2018 Model State Program Report

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 Farmers’ Guide to Business Structures 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.

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, Andy James, Leon River Watershed Coordinator described local aquifer characteristics as well as aquifers of Texas. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees.

Texas and Southern SARE provided 80 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.

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. Furthermore, agents were asked what training topics were important to them. Information regarding water management practices continued to be requested, both for agricultural irrigation water quality, as well as rain water havesting. Also, Texas Extension agents were encouraged to register for the SARE/NACAA Sustainable Agriculture Fellows program. Many of the agents participated in Texas hosting the Fellows program in 2017, and so they were asked to share information about their experiences and about the Fellows program with others.

Dr. Nelson Daniels, Texas SARE state co-coordinator, provided information on SARE grants, and other grants, loans and cost share offered by USDA Farm Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Department of Agriculture and emergency assistance for commercial producers. Information was also provided on feral hog management and theTexas AgrAbility project. The training included women and minorities including beginning farmers/ranchers and mentor farmers/ranches. Some of those trained plan to present the information to others.

John Smith provided well water screening and train-the-trainer programming by delivering critical information for private well owners and county Extension agents regarding best management practices for private water wells. Julia Stanford, conservation outreach specialist for the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District (GCD), spoke regarding the suitability of local well water from the Ogallala aquifer for sustainable agricultural irrigation and domestic purposes, and plans for its sustainability. The North Plains GCD offered to provide follow-up testing for the arsenic problems the well water screening program identified. SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees and provided John Smith’s travel as well as part of his salary.

John Smith 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. Janet Guthrie, General Manager, Hemphill Underground Water Conservation District, spoke regarding district efforts to protect and preserve water quantity and quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. Also shared were the District’s plans in place to continue to provide high quality, sustainable sources of groundwater for producers and others. SARE funding supported the distribution of the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply  to attendees. SARE also supported travel costs and 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 including providing critical information to private well owners, mentor farmers/ranchers, a Texas Parks and Wildlife employee. C.E. Williams, general manager of Panhandle Underground Conservation District (the original water conservation district in Texas, formed in January, 1956), spoke regarding the suitability of local well water for sustainable agricultural irrigation purposes, and District plans for protecting the Ogallala aquifer. In addition, a representative of the largest GCD in Texas, the High Plains Groundwater Conservation District’s educational coordinator, spoke regarding efforts of their district efforts to protect and preserve water quantity and quality in the area for many purposes, including irrigation. Also shared were the District’s plans 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 part of John Smith’s salary as well as shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting.

The Texas SARE booth showcases grant opportunities through SARE grant programs and specifically provides information regarding On-Farm Research and Producer Grant opportunities.  SARE educational materials also were distributed by Dr. Nelson Daniels.

Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson, Ryan Gerlich and Achla Jha 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. SARE funding provided the 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, Drew Gholson and Ryan Gerlich provided well water sample screening and train-the-trainer programming through delivery of critical training for the county Extension agents regarding the proper management of water resources. In addition, Ward Ling, 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.

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. Furthermore,, 97 SARE soil boopublications were distributed to the 1,700 attendees.  Texas SARE AC member Dr. Jason Cleere directs organization of the Short Course. Dr. Jake Mowrer, SARE Cover Crop Council, presented a cover crops break-out session.

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 structured with three different tracks as participants learned about sustainable production techniques for wool sheep, hair sheep or meat goat production. Session included: 1) Path to plate - sheep and goat industry overview on how to local market, 2) feral hogs,3) hair sheep management 101, and4) physiological selection to assist with disease control and prevention.

Reid Redden, Texas SARE AC member, spoke on how to have a 150% lamb crop. SARE funded part of John Smith’s salary and travel costs. The Expo is unique in that it offers hands-on activities and interaction with the speaker for participants. The conference’s very active planning committee considers it a standing priority to secure top industry speakers and to keep the topics new or approached from different perspectives than previously. A SARE training was provided during the Expo on Producer and On-Farm Research grants.

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.  Allen Lang, the general manager of the Lipan-Kickapoo Water Conservation District; Winton Milliff, Coke County Underground Water Conservation District (UWCD); Scott Holland, general manager of both Sterling County UWCD and Irion County Water Conservation District described qualities of the local aquifer and their Districts’ services available to producers including 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.

Dr. Joseph Masabni, Texas SARE AC member, provided training on grafting tomatoes, and Dr. Juan Anciso, SARE AC member, provided a training titled, “Food Safety for Direct Sales” targeting beginning and mentor producers. Producers were also provided training through a presentation titled, “Marketing by Taste with Fresh Foods.” Producers also received training through programs titled, 1) Vegetable Market Outlook, 2) On the Farm Pest Management, and 3) Vegetable Initiative Research.

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. Gary Westbrook, general manager, and Bobby Bazan, 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.

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. Teresa Griffin, the general manager of the Panola County Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) 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 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, Lee Marlowe, the sustainable landscape ecologist for San Antonio River Authority Environmental Sciences spoke regarding efforts of the San Antonio River Watershed Protection Plan Partnership to protect and preserve water quality for many purposes, including irrigation. Roger Andrade, groundwater protection manager with the Edwards Aquifer Authority described qualities of the aquifer and the Aquifer Authority’s pupose. Also, Chris McFarlane, the Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District assistant manager, described 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.

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 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 toattendees.

John Smith and Drew Gholson 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.

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 Attoyac 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.

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. At the booth, John Smith recorded attendees’ responses regarding what SARE training they would like to see be made available.

Diane Boellstorff, Drew Gholson, Ryan Gerlich and Achla Jha 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. 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.

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 and Gardener Association annual meeting. SARE also provided books for break-out sessions for the attendees. Presentations at the 2018 conference included: FSMA Update, Nurturing Soil Health, Pest Scouting, and a Latest Laws and Regulations Update.

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, SARE funding provided the Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply that was made available to attendees. SARE also funded John Smith’s travel costs and part of his salary. SARE provided shipping expenses for delivery of water collection vessels distributed in the weeks before the meeting.

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 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, Doug Shaw, the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District General Manager explained the increase in the amount of water production from the Trinity Aquifer going from the west side to the east side of the county. He also mention that Wise county has the seventh most number of new wells in Texas being drilled at 374 in 2017. 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. In addition, Doug Shaw, the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District General Manager 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 travel costs 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 scheduled for the same week for efficient use of SARE funds.

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. The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District General Manager brought the District trailer exhibiting groundwater models, displays and videos. Also, John Smith coordinated closely with two USDA employees accepting samples to facilitate 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.

Topics included: 1) SARE funding opportunities for farmers-Dr. Nelson Daniels; 2) Grafting Vegetables, the Cost and Benefits - Dr. Joe Masabni, Extension Small Acreage Vegetable Specialist, Overton; 3) Food Safety, FSMA, and Water Quality Testing of Irrigation Water - Dr. Juan Anciso, Extension Vegetable Specialist, Weslaco; 4) Bio control of Root Diseases - Dr. Russ Wallace, Vegetable Specialist, Lubbock (delivered his presentation while leading the group through strawberry test plots on-site); 5) Rainwater Harvesting for Farm Use - John Smith, SARE Model State Program assistant; 6) U Pick Your Challenges: Beekeeping and More - Johanna Storm, Manager, Storm Farms; 7) Other Farm Observations - Laura Miller, CEA - Horticulture. A flyer for the event is attached to this report.