August 2, 2021
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Important Updates
Ag Pesticide Applicator Update 2021 
COVID-19 Pandemic (Grace period ends 12.31.2021)
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of positive cases across the state, 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, 2021. To learn more click the link below:

Upcoming Events
3rd Annual South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic Scholarship Drawing Tickets Available 
The South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic Scholarship Committee is pleased to present the 3rd Annual SCTCCC Scholarship Drawing benefiting graduating seniors in the nine county area. This year’s drawing boasts over $30,000 worth of prizes spread out over 15 opportunities to win. Only 500 tickets will be sold for the drawing which will take place live at the 50th Annual South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Washington County Expo in Brenham. In the inaugural year the proceeds from the drawing supported ten young people as they each continued their education at colleges across Texas.     

 To purchase your ticket:
1. Visit a local County Extension Office in Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Waller, or Washington county.  

2. Contact any member of a participating county's Beef and Forage Committee.

3. Visit the 2021 SCTCCC Scholarship Drawing website and purchase your ticket online today!
2021 Fall Vegetable Plant Sale
Orders open August 1st!
Washington County
Calling all gardening enthusiasts! The Washington County Extension Horticulture Committee is pleased to share with you an opportunity to purchase fall garden plants and support local scholarship at the same time!  

For the fourth year the committee will be offering a selection of cool season plants including, arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale (curly and flat leaf), green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, mustard greens, spinach, and swiss chard. A brief description of each cool season plant being offered in this line up has been included with the plant sale flyer to help you make the best decisions when selecting plants for your fall garden.  

Orders are due by September 21! - Don’t delay, order today!

Pick-Up will be on Tuesday, October 12 from 10:00am-5:30pm at the
Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham!
Generation Next: Our Turn to Ranch
August 16 - November 7
Online Series
The Generation Next: Our Turn to Ranch online course is now open for registration. The 12-week program, offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, runs from Aug. 16- Nov. 7.

The program cost is $300 and it is limited to the first 100 registrants. Participants should register as soon as possible at
Range & Pasture Herbicide Update (CEUs)
August 17, 2021
Washington County
The Washington County Extension Office is pleased to present a Range and Pasture Herbicide Update for landowners who have an interest in learning the latest on herbicide management options. Topics for the program will include picolinic acid chemistry training (a required training for anyone interested in using the product Invora), herbicide resources for landowners, and an update from Bayer on the new Invora product. 

The Range and Pasture Herbicide Update is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility. Pre-registration is $20/person and will be accepted online by visiting https://washington.agrilife.org/ag/ceuprogram/ through August 13, 2021. Late and onsite registration is $25/person. Registration for the program will include a copy of the proceedings and a meal sponsored in part by Bayer. The meal will be served beginning at 5:30pm with the program beginning promptly at 6:00pm. At the conclusion of the program all licensed pesticide applicators will have earned two continuing education units in laws and regulations (2 L&R).  
Non-Commercial/Commercial Applicator Training 
August 18, 2021
Washington County
Anyone interested in receiving training in preparation for the TDA Commercial/Non-Commercial General Standards, Vegetation Management, and Landscape Maintenance categories is encouraged to registration for the training being held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility. This course will prepare attendees for both exams required by TDA for the landscape maintenance or vegetation management license.  
 
To register visit https://washington.agrilife.org/pesticide or contact the Washington County Extension Office at (979) 277-6212. The fee for the course is $180 for one category or $200 for two categories and will include 3 manuals.  
Private Pesticide Applicator Training
August 19, 2021
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 Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility, 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.
Bees & Trees for Homeowners (CEUs)
August 20, 2021
Washington County
The August meeting for the 2021 series will take place on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility in Brenham! Beekeeping continues to be a hot topic, especially for medium to small acreage landowners. Before you jump in head-first and order the equipment and a hive of bees, come learn what to expect! We will hear from several area beekeepers on what it takes to raise honeybees in this area of Texas, some of the challenges they face, and what they’ve found to be good solutions. In addition to bees we will take a portion of the afternoon to talk trees! In Texas and especially in our part of Texas trees are a valuable commodity that landowners care about and strive to keep them healthy and vigorous. Come learn about tree biology, how to recognize common tree problems, and how to manage for tree health. We will “leaf” no question unanswered, discussing planting, pruning, watering, fertilizer, insect and disease control. 
Homeowner Maintenance of Septic System Course
August 27, 2021
Washington County
Come attend the Homeowner Maintenance of Septic Systems Class for FREE on Friday, August 27, 2021, in Brenham, TX at the Washington Co. Expo Sales Facility located at 1305 E Blue Bell Road.  

The 2-hour class provides a basic understanding of the operational and maintenance activities of conventional systems and explains how activities within the home impact septic systems. Presentations will cover the treatment processes, health and safety considerations, and an overview of how to inspect and maintain the system. This course also provides answers to the most frequently asked septic system questions, including when to pump out a tank and what can or cannot go down the drain. Program is presented in cooperation with the Mill Creek Watershed Partnership. An overview of the Mill Creek Watershed Protection Plan project will be provided immediately prior to the program.

This program does NOT certify homeowners to maintain their aerobic wastewater management system. 

Pre-registration for the event is now open and accepted online at https://washington.agrilife.org/septic/ or by calling the Washington County Extension Office at (979) 277-6212 ext. 2. The course is FREE, but registration is REQUIRED by August 25, 2021.
Texas Well Owners Network Water Well Screening and Educational Program
August 27, 2021
Washington County
The Washington County Extension Office is pleased to present the Texas Well Owner Network training on Friday, August 27, 2021 in Brenham. The “Well Educated” training, which is free and open to the public, will welcome participants at 12:30pm with the program beginning promptly at 1:00pm at the Washington County Expo Sales Facility, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road in Brenham.
 
Anyone is welcome to attend, including those who do not wish to have samples evaluated but anyone planning to submit samples must attend the course to receive the analysis results. Pre-registration for the program is required by August 25, 2021, and may be completed online by visiting: http://washington.agrilife.org/TWON
Gardening Lunch-N-Learn Series
Washington County
The Bluebonnet Master Gardeners of Washington County are pleased to present the 2021 “Lunch-N-Learn” series to be hosted on the first Tuesday of each month, September-November. The series boasts topics related horticulture with the homeowner and backyard gardener in mind! Speakers are experts in their fields and practical gardeners with great tips and information for everyone.  

Program registration will begin at 11:50am with the program beginning at 12:05pm and concluding at 12:55pm. At the conclusion of each session the speaker and our Washington County Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions.

All Master Gardener Lunch-N-Learn programs are free to the public and you are welcome to bring your own lunch and drink.  
Mark Your Calendars for Future Events!
Horticulture Production
50th Annual South Central Texas
Cow-Calf Clinic
Washington County Pecan Show
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight!
2021 South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic Scholarship
Lee Michalik
Austin County
After I graduate, I plan to attend law school. After I earn my law degree, I will be pursuing a career in ag law, where I will represent the interests of local farmers and ranchers.
Courtney Thurman
Brazos County
As I plan my secondary education, in the fall I will attend Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. One day, I hope to have a career with a Major Livestock Show and or Breed Association and use my education combined with my passion for the industry to help educate others. It is my goal to help eradicate the common myths, misconceptions, and the proverbial bad apples regarding the agriculture industry. A career in the Agricultural Communications will allow me to continue my love and knowledge of the agriculture industry.
Leroy Stavinoha
Colorado County
I will majoring in Animal Science (Science Option) with plans to pursue a professional degree in Medicine after receiving my undergraduate degree. I am interested in a medical career in orthopedics and sports medicine. I will join the Corps of Cadets while at Texas A&M to continue my leadership experiences.
Taylor Limbaugh
Fayette County
I plan to earn the certification so I can become either an agricultural science teacher or 4-H extension agent in Texas. It is my goal to introduce kids from all backgrounds to the diverse world of agriculture and all that it offers.
Erica Otto
Fayette County
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, I aspire to attend medical school to get my Doctor of Medicine to become an orthopedic physician. The sports that I participated in instilled in me a desire to continue in the sports world. I looked into the profession and found a fascination with how the body works after visiting an orthopedic because of a car accident. I plan to work with athletes, that way I can get them back to playing the sports they love, just like my doctor did for me.
Clayton Boeker
Washington County
Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I plan to attend a Texas medical school and obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with plans to become a licensed physical therapist.
Contact your Washington County Extension Agent
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