Montgomery County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course is going virtual!
Learn from beef industry experts from the comfort of your home, at your own pace, and watch over and over again! Topics include animal health, nutrition, reproduction, breeding, genetics, selection, research, marketing and handling. A number of pesticide CEUs, veterinarian CECs and BQA credits are available to attendees.

The 2020 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course registration is now open! Visit https://beefcattleshortcourse.com to register.

Looking for feeder calves, replacement heifers, or show calves? Check out the Montgomery County Beef Improvement Association Directory: http://counties.agrilife.org/montgomery/files/2020/02/Beef-Book-2020.pdf Hard copies are available at the Extension Office, or can be mailed.

With schools closed due to COVID-19, we may see more teens out on the road driving. Inexperienced teen drivers and their likelihood of being distracted by other teens in the car as well as cell phones can be a deadly combination. Parents, take time now to make sure your teens are safe on the road. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Passenger Safety

Happening today!

The Texas A&M AgriLife Poultry Extension Unit, Panola County Extension Office and the Presidio County Extension Office have partnered to host a Small Flock Poultry Webinar series on May 18-21, 2020. The popularity of raising poultry at home for eggs has grown significantly in recent years, but has increased even more during the COVID-19 outbreak. We will have a one-hour session on each day at noon to 1 pm discussing different aspects of raising poultry for home food production or for local market sales. Please see the flyer for details. Anyone can listen to the webinar by clicking on the Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension logo link on the flyer and entering the password “poultry”. Participants can submit questions through the webinar Q&A feature, and our speakers will try to answer as many of those questions as time allows. Please help us to spread the word about this program, and join us for some chicken talk while you have lunch.
https://agrilife.zoom.us/j/97760199331?pwd=UkF2azVUclVYd1pFRmJPYytPVnRkUT09&status=success

Owning Your Piece of Texas - Important information for all Texas landowners! This is the meeting that was originally scheduled for this spring, and has been rescheduled for August 20th.

William Goodrich Jones State Forest - Texas A&M Forest Service

ASIAN GIANT HORNET FACTS

There is a lot of misinformation out there right now about the “murder hornets”. These ground-nesting hornets are colloquially known as Asian giant hornets, Vespa mandarinia. They DO NOT murder people!

They are the largest species of hornet in the world, growing to near two inches and have prominent biting mouthparts that they use to decapitate their prey – social insects like honeybees. Their main prey source is the Asian honeybee, Apis cerana. Though they are solitary hunters, in late summer/early fall, they may group and conduct coordinated mass attacks on honeybee colonies.

Once a honeybee colony is located, V. mandarinia workers (they’re all female, btw), will mark the colony with pheromones, allowing other hornets to locate and attack the bee colony. This is called the slaughter and occupation phase of the attack.

Once discovered, honeybees tend to stay in their hive and defend it by a technique called “balling”. Hundreds of bees will surround the invading hornet and kill it by rapidly twitching their flight muscles. The interior temperature of the ball can rise to near 115 degrees F. This activity also raises the carbon dioxide level to a point unsustainable by the hornet. Balling is also used by the bee colony to dispose of bee queens who have outlived their usefulness. Sometimes this technique staves off the hornet attacks, other times the hornets prevail and they then have essentially captured a food bank – feeding the immature bee larvae to their larvae.

Unfortunately, our “native” honeybee, Apis mellifera, the European honey bee has no similar defensive response to the AGH and does not respond to the marking pheromone. This makes them particularly vulnerable to Asian giant hornets. Beekeepers can take steps to prevent the ingress of the hornet into the hive by the use of entrance traps which limit the size of the hole by which an insect can access the hive interior. Large hornets are physically excluded.

Efforts to genetically add some of the defensive properties of other honeybee species to our docile European honeybees are also being explored. There are also reports of some locales using people armed with implements (think tennis rackets) to guard their Asian honeybee colonies.

Asian giant hornets are endemic to east Asia – from Russia and Japan down through Thailand and Myanmar. Examples have been found in North America. A dead hornet was found in Washington State in May of this year and one nest, which was eradicated, was found in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2019. They ARE NOT in Texas (that we know of). I have received several calls from homeowners who “definitely have the hornet” who upon examination DO NOT have the hornet. USDA APHIS is also receiving calls.

Asian giant hornets will sting humans if provoked but their venom is less toxic than honeybee venom – victims just receive MORE venom due to the size difference in the delivery vehicles. Also, note that AGH can sting multiple times. Asian giant hornets have long stingers that can pierce protective beekeeper suits. People should not be too worried as the risk of death is usually only associated with an allergic reaction to the venom. To be fair, about fifty people die annually in Japan from Asian giant hornet stings, and in 2013, a swarm of AGH killed 42 people and injured 1,600 in a single Chinese province.

The biggest worry that we have in Texas right now when we discuss AGH is the misidentification of the insect which can lead to the indiscriminate killing of needed pollinators and other beneficial Hymenoptera. Texas has a native large wasp called the eastern cicada killer, Sphecius speciosus, which keeps the cicada population in check. See the comparison chart attached for look-alikes and size comparison.


Allen Smith
Regional Forest Health Coordinator
Texas A&M Forest Service

During this health crisis, when children are not in day care or school, caregivers are having to take care of many responsibilities including working at home or in some cases having to setup new arrangements for childcare. It is often hard to stay focused, but young children must be watched at all times – especially around vehicles. Here are some safety tips from Safe Kids and Kids and Cars to help keep children safe in and around cars including the dangers of heatstroke. The first heatstroke fatality in the nation this year happened recently in Texas where a 4 year old from Tomball accidentally locked himself in a car. It is so important to keep cars locked at all times when children are around and always know where children are. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Passenger Safety

Texas A&M AgriLife Poultry Extension

The Texas A&M AgriLife Poultry Science Extension Unit, Panola County Extension Office and the Presidio County Extension Office have partnered to host a Small Flock Poultry Webinar series on May 18-21, 2020. The popularity of raising poultry at home for eggs has grown significantly in recent years, but has increased even more during the COVID-19 outbreak. We will have a one-hour session on each day at noon to 1 pm discussing different aspects of raising poultry for home food production or for local market sales. Please see the flyer for details. Anyone can listen to the webinar by clicking on the Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension logo link on the flyer and entering the password “poultry”. Participants can submit questions through the webinar Q&A feature, and our speakers will try to answer as many of those questions as time allows. Please help us to spread the word about this program, and join us for some chicken talk while you have lunch.
https://agrilife.zoom.us/j/97760199331?pwd=UkF2azVUclVYd1pFRmJPYytPVnRkUT09&status=success

Check out this webinar that focuses on wildlife management for small acreage

Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce

Montgomery County will have a mobile COVID-19 testing site May 10 from 9AM-6PM. Tests will be conducted by appointment only at 9333 Airport Rd. Conroe, TX 77303. To register for an appointment visit www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. See informational flyer below.

Covid-19 testing available in Montgomery County (Shenandoah) on Monday, April 27, 9am-6pm. By appointment only. See flyer for more information.

William Goodrich Jones State Forest - Texas A&M Forest Service

STATE FOREST UPDATE 4/19/20

Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday, April 17, that all state parks will be reopened on Monday, April 20. With this direction, all state forests and arboretums will also reopen.

Beginning Monday, April 20, state forests will once again be open to the public daily from dawn until dusk.

Visitors must follow strict guidelines to reduce transmission of COVID-19:

-Visitors must wear face coverings

-Maintain at least a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party

-No groups larger than five people

Visitors must follow state and local orders related to the pandemic and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Read the full news release from the Office of the Governor at https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-establishing-strike-force-to-open-texas.

Our staff continues to ensure the safety of and service to the people of Texas. We are working with a skeleton crew and from remote locations.
While the office is closed to the public, you can reach your district forester and Texas A&M Forest Service staff during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (936) 463-8258.

As this situation continues to evolve, this information is subject to change.

Check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.

Our top priority is the safety of Texans. Thank you for your understanding.

If there’s an emergency, call 911.

[04/10/20]   We have been hearing it is important to wash your had for at least 20 seconds, here is the science behind it! #HowHandwashingWorks

How Handwashing Works

Handwashing for 20-seconds is not simply washing viruses off your hands. Handwashing is destroying them. Find out how.

Texas Rural Leadership Program

COVID-19

The CDC defines social distancing as the following:
• Remaining out of congregated settings
• avoiding mass gatherings
• maintaining 6 feet from others when possible

Virtual training opportunity

Montgomery County Public Health

Don't fall victim to a scam. We have received word from healthcare providers and the general public of something concerning that we want to address - if you receive a phone call from Montgomery County Public Health, we will NEVER ask for your social security number. Unfortunately, criminals are taking advantage during a #publichealth emergency. Please share with your family and friends!

Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Attention Montgomery County Residents: we have opened a call center if you have questions about COVID-19 do not hesitate to give us a call at 936-523-3916.

Coronavirus Response

ANNOUNCEMENT:
Montgomery County has launched a central site dedicated to tracking and reporting Coronavirus Response. The Hub is maintained by the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, along with Montgomery County GIS and various other agencies within the region.

https://coronavirus-response-moco.hub.arcgis.com/

coronavirus-response-moco.hub.arcgis.com Discover the latest resources, maps and information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Montgomery County Texas

Scientists are still learning how COVID-19 spreads. It is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

For updates and more information on how you can protect yourself and others, go to our Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) at https://texashelp.tamu.edu/coronavirus-information-resourc…/

AgriLife Today Texas A&M University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL) Texas A&M Forest Service Texas 4-H

Scientists are still learning how COVID-19 spreads. It is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

For updates and more information on how you can protect yourself and others, go to our Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) at https://texashelp.tamu.edu/coronavirus-information-resources/

AgriLife Today Texas A&M University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL) Texas A&M Forest Service Texas 4-H

From our friends at Community Assistance Center:

Community Assistance Center has transitioned to a no-contact service delivery until further notice.

We are however still assisting clients by phone with financial needs and we will be hosting two drive thru style food distributions, Wednesday Markets.

Please share the attached with as many people as possible so that we can continue to serve our neighbors during this time.

In an effort to practice Social Distancing, please consider contacting the Montgomery County Extension Office via email with any of your questions.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

As measures are put into place to slow the spread of #Coronavirus, it is important to remember what you can do to help prevent the spread of germs.

Here are a few steps you can take to help protect yourself and others against respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Please See Below

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The health of Texans is of utmost importance to Texas A&M AgriLife. The state of COVID-19 evolves daily and it is important that you make informed decisions based on facts, not fear.

Access the most up-to-date information from AgriLife Extension at https://texashelp.tamu.edu/coronavirus-information-resources/

We will continue to update this page as more information arises.

Other websites to monitor for information:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
DSHS: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

Montgomery County Public Health

As of 9:30am March 10, 2020, Montgomery County has zero confirmed cases of COVID-19. We remain in Phase 2 of our Response Plan, with at least one person under investigation.

Please continue to utilize reputable sources for numbers on novel #coronavirus patients. Texas Department of State Health Services keeps numbers up to date here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

#publichealth

Montgomery County 4-H - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Tip for washing your hands long enough: say the 4-H Club Motto and Pledge twice!🍀👧♥️👐🏥 🍀🧒♥️👐🏥

3.6.20 - The Extension Hour

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent - Family & Community Health, Amy Ressler will be joined by representatives from MET to discuss some of their programs, including Texas Home Visiting, Opening Doors, Head Start, and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
Live online - http://irlonestar.com
Live on our page - https://www.facebook.com/agrilifemoco
Live on Conroe's FM 104.5/106.1
Check out past shows of The Extension Hour - http://irlonestar.com/teh
Subscribe to The Extension Hour podcast on iTunes/Google Play/YouTube
Sponsor this show! Contact Dick Schissler at [email protected]

The A.R.T. of Horsemanship

Take advantage of this opportunity to build confidence for yourself and your horse! Hosted by Montgomery County Adult Horse Committee-MCAHC

For Conroe teen Dean Holtkamp, it’s always rodeo season

Check out this article! Dean is a terrific young man and a Montgomery County 4-H'er.

yourconroenews.com Conroe resident Dean Holtkamp was named the All-Around Cowboy Rookie of the Year for region nine at the Texas Junior High Rodeo Association awards banquet held in Bryan on Feb. 22.

March is #NationalNutritionMonth & we’ll be sharing what Texas 4-H youth are learning about food safety & nutrition. Food Show is a #4H contest hundreds of youth compete in across the state each year, but only four winners are named at Roundup each summer. Stay tuned as we highlight the four 2019 winners this month!

Bored with your normal salad routine? Throw some color into this mix this week with our first recipe! #DinnerTonightTX #AgriLifeExtension #Texas4H #NationalNutritionMonth
https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/reci…/strawberry-pecan-salad/

In #4H the opportunities are endless. Logan has a passion for many projects! Check out the #Texas4H project list to find your niche https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/

March is #NationalNutritionMonth & we’ll be sharing what Texas 4-H youth are learning about food safety & nutrition. Food Show is a #4H contest hundreds of youth compete in across the state each year, but only four winners are named at Roundup each summer. Stay tuned as we highlight the four 2019 winners this month!

Bored with your normal salad routine? Throw some color into this mix this week with our first recipe! #DinnerTonightTX #AgriLifeExtension #Texas4H #NationalNutritionMonth
https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/strawberry-pecan-salad/

In #4H the opportunities are endless. Logan has a passion for many projects! Check out the #Texas4H project list to find your niche https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/