Looking For Something To Do? Opportunities Abound With Texas AgriLife Extension
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent for Hopkins County, [email protected]
A local news agency has stopped asking if Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has anything going on, and now asks, “What’s coming up next?” They know we always have an opportunity for involvement – seminars, workshops, community events, etc. So with that being said, I wanted to provide a list of upcoming events for both youth and adults. Please note that our staff will be taking turns manning the office during the month of July due to vacations, State conferences, and trainings.
- July 11-13
- Hopkins County has six youth who will be participating in Multi-County 4-H Camp in Lone Star, Texas. Our staff serves on the planning committee. This camp provides opportunities to learn, lead, and listen, but also lots of fun!
- August 1
- County 4-H Council will meet, 6 p.m. to finalize plans for the 2022 4-H Achievement Banquet. All 4-H members are invited to attend the meeting, but we will need a head count for dinner arrangements.
- August 8-10
- Youth Basic Sewing Workshop, Hopkins County Extension Office, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (times may vary). The workshop is full, but we have started a waiting list in case someone drops out.
- August 13
- Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop, Extension Office, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No charge. Engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license at their county clerk’s office. Must call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
- Mid-August
- 4-H Enrollment will be open statewide. Contact your local Extension office for information on how to enroll in the 4-H program. Hopkins County residents may call 903-885-3443.
- August 20
- Hopkins County 4-H Achievement Banquet, League Street Church of Christ, 6 p.m. 4-H members, parents, leaders, and guests must contact the Extension office for ticket information. Meal and recognition of our outstanding 4-H members will take place.
- Ongoing
- Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show applications are now being accepted. Dates of the event are October 21 and 22, at the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria and north entrance. This show is for hand-crafted items for exhibitors to sell. Applications and guidelines are available at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs. This show is open to anyone.
- The 2022 Hopkins County Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest will take place on October 21 and 22 at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. Check-in of items is October 20 ad 21. Contact the Extension Office for categories and age divisions. Because of space limitations, this contest is for Hopkins County residents only.
- September
- “Cooking Well with Diabetes” 4-session series – watch for more details!
- September 17 — “Beef 101” youth cooking session, Hopkins County Extension Office, 10 a.m. Please contact our office to sign up.
In other news, Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers remain active as they assist with various functions and take the lead in specific projects. Through May, they have contributed 624.25 hours! You will see several of them at the functions listed above.
We are also kicking off the 2022/2023 Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador program. Hopkins County has two new youth, along with the returning young person. They will be assisting with various projects throughout the year, as well. Volunteers are the backbone of effective programming in Hopkins County and we appreciate all they do!
I was recently invited to a birthday celebration for our longest-term Master Wellness Volunteer, Nell Shipp. She is 90 years young and still participates, although in a limited capacity. Congratulations to Ms. Nell on her accomplishments in volunteerism and in life!
Closing Thought
Without discipline, there is chaos in homes, schools, and communities. Support your teachers and law enforcement, and remember to pray!
Contact Johanna Hicks, at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; at 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
City Budget, Master Fees Schedule Ordinances And 2022 SIP Contract Amended
Inflation has skyrocketed over the last year, increasing costs of pretty much everything, forcing many individuals, groups and businesses to cut back or find other ways to make up the difference in their budgets. The City of Sulphur Springs is no exception.
To more accurately reflect the record inflation levels and changes from projected revenues and expenses, Sulphur Springs City Council approved Ordinances adjusting the city budget and master fees schedules. The City Council also considered a contract amendment for the street improvement program due to increased costs as well.
Budget Ordinance
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith on June 7, 2022, asked the City Council to consider on first reading Ordinance No. 2798, which amends the 2021-2022 budget Ordinance No. 2794.
Smith, at the regular June 2022 City Council meeting, explained that the amendment addresses changes that have occurred during the fiscal year due to action by the public, City Council, and circumstances outside of city control.
The overall expenditure limit increased by $1,069,820. The additional revenue that the City is collecting amounts to a projected increase of $1,060,970. The remaining $8,850 comes from the Airport fund balance, according to Smith.
The city budget originally adopted for Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022 in Ordinance No. 2783, allows for appropriation of funds other than current year ad valorem taxes. Appropriations were projected to be $30.73 million or 85.71% of the total estimated revenue of the city for fiscal year 2021-2022; $5.125 million of that was projected to come from ad valorem tax revenue with a 98.354% collection rate this year, that’s about 14.29% of the projected $35,855,231 in total city revenue in FY 2021-22 projected to come from ad valorem taxes.
Ordinance No. 2798 would increase the total estimated revenues for the city to $36,925,051 for the city in FY 2021-22, with appropriations increasing to $31,799,900, which represents 86.12% of the total estimated revenue for FY 2021-22. Collecting at a collection rate of 98.354%, ad valorem tax revenue was account for $5,125,151 or 13.88% of total revenues from all sources to be collected for the city for FY 21-22.
Total city expenditures — as established in Ordinance No. 2783 and including debt requirements, operations and capital improvements — are not to exceed $35,855,231 in FY 21-22. Ordinance No. 2798, as proposed would amend the budget to allow total expenses up to $36,925,051.
Sulphur Springs City Council approved Ordinance No. 2798, as proposed by Smith, on first reading at the regular June 7, 2022.
As is the case for all city ordinances, Ordinance No. 2798 was presented again at the July 5, 2022, regular City Council meeting, for a public hearing and second reading. There, the City Council gave final approval to the amendment as proposed.
Master Fees Schedule
The City Council also was asked the summer to consider amending Ordinance No. 2790, which outlines the master fee schedule for costs, fees and rates associated with permitting, utility services and other services provided by the city.
In September 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2790, establishing a Master Fee Schedule. Part of the reason for having the schedule separate from the budget was so that if fees needed to be changed during the year for any reason, it could be done more easily, Smith explained during the June 2022 City Council meeting. The purpose of user fees are for the City to recoup the cost —or most of the cost — of providing a service to an individual benefactor instead of putting the burden on the general population.
With inflation at record levels, city staff reviewed fees and, at the June City Council meeting, recommended that the fees be increased. Since the utility-related fees were adopted 2018, the City has we have faced a significant increase in the cost of parts, fuel, labor and other material costs. The City of Sulphur Springs Distribution and Collection Department calculated the current cost required for them to purchased materials and perform the work, Smith explained.
City officials reported that, in addition to rising costs, the number of taps and meters being installed or requested in Sulphur Springs has risen significantly in the past several months, which means the margin of loss is getting wider as well and it is important to close that gap.
The change, city officials pointed out at the June 2022 meeting, do not impact the general population, only those who directly benefit from the service the City is providing to them.
After discussion, the City Council on June 7, 2022, approved on first reading Ordinance No. 2799, which sets the master fee schedule as recommended by staff. Ordinance No. 2799 was presented July 5 for second reading. The City Council again approved the amended fee schedule as recommended by Smith and city staff during the July 5 meeting.
SIP Amendment
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Directory Tory Niewiadomski, during the July 5, 2022 meeting asked the City Council to consider amending the contract for the street improvement program due to increased materials costs.
Niewiadomski reminded the City Council that when Texana Land & Asphalt was awarded the bid for the 2021 Street Improvement Program in March 2021, the contract included a provision which allowed the City in February 2022 to extended the contract another year at the same unit prices, depending on available quantities of materials and provided oil prices remained stable, within a 20% variance.
On June 24, 2022, Texana was advised by material provider RK Hall that a price increase would be necessary to fulfill the city’s hot mix contract. From January to June of this year, the rack price of liquid asphalt oil increased by $240 per liquid ton, but Hall would only charge Texana an additional $13 per ton of asphalt. Diesel has also increased $2.10 per gallon, a 58% increase. Texana contacted the City asking to increase the price for Type D and F HMAC surface by $13 to cover the cost in crease from material supplier RK Hall. That would raise the price for Type D from $98 per ton to $11 per ton and would increase Type F from $99 per ton to $112 per ton, Niewiadomski told the City Council at the July 5 meeting.
City staff recommended approving the price modification due to the large price increase in asphalt oil and diesel price increases. Doing so, Niewiadomski noted will impact the Capital Improvement Program Street Funds and Street Maintenance Fee funds available to complete these projects. In fact, the modification will mean a cut of $125,000 worth of street work this year.
“I think based on the size, Houston Street we’ll have to postpone until next year,” said Niewiadomski, referring to the 4,800 linear-feet of paving work planned on Houston Street from League to Hillcrest as part of the $2.01 million in street work designated in the 2022 SIP.
“So, my take is this is painful but we’ve got to do it,” City Manager Marc Maxwell told the City Council Tuesday evening.
Mayor Doug Moore noted that if the 2022 SIP contract is amended, the city would not be spending any more money, but would be getting less paving for the amount budgeted.
“Yes, less band for the buck,” Niewiadomski affirmed.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian made a motion, which Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash seconded, to amend the 2022 SIP contract as requested by Texana and recommended by city staff.
New Sulphur Springs Rotary Club President
Mike Jumper passes the gavel to Robert Newsom, who was sworn in as the new president of Sulphur Springs Rotary Club during the group’s regular meeting Thursday, July 7, 2022.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report — July 5, 2022
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell presented the following report to the City Council during the regular monthly council meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
Claims
We had four workers compensation claims in June. Two were serious enough to result in lost time. One resulted in hospitalization. Both of the more serious injuries were in the Capital Construction Division. (The more serious injury a worker fell off the back of the truck onto a hitch that was behind it, broke several ribs and punctured a lung. He’s home recuperating now.) The other two were in the Parks Department and the Police Department had one minor liability claim in May.
Senior Citizens Building
The contract with Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is not ready for signature yet. I had expected to sign the contract in June, but we have gotten word that it may still be a few months.
Pacific Park
The splash pad is complete, and the children are having lots of fun.
The Capital Construction Division in installing the remainder of the concrete walking path around the park.
The basketball pavilion contract was let to XLNT Contracting. They expect to be finished by October.
College Street
I reported previously that the contractor, Highway 19 Construction was off to a rough start. We have ironed out the issues and things seen to be going a bit more smoothly now.
Oncor Rate Increase
Oncor has filed their rate case. The Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor is performing an evaluation of the rate case now.
Revenues and Expenses
Finance Director Lesa Smith is absent tonight so we will not have the usual report from her. We will catch up next month
Street Improvement Program
Texana Land and Asphalt has paved Lee and League streets on an extension of last year’s contract. Recently, the price of asphalt emulsion has significantly increased, and the contractor seeks a price increase. This item is on the agenda for consideration. The following streets will be paved:
Other Reports
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Checked out 4,791 items from the library plus an additional 718 eBooks.
- Responded to 217 fire/rescue calls including 4 vehicle fires and 12 grass fires.
- Performed 30 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 82 fire hydrants.
- Responded to 229 animal control calls while achieving an 82% adoption rate.
- Made 3 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 38 accidents, recorded 27 offenses, wrote 500 traffic citations, and made 58 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Cleaned storm drain inlets.
- Repaired 182 potholes.
- Made 18 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Installed asphalt tie-ins for 4 new driveways.
- Shredded the Lake Sulphur Springs dam and emergency spillway.
- Conducted 40 building inspections, 16 electrical inspections, 7 plumbing inspections, 4 mechanical inspections and issued 11 building permits.
- Sold 2,755 gallons of AvGas and 8,990 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 1,621 operations (take-offs and landings) at the airport.
- Made repairs to Clearwell at the water treatment plant.
- Treated 171 million gallons of potable water.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .09 mg/L.
- Performed preventative maintenance on several items at the water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant.
- Repaired 12 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 10 water meters.
- Unstopped 16 sewer mains.
- Repaired 5 sewer mains.
- Washed 85,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 39 dead-end water mains.
- Filled 3,000 feet of sidewalk seams downtown.
- Hosted one baseball tournament and one softball tournament.
Texas Work Search Website Restored After Outage
WorkInTexas.com Available For Jobseekers And Employers
AUSTIN – The state’s primary work search website, WorkInTexas.com, is back online following a nationwide outage impacting many states’ job search websites. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) contracts with Geographic Solutions, Inc (GSI) to host WorkInTexas.com and two related sites, MyTXCareer.com and TXInternshipChallenge.com. The outage at GSI started on Sunday, June 26. On Tuesday, July 5, WorkInTexas.com was restored. Although the other two websites remain offline temporarily, individuals can use the WorkInTexas website to post or search for jobs and internships.
Jobseekers can again use WorkInTexas.com to search for thousands of available jobs, but they can also visit local Workforce Solutions office to meet any work search requirements and access employment resources. Those resources include skills assessments for occupational matching, instructional workshops such as resume preparation, and labor market information. In-person and virtual job fairs are continually held across the state and can be found on the TWC Job Fairs webpage. In addition, passing a Metrix Learning course is deemed an acceptable work search activity and courses are available to all Texans at no cost.
Employers can also resume use of WorkInTexas.com as a recruiting tool to post jobs and screen applicants. Local offices are available to assist employers with setting up an account on the site or posting job vacancies. Employers can also take advantage of other resources such as virtual and in-person hiring events, or labor market data.
TWC’s website, twc.texas.gov, is managed in-house, and was not impacted by the outage. Updates regarding MyTXCareer.com and TXInternshipChallenge.com will be posted on the agency’s website and social media accounts.
Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.
Zoning Request For Truck Stop North Of I-30 Main Discussion At July 5 City Council Meeting
Discussion regarding Libba Land LTD’s request to rezone property north of Interstate 30 light commercial was the main focus of Tuesday evening’s Sulphur Springs City Council meeting. Three individuals and two couples who live near the property asked the City Council to consider denying the request, while City Council members sought clarity regarding the proposed development.
Sulphur Springs Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski noted Libba Land requested the northeast corner of the property north of I-30 at State Highway 19 be rezoned from heavy commercial to light industrial. That would allow the developer to construct a new CEFCO truck and travel center just west of Coleman Park. He pointed out that the developer did hold an informal neighborhood meeting in late spring, with only those living near the proposed site invited to attend, giving them time to pose questions and concerns before a rezoning application was submitted to the City of Sulphur Springs asking for the change.
When the application was submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission in May, city staff recommended the application for rezoning be approved as the applicant’s letter noted ways to address and alleviate any concerns voiced previously, with two stipulations. Niewiadomski said city staff recommended requiring property be platted in accordance with the rezoning request, 12 of 24.83-acres changed from heavy commercial to light industrial, and the items addressed in the letter with the April application be incorporated into the building process to include solid fencing to screen the center from residences, lighting be addressed for safety but not to cause light pollution for neighbors, and working with Texas Department of Transportation on traffic impacts. The Planning and Zone Commission approved the request in May on a 3-1 vote, with Pat Chase voting against the request. The P&Z Commission noted the request met zoning requirements, which is their task, then forwarded the request to the City Council for consideration.
Concerns were voiced by community members at the June 2022 City Council meeting regarding potential traffic issues, safety issues for children at the park and nearby residences, light, litter, transients, property values. Questioned was the need for another truck stop in that particular area; the south side where truck stops are currently located, doesn’t have residences as close by, including an addition for elderly residents, nor are Love’s and Pilot next to a city park where children play, City Council members pointed out. The addition of another truck stop/travel center on the north side of I-30 would likely cause even more traffic congestion in that area, especially for residents of Woodbridge Crossing. It was also pointed out during the June 2022 City Council meeting that truck drivers already have difficulty navigating the I-30/SH 19 south (Industrial-Hillcrest Drive) intersection and turn around in business parking lots and other properties where they should not be. While TxDOT is planning to redesign that intersection in the future, the local office was unable to give a specific timeline of when and what that will entail at the time
The City Council approved on first reading in June 2022 the Libba Land’s rezoning request in June 2022 on a 5-2 vote, with Place 7 Councilman John Sellers and Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash voting against the request.
In order for an ordinance rezoning the property to pass, it must be approved by the City Council twice. The request was presented again for City Council consideration Tuesday night, July 5, 2022.
Niewiadomski Tuesday noted the area behind the 12 acres would remain heavy commercial; the developer has not intention to touch the rest of the property on that corner beside and behind it. The developer has agreed to install a fence to shield it from other property. Since the last meeting, TxDOT has advised in addition to plans to realign SH 19 across from Woodbridge in a way that provides an outlet for trucks traveling north to make a U-turn and will move back the on/off ramps for League Street and Hillcrest Drive, to give motorists more time before approaching the interchange.
Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked what could potentially be placed on the property with the current heavy commercial zoning. Among the things that would be eligible for development on the property are nursing homes, grocery stores, car dealerships, hotels, a bowling alley, dance hall or other activities of that nature.
If a tiny home dealership were proposed for the site, it’d first have to pass the P&Z Commission as meeting city requirements.
Julian said he’d checked into some of the concerns expressed at previous meetings by citizens and address some of them.
City statistics pulled from the past 7 years do not support concerns that truck stops increase crime and vagrancy. Truck traffic has increased during that time as has all traffic as the area becomes more developed, the councilman noted.
Litter is a management issue for the business; when he toured the businesses’ stores in Mount Vernon and Paris, they appeared well maintained, according to Julian.
Danny Haywood, who lives on a street within Woodbridge Crossing neighborhood, said he’s driven around the loop and by the park. Trash, water jugs and other items litter the roadside, and some have been there for days, others weeks or longer, on Hillcrest Drive along the overpass.
Ken Mikos, whos property on Brandy Circle is adjacent to the proposed site, pointed out that while similar, convenience stores are different from truck stops. The two in the other cities are convenience stores. Truck stops/travel centers have constant truck traffic with extended parking and stays for trucks.
Joel Thomas, who also live on Brandy Circle near the proposed travel center/truck stop, pointed out that the plan calls for 70 spaces for truck parking. The facility in Mount Vernon does not offer overnight parking, he reported.
As for concerns a truck stop would negatively impact property tax values, the information he observed showed tax values went up 60%, not down, according to Julian.
Julian said he is of the opinion that there should be fewer government interventions, which requires some restraint. He feels the mission of the City Council, who serve the citizens, is to make Sulphur Springs a place where everyone wants to be.
“I will not support putting any industry next to single family homes or parks,” Julian said.
Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar said looking at the drawing presented with the information, that it seems to him it’d make more sense to put a fence along the side of the property closest to homes rather than the pasture area behind it. Niewiadomski said they can require the fence to be put in if the zoning is approved when a plat request is submitted for consideration.
Aguilar also asked if traffic would still enter Coleman Park through Gossett Lane if the station is constructed by it. A gated entryway would likely go in north of the water tower, providing people on the north side of I-30 access to the park without having to drive around and enter from League Street.
Joel Thomas pointed out that while TxDOT may allow the business to install traffic lights, that does not mean it will happen. That would be up to the business unless it’s required in future plat or other permit requirements.
More than one resident expressed concern for the safety of children in the park as well as nearby back yards. Joyce George said while it is adults’ responsibility to monitor and watch over their kids, but expressed concern with so many in and out at a travel center/truck stop, it’d only take a quick trip inside to grab the phone for a kid to go missing. She asked the City Council to have compassion and empathy for those whose backyards the proposed truck stop would border.
Brandy Circle resident David Poskey said they’d heard his concerns previously and likely have seen his social media post regarding the matter in the last few weeks. At the top of his list are security for everyone in transit next to the park, which is already congested. He asked if people would be exiting at the Coleman Park entrance on Industrial Drive/Gossett Lane. He also questioned whether the business would be constructed first or if the traffic light and restructuring would come first.
City Manager Marc Maxwell asked the developer if they would be putting in the traffic light if the zoning request and project are approved. He affirmed, “Yes, we are willing to do it.” In fact, officials reported when initially approached about a light, TxDOT denied the request to put a light at the intersection.
Another traffic light across from Love’s also would be allowed by TxDOT.
One of the couples said they’ve lived in Sulphur Springs for 6 years, but have been considering other options for housing. If the truck stop doesn’t happen, they plan to stay. It it does happen, changing the scope of the neighborhood, they are looking to leave.
Niewiadomski said having a convenience store at that location could be helpful and convenient for people who attend tournaments and events at the park.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins lobbied in favor of granting the zoning request. He sees a business near the park that offers services of a convenience store as an asset as opposed to a detriment to the city. The business could sell goods to people who come from all over the state to play or watch their youth play in tournaments at Coleman Park. He said residents in the area, who already live just off the busy interstate should already be used to the noise and lights from truck traffic traveling by. He sees complaints about that as being similar to someone purchasing a house on property just beyond an airport runway, then complaining about the planes flying over. He things allowing a store at the location, which would contribute to the local economy in taxes, would be good for the city, especially one located on the north side of I-30, to catch traffic going that direction as opposed to south and east bound traffic.
Jay Julian and John Sellers motioned for the City Council to decline the request from Libba Land LTD for a zoning change to allow construction of a truck stop. The vote was much more split Tuesday night. Four City Council members — Julian, Nash, Aguilar and Sellers — voted to decline the rezoning request and the other three voted in favor of the rezoning request. At 4-3, the rezoning request was officially rejected on second reading.
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested July 6
Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by Sulphur Springs Emergency Management office, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornados, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test, conducted at 12 p.m. July 6, 2022.
Rains County Issues Burn Ban, Expect More To Follow
Judge Linda Wallace has issued a burn ban for Rains County effective July 5th, 2022. Weather conditions continue to be dry, hot and when combined with low humidity makes conditions favorable for fires.
The forecast shows continued hot and dry for the next 7 – 10 days.
Please use caution and think twice before burning outdoors.
What Is A Livestock Breed?
By Mario A. Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hopkins County, [email protected]
As animals got domesticated, their use and purpose became more specific. The term “livestock breed” became used as a way to describe attributes similar in a group of animals. Sometimes, these attributes are visible (color, size, etc), but sometimes they are not. Many commercial breeds are identified by their performance.
So, what is a livestock breed? According to Oklahoma State University, the classic definition of a “breed” is usually stated as a variation of this statement:
"Animals that, through selection and breeding, have come to resemble one another and pass those traits uniformly to their offspring."
Unfortunately, this definition leaves some unanswered questions. For example, when is a crossbred animal (mix of several breeds) considered a composite breed and when do we stop thinking about them as composites?
Perhaps this definition from The Genetics of Populations by Jay L. Lush helps explain why a good definition of “breed” is elusive:
"A breed is a group of domestic animals, termed such by common consent of the breeders, ... a term which arose among breeders of livestock, created one might say, for their own use, and no one is warranted in assigning to this word a scientific definition and in calling the breeders wrong when they deviate from the formulated definition. It is their word and the breeders common usage is what we must accept as the correct definition."
As you can see from Dr. Lush’s definition, it is at least in part the perception of the breeders and the livestock industry which decides when a group of individuals constitutes a “breed.”
The development of the breeds takes different routes also. In some breeds, you can see the amount of change that can occur as the result of selection for a small number of traits. As an example, Holstein cattle have been selected primarily for milk production and are the highest milk producing cattle in the world. Other breeds have traits that result from natural selection pressure based upon the environment in which they were developed. An example of this might be the N’dama cattle from West Africa. These animals have, through the centuries, developed a resistance to trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness spread by the tse-tse fly, which is fatal to most other breeds of cattle.
It is common to find out livestock shows displaying individuals according to breeds, since that is the purpose of some of those livestock shows. There are, however, other livestock shows where performance is the purpose of the show (biggest animal, most producers, etc). As agriculture further develops, production of agricultural products also has become more specific and so have the needs or wants of the purchasing client.
Today, there are several breed specific programs promoting livestock breeds and adding economic premiums accordingly. For the farmer or rancher, the use of an specific breed might bring known benefits since individual variability gets reduced. For the consumer, also product quality variability gets reduced, making the purchase a more familiar transaction.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Titus County Plane Crash Results In 1 Death
A Titus County plane crash Sunday night resulted in one death; three others were reported by Texas Department of Public Safety to have been injured.
In a preliminary investigation report, Texas DPS Trooper William Davis indicated the single engine aircraft was approaching the runway at Mount Pleasant Airport from the north when it clipped a tree and crashed north of the runway near County Road 4550 and 4530 at 11:48 p.m. July 3, 2022. The crash is being further investigated by the National Traffic Safety Board.
The pilot, 50-year-old Jon Anderson of Mount Pleasant, and two passengers, 59-year-old Jere Kellough and 54-year-old Tracy Kellough, both of Omaha, were taken to UT Medical Center in Tyler. Jere Kellough later died at the hospital. Jon Anderson and Tracy Kellough sustained what DPS described as “incapacitating injuries.” The third passenger, 49-year-old Tanya Anderson of Mount Pleasant, was transported to Titus Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant for treatment of what were reported to be non-incapacitating injuries, according to a news release from DPS Highway Patrol Sgt. Gregg Williams.
