Ag News: Tree Program planned for September 23rd

 

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Lee County will host a Tree Program on Thursday, September 23, at 6:30 pm in the Extension office in Giddings.

 

Daniels Lewis of the Texas Forest Service will be the key note speaker.  One hour of General continuing education units will be offered to Private Applicator pesticide license holders.

 

Information will be presented regarding:

   ■ Care and management

   ■ Disease and insect issues

 

Light refreshments will be served.  Please RSVP to the Lee County Extension office at (979) 542-2753, before September 21. The Lee County Extension office is located at 310 S. Grimes in Giddings.

 

Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend meetings and who may need auxiliary aids, services or accommodations must contact the Lee County Extension office at (979) 542-2753 at least five days prior to the event so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

 

Army Worms

 

With the fall upon us, as forage producers we need to be thinking about the infamous Fall Armyworm.  This year has be a great year so far. We have great forage production for hay as well as grazing. With the fall armyworm coming in we need to consider how to control them, if needed.

 

The first question is, “Do I have enough of armyworms to spend the money to try and control them?” Susceptible fields should be scouted by counting the number of armyworms in a square foot area in eight different sites. Divide the total worm count by eight to find the average number of armyworms per square foot.

 

Be sure to take samples in the interior of the field because this pest is often heaviest near the field margins. Sometimes, only the field margins require treatment. The threshold level ranges from an average of three or more worms per square foot.  If you have more than that it could be beneficial for a control method to be put in place.

 

When choosing a product to apply to your pastures, be sure to look at the restrictions that are on the container and keep in mind the “time line” for grazing rotations as well as hay production.  Some products have no restrictions; some have up to a 14-day hay and grazing restriction.  Just be certain to keep this in mind when making that selection.

 

Insecticide choices vary with the crop but the following are labeled for use in pastures: carbaryl, malathion, methomyl and methyl parathion are a few. These are the active ingredient within the products that are commonly used.

 

The information given herein is for educational purposes only.  References to commercial products or trade names are made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied.

 

Keeton Ehrig is the County Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, in Lee County. He can be reached at (979)542-2753 or visit the Lee County office at 310 S. Grimes Street in Giddings.