 p.m. BY KYLE R. COTTON [email protected] Looking for ways to make your crops more profitable? Research on crops may help help producers to have more success with the crop and profit. Dr. Josh McGinty and Stephen Biles will present present their crop research during the morning Oct. 25 session. During the presentation McGinty and Biles will showcase the results of their research that showcases crops that are capable of surviving in South Texas and crops capable of handling notable pest issues. “We want to provide them actionable information as they are moving into the next cropping cycle,” McGinty said. “So if they are making decisions on what to grow in terms of species, we’ll help address that. One of the big decisions is on crop varieties that’s probably the most important bit and we have some excellent data, unbias data that they can use.” Two of the most notable crop varieties that McGinty will present research on is a variety of cotton from Australia that has proven suitable to South Texas’ environment and a plant called carinata, a cousin of canola, that seed oil could be used to produce jet fuel. “We live close to the Gulf and our average rainfall looks good on paper but in the five-month cycle where we are growing most of our crops we are actually extremely dry, especially this year.” he said. “That’s why we look for things from more arid regions and grow them here, because frequently we are in those condition and have been two years in a row.” Biles will present research done locally in regards to pest management, with a particular focus on cotton and the cotton fleahopper regarding different products for control. He will also discuss stink bug management. The fleahopper causes flower buds on the cotton to fall off prior to bloom thus impacting total crop yields and delaying harvest, Biles said. “In years where we have September rainfall, delayed harvest can be a bad thing,” he said. The goals of their research are to increase the profitability of the grower, Biles said. “It will be new findings and new information to the growers,” he said. Crop research review looks to position farmers for success CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Carinata CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Josh McGinty CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Stephen Biles CROPS MANAGEMENT

Gentle • Ranch Raised • RanGe Ready ReGisteRed • PRoven Bloodlines RJ Cattle Co/RamRo llC always stRives to siRe quality guaRanteed bulls. all bulls aRe FeRtility & tRiCh tested. we also Raise and oCCasionally sell heiFeRs. Charolais & BraNGUs BUlls for sale RaMRo llc/RJ c attle c o 713-204-4903 • 7 13-253-4804 VictoriaAdvocate.com VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 — 19 BY KYLE R. COTTON [email protected] Over the last couple years between the pandemic, inflation and global market demands, crop producers need a little help to manage their risks in the market both during and outside the growing season. It is with this in mind that the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show will have a presentation from Donna Hughes, Stone X Group Inc. senior risk management consult, on how crop producers can implement strategies that position them for success in the coming year. “Producers are seeing more cost as far as producing and they have to make decisions to break even in on crops,” Hughes said. “They have to make a decision about which way they want to go in regards to their risks. That’s what makes the hedging and risk management so important by being able to mitigate the risk on your inputs as well as the downside on your pricing when it comes time to sell.” One of the main discussions of the presentation will be corn prices being down about 30% since the beginning of the year with factors such as global demand and international competition, Hughes said. The presentation will not only give an update on current market conditions, but also what to be mindful of in the future so producers can make the best decisions in the market, she said. One of the best ways to do that is through future and options contracts that hedge and protect producers from significant price changes, especially outside of growing season, Hughes said. If the market goes lower, those contracts can protect producers at a higher price and put money back in their pockets, she said. “Let’s say you hedge December corn with a futures contract at $4.75. Your price is $4.75 in the futures market. Come November when you are harvesting and bringing it to the elevator and the price is $4.60, you get paid $4.60, but you have 15 cents of value sitting in your futures account,” Hughes said. The presentation will hopefully equip producers to better handle the market going forward, she said. CROPS MANAGEMENT Producers to learn how to manage their market risks CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Donna Hughes CROP RISK MANAGEMENT ■ WHAT: Crop Risk Management presentation ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center Annex 4, 2905 E. North St., Victoria. ■ WHEN: 7-10 a.m., Oct.25.

Boehm Tractor Sales EST 1 9 4 2 201 East 16th Street Shiner, Texas 77984 361-594-3200 www.boehmtractor.com 81 Years of Quality Service SALES PARTS SERVICE 20 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com BY TYRESE BOONE [email protected] The annual South Texas Farm and Ranch Show is coming back this October and it’s bringing along some familiar faces. Dr. Dalton C Ludwick, Texas A&M Agrilife extension entomologist, is coming back for his fourth year in a row. His job involves identifying and evaluating pest management strategies for row crops, forages, pastures and stored grain. Ludwick said he’s had over a decade in experience of studying agricultural pests and wants to inform the community on ways to protect their investments. His presentation will be on the updated information he’s conducted regarding the integrated pest management of crops. The topic will be the same as previous year’s but will include updated information that he’s discovered throughout this year. “Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests,” he said during an interview. “It is understanding the lives of pests, their relationships with crops, and so much more. In 2023, just like in 2022, the crops were impacted by drought, though corn and grain sorghum fared better than cotton.” Ludwick said he will include an assortment of data of charts and graphs to present what he’s collected throughout 2023. The presentation will be 45-50 minutes long and will allow time for questions and discussions for attendees after it. Ludwick is encouraging show goers to attend his presentation and to stay informed on pest management going forward. “Insects are resilient,” he said. “They adapt to the management practices we use. Simply relying on last year’s management may result in yield losses or other difficulties. It’s important that we remain knowledgeable to provide high quality crops.” CROPS MANAGEMENT Integrated pest management update on corn and cotton crops CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Dalton C. Ludwick IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: IPM update in crops ■ WHEN: 7-10 a.m. Oct. 25 ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. BY TYRESE BOONE [email protected] Feral hogs can be a landowner’s worst nightmare as the wild animals are responsible for damaging thousand of acres of pastures and farmland a year. Mikayla Killam, a program specialist for AgriLife Extension, will discuss feral hogs at the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show. This is her first time to speak at the show. “I’m very excited to be attending,” Killam said. “ I love talking to people about their management options, so I’m really excited to have a new audience for this conversation.” Killiam’s experience with feral hogs and wildlife damage goes back to her undergraduate days when she participated in internships researching the animal. She received her bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M in 2016 and is continuing on with her master’s in Kingsville. For the past two years, she has work with AgriLife Extension to learn more about wildlife management and to share her findings with people across the state. “Feral hogs are a nonnative, invasive animal that cause damage across the state of Texas,” she said. “They are a resilient, adaptable and highly reproductive, which has allowed them to be very successful in expanding their range across southern portions of the United States.” Killam said that her presentation will discuss the biology of the hogs, safety measures when working with them and the options available for management. Her presentation will be an hour long, but she’ll be cutting it short for attendees to ask as many questions as they can. Killam said that hogs can be very costly for farmers and ranchers alike and encourages them to stop by to learn more. “It is very likely that landowners and land managers will encounter issues with feral hogs at some point,” she said. “Come check out this presentation so that you are aware of all the management options available to you when issues occur.” WILDLIFE Feral hogs damage agriculture CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Mikayla Killam IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Feral Hogs ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center Annex 1 and 2, 2905 E. North St. ■ WHEN:1:30-4:30 p.m.

wwww.unitedag.net 907 Wharton St El Campo, TX 979-543-7756 1116 S Wells St. Edna, TX 361-782-5051 201 Hwy 3013 E Eagle Lake, TX 979-234-2191 11338 S Hwy 71 Danevang, TX 979-543-6723 More of what Texans are looking for • Purina Bulk & Liquid Feed • Fencing & Wildlife • Ag Parts & Hardware • Cotton Gins & Warehouses • Cotton, Grain, & Cattle Marketing Services • Animal Health • Lawn&Garden • Tires & Bulk Fuel • Grain Elevators • Western Wear VictoriaAdvocate.com VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 — 21 BY TYRESE BOONE [email protected] A new speaker will be in attendance this year to talk about the sustainable harvest of northern bobwhites at this year’s South Texas Farm and Ranch show. Range and Wildlife Scientist Dr. Abraham Woodard is prepared to talk to attendees about his research on this species of quail. “I am excited,” he said during an interview. “I always enjoy sharing information and chatting with people passionate about managing wildlife and ranches in South Texas, especially regarding quail management.” Woodard has more than a decade of experience managing wildlife and hunting enterprises. he recently received his Ph.D at Texas A&M Kingsville in Wildlife science. Woodard said that during his presentation he will use research that he’s collected since 2017 to present his new findings about this species of quail. “In the last century, northern bobwhites have experienced widespread population declines across their range,” he said. “One area that has remained stable is the South Texas Sand Sheet, aka the Wild Horse Desert. This region’s stability results from favorable range management practices, contiguous habitats, plant species diversity, and vested interest from landowners and hunters.” Woodard explained that the South Texas region is arguably one of the best hunting locations for quail in the world and generates more than $75 million in income from hunters. With the numbers of quail populations increasingly declining, the East Foundation has dedicated over 60,000 acres of land to conduct long term research projects that will answer questions regarding the bobwhites. Woodard encourages the public to come out and stop by to learn more regarding the future of northern bobwhites. “If you are interested in quail management and quail hunting, it will be a very applicable presentation with some very beneficial information for landowners, managers, and hunters,” he said. New speaker talks sustainable harvest of Northern Bobwhites CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Abraham Woodard IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Sustainable harvest of Northern Bobwhites ■ WHEN: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 25 ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. BY TYRESE BOONE [email protected] The management of wildlife will be an important topic discussed during the South Texas Farm & Ranch Show. Texas A&M Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife specialist Jacob Dykes will give a presentation on the management and habitation of whitetailed deer. This will be Dykes first appearance at the show and he’s ready to inform public on the importance of the species. “Whitetail deer is one of the most studied wildlife species in the world,” he said during an interview. “It’s an animal that we’re always studying on how to manage them.” Dykes has more than a decade in experience studying the species across the state of Texas. He said this type of deer is very sought after and it helps the economy. “People come from all over the country and the world to Texas to hunt them,” he said. “Whitetail deer hunting in Texas has a $4.3 billon impact on the economy of Texas itself.” During his presentation, he will give an “A to Z” assessment on herd structure, nutrition and the management of habitats to support the high quality of the animals. Dykes said he’ll explain to hunters and landowners how certain factors such as the climate of this region could affect the deer. “Often times we don’t consider heat to be a variable that affects animals,” he said. “We’ll typically see them move less in the heat.” Like us, they’ll get a little lazier when it’s hot outside.” Dykes is prepared to present to the public why the characteristics of what makes this animal so unique in the landscape of hunting. Whitetail deer are the most studied species in the world CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Jacob Dykes IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Whitetail Deer habitation and management ■ WHEN: 1:30-4:30 p.m. October 25 ■ WHERE: Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. WILDLIFE

Victoria Farm & Ranch Supply Co. • FULL LINE ANIMAL HEALTH SUPPLIES • ALL YOUR ROPE & TACK NEEDS • FULL LINE OF HORSE SUPPLIES 2108 SW Ben Jordan • Victoria, TX 77901 • (361) 573-3371 22 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Weekend, October 21-22, 2023 VictoriaAdvocate.com BY KEITH W. KOHN [email protected] Melissa Barton, an inspector with the Texas Department of Agriculture, will speak at the South Texas Farm and Ranch show about keeping up to date on state pesticide regulations. Her 7 a.m. session will focus on issues such as pesticide compliance and best practices for record keeping. Barton, who has been with the agency for 27 years, will present “Pesticide Compliance Issues” during the 7-10 a.m. session on Oct. 26 in Annex 1 and 2 of the Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. in Victoria. The session is primarily to help licensed pesticide applicators with their continuing education and help brush them up so they stay in compliance with regulations. There are no new laws or regulations, she said, but there are new products. “I like to review some of the new labels,” she said. “Some of the newer products have very specific labels.” Licensed applicators must be trained on new products before using them, Barton added. Though the session will be early in the morning, expect interesting news you can used, she said. “What I like to do is, since I’m a state inspector who conducts inspections for these types of applicators, I like to tell them what I find during inspections. I like to tell a lot of stories and show a lot of pictures.” She said she emphasizes keeping records so inspections go smoothly. Most of those at her talks often are individuals, not professional applicators, so they only must cycle through the license renewal process once every five years. She focuses on taking questions, making comments and telling stories. Ag inspector to give update on pesticide compliance issues CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Melissa Barton BY KEITH W. KOHN [email protected] Keeping cattle well fed and filled with nutrients is what pasture management is all about, said Rob Brooks, a range and pasture specialist with Envu, the environmental science firm Bayer spun off last year. “Because cattle are ruminant, they graze on grasses, where they get the majority of their sustenance from,” Brooks said. Supplements ensure proteins and minerals are at optimum levels. Brooks will present “Innovative Pasture Management Concepts” during the 7-10 a.m. session on Oct. 26 at the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show in Annex 1 and 2 of the Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. in Victoria. “Grass is where the majority of this comes from,” he said. To keep costs down by avoiding excessive supplements “our main goal is to try to help those guys grow grass.” One way is controlling weeds in pastures. “Because of where y’all are at, you also have an abundance of brush species … and those things take a lot of water and make it harder to gather cattle and things like that.” Thus, his company has herbicide products to “reduce competition” from the brush. “That frees up more water and sunlight.” Once the grass dries up during winter, cattle need to feed on hay and other supplements. Another Envu product is geared for hay producers. “A lot of guys will cut hay or cut grass during the summertime when it is growing, dry it down, bail it up, store it and then feed it to the cattle later in the wintertime when they need more forage,” Brooks said. “So, we have a product that helps take out some of the undesirable grasses.” Some grass isn’t suitable for hay. It may not be as nutritional, it may not dry at the same rate as other grasses, or if it is too moist it could cause mildew, he said. “So, it’s beneficial for those guys to take out some of these unwanted grasses. And we have products that help them do that, and that’s really kind of a trick to do because it can be pretty difficult to kill one grass without killing another.” That’s why Brooks’ discussion is so vital for those looking for recertification. Maintaining a pasture isn’t just about appearances CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Rob Brooks IF YOU GO ■ WHAT: Innovative Pasture Management Concepts ■ WHEN: 7-10 a.m. session Oct. 26 ■ WHERE: Annex 1 & 2, Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. TDA LICENSE RECERTIFICATION I

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