December 1, 2007 |
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The cold temperatures that covered a large portion of District 7 (November 24-27) could prove damaging to the late planted wheat that just emerged. Damage to wheat would have been worse if it weren't for the rain and snow received. Snow is an excellent insulator and once it exceeds one inch of depth it provides the equivalent of about 10 degrees of protection. Wheat that is well tillered should be able to withstand temperatures in the -5 degree range for at least a short period of time. The longer it stays cold, the greater the risk of killing the growing point. If the top two inches of soil is wet, this will help insulate the wheat growing point.
Because of the rain and snow, weed germination should occur. The control of broadleaf weeds is important to save the moisture and nutrients for the small grain crop. Producers should read the herbicide label closely. If you have a broadleaf weed problem, a sulfonylurea herbicide should be applied after the wheat has reached the two leaf stage. The use of 2-4, D should be delayed until tiller development is complete. Linked is a copy of the 2006 Small Grain Weed Control Guide to help you answer the weed questions that you may get.
Grazing of wheat should be delayed until the secondary root system has developed enough to anchor the plant. If producers start the grazing process too early the livestock will pull the wheat plant up by the roots and reduce the plant population. Producers should examine the wheat plant and determine if the secondary root system has adequately developed before livestock are allowed to graze.
I want to thank Ed Bynum, Rick Minzenmayer, Warren Multer, Rebel Royal, Raymond Quigg, Steve Sturtz, and Tommy Yeater for their assistance in ginning cotton on November 27 at Lubbock. The fiber samples collected are currently being analyzed. The information will be sent to you as soon as it arrives. We were able to process 240 samples in eight hours due to the effort made by all counties. The gin sample sizes between 600 and 650 grams processed quickly with very few problems. Thanks again for taking the time to weigh and prepare your samples.
Don't forget to send me your cooperators information. Linked is the information I need to help in writing up the methods and material section of the result demonstration reports. You should already have this completed; if not try to get the information when you are harvesting the plot or call the producer during weather related harvest delays.
On December 5, a conference will be held at the Abilene Civic Center that provides CEUs for both TDA general and structural license holders. This training is being hosted by the City of Abilene, Texas Cooperative Extension, and the Texas Department of Agriculture. The target audience is Landscape/Turf. For more details and to register for the meeting call Melissa Clifton at (325) 672-6048. Agenda is linked.
On Monday December 10, there will be a training conducted at Abilene for producers needing to obtain a Private Applicators License. For more details and to register for the meeting call Gary Bomar at (325) 672-6048.
On Tuesday, December 11, There will be an Agricultural Waste Pesticide Collection conducted at the Texas Department of Transportation Office located at 299 U.S. Highway 180 which is 1.7 miles west of Roby, Texas. The collection goes from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for more information go to http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assistance/AgWaste/schedule.html
On Wednesday, December 12, There will be an Agricultural Waste Pesticide Collection conducted at Concho Valley Commodities located at 5759 U.S. 87 South in Wall, Texas. The collection goes from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for more information go to http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assistance/AgWaste/schedule.html
On December 13, a five-hour CEU course will be held at the Taylor County Extension Office. This training is being hosted by Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Department of Agriculture. The target audiences are ag producers and home owners. For more details and to register for the meeting call Gary Bomar at (325) 672-6048.
The demand for time in 2008 is already apparent. We have several outstanding meetings already on the calendar. Chris Sansone and I are currently developing plans for result demonstration work for 2008. If you need assistance in planning a demonstration for your county, please let us know. It is important to give us plenty of lead time when help is needed in securing materials.
December 3, District Office, Office Conference
December 3, Tom Green County, Friends of Extension Luncheon
December 4 & 5, Brown County, Professional Extension Associations Board Meeting
December 5, Taylor County, Drift Minimization
December 7, District Office, Southern Rolling Plains Cotton Growers
December 13, Taylor County, Drift Minimization
December 24 - 31, Potter, Randall, & Deaf Smith Counties, Christmas Holiday
January 7 - 11, Brazos County, Ag Program Conference
January 15, Glasscock County, Result Demonstration Review
January 22, Martin County, Permian Basin Cotton Conference
January 29 - 31, Travis County, TX-OK Cotton Physiology and Harvest Aid Study Group
| Sincerely,
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