Farm & Ranch

Pecan clinic set Nov. 7 in Wichita Falls

Published

8 years ago

October 25, 2016

NTFR

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608,[email protected]
Contact: David Graf, 940-716-8610, [email protected]

WICHITA FALLS – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the Rolling Plains Pecan Clinic Nov. 7 at the Riverbend Nature Center, 2200 3rd St. in Wichita Falls.

“Pecan trees are one of the primary trees in this region, and we receive a lot of questions about them,” said David Graf, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Wichita County.

“The Wichita County Extension Horticulture Committee felt now was a great time to provide information that will improve tree health,” Graf said. “It will also provide recommendations on starting new trees.”

The event will begin with a 5 p.m. registration followed by the program from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Registration is $15 and light snacks will be provided.

The program will include the following topics and speakers:

– Tips for Healthier Pecan Trees, Tim Hunter, Master Gardener and former coordinator of the Texas A&M Research Station’s pecan production center at Iowa Park.

– Pecan Insects – ID, Damage and Management for the Homeowner, Bill Ree, AgriLife Extension pecan specialist-integrated pest management, College Station.

– Starting Pecans Properly, Hunter.

– Understanding Pesticides for the Homeowner, Ree.

– Pecan Question/Answer session.

Those planning to attend should RSVP before Nov. 4 to [email protected]or by calling the AgriLife Extension-Wichita County office, 940-716-8610.

-30-

Farm & Ranch

Hazards of Backyard Poultry

Published

6 days ago

April 21, 2024

NTFR

By Barry Whitworth, DVM

Having backyard poultry is a popular agriculture enterprise. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 0.8 percent of all households in the United States have chickens. People keep chickens for a variety of reasons with table eggs being one of the more common reasons.

Unfortunately, some of these poultry producers are not aware of the hazards that come with keeping poultry because many times they carry pathogens but appear healthy.
Chickens are carriers of several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. According to a recent survey in Pennsylvania, a majority of backyard poultry producers were aware of the dangers of avian influenza. However, this study also revealed that far fewer producers were aware of the risk of possible exposure to Salmonella and Campylobacter.

The lack of knowledge about the hazards of raising poultry likely contributes to the continued issues of Salmonella outbreaks associated with backyard poultry. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,072 illnesses of Salmonella linked to backyard poultry, and 272 of those patients required hospitalization. Oklahoma reported 43 individuals with the disease.

To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.