February 2022

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Important Updates

Visit the Washington County Clerk Website for More Information

ATTENTION Livestock Producers Time Nears for Re-Registration of Marks and Brands Every 10 years, Texas requires that Marks and Brands be re-registered per Section 144 of the Texas Agriculture Code. All brands will expire on August 30, 2021. The next re-registration period begins August 31, 2021. Brands cannot be renewed prior to that date. Brands must be recorded with the County Clerk of the county in which animals are located.  There is a 6 month grace period, from August 31, 2021 to February 28, 2022, to renew existing brands. After that date, all marks and brands that have not been re­registered are automatically available for registration by another party.  The cost of registering a brand in Washington County is $26.00 and $5.00 for each additional location of that brand on the animal. Payment can be made by cash or credit card.  For additional information, contact the Washington County Clerk's Office, 100 E. Main, Suite 102, Brenham, Texas 979-277-6200. Business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Tomato and Pepper Plant Sale Orders Due March 1, 2022 Washington County This year the lineup features 13 tomato varieties including one new option. In addition to some new tomato varieties, we will be offering basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley as part of the sale! Also included in the selection will be bell peppers, banana peppers, poblano peppers, jalapenos, eggplant, squash, and zucchini! A brief description of each tomato variety is included on the back of the flyer; we have put some basic information together to help you make the best decision!    If the great selection and confidence in the proper varieties for our area is not enough, we are also offering these plants at $2.50 per pack! Plus, all proceeds from this sale benefit the youth of Washington County through the annual AgriLife Extension – Horticulture Committee Scholarship Program. Each year the Horticulture Committee works to identify graduating seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture who are deserving of a scholarship and will award these scholarships in May at the school assemblies.   Click Here for More Information or to Order Online

Spring Lawn, Landscape, and Garden Soil Sample Campaign Samples Due March 4, 2022 Washington County The Spring Lawn, Landscape, and Garden Soil Testing Campaign is underway in Washington County and will run February 10 – March 4, 2022. This campaign is made possible through the support of the Multi-County Ag Committee and in cooperation with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Lab in College Station.     Soil sample bags and campaign submittal forms for the soil testing campaign are available at three locations including: The Washington County Extension Service located at 1305 East Blue Bell Road in Brenham Brenham Produce located at 1103 South Market in Brenham Plants-‘N-Things located at 3900 Highway 36 South in Brenham   All soil samples, campaign only submission forms, and payment must be returned to the Washington County Extension office to receive the discounted pricing. Full payment by check payable to MCAF is due when the samples are submitted to the Extension Office. Extension Office staff will deliver your samples to the testing lab. Sample results will be returned to the County Extension Office and then distributed to submitters via email or regular mail.   Click Here for More Information

2022 Washington County Annual Spring Open Collection Days City Residents Only March 3 - 5, 2022 Disposal charges for the first 500 lbs. of debris/material per household will be waived. Any debris/material more than 500 lbs. will be charged at the full rate in effect at the time of the event for that material.  ($90/ton for Non-Compactable Debris & $22.50/ton for Brush/Yard Waste)  THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED DURING OPEN COLLECTION DAYS:  Household Debris  Yard Debris  Furniture  Scrap Metal  (iron, aluminum, etc.) Appliances** Demolition Debris Auto Batteries Construction Materials Tires will be accepted at the normal rate. No Propane Tanks or Large Quantities of Computers (Household Computers Accepted) No Hazardous Materials (oil, gas, paint, hazardous liquids, etc.) LOADS THAT CONTAIN DIRT, CEMENT AND/OR BRICKS WILL BE REJECTED Appliances with coolant will be assessed a Removal Fee of $20 prior to drop-off**

Weed and Brush Control March 18, 2022 Fayette County The goal of this session is to help landowners identify common weeds and brush species in our area. In addition to identifying problem species, we will cover the ins and outs of why we have the weeds we do, how to determine the most effective treatment option, as well as covering a variety of herbicides and application methods for management and control of these plants. This is a great opportunity for any and all landowners to learn from the experts in a classroom setting and have a great opportunity to see equipment and demonstrations as part of the day. Also, if you have a weed or brush sample you would like identified please bring it and we will be glad to identify it for you. Any plant sample need to be as fresh as possible, include leaves and roots, and flower (if applicable). Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!  Click Here to Register

2022 Washington County Annual Spring Open Collection Days County Residents Only March 24 - 26, 2022 Disposal charges for the first 500 lbs. of debris/material per household will be waived. Any debris/material more than 500 lbs. will be charged at the full rate in effect at the time of the event for that material.  ($90/ton for Non-Compactable Debris & $22.50/ton for Brush/Yard Waste)  THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED DURING OPEN COLLECTION DAYS:  Household Debris  Yard Debris  Furniture  Scrap Metal  (iron, aluminum, etc.) Appliances** Demolition Debris Auto Batteries Construction Materials Tires will be accepted at the normal rate. No Propane Tanks or Large Quantities of Computers (Household Computers Accepted) No Hazardous Materials (oil, gas, paint, hazardous liquids, etc.) LOADS THAT CONTAIN DIRT, CEMENT AND/OR BRICKS WILL BE REJECTED Appliances with coolant will be assessed a Removal Fee of $20 prior to drop-off**

12th Annual Beekeeping School March 26, 2022 Washington County Learn how to produce your own honey and help save the bees by attending the Twelfth Annual (Covid Delayed) Central Texas Beekeepers School on Saturday, March 26 at Brenham High School in Brenham.  The school is open to the public for anyone interested in keeping bees or who wants to learn about bees. The beekeeping school will teach you the parts of the hive, how to build or assemble your equipment, how to install bees, the proper procedure for lighting a smoker and how to inspect your bees. You will learn how to dress to minimize the possibility of being stung and what to do if you are stung. The cost is $65 for the first adult and $60 for additional adults in the family. Cost for students above 12 (including college students) is $25. Children under the age of 12 attending classes with a parent are $10. The school starts at 8:00 a.m. and will be over at 5:30 p.m. The cost of the school includes a catered Bar-B-Q meal with Blue Bell Ice Cream and a "school book" with information about beekeeping. Door prizes will be given away and a drawing to give away complete bee hives will be held at 5 p.m. Click Here to Register

Bluebonnet Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale April 9, 2022 Austin County Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association Hosts its Annual Plant Sale on April 9, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or when they sell out. This years’ plant sale will be at the Sealy Historical Park, 211 East Main Street, Sealy.    A wide variety of plants will be available for purchase, including roses, “Texas Superstar” plants, “Texas Native” plants, “Earth Kind” plants, succulents, butterfly-friendly plants, ground covers, herbs, bushes, and a few surprises – something for everyone. There will also be rain barrels, various planters, and other garden items.   All plants are locally sourced to ensure they are climatized for this area. There will be many expert Master Gardeners on hand at the Plant Sale to help you find that special plant and give you instructions for its care. Their knowledge and passion for each plant are sure to inspire.  Click Here to Visit the BMGA Website

Mark Your Calendars - Future Events!

Private Applicator Training April 13, 2022 Click Here to Register

Household Hazardous Waste April 23, 2022 Click Here for Information

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Contact your Washington County Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources Kara J. Matheney, MS County Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources Washington County 1305 East Blue Bell Road Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 277-6212 ext.2 kjmatheney@ag.tamu.edu Visit us online by clicking the link below! Washington County AgriLife Extension - Agriculture and Natural Resources

Stephanie Rudolph Office Manager Agriculture & Natural Resource Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 1305 East Blue Bell Road Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 277-6212 ext. 2 stephanie.rudolph@ag.tamu.edu