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CURRENT LOCAL LIVESTOCK REPORTS AND NEWS SEPT. 8, 2020CURRENT LOCAL LIVESTOCK REPORTS AND NEWSCURRENT LOCAL LIVESTOCK REPORTS AND NEWSCURRENT LOCAL LIVESTOCK REPORTS AND NEWS SEPT. 8, 2020SEPT. 8, 2020

Coastal Bend

CATTLE GUARD

by Paul SchattenbergA team led by the Texas Water Re-

sources Institute, or TWRI, has received funding for the development of a water-shed protection plan to address water quality impairments in Petronila and San Fernando creeks, two main tributar-ies of Baffin Bay.

The TWRI is a unit of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Col-lege of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M.

Lucas Gregory, Ph.D., TWRI senior research scientist in Bryan-College Sta-tion, said the project stems from the lo-cal desire to protect and improve water quality in Baffin Bay and keep its ecosys-tem healthy and productive.

“To address issues in the bay, you have to look to the watershed,” he said. “Petronila and San Fernando creeks pro-vide the bulk of water inflow to Baffin Bay, and developing a plan that outlines voluntary management strategies to re-duce water contaminants coming from those watersheds is the focus of this project.”

Petronila and San Fernando creeks have been identified as having too much bacteria in them to meet Texas’ water quality standards for contact recreation. The creeks also have elevated chloro-phyll-a, an indicator of excess nutrients in water.

Other team members include the

Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Pro-gram, the Nueces River Authority, Texas Sea Grant and the Harte Research Insti-tute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.

Funding for the project has been pro-vided from the Texas State Soil and Wa-ter Conservation Board through their State Nonpoint Source Grant Program in order to lead local watershed stake-holders through the watershed protec-tion planning process.

Clare Escamilla, TWRI research as-sociate in San Antonio, said the proj-ect’s intent is to work with existing local groups such as the Baffin Bay Stakehold-ers Group and those engaged in the Baf-fin Bay early watershed planning efforts as well as others to develop a locally driven plan that outlines strategies to

protect and restore water quality.“Getting local involvement from in-

terested individuals and developing a voluntary plan of action is the first step to successfully improving and protecting

water quality,” she said. “Our role is to facilitate this involvement and ensure that a functional and effective plan is produced.”

Information about future meetings, watershed plan components and other project details will be posted there as the project develops. Anyone interested in learning more about the project or get-ting involved in the planning process is encouraged to visit the project website and fill out the brief form to subscribe to get email updates.

Watershed plan development meetings are anticipated to begin in early 2021. The project team is currently gathering information and preparing for future meetings. Until then, periodic updates will be sent out to stakeholders who have signed up to stay informed about the project.

New watershed protection planning effort for Baffin Bay area underwayTexas Water Resources Institute to lead team developing plan for Petronila, San Fernando creeks

Page 2 • Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 • MySouTex.com

PACKER BULLSAll Weights .............................69-90PACKER COWSCanners & Cutters ..................55-66Poor & Weak...........................25-39PALPATED6 Bred .....................................70-84PAIRS2 Pair...............................450 & 950STEER CALVES (AVG-HIGH)STEER CALVES (AVG-HIGH)Under 200 lbs........................... none200-249 lbs .............................. none250-299 lbs .............................. none300-350 lbs .........................122-130350-400 lbs .........................112-170400-450 lbs .........................123-172450-500 lbs .........................120-156500-550 lbs .........................120-146550-600 lbs .........................124-135600-700 lbs .........................123-134700-800 lbs .........................114-125

BULL CALVES (AVG- HIGH)BULL CALVES (AVG- HIGH)Under 250 lbs......................106-130250-300 lbs .........................104-150300-350 lbs .........................129-164350-400 lbs .........................130-180400-450 lbs .........................125-170450-500 lbs .........................122-154500-550 lbs .........................119-136550-600 lbs .........................112-143600-700 lbs .........................111-128Over 700 lbs........................102-121HEIFERS CALVES (AVG-HIGH)HEIFERS CALVES (AVG-HIGH)Under 200 lbs........................84-122200-250 lbs .........................114-130250-300 lbs ...........................85-132300-350 lbs .........................113-133350-400 lbs .........................108-136400-450 lbs .........................118-150450-500 lbs .........................112-155500-550 lbs .........................115-131550-600 lbs .........................113-140600-700 lbs .........................113-128Over 700 lbs........................100-115

Friday, September 4, 2020Number of Head: 1,034

Friday, September 4, 2020Number of Head: 1,034

Friday, September 4, 2020 SALES EVERY FRIDAY @ 10 AM

PRAY FOR RAIN!

There were 143 cows and 20 bulls. The Packer market was steady to a little higher on the top end. Small re-

ceipts going into Labor Day weekend and the holiday helped the market. The calf market looked a lot weaker

than it actually was, as some of the quality types were hard to find in today’s market because of lower receipts due to the holiday weekend. The market was steady on heavier weights, while the middle weights were off

as much as $6-$10/cwt. Demand is good, but buyers are very selective going into fall and winter conditions.

due to the holiday weekend. The market was steady on heavier weights, while the middle weights were off

as much as $6-$10/cwt. Demand is good, but buyers are very selective going into fall and winter conditions.

due to the holiday weekend. The market was steady on heavier weights, while the middle weights were off

Lighter receipts due to the holiday weekend resulted in not enough good calves to reflect the true market. All comments coming from buyers about today’s market was that it was a steady day.comments coming from buyers about today’s market was that it was a steady day.comments coming from buyers about today’s market was that it was a steady day.

Aerial view of Baffi n Bay area. (Photo courtesy Nueces River Author-ity)

Petrolina Creek. (Texas Water

Re-sources Institute

photo)

A bevy of issues amounted to below-average yields for most hay producers in East and Central Texas, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D., AgriL-ife Extension forage specialist, Overton, said many hay producers missed out on multiple cuttings due to weather condi-tions or lower yields due to pasture con-ditions or pest infestations.

“I think we’re a little lower on produc-tion than we’re used to,” she said. “A lot of hay producers in East Texas have had production issues this season.”

Late start for hay producersCorriher-Olson said the hay season

started later than usual due to cooler temperatures in May, which delayed Bermuda grass growth almost a month. AgriLife Extension recommends cutting Bermuda grass every 21-28 days, which is typically the peak quality for fertilized fields that receive average rains.

“This year, many producers didn’t get their first cutting until June,” she said. “I think there was an evening in May where the temperatures dipped into the 30s, and Bermuda grass doesn’t produce significant growth until nighttime tem-peratures are consistently 60 degrees for several days.”

Following the late start, Corriher-Ol-son said she received a higher-than-usual call volume from producers regarding thinning Bermuda grass stands and dead spots in hay meadows. There were also more calls about crab grass control op-tions from producers.

Then a summer dry spell set in, she said.

“There has been some intermittent, scattered rain, but we’ve definitely had less rainfall than in recent years,” she said. “Most producers got three cuttings, but many who only got two may not get a third if we don’t get good rains from now until November. Even then, pasture production will depend on fertilizer ap-plication, and producers are hesitant to invest time and money unless they see a high probability of rain in the forecast.”

Corriher-Olson said expected rains from Hurricane Laura did not material-

ize for much of the state. She expected, given the extended dry conditions, ar-myworm infestations could follow those storms. So far, most armyworm activity has been sporadic, and mass pasture ca-sualties have been avoided.

“Rains and cooler temperatures could change things quickly,” she said. “And it could be critical for any last cutting to be aware of conditions that might bring armyworms out.”

Winter hay stocks and forageCorriher-Olson said she doesn’t have

a good estimate for where winter hay stocks sit for most East Texas producers because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Hopefully, cattle producers who haven’t hit their typical bale counts are looking at planting winter forages this fall,” she said.

Corriher-Olson said there are a few options for pastures if they miss rains and potential yields aren’t enough to warrant baling. Producers can graze it out or leave it standing.

“Leaving it standing is a good thing because you haven’t depleted the root structure,” she said. “That will help car-ry the forage going into next season, and

it provides some competition against winter weeds. Excess thatch or stubble height can be handled with fire or shred-ding in January or early February while grasses are still dormant.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Coastal Bend – Hot, dry and humid conditions continued. Fieldwork contin-ued, mostly disking. Good crop produc-tion reports were received for all crops. Cotton yields were two to three bales per acre with some reports of four bales per acre. Most cotton acres were harvested, though a few fields had yet to be defoli-ated. Gin yards were filling rapidly. Rice harvest was nearing completion. Al-though hay pastures were parched, pro-duction continued with a second cutting, and some producers were fertilizing for a third cutting. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to decline with hot and dry weather. Livestock were in fair to good condition in most areas.

South Plains – Dry conditions con-tinued. Cotton finished setting bolls. Producers started to reduce irrigation as most plants were mature. Several pro-ducers were busy harvesting corn this past week. Sorghum is starting to color

well. Pumpkins were doing well and continued to mature. Cattle were in good condition with supplemental feeding.

South – Northern, eastern and west-ern parts of the district reported hot conditions and short to very short soil moisture levels. Soil moisture levels were adequate to short in southern areas. Daytime temperatures reached 100 de-grees or more most days. Grain sorghum and corn harvests were completed, and cotton harvest was underway. Atascosa County reported 15% of cotton was har-vested and roughly 15% of fields defoli-ated. Most other counties reported cot-ton fields were being harvested, being defoliated or nearly mature. Many cot-ton fields damaged by Hurricane Hanna were being shredded and stalks were being pulled. Quality irrigated hay was cut and baled in Atascosa and Maverick counties. Oat producers with irrigation water were planting oats while dryland producers were waiting for some mois-ture. Seedbed preparation continued for spinach, cabbage and onion plant-ings. Strawberry producers were plant-ing early varieties. All crops were being irrigated. Moisture levels for fall veg-etables were being managed. Pasture and rangeland conditions ranged from good to poor, and while some continued to decline due to lack of moisture and hot temperatures, some were improving due to recent rains. Livestock in most areas required supplemental feed and water. Prickly pears were ripe and being cleared of thorns for livestock and wild-life. Ranchers were beginning to wean and sell spring calves, and whitetail bucks were finishing their antler growth cycle. Beef cattle conditions were good, but sale volumes were increasing as dry weather continued. Maverick County reported watermelon and cantaloupe harvest continued. Pecan orchards were in good condition and nut development was going well. Local ranchers were pre-paring for dove season. Hay producers made a second cutting as prices ranged from $50-$65 per round bale. Ranchers continued to stock up on bales due to conditions and in preparation for winter. Some sesame fields were being harvest-ed, and some were being destroyed.

MySouTex.com • Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 • Page 3

Hay-producing areas report below-average season

Page 4 • Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 • MySouTex.com

by Paul Schattenberg

National Preparedness Month

began Sept. 1, but Hurricane Lau-

ra and drought conditions aren’t

going to wait for Texans to pre-

pare for potential disasters.

September is designated the

National Preparedness Month

by the Federal Emergency Man-

agement Agency, and the Texas

A&M AgriLife Extension Service

will once again be doing its part

to support preparedness efforts.

However, AgriLife Extension has

resources available to assist Tex-

ans now.

“Weather conditions through-

out the state, including tropical

storms in the gulf and extended

drought in much of the state that

may lead to wildfires, have ampli-

fied the need for Texans to take

advantage of such an emergency

preparation opportunity,” said

Monty Dozier, Ph.D., head of the

agency’s Disaster Assessment and

Recovery unit. “We hope Texans

will take a serious look at what

they can do to prepare so they can

protect their families, homes and

businesses from an emergency or

disaster.”

Dozier said an important source

for helpful, objective, science-

based information on disaster and

emergency preparedness is the

Texas Extension Disaster Educa-

tion Network or Texas EDEN. He

said these sites contain useful in-

formation provided by the agency

and other Texas A&M University

System experts, as well as experts

from state and federal agencies

and throughout the national land-

grant university system.

He also noted a variety of di-

saster preparation and recovery

materials are available at the Texas

A&M AgriLife Extension Book-

store, with most available in Eng-

lish and Spanish.

“In most cases, the information

is free or at minimal cost and is

also available in e-book format for

mobile devices,” he said.

Preparedness includes

planning and practice

Dozier said the most important

step in disaster preparation is to

develop and practice an emergen-

cy family plan that accounts for

any specific or special needs that

may arise.

“Some of those specific or spe-

cial needs might include mak-

ing provisions for small children,

those who are disabled, seniors

or family pets,” he said. “These

plans help everyone be aware of

what to do, where to go and how

to respond if there’s a disaster or

emergency.”

Joyce Cavanagh, Ph.D., AgriL-

ife Extension specialist in disaster

assessment and recovery, College

Station, said an emergency plan

should include establishing escape

routes from your house and neigh-

borhood in the event evacuation

is required and making sure all

household members participate in

an emergency practice session.

Cavanagh said the plan should

identify rooms with at least two

exit points and include a pre-iden-

tified site for family members to

meet once they have left the house.

“You should also prepare a con-

tact card with the name, address,

phone and email for each family

member,” she said. “Have every-

one keep a copy of it in their wal-

let, purse or backpack or vehicle

glove compartment for quick ref-

erence.”

Grab-and-go items

Cavanagh said another impor-

tant element of disaster planning

is to prepare a grab-and-go sur-

vival kit for their home, office and

each vehicle.

“This emergency kit should

contain enough supplies to take

care of immediate family mem-

bers for at least three days,” she

said. “Some essential kit contents

include bottled water, non-perish-

able foods, a hand-operated can

opener, mouth/nose protection

masks, extra clothing, first-aid

kit, gloves, blankets, toiletries, bat-

tery- or hand-powered flashlight,

weather radio, spare batteries, gar-

bage bags, medications and anti-

bacterial cleaners or wipes.”

She said disaster planning

should also include putting to-

gether another grab-and-go box

containing important personal

and family documents and finan-

cial records.

“The emergency plan should

make accommodations for fam-

ily pets,” Cavanagh said. “This

might include identifying hotels or

motels that accept pets or would

waive a no-pets policy in an emer-

gency, as well as listing phone

numbers and addresses of veteri-

narians’ offices.

“You may also want to identify

possible pet-boarding facilities or

coordinate with friends outside

the area to care for the pets. Be

sure to include pet food and pet

comfort items as well as pet vacci-

nation records in your emergency

supply kit.”

Cavanagh said while prepara-

tion takes time and requires fore-

thought and commitment, having

a plan and necessary emergency

supplies in place will help make

a traumatic and highly stressful

situation a good deal more man-

ageable.

More information on emergen-

cy and disaster preparedness can

be found on Facebook, Twitter

and Pinterest.

AgriLife Extension supporting National Preparedness Month

Agency provides variety of information on emergency, natural disaster planning

Flooding remains the natural

disaster responsible for tak-

ing the most lives statewide

each year. The Texas EDEN

website, https://texashelp.

tamu.edu, provides informa-

tion on preparing and recov-

ering from flood and other disasters and emergencies.

(Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

by Olga Kuchment

John Tracy, Ph.D.,

director of the Texas

Water Resources In-

stitute, has been ap-

pointed as interim head

of the Texas A&M

College of Agriculture

and Life Sciences De-

partment of Biological

and Agricultural Engi-

neering, effective Sept.

1. His appointment fol-

lows the Aug. 31 retire-

ment of Steve Searcy,

Ph.D., who has served

with distinction in the

role since 2012.

Tracy is a preemi-

nent researcher and an

accomplished adminis-

trator. For two decades,

Tracy has led many suc-

cessful initiatives that

connected faculty and

staff with government

and private entities to

address regional and

national issues. The in-

stitute he has directed

since 2015, TWRI, is

a unit of Texas A&M

AgriLife Research, the

Texas A&M AgriLife

Extension Service and

the College of Agricul-

ture and Life Sciences.

At the Texas Water

Resources Institute,

and in his position as

a professor of water re-

sources in the Zachry

Department of Civil

Engineering, Tracy has

pursued research col-

laborations to under-

stand and develop sus-

tainable water resource

management practices

across the western U.S.

These projects have re-

sulted in publications

in agricultural, chemi-

cal, engineering and

interdisciplinary water

resource professional

journals.

Tracy’s recent re-

search focuses on the

behavior of water re-

source systems under

the influence of chang-

ing hydrologic, eco-

nomic and social con-

ditions. He also works

to improve engagement

and knowledge among

water resource manag-

ers and users.

Tracy earned a bach-

elor’s in civil engineer-

ing at Colorado State

University in 1980

and his master’s and

doctoral degrees in en-

gineering at the Uni-

versity of California

at Davis in 1986 and

1989. He started his ac-

ademic career in 1989

at Kansas State Univer-

sity. There, his research

focused on modeling

phytoremediation pro-

cesses and developing

models to aid admin-

istration of surface and

groundwater rights.

Tracy appointed interim head for Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Tracy