Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts said this week that the recent deaths of 15 cattle in Bastrop County were likely an isolated event and that no further problems are anticipated.

“There’s a lot of information and misinformation that continues to circulate about this recent isolated case of cattle dying after consuming a Bermuda grass hybrid known as Tifton 85,” said Dr. Ron Gill, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist. “It should be known that there is not a widespread problem or concern related to this forage or its use for grazing livestock or the production of hay for livestock consumption.”

Forage Genetics International (FGI), one of the world's leading alfalfa seed providers, and Syngenta have announced the launch of NEXGROW alfalfa. The brand will be managed by FGI and sold through existing Garst, Golden Harvest or NK brand alfalfa resellers. "Growers will see this new brand as a continuation of FGI's 20 year collaboration with Syngenta in coordination with our leadership in diverse genetics and critical industry traits," said Brent Johnson, NEXGROW alfalfa brand manager. "The only change for growers is the new brand name. They will have the same great service through their Garst, Golden Harvest or NK brand alfalfa reseller when purchasing alfalfa for fall planting."

The USDA is preparing to mail the 2012 Census of Agriculture to millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers in late December. Producers are reminded not to miss their opportunity to be counted by signing up for the Census before July 1. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. A farm is defined as any place that produced and sold – or normally would have sold – $1,000 or more of agricultural products during the Census year (2012).