News

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced, agricultural producers nationwide have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), representing nearly 67 percent of the more than $6 billion projected to be paid through this phase of the program. Eligible producers in Texas have received $557.5 million in funding to date. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed out pre-filled applications in late May to producers with crop insurance who suffered losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. Commodity and specialty crop producers have until July 22 to complete applications.

The Home-Grown Vegetable Contest was held on Saturday, June 11, at Linseisen’s Feed & Supply in Bellville. Along with the contest there was an educational program on Different Types of Gardens presented by Jeremy Peaches from Prairie View A&M Extension while the judging was being held.

Upper-level ridge of high pressure will intensify slightly today and this will add 1-2 degrees to the already very hot afternoon temperatures. Afternoon temperatures of 104-106 in the excessive heat warning area can be expected with heat index values of 108-110. Elsewhere afternoon temperatures in the 100-103 range will be common with heat index values of 107-110. College Station recorded 106 yesterday which tied its 71-year-old daily record. 

  

One of the early agenda items during the July 11 Austin County Commissioners Court meeting was a budget workshop, in which the commissioners heard a few requests regarding salaries and budgets from various departments. Austin County Tax Assessor-Collector and Election Official Kim Rinn requested a dedicated full-time election staff position be added to the budget for her department, at the maximum rate of $25 per hour. She stated that the wage exceeds what the county clerical staff members are currently earning, adding, “I did that simply for the matter that I think you guys need to take a good look at all of your clerical staff. I know what this position is worth, and that’s why I put the number on it that I did. This position is extremely important to our county, our cities, and our schools.”

The Horticulture Committee of Austin County and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of Austin County will be hosting a Fall Horticulture Seminar on Friday, August 26, 2022, at American Legion Post #442, located at 1630 Meyer Street in Sealy. Program Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the first presentation beginning at 1 p.m. Information to be covered includes Citrus Tree Diseases and Pests, Planting Wildflowers, and Propagation of Plants. Presenters include Dr. Larry Stein with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Master Naturalist from the Gideon Lincecum Chapter, and Randy Albers from the Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association.