TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION
4-H receives grant
The Cass County 4-H is taking big steps to recover from the 2020 participation setbacks. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Jessica Rymel applied for and was awarded a $5000 grant from the Jockey Club to promote 4-H involvement in Cass County, specifically in the equine project.
These funds are being used to host the “Join Up Saddle Series” an event that is open to youth from all over. The event is free for youth to participate, as long as they join a 4-H club in their county. There will be 5 events, one per month until December. Points will be accumulated by youth at these events and 21 buckles and 3 saddles will be awarded at the end of the year. There are events for youth who own a horse and for youth who do not, so everyone can be included.
The first event held in August had a great turn out from the community with 45 participants. The following events will likely hold more success as more people take advantage of the opportunities being offered by the 4-H program in Cass County. The 4-H is still seeking businesses to sponsor prizes and buckles. For more information, please contact the Cass County Extension Office at 903.756.5391.
Establishing a food plot
We are all getting excited because small pieces of fall are starting to show. Many folks are already headed to start working on their deer leases in anticipation of hunting season. For many, this means food plot establishment.
The first step of establishing your food plot is determining where you are going to place it and how large the space is. When selecting this site, keep the deer’s behavior in mind.
Choose a longer thinner area, close to clover to help the deer feel more comfortable utilizing the browse you are providing. Once you have selected the area, you need to determine how much space you are going to be using.
Once you’ve done the above tasks, I recommend taking soil samples. We have bags and forms available at the extension office normally (we are out at this moment, but more will be coming this week.) I would take soil samples all over the location where you are planning to plant. Mix each of these samples up in a bucket, and submit this combined sample to our lab. The cost of this soil test is $12, plus the cost of shipping the box.
Once you’ve sent off your soil sample, you can anticipate your results being returned in about a week and a half. If you need help deciphering your results, feel free to send them to me! I would be happy to help.
Establishing Food Plots in East Texas
The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife. Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aide services or accommodations are encouraged to contact the Extension Office within 5 working days prior to the program.
The first amendment you are going to want to make is the addition of lime. I have never had a soil test come back in Cass County without the recommendation of lime. You can buy bagged, pelleted, or liquid lime. This will help to alter the alkalinity and pH in the soil so that the plants are better able to utilize the nutrients that are already present.
You will also need to determine which plants you are going to offer in your food plot. There are many commercial mixes available or you can buy singular ingredients to create your own. IF you chose to create your own mix, I recommend selecting a pea, a clover, and a cereal grain. An example of a mix might be iron clay cowpeas, white clover, and triticale. This mix will allow that something is available for them to eat before the first frost and all the way into spring when the does are needing nutrition to make milk for fawns.
Make sure you get your food plots planted by September 22th if possible. Good luck and happy hunting.