On The Move - Ag News for You! : simplebooklet.com

BRUSH COUNTRYLIVESTOCK REPRODUCTION& MANAGEMENT PROGRAMRegistration InformationThe Brush Country Livestock Reproduction andManagement Program is a three-part series of hands -on/demonstration sessions focusing on topics relating tobeef cattle livestock reproduction.Register early. Spots are limited to 25 participants.Registration is complete once registration cost has been paidin full, pay now to reserve your spot.Cost of the series is $50. If you attend all three sessions, $30will be refunded to you at the conclusion of the thirdprogram.Session 1: LivestockPregnancy DeterminationClinicSession 3: Beef CattleReproduction & GeneticsLocation: East FoundationSpeakers: Garret Stribling, Dr.Carl HarbrothDate: March 5, 2025Time: 8:30 -11:30 a.m.Location: HebbronvilleSpeakers: Dr. Pedro Fontes,Damian Turner, Javier MorenoDate: May 7, 2025Session 2: Bull SoundnessProgramLocation: Triple G Livestock AuctionSpeaker: Dr. Thomas HairgroveDate: April 23, 2025Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.Do You Have Questions or Want to Register?Contact the Starr or Jim Hogg County Extension OfficePhone: (956) 487-2306 or (361) 527-3737“Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an equal opportunity employer and program provider."

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UPCOMING EVENTS03April 2025SUMMER WOMEN IN AGUpcoming 202523 BRUSH COUNTRY LIVESTOCK PROGRAMThe next session of our Brush Country LivestockProgram will be held in Rio Grande City. Even if youmissed the first session, there is still space available!Contact us to register! 7 ANR PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEEfor those on the Agriculture & Natural ResourcesProgram Advisory Committee, we will meet at 11:30.10-13 TSCRA CATTLE RAISERS CONVENTION14 NATIONAL GARDENING DAY17 WEBB COUNTY MASTER GARDENERSWCMG Association will meet at 6:30 for their monthlyeducational session and business meeting.12 LAREDO FARMERS MARKET22 EARTH DAYSUMMER LUNCH & LEARN: HOMESTEADING

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March has been a whirlwind of activity as we welcomed spring in full force! This month has beenpacked with exciting events, educational programs, and memorable experiences, making it one ofthe busiest times of the year.We kicked off the month with the first session of our Brush Country Livestock Reproduction andManagement Program at the East Foundation in Hebbronville, Texas. This program, in collaborationwith Jim Hogg, Starr, and Zapata counties, has been a fantastic opportunity for participants tolearn about calf development within the pregnancy. The initial turnout and engagement wereincredible, and we’re looking forward to continuing this program and providing valuable knowledgeto those involved in the livestock industry.Another major highlight of March was our Beekeeping 101 program, which saw an amazing turnout!A huge thank you goes out to George Mapas, owner of La Gorra Azul Ranch, for hosting us and toMolly Keck for lending her expertise and passion for bees. The interest in beekeeping continues togrow, and it was great to see so many eager learners ready to take their first steps into the worldof beekeeping.Mid-month, we had the opportunity to travel to Houston for the 2025 Houston Rodeo and LivestockShow, and what a trip it was! This annual trip has grown to be one that I cherish and look forwardto throughout the year. This year was extra special as Evelynn was able to fully enjoy theexperience. She absolutely loved being around all the animals, exploring the exhibits, and taking inthe excitement of the rodeo. Of course, one of the cutest moments was when she decided Dad’shat was better suited for her, making for a great memory (and some great pictures!).FROM THE AGENT’S PEN04

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FROM THE AGENT’S PEN05Jeffrey D. HesterJeffrey D. HesterCounty Extension AgentAgriculture & Natural Resources956.523.5290 jeffrey.hester@ag.tamu.edu 7209 E. Saunders Street Suite #5 Laredo, TX 78041 https://webb.agrilife.orgWith spring officially in full swing, our calendars are filling upquickly with more programs, outreach events, and agriculturaleducation opportunities. March also featured our monthlypodcast, 'AgMatters,' which focused on Youth in Agriculture.We heard from 4-H and FFA members alike, listening to theirheart and passion for agriculture advocacy. You can listen to'AgMatters' on Spotify to stay up to date on all thingsagriculture. The warmer weather and longer days mean it’stime to get outside and embrace all that this season has tooffer. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, weappreciate the continued support of our community in makingthese programs a success!Here’s to a busy and productive spring!EVEMAE’S WORLDMiss Evelynn’s March was just as busy as mine! I lovegetting to share the love of my job with her. This month,instead of trying to sum up EveMae’s World, I figured Iwould just show you! The following was Evelynn’s life this month! I am not sure ifshe is going to like sharing it with her soon to arrivebrother!WE JUST FUND IT!

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RECENT PROGRAMSBeekeeping 101: A BuzzingSuccess!BY JEFFREY HESTERThe recent Beekeeping 101 program in WebbCounty was a resounding success, providingparticipants with an in-depth and hands-onexperience in the world of beekeeping. This two-part educational event, hosted by Texas A&MAgriLife Extension, gave attendees theopportunity to learn from experts and gainpractical knowledge to help them on theirjourney to becoming beekeepers.The first session was a classroom-based learningexperience featuring Texas A&M AgriLifeExtension Specialist & Entomologist, Molly Keck.Participants spent the day absorbing valuableinsights into honey bee biology, hivemaintenance, beekeeping basics, and commonpests affecting honey bees. Keck’s expertise andengaging teaching style made for an informativeand interactive session, allowing attendees to askquestions and deepen their understanding ofbeekeeping fundamentals.The second portion of the program broughtparticipants into the field for a hands-onexperience, where they suited up in beekeepinggear and got an up-close look at the innerworkings of a live hive. Under the guidance ofexperienced apiarists, attendees observed theintricate structure and functions of a workinghive, gaining confidence in handling bees andunderstanding hive dynamics. This experienceproved invaluable, particularly for thoseconsidering the purchase of their own hive, as ithelped them feel more comfortable and preparedfor beekeeping.07

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The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciationfor the depth of knowledge shared and the opportunity to engage in a real-world beekeepingenvironment. The growing interest in beekeeping in Webb County is evident, and programs like thiscontinue to provide essential education and resources to support aspiring beekeepers.A special thank you goes out to George Mapas, owner of La Gorra Azul Ranch, for hosting the hands-onportion, and to Molly Keck for her outstanding expertise and dedication to education. With such astrong turnout and enthusiastic participation, the success of Beekeeping 101 sets the stage for morebeekeeping programs in the future.For those interested in learning more about beekeeping or upcoming agricultural programs, stayconnected with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Webb County for future opportunities!08

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RECENT PROGRAMSBrush Country CattleReproduction and ManagementProgram Kicks Off inHebbronvilleBY JEFFREY HESTERThe first session of the Brush Country CattleReproduction and Management Program was heldrecently at the East Foundation in Hebbronville, Texas,marking a strong start to this valuable educationalseries. This program, a collaboration between TexasA&M AgriLife Extension and regional partners, providedparticipants with an in-depth look into cattlereproduction and management strategies.Dr. Karl Harborth, Texas A&M AgriLife ExtensionLivestock Specialist, and Garrett Stripling, EastFoundation Cattle Manager, led the session, offeringtheir expertise on the critical aspects of cattlereproduction. Attendees had the opportunity to learnabout calf development within pregnancy, reproductivehealth, and best management practices to ensureoptimal herd productivity.The interactive format allowed participants to engagewith the experts, ask questions, and gain a deeperunderstanding of reproductive strategies essential tothe cattle industry. With hands-on demonstrations andreal-world applications, the session provided practicalinsights that attendees could apply directly to theiroperations.The event saw a fantastic turnout from cattleproducers and industry professionals across Jim Hogg,Starr, Zapata, and Webb counties, highlighting thestrong interest in livestock education andimprovement. 10

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The collaboration between these counties ensures that producers in the region have access to high-quality,science-based information to enhance their herds and overall ranching success.Participants expressed great appreciation for the depth of knowledge shared by Dr. Harborth and Stripling, notingthat the information provided will help them make informed decisions when managing their cattle operations. Thesuccess of this first session sets the stage for the upcoming installments in the program, promising more valuableinsights and learning opportunities.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension remains committed to supporting ranchers and livestock producers throughcontinued education and outreach. If you would like to register for the future sessions, contact Texas A&M AgriLifeExtension.12

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NEWS ARTICLEDelayed Wildflower Blooms inSouth Texas: Understanding theSlow Start to SpringBY JEFFREY HESTER{added later] Recently, my wife, Evelynn and I took atrip with our Webb County 4-H families to watch themcompete at the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show.The 2024 show was the first time I had ventured toHouston for the event. On the way home this year, Itold my wife I wanted to recreate a bluebonnet picturethat we took of Evelynn around Victoria, Texas.However, to my shock, bluebonnets were no where tobe found. My own bewilderment sent me on a trip backthrough the year to see what enviromental impactswere at play here. This led me to write the followingarticle.Each spring, the highways and landscapes of SouthTexas burst into vibrant color as native wildflowersbloom in full display. However, this year, manyresidents and travelers have noticed a significant delayin the arrival of our beloved Texas Bluebonnets andother native species. As I recently traveled up Highway59 from Laredo to the Houston Rodeo, I was struck bythe absence of these familiar springtime sights—wherethere should have been fields of blue and gold, therewas instead a landscape still waiting to awaken.So, what’s causing this delay in wildflower blooms?Weather’s Role in Wildflower TimingThe primary driver behind wildflower germination andbloom cycles is the weather. South Texas experienced amix of unusual conditions over the past several months,including an inconsistent rainfall pattern andfluctuating temperatures. Native wildflowers,particularly Bluebonnets, rely on a combination of fallmoisture and a gradual warming trend to triggerhealthy growth. 1414

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If fall rains are insufficient or temperatures swing too widely between warm and cold spells, theplants may struggle to develop properly.Rainfall Deficiency and Temperature SwingsMany areas across South Texas received below-average rainfall during the crucial fall germinationperiod, leading to lower seedling establishment. Additionally, the cooler-than-usual temperatures weexperienced earlier this year may have slowed plant development. Even in areas that did receive somerain, intermittent dry periods may have further stressed young plants, delaying their growth cycle.What to Expect in the Coming WeeksWhile the wildflower display is running late, it is not entirely absent. With recent warm temperaturesand improving soil moisture levels, we can still expect to see blooms emerge, albeit later than usual. Asconditions stabilize, travelers may begin to spot patches of Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, and othernative species making their long-awaited appearance.Supporting Future BloomsFor those eager to see wildflowers flourish in the coming years, land management practices play a keyrole. Homeowners and landowners can support native blooms by:- Allowing wildflowers to go to seed before mowing in late spring.- Minimizing herbicide use in areas where wildflowers grow.- Planting native seed mixes in the fall to enhance future displays.A Delayed But Promising Season AheadThough this year’s wildflower season is off to a slow start, nature has a way of adapting. As we movefurther into spring, we can still look forward to seeing South Texas transform into a vibrant landscapeof native beauty—just on a slightly different schedule than usual. Keep an eye on roadsides and fieldsin the coming weeks, and you may yet be rewarded with the stunning sights of Texas’ nativewildflowers.For more information on wildflower conservation and land management, contact the Webb CountyExtension Office.15

On The Move - Ag News for You!

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