Sunday, February 23, 1997

Middle Clear Fork SWCD still has some extra trees

By J.T. SMITH

This farm writer has had many inquiries lately as to whether the Middle Clear Fork Soil and Water Conservation District still has some trees available.

The answer is "yes."

Ken Cash, USDA district conservationist, Abilene, says the district still has an ample supply of the windbreak trees - except for Arizona Cypress.

Plenty of the ever-popular Afghanistan Pines, which grow so well in this Abilene region, are still available.

The Afghanistan Pines, as boot-high seedlings, are available for $2 each.

Meanwhile, deciduous trees are $1 each.

These trees will be ready for pick up starting at 8 a.m. Monday on the third floor of the Old Courthouse.

They will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the trees, you can call Fred Perkins at the Middle Clear Fork Office in the Old Courthouse at (915) 672-1781.

Or, call Ken Cash or Ricky Linex at the USDA office on 3400-C, S. 14th at (915) 692-8238.

Although you can call either place to inquire, the trees will be available for picking up only at the Old Courthouse.

Scholarship applications

The Taylor County Farm Bureau in Abilene is accepting applications for its annual scholarship awards to graduating seniors.

Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.

The student applicant or parents must have a current Taylor County Farm Bureau membership as of April 15, 1996.

The applicant must be a graduating senior in 1997 who is planning to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school full time. (At least 12 hours is considered full time).

Scholarship money will be sent to the college after proof of enrollment has been furnished to Farm Bureau.

Some $250 will be paid for the first semester, and another $250 for the second semester of enrollment.

Entries will be judged by the following categories:

-- Essay accounts 35 percent;

-- Grades also make up 35 percent; and

-- Activities will be considered for 30 percent.

The Taylor County Farm Bureau board of directors will judge the applicants.

Entries must be received by the county office.

They can be mailed to Taylor County Farm Bureau, 3141 S. 27th, Abilene, Texas 79605 to the attention of Lynda Wilson, or brought directly by the office no later than 4:30 p.m. May 12.

MCA search for executive director

Lanny Leinweber of Mountain Home, president of the Mohair Council of America, says the search for an executive director for the Mohair Council of America is officially under way.

Leinweber said the council's executive committee met this past week in executive session in Junction to discuss the replacement of Duery Menzies, who has served as the council's chief executive officer for the last three years.

Menzies had agreed to serve three years when he accepted the job. Menzies resigned effective at the end of April in order to pursue other interests.

"It will be difficult to find a replacement for Duery," Leinweber said. "He has done a good job for us and the industry."

Leinweber says the council is seeking a person who is knowledgeable about production agriculture and has experience in marketing and in public relations.

"Whoever we choose must be able to communicate with mohair growers as well as our customers," Leinweber said.

Those interested in the job are invited to send an application and their resume to: Mohair Council Search Committee, P.O. Box 5337, San Angelo, Texas 76902. Deadline for applications is March 26.

National Anxiety IV Hereford sale tomorrow

Don't forget the National Anxiety IV Bull & Female Sale is 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Scurry County Coliseum Ag Annex in Snyder.

A 9 a.m. showing of the cattle will precede the afternoon sale.

Stanley Stout of Linwood, Kan., will auctioneer. Some 16 Hereford breeders have consigned 44 top notch bulls along with seven females, pairs, bred and open heifers for this sale.

The Ag Annex is on the east edge of Snyder, just off of U.S. Highway 180.

With the recent rains and the powerful recovery in the cattle market - along with the demand for British breeds - this should be a great sale.