Tour showcases county's best crops
Collin Co. farmer honored for contribution to farming

By DAVY MOSELEY | East Texas Edition

August 2, 2001 -- Despite a delayed planting window, due to heavy spring rains, row crops in North Texas are weathering the summer well.

This was evident during the recent 20th annual Collin County Crops Tour in McKinney.

Collin County Ag Extension Agent Eddie Baggs commented that while crops in the county are doing okay, their maturity is the main concern.

"Like many areas of Texas we suffered from continuous rains during the spring which made planting most crops difficult."

One farmer in attendance offered his opinion on early planting of his soybean crop.

"If you ask me, no-till (seed drilling) and Roundup® are here to stay," he said. Farmers who utilize no-till planting have a better chance of getting their crops planted during wet conditions since the soil does not need to be broken.

The crops tour highlighted variety demonstrations of corn, grain sorghum, cotton, soybeans and grapes. The group also made a stop at Producers Cotton Compress in McKinney.

One issue discussed during the event was the notable deficiency of zinc in many fields.

According to Dr. Travis Miller, Extension agronomist, zinc deficiency is something growers need to be aware of - especially in corn.

"Have you ever noticed large yellow stripes on corn leaves? That is a sign that the plant is deficient in zinc."

Miller explained that soils lacking in zinc will stunt the growth of corn plants.

"Watch out for zinc problems, because it can really get in your pocketbook. Zinc deficiencies can decrease corn yields by as much as 50 percent," Miller said.

The Extension agronomist outlined that a fall application of 8 pounds per acre of zinc sulfate should remedy the deficiency.

Miller, noting the condition of the soybean plots at the Extension Research Station in Prosper, one of the stops on the tour, said, "During the years where we get some summer rains, like this year, the late 4s knock the stuffing out of the early 4s and late 3s. Normally, however, the late 3s and early 4s are the safest way to go because of the low rainfall in the summer." (Soybeans are categorized numerically according to maturity.)

During the event, the Collin County Extension Service announced the recipient of the Glen D. Lawson Award, an annual award that recognizes a special individual in the county who has made a contribution to the farming community.

Lennis Springs, long-time managing director of Producers Cotton Compress in McKinney, was this year's recipient. Springs passed away this last year, but his wife, Minnie May Springs, was on hand to graciously accept the award.

"He was quite a gentleman," said Baggs. "Everyone will miss Lennis Springs."