There’s some good news about the Texas bee population.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service says our state’s bee numbers are in good shape for late spring and early summer recovery.
Drought and other harsh weather conditions knocked them back in recent years.
Improved forage and nectar-producing resources this year means more honey production for Texas beekeepers. A proliferation of the types of wildflowers bees prefers for gathering their nectar has beekeepers optimistic.
Texas typically ranks sixth among states for honey production.
Plus, bees are critical in agricultural production.
Bees are responsible for pollinating 75% of the world’s flowering plants and 35% of the world’s crops. Honeybees are the most common pollinator.
It is estimated that the honeybee’s annual contribution to the U.S. economy is at least $15 billion. More than 90 different crops—about one-third of total crop production in the U.S.—depend on bees for their survival.
Bees also pollinate crops that feed cattle, such as clover and alfalfa, making them very important to both the beef cattle and dairy industries.
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MULTI-COUNTY RANGE/BRUSH PROGRAM SET FOR JUNE 29TH
Thursday, June 29th is the date of the Multi-County Range/Brush program. This program is being conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. It will be held at the Adams Street Community Center located at 511 East Baker Brownwood, TX. Registration will begin at 8:30am and the program at 9:00am.
Brush encroachment continues to be an expensive problem to deal with. If left unchecked, these pasture invaders reduce grazable acres for livestock and can make areas undesirable for some wildlife. The current drought has not impeded brush encroachment.
Speakers and topics for the June 29th program include:
Dr. Morgan Treadwell – Extension Range Specialist, San Angelo
Mechanical Brush Control
Greg Wilson – Extension Entomologist, San Angelo
Range/Pasture Insect Pest Management
Billy Campbell – Bayer Environmental Science Range & Pasture Specialist
Range/Pasture Herbicides
Scott Nolte – Extension Weed Specialist, College Station
Reducing Pesticide Drift
Scott Anderson – CEA-AG/NR
Pesticide Laws and Regulations
There will be a $50 registration fee payable at the door. A catered meal is included. Pre-registration is required by June 21, 2023.
This program has been approved for 5 CEUs from the Texas Department of Agriculture for TDA licensed pesticide applicators. 1 laws and regulation, 2 integrated pest management, 1 drift minimization, and 1 general. This program is open to anyone interested.
To pre-register or for more information contact the Brown County Extension Office at 325-646-0386.