Livestock owners know biting flies and parasites are more than just a nuisance — they can cause real problems, according to Brandon Boughen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Denton County. ( Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Sonja L. Swiger)

Fannin and Lamar counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to the recent drought.

The 2014 Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference will be held April 23-24 at the Embassy Suites Hotel n Grapevine. The conference provides attendees with information on the dairy industry, as well as new technologies and best management practices. (Texas AgriLife Research photo by Dr. Pablo Pinedo)

Results of sale Thursday, April 17, 2014 -569 head.

A two-day event for people interested in learning to grow wine grapes has been set for April 21-22 at the Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. Grape clusters photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service)

Building on its highly successful first year, the Little Elm Farmers’ Market is returning for what promises to be another fruitful season, opening May 10 and running continuously until Oct. 18, at the parking lot of Hobby Lobby, according to Chad Hyde, Director of Parks and Recreation.

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Grayson County Courthouse, 2nd Floor Assembly Room. This is a very unique opportunity to be taught how to graft pecans. Dr. Charles Rhola from the Noble Foundation will be demonstrating three different grafting techniques. $15.00 at the door fee. RSVP 903-813-4202.

Aquatic weeds can choke a pond of oxygen and discourage recreation. Their control will be discussed at the annual pond workshop April 17 in Aubrey. Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife and fisheries specialist, Overton, will be one of the speakers. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Robert Burns)

A field of wheat shows signs of yellowing, a common symptom of freeze damage. In this field, the symptom did not appear for a more than week after a late freeze in April 2013. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

More than 2,000 Farm Service Agency offices across the country stand ready to assist.

Judith Canales, Texas state executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Farm Service Agency, advised producers to have their documentation ready as they visit FSA offices. Sign-up for the livestock disaster program begins April 15. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)

Speakers will discuss hardwood tree thinning to improve wildlife habitat, wildlife habitat enhancement, food plots for deer and turkey, and Eastern wild turkey management. This seminar is free of charge but we do need you to reserve your lunch plate. Please rsvp by April 23 so we will have a count for lunch.