Year-end Review: Agriculture in 2003 highlighted a cross-section of news

By KRISTY HEMMINGSEN and TERESA SULLIVAN

National Highlights

• Feb. 1, NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia comes to a devastating end, due to an explosion while airborne over Texas skies. Debris from the wreckage is found in several Texas counties, including many farm fields and ranch pastures.

• FFA celebrated 75 years of making a positive influence in students' lives. National FFA Week is observed Feb. 15-22.

• Dolly (a sheep), the first mammal cloned from an adult animal, is euthanized on Feb. 14 after being diagnosed with a progressive lung disease.

• The legendary "Man in Black," Johnny Cash, died Sept. 12 at the age of 71. (September)

• Americans braced for the fallout from the apparent discovery of "mad cow" disease in the United States even as federal officials insisted the food supply was safe. (December)

State Highlights

• Country World columnist Reavis Wortham acquired several wins from the Texas Outdoors Writer's Association's Excellence in Craft competition. (February)

• West Nile Virus was officially detected in Texas after the finding of a dead bird near Houston. (May)

• Texas doctors announced the state could be in for a bad and longer-lasting flu season than normal. Current flu vaccine does not cover all strains. Related deaths have occurred. (No-vember)

• TCEQ an-nounced they would review their enforcement practices. A week later, an audit showed problems with the agency's enforcement policies and payment means. (December)

January

Corsicana Rotary Club recently named Roy Burns, Navarro County Farm Bureau president, the 2003 Farmer of the Year.

Texas cotton farmers in the Northern Blacklands area voted for a proposition supporting a program for the eradication of boll weevils. The proposition failed due to not receiving the necessary two-thirds vote or 50 percent of the zone's total cotton acreage.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stock rainbow trout throughout the Central Texas lakes.

DeWayne Burns, a Texas Department of Agriculture regulatory inspector from Cleburne, was named Texas Farm Bureau's Excellence in Agriculture Award winner.

The Texas Department of Agriculture chose a Grand Champion Bull named Houston to be featured on Blue Ribbon Bucks, the scratch-off lottery ticket from the Texas Lottery Commission. Houston is co-owned by Steve Osborne of Clifton and Jonathan Harfst of Easton, Illinois.

The 41st Blackland Income Growth Conference forage session focuses on fertilization and year round pasture systems for novice and weekend ranchers.

Cloned pigs behaved normally according to a study done at Texas A&M University in College Station.

In a study by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, summer stocker cattle grazing Tifton 85 Bermuda grass during summer trials showed increased average daily weight gains by as much as 70 percent more than those grazing Coastal Bermuda grass.

Camp Coca Cola Foundation will lease the Parrie Haynes Youth Ranch from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Camp Coca Cola is offered to kids who are economically disadvantaged and might not otherwise have a chance to attend camp where they teach character and leadership building skills.

Dr. Fuller W. Blazer, associate vice chancellor of agriculture and life sciences for the Texas A&M University System was awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize in Agriculture.

B.I.G. Conference program focused on teaching horse owners about genetics, conditioning and overall performance characteristics of horses with demonstrations.

Afghan Agriculture Minister Sayed Hussein Anwari visited Texas A&M University as part of a dinner hosted by Texas A&M University Agriculture Program officials.

Hydrilla steadily encroaches Lake Austin waters by covering over one-fourth of the lake.

The third annual Horn Showcase, sponsored by the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, crowned a new champion and was the first ever show to have cloned Longhorn calves on sale in Fort Worth.

4-H youth learn more about Texas rangeland and grass in preparation for the 4-H identification contest. Dr. Baron Rector, associate professor and Extension range specialist for Texas A&M University was the presenter and helped the youth learn more about grasses and weeds in the state of Texas.

Runnels County was the only in the state's 254 counties to be designates as an agricultural primary disaster area for draught by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman.

Young livestock exhibitors at the 2003 McLennan County Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair are earning more than just trophies but respect for their dedication and responsibility in caring for their animals. Every participant hopes to earn their way into the Sale of Champions where the top placing animals are sold to the highest bidders.

Dublin Dr Pepper will still be made with Imperial Pure Cane sugar despite the fact that Imperial, which is emerging from bankruptcy, had closed the refinery in Sugar Land near Houston.

The Cross Timbers Melon Shortcourse in Comanche gave producers a chance to learn more about crop production. Pollination and weed control were just some of the topics covered in the one-day conference.

Master Volunteer reining for Wellness in the City, a new educational campaign that encourages families to make healthy choices to improve their quality of life, is now being offered by the Texas Cooperative Extension in Dallas County.

February

B.I.G. Conference speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby, a Texas A&M University professor in the Department of Speech Communications, urged farmers and ranchers to strive to make an impact, not just an impression, on others.

The 32nd Mid-Tex Farm and Ranch Show's cotton session updated cotton farmers from all around Texas and other states on equipment and battles over insect infestations.

The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board voted to adopt a new rule establishing a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Program for all animal feeding operations in the North Bosque River Watershed.

Normangee Tractor of Normangee was presented top dealer award in the country from Servis-Rhino.

The 107th Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, held in Fort Worth, closed its 23-day run with officials declaring the event a remarkable success.

Brazos, Burleson and Robertson counties hosted a field crop seminar in Bryan in which many farmers learned more about the escalating issues/laws governing water.

The Texas Animal Health Commission, as a member of the state's Emergency Management Council, is working with ranchers, farmers and other landowners that might find debris from the Columbia space shuttle.

The Pork Checkoff, in conjunction with National Hog farmer, is taking nominations for the 2003 Environmental Stewards Award that will honor U.S. pork producers for their environmental stewardship.

Midway High School in Hewitt, offers several FFA based courses in their Career and Technology Education (CATE) Program.

Comanche, Eastland and Erath counties held the Cross Timbers Peanut Shortcourse during which Dr. Ken Stokes, Extension economist with Texas A&M University, talked about the economic issues concerning peanuts including insurance changes.

Dr. Mark McFarland, an associate professor and soil fertility specialist with Texas A&M University, discussed the importance of soil quality at the Texas Certified Farmers Markets' annual meeting.

The 7th Annual TAMU Mare/Foal Workshop in College Station gave mare owners a chance to find information on broodmare management and raising foals.

Texas A&M University Dairy Center will be closing after 50 years, but academic programs in dairy science will continue.

Information to enhance water quality and to continue economic development in the Brazos area water sheds was the focus of a water quality meeting held in Bryan.

Heavy rainfall resulting in accumulations of several inches in portions of Central Texas caused concern among the region's corn farmers.

Dr. Tim Davis of Plano has been named head of the department of horticulture sciences at Texas A&M University.

Students at Texas A&M University at Commerce gain actual experience farming in a crop production practicum that ties together every class students take in agricultural sciences.

March

Memorial Rodeo honors the memory of a dear friend, David Eggleston, and works toward bringing people to Christ.

Texas A&M department of animal science academic quadrathlon team won the southern regional championship in Mobile, Ala.

Twelve-year-old McKenzie Mullins took second place in the World Cutting Horse Competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, holding off men three times her age and twice her size.

Dr. Creighton Miller, Texas A&M professor of horticulture and genetics, received the prestigious L.M. Ware Distinguished Teacher Award from the Southern Region, American Society for Horticultural Science at its meeting in Mobile, Ala.

Junior Angus exhibitors led 190 entries at the 2003 Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show's Junior Angus Heifer Show in Fort Worth.

Wet weather continues to hamper corn planting in the Central Texas area. Farmers fall further behind in fertilizing and planting because of rain and cold soil.

McLennan Community College offers continuing education courses that allow interested participants to learn more about the world around them. Included in the continuing education program are several new agricultural classes.

A lawmaker in the state's biggest dairy producing region has filed legislation requiring a fee from anyone who complains of possible pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations, namely dairies.

Kevin Gleason of Midlothian, Texas has qualified for the Silver Award of the National Angus Association. The Silver Award is the second level of the National Junior Angus Association Recognition Program.

Crunk Farm, located in Asa in McLennan County, is one of the many farms being recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture for being under continuous ownership for 100 years or more.

The Farm Service Administration administer most of the federal funds that help relieve farmers who lost crops or animals in drought or flood.

"Hands on teaching" in its purest form will be the order of the day when the Texas Cooperative Extension presents "Do It Yourself Brush Control."

Independent Cattleman's Association of Texas photography contest winners were announced and Dian Risinger of Crockett won first place.

The Lone Star Equine Rescue (LSER) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of equines throughout Texas, as well as the surrounding states.

Wild turkey appreciation day focused on the importance of having a diverse plant life for turkeys and insight into keeping turkeys safe from predators.

Texas A&M claimed the overall title, senior college division, in Houston Livestock Show's 2003 Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

The 7th Annual Shawn McMullen Memorial Calf Roping, the Lady Wrangler Breakaway Roping, and the USCRA approved roping moved to Tarleton State University.

April

Problems stemming from oak wilt and grasshoppers, as well as ways to control them, were discussed at the Farm/Ranch and Dairy Day.

Two Texas A&M professors were named by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture as two of the 60 individuals who have made the most outstanding contributions to agriculture during the past 60 years. Dr. Perry Adkisson was cited for leadership in developing Integrated Pest Management and Dr. Norman Borlaug was cited for his leadership in the "Green Revolution."

Phase I of the fund raising efforts of the Tarleton Rodeo Team and the Tarleton Foundation will culminate in a dedication and auction to raise more funds for Phase II of the construction that would cover the main practice arena, add lights, build permanent restrooms and do paving and caliche work.

Master gardeners found out how to handle plants better in a plant propagation workshop in Huntsville.

The Chuck Yeager Award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation was given to Steve Mannin of Gatesville for bringing together multiple private, state and federal partners to accomplish on-the-ground conservation success.

The Hezekiah (Faris) Farris-Benthall Ranch operated by Lucille Benthall was honored among ten other families for owning and operating a farm for more than 150 years at the 28th Annual Family Land Heritage ceremony.

Fifteen rural Texas farm banks, including Capitol Farm Credit, Bryan; FLBA of Texas, Coleman; Lone Star Land Bank, Weatherford; Southwest Texas ACA, Devine; Texas AgFinance, Robstown; and Texas Land Bank in Waco; received the Farm Credit Bank of Texas Pacesetter Award for achieving the bank's highest possible rating in 2002.

Two members of Texas FFAs, Weston Wolff of Taft and Jarrod Reese of Normangee were among the 10 national winners in the sixth annual FFA Risk Management Strategies Writing Contest.

Keegan Moonen of Goldthwaite led the grand champion female in the 2003 Houston Livestock Show Junior Angus Heifer Show.

Florence High School FFA officers and upperclassmen members have put together a farm safety day to help educate pre-k through fifth grade students in the hopes of educating children on farm safety.

Gardening on Fifth Street, a major fund-raiser for the city of Waco, has grown since its beginnings several years ago.

The Hessian fly hit a field in Runnels County killing the entire crop. Texas Cooperative Extension entomologist believes they were introduced by infested wheat straw or harvest equipment.

The annual "Heart of Texas Cow/Calf Clinic" was held in the Brown County Fairground's Economics Building.

May

The Texas A&M University's Horticultural Gardens are run by students and hold seminars about the newest plants growing in the Bryan/College Station area every year.

The Federal Prison Camp in Bryan allow their inmates to work on the camp's gardens.

Dr. Harold R. Emerson of Waco has been elected to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors.

Small farm conference and rural living expo draws Central Texas landowners with vegetable and crop production and animal and animal production seminars.

A meeting co-hosted by Rep. Chet Edwards and Mack Gray, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment was held to discuss water quality and agricultural economic viability issues in the Bosque River watershed.

The Extension offices of Robertson, Milam, Falls and Limestone counties have sponsored an educational meeting to discuss Country-of-origin labeling program.

Summer horticulture camp is now offered for high school students who want to pursue a career in horticulture.

The sixth annual West Texas Deer Study Group session was planned to offer a variety of information on the white tailed deer.

Central Texas wheat farmers are postponing planting due to wet conditions still in affect.

Central Texas cattlemen got a chance to review the benefits and performance capabilities when feeding calves to a finished weight during a recent cattleman's conference held in Bryan.

Year-old Border Collie and Lab mix, Max, was introduced by Texas A&M University veterinary school officials and a Houston businessmen as the first mold-detecting canine.

Fly-fishing and watercolor are the themes for the day for the Amon Carter Museum's "Casting for fun" family day which celebrates the museum's newest exhibit "Casting a Spell: Winslow Homer, Artist and Angler."

The basics of conservation tillage, insect management and forages for summer stocker cattle are just a few of the topics that will be featured at the 40th Stiles Farm Field Day.

Farmers around the Bryan/College Station area were able to acquire important information on hay quality and procedures, as well as the necessity of soil sample tests, during the 2003 Hay Field Day.

The growing problem of insecticide-resistant horn flies, as well as methods to control the problem, were two of the topics covered during the Merial presentation of horn fly control.

Waller County has been added to the state quarantine, restricting the movement of commercial bee operations following the detection of Africanized honey bees.

Lakes Buchanan and Travis are near capacity going into the summer recreation season, and that's very good news for boaters, cited Lower Colorado River Authority (LRCA).

After spending an afternoon on Clear Lake, Texan Alton Jones netted himself $100,000 for catching a mess of bass.

Pork 101 was a three-day, hands-on educational opportunity, held at Texas A&M Univesity, to update interested participants on quality and consistency issues in the pork industry.

Discussions on poultry litter was the focus of the Watershed Task Force meeting in which Terry Thompson, production manager for Sanderson Farms, discussed Sanderson's programs for both phytase addition to feeds and alum addition to litter.

Two hundred and forty high school students representing 60 teams from across the state converged on the Junction Campus of Texas Tech University for the 4th Annual Wildlife and Recreation Management Career Development Event.

June

JD Dudley, a professional bull fighter and clown for seven years, organized the first ever Cowboys Who Care Bull Bash that was held in the Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association indoor arena in McGregor. All proceeds from the show went to the American Cancer Society to help with the fight against cancer.

The Groundwater Conservation District Seminar in College Station focused on the buying, selling and exporting of Texas groundwater.

The 66th Annual Sonora Wool and Mohair Show and the 43rd Annual National 4-H Wool Judging Contest is considered one of the premiere events of its kind and will host producers from all over the U.S. as well as 4-H and FFA members.

Tom Green/Runnels County Integrated Pest Management Committee held a Cotton Insect Scout School covering cotton physiology, plant mapping and insect pest and natural enemy identification.

A Predator Awareness Workshop, where such subjects as recognizing a predation with your stock was discussed, was held at the Concho County Show Barn in Paint Rock.

An Erath County dairy ordered to pay $1.36 million for polluting a stream lost its permit a year earlier for not complying with environmental rules. Gerald and Pamela Oosten, the operators of the dairy, were sued by landowners downstream from the Oosten dairy along a tributary of Little Duffau Creek.

Over 100 participants had a chance to hear about the economic aspect of the wildlife enterprise industry in Texas during the Wildlife Business Development Strategies Seminar.

The key to a successful hunting experience relies on the way the guest is treated while on the hunt and the knowledge that the landowner has in case something goes wrong.

The counties of Van Zandt and Robertson have been designated as primary agricultural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which means all qualified farm operators are eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The Independent Cattleman's Association of Texas (ICA) will set up camp at the Waco Convention Center for the cow/calf groups' 29th Annual Convention and Trade Show themed "Productivity and Profitability in 2003."

Educational programs, association business and fun are slated on the agenda for the 33rd Annual Membership Meeting of the Texas Simmental/Simbrah Association.

Jessica Collard, a 2002 Tarleton State University graduate has been named County Farm Bureau Agriculture Program Coordinator for Collin, Dallas and Ellis counties.

Central Texas producers will have the opportunity to learn more about watermelon production in the Brazos bottom and see various field crop experiments in sorghum and cotton production at the Tri-County/IMPACT Center Field Tour.

Texas 4-H youth are hard workers and dedicated to their crafts as shown through the Texas 4-H Roundup that showcases different contests and gives away thousands of money in scholarships to the winners.

July

Texas A&M University's women's rodeo team took the year-end crown at the last of 10 rodeos in the Southern Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

A workshop focusing on the tools, techniques and strategies used in deer habitat management was held at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at Sonora.

At the Independent Cattlemen's Association cattlemen's college, Jeff Hefferman addressed the importance of backgrounding cattle, as well as selling cattle to their worth.

Central Texas singing star, Pauline Reese of Briggs, remains true to her roots and her art, having already had a top ten single on the Shane Media Texas Music Charts and one of the Top 50 songs of 2002.

Texas Cooperative Extension will host "Wellness in Texas," a program to address the issues of childhood obesity.

Local American Quarter Horse exhibitor, Paige Nichole-Jatzlau of Hearne, has been named as an American Quarter Horse Foundation Scholarship recipient.

Jeff Coppenhaver, creator of the Master's Championship Rodeo, turned to God when in his youth and uses the rodeo to reach out to Texas youth.

McLennan Community College recently expanded their campus, with the hope that an equine management program will be added to the curriculum.

Parker County was added to the state quarantine, restricting the movement of commercial bee operations, following the detection of Africanized honey bees.

Dr. Bill Turner and Dr. Larry Cundiff answered questions about beef cattle breeding at the Beef Cattle Shortcourse.

Aggieland Goat Camp gives exhibitors the most comprehensive training available for goat exhibitors at Texas A&M University.

The American Brahman Breeders Association brought their junior competition back to Waco, allowing young Brahman enthusiasts to show off their animals, as well as teach others why this breed is so meaningful to them.

Gloria Locke, a long-time resident of Waco is proud of her son, Poodie, who is Willie Nelson's stage manager, and what he does through his bar, Poodie's Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood, that features young performers and up and coming artists.

The Texas 4-H Master Goat Volunteer Training class was scheduled to be held at the Texas Extension Office in Weatherford.

An Austin women has contracted West Nile virus, bring the total number of cases in Texas this year to five.

Twenty years after Texas A&M University opened the E.M. "Manny" Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center, it is still going strong providing students with both education and opportunity in various fields of meat and animal science.

Colby Brandt of Sealy placed second in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest with a colored pencil drawing called "Woodies," a depiction of a pair of wood ducks for 2003.

The Crockett County 4-H Club's community service "Angel Tree" project recently won a national award in Colgate-Palmolive's 30th anniversary search for the country's best community projects by young Americans.

August

SpecTra program held in Brownwood gave 14- to 18-year-old participants, mostly 4-H club members from around the state, the opportunity to expand their minds and career goals by partaking in a variety of programs geared toward the four goals of the program.

Dr. Charles J. Scifres, associate vice chancellor and associate dean for agriculture and life sciences and deputy director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station of the Texas A&M University System, died at his home of an apparent heart attack at the age of 62.

Texas Cooperative Extension is offering its fourth annual 4-H Swine Master Volunteer training workshop at the Extension office.

La Vega ISD was recognized for excellence in pest control.

For the first time McLennan Community College and Texas A&M University have teamed up to help local Central Texas students interested in veterinary medicine achieve their goal.

The TAMU Ranch to Rail Program recently announced nomination deadlines for participation in the 2003-2004 Ranch to Rail Program which begins its tenth year of information feedback to ranchers.

Dr. Robert E. Whitson, head of the department of rangeland ecology and management at Texas A&M University for the last 10 years, was appointed the interim deputy director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station after the former deputy director, Dr. Charles Scifres past away from a heart attack.

Lanford Equipment Company, open since 1948, has opened a new store in Marble Falls.

The National FFA Organization recently recognized Robinson FFA Chapter of Waco as a Two-Star winner in the National FFA Chapter Award Program.

During the pecan field day in DeLeon, pecan producers were given helpful tips and advice on growing pecans despite the many obstacles that they will undoubtedly face.

Mike Blakely, a man who loves the country and western life, has surrounded himself with the western atmosphere that is associated with Texas and has been a major icon in the Texas writing and music scene.

For first lady Laura Bush, down on the Texas ranch this summer is about wildflowers, the whistle-like calls of bobwhite quails and gently persuading the president to invite the press corps over to the western White House.

September

Due to recent budget cuts by legislation, many Extension agencies in Texas are trying to figure out how to not only deal with the cuts, but to help satisfy Texas citizens who rely on the agencies for help and knowledge in their daily life.

The death of a Travis County man from the West Nile virus brings the number of confirmed deaths in Texas this year to three.

Hill country peach growers deal with winter storms and spring hail that wiped out most of the peach crop in Hill County.

An ongoing project, which is being conducted at the Texas A&M Blackland Research and Extension Center, tests grass filter strips to see if there is a reduction in the amount of herbicide runoff associated with crops near adjacent lakes, rivers or streams.

When someone enters the Two Grannies Downhome Cookin' restaurant, located in Glen Rose, they can instantly feel like they stepped into their own grandmother's home.

Tarleton State University's Rodeo Program will be holding their First Annual Benefit Auction in conjunction with the Texas Dairy, Farm and Ranch Show at the Lone Star Arena in Stephenville.

A continuing battle with cancer has prompted Texas A&M University System Chancellor Howard Graves to retire.

Texas Farm Bureau Organization Programs Director Si Cook announced 2003 winners of scholarships available to youth through the organization.

McLennan Community College's Continuing Education division in Waco is offering several horse management and riding classes at the MCC Highlander Ranch in Bosqueville.

During the Texas A&M University sheep and goat field day, producers learned about how helpful goats are in controlling juniper and restoring rangeland.

A judging team reunion will kick off the Texas A&M University department of animals science's centennial events.

A Forage Tour and Program has been set up to view and discuss very important coastal bermudagrass fertility studies ongoing this summer.

Central Texas weather records only go as far back as the 1870s, which isn't far back enough for the water planners who must prepare to keep the region from going dry in times of drought have began to study the growth rings of trees to determine weather patterns of the region before the data was recorded.

Oak wilt, a fungus which prevents movement of water and nutrients from the roots of an oak tree tot he foliage, has been detected in over 54 counties with primary problem areas occurring in Central Texas.

The 6th annual Brazos County Youth Commercial Heifer Show and Sale will be held on Oct. 18 at the Brazos valley Livestock Commission Co.

Central Texas showmen scored high marks at this year's National Western Brangus Show held in Albuquerque at New Mexico State Fair. Justin Hillin of Waco and the Tiner family of Hempstead led the pack.

Fourteen students at Texas A&M University recently began a fall 2003 Internship in Washington D.C. through the university's Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Congressional Internship Program.

October

At the Comanche County Forage Tour, farmers were given advice on ways to grow their grasses and products to control fire ant infestations.

At Texas A&M University, the horticulture program is one of the oldest and most popular programs available.

The 2004 edition of the Country Cow Congress, an annual fall beef cattle program that is hosted by Anderson, Freestone, Houston, Leon, Madison, Trinity and Walker County Extension offices, will be held Oct. 16.

John Robinson, Extension economist, addressed the important issue of why so many small farmers fail, when he addressed a number of participants attending the Horticulture Food Crops Symposium.

James Leddy, a legendary Abilene bootmaker, died Sept. 30 following a sudden illness. He was 66.

Plans are well underway for Camp Cooley Ranch's annual female and bull sale to be held Nov. 14-15 at the ranch east of Franklin, Texas.

Billy Willis' career as a bull rider and rodeo clown has recently earned him a spot in the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

On Oct. 7, a forage discussion and hay show presentation occurred during the Heart of Texas Fair Hay Show in Waco, where 47 different entries were analyzed this year.

At the 2003 Cow Country Congress, Dr. Jason Cleere, an Extension beef cattle specialist, was able to share his knowledge and wisdom by addressing the importance of making sure that the bull is of good quality in order to have a good quality calf.

Four girls from Florence FFA in Florence are headed to the National FFA Food Science and Technology Career Development Event being held during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY.

Eric Zimmerman has been named the new Brazos County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Eighty-two year old Dr. Willie Krueger, poultry professor at Texas A&M University, enjoys his career and teaching students.

J.T. Smith is being recognized with the 2003 Outstanding Alumni Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Llano County was added to the state quarantine list Oct. 22, restricting the movement of commercial bee operations following the detection of Africanized honey bees.

November

During the Williamson County Crops Clinic, Texas Department of Agriculture pest inspector Perry Cervantes discussed the importance of having these rules and regulations for pesticides on crops, which have been set up to help guide row-crop farmers with their pesticide decisions.

Dr. Twain Butler, Extension ergonomist, discussed the need of weed control on wildlife food plots during the Pesticide Use and Management Seminar in Hearne.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations have recently found themselves regulated by a newly-revised rule from the Environmental Protection Agency, that has led to lawsuits by both the Sierra Club and agricultural groups.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) department of the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The Temple ARS, called the Blackland Experiment Station, has been functioning since before being officially recognized in 1953.

Joe Bennett, of Bennett Veterinary Hospital in Mexia, is one of a group of veterinarians who is under contract with the Texas Animal Health Commission to administer tuberculosis tests to cattle ranches and dairy farms due to a recent outbreak in the state of Texas.

Utterly Divine Dairy, in Grandview, started out as a way to help the owner's son with drinking milk and has blossomed into a business that caters to those who are allergic to cow's milk and milk products.

Lampasas Cooperative Extension hosted a feral hog education day to help producers better understand feral hogs and their haitats.

The Texas Quality Producer Program that was held in Glen Rose urged producers to work closely with their vets to insure healthy and well cared for stock.

Since 1888, the Weaver family has been a prominent name in the honey bee business. Having branched out in to the selling of honey and bees, there are many apiaries that have branched within the family.

Recent changes directed at how dairymen run their concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) prompted a meeting in which the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality were on hand to talk about the recent changes and the steps dairymen will need to take to obtain a renewal of their CAFO permit.

December

TAHC sends out biosecurity warnings after bulletins contained concern over security of U.S. producers stock and .

The perfect Christmas tree doesn't have to be sitting on a lot as the Texas Organic Christmas Tree Farm holds up the tradition of growing trees for the purpose of families picking trees in the old fashioned way.

Texas 4-H organization held a meeting to gain input on future changes to the organization. Many members had wanted a way to voice their concerns about the changes.

McLennan Community College recently expanded their curriculum to cater to a more rural interest. Horse management programs are part of the expansion and help students with a honds-on approach ro learning.

Texas forage producers look to make top hay as they gathered for the 2003 State Hay Show and annual Texas Forage and Grassland Council meeting.

The Texas Plant Production Association's annual conference was held in College Station and allowed anyone the opportunity to recieve the latest in crop production.

The Leon River Restoration Project is working with landowners and land managers to help restore and upkeep conservation to help improve the quality and quantity of water.

Greenbugs are one of the biggest threats to forage crops grown in Central Texas and the Silage Shortcourse held at the Comanche Community Center presented information on how to control insects.

Eddie Foreman, a field inspector with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has been in law enforcement for 37 years and 25 as a field inspector, helping to protect ranchers and farmers from thieves.