Top o’ Texas
Agriculture
The
Photo courtesy of Della Moyer
Pampa News
1404 W. Wilson Borger, TX 273-2380 Mon-Fri 7:30a-8:00p Sat 8:00a-6:00m Sun 12p-6pm
-Top o’ Texas AgricultureAgriculture Organizations and how to contact them United States Department of Agriculture 12125 E. Frederic, Pampa, Texas 79065 806-665-1751 Farm Service Agency 12125 Frederic Pampa, Texas, 79065 806-665-6561 Gray County Extension Service 12125 E. Frederic, Pampa, Texas 79065 806-669-8033 nick.simpson@ag.tamu.edu Gray County Game Warden- Coby Sanders 806-683-6205 Red River Dairy 12618 US-60, Pampa, Texas 79065 806-665-5225
Great Plains Abstract & Title Co.
1600 N. Hobart Suite B. Pampa, Tx 79065 806-669-2899
Gray County Sheriff’s Office 218 N. Russell St., Pampa, Texas, 79065 806-669-8022 Gray County Commissioners Court County Judge: Chris Porter Commissioner, Precinct 1: Logan Hudson Commissioner, Precinct 2: Lake Arrington Commissioner, Precinct 3: John Mark Baggerman Commissioner, Precinct 4: Jeff Haley Courthouse: 205 N. Russell, 806-669-8007 Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District 201 W. 3rd Avenue, White Deer, Texas, 79097 806-883-2501 Lonestar Cotton Gin 7949 Highway 70, Pampa, Texas, 79065 806-665-0677 Carson County Gin 2290 U.S. 60, White Deer, Texas, 79097 806-883-2535
Security Abstract Company
222 S. Sully, P.O. Box 673 Clarendon, Tx 79226 806-874-3511
Wheeler Title & Abstract Co.
112 E. Texas Wheeler, Tx 79096 806-826-3526
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More than 4-H • County Agents work hand-inhand with producers. By John Lee pampanewseditor@gmail.com Twitter: @jcl1987 Nick Simpson, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Extension Agent for Gray County, joined the County Extension Office a couple of years ago. As a County Extension Agent, his and others like him serve in the primary role of educating the public and producers about agriculture-related topics. “We edcuate farmers, ranchers, consultants, industry personnel and crop consultants,” Simpson said. “In a normal year, I’ll have five to 10 in-person programs and conferences. On the farming side, we will talk about irrigation, crop physiology, herbicides and fertility, etc. One new thing we’ve been asked to do is Auxin trainings.” Simpson said a variety of cottons are considered an auxin, which requires a one-hour credit training. Auxin is a hormone in cotton which initiates fibers inside of the cotton. Simpson and other County Agents also conduct results demonstrations, which is research on varieties of seeds for corn and cotton and how their traits yield under varying conditions. “We take that data and put it in a report and then Continued on next page
“We try to do some local research and spread that out to the producers so hopefully they can make the best decisions.” Nick Simpson
-Top o’ Texas Agriculturesend it to the growers inthe area,” Simpson said. “The growers then have an unbiased report on yield data. That’s the most important part about the data we put out, it’s unbiased.” This year, the Extension Service is also doing some moth-trapping for research on what harm they may present to the producers’ crops. “We’ll be tracking moth flights for some harmful worms that may come into cotton and corn,” Simpson said. Simpson said the Texas Panhandle hasn’t seen too much of an issue from the sugarcane aphids, but down south closer to
Lubbock there have been pockets of them affecting crops. Simpson said there is some communication between County Agents from county to county. But for the producers, sometimes they have a preference with a particular agent. But County Agents do communicate when it comes to issues affecting their county that may spread to others. “Usually those are insect issues or disease,” Simpson said. “That information gets passed on. All agents in the district get that information.” At the conferences Simpson has hosted, he
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has seen a wide range in ages among the producers who attend. “We have everything from 20 to 90-year-olds,” Simpson said. “That’s the good thing about the inperson versus the digital. We tried to do a Zoom meeting recently and canceled because we had no interest. The older men are probably in charge of whether or not the rest of the family (working in the business) goes to the meeting.” Simpson said Gray County is definitely a generational farming area, compared to other areas even within a couple hours that may be more corporate. All-in-all, the County Agents role is for education and research. “We try to do some local research and spread that out to the producers so hopefully they can make the best decisions,” Simpson said. When asked what a normal day looks like for him, Simpson said there are no two alike. “If it’s growing season, I try to go out and scout a few fields to look at and see if I notice changes,” Simpson said. “I like to see if I can pick up trends or let the farmer know what we are noticing. But there are a lot of things we are also involved with and community development.” As for the issues facing
the County and industry, drought is always No. 1, but volatility of the market is also becoming a challenge. “Markets have really rebounded from where they were last year,” Simpson said. “But what happens is once the price goes up (for corn), everybody realizes that their seed is worth more and all of the inputs go up.” Inputs are some of the products (herbicide, fertilizer, water, etc.) that go into the process of farming. Another issue facing the area is the insect resistance to some of the traits. “There are different bugs that attack corn and 15-20 years ago they were able to make these hybrids (genetically-modified) to release a toxin that kills/ sickens the bug,” Simpson said. “Then they came out with a bunch of different proteins for a bunch of different worms. Which is why I’m trapping moths, they have genetic target (for the plant).” Root-worm is another big bug that is a problem, although not in the Texas Panhandle at this time. For more information on Gray County Extension Agency, visit gray.agrilife.org or call 806-6698033.
-Top o’ Texas Agriculture-
The role of technology in agriculture Modern industry is driven by technology. Advancements in technology have changed how business is conducted, with some industries undergoing dramatic changes since the dawn of the 21st century. While agriculture might not be the first industry people think of when reflecting on the changing nature of industry, The National Institute of Food and Agriculture notes that modern farms are vastly different than those from a few decades ago. Farmers have long relied on technology to make their operations as efficient, productive and profitable as possible. Precision agriculture, which refers to technological advances designed to propel agriculture into the modern, computerized and information-based world, is helping
the agricultural sector become more prof profitable and efficient while also improving safety and making agriculture more ecofriendly. In addition, the NIFA notes that the modern agricultural industry employs technology such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and global positioning systems. If it sounds complicated, that’s because it is. For example, modern sensors can detect soil conditions, potentially producing hundreds of readings per second. These sensors help farmers know the best possible time to plant seeds so they can reach their full potential. That improves both the efficiency of modern farms as well as their output. The NIFA also notes that agricultural technology has reduced waste. For in-
stance, thanks to agricultural technology, farmers no longer have to apply water, fertilizers and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Technology has shown that farmers can simply target specific areas or even treat individual plants differently. That saves time and allows farmers to use only minimal quantities of water, fertilizer and pesticides. In addition, according to the NIFA, employing agricultural technology in this fashion leads to higher crop productivity and reduces runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater, thereby reducing the farm’s impact on local ecosystems. Modern farms are technological marvels where various technologies are being employed to produce crops more efficiently and safely than ever before.
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-Top o’ Texas Agriculture-
A resource for producers of the county, out in the county By John Lee
pampanewseditor@gmail.com Twitter: @jcl1987
Farmers Equipment, located at 12078 N. Ragsdale Road south of Pampa off of State Highway 70, opened in 1981 and offers all of the accessories and attachments for tractor equipment, but do not sell tractors and combines themselves.
“We also do a lot of hydraulic hay-beds and handle all of the brands of hay-beds/flat-beds,” owner Bill Ragsdale said. “We do all of the plows and drills up to 50-foot and plows up to 50 or 60 feet. We do 2,000-bushel grain carts. So it’s large equipment, just not tractors or combines.” Ragsdale said many of the customers that come to him
just need someone who understands what they need. Farmer’s Equipment takes care of that need with three experienced full-time employees and two part-time employees. Ragsdale said despite the drought conditions, the repair side of his business has been pretty consistent. “We do a lot of repairs for people and some do it them-
selves,” Ragsdale said. “We do lawnmowers, too. We have mowers from 42-feet wide to 32/36 inches.” Farmers Equipment is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 806-6658046.
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Explore a career in agriculture
The agricultural industry provides a variety of opportunities to professionals interested in this often misunderstood field. According to the employment resource AGCareers. com, more than 250 career profiles are available to people interested in a career in agriculture. And while jobs in agriculture may not be as prevalent as they were a few centuries ago, when 72 percent of the workforce was employed in farm occupations in the United States, agriculture remains a booming industry that greatly affects the nation’s economy. Today, one in 12 American jobs is depends on agriculture, according to the career resource Payscale. The following are some potential professions for those considering careers in agriculture.
• Grain buyer: Grain • Soil scientist: Among buyers build relationships the many tasks they might with producers so they can perform, scientists in the purchase grain for their field of agriculture test soil particular companies. They samples for minerals and negotiate purchase agree- contaminants. By studyments, source grain sup- ing the soil, scientists can plies and issue purchase recommend which crops orders. the land can support, how • Poultry hatchery man- much livestock can feed in ager: Hatchery managers an area and the implications oversee all of the aspects of agriculture on the area as involved in poultry hatch- it pertains to managing nating. These can include man- ural resources. agement of personnel, hanA career in agriculture • Agricultural business dling and sorting of eggs, presents many exciting opmanager: This person maintenance of equipment, portunities in a number of oversees the business op- coordination of pick-ups different applications. It’s erations of a farm by pro- and deliveries, and oversee- a vast industry that utilizes viding organization and ing quality control. professionals with an array leadership during the proof skillsets. duction process. He or she contacts creditors, selects seeds, buys new equipment, and ensures the distribution of product. • Agricultural lawyer: Attorneys who specialize in agriculture deal with water and environmental issues, Ag Chemical Sales Aerial Spraying represent agricultural labor Ground Spraying NexGen Cotton Seed in disputes, ensure proper marketing techniques are followed, handle real estate and land use issues, and much more. • Animal control officer: These officers enforce local and regional laws that pertain to the treatment and care of animals. They patrol for distressed animals and 1366 US Hwy 60 • PO Box 997 ensure cruelty-free practices are adhered to. Panhandle,Tx • (806) 537-5143
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Texas Farm Bureau, for
Photos provided by Texas Farm Bureau
or farmers and everyone By John Lee pampanewseditor@gmail.com Twitter: @jcl1987 It’s not every day that an agency that sounds so niche like Texas Farm Bureau branches outside of it’s agriculture-natured name. But Texas Farm Bureau does just that, and has been in Pampa since 1960, when they were originally located downtown on Kingsmill Street. They moved to their present location, 2419 N. Hobart Street, in July 2019. Agency manager for Gray County, Cade Taylor, said each County has their own County Board of Directors who advocates for the local producers and agricultural producers. “It’s the largest voice for local agriculture as a whole,” Taylor said. “Each county has their own voice. I manage Gray/Roberts and Carson/Armstrong. But the board is responsible for the members in the County.” But Texas Farm Bureau’s services reach beyond those working in agriculture. “A lot of our customers are producers,” Taylor said. “But a lot of our customers have insurance for other products. In order to get insurance through us, you have to be a member of Texas Farm Bureau. When they join ($45/year), they become a part of Texas Farm Bureau. When you become a member, you are allowed to have whatever services we provide, one of them being insurance.” Along with their services, Texas Farm Bureau (established in 1933) offers education, legislative advocacy and information on the issues facing agriculture and producers. “The Board, in a normal year, spends time in the classrooms education kids on what agriculture is and how food/fiber products brought to you,” Taylor said. “It’s a unique set-up and we love it. We work well with the other agriculture teams whether it’s the extensions or the FFA, Land Banks, etc. It’s amazing because we really fit into the mainstream for the farmer/producers, but we cater so much to the general public. We’re not a farm-exclusive company.” Taylor said it’s most important for the Farm Bureau is to, of course, take care of it’s insurance customers, but to be a resource for the producers. Continued on next page
-Top o’ Texas Agriculture“They want to back the rural, grassroots movement,” Taylor said. “Make sure the farmers/ ranchers have every tool and every resource they can considering things like this year’s winter storm (in February). How can we talk to our congressman about how to make it better for our producers.” At the local level, Texas Farm Bureau spends a lot of time supporting the youth in agriculture. “We spend a lot of time at the
Gray and Roberts County Stock Shows,” Taylor said. “Making sure those kids have the ability to do that project or to do those things year in, year out.” As small farming operations are becoming more scarce, it’s so important for the Farm Bureau board to help youth understand the importance of agriculture. “They work their tail off volunteering to get in the classrooms,” Taylor said. “We haven’t had an
Ag-Day in Gray County in a couple of years because of the logistics and the school district is so big, but we do one in Carson County and they bring out animals, a miniature cotton gin and it’s important for those kids to see agriculture in action.” For more information on Texas Farm Bureau, visit https://texasfarmbureau.org/. You can also call the local branch at 806-6658451.
Photos provided by Texas Farm Bureau
-Top o’ Texas Agriculture-
How farmers are using drones
The farmers of yesteryear might not be too familiar with their surroundings if they were to visit a modern farm. While the men and women who made their livings as farmers decades ago would no doubt still recognize certain farm features that have withstood the test of time, they might not understand the inner workings of the modern farm, particularly in regard to the role technology now plays within the agricultural sector. Technology has changed agriculture in myriad ways. The methods farmers employ to produce food and improve the efficiency of their operations has changed as technology has evolved. One of the more noticeable changes that’s hard to miss on modern farms is the use of agricultural drones. Drones have been around for decades. Sometimes re-
ferred to as “unmanned aerial vehicles,” or “UAVs,” drones can be utilized in ways that can save farmers money and protect the planet. · Monitor crops: According to senseFly, the commercial drone subsidiary of Parrot Group, drones can help farmers effectively monitor their crops. With a drone flying overhead, farmers can spot and quickly identify issues affecting their crops before those issues escalate into something larger. · Soil analysis: Another potential benefit of agricultural drones highlights their role in analyzing soil. Agricultural drones utilize complex mapping functions to gather data about the soil, including areas where it might be stressed. That enables farmers to develop accurate soil samples that can be used to guide deci-
sions in regard to irrigation and fertilization. · Reduce waste: SenseFly notes that data gathered by drones can help farmers determine the vigor of their crops at various stages of growth. Such information can prevent overfertilization and overwatering, thereby reducing waste and runoff, benefitting the planet as a result. · Planning: Drones can be used to collect data on crop
growth and health at various times throughout the growing season. That can help farmers develop accurate predictions regarding harvest quality and crop yield, making it easier for them to plan ahead. Agricultural drones are one of the many examples that illustrate how technology has changed and will continue to change the ways modern farmers conduct business.
Youth in Agriculture Photos provided by Miami High School
Miami FFA
2020-21 FFA Officers for Miami High School. From left, Tori Underwood (Treasurer), Cooper Hale (Reporter), Abby Skidmore (Secretary), Taylor Underwood (Student Advisor), Haiden Thompson (Vice President), Elizabeth Gorecki (President) and Tucker Long (AG Teacher).
2020-21 First Semester Contests District LDE’s Senior Creed Speaking Taylor Underwood - 15th Place Kyler Ortega - 18th Place District LDE’s Radio Broadcasting Cheyenne Demeritt, Elizabeth Gorecki, & Brayden Haigood - 3rd Place Hope Hartwig, Caleb Homfeld, & Tori Underwood - 4th Place District LDE’s Greenhand Skills Collin Bryant, Garrett LaDeau, & Haiden Thompson - 4th Place District LDE’s Greenhand Creed Speaking Haiden Thompson - 1st Place Cooper Hale - 7th Place Area 1 LDE’s Greenhand Creed Speaking Haiden Thompson - 7th Place
-Top o’ Texas Agriculture-
Safety tips for parents of young farmers People who live in cities,
they’re physically capable
exurbs or suburbs may not
of can lead to accident,
come across farms very
injury or even death.
frequently. But millions
· Review equipment
of people, including chil-
operation instructions.
dren, still live on farms. In
Before assigning chil-
fact, in 2009 the Centers
dren a task on the farm,
for Disease Control and
parents should review
Prevention noted that more
the equipment operation
than one million children
instructions. Doing so can
under the age of 20 lived,
help parents reacquaint
worked or had a regular
themselves with tools and
presence on farms in the
equipment they may not
United States.
have used in awhile, and
Protecting children from
that can make it easier for
injury on farms, especially
them to teach kids how
those who perform work
to use such equipment. In
on farms, is of paramount
addition, reviewing equip-
importance. The American
ment instructions may
Society of Safety Engi-
provide insight to parents
neers offers the follow-
unsure if their children are
ing safety tips to parents
old enough to use certain
of children who will be
tools.
spending time on farms.
· Inspect equipment.
· Know and obey the
Before children perform
laws. Various state and
any tasks on the farm,
federal laws are in place
parents should inspect the
to protect young chil-
equipment their children
dren from farm-related
are likely to use to make
accidents and injuries.
sure each tool is safe.
Age requirements dictate
Make sure tools are in
which jobs children can
proper working order, as
perform on a farm, and
broken or poorly working
parents should adhere to
equipment increases the
those requirements. Asking
risk of accident or injury.
children to do more than
· Enroll children in
farm safety camps. The ASSE recommends that parents contact their local Cooperative Extension and Farm Bureau offices to enroll children in farm safety camps. Such camps can teach kids safe farming techniques and the proper ways to use age-appropriate tools. · Set a positive example. Another way for parents to protect their children on the farm is to set a positive example. Parents can do
so in various ways. Using equipment properly, removing tractor keys from ignitions when tractors are not in use and exercising caution when using hazardous materials shows kids the importance of caution when working on farms. Hundreds of thousands of children perform jobs on farms across the country. Parents who want to teach their kids to farm should always do so with safety in mind.
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Youth in Agriculture
McLean FFA
Nathan Fransted, Jasmine Schwalk, Emma Jones, Noah Dickey, Cruz Rodriguez, Lyanna Rice and Rory Rojas. This was The Greenbelt District Winning 8th Grade Opening and Closing Ceremonies Team. Area- Greenbelt LDE Second Job interview- Mia McCracken First opening and closing ceremonies- Noah dickey, Jasmin Schwalk, Cruz Rodriguez, Kyanna Rice, Emma Jones, Rory Rojas, Nathan Fransted Braunvieh Beef Clinic Judging Contest 6th Place High point individualMia McCracken 5th place High point Jr TeamAbby Woodward, Noah Dickey, Rory Rojas Top of Texas Swine show Mia McCracken- Class winner both days and breed champion Duroc Many other kids placed in their classes Mclean Local Show Champion Goat- Mallery Reynolds Reserve Champion goat- Rory Rojas Champion Junior showmanAbby Woodward Champion Intermediate showman- Rory Rojas Champion Senior showman- Mallery Reynolds Reserve champion senior showman- Ben Woodward Champion Sheep- Mia Mc-
Cracken Reserve Champion sheepMalanee Allen Junior Champion ShowmanAbby Woodward Intermediate showman- Levi Sparling Reserve Intermediate Showman- Elizabeth Schwalk Senior Champion ShowmanMallery Reynolds Reserve Champion Senior Showman- Mia McCracken Swine Berkshire Breed Champ- Brycen Meadows Berkshire Reserve Breed Champ- Abby Woodward Duroc Breed Champ- Mia McCracken Duroc Reserve Breed ChampKyanna Rice Hampshire Hampshire Breed champ- Mia McCracken Hampshire Reserve Breed Champ-Levi Sparling Black Other Purebred Breed champ- Jasmine Schwalk Black Reserve ChampionHunter Sparling Yorkshire- Breed champ- Miles Reynolds Yorkshire Reserve ChampionScott Caldwell Cross Breed Champion- Hunter Spar-
ling Reserve Breed- Scott Caldwell Grand Overall Grand- Mia McCracken Reserve Grand- Mia McCracken Showmanship PeeWee showman- Colt Sparling Junior showman- Abby Woodward Reserve junior showman- Brycen Meadows Intermediate Champ- Levi Sparling Reserve intermediate- Kyanna Rice Senior champ- Mia McCracken Reserve Senior- Levi Sparling Grey County Show Sheep & Goats Breed Champ Southdown, Jr Showmanship, Second Place Goat, Third Place Goat- Abby Woodward Second Place Medium Wool Lamb, Third Place Medium Wool, Intermediate Sheep ShowmanLevi Sparling Third Place Medium WoolElizabeth Schwalk Third Place Goat- Rory Rojas Reserve Champ Southdown, First Place Medium Wool- Ben Woodward
Third Place Medium WoolMalanee Allen Second Place Medium WoolMallery Reynolds Breed Champ Fine Wool CrossMia McCracken Swine Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Champion Overall, Breed Champion Hampshire, Breed Champion Duroc, Grand Senior Showman- Mia McCracken First Place And Reserve Breed Berk, Second Place Wopb, Junior Showman- Abby Woodward Second Place Berk, Breed Champ WOPB- Bryce Meadows Third Place Berkshire- Kassidy Russell First Place Duroc,Third Place Dopb- Jacque Altis Second Place Dark OPB- Jasmine Schwalk Second Place Dark OPB, First Place Cross-Hunter Sparling First Place Duroc, Reserve Breed Hampshire, Intermediate Showman- Levi Sparling Second Place Duroc- Trayton Mann Reserve Breed Duroc- Kyanna Rice Second Place Yorkshire, Third Place Cross- Scott Caldwell Third Place Yorkshire- Miles Reynolds
-Top o’ Texas Agriculture-
Photo courtesy of Charla Shults
Photo courtesy of Charla Shults
Photos provided by McLean High School
Pampa FFA InformatIon from PamPa hIgh SchooL
Highlights of FFA Leadership Development Events in the Fall, Stock Shows in the Fall and Winter, Career Development Events (Judging Contests) in the Spring, Leadership Camp and State FFA Convention in the Summer. How FFA helps students: FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. What you learn: Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems. Students learn about the science, business, technology of plant and animal production and about the environmental and natural resources systems. How to join: Kids at least 8 years old and in the 3rd grade can join Junior FFA to show livestock through their 8th grade year. Once they are in high school, they must be enrolled in an Agriculture Science class to join FFA. Anyone interested in joining just needs to contact the Ag teacher.
Gracie Hapeman
Rebecca Scott
Pampa FFA
Autumn Woods “FFA can help a student develop leadership skills that can be helpful later on down the road. You can join FFA by just taking an ag class in high school. FFA can teach a kid many things, from learning about animals, to learning how to run a meeting using parliamentary procedure.” – Kaleb Garrison, 2020-2021 Pampa FFA Vice President, Senior 2021 “I joined the FFA program my freshman year of high school. Throughout these four years, FFA has helped me learn valuable life lessons as well as amazing character traits I needed to know. FFA has helped me become more confident from speaking to the public as well as understanding from being in a lot of different situations.” – Taiten Sanders, 2020-2021 Pampa FFA President, Senior 2021 Photos courtesy of Charla Shults
Conner Scott
Lexie Rosser
Photo provided by Wyatt Casper
PAMPA A
By John Lee pampanewseditor@gmail.com Twitter: @jcl1987 Pampa was well-represented on Dec. 3-12 when the National Finals Rodeo was held in Arlington. Steer Wrestler Matt Reeves and Saddle-Bronc Rider Wyatt Casper went into the annual event ranked No. 1 in the World. Casper has wins at The American (Arlington), World’s Oldest (Prescott, Ariz.) and Kit Carson County Pro Rodeo (Burlington, Colo.). “It’s a really good feeling going in there on top, but it’s not really going to change anything to how I would do it,” Casper said. “I’m going to come in there focused on what I can get Wyatt done.” Casper Casper, who is from Pampa but lives in Miami, competed in 60 rodeos in 2020 and said the pandemic shutting rodeos down earlier last year actually did him a favor. “Last year we could only make it to 60 rodeos. I guess the pandemic kind of helped me in a way because back in March I broke my neck (stress fracture in T-1 and swelled up my T-2) in Houston,” Casper said. “The next day they canceled Houston because of COVID-19. During the months we were off I got to stay home and get my neck healthy. Nobody else ran any rodeos while I was hurt and I was able to compete in the rodeos when they started back up and was healthy.” Reeves 2020 highlights includes wins at The American (Arlington), Texas Circuit Finals (Waco), San Angelo Rodeo and Cave Creek (Ariz.) Rodeo Days. Reeves, who was also injured when a horse fell on him earlier in 2020, said 2020 has been a rollercoaster year for him. “The highs of this year have been some of the highest highs I’ve ever had,” Reeves said. “But the lows have been some of the lowest lows. Which is odd. I’m usually consistent and ease along.” One of the lows for Reeves, who is also from Pampa but currently lives in Cross Plains, Texas, was the death of his horse, Rattle.
AT THE RODEO
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“She was the youngest horse at the NFR last year. It was kind of unexpected,” Reeves said. “She had just gotten over being sick. She looked as good as she had ever looked in her life. There’s not really a reason why it happened. Just bad luck.” In 2020 year Reeves will take his horse, Red, who is 12-years-old to the NFR. “I rode him the first four rounds in 2019,” Reeves said. “We were on him kind of in the winter, too. I hadn’t had to run on him. I haven’t had to ride him a lot, I’ve rode her (Rattle) everywhere I’ve been.” Reeves competed in a rodeo at Waco before going to NFR. Casper will compete at Waco and in Denton. While 2020 has changed the landscape for many sports in regards to fans, Casper said it’s the same ol’ rodeo. “They had all of that (the pandemic precautions) in place at the rodeos but there’s not a lot of people going by the rules at those events,” Casper said. “Rodeos have pretty much stay the same. A lot of them still have big crowds and it’s pretty awesome to see rodeos going on. Rodeos wouldn’t be the same without fans.” Reeves echoed that sentiment, stating the crowds have been outstanding. “Once we got started back it wasn’t that big of a deal,” Reeves said. “We had to wear masks for the first bit but the places that have had rodeos had them and moved on. Crowds have been outstanding in most places. There’s been a lot of rodeos that set records for the attendance. That’s been huge.” In 2020, the NFR was held in Arlington at Globe Life Field, as opposed to it’s normal venue in Las Vegas. “I think it’s going to be good,” the 42-year-old Reeves said. “Tickets have sold well, the arena’s going to be much, much different. It’s going to be a different rodeo but it’s going to be a good rodeo. I’m looking forward to it. I’m older so it’s fun just getting to go. But I’m excited for the chance.” For more information on either competitor visit prorodeo.com. For more information on NFR, visit https://www.nfrexperience.com/nfr2020/. After the NFR, Reeves finished 2020 ranked fourth in the world, Reeves finished 1st in rounds five and nine, 4th in rounds seven and 10 and fifth in the third round of the National Finals Rodeo. After the NFR, Casper finised 2020 ranked second in the world and won Rounds 5 and 9 and placed in seven rounds overall to finish second in the Wrangler NFR average with 774 points on nine head. Finished second in the world standings with $320,984.
Photo from www.prorodeo.com
GRAY COUNTY TITLE CO. INC Licensed Title Insurance Agent in Gray & Roberts Counties
Edith Hill ~ Manager PO Box 418 • Pampa, Texas
gct@graycountytitle.com | www.graycountytitle.com
720 W. Francis Ave.,Pampa 806-665-8241 • Fax 806-665-7209
Specializing in Farm
and Ranch Real Estate
By John Lee
pampanewseditor@gmail.com Twitter: @jcl1987
Gary Sutherland has had his hand in the agriculture business for more than 50 years, not as a producer or rancher, however, but most recently as an associate broker for Clift Land Brokers and appraiser through TXPan Appraisal and Consulting. “My business is primarily farm and ranch,” Sutherland said. “Every now and then I’ll do something different, but it is probably 95 percent farm & ranch appraisal or brokerage.” Sutherland came to Pampa, in October 1976 as a loan officer/office manager for the Canadian Production Credit Association, now Capital Farm Credit. After spending the last 45 years in Pampa and Gray County, Sutherland has seen agriculture operations continue to grow. “Equipment costs have multiplied I don’t know how many times,” Sutherland said. “Tractors, cotton strippers, pickers, etc. have gotten bigger and bigger. When I started in the Rio Grande Valley, a John Deere 4020 tractor was about $8,000. My understanding today is that these big cotton strippers that make the round Continued on next page
bales are $600,000-$700,000.” Sutherland has seen land prices grow exponentially, as well. But that doesn’t change the presence agriculture has in Pampa and Gray County, despite the groundwater issues the area faces. “It has a significant presence in Gray County,” Sutherland said. “We don’t have the kind of irrigated land that some places have, there are a lot more pivot circles (in other regions) than what we have in this part of the world. Not every place in this area has enough water for irrigation.” Sutherland doesn’t see agriculture’s presence changing in the future without a change in some of the variables. “Are we going to see more or less rainfall in the future?” Sutherland said. “It’s obvious that has happened in other places at times. What will be the new technologies? But we’re not here in an area that has the population and the growth that other areas have. “Eighty-five to 90 percent of the
“We have an auction company (Clift Land Auctions) that has a big presence and has auctioned off several farms or ranches each year. We have a good company and some really great salespeople and associate brokers.” -Gary Sutherland communities that are 50 to 100 miles west of Interstate 35, all over the country, have been declining in population since 1960. Communities that are under 25,000 west of I-35 have been declining because of agricultural operations getting much larger and the old oil patch going down and not requiring near the amount of people to take care of it.” Sutherland has noticed that the Gray County area is still generational farming, as opposed to some of the areas that have seen a large amount of corporation farming. “There are families that have been here for generations,” Sutherland said. “The ones I think of right now are the ones whose families have been here since the 1920s and 1930s, or earlier.” Sutherland said Clift Land Brokers is the largest land broker in the Texas
Panhandle, having sold land in the 50,000-acre range in 30 counties and four states each of the last three years. “We have an auction company (Clift Land Auctions) that has a big presence that and has auctioned off several farms or ranches each year,” Sutherland said. “We have a good company and some really great salespeople and associate brokers.” About Clift Land Brokers: Clift Land Brokers and its affiliates specialize in farm/ranch and commercial real estate and offer you a complete package of services. Whether you are buying or selling real estate, our sales associates know how to handle your real estate transaction from start to finish. All of our associates have agriculture backgrounds and know how to market farms and ranches. We currently have two Accredited Land Consultants (ALC’s) in our firm, including our Broker, George Clift. ALC’s are recognized experts in land brokerage transactions, giving you the confidence you are dealing with a professional land broker. Hiring a land professional is the most important decision you will make in marketing your property.
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-Top o’ Texas Agriculture-
AgriLife Extension’s Dr. Jourdan Bell on agriculture in the Texas Panhandle By John Lee pampanewseditor@gmail.com Twitter: @jcl1987
Earlier in February 2021, Dr. Jourdan Bell of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension was going to hold a conference concerning cotton. The conference was canceled as registration didn’t meet the anticipated number, but the inforDr. Jourdan Bell m a t i o n didn’t lose it’s importance. “We were going to focus on the 2020 cotton season and we have a variety trial that we usually conduct in Gray County annually,” Dr. Bell said. “Some of it’s irrigated and some of it’s dry-land. I was going to discuss the results and see how weather impacted the varieties of the cotton.” The variety trials are held across the Texas Panhandle to see how they perform under various conditions and management styles. “That provides the producers an opportunity to evaluate variety stability,” Dr. Bell said. “There’s always going to be that
one variety that will be a home run and yield exceptionally well that one year, but then the producer tries it again and plants in next year under different conditions and it never performs the same.” That being said, AgriLife Extension tries to test more consistent varieties. Dr. Bell said producers do have concerns on input costs. “Seed costs are very expensive,” Dr. Bell said. “We were going to discuss seeding rates and some considerations with regards to good seed stand establishment.” In the High Plains, Dr. Bell and the AgriLife Extension encourages farmers to check with their dealer with the cold germination tests. “The germination on the bag is usually the warm germination test,” Dr. Bell said. “The cold germination test will give them a better idea about germination under our conditions. In the Panhandle, normally we are looking at soil temperatures that are just under 60 degrees. That is the minimum temperature for cotton germination, unlike other cotton production regions where soils are usually warmer.” Dr. Bell also said to ask for a seed lot with a higher cool germination rating. In the seven years that Dr. Bell has been with the Exten-
sion Agency, she has seen cotton acreage increase 500,000 acres across the Panhandle. She believes the producers have put cotton into their cropping system because of it’s drought-resistant nature. “It really provides flexibility under irrigation and allows producers to manage declining water supplies,” Dr. Bell said. “They can possibly concentrate their water on a corn crop at a critical cropping stage and that cotton will be able to withstand the stress.” As water supply diminishes, Dr. Bell said producers are being more strategic in how they handle and manage the water supply. “They are considering flooding irrigated acreage with a drought-tolerant crop,” Dr. Bell said. “Cotton and corn, sorghum and corn (sorghum prices are favorable this year), sorghum is also drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of water stress much better than corn.” Producers are also considering critical growth-stage scheduling irrigation more. “That means they are targeting their irrigation to a critical stage in crop development so that they can maximize their irrigation efficiency and yield,” Dr. Bell said. “When we had greater saturation, it was not uncommon Continued on next page
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Front row, from left, Camron Northcutt, Ben Woodward, Mallery Reynolds, Sieera Sutherland, Lexi Rossier, Autumn Woods and Gracie Hapeman. Back Row, Luke Ortner, Matthew Ortner, Kaleb Garrison, Luke Dickey, Jacob Watson, Hudson Scribner and Hunter Sparling. In the stands, between the A and the S in Top O’ Texas is Mia Mccracken.
How to support local agriculture this fall The global pandemic that has upended daily life has exacted a toll on many industries. Businesses have been asked to close or temporarily scale back operations, while organizers of recreational gatherings have been tasked with reevaluating the practicality and safety of annual events. Throughout the United States and Canada, autumn fairs, exhibitions and activities provide revenue for many people. But due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, many of these annual events have been postponed, adversely affecting local agricultural industries as a result. Governments in certain places have responded to the cancellations and offered assistance to local farmers and agricultural industries. For example, the Province of Ontario is providing nearly $1 million to assist organizations that had to cancel fall events due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to supporting such efforts, the general public can pitch in to help offset some of the financial losses accrued by local farms. · Check for virtual events. Some fall fairs or livestock events have been moved to the digital realm. That means competitors who were entering livestock or even home crafts into competitions can still participate. Organizers may ask for videos or photos of entries and then a committee will vote on the winners. This is one way to keep entry fees and even cash prizes moving along. · Support local farms or orchards.
Fall is harvest season in many areas, making this a popular time of year to visit nearby farms and to purchase fruits and vegetables directly from the source. Many farms have implemented safety protocols that align with COVID-19 health recommendations to safely welcome visitors. Things may look a little differently at orchards and farms, but smaller crowds and wearing masks should not compromise the fun of picking your own foods. · Explore farm-to-table. Private individuals as well as restaurant owners can develop relationships with area agriculture producers to increase the availability of farm-to-table offerings. Restaurants can revamp menus to include a greater share of items sourced from nearby farms. Individuals also can rely on produce stands and farmers’ markets to stock their pantries. Some farms may offer delivery and mailorder as well. · Offer financial services. Financial advisors can help farmers who are struggling with finances work through their options. Institutions may be able to extend the terms of loan repayments, refinance loans, restructure debt, or get credit extensions. Lower interest rates have created some new opportunities farmers may not be aware of. Financial advisors can help farmers navigate an uncertain financial time. Farmers and agricultural organizations are facing greater challenges as fall fairs and other events are being canceled. The public can support
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