Sunday, August 30, 1998

Weevil Foundation extends assessment due date because of drought

By J.T. SMITH / Farm Editor

The Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation has extended the 1998 due date for assessments in the Rolling Plains Central and Southern Rolling Plains weevil eradication zones to Sept. 30.

Because of the considerable number of failed acres this year due to the 1998 drought, the board of directors recognized the need for additional time in preparing billing statements. As a result, the board changed the due date from Aug. 31 to the new Sept. 30 date.

But early payment discounts are still being offered. Payments postmarked by Sept. 1 are eligible for a 2 percent discount. Those postmarked by Sept. 15 can receive a 1 percent discount.

Those cotton growers who already paid their assessment, postmarked between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15, were to get a 1 percent discount based on the original deadline. They now also have been credited with an additional 1 percent.

Overpayments will be refunded.

Those who paid between Aug. 15 and Aug. 31 will be credited with the 2 percent discount.

Billing will be sent to all cotton growers and cropsharing landowners in the RPC and SRP zones.

If you do not receive a bill -- or you feel the information is incorrect -- contact the Foundation state office in Abilene at (800) 687-1212.

All unpaid accounts will be assessed a late penalty of 1.5 percent each month the assessment is unpaid.

Stoneville increases its share of cottonseed market

Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Co. increased its share of the cottonseed market from 11.28 percent in 1997 to 16.22 percent this year.

Figures from USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service also show Stoneville has the largest market share of any cottonseed company in the Midsouth at 44.12 percent.

Stoneville has two out of the top three varieties planted in the United States with BXN 47 at 5.67 percent and ST 474 at 6.22 percent.

Speaking of cotton, Stoneville Texas Inc., will have a Stoneville Field Day from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Idalou Research Station.

The research station is 3 miles east of Idalou on U.S. Highway 62-82 (just next to Apple Country Orchard).

Jearl Holland of Stoneville Texas said that a barbecue lunch will be served. Two continuing education units also can be earned by those attending.

Bucking the trend of agribusiness decline during the recent drought, the Stoneville Texas, Inc. Delinting Plant in Big Spring has contracted with Abbot Construction of Midland to build a new 32,000-square foot warehouse.

"The new facilities will serve as a warehouse for our bulk cotton seeds," said Stoneville site manager Lynn Gannaway. He said the firm contracts with area growers for planting seeds, then sells them all over the united States.

Stoneville is located just north of Big Spring on U.S. 87.

De Leon 4-H Club has membership drive

The De Leon 4-H Club invites all third-graders to 19-year-old youngsters in the De Leon area to become a part of the De Leon 4-H Club.

The first meeting of the new 4-H year is 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the De Leon City Hall Building in De Leon.

"All current members and prospective members are encouraged to come on out and learn about all the fun activities and projects 4-H has to offer," said Bob Whitney, Comanche County Extension agent. "If you like to show livestock, want to cook or sew, enjoy trips, or just want to have fun, 4-H may be just for you."

The 4-H program offers opportunities for leadership, community service and education while using real-life experiences.

All of this is accomplished through volunteers who enjoy working with youth as they spend countless hours helping out.