BLOWING GRASS SEEDHEADS

BLOWING GRASS SEEDHEADS The past couple of weeks there have been lots of range grass seed head blowing and piling on fences and front doors and more. A few years ago we had this issue it was needle and thread grass, Hesperostipa comata or when I was in school Stipa comata, this time it is bottle brush-squirrel tail grass. For those of you who like scientific names it is Elymus elymoides but when I was in college it was Sitanion hystrix. What is bottlebrush squirrel-tail? Bottlebrush squirrel-tail, or simply squirrel tail, is a short-lived grass closely related to great basin wild rye, though not nearly as noticeable. Mature seed heads twist, its stem giving a bottlebrush or squirrel tail appearance. Hence the name bottle bush. Its ability to germinate in the late fall and very early spring at a wide range of temperatures add to its capability to compete with cheat-grass (Bromus tectorumL.) and needle and thread grass. Studies also indicate that squirrel-tail is capable of establishing in medusahead wildrye (Taeniatherum caput-medusae(L.) Nevski) infested sites. This makes squirrel-tail one of the more competitive native grasses available for reseeding disturbed rangelands. It is also a self-pollenating species which allows it to produce seed despite sparse stands following seeding, and seeds are dispersed when the awn (long hair like structure you see) seed head is bounced along the ground by the wind. Squirrel-tail is considered to be one of the most fire resistant native bunchgrasses. Older plants contain relatively low amounts of dead material when compared with other native bunchgrasses. This allows for hot, but quick burns which do not penetrate and damage the crown. However, during dry years plants can be damaged by severe burns. As an early-seral species, new plants often increase for two to three years following burns. When in large, dense stands, squirrel-tail is very effective at controlling wind and water erosion, due to its persistent ground cover. Squirrel-tail is considered to be fair to desirable forage for cattle, horses and sheep in spring before seed head development and late summer to fall after seed shatter. The long, sharp awns of the florets and glumes can be injurious to grazing animals during mid to late spring into summer. Leaves green up in very early spring and are palatable through the fall, especially following rain. The tendency for some leaves to remain green through the winter makes squirrel-tail an important, though not especially nutritious, winter forage species. The crude protein can range for 18% in the spring to 4% in the winter. This plant is much more desirable range plant than the needle and thread grass it has replaced. and seeds are dispersed when the awn (long hair like structure you see) seed head is bounced along the ground by the wind. Awns may also get stuck in animal hair and be transported by them. Bottlebrush squirrel tail inhabits a wide variety of soil types and is tolerant of alkali soils. It is drought adapted, growing best with 8 to 20 inches average annual precipitation which is Eddy County. In general, squirrel-tail is classified as fair forage for grazers. Later in the season after flowering, it may be consumed only after the seed head have broken and fallen because their sharp points can injure soft tissue. It provides fair erosion control and produces large numbers of highly viable seeds. Squirrel-tail’s most important role is as an early successional species, growing rapidly following. It shows good potential in its competitive ability against cheat-grass, and the needle and thread grass we had a few years ago. So while it may seem like a nuisance the fact it is here is a sign that our range land is healing after the severe fires we had a number of years back, and that ranchers with state and federal land managers are taking care of this vital resource. Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating

USDA Ombudsperson Office Expands to Help Women and Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers Resolve Access Issues to USDA Programs

USDA Ombudsperson Office Expands to Help Women and Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers Resolve Access Issues to USDA Programs WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Office of the Ombudsperson is helping women and Hispanic farmers and ranchers with accessing Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Rural Development (RD) programs. The Ombudsperson seeks a fair process for everyone involved and helps USDA identify and address issues relating to program access by women and Hispanic producers, focused strategically on FSA, NRCS, and RD programs in California, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. "I strongly support this office and its functions in ensuring civil rights at USDA and continuing to improve service delivery to our stakeholders," said Vilsack. "The Ombudsperson is another avenue for producers to highlight their shared concerns, while also allowing key issues to be brought to USDA's leaders as early as possible and to help identify solutions to these shared concerns." The office was created as part of the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement to serve Native American farmers and ranchers before directing efforts to serve women and Hispanic farmers. The Ombudsperson serves as an independent, neutral, confidential and informal resource and advocates within USDA for changes when the process, supporting information and data demonstrate a need. However, the Ombudsperson will not advocate for individuals, groups or entities or take sides in an issue or advocate for a particular outcome. During his tenure, Secretary Vilsack built a new era for civil rights at USDA to ensure that all customers and employees are treated fairly, no matter their race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age and consistently supported efficient delivery and coordination across all of USDA's programs. The Ombudsperson: • listens to concerns as a confidential neutral person with no agenda or bias; • facilitates early calls with USDA program staff and managers; • makes the connections with the right individuals who can answer the questions or address the concerns raised; • shares systemic issues with the USDA managers and senior leaders; and • helps identify recommendations on shared concerns. More information about the Office of the Ombudsperson is available at www.usda.gov/ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson, Joanne Dea, can be reached by phone at (202) 205-1000 or via email at ombudsperson@usda.gov. #

Southwest Beef Symposium set for Jan. 11-12 in Roswell

Southwest Beef Symposium set for Jan. 11-12 in Roswell Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu Contact: Dr. Bruce Carpenter 432-336-8585 BCarpent@ag.tamu.edu ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO – The Southwest Beef Symposium, a two-state educational program jointly hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, is set for Jan. 11-12 at the Roswell Convention Center, 912 N. Main St. in Roswell, New Mexico. This year’s theme will be “What’s to Follow Historic Times?” said Dr. Bruce Carpenter, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in Ft. Stockton. “After several years of very favorable cattle prices for cow-calf and stocker producers, the drastic drop we’re seeing in the cattle market now has various segments of the industry wondering what to do for income, production and profit. The goal of this symposium is to provide answers to those questions.” Individual early registration is $75 by Jan. 2 and $95 thereafter. The fees include a steak dinner on Jan. 11, lunch on Jan. 12, refreshments and symposium proceedings. To register, and for more information, visit the symposium website, http://swbs.nmsu.edu, or contact Carpenter at 432-336-8585, BCarpent@ag.tamu.edu. The opening session from 1-5 p.m. on Jan. 11 will address emerging big-picture issues in the global beef industry, he said. Issues and speakers will be: -Global Factors Affecting U.S. Beef Demand and What Are Others Expecting from the U.S., Leann Saunders, IMI Global president. -Sustainability, What Is It? What Does It Really Mean?,” Dr. Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef specialist, Amarillo. -What Happened to the Calf Market?” Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University professor of agricultural economics and agricultural business, Stillwater, Oklahoma. – Key Performance Indicators for Cow-Calf Producers, Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist, San Angelo. The second day will focus on cow-calf and stocker ranching and production operations. Speakers and topics will include: – EPDs Tool for Progress, Dr. Marcy Ward, NMSU Cooperative Extension livestock specialist, Las Cruces, New Mexico. – Beef Genomics: Present and Future, Dr. Kent Anderson, Zoetis Animal Health strategic account manager, Lincoln, Nebraska. – Residual Feed Intake: What Is It and How Can It Be Used to Improve the Bottom Line? Dr. Gordon Carstens, Texas A&M University professor of animal nutrition, College Station. -Residual Feed Intake: What Is It? How Should It Influence Management? Dr. Eric Scholljegerdes, NMSU associate professor of ruminant nutrition, Las Cruces. – Developing Immunity in Calves. Dr. John Wenzel, NMSU Cooperative Extension veterinarian, Las Cruces. -Prescribed Burning in the Southwest, Dr. Morgan Russell, AgriLife Extension range specialist, San Angelo.

NM Cotton Conference

NM Cotton Conference will be the day before the hay conference on 11 January 2017 at the Ruidoso Conference Center. he New Mexico Cotton Growers Association Conference provides an opportunity for cotton growers in New Mexico to update their knowledge on important production practices and to also learn about new technologies in cotton production coming out from the industry. It also provides an opportunity for cotton growers to network among themselves and discuss matters that are of mutual benefit. Cotton plants The 2017 New Mexico Cotton Growers Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico. (NMSU photo) The 2017 New Mexico Cotton Growers Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico. This year’s conference will focus on cotton nutrition and fertilization, disease management, cotton varieties, cotton economics, the current regulatory environment and cotton classification and grading. “We have a lineup of great speakers, from within and outside of New Mexico, who will deliver cutting-edge information related to cotton production practices,” said John Idowu, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service agronomist. “We will also have representatives from seed, chemical and irrigation industries, to provide information on products that can lead to cost savings for farmers.” All New Mexico cotton growers, extension educators, crop consultants and stakeholders are welcome to attend. Registration fee is $25 per person, which includes lunch. Registration form can be downloaded at http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/ifcpm/documents/conference-registration-form-2017.pdf. Mail, email or fax completed registration forms to Patrick Sullivan, 1946 S. Valley Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88005, nmbollweevil@zianet.com, phone 575-541-0584 or fax 575-541-0788. Those who wish to come the day before the conference can stay at The Lodge at Sierra Blanca, 107 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso, 575-258-5500. The hotel offers a discounted conference rate in conjunction with the New Mexico Hay Association Conference. Please reference the NM Hay Association Conference when making reservations. If you have any questions, please contact Idowu at jidowu@nmsu.edu, 575-646-2571, or Sullivan at nmbollweevil@zianet.com, 575-541-0584.

NM Hay Conference

NMSU, NM Hay Association to host annual Southwest Hay & Forage Conference in Ruidoso Jan. 11-13 DATE: 12/09/2016 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Mark Marsalis , 505-865-7340, marsalis@nmsu.edu RUIDOSO – Hay operation resilience and flexibility during tough economic times will highlight the 2017 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference Jan. 11-13 at the Ruidoso Convention Center in Ruidoso. “Low hay prices and high input costs have caused producers to question traditional practices and consider how they can do things differently in order to increase their profit margins,” said Mark Marsalis, New Mexico State University Extension forage specialist. “This conference will address concerns of financial uncertainty and how to use new technology and alternative crops to improve crop and economic diversity.” The conference is sponsored by the New Mexico Hay Association and NMSU. NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Rolando Flores’ opening remarks will kick off the conference’s general session Thursday, Jan. 12. Flores promotes the importance of NMSU’s College of ACES in the state’s economic development through research and education in the areas of better water utilization/conservation systems, stewardship of the environment, a better food production system and healthier New Mexicans. “This year, we’ve assembled a broad range of forage knowledge and expertise from universities, farmers and industry interests across the United States,” Marsalis said. “This panel of speakers is sure to provide valuable information that our New Mexico producers don’t want to miss.” Among the speakers will be specialists from across the country with vast experience of producing forages in challenging environmental and economic conditions. Agricultural specialist presentations will include: – Wayne Coblentz from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin, speaking on hay preservation and hay cutting management for maximum quality – Joe Brummer of Colorado State University speaking on utilizing brassicas as an alternative forage to increase diversity and farm flexibility – Steve Orloff of the University of California Extension speaking about Roundup Ready alfalfa; avoiding injury and weed resistance; and how to cut farm costs during economic downturns – Garrett Kennedy of Knopf Farms in Kansas speaking about no-till forages and the challenges experienced and techniques used on a long-term, no-till operation – John Idowu, NMSU Extension agronomist, speaking about other alternative crops that may fit into New Mexico operations – Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension weed specialist, giving weed label updates for forages – Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist, speaking about white-fringed beetle and insect management Presentations related to equipment efficiency and technology will be made on new sprayer technologies and utilization by Tim Conoly of Wylie Sprayers and corn planting technology by Stacey Bandoni-Lewis of Precision Planting. Business and policy updates will be presented on: – Workers’ Comp and OSHA regulation updates by Erica Moncayo of New Mexico Mutual – Pasture, rangeland and forage insurance by Kevin Gubbels of InsureMyForage.com – Legislative update by Zack Riley of New Mexico Farm Bureau Thursday evening, agricultural comedian Tim “The Dairy Farmer” Moffett will be the after-dinner entertainment, which will be followed by a live band and dance. The New Mexico Hay Association board of directors meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the MCM Elegante Lodge & Resort (formerly the Lodge of Sierra Blanca), and again immediately following the conference. Five New Mexico pesticide applicator continuing education units have been approved for this meeting. CEUs for Texas and Arizona have been requested. Preregistration is $100 per person before Dec. 28. Attendees can register at the door for $120. Annual membership dues to the association are $45. Register online at: http://www.nmhay.com/2017-conference.html. Registration includes the two-day conference, two meals and entertainment. Lodging is available, at a discount, adjacent to the Ruidoso Convention Center at the MCM Elegante Lodge & Resort (formerly the Lodge at Sierra Blanca). A number of rooms are reserved at the special rate. You can reach them at: 1-866-211-7727 or online at: http://www.mcmeleganteruidoso.com/. For more information on the conference, including a full agenda, visit http://www.nmhay.com or contact Cassie Sterrett by phone at 575-626-1688 or by e-mail at nmhay@yahoo.com. Registration forms are available online at http://www.nmhay.com or http://forages.nmsu.edu. Marsalis can be contacted at 505-865-7340 or marsalis@nmsu.edu. Contact Sterrett for a copy of the registration forms and exhibitor information. Booth space is still available. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

EPA Finalizes Human Health Risk Assessment for Pesticide Used on Pets

EPA Finalizes Human Health Risk Assessment for Pesticide Used on Pets EPA has finalized the human health risk assessment of tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP). TCVP is an organophosphate insecticide used to control fleas, ticks, and other pests on and around pets and livestock. It is used in residential products like pet collars. Through the publication of the revised human health risk assessment and related documents, we are addressing a 2009 Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) petition. This risk assessment identified potential risks to people, including children, in residential settings and to certain workers applying TCVP, which exceed the Agency’s level of concern. The Agency has contacted the pesticide manufacturers to initiate discussions with them to reduce exposure and resolve potential risks identified in the human health risk assessment. The Agency will issue a Proposed Decision in 2017 for public comment. Until that time, it is important to follow label instructions on proper use of pesticide products. We advise consumers to take certain precautions when handling TCVP products in residential areas. These precautions are listed on TCVP product labels, including: • not allowing children to play with TCVP pet collar products, • keeping TCVP spray and powder products out of reach of children, and • washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. To view TCVP’s human health risk assessment and other registration review documents, visit regulations.gov, docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0316. More information on: • tetrachlorvinphos • protecting your pets form fleas and ticks • reducing your child's chances of pesticide poisoning

Help Protect Your Family from Lung Cancer: Test and Know Your Home’s Radon Level

Woods note: New Mexico has a high radon rate. Help Protect Your Family from Lung Cancer: Test and Know Your Home’s Radon Level WASHINGTON – January is National Radon Action Month, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joins with state, tribal and local public health agencies to encourage all Americans to test their homes for radon. Exposure to radon in indoor air is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Test your home and make 2017 a safer and healthier year. “January is the time when we remind everyone to ‘test, fix and save a life.’ That’s because lung cancer due to radon can be prevented by testing, and if needed, fixing your home. It’s a simple and important way to help safeguard your family’s health,” said Jon Edwards, Director of EPA’s Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. “Testing is inexpensive and test kits are readily available and easy to use. Reducing your family’s exposure to radon provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re doing the right thing to help avoid the toll taken by radon-induced lung cancer.” Every year an estimated 21,000 Americans die from lung cancer due to radon exposure. There’s only one way to know whether your home has an elevated radon level: testing for it. If the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more, the U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend taking action to fix your home. With a test result of 4 pCi/L or more, you should contact a qualified radon mitigation contractor. Easy to use do-it-yourself radon test kits are affordable and available online and at many home improvement and hardware stores. You can also hire a qualified radon professional. Testing may show your home to have a high radon level. If so, a professionally installed radon reduction system, using a vent pipe and exhaust fan, will help prevent the radon from entering your home and will discharge it outside. When compared with risk of lung cancer, these systems are very affordable, generally in the price range of many common home improvements. Reducing your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your health and your home. A mitigation system in good working order is a positive selling point when placing your home on the market; in many areas radon testing is a routine part of a home sale. Are you buying a new home? Ask the seller if the home has been tested recently. If the results are high, the costs to fix it can be factored into the sale. Thinking of building a new home? Work with your builder to include radon-resistant construction techniques. Strategies to reduce radon exposure, like those above, are included in the National Radon Action Plan. The Plan was launched in November 2015 by EPA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and nine national non-governmental organizations. This national partnership coordinates radon reduction efforts and resources. The Plan’s goal is to prevent 3,200 lung cancer deaths annually by 2020. To learn more about testing or obtaining a radon test kit, contact your state radon office at 1-800-SOS-RADON. Visit https://www.epa.gov/radon to find a qualified radon professional, or learn more about the National Radon Action Plan partnership. R001