2022 Ag Preview - Plainview Herald
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Plainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | C1 2022 Ag Preview
C2 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Petersburg Gin serving growers, community for success
BY TERESA YOUNG he says. “It’s a service
Special to the Herald
for us since we do not
have ownership of the
For cotton growers cotton. They bring it
on the South Plains, here or we pick it up,
finding a good gin is then we gin it and help
like picking a business them sell it to a buyer.”
partner. After months Once the cotton is
of planting, watering, ginned, the gin pur-
fertilizing and nurtur- chases the cotton seed
ing, the product that that gets separated
comes off the ground from the fiber and it
is their livelihood. becomes another mar-
Literally. ketable commodity for
Luckily for area them. That also gives
producers, a strong the farmer another
partner is close by in income stream.
the tiny Hale County The Petersburg Co-
city of Petersburg. The op Gin sells half of
Petersburg Co-Op Gin their purchased seeds
has been a mainstay to Pyco, a cottonseed
in the area since 1944, oil mill in Lubbock,
providing farmers as part of their mem-
with great service, bership requirement.
peace of mind and a The other half can be
smooth operation that sold to other entities,
gives back to their but Ramsey noted that
community. technology program can plan but you can’t for improvements. friends. Employees
with the competitive
“We have around 50 rates Pyco provides, that allows for bidding be so rigid that you Board members serve love to show off their
actively engaged farm- they buy the majority. of their product.” can’t change if need- three-year terms, and facility and keep it
ers, and our customer The gin has also The cotton season ed.” Ramsey says they do a clean.
base includes the found a market for was a good one for In the off season, great job of handling “We do this at the
landowners of those cotton seed in the area Petersburg Gin, Ram- Ramsey said the gin the gin business. The gin where we can take
properties as well,” dairies, who use it as sey noted. While it focuses on improve- off-season also in- folks for tours and
says Myles Ramsey, a feed for their dairy wasn’t a record year – ments to the equip- cludes closing out the show them what we’re
Lubbock native who cows. Ramsey noted Ramsey said the gin’s ment and any repairs gin’s fiscal year and
record is 72,000 bales that may have cropped working on,” Ram-
has served as general that the natural oil holding an annual
in a season – the 2021- up in the busy season. sey said. “In the busy
manager for 12 years. content helps in butter meeting for customers
“A lot of this land has 22 total of 63,435 was Profits are often rein- months, our farmers
fat and milk produc- in April.
been passed down and tion and is desirable still above average and vested in the facility so sometimes get se-
Ramsey said he en-
others are farming it for those reasons by ran into the first of the efficiency im- cluded but this gives
joys spending some of
who are not family.” dairies. the new year. While proves over the years. them a chance to take
the season at one time “During the sea- the less hectic months
The gin has around Ramsey said there a break and visit with
looked like it might be son, down time will getting out and visit-
10 full-time employees are a number of other farmers. We
a bin-buster, Ramsey kill you. If the gin is ing growers from the
and hires around 40 options market the have 80-100 attend
more seasonal work- said, the final analy- not running, you are co-op and just build-
cotton that comes each month.”
ers. Ramsey says much through the gin. sis was not quite that throwing money away. ing relationships. He
also loves giving back All of this is part
of that help involves “(Plains Cotton great. He said the So in the off-season
to customers and ven- of Petersburg Gin’s
H2A Visa program Cooperative Associ- cotton coming into you concentrate on
Petersburg Gin is a repairs and there is al- dors through monthly efforts to serve those
workers, which has ation) in Lubbock is
helped in a time with good blend of semi-ir- ways bottleneck issues lunches held May with whom they part-
a bigger marketing
difficulty meeting group where they do rigated, fully irrigated that you have to focus through September. ner.
labor needs. a pool sell for sever- and dryland. on. We adjust and Whether the menu is “Our motto is ‘doing
Ramsey says the co- al farmers,” he said. “One thing about prepare for the next fajitas, grilled burg- what’s best for our
op’s focus is simple. “We sell through the gin business and season,” he said. ers or other favorites, producers,’ and we
“Our main focus is some contracts to agriculture on the The gin is run by a the agenda is simple: strive to do that every
ginning. That helps us various companies or whole is you have five-member board fellowship with cus- day,” he said. “That’s
be able to market the we market with the to remain flexible,” that helps develop tomers who are also our target.”
cotton and do the best farmers during gin- Ramsey said. “No two and execute a five-
job for our producers,” ning season. We use a years are alike. You year strategic plan
Plainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | C3
Scott’s keeping residents,
growers flowing smoothly
BY TERESA YOUNG bigger pipe and bigger with blowing dirt,
Special to the Herald
pumps. especially when he’s
While he covers on a job with a 30-foot
primarily Hale, Swish- rig extended in the air.
If water is the key to er and Floyd counties, The cold weather can
life, then Blake Scott’s Scott said he’s traveled also slow down work
work could really be as far north as Bush- since these repair
likened to a paramed- land and to the New tasks are primarily
ic. As owner of Scott’s Mexico border helping outdoors.
Waterworks based customers or relatives “The weather can be
in Plainview, Scott of local customers a factor for wells going
keeps residents out- who need his services. down too, like if the
side the city limits on Scott has been in high wind leads to a
well service running the pump business power surge that im-
smoothly. since 1996, working pacts a pump. Light-
“About 80 percent for Cory Goyen at ning can also cause
or more of my work is Goyen Drilling and problems, possibly by
domestic house wells,” Well Service. In 2003, hitting the electrical
noted Scott. “If there Scott purchased the control system or the
are problems, I can pump side of the pump itself,” Scott
come out and check business from Goyen noted.
then, pull the pump and began working for To maintain his
and replace the motor himself, choosing to license, Scott is re-
if needed and service focus on well service. quired to complete
other areas of the “I’m mostly a one- four hours of continu-
wells.” man crew, but I have ing education each
Those jobs can often hired help tempo- year. He points out
involve light elec- rarily every now and that the work definite-
trical work, but as a then when it’s need- ly requires knowledge
licensed pump tech- ed,” Scott said. “That and training. But he
nician, Scott is able means I am not always likes the work and
to handle those tasks able to get right out knows he is making
as well. Besides house to a property if there a real impact on area
wells, Scott said he has are others in front of families.
some customers with them.” “Knowing that when
irrigation wells and Scott said the big- I drive off people have
stock wells, which are gest challenge he faces clean water to drink is
essentially the same is the weather. High the biggest reward,” he
mechanisms but with winds can be hairy says.
Explaining precision agriculture
Few, if any, aspects that can pay dividends crop yields through
of life in the 21st for generations to the utilization of tech-
century have not been come. What is preci-
nology. PA is designed
touched by technol- sion agriculture? Pre-
ogy. Advancements cision agriculture (PA) to help the agricul-
in technology have is rooted in improving PRECISION Page C8
affected everything
from the way students
learn in the class-
room to how senior
citizens connect with
their grandchildren.
Technological ad-
vancements also have
left their mark on
industry, including
the agricultural sector.
Modern agriculture
bears some similari-
ties to farming of past
eras. Technology has
affected the agricul-
tural sector for cen-
turies, and modern
farmers know thatÕs
no different today.
One of the more re-
cent developments in
the agricultural sector
is the rise of precision
agriculture, a farming
management concept
C4 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Farmers Compress provides peace of mind for producers
BY TERESA YOUNG Sudan, Stanton and
Special to the Herald
Amarillo. In Plain-
view, the compress is
When your live-
located on east High-
lihood depends on
way 70 across from
keeping your product
Formby Prison.
safe and strong from
“Expenses are
seedling to the sale,
deducted and mar-
growers want to make
gins returned to the
sure they are part-
producers. Essentially
nering with reliable
they own the facility.
entities along that
journey. For cotton We provide warehouse
farmers around the facilities for cotton
South Plains, the producers that they
partner they trust is own and control,”
Farmers Cooperative Maxwell said.
Compress. For a heavily agri-
The compress is cultural area like Hale the final product here sold and ready to be We want to take good ous revolving door of
owned and controlled County and beyond, to the compress,” not- shipped out. Then care of the cotton from cotton. We pull rough-
by High Plains pro- the active production ed Maxwell. “Here in when that time comes, all parts of the process ly 4,000 bales a day for
ducers through the cycle means Maxwell Plainview we receive employees pull the so the end user has shipping lots, staging
coop gins, says Kelsey and the 25-30 employ- cotton from Floydada, bales needed and load something great that them and getting them
Maxwell, branch ees at Farmers Com- Petersburg, Spade, the trucks that arrive the producers can be ready to go for the
manager in Plain- press stay busy. Hereford, Lockney, to send them out to proud of,” Maxwell trucks.”
view since September “During the ginning Cotton Center and their final destination. said. “We have 25-50 This year, Maxwell
2021. The cooperative season, producers get Parmer County as well “Customer service is shipping trucks per said warehousing may
consists of five plants their cotton modules as the Skyland Gins in the name of the game day through here from last even longer for a
in Lubbock, two more or round bales from Plainview and Olton.” in any business, but October through May number of reasons.
in Plainview and other the fields to the gin, The compress stores specifically in ours. or June. It’s a continu- FARMERS Page C5
locations in Levelland, then the gins deliver the cotton until it is
Sadler Chapman
Plainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | C5
Lighthouse keeps growers, Farmers
From Page C4
ployees hired to cover
the workload.
ranchers running when it counts
It all adds up to a
For one, the supply rewarding work for
chain challenges Maxwell, a native of
plaguing the entire Abernathy who came
nation are playing a to the position after a
role in the ag industry role as sales manager
as well. While much of with the General Steel
the cotton at Farmers warehouse.
Compress has been “Farmers is a fan-
sold, Maxwell says the tastic company to
shipping process is work for. We have
great people, and the
lagging with backed
customer service is
up ports, scarce
impeccable,” Maxwell
containers and the
said. “It’s a joy to wake
like. He predicts that
up and enjoy what
cotton may still be
you do and know that
stored in the compress
what we do not only
until well into July due
impacts the Plainview
to this delay.
community but also a
Another trend is the
global market level.”
increased production
Farmers Compress
for the season. While
CEO Eric Wanjura
early drought made
echoed much of Max-
producers and related
well’s sentiments.
businesses wary of
“We had an excel-
the outcome, the final lent year volume-wise.
BY TERESA YOUNG Swisher counties. analysis was a positive Prices for producers
Special to the Herald
“One of our guys one. have been really good
totaled it up once and “It was an extreme-
When producers and too. It’s pretty rare that
we cover 3,805 square ly good year for the
ranchers are in the price, quality and yield
miles, which is about
middle of their busiest surrounding area all line up like that for
the size of one of the
seasons, any inter- producers, the sixth- our members,” Wanju-
northeastern states,”
ruption in the routine house employees stay tomers and feel that is or seventh-largest year
noted Mike Green, ra said. “Supply chain
can be costly in terms rather busy meeting vital to taking care of in Farmers Co-op
manager of member troubles have been
of both valuable time customer needs. the members who also
services since Septem- history,” Maxwell said. issues for us as well,
and money. That’s “When it’s prime serve as owners.
why the services of ber 2016. A total of “We have had over from the rail all the
42 employees work in irrigation season, “We always try to
Lighthouse Electric 2.6 million bales total way to the ports. More
the main office, while you have to keep that follow-up on outages
are so important to received through all than 95 percent of our
another five serve in water going. We have and make sure they
those who keep the our locations, with cotton gets exported,
the company’s Mem- servicemen who help are back on. It’s that
agricultural economy Plainview housing a so that supply chain is
phis office. if there is something personal touch that
going.
Lighthouse Electric is wrong, like the fus- people appreciate,” he little under 455,000 critical and has slowed
Established in 1938
primarily an irrigation es on a well,” notes said. Another dif- overall (between the things down tremen-
with a home office
cooperative which Green. “We’re more of ference is the ability two locations).” dously.
in Floydada, Light-
supplies electric power a service company. We to reach an actual The increased pro- “But we’re not com-
house Electric serves
to irrigation wells don’t just sell electrons employee after office
a 12-county area that duction has meant plaining too much. It’s
for farmers across but provide service hours in the event of
includes Briscoe, Chil- extra seasonal em- been a good year.”
dress, Collingsworth, the South Plains and whenever possible.” an outage or issue.
Cottle, Crosby, Dick- ranchers with stock Green says Lighthouse Green said gener-
ens, Donley, Floyd, wells. In this prime ag- prides itself on quick al manager Albert
Hale, Hall, Motley and ricultural area, Light- response time for cus- LIGHTHOUSE Page C6
C6 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Onthe Farm
Word Scrambles
NRBA _______________
OOSRETR ___________
OSLI ________________
NGAIR _______________
MRERFA ____________
EENFC ______________
ANSWER KEY: Barn, Rooster, Silo, Grain, Farmer, Fence
DidYou Know?
An adult
Holstein cow
weighs about
1,500 pounds!
Farm
Funnies
Why didn’t anyone laugh
at the farmer’s jokes?
They were too corny!
Why was the
cow laughing?
He was aMOOsed!
Why did the police inspect
the chicken coop?
They suspected fowl play!
Why can’t a farmer
tell a secret?
The corn has ears!
Lighthouse services regularly, so
we are busy.”
of its biggest projects
is hosting an essay
Washington, D.C. for
10 days and a $1,500
by former president
Lyndon Baines John-
School. Runner-up
was Hunter Thomp-
From Page C5 Green notes that contest on electricity scholarship for col- son of Texas. Co-ops son from Hale Center
another point of pride for high school stu- lege,” noted Green. around the country High School, who
Daniel instituted a for Lighthouse owners dents in conjunction “They get to meet send winners to the receives a $1,000
change when he came and employees is the with electrical co-ops their congressional tour, with Texas send- scholarship.
on board in 2018 that education and com- nationwide. Held representative and ing the most at around Lighthouse hosts its
rotates service em- munity service aspects recently for the Light- take a photo with 150, said Green. The annual meeting for
ployees on call each of the company. Their house constituency, them, and they visit entire contingency owners in April at
evening and on week- new safety specialist the contest is open to the White House, the will total around the Unity Center in
ends as well. has begun visiting sophomores through Smithsonian and the 1,000 students visiting Aiken, Texas, includ-
“It helps to have area libraries and seniors at least age 16 new Bible Museum. America’s capital in ing the election of new
someone who actu- schools doing presen- and includes a quiz They also go to Mount mid-June. directors and prize
ally knows the area tations on electrical section as well as a Vernon and have a The 2022 winners are drawings. They can be
and speaks Texan,” he safety for children. speech presentation of riverboat cruise.” Sarah Lindley from reached at (806) 983-
said. “We serve about The co-op also sup-
their essay. The youth tour contest Memphis High School 2814 or at their offices
9,300 meters within ports various county
“The two winning has been in existence and Sierra Snowden at 703 A Highway 70
our co-op, and some stock shows across its
students get a trip to since 1965, instituted from Floydada High East in Floydada.
customers have 30-40 service area and the
meters on their prop- 4-H Gold Star ban-
erty. Many are adding quets in the area. One
We Gin . . . To Gin Again!
Plainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | C7
Explore a career in agriculture
The agricultural business manager:
industry provides a This person oversees
variety of opportuni- the business oper-
ties to professionals ations of a farm by
interested in this often providing organiza-
misunderstood field. tion and leadership
According to the during the production
employment resource process. He or she
AGCareers.com, contacts creditors,
more than 250 career selects seeds, buys
profiles are available new equipment, and
to people interested ensures the distribu-
in a career in agricul- tion of product.
ture. And while jobs n Agricultural
in agriculture may lawyer: Attorneys who
not be as prevalent specialize in agricul-
as they were a few ture deal with water
centuries ago, when 72 and environmental
percent of the work- issues, represent agri-
force was employed cultural labor in dis-
in farm occupations putes, ensure proper
in the United States, marketing techniques
agriculture remains a are followed, handle
booming industry that real estate and land n Grain buyer: manager: Hatchery n Soil scientist: an area and the im-
greatly affects the na- use issues, and much Grain buyers build managers oversee all Among the many plications of agricul-
tion’s economy. Today, more. relationships with of the aspects involved tasks they might ture on the area as it
one in 12 American n Animal control in poultry hatching. perform, scientists in pertains to managing
producers so they can
jobs is depends on officer: These officers These can include the field of agriculture natural resources. A
agriculture, according purchase grain for
enforce local and management of per- test soil samples for career in agriculture
to the career resource regional laws that per- their particular com-
sonnel, handling and minerals and contam- presents many excit-
Payscale. tain to the treatment panies. They negotiate
sorting of eggs, main- inants. By studying ing opportunities in
The following are and care of animals. purchase agreements,
some potential pro- tenance of equipment, the soil, scientists can a number of different
They patrol for dis- source grain supplies
fessions for those tressed animals and coordination of pick- recommend which applications. It’s a vast
considering careers in and issue purchase ups and deliveries, crops the land can industry that utilizes
ensure cruelty-free
agriculture. practices are adhered orders. and overseeing quality support, how much professionals with an
n Agricultural to. n Poultry hatchery control. livestock can feed in array of skillsets.
How agricultural technology can help improve sustainability
Sustainable agricul- designed to meet the farmers. Efficient land
ture is an approach needs of the present management Model-
to farming that will without compromis- ing technologies can
allow modern farmers ing future generations’ be utilized to make
to meet the needs of ability to meet their more efficient use of
a growing popula- own needs. That’s a land. According to
tion while enhancing worthy goal, especially Sustainable Brands,
environmental quality. in the face of a grow- a global community
That can benefit both ing global population of brand innovators,
current and future that the United Na- modeling technologies
generations, and tech- tions estimates will can be employed in a
nology will play a vital increase by two billion host of ways, includ-
role in realizing the persons by 2050. ing to identify tillage
goals of sustainable There are numerous practices and the
agriculture. Accord- benefits to utilizing status of tile drainage.
ing to the National sustainable agriculture Certain agricultural
Sustainable Agricul- technology, which can technologies have of cropland, which more effectively and benefit the land and
ture Coalition, sus- be especially advan- been designed to pre- efficiently use their ensure resources aren’t
tainable agriculture is tageous to modern dict the performance can allow farmers to land. Farmers also wasted. Utilization
can employ model-
of such technologies
ing technologies to
ensures farmers can
determine soil health
and water needs and meet the needs of
usage, which can TECH Page D2
C8 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Concrete business keeping city on firm foundation
BY TERESA YOUNG they still had a regular
Special to the Herald
presence at the plant
until their death.
When Clinton Currently, Bert
and Bert Wall drive primarily oversees the
through their home- mechanical operations
town of Plainview, of the business, while
they can see their Clinton oversees the
mark at every turn. financial operations
New businesses. New and vendors.
schools. New drive- High Plains Con-
ways. crete furnishes ready-
When your busi- mix for all types of
ness is concrete, you jobs, working reg-
have a hand in many ularly with agricul-
construction projects, ture-based businesses
and that’s just what like the local dairies,
the Wall brothers can the ethanol plant and
claim. As owners of farmers that may need
High Plains Concrete, foundations for barns
the Walls are carrying or expansion.
on the legacy of great “We have customers
service and commu- that want two cubic
nity pride started by yards and some that
their parents. want 15,000 cubic
Peggy and TC yards, and we have to
Wall purchased the do it all since we’re in ton said the work at noted Clinton. “Our materials and employ- In addition, High
concrete business in a town this size,” says High Plains Concrete drivers have to be ees,” Clinton said. Plains gives back to
November 1969 and Clinton. “Back in the follows suit. Winter certified and licensed High Plains is proud their churches, Way-
sold it to their sons early 1980s we did temperatures below with testing every to carry on Peggy’s land Baptist Universi-
and daughters-in- the main building for 25 will delay concrete few years for physical legacy of community ty, the local Chamber
law 12 years ago. The the Walmart Distri- work, and summer capability as well.” involvement, through of Commerce and
elder Walls built a bution Center. We’ve heat over 95 often has Still, the business is support for their city,
reputation of being a fellow businesses. And
been part of highway meant work starts ear- rewarding when you service and giving
solid and trustworthy work, residential and the Wall women have
lier in the mornings see the growth of new back. Clinton’s wife
business, and they commercial work. a permanent lega-
while temps are lower. business and progress, Phyllis is active with
were active across the We’ve done small well cy here, with Peggy,
But those instances like the new school the downtown area
Plainview community. houses, larger barns or Beverly and Phyllis all
don’t happen much, so buildings going up and keeps the com-
The younger Walls whatever the need.” being named Woman
have continued that the plant stays busy. that High Plains had munity updated with
The company em- of the Year by the Pla-
tradition. ploys about 12 drivers “This can be a hard a hand in, the Toot various happenings
business with all the ‘n’ Totum station and through social media. inview Chamber.
Clinton said he has and they haul their
regulations in place more. Bert’s wife Beverly The plant was
worked beside his par- own sand and gravel
and specifications “The last three years has long been active moved in 1981 to its
ents most of his life, so for jobs, serving main-
stepping into a bigger ly a 30-mile radius required. Nothing is has been really busy with 4-H and the current location at
leadership role really since they carry a per- bid the same way so for us. The pandemic local Faith in Sharing 3200 Canyon Street,
wasn’t much different. ishable product. In an you have to work with didn’t really hurt con- House food bank, and just north of the
While TC and Peggy area where the climate engineers and all the struction or ready-mix the company supports former 84 Lumber
had retired officially, is fairly steady, Clin- proper personnel,” if you could get your that venture. location on FM 194.
Precision result. What are some
examples of PA tech-
insect and disease in-
festation, and other ar-
enabled some farmers
to generate remote
process and made it
more hands-off, al-
tially costly mistakes.
From Page C3 Technology has left no
nology? Sensors are a eas. Weather modeling readings, saving time lowing farmers to save
tural sector maxi- prime example of PA is another component and money. How does both time and money. industry untouched.
mize resources and technology that helps of PA that can help PA help farmers? Each PA technology can The growth of preci-
improve yields and make farms more farms be more cost-ef- situation is unique, help farmers maintain
efficient and produc- fective and efficient. but the principles of accurate records of sion agriculture is a
the quality of crops.
tive. Sensors serve Whereas in years past PA can help farm- their farms; inform testament to the influ-
ThatÕs a critically
various functions by many farms would ers acess a wealth of their decisions; make
important function as ence that technology
helping farmers gather need to manually information. It might it easier to detect and
the world population data on the availability assess certain variables have been possible to identify problems, is having on a vital
continues to grow of water in soil, the to determine when to access such informa- sometimes before they
and the demand for sector of the global
level of compaction in harvest, weather mod- tion in the past, but escalate into larger is-
food increases as a soil, leaf temperature, eling technology has PA has sped up the sues; and avoid poten- economy.
Plainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | C9
Understanding smart farm automation
Modern agriculture looks lit- 2050, by which time the population n soil sampling Driverless tractors can make labor
tle like the early days of farming. could be 9.7 billion persons. Smart cheaper for farmers by plotting the
n yield mapping
All aspects of farming have been farming can make raising livestock
modified by the access farmers more accurate and controlled. n use of artificial intelligence machine’s route and letting it run
now have to technologies to meet While farm automation is a broad n geomatics the course automatically. Harvest
the demands of their work and term, precision smart farming
n statistical processes, and more. robots also exist to grab crops gen-
the pressure a growing popula- zeroes in on exact measurements
tion places on farmers to produce between variations in land condi- tly (some with vacuum technology)
quality food. Farm automation, tions and livestock, according to Farmers can employ these tech- and reduce reliance on field work-
precision farming and smart Techie Loops, a technology infor-
nologies to save time and also ers. Some harvesters can determine
farming are strategies utilized by mation website.
today’s farmers. These technologies Examples of farming automation manage labor shortages. Ro- ripeness of fruit via AI technolo-
have become important ways for technology include: bot-assisted irrigation systems, for gy, according to Eastern Peak, a
farmers to optimize the production n autonomous vehicles and ma-
example, can maximize efficiency provider of custom hardware and
of food and improve its quality. chines
According to the Food and Agri- n drones of water distribution where it is software solutions for businesses.
culture Organization of the United n robotics needed the most. Weeding robots Technology is changing farming in
Nations, agricultural production n GPS guidance
can use artificial intelligence and many ways. Innovations in auto-
must increase by 70 percent in or- n micro-forecasting and weather
der to meet global food demand by forecasting computer vision to target field mation can make operations more
areas and reduce use of pesticides. efficient and less costly.
WHEN YOU NEED WATER!
C10 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Azteca MillingPlainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | D1
Attebury connecting grown products from area to end users
BY TERESA YOUNG yards and dairies. Rodney Hunter, go on rail cars to California or be and a little bit of everything,”
Special to the Herald explained Hunter. “We feel like
a native of Dimmitt, has served as sold to area feed yards and dairies
area manager for two years. depending on the demand. we’re very competitive with other
“We draw from a pretty large With labor shortages hitting all grain elevators around and have
In the final analysis, a produc- area for our grain. There is not businesses across the nation, Hunt- the marketing tools to help anyone
er’s job is not complete until what enough corn grown in this part er said Attebury has streamlined who needs it. I’ve been in the grain
comes out of the field has been sold of the world, so we bring it in rail what they do to use the most effi- business for 25 years and buy grain
and delivered to the end user. After cars to Lubbock and then ship it to cient elevators and work with the from all over; I deal with 75-100
all, that’s what they’ve spent the last feed yards in the area. Our water 12 employees they typically have different farmers.”
growing season nurturing. sources have fallen off and we just on board at any given time among With the various crops and their
Fortunately for growers around don’t have as much access as we did the three elevators Hunter over- typically cycles, work at Attebury
the High Plains area, Attebury five years ago, so corn is brought sees. Additional temporary work- stays constant. Hunter said wheat
Grain, LLC, is ready and able to in from the Midwest often,” Hunt- ers have often been added during harvest begins around mid-May
handle those vital tasks and protect er explained. “We specialize in the busiest season. The company and continued until mid-July. In
their valuable assets. As a fami- corn, milo and wheat. We also buy contracts with trucking companies the middle of September, the fall
ly-owned business founded in the cotton seed from the area gins and to haul products. crop of corn and milo begins to
1950s, Attebury has grain elevators take those to our Lubbock, Tulia Besides efficient and knowledge- arrive, continuing until January.
in Tulia, Edmonson, Plainview and and Amarillo locations as well. If able workers, Hunter said Attebury Cotton seed starts coming around
Lockney, and a Lubbock location it’s a good cotton year, that can be a brings much to the table for grow- October and can come as late as
that primarily serves as the rail really big part of what we do.” ers. February in a good harvest year
hub. Another facility in Black, Tex- The 2021-22 growing year was “One of our best offerings is a lot like the current one.
as, (between Friona and Hereford) indeed a good year for cotton, and of different marketing opportuni- Hunter said getting rail cars and
is for processing whole corn, where Hunter noted that cotton seed may ties to farmers, lots of contracting trucks loaded with cotton seed to
it is cracked and sold to area feed be stored for up to a year. It can options, minimum price contracts ATTEBURY Page D2D2 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Tech
From Page 1A
Greenhouses effectively extend growing seasons
modern consumers Modern, large-scale material. The interi-
without affecting fu- agriculture opera- or of a greenhouse
ture farmers’ ability to tions utilize various exposed to sunlight
do the same. Reduce machines and tech- becomes significant-
runoff The United nologies to provide ly warmer than the
States Environmental products to consum- external temperature,
Protection Agency ers. Greenhouses are helping to protect
notes that runoff poses among the resources plants inside from
a significant threat used to help plants extreme conditions
to the environment. thrive. Greenhouses and enabling plants
When runoff occurs, are not a new phe- to thrive even when
fertilizer, bacteria nomenon, even if weather conditions are
and other pollutants todayÕs incarnations not optimal. Through
find their way into have technological the years, greenhouses
streams, rivers, lakes, upgrades over their also may have incor-
and the ocean. Sus- ancestors. The first at- porated some form
tainable Brands notes tempts to grow plants of additional heating.
that nanotechnology in greenhouse-like Keeping plants thriv-
is an efficient way to structures likely date ing for commercial
deliver nutrients to back to ancient Egypt, production now gets
crops that can improve but there are writings additional help from
both the efficacy of the from the Romans computers, as relying
as early as 14 BCE on sunlight alone may
nutrients and reduce
explaining greenhouse result in fluctuations
runoff. Protect crops
operations. The Ro- in optimal condi-
Sustainable Brands
man emperor Tiberius tions. Modern, smart
notes that agricultural
wanted to eat cucum- greenhouses, accord-
biologicals are inputs
bers all year long. ing to the cultivation
derived from natural
Roman winters would technology company
materials that have
not allow for cucum- Growlink, employ
low toxicity. That low bers to thrive when smart technology for
toxicity reduces their temperatures dropped heating, cooling and
environmental impact. below freezing. Roll- lighting. This tech is
Agricultural biologi- ing cucumber growing connected to a com-
cals utilize the prop- carts into sheds only puter to optimize available for free or One can purchase a structure may want to
erties of such things did so much. Some- plant growth con- purchase. Companies prefabricated green- look into using green-
as bacteria, fungi and one came up with the ditions. Computers also sell prefabricated house door or simply house plastic paneling
even insects to sup- concept of making can adjust conditions greenhouse kits that use a sheet of weight-
in lieu of plastic sheet-
port healthy crops, sheds with sheets of accordingly for the can be erected with ed plastic that can be
potentially improving relative ease. Handy tied out of the way ing. Either way, home
elenite, a transparent particular plant being
yield without adverse- rock, to let the sun in produced, such as for homeowners also can for the door. To allow greenhouses can be as
ly affecting the envi- and help keep cucum- tropical fruits that construct basic green- for ventilation in hot elaborate or as simple
ronment. Sustainable bers growing indoors require more moisture houses with materials weather, a wood- as individuals desire.
agriculture technolo- warm. The idea took and heat. Anyone who found at many home frame vent that can Greenhouses are ef-
gies can help modern off from there. Green- desires a greenhouse improvement retailers. be propped open can
fective ways to extend
farmers and their suc- houses are comprised for personal plant A wood frame green- be incorporated into
cessors meet the needs of walls and roofing growth can build one house can be built in the roof rafter de- growing seasons for
of a rapidly growing materials primarily in his or her backyard any size and covered sign. Those who want both commercial and
global population. made of a transparent with various plans with plastic sheeting. a more permanent home gardeners.
Attebury they arrive before they
ship to the end desti-
time of the year, but
the way cotton drug
who needs the grain
and where it need to
“I’m a farmer at
heart, grew up on a
money and succeed
so they’ll come back,”
From Page D1 nation. into the new year, we go.” farm and still farm he said. “It’s fun to
“We know how to never really had that While the busy a little. I love to visit watch the guys I have
turn it out almost im-
keep trucks busy. Typ- slow time,” Hunter schedule can be tiring, with farmers and known over the years
mediately is the goal.
come up with ways grow and expand their
Other commodities ically January through said. “Loading chang- Hunter said the work
to help them make business.”
are maintained once April is our slowest es regularly based on is rewarding.
Custom Cattle Skyland Grain, LLC
DAFFERNPlainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | D3
D4 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Dr. Mattox is Always Looking for a Better Way
PLAINVIEW –
Stepping onto the
college campus as
a young man, the
future was wide open
for Kenneth Mattox.
Religion, music and
ministry were the
focus of his pursuits,
and an interest in the
International Choir at
Wayland Baptist Col-
lege in the late 1950s
drew him to the small
West Texas school, not
too far from his New
Mexico home. But like
so many college stu-
dents, Mattox found a
new passion.
“Picture yourself as
a freshman student at
Wayland, getting the
math courses and sci-
ence courses out of the
way,” Mattox said at
a luncheon honoring
him for his contribu-
tions to the university.
he did it. Developing the day. Mattox even- he accepted all those of Wayland Baptist accomplishments and
“Suddenly you have
an abrupt epiphany a love for science and tually built a career years ago in a Wayland University and the advancements that
that you liked those an undying passion with an impressive, if
classroom. planners that [this have been made in
subjects, and you were for learning, Mattox not unequaled, list of
dove into the pursuit accomplishments and “What I learned in new building] is far medical care.
not on the right con-
of science, completing recognitions. that building is that too small,” Mattox Mattox shared a
veyor belt.”
Looking back, his undergraduate At 83 and officially there is always a better said. “There is always a vision of telemedicine
Mattox said it took a degree then studying retired — sort of — way,” Mattox said. better way and finding to treat inhabitants of
lot of courage to jump at the Baylor College Mattox, a 1960 Way-
That search for a it requires innovation. colonies on the moon
off the conveyor that of Medicine under land graduate, says he
was taking him in the some of the most owes his career and better way led Dr. Prepared minds come or mars, drones that
wrong direction, but renowned surgeons of success to a challenge Mattox to envision out of institutions like act as ambulances
changes in healthcare this one.”
with onboard robotics
and innovations in Mattox said it is
that can conduct on-
surgical procedures. It important to contin-
site surgeries led by
also led him to invest ue to ask questions
technicians in a labo-
in the education of and challenge normal
ratory, or other fantas-
future generations beliefs. He said that
tic advancements that
and to give back to his when he graduated
can only be realized
alma mater. Speaking from Wayland in
through education.
at a ceremony to name 1960, many things that
An education, he says,
Wayland’s School are commonplace in
that should come from
of Mathematics and healthcare today, such
Sciences after him as emergency medical schools like Wayland.
and to break ground systems, ambulanc- “It’s because we
on a new addition to es, vascular surgery, stimulate the mind to
the science building, thoracic surgery, CT say, ‘where is the evi-
Dr. Mattox challenged scans and cancer treat- dence,’ and ‘there has
Wayland and its stu- ments, did not exist. got to be a better way,”
dents to continue the He said in another he said. “We create
search for a better way. 60 years people will new ways to do new
“I suggest to the be looking back on things. And that’s the
Board of Trustees 2022 astounded at the value of an education.”Plainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | D5
D6 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
Plainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | D7
COMICS
DENNIS THE MENACE By Hank Ketcham THE FAMILY CIRCUS By Bil and Jeff Keane
HERMAN By Jim Unger MODERATELY CONFUSED By Jeff Stahler
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE By Lynn Johnston
BALDO By Hector Cantú and Carlos Castellanos
BIZARRO By Wayno and Piraro
BABY BLUES By Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott
ZITS By Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
FUNKY WINKERBEAN By Tom Batiuk
BLONDIE By Dean Young and John Marshall
THE BORN LOSER By Art and Chip Sansom
Conceptis Sudoku Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle
By Dave Green based on a 9x9 grid with several
given numbers. The object is to place
the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty
squares so that each row, column
and 3x3 box contains the same
number only once.
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE By Chris Browne
FRANK AND ERNEST By Thaves
GARFIELD By Jim DavisD8 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
COMICS
DENNIS THE MENACE By Hank Ketcham THE FAMILY CIRCUS By Bil and Jeff Keane
HERMAN By Jim Unger MODERATELY CONFUSED By Jeff Stahler
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE By Lynn Johnston
BALDO By Hector Cantú and Carlos Castellanos
BIZARRO By Wayno and Piraro
BABY BLUES By Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott
ZITS By Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
FUNKY WINKERBEAN By Tom Batiuk
BLONDIE By Dean Young and John Marshall
THE BORN LOSER By Art and Chip Sansom
Conceptis Sudoku Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle
By Dave Green based on a 9x9 grid with several
given numbers. The object is to place
the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty
squares so that each row, column
and 3x3 box contains the same
number only once.
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE By Chris Browne
FRANK AND ERNEST By Thaves
GARFIELD By Jim DavisPlainview Herald | MyPlainview.com | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | D9
COMICS
DENNIS THE MENACE By Hank Ketcham THE FAMILY CIRCUS By Bil and Jeff Keane
HERMAN By Jim Unger MODERATELY CONFUSED By Jeff Stahler
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE By Lynn Johnston
BALDO By Hector Cantú and Carlos Castellanos
BIZARRO By Wayno and Piraro
BABY BLUES By Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott
ZITS By Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
FUNKY WINKERBEAN By Tom Batiuk
BLONDIE By Dean Young and John Marshall
THE BORN LOSER By Art and Chip Sansom
Conceptis Sudoku Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle
By Dave Green based on a 9x9 grid with several
given numbers. The object is to place
the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty
squares so that each row, column
and 3x3 box contains the same
number only once.
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE By Chris Browne
FRANK AND ERNEST By Thaves
GARFIELD By Jim DavisD10 | Saturday, March 26, 2022 | MyPlainview.com | Plainview Herald
ZEST
ESCAPES
TRAVEL
In France’s Jura region, dinosaur fossils
have left a footprint on wine industry
Photos by Lily Radziemski / for the Washington Post
The grape vines at Françoise Ratte’s vineyard have been a part of her family for generations.
By Lily Radziemski If you go
WA S H I NGT ON P O ST
WHERE TO STAY
On a warm summer evening 20 years Le 35/37: 37 Rue de Courcelles,
ago, an 8-year-old boy made a discovery Arbois; arbois-chambre.fr/en. This
that would put his tiny French village on 18th-century vineyard house near the
the map. center of town is run by couple Co-
Thibault Mottet and his family were rinne and Yves Lecoq. It’s tucked
strolling around a construction site in away from the road with garden
Coisia, their town of about 200 people, views. Apartments are spacious and
checking out the progress of a local road well-equipped. Breakfast included.
expansion, when something on the newly Rooms from about $75 per night.
exposed rock caught the boy’s eye. “I
WHAT TO EAT
recognized the form — a bit circular, im-
printed onto the rock,” he explained over Le Bistrot des Claquets: 33 Rue de
the phone. Faramand, Arbois; lebistrotdescla-
These weren’t just rock formations. quets.com. This lively spot is where
They were dinosaur footprints. local winemakers hang. Feast on the
Thibault had always been wildly pas- plat du jour during lunch and charcu-
sionate about dinosaurs, and he was terie boards for dinner while sam-
certain that what he saw “were old tracks Many Jurassic-era fossils have been found in the soil of Ratte’s vineyard. pling bottles of poulsard. Reserva-
… millions of years old,” he said. Al- tions recommended. Open 8 a.m.-9
though his parents dismissed his dis- p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 8 a.m.-3
covery as a childish fantasy, years later, and microbiologist, lived in Arbois p.m. Saturday. Plat du jour from
the prints were verified by a scientist. throughout numerous periods of his life, about $11.
The Jura region — as in the Jurassic era and often carried out experiments on its Au Petit Jurassien: 73 Grande Rue,
— is home to the largest fossilized tracks wine. Today, the mere mention of the Arbois; bit.ly/au-petit-jurassien.
in Plagne, in addition to others across Jura sends patrons in the capital’s most Steps from the Louis Pasteur monu-
Coisia and Loulle. On the train from Paris renowned wine bars into a state of eu- ment, Au Petit Jurassien serves local
to Arbois, it’s easy to imagine Tyranno- phoria. That’s why, upon arrival in Ar- fare in a homey setting. Try the re-
saurus rex and pterodactyls in place of bois, I had one mission: to drink. gional specialty, poulet au vin jaune,
cows and sheep. But now, another group On the central Place de la Liberté, or chicken cooked in yellow wine, and
rules the region’s terroir: winemakers. arched passageways frame the square, the boar stew. Open noon-2 p.m.
And they are keenly aware of their ante- the scent of burning wood wafting Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday and
cedents. Those fossils affect their wine. through the air against a mountainous noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; kitchen
Françoise Ratte’s vines have traveled backdrop. The Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville closed 2-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
down her family for generations, after gives way to a waterfall crashing down Closed Monday. Entrees from about
being originally cultivated by her great- into a stream running below, and jade- $15.
grandparents. She works in various types colored moss decorates the waterlines of Les Archives: 1 Rue du Vieux Châ-
of terroirs — the natural composition of buildings along its path. After taking a Ratte says the fossils are full of salt teau, Arbois; facebook.com/troquet-
the land in which wines are produced — moment to soak it all in, I turned around. and iodine, which influences the flavor lesarchives. This late-night hangout
each influencing the flavor profile of the It appeared that my prayers had material- of the wine. spot features an excellent selection
final product. But in her case, we’re not ized in the form of a bar across the street, of local wines at modest prices. You
just talking about limestone or clay. Les Archives. When I took a seat, the While throwing pebbles for the dog to can try the region’s cépages and the
“The fossils are still full of salt and bartender asked whether I’d like a glass chase, Alice explained that she works famous comté cheese. Open 9 a.m.-11
iodine. That’s going to play a role in the or a bottle. I decided that I liked it here. biodynamically, paying attention to lunar p.m. Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday;
taste of the wine, because they’re in con- One morning, after becoming well- cycles, and without additives or sulfur, to 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday; closed
tact with the roots,” she said. “They’re acquainted with the five cépages, I met keep the wines “emotional and lively.” Monday. Meat and cheese boards
going to create some acidity and give a Christine Villet of the Domaine Villet, Besides the five traditional cépages of from about $9; glass of wine from
smoky taste, a flint stone taste.” The char- another local wine label, in the tasting Jura, she also trades grapes with other about $5.
donnay, for instance, is “very, very room directly across the street from her winemakers to keep things playful. WHAT TO DO
marked from the point of view of smoki- home. It quickly became evident that “We have the right to have fun, too,”
ness.” Françoise wasn’t the only winemaker in she said with a shrug, smiling. “It pushes Loulle dinosaur site: Lieu-dit Le
Françoise pulled out a bowl of fossils the region with a fossil collection; Chris- our curiosity.” Bois aux salpêtriers, Loulle; bit.ly/
that she’s found in her soil over the years. tine’s smile widened as she brought out a When asked about how she sees the loulle-dinosaurs. Visit the open-air
She mostly finds Gryphaea, ancestors of box from the other end of the room and future of her craft, her piercing blue eyes dinosaur site to view more than 1,000
the oyster, but she also has ammonites, emptied out dozens of fossils on top of a gazed into the distance. She took a long fossilized tracks dating from about
belemnites and sea lilies — all ancient sea wine barrel. She pointed out the stem of a pause before speaking. 155 million years ago. During the
dwellers. That’s because, about 150 mil- sea lily, which resembles a star. “When you work 14-, 15-, 16-hour days, winter, the footprints are often cov-
lion years ago, this region of the Jura — “Talking about the star — the L’Etoile we don’t always have the time — or we ered in snow. Open daily year-round.
now characterized by its mountain ranges (star in French) appellation in the Jura is don’t take the time, maybe — to reflect,” Free.
— was covered in water. named that because they have a lot of she said. “It’s about opening our eyes. We Tufs waterfall in Les Planches-
“In the Jurassic period, the Jura was on these types of fossils,” she explained. speak a lot about wine, tastings and all of près-d’Arbois: 39600 Les Planches-
the edge of a hot, shallow tropical sea. It’s A few steps away from Domaine Villet, that. But the vines and our soil … what do près-Arbois; bit.ly/cascade-des-tufs.
hard to imagine, but actually it was not Le Bistrot des Claquets commands the we want to leave for our children? Pollut- The Cascade des Tufs waterfall
mountainous at the time,” said Emman- Rue de Faramand with its coral-red fa- ed rivers? Of course, you have to work to crashes down through emerald
uel Fara, a professor of paleontology at cade. Inside, dried peppers hang over- make a living. But you can work cleanly. moss-covered rock formations into
the University of Burgundy and director head. The owner, Rachel Gariglio, greets That’s evident.” the clear, pale-blue water below.
of the laboratory Biogeosciences. “So it’s patrons by name. I was having lunch — On the train back to Paris, I envisioned Access via a trail through the woods.
normal that we find a huge amount of rare steak and crispy fries — with a wine- the surrounding mountains flattening Open daily year-round. Free.
marine organisms.” maker I had met the night before. He before my eyes and giving way to a warm Louis Pasteur’s house: 83 Rue de
After examining the fossils, we hopped looked out the window, pointing out sea and marine life splashing in the water. Courcelles, Arbois; bit.ly/louis-pas-
into Françoise’s truck and drove to her another winemaker, Alice Bouvot of the I wondered how this land, so cherished teur-house. Visit the house of 19th-
vineyards a few minutes up the road. She Domaine de l’Octavin, who was walking by the region’s winemakers, would century French chemist and microbi-
gazed out into the landscape, reminiscing outside. change in the 150 million years to come. ologist Louis Pasteur, which is kept as
about her time spent running through On my last day in town, I set off to But maybe some traces of the Jurassic era it was when he lived there. Download
these vines as a child. meet Alice. Her reputation precedes her; — and today — would always remain. a free audio tour online, and bring
The Jura region is home to five cépag- virtually everyone I met in town praised According to Fara, the paleontologist, the headphones. Open 2-6 p.m. daily in
es, or grape varieties — chardonnay, sa- her work, complimenting her commit- dinosaurs haven’t totally disappeared; February, March, April, October and
vagnin, pinot noir, trousseau and poul- ment to natural production methods. their descendants still fly overhead. early November, and 9:30 a.m.-12:30
sard (also called ploussard) — which are After popping inside, Alice emerged with “Today, if you want to go see dinosaurs p.m. and 2-6 p.m. May through Sep-
plucked, crushed and vinified into a bottle called Ivre de Vivre: drunk on in the Jura, you can observe the birds,” he tember. Entry about $8 per person.
whites, reds and even vin jaune (yellow life. Sitting at a bright-blue table outside, said. “The dinosaurs are still there.” INFORMATION
wine), the region’s claim to fame. Louis she spoke softly, petting her dog, Pis-
Pasteur, the 19th-century French chemist tache. Radziemski is a writer based in Paris. jura-tourism.comYou can also read
