uide I-102: West Nile Virus: Information for New Mexico

Guide I-102: West Nile Virus: Information for New Mexico Revised by Sonja Koukel (Community and Environmental Health Specialist, Dept. of Extension Family and Consumer Sci.) http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_i/I102.pdf

Cotton Growers to gather Jan. 11 for annual conference

Cotton Growers to gather Jan. 11 for annual conference DATE: 11/30/2016 WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu CONTACT: John Idowu, 575-646-2571, jidowu@nmsu.edu The 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. 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. - 30 -

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Latest Quarterly Export Forecast for 2017

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Latest Quarterly Export Forecast for 2017 WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement on the forecast for U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2017. "U.S. farmers and ranchers continue to rise to the challenge of supplying the world with high-quality, American-grown products. At a projected $134 billion in 2017, U.S. farm exports continue to rally and remain on the record-setting pace of the past eight years. Since 2009, the United States has exported more than $1 trillion in agricultural products, far more than any other period in our history, thanks to the productivity and ingenuity of American farmers and ranchers, aided in part by the work of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service to arrange and support trade missions and of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to break down trade barriers. "The $134-billion forecast represents an increase of $4.3 billion from 2016 and would be the sixth-highest total on record. U.S. agriculture is once again expected to post a trade surplus, totaling $21.5 billion, up nearly 30 percent from the $16.6 billion surplus in 2016. "The expected volume of 2017 exports is noteworthy, with bulk commodity exports expected to surpass last year's record levels - led by soybeans at a record 55.8 million metric tons, and corn, up 11 percent from last year, to 56.5 million metric tons. The volume of cotton exports is expected to begin recovering and most livestock and poultry products should see moderate increases in export volume as well. "Exports are responsible for 20 percent of U.S. farm income, also driving rural economic activity and supporting more than one million American jobs both on and off the farm. Earlier today, USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) released the Farm Income and Financial Forecasts for 2016, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the farm economy in the face of challenging markets, in large part due to the contribution of exports. Over the past eight years, USDA has worked to boost export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products by opening new markets, pursuing new trade agreements, enforcing existing agreements, and breaking down barriers to trade. "USDA has made support for exports and production agriculture one of the Four Pillars of a 21st century rural economy, along with local and regional food systems, the biobased economy, and conservation and natural resources, and has made significant, targeted investments in these areas. Today's reports showing growing exports and stable farm incomes reflect the strategic, consistent work of the Obama Administration since 2009 to help rural America thrive. We must continue promoting a favorable trade environment for American exports and making targeted investments that drive the rural economy forward to ensure this progress continues." Full forecast: https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/quarterly-agricultural-export-forecast #

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Farm Income Forecast for 2016

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Farm Income Forecast for 2016 WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement today on the Farm Income and Financial Forecasts for 2016, released by USDA's Economic Research Service. "Today's forecast continues to show that the health of the overall farm economy is strong in the face of challenging markets. After reaching record highs in 2012-2014, net farm income declined in 2015 and is forecast to decline in 2016, but the bigger picture shows that farm income over the last five-year period reflects the highest average five-year period on record. The comprehensive farm safety net provided by the 2014 Farm Bill will continue to help America's farmers and ranchers respond to market conditions and provide financial stability for producers. Farm Bill program payments are forecast to increase over 19 percent to $12.9 billion in 2016, primarily through Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) payments. "As we saw in the August forecast, the estimates again show that debt to asset and debt to equity ratios -- two key indicators of the farm economy's health -- continue to be near all-time lows, and more than 90% of farm businesses are not highly leveraged. Median household income for farming families remains near historic highs and is expected to remain stable relative to 2015. In 2016, higher off-farm earnings are expected to help stabilize losses due to low commodity prices. "The trend in strong household income reflects work of the Obama Administration since 2009 to make significant and targeted investments to help rural America thrive, including farming and non-farming families alike. At the beginning of the Obama Administration, rural areas were reeling from the Great Recession. Rural counties were losing 200,000 jobs per year, rural unemployment reached nearly 10 percent, and poverty rates reached heights unseen in decades. Over the past eight years, USDA has invested in building a more robust system of production agriculture, expanding foreign markets for U.S. farm goods, bolstering local and regional food systems across the country, and creating a new biobased economy in rural communities that today supports more than 4.2 million American jobs. Rural counties added over 250,000 jobs in both 2014 and 2015, and the rural unemployment rate has dropped below 6 percent for the first time since 2007. Rural populations have stabilized and are beginning to grow. Median household income in rural areas increased by 3.4 percent in 2015, poverty rates have fallen, and child food insecurity is at an all-time low. "The future of rural America looks much brighter today, but we must continue to focus on the targeted investments to help the rural economy retool itself for the 21st century." Full Forecast: https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-sector-income-finances/2016-farm-sector-income-forecast/ #

New Extension Publications

Circular 681: Managing Aquatic Weeds Rossana Sallenave (Extension Aquatic Ecology Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR681.pdf Guide H-507: Lawn Care for Disease Control Revised by Natalie P. Goldberg (Extension Plant Pathologist/Distinguished Achievement Professor, Dept. of Extension Plant Sci.) and Bernd Leinauer (Extension Turfgrass Specialist/Professor, Dept. of Extension Plant Sci.) http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H507.pdf Guide C-309: Pressing Pointers Revised by Jennah McKinley (Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Eddy County Ext. Office) http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C309.pdf

Updated Version of Pesticide Label Review Manual Chapter 1 Now Available

Updated Version of Pesticide Label Review Manual Chapter 1 Now Available EPA has updated the Pesticide Label Review Manual (LRM)’s Chapter 1. This manual began as a guide for EPA label reviewers, and now it serves as a tool to assist EPA’s stakeholders in understanding the pesticide labeling process. The LRM is also useful in understanding approaches for how labels should generally be drafted. Chapter 1 changes include reformatted text, style and layout to improve readability and accessibility. This update is the first in a series of rolling chapter updates to be announced by EPA as they are completed by the Label Review Manual Subcommittee over the coming years. Please use the Pesticide Labeling Questions & Answers – Form to submit questions or comments on the LRM.

Scientific Advisory Panel to Meet on Cancer Potential of Glyphosate (rescheduled meeting)

Scientific Advisory Panel to Meet on Cancer Potential of Glyphosate (rescheduled meeting) The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) will meet December 13-16, 2016, to consider and review a set of scientific issues being evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding EPA's evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of the herbicide glyphosate. This is the meeting that was rescheduled from October 18-21, 2016. EPA has published meeting materials in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0385 at www.regulations.gov, including a glyphosate issue paper with the Agency’s proposed classification that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans at doses relevant for human health risk assessment. The meeting materials, charge, panel members and panel biosketches for this SAP meeting are also posted on the Scientific Advisory Panel website. The peer review panel has 90 days to provide EPA with a written report. Once EPA has reviewed the SAP report and made any appropriate changes to our risk assessment, we intend to release all the components of our full human health and ecological risk assessments for a 60-day public comment period. We are currently scheduled to publish the human health and ecological risk assessments in spring 2017.

EPA Draft Malathion Human Health Assessment Available

EPA Draft Malathion Human Health Assessment Available For Release: September 15, 2016 Updated November 18, 2016 -- The comment period will be open until December 21, 2016. Read the Federal Register Notice. EPA is making the draft malathion human health risk assessment available. For this draft risk assessment, EPA considered exposures from all sources, including food, drinking water, and insect sprays. In addition, EPA considered all populations including infants, children, and women of child-bearing age. The public comment period for the draft human health risk assessment will open as soon as the Federal Register Notice publishes in the weeks ahead. View the draft assessment. Once the comment period opens, EPA invites the public and stakeholders to comment on the draft human health risk assessment, which can be found at: www.regulations.gov in the “Supporting Documents” Section of docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0317. Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide used on a large variety of agricultural (food and feed crops) and non-agricultural sites. Some products are available to consumers for outdoor residential uses, including vegetable gardens and ornamentals. Malathion is used in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Cotton Boll Weevil Eradication Program and Fruit Fly (Medfly) Control Program, and by mosquito control districts around the United States for mosquito-borne disease control. Less than 1% of spraying for mosquitoes is malathion aerial spray. Given the current importance of mosquito control to minimize transmission of the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, EPA has provided mosquito control professionals in local governments and mosquito control districts with advice on malathion aerial spraying based on the draft risk assessment results. While EPA would normally not make risk management recommendations based on a draft risk assessment, EPA has provided this information to mosquito control districts in the interim so they can be confident in the safety of malathion aerial spraying applications. Learn about malathion’s use as a mosquito adulticide. It is important to note that EPA’s assessments are intentionally conservative in order to be protective of the most sensitive populations who may also experience the highest possible exposure. EPA is currently seeking public comment on this draft risk assessment and will update the assessment as appropriate.

Healty soil health ranch

When I first started learning about grazing management, the concept that most blew my mind was animal impact. Not anymore. I've seen it with my own eyes, and scientific documentation is growing steadily. For those uninitiated to the term, animal impact is the cumulative effect of plant biting, saliva, urination, defecation, trampling and all the other things grazing animals do to plants and their habitat. The idea that these things can be positive when applied in the right ways and right timing can best be understood by thinking about the immense herds in which ruminants lived and traveled in significant portions of the year, and the apparently high organic matter in prairie soils that resulted and are now degraded all over the world. These days, those of us in the livestock industries should think about applying animal impact in terms of animal herd density, or stock density. That refers to the number of animals present in a paddock at one time, and it effectively compounds herd effect. Personal experience I saw this very visibly the growing season of 2011, the year after I grazed the small pasture near my house at super-high stock density the fall of 2010. You can find one of my blogs from that timeframe describing those initial experiences on BeefProducer.com. All my grazing that fall was done at 200,000 pounds per acre of stock density and above. When I could spare the time, I used stock densities up to 1,000,000 pounds. In that droughty year, on the worn-out soils, that meant I usually had to just stand and watch the cattle graze and then move them as soon as they became listless and the forage was well-cropped. In other words, it only took a few minutes. The amazing result I saw the next year was a tremendous crop of purple top, a mid-seral forage that's relatively high quality and loved by cattle. It was dramatically obvious: Where the cattle had grazed between the temporary fences, the purple top was dominant that first year. Under the fences it was mostly windmill grass, a locally prominent foxtail, and a mix of weeds typical of "go-back" farm ground. Since then, I have grazed cattle on this pasture every year except this year, and at moderately high stock densities ranging from 20,000 to 250,000 pounds per acre. The forage type and quality continue to improve visibly, soil samples suggest the soil is improving, and forage volume is improving. Yet I've never seen so dramatic a change as I did that first year when I applied the most animal impact. Scientific evidence Moreover, studies by a group of scientists and ranchers working in several projects are showing high stock-density management develops soil much more quickly than lighter-density "rotation" grazing. Allen Williams, a private consultant, grazier, and partner in the land management firm Standard Soil, shared the figures from a research project he helped conduct. Williams and other scientists are comparing the effects of management on the soils of three farms/ranches in Mississippi, and are expanding the efforts to other regions of the country. Williams explains the first set of data were collected in the fall of 2014 using three farms in northeast Mississippi. The farms agreed to participate in a multi-year study. They are in close proximity to each other and have the same soil types, topography and annual average rainfall. The primary difference is the grazing strategy employed by each farm. The three farms selected were: Farm 1 – Practices Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing (AMP) for the past five years. Prior to that, the farm was alternately in row crops, dairy and CRP for the last several decades. Stock density for the AMP grazing over the past five years was strategically alternated between 100,000 pounds per acre and over 500,000 pounds per acre, with cattle being moved either daily or multiple times a day to fresh pasture. Starting soil organic matter at the beginning of AMP grazing five years ago was 1.5%-1.6%. A cow-calf operation has been maintained on the farm for the past five years with the cattle used as a tool for land improvement as well as for beef production. Farm 2 – Practices a grazing methodology with high stocking rates (HCG), in which the cattle are rotated to fresh pasture once every two to four weeks. The farm has been continuously in pasture and grazing for the past 50 years, alternating between cow-calf and stocker grazing. Farm 3 – Practices continuous grazing with low stocking rates (LCG). Cattle are free to graze most the farm without restriction to movement. This farm has been in continuous grazing (primarily cow-calf) for the past 40 years. Many scientists have said for many years that soil organic matter (SOM) cannot be improved. The data from this trial show differently. On the AMP farm, which uses high stock-density grazing and heavy animal impact, SOM was 4.26% in the top 6 inches and 1.98% at 36 inches. The AMP farm started five years before the study began with an average of just 1.5% SOM in the top 6 inches, so the SOM has increased almost threefold within a five-year period. SOM from five years ago was not available for the HCG and LCG farms. Williams and the other researchers estimate the current SOM on the HCG and LCG farms is about the same as it was five years ago since management has been static. On the HCG farm, SOM ranged from 3.28% in the top 6 inches to 0.82% at 36 inches. On the LCG farm, SOM ranged from 2.72% in the top 6 inches to 0.68% at 36 inches. Animal impact and the way you choose to manage grazing makes a huge difference. Data and empirical evidence show the more you can apply these principles, the faster you can make improvements.

EPA Registers Dicamba Formulation for Use On Dicamba Tolerant Crops November 9, 2016 Beck BarnesPosted By: Beck Barnes

According to a November 9 announcement, EPA is registering a dicamba formulation – XtendiMax with Vapor Grip Technology, which is specifically designed to have lower volatility – to control weeds in cotton and soybean crops genetically engineered to tolerate dicamba. This registration is for a formulation of dicamba that contains an additive that reduces volatility. This formulation is different from the products that are alleged to have been recently used illegally. EPA continues to investigate these issues in several locations in the Midwest. The label requires very specific and rigorous drift mitigation measures. Restrictions on the use of the product to further reduce the potential for exposure from spray drift include: no application from aircraft; no application when wind speed is over 15 mph; application only with approved nozzles at specified pressures; and buffer zones to protect sensitive areas when the wind is blowing toward them. Weeds that are becoming increasingly resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides cause problems for farmers. This registration will provide an additional tool to reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds. This final decision is designed to ensure that weed resistance is successfully managed, including reporting by the registrant to EPA of any suspected resistance, as well as remediation and grower education. EPA is placing time limits on the registration to allow the Agency to either let it expire or to easily make the necessary changes in the registration if there are problems with resistant weeds or pesticide drift. Nevertheless, herbicide resistance is adequately addressed by the terms of the registration, and the Agency does not expect off-site incidents to occur. This dicamba formula for use on dicamba-tolerant soybean and cotton has been registered for sale and use in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. EPA proposed this decision on March 31, 2016. EPA’s final regulatory decision and supporting documents, including a response to public comments, are available in docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0187 at www.regulations.gov. In a follow-up statement, Monsanto projects over 15 million acres of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans and more than 3 million acres of Bollgard II XtendFlex cotton will be planted in 2017, pending state approvals of XtendiMax with Vapor Grip technology. “We’re excited to enable another piece of the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System to farmers in 2017,” said Brett Begemann, Monsanto president and chief operating officer. “Based on the great demand we’ve seen in 2016, we know our farmers are looking forward to the benefits of the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System, including in-crop use of dicamba and glyphosate. Growers have been asking for this technology for years, and we’re excited to be able to provide in 2017.” Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans feature tolerance to dicamba and glyphosate, while Bollgard II XtendFlex cotton varieties are tolerant to dicamba, glyphosate and glufosinate. “XtendiMax with Vapor Grip technology introduces a step-change reduction in volatility potential compared to dicamba formulations currently on the market,” said Ryan Rubischko, North America dicamba portfolio head for Monsanto. “With the EPA’s approval, we will build on our existing education programs and best management practices using XtendiMax with Vapor Grip technology in-crop with the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System.” Up to date information on state registrations and other information about the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System can be found online at RoundupReadyXtend.com. Sources – EPA, Monsanto

2017 Red herd books are in.

If you use the Red Ranch Interrogated herd books they are available in our office on the 20 of December we will mail them to those on our list from last year. It really saves us and you the taxpayer money if you will pick them up. The University of Wisconsin has released a new Excel-based cow-calf enterprise budgeting tool which can be downloaded from the university's website. The output of this tool can be used to establish benchmark data for the cow-calf operation, which provides information that can be used to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. The spreadsheet can also be used for doing projections, and looking at how potential changes can improve the cow-calf enterprise's cash flow. The enterprise budget is designed to calculate profit or loss and break evens on a whole herd, per cow, and a basis of per hundredweight of feeder calf sold, when complete information is entered.

Expert: Dairymen should get ready for rising milk prices

Expert: Dairymen should get ready for rising milk prices Capital Press Sean Ellis As the U.S. economy continues to improve, so will milk prices and dairymen need to make sure they are ready for that opportunity, an economist told producers during the United Dairymen of Idaho’s annual meeting last week. “The U.S. economy is going up, the global economy is going up and milk prices are going up,” ITR Economics CEO Brian Beaulieu said to loud applause. Beaulieu told Capital Press later that a dozen leading economic indicators point to rising milk prices and that an improving U.S. and global economy has historically meant higher milk prices. More here

NMDA offers exporting opportunity at Joint Stockmen’s Convention

NMDA offers exporting opportunity at Joint Stockmen’s Convention NMSU Press Release By Shelby N. Herrera Ranchers attending the 2016 New Mexico Joint Stockmen’s Convention in Albuquerque Dec. 1-4 are invited to stop by New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s International Room to meet and talk with Mexican cattle buyers, one on one. The International Room will be open Friday, Dec. 2, from 1-7 p.m. After seeing success last year, 10 new buyers were invited to attend. The new buyers are interested in Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Santa Gertrudis, and Brangus breeds. Ranchers must register for the 2016 New Mexico Joint Stockmen’s Convention taking place at the Albuquerque Crowne Plaza to talk to potential buyers. Registration can be found here

Cattle Growers/Purina Mills’ Scholarship Deadline Approaching

Cattle Growers/Purina Mills’ Scholarship Deadline Approaching November 1, 2016, is the deadline to apply for the annual scholarships awarded by Purina Mills and the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association’s (NMCGA’s) Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee (YCLC). “We are pleased to be able to offer these scholarships once again, and appreciate Purina Mills and our Allied Industries Committee making it possible,” said Pat Boone, NMCGA President, Elida. “We have some great young people in New Mexico agriculture, and want help them as much as possible as they look to the future.” The $1,000 Purina Mills scholarship will be awarded to a New Mexico student who is a member of the NMCGA, the New Mexico Junior Cattle Growers Association, or the child of an NMCGA member. Graduating high school seniors, and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors in good academic standing are eligible to apply for the award. In addition, the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee and the Allied Industries Committee will also be presenting two $500 scholarships – one to a high school senior and one to a continuing college student – at this same time. “College can be very expensive for students and their families. We are pleased to be able to offer these scholarships and encourage all eligible students to apply,” Boone said. “We want to help NMCGA members and their families continue their education and hopefully return to the agriculture business.” The three scholarships will be presented to the top three applicants during the Joint Stockmen’s Convention slated for December 1 through December 4, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albuquerque. For more information please contact the NMCGA office at 505.247.0584 or via email at nmcga@nmagriculture.org.

Small Pecans

PECAN NUT GROWTH A couple weeks ago we published an article on pecan not being filled and this goes with that information as well. In the past couple of week many homeowners have asked me “Why are my Pecans so small? The tree has never had them this small before.” As we have discussed with nut filling, Pecan nuts form in two stages. The first phase is growth in nut size. It takes about 90 days after pollination for the nut to grow to its full size. This usually occurs between the end of April and middle of August. Toward the end of August the nut has reached its maximum size, so factor which influence size only occur in the first half of the season. The endosperm (nut kernel) is entirely non-cellular until the end of phase I. That is it is mushy at that time of the year, which is why it is called the water phase. Although the ultimate size of the pecans is genetically predetermined, there are some factors that influence the ability of the nut to reach it genetic potential. These are environmental factors such as soil moisture, nutrition status, insects, wind, soil salinity and others. Any one or combination of these factors determines the actual size of the nuts produced in relation to the genetic potential. Tree vigor is very important, in general young trees are more vigorous and bear bigger nuts then do older trees. The position of nuts on the tree is also important. Nuts in the top of the tree are usually larger than those closer to the ground. The size of the crop or total number on nuts on the tree may influence the size. In general the more nuts the smaller they are, the fewer nuts the larger the nut. I have seen cases where tree with a light load of nuts actually produce more pounds of nuts then trees with lots of small nuts. Fertility of the soil and the ability of the tree to translocated water is the most influential factor concerning nut size. Nuts from trees growing on fertile soil and adequate supplied with moisture are usually larger than those from trees on infertile soil or poor moisture. Salt in the soil may make the amount of water available to the tree low even when plenty of water has been applied. When there have been a number of dry years in a row salt accumulates. Rain has a higher leaching ability of salt then most irrigation water. Anything, which reduces the amount of leaf surface, will reduce the size of the nuts. Lack of zinc and nitrogen is common. Aphids will also reduce the ability of the tree to translocated water. In mid-August, the third nut drop usually occurs at this time. The percentage of shed is usually low 5-10%, it concerns a great many people because the nuts are large. Embryo abortion is considered to be the reason for this drop. If the embryo aborts after the shell hardens it will be hollow or what many people call a “pop”. In order to produce large quality nuts the tree must be supplied with adequate amounts of water and nutrients. It must be protected from insects and other factors which reduce the ability of the tree to translocated water. Sometimes environmental factors which are out of our control will reduce the size of the nuts, such as nut load on the trees, hot dry winds, drought, and prolonged excess moisture, compaction which reduces the amount of air in the soil or physical damage to the ovary such as hail. The best you can do is making sure your trees have what they need to be healthy. For more information Contact your Local County Extension office. This and all programs are available to everyone regardless of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. 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.

Mule Deer in NM

This is a great publication about Mule deer and their biology. http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_l/L301.pdf If you are successful in getting one during deer season. http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR507.pdf http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR495.pdf http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR508.pdf

Thank YOU Veterens, and those who stayed behid to feed them.

The eleventh day of the eleventh month By Woods Houghton The eleventh day of the eleventh month, The day is Veterans Day, Why this day, To take off time to play, No! It is this day, To stop and pray, For those who have served, Those who are serving, The family of those who gave their all. It was at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleven month, Generals, Commanders, and the brass gathered, To sign the end of the Great War, The war to end all wars, Almost 100 years ago, It was not the end of all wars. As a family at a small country Church gather, Yes, another son will live without a father, Another good woman will live without a husband, As the flag is folded and place in her hand, A tear runs down the face of the young man from whose hand it came, The bugle makes its last call, For the brave young man who answered, As those brave ones did before. It seem so inadequate to say, Thank you for your sacrifice today, So, take the time, To give as they have given, A moment of silence at the eleventh hour, Of the eleventh day, Of the eleventh month, To pray for those who serve, Those left behind, Those who will grow up alone, Today, Veterans Day, Take the time to stop to pray. I give thanks to you, The veteran that is here today, The veteran that has passed, The family of all, As the flag is folded, And the bugle gives last call And the solder has peace at last, Job well done good and faithful servant of peace.

Beck joins NMSU as State 4-H Department Head

Beck joins NMSU as State 4-H Department leader DATE: 11/08/2016 WRITER: Shelby N. Herrera, 575-646-5368, dancin4h@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Stephen Beck, 575-646-1157, sbeck@nmsu.edu The new, New Mexico State University 4-H Department Head started began his new job in mid September, and hopes to continue and build on the success of the program. Originally from Oklahoma, Stephen Beck has been involved in the 4-H program for 20 years as a parent, 4-H agent, 4-H specialist and now department head. Beck said that his role will largely be assisting county agents in order to help their county programs support their county programs. This will help insure that NM 4-H continues to be one of the most successful youth development programs in the nation. Beck said he feels at home at New Mexico 4-H. He said that it feels very similar to Oklahoma 4-H, and the people are warm and friendly, making him excited to be working for the program. Majoring in Agriculture Education, Beck graduated from Oklahoma State University with his B.S. in 1991, with the intention of eventually teaching agriculture education. After graduation, he worked for a corporate hog farm for six years, but Beck wanted to work directly with people. Beck took an agriculture/4-H job at the Harper County Extension Office in rural Oklahoma. He was originally interested in the agricultural side and working with the producers, but Beck said he fell in love with the 4-H program and working with 4-H families. After nine years, Beck took a position in another county, where he could be a full time 4-H educator. He served there for three years. Beck then began his job as an Oklahoma Cooperative Extension 4-H Specialist, where he oversaw the companion animal program, the camping program, the outdoor adventures program and the State 4-H Officers. These jobs led him to his new position as NM 4-H Department Head. “I want to see New Mexico 4-H continue to be a successful program having the positive impact that it’s had in the lives of so many youth,” Beck said. “But at the same time I want to look for opportunities to expand 4-H programming and new strategies to introduce 4-H to underserved audiences.” Realizing that a lot of the youth they are missing live in more urban areas, Beck said they have to do something to spur their interests in the 4-H program. Beck attended his first large New Mexico State 4-H event in September. The State 4-H Rodeo Finals were held the Sept. 23-25 in Albuquerque, where the top competitors from across the state competed for a champion title. Beck said he believes the event went well and he was impressed by skills of the 4-H members. 4-H is the Youth Development Program of New Mexico State University. For more information about 4-H or how to join contact the New Mexico State 4-H Office at 575-646-3026 or visit http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/

Fire wood facts

FIRE WOOD FACTS Wood was man’s first fuel source. Its popularity waned as more convenient sources were developed. However, recent price rises in gas, L.P. fuels, and electricity have generated a renewed interest in wood as an energy source in home heating. Some people just enjoy the ascetics of a wood fire. Wood has historically been sold by a unit known as a cord. The cord is actually a measure of the volume of a stack of wood. It represents a volume (length x width x height) of 128 cubic feet. Since most firewood is cut in two-foot pieces to accommodate stoves and fireplaces today, a cord is usually thought of as a rectangular stack of 2-foot pieces, 4 feet high in a 16-foot long stack yielding (2 x 4 x 16 = 128) 128 cubic feet. A long wide bed pickup (8’x 6’) is not quite a cord it is about ¾ of a cord. The most common wood available in Eddy County is Pinion Pine, Oak, Juniper, Mesquite, and ornamental pruning’s of Mulberry, Cottonwood and Pecan. Hard woods generally have better heat rating and less smoke then softer woods. Seasoning is possibly the most important item in preparing wood for use. It is best to use wood that has air dried for about six months or more rather than to use freshly cut or green wood. Since some woods are susceptible to fungi or rot while curing, if you do obtain green wood for later use, stack it so air can circulate through the stack. Remember also that there is about 20 percent more heat value in seasoned wood than in freshly cut wood due to the lower moisture content. As time has progressed we now have other concerns as well. Invasive forest pests are becoming more and more important. They not only can invade our ornamental landscapes but are invading our natural forest. Some non-native forest pests that can be spread via firewood include the emerald ash borer, Asian long horned beetle, beech bark disease, Dutch elm disease, gypsy moth, oak wilt, and sudden oak death. Some of what you can do to prevent the spread of insects and disease include: 1. Make sure you look for abnormal insects or tissue. 2. When stacking pruning’s make sure to stack in such a manner that it can air dry. 3. In the summer the wood can be covered with a clear plastic for a week to help solarize the wood stack. Remove after a week to allow adequate air flow to finish seasoning the wood. 4. Pick up and destroy as much of the small stuff as you can. 5. Don’t take potential diseased wood into the natural forest. 6. Don’t stack fire wood next to wood structure to prevent termites from entering the structure. 7. Stack fire wood if possible off the ground by 15 inches or on a solid flooring to prevent ground to wood contact and invasion of fire wood by termites. Treating firewood with insecticide is both ineffective and potentially dangerous to the homeowner. Wood should be stored outdoors away from the house until just before use. If firewood is infested with borers it can be treated by wrapping it in a tarp and allowing sunlight to heat it. Stacking wood layers in alternate directions will help it dry and reduce areas that can harbor insects. 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.

Weekly Water and Climate Update

Weekly Water and Climate Update November 3, 2016 The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S. High-elevation snowpack has begun to accumulate in the mountains of the West. The map of the western U.S. modeled snow depth is from the National Weather Service, National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center. The northern Cascades and northern Rocky Mountains have over two feet of snow in the higher elevations, whereas the Sierra Nevada snowpack is over one foot at the highest peaks. The central and southern Rockies have been warm and dry and are reporting a few inches of snow depth in the south to nearly two feet farther north in the Teton Mountains of western Wyoming. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/support/drought/dmrpt-20161103.pdf

Solid and hazadrous waste managment in Rural area.

Woods note: a number of years ago there was a exemption for rural areas that allowed on farm landfills. That is changing. This is a good publication produced by NMSU Extension. It was adopted from another state so there are a few things that do not apply. We don't thank we have municipality in NM that has an incinerator. Two key steps to minimizing the pollution potential on your property from farm,household and shed wastes are to minimize the amount of wastes and recycle when possible.Some hazardous materials, such as lubricating oils or solvents for cleaning metal parts, are an unavoidable part of farm life. Take some time, though, to examine your activities that involve use of hazardous materials, to make sure that you really need all the products you are using. Keep in mind that hazardous waste generated from farm business activities must be managed in accordance with state and federal rules. When you are certain that you are purchasing and using only essential products, carefully consider how to use the products safely, recycle or reuse them when possible, and dispose of remaining products in a way that will not pose a risk to your drinking water. A few simple management principles apply in every situation: • Use hazardous products away from your well (150 feet or more), even when all your spills and drips will be contained. • Return excess product, spills or drips to the original activity. For example, reuse filtered waste antifreeze as water in other radiators; contain oil or grease drips and use for future lubrication needs; dispose of pesticide con- tainer rinse water by spreading on fields at the proper application rate for the pesticide. • Contain any unusable wastes, spills and drips for appropriate disposal. For more information see NMSU Farm A Syst # 5 at https://www.env.nm.gov/aqb/projects/openburn/FarmASyst5fact.pdf

Saluting Our Veterans

Saluting Our Veterans On Friday, November 11, show your appreciation for our nation’s veterans and service members by volunteering this Veterans Day. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of ways to serve and educate others on the importance of Veterans Day, including: • Contact the VA Voluntary Service to Volunteer or Donate. • Volunteer at a local VA Medical Center. • Students can gain experience and training with the Student Volunteer Program. • Bring the Veterans Day celebration into the classroom with the Veterans Day Teachers and Students resources. I am in the process of refurbishing a 1962 ford 631 tractor Air Force Tug, I hope to have it in the Veterans day parade.

Change Your Clock, Check Your Smoke Alarm

Change Your Clock, Check Your Smoke Alarm Is your smoke alarm still working? A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. On Sunday, November 6 when resetting your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, make sure your smoke alarms work and replace the batteries, if necessary. Take care of your smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and follow these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA): Smoke alarm powered by a nine-volt battery • Test the alarm monthly. • Replace the batteries at least once every year. • Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long-life”) battery • Test the alarm monthly. • Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm according to the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarm that is hardwired into your home's electrical system • Test the alarm monthly. • Replace the backup battery at least once every year. • Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. For more information on Smoke Alarms, visit the USFA Smoke Alarm page.

FSA County Committee Elections to Begin; Producers to Receive Ballots Week of Nov. 7

FSA County Committee Elections to Begin; Producers to Receive Ballots Week of Nov. 7 Release No. 0174.16 Contact: Isabel Benemelis (202) 720-7809 WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2016 – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2016 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 5, 2016, to ensure that their vote is counted. “Producers elected to FSA county committees play a vital role in local agricultural decisions,” said Dolcini. “Their contributions are essential to the daily operation of nearly 2,200 offices across the country. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.” Nearly 7,700 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, and emergency programs and eligibility. Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. Approximately 1.5 million producers are currently eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers will begin receiving their ballots the week of Nov. 7. Ballots include the names of candidates running for the local committee election. FSA has modified the ballot, making it easily identifiable and less likely to be overlooked. Voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can pick one up at their local FSA offices. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 5, 2016. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2017. For more information, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. You may also contact your local USDA Service Center or FSA office. Visit http://offices.usda.gov/ to find an FSA office near you. USDA works to strengthen and support American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials. Since 2009, USDA has provided $5.6 billion in disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; expanded risk management tools with products like Whole Farm Revenue Protection; and helped farm businesses grow with $36 billion in farm credit. The Department has engaged its resources to support a strong next generation of farmers and ranchers by improving access to land and capital; building new markets and market opportunities; and extending new conservation opportunities. USDA has developed new markets for rural-made products, including more than 2,700 biobased products through USDA's BioPreferred program; and invested $64 billion in infrastructure and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results.

WHY ARE MY PECANS NOT FILLED?

WHY ARE MY PECANS NOT FILLED? Why are my Pecan nuts not filled? Is a common question I receive at this time of the year? Pecan nut growth is has two phases. The first phase is nut growth; this determines the size of the nuts. The second phase is nut fill. We are going to discuss the later phase in this article. Around mid-August the nuts will quit growing and start filling. The embryo, (kernel tissue) will reach full size about the third part of September. The nut will continue to fill while conditions permit; the shuck is green and temperature is warm. The storage materials are translocated into the nuts from nearby leaves during the last 6 weeks of filling. A high quality kernel will contain 73% oil, 14% protein, 3-5% water and 1.5% other minerals. The degree to which nuts are filled or how well the kernels are developed at harvest is determined by a number a factors. (1) The size of the crop in relation to the foliage. If there are a lot of nuts but the leaves are small and sparse due to lack of nitrogen or zinc the nuts will not fill. (2)The size of the nuts, if the nuts are large (phase I) it will take more to fill them. (3) Condition of the leaves. In order for the leaves to produce the nutrients to fill the nuts they need to large and in good condition. High aphid or poor tree health will reduce the ability of the leaves to produce nutrients. (4) The size of the preceding crop will affect filling. If the prior crop was large this year crop may be smaller and not as well filled. (5) Weather condition greatly effect filling. If it is hot and dry it is difficult no matter how much water is put on the ground for the trees to translocate enough water to cool them and produce and transport nutrients. The late rain this year may cause nuts not to fill as well. Also we did not have a very large August nut drop so more nuts stayed on the tree. If the water has any salt in it, which ours does, it make this even more difficult. Rain during the growing season leaches salts and enables all plants to better move water and nutrients. (6) Last but not least is what the pollen source was. All pecans are a result of cross pollination, if the pollen source was from a small nut variety the nuts may not fill as well as if the pollen was from a large nut variety. Example is a Burkett pollen on to the Western Schley ovum. The specific effect of unfavorable growing condition on nut development is determined by the time at which the unfavorable condition occurred. Poor growing condition in the early season will result in a smaller number of nuts as well as a smaller nut itself. If they occur in the late season nuts may not be poorly filled. Home owner and producers need to practice cultural management that will provide maximum leaf surface in the spring and early summer. Nitrogen fertilization and irrigation around mid-March before bud break, followed by applications of Zinc will help shoot growth and leaf development. Sufficient moisture, insect control and fertilization will help carbohydrates to be manufactured and stored in late summer increasing quality, and quantity of nuts. For more information Contact your Local County Extension office. 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.

Effect of moisture and storage condition of cotton fiber in a modual.

By Woods Houghton Eddy County Agriculture Agent From Cotton Production Manual University of California Extension publication 3352` I was asked some question on module building today and thought there may be other out there with the same question. Several variables influence fiber quality in a module Moisture content is the most important of these variables. Other variables include length of storage amount of high moisture foreign material, (weeds, regrowth)and initial temperature of the seed-cotton, temperature ot the seed-cotton in storage an d days in storage. See Graft 1. Color was the only fiber quality adversely affected by storing the seed-cotton at elevated moisture levels. Fiber yellowness increased sharply above 13% moisture. Seed-cotton stored for 45 days at 16%moisture increased yellowness by61 to 78%. What it come down to is seed-cotton moisture should be monitored during the picking process either to prevent the production of modules with excessive moisture or else to identify those modules so the can be ginned before the quality is lost. Increased in module temperature is an after-the-fact indicator of an excessive moisture condition that could have been avoided. Internal module temperature should be checked on a daily basis for the first 5 to 7 days, then every 3 to 4 days. a rapid continuing rise in temperature of 15 to 20 F or more during this period generally signifies high moisture, the module should be ginned as soon as possible. If the temperature of 120F is reached, the module should be ginned immediately to avoid major losses. High moisture modules cand increase in temperature slowly over a period of up to several weeks. Module that are harvested at a safe storage moisture will generaly not increase more than 10 to 15 F duing the first 5 to 7 day period. These modules will level off and may even start cooling down with in a few week after the first week.