Friday, March 21, 1997

Manuel Munoz, Jr., honored as 1996 Conservation Farmer

By J.T. SMITH

Manuel Munoz, Jr., has been recognized by the Mitchell Soil and Water Conservation District as "1996 Conservation Farmer."

The Colorado City farmer was selected as the '96 honoree for his dedication to caring for his land.

"Manuel has a strong conviction and love for the land - especially for being able to work the land and watch his crops grow," the Mitchell SWCD said in a statement recognizing Munoz.

Manuel lives southeast of Colorado City with his wife, Lenore, a son, Andrew, and a daughter, Lauren.

Munoz, with his two brothers, Richard and Robert, and their father, Manuel Munoz, Sr., farm land north and south of Loraine and also east of Colorado City. Together, the Munoz operation maintains about 2,800 acres, which includes pastureland for their livestock operation.

Controlling erosion is a priority

Manuel is a strong proponent of erosion control which he puts into practice on his farmland.

He has maintained 210,000 feet of standard terraces with waterways as needed to keep a safety outlet for water from his terrace systems.

Munoz says he likes to build up his terraces at least every two years to keep them strong and also at an adeuqate height. This reduces the chances that the terraces will break.

Beyond water, Manuel realizes that living in this part of the world requires that he also protect his field against wind erosion.

Munoz rotates high-residue crops, such as forage sorghums or wheat when possible, or plants conservation windstrips in his cotton fields to reduce wind erosion.

He also uses the high-residue crops to return organic matter to the soil and retain moisture in the soil profile. Munoz maintains about 1,000 acres of contour farming while using terraces as guides.

Congratulations to Manuel on this prestigious and highly deserved award.

TSCRA to focus on profit, policy, and political predictions

Ranchers and anyone interested in the livestock industry shouldn't miss the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association's 120th annual convention March 23-26 at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth.

At the kickoff luncheon on Monday, Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth Barr will welcome convention participants to "Cowtown."

Dave Thomas, founder and well-known television spokesman for the Wendy's fast-food chain, will share the story of his business success.

Meanwhile, at the TSCRA board of directors meeting on Monday, John W. Jones, TSCRA's Foundation president, will reveal the Foundation's plan to build a new museum in Fort Worth's Cultural District. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson will discuss federal legislation that affect ranchers.

Bob Drake of of Davis, Okla., will discuss efforts of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Political Action Committee to protect ranchers' interests at the federal level.

Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons, TSCRA's delegate to NCBA's Young Cattlemen's Tour, will give an overview of his trip and explain the popular leadership program.

General session speakers include humorist Doc Blakely, Gov. George W. Bush, TSCRA President Chaunce O. Thompson, Jr. and Steve Munday, TSCRA executive vice president. Texas CattleWomen President Sharon Spenrath also will speak.