With the exception of a few low-lying areas, most Texas peach orchards escaped damage from the April 15 and earlier freezes in 2014. There wer e except ions, however, such as this East Texas orchard in Smith County, that were subject to temperatures in the teens in early March. By late April, these trees should be filled with small peaches, according to the grower, but trees either had only a few peaches or none at all. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Robert Burns)

Speakers will discuss hardwood tree thinning to improve wildlife habitat, wildlife habitat enhancement, food plots for deer and turkey, and Eastern wild turkey management. This seminar is free of charge but we do need you to reserve your lunch plate. Please rsvp by April 23 so we will have a count for lunch.

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Grayson County Courthouse, 2nd Floor Assembly Room. This is a very unique opportunity to be taught how to graft pecans. Dr. Charles Rhola from the Noble Foundation will be demonstrating three different grafting techniques. $15.00 at the door fee. RSVP 903-813-4202.

Dr. Charles Rohla from the Noble Foundation will be the presenting speaker at the seminar. Topics will include: Varieties and availability of different varieties, Insect Control throughout the growing season, and Water requirements and Water Management. The purpose of this program will be to educate pecan growers whether they are large or small scale on basic management techniques throughout the growing seasons to improve profitability and productivity.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Denton County and the Denton County Extension agriculture committee will hold a spring pasture weed identification and control workshop from 9 a.m. to noon May 10 at the Sanger High School Cafeteria, 100 Indian Lane, Sanger.

Livestock owners know biting flies and parasites are more than just a nuisance — they can cause real problems, according to Brandon Boughen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Denton County. ( Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Sonja L. Swiger)

The 2014 Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference will be held April 23-24 at the Embassy Suites Hotel n Grapevine. The conference provides attendees with information on the dairy industry, as well as new technologies and best management practices. (Texas AgriLife Research photo by Dr. Pablo Pinedo)

A two-day event for people interested in learning to grow wine grapes has been set for April 21-22 at the Myers Park and Event Center, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. Grape clusters photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service)

Fannin and Lamar counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to the recent drought.

Results of sale Thursday, April 17, 2014 -569 head.

Building on its highly successful first year, the Little Elm Farmers’ Market is returning for what promises to be another fruitful season, opening May 10 and running continuously until Oct. 18, at the parking lot of Hobby Lobby, according to Chad Hyde, Director of Parks and Recreation.

Aquatic weeds can choke a pond of oxygen and discourage recreation. Their control will be discussed at the annual pond workshop April 17 in Aubrey. Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife and fisheries specialist, Overton, will be one of the speakers. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Robert Burns)