County Extension Agent

March 25, 2015 - I got my first bee swarm call of the year last week. With spring underway, this is the time for honey bee colonies to divide and multiply.

A swarm of honey bees can range in size from 4 to 5 thousand to 20 to 30 thousand. They hang together here in a cluster, their little legs hanging on to one another.
It is an incredible process that takes place every spring and is often repeated well into the summer.

And while it is an awesome sight, it may be a little scary if you don’t know what is happening.

A swarm of bees consists of roughly half the bees from a colony with their queen, looking for a new home. They leave behind the other half of the colony, who then raises a new queen in their old home.

Before half the hive leaves, they’re careful to make sure that there is plenty of brood to keep the hive functioning properly until another queen is raised.

They leave several queen cells in the hopes that one will emerge, live through the maiden flight, successfully mate in mid-air with drones (male bees), and return home safely to start her egg-laying

For some time before the bees leave the hive, they run the original queen around so she will lose weight and thus be able to fly. When the queen is in “egg laying” mode, she is too large to fly.

On the appointed day, that only the bees know, half the hive of worker bees, along with the queen, fly out from the hive to a nearby site to scout a new home. Often they stop on a branch, but they can choose a number of places such as mailboxes, the side of a building, under a birdbath, on the side of a car, and others.

Usually within 100 to 200 yards of the original hive, the bees alight on an object and form a cluster, which looks like a seething, fuzzy glob of insects. Sometimes bees fly from the cluster to collect water and food, but most workers leaving the cluster are scouts that search out potential new home sites for the swarm. When they return from a good site, they dance on the cluster to communicate the location of their find.
In a bee swarm, they are at their most docile state as a whole. They have no place to call home and therefore, no hive to protect.

A departing swarm looks like a grey-ish cloud that seems to drift along through the air. People not familiar with honey bees are generally frightened by such a sight, but unless a bee becomes tangled in someone’s hair, it isn’t likely to sting. The queen is in the group, but not leading it.

Beekeepers have a love/hate relationship with swarming. They love to catch a swarm as they can add another hive to their apiary. They hate it when one of their own hives swarm as they have lost half the workforce in that particular hive.

If you find a swarm outside your home, remember that they don’t plan on staying there. They have scouts out looking for their new home. Their time together as a swarm will range from a few hours to a couple of days. While they did gorge themselves with honey prior to leaving, they are eager to find a new home.

Additionally, remember that many beekeepers are quite happy to collect a swarm of bees. Our office keeps a list of “swarm chasers” that love to collect them and give them a new home. You can call (936)598-7744 and we will give you some names.
Lane Dunn is the County Extension Agent for agriculture and natural resources for Shelby County. His email address is jldunn@ag.tamu.edu.

March 25, 2015 - The Henderson County Whizbang was held at Rose City Flying Clays on Saturday, March 21. Shelby County 4H Shooters had twelve kids that participated in the shoot.

Juniors: Collin Lloyd and Seth Shamblin
Intermediates: Aidan Arwine, Colton Gutermuth, Corey Denney, Cutter Milford, Jacob Cox, Lance Holloway and Logan Holloway
Senior I: Konner Windham and Nic Lambert
Senior II: Wade Baty

In the Junior division Seth Shamblin won 1st in Skeet, Trap, Whizbang and Sporting clays. He was also high point overall (HOA) and won a belt buckle.

In the Intermediate division Logan Holloway won 1st in Skeet, 3rd in Trap and 2nd in Whizbang. He was also the HOA winner and won a belt buckle.

In Senior I Nic Lambert placed 4th in skeet and 2nd in sporting clays. Konner Windham placed 3rd in sporting clays.

March 9, 2015 - (Show Backdrop Photos, Show Photos, Sale Photos) A slightly rearranged Shelby County Livestock Show and Sale paid off for exhibitors as a large crowd gathered for the sale held at the John D Windham Civic Center Saturday night, March 7th which brought in an additional six thousand dollars over last year in money raised for FFA and 4-H students for a total of $66,950 this year.

The 10th Annual Shelby County 4-H & FFA Livestock Show was held March 6, 2015 at the Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Arena.  Weigh in of market animals started at 7:30 and lasted until 9:00.  The show started at 10:00 with Rabbits being judged by Mrs. Sherry Poindexter of San Augustine, TX.  Dr. Billy Zanolini, who is a Texas A&M 4-H Livestock Specialist judged the swine, goats, lambs, and cattle.  Dr. Zanolini was very informative and interactive with the children and animals.  There were over 103 exhibitors at this year’s show.

The following is the results of the show and sale:

Keaton Bush of Timpson FFA showed the Grand Champion Steer Friday at the 10th annual Shelby County 4-H and FFA Livestock Show held at the Shelby County Expo Center.  Following the show, Keaton’s steer sold at the livestock sale for $4,500.  Farmer’s State Bank bought the 1101 pound steer.

Reserve Champion steer honors went to Ethan Wood of Joaquin FFA. Ethan’s steer was purchased by the Oilfield Buyer’s Group consisting of (Corrected group members) Junior Kent, Ronnie Herrington, IPS Coil Tubing, ETS/QES Motors, Texas State Bank, Adams Ford, PTS, Steve Kent, Delta Fuel, Moncla Well Service, Casey Wood Consulting/E-Z Simmental for $13,000.

The Grand Champion Market Swine was shown by Madison McMillan of Center FFA.  Shelby Savings Bank bought the champion hog for $1,800.

Lance Holloway of Center 4-H showed the Reserve Champion Market Swine.  The hog was sold to Borders Poultry and Heritage Land Bank for $1,700.


(left) Keaton Bush's Grand Champion steer was purchased by Farmers State Bank.


(left) Madison McMillan's Grand Champion swine was purchased by Shelby Savings Bank.

(left) Wesley Wages' Grand Champion goat was purchased by Shelby Savings Bank.
(left) Kayleigh Scroggins' Grand Champion lamb was purchased by Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative.

In the Market Goat Division, Wesley Wages of Center 4-H showed the Grand Champion. Wesley’s goat was purchased for $1,750 by Shelby Saving Bank.

The Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat was shown by Ally Kimbro of Timpson FFA.  Ally’s goat was purchased for $1,250 by Diamond H.

Kayleigh Scroggins of Timpson FFA showed the Grand Champion Market Lamb in Saturday’s Show.  Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative purchased Kayleigh’s lamb for $1,750.

Reserve Champion honors in the Market Lamb Division went to Josie Green of Joaquin FFA.  Shelby County Farm Bureau was the winning bidders for $1,600.

The Grand Champion Market Rabbit was shown by Trevor Hightower of Center 4-H.  Trevor will receive premium money in the amount of $400.  Dalton Alexander of Center FFA showed the Reserve Grand Champion pen of market rabbits.  He will receive $350 in premium money.

The livestock’s premium money totaled just over $66,950 for local 4-H and FFA members according to Jacob Spivey, Show Chairman.

The Larry Hagler Memorial Scholarship will be given to the Highest Placing Seniors.

Highest Placing Senior in the Market Steer Division is Keaton Bush.  Keaton will receive a $500 Scholarship.

Highest Placing Senior in the Market lamb Division is Josie Green.  Josie will receive a $500 Scholarship.

The steer shown by Clarissa Menefee was the "highest gaining" steer of the show.  Clarissa will receive $150.

The highest placing county bred steer was shown by Megan Dunn.  Megan was presented with $1,000 from Farmers State Bank. The 2nd highest placing county bred steer was shown by Christopher Dunn.  Christopher will receive $250 by Shelby County Farm Bureau.  The 3rd highest placing county bred steer was shown by Blake Griffin.  Blake will receive $150 by Shelby County Farm Bureau.

The highest placing county bred heifer was shown by Ally Kimbro. Ally will receive $750 from Link Charolais and Dr. Derek Grant and 2nd place county bred heifer was shown by April Ramsey.  April will receive $250 from Link Charolais & Dr. Derek Grant.

In the beef division, Christopher Dunn of Center 4-H was presented the Senior Beef Showmanship buckle by Joaquin FFA.  Shelbyville FFA presented Abi Hooper of Timpson FFA with the Junior Beef Showmanship Champion.
 
Madison McMillan of Center FFA was named Champion Senior Swine Showman.  The trophy buckle was presented by Shelby County Farm Bureau.  Center FFA presented the Junior Champion Swine Showman to Seth Shamblin of Center 4-H.

In the goat division, Triston Smith of Timpson FFA was named Champion Senior Showman and was presented a buckle by Timpson FFA.  April Ramsey of Timpson FFA was named Champion Junior Showman and her buckle was presented by Tenaha FFA.

Farm Bureau presented Hajeo Caporali of Center FFA with the Champion Senior Lamb Showmanship buckle.  Jairo Blanco of Center FFA received the Champion Junior Lamb Showmanship buckle from Shelby County 4-H.

Other placings in Saturday's Show were:

Grand Champion & Reserve Champion Breeding Rabbits- Buck:
Kennedy Bush, Center 4-H - Grand Champion
Ariel Patterson, Tenaha FFA - Reserve Grand Champion

Grand Champion Breeding Rabbits- Doe:
Abbie Muckelroy, Center FFA - Grand Champion
Holly Linebarger, Tenaha FFA - Reserve Grand Champion

Market Rabbits:
Trevor Hightower, Center 4-H - Grand Champion Rabbit
Dalton Alexander, Center FFA - Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit
Abbie Muckelroy, Center FFA - 3rd Place
Ariel Patterson, Tenaha FFA - 4th Place
Michelle Gomez, Center 4-H - 5th Place
Dominque Bauer, Center FFA - 6th Place
Holly Linebarger, Tenaha FFA - 7th Place

Market Swine Light Weight:
Madison McMillan, Center FFA - First
Taylor Gutermuth, Center 4-H - Second
Tatum Mettauer, Center 4-H - Third
Whitley Cantrell, Timpson FFA - Fourth
Alaina Haley, Shelbyville 4-H - Fifth
Kennedy Bush, Center 4-H - Sixth

Market Swine Middle Weight:            
Lance Holloway, Center 4-H - First
Hunter McSwain, Center 4-H - Second
Hope Milford, Timpson FFA - Third
Colton Gutermuth, Center 4-H - Fourth
Jaden Johnson, Timpson FFA - Fifth
Garrett Mettauer, Center 4-H - Sixth

Market Swine Heavy Weight:
Seth Shamblin, Center 4-H - First
Lila Smith, Joaquin FFA - Second
Lauren Neal, Joaquin FFA - Third
Logan Holloway, Center 4-H - Fourth
Holly Hughes, Timpson FFA - Fifth
Justin Blanco, Joaquin FFA - Sixth
Alli Jo Baldwin, Joaquin FFA - Seventh
James Marshall, Timpson FFA - Eighth

Market Swine, Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion and Sale Order:

  •     Madison McMillan, Center FFA purchased by Shelby Savings Bank for $1,800
  •     Lance Holloway, Center 4-H purchased by Borders Poultry and Heritage Land Bank for $1,700
  •     Taylor Gutermuth, Center 4-H purchased by Shelby Savings Bank for $1,600
  •     Seth Shamblin, Center 4-H purchased by Borders Poultry Supply for $1,500
  •     Hunter McSwain, Center 4-H purchased by XTO for $1,500
  •     Lila Smith, Joaquin FFA purchased by Farmers State Bank for $1,300
  •     Hope Milford, Timpson FFA purchased by Triple J Feed and Henry Howard Services for $2,100
  •     Colton Gutermuth, Center 4-H purchased by Mettauer Law Firm for $1,600

Breeding Goats - Class 1
Josie Green, Joaquin FFA - First
Josie Green, Joaquin FFA - Second

Grand Champion & Reserve Champion Breeding Does:
Josie Green, Joaquin FFA - Grand Champion
Josie Green, Joaquin FFA -  Reserve Champion

Market Goats Light Weight:
Wesley Wages, Center 4-H - First
Triston Smith, Timpson FFA - Second
Emmy Sigler, Timpson FFA - Third
Gracie Martinson, Tenaha FFA - Fourth
Shawna Hall, Tenaha FFA - Fifth
Tristen Denton, Tenaha FFA - Sixth

Market Goats Heavy Weights:
Ally Kimbro, Timpson FFA - First
Baylor Kimbro, Timpson FFA - Second
April Ramsey, Timpson FFA - Third
Carsen Vickers, Joaquin 4-H - Fourth
Collin Vickers, Joaquin 4-H - Fifth

Market Goats - Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion Sale Order:

  •     Wesley Wages, Center 4-H purchased by Shelby Savings Bank for $1,750
  •     Ally Kimbro, Timpson FFA purchased by Diamond H for $1,250
  •     Baylor Kimbro, Timpson FFA purchased by Smith Sawmill Services for $1,300
  •     April Ramsey, Timpson FFA purchased by Timberlake Farms for $1,200
  •     Triston Smith, Timpson FFA purchased by Mackey Cattle Company for $1,400
  •     Carsen Vickers, Joaquin 4-H purchased by Farm Bureau for $1,400
  •     Emmy Sigler, Timpson FFA purchased by Kay Ranch, Center Tire Company, Timpson & Joaquin Quick Stop, and First Financial for $1,300
  •     Collin Vickers, Joaquin 4-H purchased by Vickers Farms for $1,800

Breeding Ewe Grand Champion:
Kayleigh Scroggins, Timpson FFA
Sheldon Scroggins, Timpson FFA

Market Lambs - Light Weights:
Josie Green, Joaquin FFA - First
Kallie Solomon, Timpson FFA - Second
Chandler Burgay, Timpson FFA - Third

Market Lambs - Middle Weights:
Hajeo Caporali, Center FFA - First
Jairo Blanco, Joaquin FFA - Second
Caden Solomon, Timpson FFA - Third

Market Lambs - Heavy Weight
Kayleigh Scroggins, Timpson FFA - First
Hannah Jamison, Shelbyville 4-H - Second
Sheldon Scroggins, Timpson FFA - Third

Market Lambs Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion and Sale Order:

  •     Kayleigh Scroggins, Timpson FFA, purchased by Deep East Texas Electric Co-op for $1,750
  •     Josie Green, Joaquin FFA purchased by Farm Bureau for  $1,600
  •     Hajeo Caporali, Center FFA purchased by XTO for $1,200
  •     Jairo Blanco, Timpson FFA purchased by AZURE Midstream for $1,500
  •     Caden Solomon, Timpson FFA purchased by Mackey Cattle Company  for  $1,200
  •     Hannah Jamison, Shelbyville 4-H purchased by Triple J Feed and Henry Howard Services. for $2,200
  •     Sheldon Scroggins, Timpson FFA purchased by:  Dance Furniture, Hopkins Wrecker, Farmers Insurance, Monco Motor Co., Tammy Steptoe Realty, Ross Lumber, Worsham Grocery, Agriculture this Morning, Greer Charolais, Dean’s Hardware, East Texas Poultry Supply, Ace Hardware of East Texas, Shoop Insurance, Shoop Financial, Hardy’s Machine, Morrison Insurance, Town & Country Real Estate for $1,200
  •     Kallie Solomon, Timpson FFA purchased by Cobb Hatchery for $1,400

Breeding Beef Show Results are as follows:

American/American Cross Heifer:  Class 1
Josie Green, Joaquin FFA - First

American/American Cross Heifer:  Class 2
Baylor Kimbro, Timpson FFA - First
Abi Hooper, Timpson FFA - Second
Baylor Kimbro, Timpson FFA - Third

American/American Cross Heifer: Class 3
Ally Kimbro, Timpson FFA - First

American/American Cross Heifer: Class 4
Blake Cummings, Joaquin FFA - First
Justin Hooper, Timpson FFA - Second

American/American Cross Heifer:  Class 5
Cralon Hughes, Joaquin FFA-First

American/American Cross Heifer:  Class 6
Keaton Bush, Timpson FFA - First
Ally Kimbro, Timpson FFA - Second

Division Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion American/American Cross Heifer
Baylor Kimbro, Timpson FFA - Grand Champion Division
Ally Kimbro, Timpson FFA - Reserve Grand Champion Division

English and English Cross Heifer: Class 1
Trey Harvey, Joaquin FFA - First

English and English Cross Heifer:  Class 2
Abi Hooper, Joaquin FFA - Second

English and English Cross Heifer:  Class 3
Trey Harvey, Joaquin FFA - First

Division Grand Champion and Reserve Champion English and English Cross Heifers:
Abi Hooper, Joaquin FFA - Grand Champion Division
Trey Harvey, Joaquin FFA - Reserve Grand Champion Division

Exotic and Exotic Cross Heifers:  Class 1
Abi Hooper, Joaquin FFA - First

Exotic and Exotic Cross Heifers:  Class 2
Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA - First
Lauren Neal, Joaquin FFA - Second

Exotic and Exotic Cross Heifers:  Class 3
Abi Hooper, Joaquin FFA - First
April Ramsey, Timpson FFA - Second

Exotic and Exotic Cross Heifers:  Class 4
Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA - First

Exotic and Exotic Cross Heifers:  Class 5
April Ramsey, Timpson FFA - First
                                                         
Division Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Exotic and Exotic Cross Heifers:
Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA - Division Grand Champion
Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA - Reserve Grand Champion

Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Heifers of Show:
Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA - Champion;
Abi Hooper, Joaquin FFA - Reserve Grand Champion

Steer Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion and Sale Order:

  •     Keaton Bush, Timpson FFA purchased by Farmer’s State Bank for $4,500
  •     Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA purchased by Oilfield Buyers Group Junior Kent, Ronnie Herrington, IPS Coil Tubing, ETS/QES Motors, Texas State Bank, Adams Ford, PTS, Steve Kent, Delta Fuel, Moncla Well Service, Casey Wood Consulting/E-Z Simmental for $13,000
  •     Megan Dunn, Center 4-H purchased by:   Shelby Vet, General Shelters, 96 Equipment, Toledo Finance, Harkness Litter Service, Toledo Automotive Supply, Judge Charles Mitchell, and Few Ready Mix for $1,300
  •     Clarissa Menefee, Center 4-H purchased by Klein Brothers Rodeo, Klein Cattle Co., Ulta Inc., K&L Contractors, and JML Contractors  for $1,600
  •     Christopher Dunn, Center 4-H purchased by Borders Poultry Supply for $1,400
  •     Blake Griffin, Center 4-H purchased by:  Hunter Buildings, Keith Oswalt Logging, McAdams Propane, and Fish & Still for $1,600
  •     Trey Harvey, Joaquin FFA purchased by Chozen Group which consisted of Texas State Bank, Querbes & Nelson, Adams Ford, Business 1st, Cole, Evans & Peterson, Precision Directional Drilling and Youngblood Oil & Products for  $7,000

We would also like to thank the following Contributors:

2015 Contributors: Borders Poultry Supply, Farmers State Bank, Shelby Savings Bank, XTO, Shelby County Farm Bureau, Deep East Texas Electric Coop, Texas State Bank, Mettauer Law Firm, Mackey Cattle Company, Timberlake Farms, AZURE Midstream, Cobb Vantress, Hunter Buildings, Kay Ranch (Buddy & Paula Kay), Keith Oswalt Logging, Klein Cattle Company, JTK Management, JML Management, K&L Management, Klein Brothers Rodeo, McAdams Propane, Fish & Still, Shelby Vets, Business First, Ward Animal Hospital, General Shelters, Texas Bank & Trust, Heritage Land Bank, SGM Trucking, Boles Feed, JC McSwain Logging, Woodman of the World, Sabine State Bank, Roscoe McSwain Logging, Center Livestock Auction, Link Charolais, Center Tire Co., R&D Distributing, Adams Ford, Highway 96 Equipment, Inc., Center Glass, Dr. Derek Grant, DVM, Toledo Finance, Toledo Automotive Supply, Judge Charles Mitchell, Harkness Litter Service, Few Ready Mix, Odessa Link, Light and Champion, Center FFA, Joaquin FFA, Shelbyville FFA, Tenaha FFA, Dairy Queen, Chris Mayfield State Farm, Payne’s Community News, Dr. Danny Paul Windham, Dr. Dixon Golden, Ihlo Sales, Steel Building Supply, Dance Furniture, Farmers Insurance, Monco Motor Co., Tammy Steptoe Realty, JBA Financial Services, Inc., Ross Lumber, Worsham Grocery, Hudson Auto Parts, Agriculture This Morning, McDonald & Sons Hardware, Greer Charolais, Dean’s Hardware, Shoop Insurance, Shoop Financial/Cash Now, Hardy’s Machine Shop & Welding, Morrison Insurance Agency, Town & Country Real Estate, Hopkins Wrecker Service, Bounds Insurance, Mack O’Rear Real Estate, Platinum Tire, Hughes Florist, Joaquin/Timpson Quick Stop, Judge Allison Harbison, Roy Sutphen, Matthew Richardson, Clint Richardson, Kurt Richardson, KLL Directional, Larry Smith

Ag Ed Day Sponsors: J.C. McSwain Logging Contractors, Roscoe McSwain Logging, Raymond Construction, LLP, Center Tire Company Inc., Center Livestock Auction Company, R&D Distributing, LTD, Boles Feed Company, Inc., Woodmen of the World, SGM Trucking (Stacy McSwain), Texas Bank & Trust, Sabine Bank and Trust, Farmers State Bank, and Shelby Savings Bank.

Livestock Show and Sale: The following individuals and businesses have graciously donated time, effort and materials to the success of our Livestock show and sale. We would like to take this time to personally thank them for their continue support of the youth of Shelby County. They are James Greer, Tyson Foods, Pete Lowe, Shelby County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and Shelby County Sheriff Posse.

March 16, 2015 - If you are reading this, it’s obvious that you probably enjoyed yesterday messing around outside. Be it your yard, landscape, or vegetable garden, you couldn’t wait for the sun to shine and your ground to dry out.

Yet recent rainfall has left many of our soils far too soggy to work. The simple advice is that you work with your soil when it’s moist, but not wet.

Working soil when it is too wet can cause it to become rough. Ideally we want to till or spade the soil in the winter to prepare for spring planting. The extra time and cool temperatures help mellow soil. This is especially important if the soil is being worked for the first time.

If you have a tighter, clayey soil the foolproof addition is organic matter. At this late time, your added organic matter should already be composted.

Organic matter really is the miracle cure for bad soils. Is your soil too sandy? Add organic matter. Is it nothing but clay? Add organic matter. The benefits of organic matter to soil are too numerous to extol here. Suffice it to say, composted organic matter adds nutrients, increases water holding capacity, improves soil structure, has numerous beneficial microbes, and prevents erosion.

Compost can be from manures, lawn clippings, leaves or anything natural you can find. Many seasoned gardeners will till in leaves, pine straw, or other raw material into the soil months before it is to be used. This allows the soil to create its own compost.

If unsure that your garden site is poorly drained, there is a simple test to see how well drained it is. Well-drained soil has everything to do with how quickly water will percolate through the soil. Many homeowners think that a sloping ground area that sheds water is “well drained”. Not so. Water must be allowed to move into the soil and then move thru out below it.

A very simplified drainage (or percolation) test taught to me by a retired county agent is to dig a hole about three foot deep and about a foot wide. Post-hole diggers work very well for this.

Add water until the water level doesn’t immediately drop. After 24 hours, check to see if the soil at the bottom is visible.

Though it may be muddy, if you can see the soil at the bottom then you have very well drained soil. A deep sandy soil, by nature, is very well drained. Shallow topsoil over clay subsoil will often hold water.

If it takes 48 hours until you see the bottom, then your soil is fairly well drained. But if it takes 72 hours (three days) or more before you can see the bottom, then you know that you have poorly drained soil and measures must be taken to compensate.

The solution is a raised bed. Whether in rows down your garden or landscape beds edged with timber, stone, or other items, raising the level of the soil, in which the desired plants will grow, should aid greatly.

The question is often asked, “Can I just dig out a deep hole, fill it full of good soil and create a well-drained soil that way?” Digging a hole like that will only create a big clay bowl that will still hold water quite well.

To overcome uncertainty in selecting what fertilizer or lime and how much of each, you must take a soil test. Soil testing costs $10 per sample, plus $6-7 for postage if you mail it. SFA has a laboratory that tests soil for liming and fertilization. You can pick up a form at our office next to the courthouse in Center or print one off the internet yourself. Google “SFA soil test” and select the first pdf option on the screen.

Lane Dunn is the County Extension Agent for agriculture and natural resources for Shelby County. His email address is jldunn@ag.tamu.edu.

March 13, 2015 - Shelby County 4 H members participated at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Horse Judging members are Gracie Leach, Colt Leach, Loren Vandrovec, Bailey Adkison. Gracie Leach placed in the top 25%. This was her first horse judging competition. The senior team will compete at Texas A & M on April 11th.


Photo: (Left to right) Gracie Leach, Colt Leach, Loren Vandrovec, and Bailey Adkison.

March 12, 2015 - Center 4 H member Seth Shamblin participated at the San Antonio Livestock Show. His hog weighed 268 lbs and he placed 6th in class out of 61 hogs. His hog made the sale so a big congratulations goes to Seth on this accomplishment.

Keaton Bush (seen above with family), Timpson FFA, had the Grand Champion Steer in the Shelby County Livestock Show Steer division.

March 8, 2015 - (More photos - Album1, Album2, Album3) The Shelby County Livestock Sale raised over  $66,950 for FFA and 4-H exhibitors Saturday night, March 7, 2015 at the John D. Windham Civic Center. The show was held Friday night, March 6th at the Expo Center. More details of the sale including buyers will be updated Monday.

Grand Champion Steer shown by Keaton Bush, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $4,500
Grand Champion Swine shown by Madison McMillan,    Center FFA, auctioned for $1,800
Grand Champion Goat shown by Wesley Wages, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,750
Grand Champion Lamb shown by Kayleigh Scroggins, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,750

Reserve Grand Steer shown by Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA, auctioned for $13,000
Reserve Grand Swine shown by Lance Holloway, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,700
Reserve Grand Goat shown by Ally Kimbro, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,250
Reserve Grand Lamb shown by Josie Green, Joaquin FFA, auctioned for $1,600

3rd Place Steer shown by Megan Dunn, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,300
3rd Place Swine shown by Taylor Gutermuth, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,600
3rd Place Goat shown by Baylor Kimbro, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,300
3rd Place Lamb shown by Hajeo Caporali, Center FFA, auctioned for $1,200

4th Place Steer shown by Clarissa Menefee, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,600
4th Place Swine shown by Seth Shamblin, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,500
4th Place Goat shown by April Ramsey, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,200
4th Place Lamb shown by Jairo Blanco, Joaquin FFA, auctioned for $1,500

5th Place Steer shown by Christopher Dunn, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,400
5th Place Swine shown by Hunter McSwain, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,500
5th Place Goat shown by Triston Smith, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,400
5th Place Lamb shown by Caden Solomon, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,200

6th Place Steer shown by Blake Griffin, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,600
6th Place Swine shown by Lila Smith, Joaquin FFA, auctioned for $1,300
6th Place Goat shown by Carsen Vickers, Joaquin 4-H, auctioned for $1,400
6th Place Lamb shown by Hannah Jamison, Shelbyville 4-H, auctioned for $2,200

7th Place Steer shown by Trey Harvey, Joaquin FFA, auctioned for $7,000
7th Place Swine shown by Hope Milford, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $2,100
7th Place Goat shown by Emmy Sigler, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,300
7th Place Lamb shown by Sheldon Scroggins, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,200

8th Place Swine shown by Colton Gutermuth, Center 4-H, auctioned for $1,600
8th Place Goat shown by Collin Vickers, Joaquin 4-H, auctioned for $1,800
8th Place Lamb shown by Kallie Solomon, Timpson FFA, auctioned for $1,400

Grand Champion Rabbit shown by Trevor Hightower, Center 4-H
Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit shown by Dalton Alexander, Center FFA
3rd Place Rabbit shown by Abbie Muckelroy, Center FFA
4th Place Rabbit shown by Ariel Patterson, Tenaha FFA
5th Place Rabbit shown by Michelle Gomez, Center 4-H
6th Place Rabbit shown by Dominque Bauer, Center FFA
7th Place Rabbit shown by Holly Linebarger, Tenaha FFA

Trey Harvey, Joaquin FFA, was seventh in the sale and had one of the highest selling steers at $7,000.Ethan Wood, Joaquin FFA, had the Reserve Grand Champion Steer at the show which was the top selling at $13,000.

January 23, 2015 - "Keep Calm and Walk On" was the slogan for the Shelby county - Walk Across Texas contestants as the eleven teams and four solo walkers dusted off their walking shoes and joined in to “Walk Across Texas!” These teams and solo walkers competed with each other to see who could walk the most miles over eight weeks from October 27 – December 19, 2014. Their goal was to walk at least 830 miles (the distance from Longview to El Paso) in eight weeks.

At the conclusion of the 8 week program, the teams and individuals walked a total of 12,072 miles with The Country Girls team walking 2,102 miles and placing first in the team category. The County Girls team is comprised of Cynthia Howard, team captain, Latoya Howard, DeShun Gregory, Sheila Reeves, Daphne McCollister, NaKeisha Swindle, Denetra Slaughter, and Tara Bailey. Candace Prater from the Cruse Expedition team walked 711 miles and won the individual award for most miles completed. Other teams competing included: Cruse Expedition, Shelby Savings Bank (5 teams), Huxley Bay Marina, Roadrunners, The Disciples and Agony of De Feet.

A special thanks to the sponsors of this event: The Loft, T/R’s Steaks and More, Lasting Impressions, Hughes Florist, The Century Shoppe, Backyard Designs, Sombero’s, Center Health & Harmony, Dairy Queen and Mooney’s Emporium.

Walk Across Texas, sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a fun, flexible, and FREE way to encourage people to exercise. For more information on wellness programs, call Jheri-Lynn McSwain, CEA-FCS at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Shelby County at 936-598-7744 or email at jheri-lynn.smith@ag.tamu.edu.

January 16, 2015 - While many people think that 4-H is just about raising livestock, nothing could be further from the truth! We have numerous 4-H’ers involved in projects like clothing & textiles, photography, public speaking, shooting sports, etc. No matter what the project, the goal of 4-H is to develop life skills and leadership within young people so they become productive, contributing members of society. And we could not do it without the time, talent and dedication of 4-H volunteer leaders, so special thanks to them!

Shelby County 4-H is busy gearing up for our spring events, and there is still time for your child become a member of 4-H. Clubs meet on a monthly basis in Center, Shelbyville, and Joaquin. Some of our planned projects for spring include: shooting sports (shotgun and archery), virtual fishing, livestock showing, outdoor adventures, fashion (beginning sewing, storyboard, Trashion Fashion, and duct tape creations), companion animals, and public speaking.

Research has shown that participation in 4-H programs makes a positive difference in the lives of youth. Youth development scholar, Dr. Richard Lerner, works with researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University to conduct The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. The longitudinal study has found that, when compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are:

  • Two times more likely to be more engaged in school;
  • Two times more likely to plan to go to college;
  • Three times more likely to make positive contributions to their communities; and,
  • Nearly two times more likely to participate in science, engineering, or computer technology programs (STEM) learning programs during out-of-school time.

Overall, the study found that the advantages of 4-H participation include higher educational achievement and higher motivation for future education.

As part of the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by the nation’s 109 land-grant colleges and universities, 4-H has been educating youth in the sciences for more than 100 years.

4-H, the largest youth development organization, is a community of seven million young people around the world learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. In the U.S., 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Overseas, 4-H programs operate throughout more than 50 countries.

If you are interested in joining Shelby County 4-H or would like additional information on our programs, give us a call at the Shelby County Extension office at 598-7744 and speak to either Daphne Lovell, Office Administrator, Lane Dunn - Agriculture and Natural Resource County Agent or Jheri-Lynn McSwain - Family and Consumer Sciences County Agent. If you are thinking about joining, make the call today!

Since late 2011, livestock producers have endured weather disasters such as historic droughts, blizzards, floods and fires, awaiting Congressional enactment of a farm bill so that disaster assistance programs could resume.

When the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill, was enacted into law this February, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack ensured that disaster programs were restarted in sixty days, by April 15, nearly eighty percent faster than our predecessors.

Five months later, USDA Farm Service Agency has approved more than 250,000 applications seeking assistance, exceeding Congressional estimates, and more applications are expected. To address demand, FSA has reassigned field employees, with many working overtime and weekends, so that livestock producers get the help they need and deserve. Agriculture doesn’t stand still, and neither does USDA.

If you’ve suffered livestock forage or feed grazing losses in 2011, 2012, 2013 or 2014, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) may offer help. For ranchers who have not contacted FSA by September 30, 2014, the Budget Control Act of 2011 passed by Congress requires USDA to reduce LFP payments by 7.3 percent beginning October 1, the start of the federal fiscal year.

If you’ve already registered with your FSA office for LFP assistance, or have an appointment scheduled, you are not subject to the payment reduction. If you haven’t yet contacted your local FSA office, please register, request an appointment, or begin an LFP application with your county FSA office by September 30, 2014. You can also register online at www.fsa.usda.gov/disaster-register.

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program compensates for grazing losses due to drought or fire. Eligible livestock includes alpacas, beef cattle, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep or swine that have been or would have been grazing the eligible grazing land or pastureland.

If you are seeking help from other programs like the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Tree Assistance Program, or the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), you’ll need to complete your full application before September 30, 2014. Contact your local FSA office for more information or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

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