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OUR STAFFMarco Ponce County Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources Tony Reisinger County Extension Agent Coastal & Marine Resources Jennifer Herrera County Extension Agent HorticultureTexas A&M AgriLife Extension is a unique education agency that provides programs, tools, and resources on a localand statewide level that teach people how to improve agriculture and food production, advance health practices,protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and enrich youth. In all 254 counties, County Extension Agentsserve families, youth, communities and businesses throughout the state.What We Do Lilian Mezquida County Extension Agent Family & Community HealthGloria Carter Cooperative Extension Agent Family & Community HealthStephanie Bowman Cooperative Extension Agent 4-H & Youth Development Analisa Sanchez County Extension Agent 4-H & Youth DevelopmentNidia Garcia BLT - Extension Agent Beatriz Loya EFNEP AgentAgriculture & Natural Resources Coastal & Marine Horticulture Family & Community HealthCEP Family & Community HealthCEP 4-H Youth Development4-H Youth Development Better Living For Texans Expanded Food & Nutrition In This Issue2024 April - June CAMERON COUNTY TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION NEWSLETTER Scan Here: Contact Us:956-361-8236 cameron-tx@tamu.eduCameron County Extension Newsletter The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the CountyCommissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

On May 23rd, a pesticide applicator trainingwas conducted for 16 private and non-commercial applicators. This training will equipthe participants to undertake the certificationexam required for the application of restricteduse pesticides and herbicides. The trainingcovered topics such as: 8GRAINSORGHUMVARIETY TRAILS Each variety was harvested individuallyand weighed using a grain weigh buggy.Samples were extracted from eachvariety to determine bushel weight andmoisture content. The conclusiveoutcomes of this trial, encompassingyield and quality data, will bedisseminated to local producers. This willenable them to make informed decisionsregarding the most suitable grainsorghum variety for our region.County Agent harvested an 8 varietygrain sorghum variety trial that wasplanted March 4th at Chuck McCuchen’sFarm in La Feria. Each variety that washarvested consisted of 12 rows, and theywere replicated three times in this trial.14ATTENDEES Cameron County Agriculture Agent hosted theSouth Texas Agriculture Symposium by TexasA&M AgriLife Extension with topics including plantdiseases, tree management challenges, wildlifediseases, warm season grasses, sedgemanagement, and cowherd expansion. 14 peopleattended, and participants received 1 CEU.AGRICULTURE BY: MARCO PONCE, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING SOUTH TEXAS AGRICULTURAL SYMPOSIUMPesticide Applicator Training South Texas Agricultural Symposium South Texas Agricultural Symposium1CEU Topics Personal Protective EquipmentSafetyCalibrationLabel Reading

6772VOLUNTEER HOURS$226,794VALUED ATThe future prospects for our shrimp fleet appear grim. Persistently low shrimp prices, elevatedfuel costs, and ongoing crewing difficulties contribute to the industry's challenges. Urgentaction is necessary to address the influx of imports that threaten our domestic market. The forthcoming season, commencing on July 15th, is anticipated to be challenging. TheCameron fleet sustains numerous families and injects millions of dollars into the County eachyear. Moreover, it serves as a significant driver of tourism, fostering substantial economicgrowth. The potential demise of this sector would have far-reaching implications throughoutthe Gulf and Southeast regions.RIO GRANDE VALLEY CHAPTER & SOUTH TEXAS BORDER CHAPTER This quarter, the Rio Grande Valley Chapter and South Texas Border Chapter TexasMaster Naturalists reached 9248 adults and 7430 youth.COASTAL & MARINE BY: TONY REISINGER, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT SHRIMP INDUSTRY 9248 7430YOUTH ADULTS

HORTICULTUREBY: JENNIFER HERRERA, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT Plant Sale and Educational Expo Educational exhibitsincluded composting,vegetable gardening,native plants andbutterfly gardening. 500+PARTICIPANTS JUNIOR MASTER GARDENERThe RGV Small Acreage programs were implemented to aid small-scalefarmers and backyard hobbyists.Our office facilitated a teacher trainingsession for 11 BISD schools. The initiative involves theimplementation of the Junior MasterGardener program in conjunctionwith the Learn Grow Eat GoCurriculum, Learn Grow Eat Go EarlyChildhood Curriculum, and WildlifeGardener Curriculum. The comprehensive training wasextended to both external andinternal partners affiliated with BISD.participantsRGV SMALL ACREAGE PROGRAMSCAMERON COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS Horticulture Education Master Gardeners deliveredhorticultural education andresources at twocollaborative events, namelythe Milkweed and MonarchFair at the Cameron CountyEcotourism Center, and theBrownsville Earth Fest duringthis quarter, engaging withover 150 participants.o RGV Growing Grapeso Veggie Confetti “Growing Microgreens”o Vegetable GardeningCounty Extension Agent, Jennifer Herrera,conducted programs this quarter.65 Participants713Total YouthHorizon Montessori School The Master Gardenersconducted a youth gardentour to Horizon MontessoriSchool.2513Adults

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH BY: LILIAN MEZQUIDA, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT ANNUAL CHILDCARE PROVIDERS CONFERENCEOn April 20, 2024, the Childcare Conference took place at theTexas A&M AgriLife Weslaco Center. The conference coverededucational topics including: Emergency PreparednessEarly Childhood Obesity PreventionA Short Course on Mental HealthAwareness and Care Child Abuse and MaltreatmentAIRROSTI PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINICIn collaboration with Airrosti PainManagement Clinic, we conducted acomplimentary Foam Roller class.Participants were instructed infundamental exercises aimed atenhancing flexibility, boosting bloodcirculation, and mitigating the risk ofinjuries or discomfort. After the class, we participated in a cooking class."Thank you for always giving usbetter/healthier alternatives to food welove. Everything was delicious!"COOKING DEMO PARTICIPANT’S COMMENTCHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK UP EVENTThe event fostered a valuable collaborationamong AgriLife Extension Cameron County,Easterseals, BHSST, MHP Salud, and theAgriLife Extension Passenger Safety &KidSafe Initiatives.

The six-session nutrition program washeld in collaboration with the BaileyDunlap Memorial Library in La Feria.Participants learned about the benefitsof adding heritage foods to their dietsfor optimal nutrition. MYCARE MEDICAL CLINIC PRODUCE DAY Agent Carter participated in theclinic’s fresh produce distribution dayin La Feria by sharing MyPlatenutritional information and resourcesto promote healthy eating habits inCameron County. A TASTE OF LATIN AMERICAN HERITAGEFAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH BY: GLORIA CARTER, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AGENT April - May Early Childhood Learn, Grow, Eat, & Go – Agent Carterin collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife ExtensionBetter Living for Texans Agent Nidia Garica and CEP4H Agent Stephanie Bowman, facilitated the gardeningcurriculum in partnership with the Harlingen CISDMulti-language Department. Over 70 PreK-kinder &kinder youth attended the lessons wherein each weekthey learned about the different parts of a plantthrough lecture, art, song, and dance. EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARN, GROW, EAT, & GOGeneral wellness were conductedacross various locations within thecounty, including Harlingen CISDFamily & Community EngagementDepartment schools and Loaves &Fishes of the Rio Grande.HEALTH & WELLNESS TOPICS INCLUDED: DiabetesAnger ManagementStress ManagementNutritionMay - June

RIVERSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL & SANTA ROSA HIGHSCHOOL4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENTBY: STEPHANIE BOWMAN, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AGENT CAMERON COUNTY 4-H TECH CHANGEMAKER PROGRAM The Cameron County 4-H Tech Changemaker program concludedwith 7504 adult participants reached via digital literacy workshops(in-person and virtual), presented by seven 4-H Tech Changemakeryouth from Riverside Middle School and Santa Rosa High School. THE JUNTOS 4-H PROGRAMThe Juntos 4-H program has been active with activities for youth and families.Operation College Access Sessions, a 5-session educational seriesimplemented at Berta Cabaza Middle School during after-schoolhours.Navience Assessment Workshop, an opportunity for Juntos youth(8 participants) to assess their learning styles, personality types,career clusters, and strengths.Two family nights, where speakers were invited to speak to familiesabout potential career pathways.Youth field trip to Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where 11 studentsexperienced a campus tourJuntos 4-H Academy, a four-day camp at Prairie View A&MUniversity where 19 students and parents participated inleadership workshops, team-building activities, educational tours,and college campus tours. 75044-H TECHCHANGEMAKERYOUTH 7 ADULT PARTICIPANTS

In June, selected 4-H members started theirsummer by competing in the State 4-H Roundupcontests.ContestFashion SensationTalent ShowShooting SportsEducational Presentation4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT BY: ANALISA SANCHEZ, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT 4-H members actively engaged in the District 12Roundup and Fashion Sensation contests, achievingcommendable success as several members securedfirst place, earning the opportunity to advance to theState 4-H Roundup in June.SHOOTING SPORTS In April, the Cameron County 4-H Shooting Sportsteam excelled at the District 12 3-P and Silhouettecontest in Benavides, TX. The Senior team clinched1st place, advancing to the State Contest with topscorers. In May, the 4-H program concluded the year byannouncing the 2023-2024 council members,awarding 22 recognitions, granting $1500 inscholarships to graduating seniors, and selectingthe 2024-2025 County Council Officers.DISTRICT ROUNDUP & FASHION SENSATION$1500Scholarships2023-2024 4-H YEAR STATE 4-H ROUNDUP COMPETITION The Cameron County 4-H members showcasedexceptional representation of their 4-H clubs,Cameron County, and District 12 at a superior level.Team members enhanced leadership skills at theDistrict 12 4-H Leadership Lab and ElectionConvention in Kingsville, TX, hosted at Texas A&MUniversity - Kingsville.4-H LEADERSHIP LAB & ELECTION CONVENTION

4 Million ChildrenAdultsBETTER LIVING FOR TEXANS BY: NIDIA GARCIA, EXTENSION AGENT - BETTER LIVING FOR TEXANS In Texas, one in eight people, or approximately four million people, live in food insecurity, and nearly 13% of households earnat or below the federal poverty line.Additionally, 33% of children and 36% of adults are overweight or obese, which increases the risk ofchronic illness. Through the Better Living for Texans program, people can make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their familiesby receiving research- and evidence-based nutrition, health, and wellness information. The following programs wereimplemented in Cameron County from April through June 2024:BE WELL, LIVE WELLA five-session program for older adults that focuses on maintaining independence through nutrition, physical activity,food safety, and meal planning. The program was implemented at the Rio Hondo Senior Center and the HarlingenSenior Center at WellMed with about 50 older adults registered. A FRESH START TO A HEALTHIER YOU! The four-session program focuses on food safety, increasing physical activity, and basic nutrition to make healthy foodchoices, emphasizing increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. The program was implemented at Huntington atPaseo de la Resaca Apartments in Brownsville with 9 adults registered.CHOOSE HEALTHY A four-session nutrition program for youth that focuses on MyPlate, healthy food choices, physical activity, and healthyhydration. Programs were implemented in collaboration with the Point Isabel ISD – ACE program at Garrida ElementarySchool and Derry Elementary School.40 StudentsEnrolled

35259355FAMILIES ENROLLED PARTICIPANTS GRADUATED CONTINUNG IN THE PROGRAMEXPANDED FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM BY: BEATRIZ LOYA, EFNEP AGENT Participants were educated onstrategies to reduce sodium,saturated fat, and added sugarintake to support a nutritiousdietary regimen. Additionally,each session incorporates a brief,enjoyable 10-minute physicalactivity segment to promote ahealthy lifestyle.Harlingen High School's Teen ParentingEducation Center celebrated parentscompleting the 8-week EFNEP HealthyBites, Healthy Moves series. The seriesincluded making various healthyrecipes, such as the red, white, andblue salad. VIFAC/LIFE PREGNANCY AND FAMILY CENTER BY: NUTRITION EDUCATION ASSOCIATE LAURA DORADO GRADUATION DAY BY:EXTENSION ASSISTANTASHLEY ANDRADE Students learned how to createa balanced meal using all fivefood groups of MyPlate.BROWNSVILLE PARKS & REC.,TONY GONZALEZ PARKStudents completed our 6-weekEFNEP Teen Cuisine series. HARLINGEN HIGH SCHOOL,CULINARY ARTS CLASSBROWNSVILLE ADULTCONTINUING EDUCATION, MS.CARRASCO & MR. REYNA’SCLASSES In lesson 4 “Plate it Safe”, participantslearn how to keep their family’s foodfrom being contaminated throughsafe handle, thaw, store food, and usea food thermometer to preventcontamination.97% Adult participantsshowed improvementin one or more dietquality indicators88% Youth participantsshowed improvementin diet qualityindicators.

CAMERON COUNTY HIGHLIGHTJUNIOR MASTER GARDENER TEACHER TRAINING TEXAS COMMUNITY FUTURES FORUMThe Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a rich history of providingeducational programs that address the most critical issues in CameronCounty. This special event is to ensure that the Extension programs alignwith the county’s needs. TEXAS COMMUNITY FUTURES FORUMBY: CAMERON COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE LEARN, GROW, EAT, GOWe're excited to announce a successful Junior Master Gardener, Learn Grow, Eat & Go! curriculam teacher training heldat Brownsville ISD!A big shout out to the 11 enthusiastic elementary school representatives, including teachers, afterschool coordinators,and specialists, who joined us for this new garden initiative.We couldn't have done it without the amazing support of our Cameron Co. Agents: Jennifer Herrera, Nidia Garcia, LilianMezquida, Gloria Carter, Stephanie Bowman, Analisa Sanchez, Beatriz Rodriguez, and a special thanks to Hidalgo CountyCEA- Horticulture Agent Ashley Gregory for their assistance!Together, we're empowering young minds to learn, grow, eat healthy, and stay active! A curriculum project of the International Junior Master Gardener Program that combines academicachievement, gardening, food experiences, physical activity, and school & family engagement.BROWNSVILLE ISDISSUES RAISED & PRIORITIZED IN CAMERON COUNTY:Ag & Natural Resources - Water Conservation Education (Agricultural and Municipal), Environmental Stewardship(Compost Education), Urban Agriculture / Horticulture, Educational Resources related to Grants and LoansFamily & Community Health - Family Wellness, Parenting Skills /Mental Health, Education and Prevention of SubstanceAbuse, Family Resources Related to Teen Pregnancy Outdoor Activities for Youth and AdultsYouth Development - Life Skills Training for Youth, Natural Resource Education and Awareness, Family and YouthEngagement / Relationships, Low Self Esteem in YouthCommunities & Leadership - Water Conservation and Recycling, Land Use / Urban Development, Native HabitatConservation, Workforce Development

On July 12th, I will be retiring after an illustrious career with Cameron County. I expressmy heartfelt gratitude to the Judges, Commissioners, and County employees withwhom I have collaborated over the past 42 years. Cameron County holds a specialplace in my heart, and I have chosen to reside in Port Isabel with my wife, Brigette. As Itransition into retirement, my primary concern lies with the welfare of our shrimpers,who form a vital part of Cameron County's essence. I am committed to offering myassistance whenever necessary. Muchas gracias y adios!Tony ReisingerCameron County Marine Extension Agent 42 Years of Service Happy Retirement