Ag Biz News Column Chad Gulley County Extension Agent—Ag/NR Smith County   Texas Leaf-Cutting Ants                 Have you been seeing large, winged ants lately?  These winged species are the male and female reproductive species of the Texas leaf-cutting ant.  The Texas leaf-cutting ant causes economic damage to forest lands, landscapes, and even some agricultural crops in Texas.  These ants are also referred to as town ants, cut ants, and night ants to name a few. The Texas leaf-cutting ant is rust brown in color and ranges from 1/16… Read More →

Ag Biz News Column By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Smith County Fly Species and Livestock                 Livestock producers have several species of flies to manage when it comes to livestock production.  These fly species, if left untreated, can cause economic losses to livestock species through energy loss and physical feeding of these pests on our livestock species.  The fly species can reduce weight gains and feed efficiency of our livestock. The fly species that are most common are the housefly, stable fly, and horn fly.  Other external… Read More →

  Ag Biz News Column By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Smith County Wood-Boring Insects in Trees and Shrubs Many insects feed and make their homes in the bark of trees and shrubs.  Most of these insects are attracted to weakened, damaged or dying trees.  Typically, we call these insects “secondary invaders” because they only attack after the plant or tree is weakened by another stress such as drought.   Secondary invaders include wood-boring beetles, carpenter bees, termites, and carpenter ants to name a few. Wood-boring insect damage can… Read More →