Heart of Texas Program to Provide Updates on New World Screwworm and Pasture Mealybug | Brownwood News

Producers, landowners, hay growers, and agricultural professionals are invited to attend the Heart of Texas New World Screwworm & Pasture Mealybug Update on Wednesday, June 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Adam Street Community Center, 511 E. Adams Street, Brownwood, Texas. The program is free to attend and has been approved for 2 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Refreshments will be provided. This timely educational program will address two important pest issues currently impacting Texas agriculture. The New World Screwworm session will provide an update on the current situation in Texas, ongoing surveillance efforts, identification and reporting procedures, and management practices producers can implement to help protect their livestock. Presenters will discuss what producers should be watching for and how to respond to potential cases. The second session will focus on pasture mealybugs, an invasive pest that has become an increasing concern in pastures and hayfields. Participants will learn about pasture mealybug biology, methods for identifying infestations, and integrated pest management recommendations to help reduce impacts on forage production. Featured speakers include Dr. Sonja Swiger, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Entomologist; Dr. Dustin Dorris, Texas Animal Health Commission; and Greg Wilson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Integrated Pest Management Specialist. The program is being offered to help producers stay informed on these emerging agricultural challenges and provide practical information that can be implemented on their operations. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Brown County Extension Office at 325-646-0386.