Vicente Fox, past president of Mexico, to be keynote speaker

Round bales of hay can be an expensive proposition when purchasing and storing, according to experts. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)

Conditions are ideal for stripe rust in wheat. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

With spring quickly approaching, it's time to start gearing up for grass planting. While the weather cannot be controlled, there are a few things that can be done to increase the chances of a successful planting. (photo of native grass planting here in Fannin County)

As the industry begins to rebuild its herds following years of drought, genomic-enhanced EPDs can help cattlemen make more informed decisions, whether they have purebred or crossbred herds, said Dr. Joe Paschal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist at Corpus Christi.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are using molecular tools to find stronger, longer fibers in cotton for spinning and weaving. (Texas A&M Ag Communications photo by Dr. Wayne Smith)

Pork production up 1 percent from last year

North: Early in the week, the region had spring-like weather, with daytime temperatures in the 70s. A cool front passed through late Feb. 11, bringing as much as 1.5 inches of rain to some counties, while others remained dry. Wheat, oats and winter-annual pastures needed sunshine, dryer weather and more warm weather. Many farmers were able to get into fields to fertilize small grains and pastures. Most wheat was a little behind, but with milder weather and fertilization was expected to catch up. Hay supplies were still good, and ponds were in good shape too. Livestock were in good condition.

Registration for this clinic will be at the Derrell Hall Education Center, 2505 North Center Street in Bonham from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. February 21. We will then carpool at 8:30 a.m. to Jenkins Farms and return to the office at 12:00 p.m. The registration fee will be $15.00 and the clinic will be limited to 35 attendees. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the Fannin County Extension Office by calling 903-583-7453 or email cody.maxwell@ag.tamu.edu.

Results of sale Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 406 head. Customer Appreciation BBQ and
Sale Thursday, March 5, 2015. Cattle Sale every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Sheep/Goat Sale 4th Saturday

Juniper have invaded former grasslands in Oklahoma. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Dr. Bradford Wilcox)

A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds, which increases the chance for higher thistle populations in the pasture the following year, according to Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Texas A� 38;M AgriLife Extension Service forage specialist, Overton. Corriher-Olson will be a presenter at the East Texas Pasture Management Program set Feb. 20 at Overton. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson)