May 2022
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Important Updates
Ag Pesticide Applicator Update 2022 
COVID-19 Pandemic
(GRACE PERIOD ENDS 12.31.2022)
In response to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is extending this exemption of agriculture Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements. To address the CEU’s and licensure requirements for Ag Pesticide applicators, the TDA will work with the ag pesticide applicators and CEU course providers of Texas during this critical time. Licensed applicators with expiring licenses or needing CEU’s will be allowed to renew their license even if they have not met their CEU requirement for their current licensing period through December 31, 2022.
Upcoming Events
Multi-County New Landowner Series - Pond Management (CEUs)
May 20, 2022
Washington County
The May meeting for the 2022 series will take place on Friday, May 20, 2022 at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility located at 1305 East Blue Bell Road in Brenham. This session will provide the opportunity for attendees to learn about factors to consider when identifying a site for and constructing a new pond, aquatic vegetation management and control, fish stocking rates, and pond ecology. This is a great opportunity to network with other new landowners and learn about resources that can be of great assistance to you in establishing and/or managing a pond for your property.

Also, if you have a pond weed you would like identified please bring it and we will be glad to identify it for you. Any plant sample needs to be as fresh as possible, include leaves and roots, and flower (if applicable). 

Two CEU (1 IPM; 1 Gen) will be available for licensed pesticide applicators. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity! 
O.D. Butler Field Day (CEUs)
May 20, 2022
Robertson County
This year’s O.D. Butler Field Day is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2022. This will be an in-person event. Check in will begin at 8:00 am with the program beginning at 9:00 am and lasting till 2:45 pm. 

This year’s field day will address high input cost such as fertilizer & preparing for this years predicted drought.

The field day will be held at the Camp Cooley division of Circle X Ranch. The GPS location of the ranch is 4297 Camp Cooley Ranch Rd, Franklin, TX 77856. (Map is attached to this email.)

With the latest weather forecast, we have decided to move the morning portion of the program inside, so the entire program will be in the comfort of air conditioning.

Pre-registration & pre-payment is required. The Cost of the program registration will be $30. 
BMGA Kids Kamp
May 31 - June 2, 2022
Washington County
BMGA is pleased to announce our 5th year of holding Kids’ Kamps in Washington, Colorado, Fayette, and Austin Counties. This program provides a “hands on” introduction to the fun and importance of gardening, soils, water conservation, and insects. Students will complete take home projects including a bee house to attract pollinators to their own yards. Taught by Bluebonnet Master Gardeners, Kids’ Kamp promotes a love of gardening and an appreciation of our environment. Kamps run for 3 days (Tuesday-Thursday) from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon). The cost is $30 per child. Registration forms can be obtained at the AgriLife Extension offices in each county or online at https://txmg.org/bluebonnet/kidskamp/. The deadline for registration is Friday, May 20, 2022. 

Kamp Dates are:
  • Washington County- May 31st to June 2nd
  • Colorado County- June 14th to June 16th
  • Fayette County- June 21st to June 23rd
  • Austin County- June 28th to June 30th
Washington County Dairy Day
June 4, 2022
Washington County
The Washington County Extension Dairy Committee is excited to announce the annual Washington County Dairy Day is scheduled for June 4th! The exhibitors, parents, sponsors, and committee members invite everyone to stop by the Washington County Expo Barn #3 in Brenham beginning at 9:00am to watch the show and learn about dairy cattle. 
                                             
This annual event has a deep history in Washington County which at its peak was home to over 100 dairies and still has an economically significant dairy industry today. From Holstein and Jersey to Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorns there will be dairy cows of all breeds and ages on hand for the event. This is a great opportunity to come out and support the youth of Washington County and share in a unique opportunity to learn more about dairy cattle. 
 
Come out, enjoy the day, and support the youth of Washington County! 
Healthy Lawns Healthy Waters
June 10, 2022
Virtual Program or Austin County
The Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters program is for Austin & Washington County residents in collaboration with the Mill Creek Watershed Partnership

Topics Include:
  • Residential Rainwater Harvesting
  • Turn Management
  • Understanding Soil Test Results

Attendees can submit a soil test, sample bags and forms may be picked up and dropped off at either the Austin County Extension office (800 E Wendt St., Bellville) or the Washington County Extension office (1305 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham) prior to the program. Samples may also be brought in the day of the program.

Program is FREE but registration is required.
Private Applicator Training
June 15, 2022
Washington County
If you plan on using a state limited use or state restricted use pesticide, such as Grazon P+D, 2 4-D, Weedmaster, etc., and need a license, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be sponsoring a Private Applicator Training on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the Washington County Extension Office Conference Room, 1305 E Blue Bell Road, Brenham. Books and study materials for the course need to be purchased ahead of time for $40.00 at the Extension Office. A registration fee of $10.00 will be charged for the training. The registration fee will include the training and additional study materials. The training will begin at 8:30am and conclude at approximately 12:30pm. Please reserve your spot for the training as soon as possible; seating is limited.
Medicinal and Edible Plants
June 15, 2022
Virtual Program
Join us on June 15th from 10:00 - 11:30 AM CST for "Medicinal and Edible Plants". We'll have 5 short presentations from experts in the field and will be giving away over 20 DOOR PRIZES!

You must register to receive the Zoom link the day before. Plant Party is FREE!

Native Plant Recipe Book - email your native plant recipes to PlantParty@ag.tamu.edu, and we'll create a recipe book to distribute to Plant Party registrants.
FREE Agricultural Pesticide Waste Collection
June 29, 2022
Victoria County
Unwanted Agricultural Surplus Pesticides?

Dispose of them Properly at NO COST and stay in your vehicle!

Pesticide dealers and commercial businesses are not allowed to participate. For questions or additional information contact the Victoria County Extension Office at (361)575-4581, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Houston Regional Office at (713) 921-8200, or TDA Austin Headquarters at (512) 463-7622. 
Mark Your Calendars - Future Events!
Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course
August 1 - 3, 2022
Where's the Beef?
August 26, 2022

South Central Texas
Cow-Calf Clinic
October 28, 2022
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!
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