Forage sorghum field tour set Sept. 7 near Bushland

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present the Forage Sorghum Plot Tour beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 7 on trial plots located west of Amarillo. Those who wish to attend should exit Interstate 40 at Arnot Road and turn north; the plots will be at the northwest corner of Arnot and Indian Hills Road.

The program is free with the sponsorship of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. Boxed lunches will be provided to those who preregister by Sept. 5 to jourdan.bell@ag.tamu.edu or carla.naylor@ag.tamu.edu.

The forage sorghum silage trial includes 77 sorghum hybrids, said Jourdan Bell, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist, Amarillo. “This is a great year to compare different forage sorghum hybrids’ response to early season drought in the same production environment,” Bell said.

Trial plots were planted on June 15 and will be harvested at the soft dough stage. The plot tour is scheduled to view early maturing varieties before chopping, and private field visits can be scheduled to view later-maturing hybrids.

The tour topics and speakers will be:

• Forage Sorghum Silage Hybrid Trial Overview – Bell.

• Insect Management in Forage Sorghum – Pat Porter, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Lubbock.

• Increasing Texas Dairy Forage Demands – Juan Pineiro, Ph.D., DVM, AgriLife Extension dairy specialist, Amarillo.

• Forage Sorghum Selection to Optimize Starch and Fiber Digestibility – Douglas Duhatschek, DVM, Texas A&M University graduate student, Amarillo.

• Open Plot Tour – Public Forage Sorghum Trial and Grain Sorghum Demo.

AgriLife Extension agricultural agents honor Man/Woman of the Year recipients

The “Man/Woman of the Year in Texas Agriculture” Awards were presented recently by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association, TCAAA, during their annual conference. TCAAA started the awards program in 1962 to recognize individuals who exhibit outstanding leadership in agriculture, agribusiness and educational program support of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agriculture and natural resources county agents across the state.

For District 1 – Amarillo headquarters, the honoree is Virgil Bartlett.

Bartlett, a longtime friend and strong supporter of AgriLife Extension, is a native of Lamesa and a graduate of West Texas State University. Upon graduation, he made Randall County his home. He served as chairman of the Randall County Junior Livestock Show Buyers Club for several years and on the Building Committee for the current Kuhlman Extension Center in Randall County as well as the Digger Howard 4-H Livestock Barn. He has supported AgriLife Extension across the entire Panhandle region. He served as manager of Tri-State Fair and Rodeo in Amarillo for 20 years, retiring in December 2021. He implemented the annual Tri-State Fair and Rodeo Benefit Gala, a scholarship fundraiser for Texas Panhandle 4-H and FFA members. A total of $236,500 in scholarships have been presented to 51 youth. For more than two decades, the Tri-State Fairgrounds served as home for the annual District 1 4-H Horse Show. Bartlett and the facilities also hosted numerous District 1 4-H Roundup Contest and events.

The honoree for District 3 – Vernon headquarters, is State Sen. Drew Springer of Muenster.

Springer elected to the Texas House in 2013, is considered a friend and true advocate for Texas agriculture on both the state and local levels. Springer is an avid supporter of AgriLife Extension’s county agriculture and 4-H programs. He is always willing to discuss issues that need to be addressed for farmers, ranchers and the agriculture community, whether on the phone, in his office or at a meeting. He keeps producers and county agents in his district updated on developing agriculture issues and how they are viewed around the country. Springer grew up in Weatherford, attended Weatherford High School, Weatherford College and then the University of North Texas, where he received an accounting degree. He spent 15 years working for a Texas railcar company before joining his father’s financial services company, specializing in agricultural futures and securities for the last 16 years. Additionally, he has been a volunteer fireman for 15 years.

WTEC, AEDC Connect Once Again for Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge

The deadline is Sept. 30 for Amarillo and Canyon businesses to vie for a share of a half million dollars of capital.

The application period is open for the 2022-23 Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge, which will be announced Feb. 23. A list of requirements for eligible companies, award recipients, and rules can be found on AmarilloEnterPrizeChallenge.com. Applicants must RSVP for one mandatory orientation class held during the month of September.

The Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge is a program of the WT Enterprise Center that is funded by the Amarillo Economic Development Corp. During the annual competition, participants receive qualified coaching and a support system to assist them in achieving their goals and to reach the next level of their business. Last year, four business within the Amarillo/Canyon area each were awarded a share of $399,000 of capital for competing in the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge: ThinkMetal, Fat Mama Feeds, 11 Marketing + Design, and Vvntus.

Since 1995, local businesses have received help with their business plans, marketing and management, investor fact sheets, and even mock presentations. More than 100 participants have won the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge and more than $10 million in capital has been awarded to Amarillo/Canyon businesses.

New this year, applicants are encouraged work with America’s SBDC at WTAMU for assistance with business plans, financial projections and free demographic and industry research. This assistance is provided at no charge, but a limited number of hours are available for entrants.

To learn more about the WT Enterprise Center, visit wtenterprisecenter.com or contact info@wtenterprisecenter.com or 806-374-9777. To learn more about the AEDC, visit amarilloedc.com, or contact info@amarilloedc.com or 806-379-6411.

High Plains Food Bank joins Feeding America’s Hunger Action Month

For Hunger Action Month® this September, High Plains Food Bank will join Feeding America and other member food banks to inspire people to join the fight to end hunger and raise awareness of people experiencing food insecurity across the United States. Food banks around the country are working to make a real and lasting impact on hunger in their communities, and they are asking for the public’s support.

September marks the 15th year Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a nationwide network of 200 food banks, including High Plains Food Bank, and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs, has organized the annual call to action. During the month of September, people across the Texas Panhandle can get involved by learning, committing, and speaking up about ways to ending hunger:

• Wear your Hunger Action Month T-Shirt or anything orange to show support. Post yourpics on social media, tag @HighPlainsFoodBank, and use #WeFeedTXPH, HungerActionMonth, and #HungerActionDay on Sept. 23.

• Potter County and Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AOMS) will go orange for Hunger Action Month. Any other businesses with the ability are invited to turn their lights orange for the month of September.

• Visit any local Whataburger through September 19th to donate $1 to High Plains Food Bank and receive a free Whataburger (with the purchase of a medium french fry and 32-ounce drink).

• Sign up to volunteer in their warehouse at https://www.hpfb.org/get-involved/productrecovery/ or in the Garden at https://www.hpfb.org/get-involved/garden-volunteer/

• Make a hunger-fighting gift at www.hpfb.org/donate. HPFB can provide the equivalent of14 meals with every $1 donated.

Learn more about how you can join the fight to end hunger by visiting www.hungeractionmonth.org.

The United Family donates $500,000 through 31st Annual Jacky Pierce Charity Classic, helps 27 non-profit organizations

The United Family and its vendor partners have once again raised $500,000 for 27 non-profit organizations through its annual Jacky Pierce Charity Classic (JPCC) golf tournament, which took place Aug. 28-29.

Before the annual dinner, checks were presented to the 27 groups in a recognition event. Since its inception in the early nineties, the JPCC golf tournament has raised more than $5,500,000 for non-profit organizations across Texas and New Mexico. Named in honor of Jacky Pierce, longtime produce director for United Supermarkets, the tournament remains a place for not only charitable giving, but for fellowship and community.

Tournament beneficiaries include United Way Amarillo & Canyon, Deaf Smith United Way, Hutchinson County United Way, United Way-Lea County, Lubbock Area United Way, United Way of Moore County, Pampa United Way and Plainview Area United Way.

DQ restaurants in Texas team up with Children's Miracle Network hospitals with 'Acts of Sweetness' campaign

Throughout September, DQ restaurants in Texas are raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council will donate $1 to CMN Hospitals in Texas for every valid #ActsofSweetness Instagram post shared in September, with a total donation up to $75,000.

For 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. Now through Sept. 30, customers who want to contribute can visit a DQ restaurant in Texas and order a Blizzard Treat. Take a picture with the Blizzard Treat and post on Instagram as a post. Be sure your profile is set to public. Include #ActsofSweetness and tag @DairyQueenTX in the post. When DQ fans share their “Acts of Sweetness” photo on Instagram, DQ restaurants in Texas will help create new possibilities for kids. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Texas include the UMC Children’s Hospital in Lubbock.

Texans also can support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the Lone Star state with a donation in any amount to CMN Hospitals through DQTexas.com/ActsofSweetness. In addition, Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council will match donations made online Sept. 1-30. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org. For more information about the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council, visit dqtexas.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Dunkin’ of Texas Raises a Cup to Teachers with Coffee for a Year Sweepstakes

As teachers return to classrooms for the start of the new school year, Dunkin’ is brewing up the perfect way to say “thank you” to those who go above and beyond for our students. Dunkin’ will host “Raise A Cup to Teachers” Sweepstakes where guests in Texas can nominate a deserving Texas teacher for their chance to win Free Coffee for a Year** and a Coffee Break for their school.

Now through Monday, Oct. 5, guests can submit nominations by visiting www.dunkinraiseacup.com and follow the instructions to complete the registration form. One grand prize winner in Texas will be selected to receive Free Coffee for a Year along with a well-deserved coffee break. The coffee break will be a delivery of $300 worth of Dunkin’ products to keep their school runnin’ on Dunkin’.

As an extra thank you to teachers, Dunkin’ will also provide 200 $1 Medium Hot or Iced Coffee VIP cards to each of the first 50 teachers nominated to share with their school’s staff.

“Teachers play an invaluable role in our communities and help provide their students with the means for a better future,” said Shannon Durkin, Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager. “We’re excited to offer our deserving educators a coffee break and recognize them for their passion and dedication to our youth.”

Xcel Energy encourages customers to protect themselves from scams

Xcel Energy has received several reports of attempted phone scams against Texas and New Mexico customers and is reminding business and residential customers how to protect themselves from falling victim to scams.

“Scammers are always looking for new ways to fool us, but there are several ways to determine when a caller is not who they claim to be,” said Brad Baldridge, Xcel Energy director of Customer and Community Relations. “We are asking customers to familiarize themselves with the scammers’ tactics, and when in doubt, call us.”

In most scenarios, the scammer tells the customer their account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn’t made – usually within the hour. The scammer then instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – and demands the customer call back to supposedly make a payment to the utility. These scammers often sound professional and may also manipulate caller ID so numbers look like they’re coming from Xcel Energy.

Even when a caller sounds legitimate, here are some quick warning signs for customers:

• Customers should be very suspicious if a caller requires a single form of payment, such as requiringthe use of a prepaid debit card. Xcel Energy offers many options for payment and will never ask orrequire a customer with a past due account to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.

• Xcel Energy customers will initially be contacted by U.S. mail about past due bills, not over the phone.You will also be sent a disconnection notice in writing before your power is actually turned off.

• Customers should never wire money, provide bank card numbers, and social security numbers to anunverified source.

Customers with any doubt about the authenticity of someone claiming to be from Xcel Energy and asking for payment should hang up immediately. They can also access their current account information online through our MyAccount service. Customers should then call Xcel Energy Customer Service at 1-800-895-4999 or our Business Solutions Center at 1-800-481-4700 (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) to report the experience. Information provided will be shared with investigators to aid in possible criminal investigation. Affected customers should also contact local authorities to file a criminal complaint.

WT’s Small Business Development Center named Center of the Year

CANYON — America’s Small Business Development Center at WTAMU was named Center of the Year by the Northwest Texas SBDC Region earlier this month.

The center was recognized for its efforts in 2021 to focus on assisting small businesses across the Texas Panhandle recover from the pandemic, as well as for working alongside a larger-than-usual number of entrepreneurs starting new businesses as a result of the pandemic.

The center is a department of West Texas A&M University’s Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, now celebrating its 35th year consulting with entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region who want to start or grow businesses that lead to a more diverse and healthy economy.

In 2021, the SBDC saw a 25 percent increase in clients who wanted to start a new business.

“We attribute that to people having a post-COVID realization that they want to have multiple sources of revenue to provide stability to their personal and business finances,” said Gina Woodward, SBDC director. “Our staff has worked tirelessly to help these new and existing businesses thrive. I am incredibly proud of their efforts and continued dedication to making sure that Texas Panhandle small businesses are some of the best to be found across the globe.”

In addition to receiving Center of the Year on Aug. 16, Woodward also received one of four Five Million Dollar Club awards given to SBDC staff who helped clients receive funding of at least $5 million during the year.

WTAMU Foundation names 6 new leaders to Board of Directors

CANYON, Texas — Six prominent regional leaders have joined the West Texas A&M University Foundation board of directors. The new class of board members officially joined the board for its Sept. 1 meeting after the full slate of newcomers was elected at the board’s Aug. 16 meeting.

New members include:

• • Dr. Andy Cole, a Pampa native, earned degree in animal science in 1971 from WT and his master’s and Ph.D. in animal science and nutrition from Oklahoma State University in 1973 and 1975, respectively. He worked for Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is a 2011 WT Distinguished Alumni and 2007 Graduate of Distinction in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.

• Lance Jones is a shareholder at Brown, Graham, and Company, PC, in Amarillo. He earned his accounting degree from WT in 1985.

• T. Luke Longhofer, an Abilene resident, is executive vice president and chief lending officer for First Financial Bankshares. He previously held a position with the FDIC. He earned a bachelor of business administration degree from WT in 2004.

• Chris Lyons earned his bachelor of business administration degree from WT in 2004. A leading realtor in the Amarillo area, Lyons owns HOME by Lyons and Lyons Realty.

• Larry Oldham, who lives in Midland, earned his bachelor of business administration degree from WT in 1975. He is the operating partner of Gateway Royalty V, LLC, and owner of Oldham Properties, Ltd.

• Velrick Wilson is a financial advisor at Juba, Adams, Wilson & Associates with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Amarillo. She earned her business degree in 1984 from WT.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area business news for the week of Sept. 4, 2022