STX17-001 Model State Program

SARE-Fellows-Texas-Tour-Final

• In Texas, training visits included a peach orchard incorporating hoop houses in Stonewall, pastured poultry and grass-fed beef operations in D’Hanis, a 70-acre organic vegetable production and processing operation in Austin for both local and distant markets, wildflower seed farming near Fredericksburg, holistic management practiced at the World Hunger Relief diversified farm near Waco, the largest Texas supplier of biologically based soil conditioners and natural/organic fertilizers in Hondo, an organic feed mill in Elgin, and the 25-acre sustainable community garden for the San Antonio Food Bank.
• The Texas training also included the “Read the Farm” curriculum, and marketing information for a variety of methods and products through sessions provided by HEB’s Central Market Perishable Products Manager and visits to Pearl Farmers Market in San Antonio and Standard Meats in Dallas.
• SARE Fellows seminars were delivered by AgriLife Extension specialists, Regional Program Leaders and CEAs including Megan Dominguez Clayton (Ecosystem Science and Management), Jason Cleere (Animal Science), Craig Coufal (Poultry Science), Bryan Davis (Wilson Co.), Todd Swift (South Region), Roy Walston II (Kerr Co.), Lisa Whittlesey (Horticulture) and the Texas AgriLife Extension (Diane Boellstorff and John W. Smith) and Cooperative Extension (Nelson Daniels) SARE hosts.
• Other (non-Extension) trainers included representatives from the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District, HEB Central Market Perishable Products, San Antonio Food Bank, Medina Agriculture Products, Parker Creek Ranch, Rocky Hill Orchards, Wildseed Farms, Johnson's Backyard Garden, Coyote Creek Organic Feed Mill and Farm, World Hunger Relief, and Standard Meats.

The tour costs were supported in part from a grant from SARE through Western SARE at the University of Wyoming.  However, much more staff time was involved in planning, coordinating and conducting the tour than was provided by the Western SARE grant.  Model state program funds were used for John Smith's salary as he planned and conducted the tour, which was a primary effort for Texas SARE in 2017.  John Smith also attended and assisted with evaluation of the subsequent fall Fellows Tour in 2017.

A World Hunger Relief representative delivered a presentation to Agents, mentor farmers and Master Gardeners regarding understanding markets before producing products to sell. Heart of Texas Urban Gardening Coalition shared information regarding how the profitability of cut flowers can aid or be the main or sole source of revenue for a producer. An expanding area of increasing interest in horticulture was addressed through a presentation by a Prairie View A&M University professor and was titled, "Plants Used for Pharmaceuticals." The production of these plants offers a possibility for increased income for growers as this new market continues to expand. Attendees also learned about USDA's High Tunnel Initiative from USDA representatives. Those in attendance planned to share this information with others. Texas SARE funding provided for advertising, coordination, materials, speakers and travel.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff and groundwater district personnel provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The general manager of the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District described the qualities of the local aquifer and the District's services available to producers and also the District's requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees, a portion of John Smith's salary, a portion of Diane Boellstorff's travel costs and shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the week before the meeting.

John Smith provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by providing critical information for private well owners, mentor ranchers and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the general manager of the Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District described local aquifer characteristics and District plans to continue to attempt to provide sustainable sources of water for producers and others. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees, a portion of John Smith's salary, and shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the week before the meeting. South Texas screenings were over the course of a week in combination with Jim Hogg County, and Falfurrias and San Isidro locations to increase travel efficiencies. 

Julie Prouse, AgriLife Extension Service, is a registered Sanitarian with the State of Texas, and provided information on Cottage Food Law. Dr. Larry Sean Payton, Corporate Director of Quality Assurance for Tokyo Gardens Catering delivered a presentation titled "Food Safety for the Retail Market."  Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE Co-Coordinator, spoke on "Local Food Production Funding Opportunities." Dr. Craig Coufal, Associate  Department Head and Extension Program Leader for Poultry Science spoke on egg sanitation "To Wash or Not-Small Farm Egg Production." Also, attendees were trained regarding marketing of locally-produced eggs. Texas SARE provided support for John Smith's preparation of press releases and other advertising, coordination with speakers, and travel costs.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, watershed coordinators, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the general manager of the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District described District regulations and local aquifer characteristics. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith and Diane Boellstorff provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith and Diane Boellstorff provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers, master gardeners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply  that was made available to attendees. SARE also supported travel costs and part of John Smith's salary.

John Smith and Diane Boellstorff provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees.

John Smith and Diane Boellstorff provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.  The Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply was made available to attendees. 

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the Village Creek-Lake Arlington Watershed Coordinator spoke regarding efforts of the Village Creek-Lake Arlington Watershed Protection Plan Partnership to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. Also, the general manager of the Northern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District described the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on local groundwater quality, the District's services available to producers and requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. Also, SARE funding supported shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, master farmers/ranchers and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.  Also, the general manager of the Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District described qualities of the local aquifer and the District's services available to producers including requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. An agency representative from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation described siting requirements for private water wells and methods of decommissioning abandoned water wells. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply made available to attendees.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses.  Also, the general manager of the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including providing critical information to private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, a Texas Parks and Wildlife employee, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority personnel, school district employees, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the executive director of the San Antonio Bay Foundation spoke regarding efforts of the Lavaca Watershed Protection Plan Partnership to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. The general manager of the Calhoun County Groundwater Conservation District also described plans in place to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of groundwater for producers and others. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. SARE also supported shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting.

Boone Holladay, Ft. Bend County Extension Agent for Horticulture, is coordinator of one of the largest and best vegetable garden trainings in Texas.  Through Southern SARE training funds, Boone has continued to keep up to date and expand his knowledge by attending a Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference, the 2016 Southern Cover Crop Conference, and a Texas Organic Farmer Gardener Association annual meeting. SARE also provided books for break out sessions for the attendees. Presentations at the 2017 conference included: FSMA Update, Nurturing Soil Health, Pest Scouting, and a Latest Laws and Regulations Update.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. The Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District discussed aquifer characteristics and regulations related to using groundwater for irrigation. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith and Diane Boellstorff provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners,  and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the watershed coordinator for the Lampasas Watershed Protection Plan Partnership spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. Also, SARE provided shipping costs for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting. Hill Country screenings were done the same week to minimize travel expenses (Goldthwaite, Lampasas and Llano locations).

John Smith and Diane Boellstorff provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners,  and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. SARE provided part of John Smith's salary.

John Smith and Diane Boellstorff provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts of the Lampasas Watershed Protection Plan Partnership to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. A portion of John Smith's salary was paid by SARE.

John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District General Manager described the qualities of the local aquifer, District services available to producers and requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. SARE funded John Smith's travel costs, and part of his salary. Screenings in Glen Rose, Granbury, Weatherford and Montague were all conducted in the same week to minimize travel expenses.

John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District General Manager described the qualities of the local aquifer, District services available to producers and requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. The manager also brought the District trailer that displays groundwater models, exhibits and videos. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. SARE funded John Smith's travel costs and part of his salary.  SARE also provided shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting.

John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the general manager of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others.  He also brought the District trailer to exhibit groundwater models, displays and videos. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. SARE also funded John Smith's travelcosts and shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting. Screenings in Glen Rose, Granbury, Weatherford and Montague were done the same week to make the most of the SARE travel funds provided.

John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, USDA personnel, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District General Manager described the qualities of the local aquifer, District services available to producers, and requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. He also brought the District trailer exhibiting groundwater models, displays and videos. Also, John Smith coordinated closely with two USDA employees also taking in samples in support of the program. SARE provided part of John Smith's salary and travel costs. SARE also provided shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the week before the meeting.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, the Mill Creek Watershed Protection Plan Partnership watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. Also, the general manager of the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others.

Diane Boellstorff and Drew Gholson provided well water sample testing and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the water resources management specialist for the Post Oak Groundwater Conservation District described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others, and the District well registration/permitting process. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivering critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the general manager of the Hill Country Groundwater Conservation District described services available to well owners, aquifer status and characteristics, and regulations for registering private water wells or applying for a permit for an irrigation well. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming including delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan Partnership Watershed Coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE, shared SARE grant opportunities with minority mentor farmers and ranchers.

John Smith and Drew Gholson provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the Cedar Bayou Watershed Protection Plan Partnership watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

Dr. Nelson Daniels served on a discussion panel at the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Conference to provide information regarding obtaining funding for farming.  Dr. Daniels provided information on SARE grants, particularly the producer and the on-farm grant opportunities. This training provided mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and agency employees a better understanding of available funding.  SARE funding supported the cost of a booth and SARE publications distributed to participants addressing grant opportunities.

Texas SARE worked closely to assist Dr. Jason Cleere in many ways in coordinating the Grass-fed Beef training held in the Rosenthal Meat Science lab on the TAMU campus.  Dr. Cleere also is a Texas SARE AC member.  Texas SARE also provided assistance with press release development and financial support for the conference.  Texas SARE also provided the SARE book "How to direct Market Your Beef" for each participant. Participants learned about proper stockpiling of forages to safeguard continued forage availability for finishing cattle, as well as science-based information on carcass preparation that included a demonstration emphasizing the proportion of total meat product derived from end rather than middle meats in the fabrication of a side of beef.  The training was held in the Texas A and M Rosenthal Meats Center.

Texas SARE worked with Dr. Reid Redden, Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist and Texas AC member, and Marvin Ensor, also a Texas AC member, to coordinate the conference. Texas SARE delivered train-the-trainer programming to Extension agents and mentor farmer/ranchers regarding available SARE grants, with particular emphasis on On-Farm Research and Producer grants.  The conference was structures through three different tracts as participants learned about sustainable production techniques for wool sheep, hair sheep or meat goat production. Topics included: coyote and bobcat management, dealing with feral hogs, ram breeding soundness exams, and physiological selection to disease control and prevention.  Speakers included Lesa Eidman, Director of Producer Resources and Sustainability, Superior Farms, Davis, California. SARE funded part of John Smith's salary and travel costs.

Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE, provided information on alternative marketing opportunities for producers, and SARE grants, especially the On-Farm Research grant and the Producer grant. 

Dr. Nelson Daniels provided information on alternative marketing opportunities for producers, as well as the SARE grant program.

Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE, taught sustainable gardening principles at seven schools in Houston. 320 total attendance.

Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE, provided a soil health training for small and minority farmers and ranchers

Dr. Nelson Daniels,Texas SARE, delivered ag risk management training to small farmers and ranchers, including mentor farmers/ranches.

John Smith and Drew Gholson provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the Cedar Bayou Watershed Protection Plan Partnership watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. 

John Smith provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, master gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. SARE funded shipping costs for water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting. SARE funding also provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. In addition, SARE paid part of John Smith's salary.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and a county Extension agent regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the public awareness coordinator of the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District described District regulations and plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the Geronimo and Alligator Creek Watershed Protection Plan Partnership watershed coordinator spoke regarding efforts to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the general manager of the Clear Fork Groundwater Conservation District described the qualities of the local aquifer, District services available to producers and requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. In addition, the Upper Clear Fork Soil and Water Conservation District delivered a presentation regarding BMPs for water conservation. In addition, NRCS personnel assisted with tours before the formal program. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. SARE also supported a portion of John Smith's salary.

John Smith provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, fishermen, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the executive director of the San Antonio Bay Foundation spoke regarding efforts of the Lavaca Watershed Protection Plan Partnership to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. Also, the Aransas County Groundwater Conservation District general manager described the qualities of the local aquifer, District services available to producers, and requirements for registering a well or acquiring a permit to irrigate. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, and Drew Gholson provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, environmentalists, fishermen, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. In addition, the executive director of the San Antonio Bay Foundation spoke regarding efforts of the Lavaca Watershed Protection Plan Partnership to protect and preserve water quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. Also, the general manager of the Calhoun County Groundwater Conservation District described plans to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of water for producers and others. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

John Smith, Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical information for private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, Master Gardeners, and county Extension agents regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, as well as for domestic uses. Also, the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District General Manager and the District Education and Public Relations Coordinator described the District well decommissioning policy and water well database, as well as qualities of the local aquifer and District groundwater planning. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

The Texas SARE booth showcases training opportunities through SARE train-the-trainer programs as well as provides information regarding On-Farm Research and Producer Grant opportunities.   

Texas and Southern SARE provided 100 SARE books for the Battleground to Breaking Ground program for veterans in cooperation with Texas AgrAbility, USDA, NCAT, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Farm Credit, and Alamo SWCD#330. Veterans learned about Texas AgrAbility, details regarding the Battleground to Breaking Ground Project, rural business ideas, the Farmer-Veteran Coalition, veterans in production agriculture, and business planning basics.