News 2013

MTSU’s Department of Public Safety officers incorporate the latest technology and techniques into their ongoing training, but their bottom line is to de-escalate a dangerous situation when possible.The department is conducting training exercises through Wednesday, Jan. 9, on campus that include “realistic-looking” weapons with simulated ammunition in real-life emergency scenarios.
“It takes a whole lot of time to plan something like this, and then it’s over in three minutes,” said Patrol Lt. Brett Huskey, who helped lead the Jan. 7 training inside Ezell Hall, a former dormitory now used for campus offices, and outside the Tennessee Livestock Center.
“In an ‘active-shooter’ scenario or a domestic violence scenario, we’re constantly looking at a ‘shoot/don’t shoot’ situation, but we’re also teaching our officers how to de-escalate a situation whenever possible.”
The exercises, which are being held each morning from 8 to noon, include police vehicles, sirens, lights and weapons with simulated ammunition. Officers are taking turns portraying suspects who’ve barricaded themselves into dorm rooms or who roll out of stopped vehicles with guns blazing.
Or, in this case, popping. Officers are using Simunition brand non-lethal training ammunition, produced by General Dynamics of Quebec, Canada, in their training weapons.
The ammunition, which looks like rubber bullets filled with blue paint, fits into specially reconfigured Glock handguns. It still packs a wallop and, like all simulated ammunition, can be deadly if it hits just right, which is why officers are wearing full safety gear, including helmets and body armor, during the exercises.
After the first morning’s exercises, officers sported welts on fingers, knees, arms and legs — as well as paint smears on their helmets, shirts and jeans — from the fake bullets. One officer took a direct hit to the chest at point-blank range and had to sit down for a few moments to catch his breath and gather his thoughts.
“We want this to be as realistic as possible,” explained Lt. Jason Wofford, who led the first day’s effort with Huskey. “This kind of situation is always on our minds.”
Huskey noted that this month’s training is the first time the department has been able to use the simulated ammunition on campus.
“We do a lot of this training throughout the year, but we have to go off-campus to do it,” he explained. “This time, because of the (winter) break, this was the first time we’ve been able to use Ezell, which simulates a typical dorm.”
The campus is almost empty of students now because spring 2012 classes begin Thursday, Jan. 17. University offices reopened Jan. 2 after a holiday break.
The MTSU Department of Public Safety currently employs a force of 35 full-time police officers, five full-time dispatchers and about 20 part-time student workers. It operates around the clock to protect the 500-plus-acre university campus and its 28,000-plus occupants.
All MTSU officers are graduates of accredited law enforcement training academies and are required by Tennessee law to undergo at least 40 hours of in-service training each year. This campus exercise is part of that required annual training.
The department alerted the campus community and area neighbors before the training “so that our activities don’t cause any uneasiness,” said Sgt. Broede Stucky, the department’s training coordinator.

As you ring in the New Year, it is a good idea to evaluate your insurance coverage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – of which Commerce and Insurance is a member – offers these tips and reminders to help with your review. Homeowners/Renter’s Insurance
 
This is a great time to update your home inventory and make sure your homeowners or renter’s policy is up-to-date. While the decorations are out of storage, take some photos or video of your baubles. Do not forget to make note of any antique items and their value so you can talk with your insurance agent to ensure that they are properly covered. 
 
If you are starting a home inventory from scratch, the NAIC’s free smartphone app, myHOME Scr.APP.book, takes some of the headache out of the process. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play. You can also download a print version here.
 
Now that you have opened all your gifts, remember to add them to your home inventory, too. Include as many details as you can and take a photo of each item. Most basic home insurance policies have standard limits for big-ticket items like electronics, art, jewelry or sporting equipment. You may need special coverage, so be sure to call your agent as soon as possible to discuss changes for your policy.
 
If you want to review your insurance policy or declarations page before talking with your agent, take a look at this consumer alert to help understand the terminology. 
 
Auto Insurance
 
Winter can be a challenge for all drivers. Whether you are trying to escape the weather for someplace warmer or just preparing for the first drive to work in the snow, there are a few insurance items you should review.
 
To make sure you are winter-ready, check your auto insurance policy. Here is a quick reference on how to read your declarations page.
 
Make sure your coverage is appropriate for your life situation. Liability is the part of the policy that pays for any injury or damage if you cause an accident. If your liability insurance is too low, it is possible that you could be sued for any damages above your liability limits. 
 
Also take a look at your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the amount you will pay if your car is damaged or totaled without fault of another driver. Raising or lowering this amount can affect your premium.
 
Before hitting the road, make sure you have a copy of your insurance card and your insurance agent or company’s number in the car. It is also a good idea to have a way to record details of an accident if you are in one. The NAIC smartphone application WreckCheck walks you through the process of gathering information following an accident. You can then email your notes directly to your agent. Download the free app from iTunes or Google Play.
 
Health Insurance
 
Many families recently went through the open enrollment process for their health insurance at work or Medicare Open Enrollment, which means you may have new insurance cards and paperwork coming in the mail. It is a good idea to get all this information together before winter illness or accidents happen.
 
Make sure to check your provider lists to verify visits to your doctor and any specialists are still covered by your policy, because in-network or preferred provider lists change from year to year. Also read through your documents and make note of your copays for in-network and out-of-network providers, so you are not surprised later.
 
When you’re planning a vacation away from home, check with your insurance carrier to identify urgent care centers and hospitals that accept your insurance coverage near your destination and along the way. Be sure to ask your carrier about applicable co-pays and deductibles if care is needed.

An investigation in a theft case that has been ongoing since August has finally resulted in arrests before the New Year.  Steven Dale Koontz and Crystal Lee Dillon both of Van Buren County have been charged with theft over $500.  Back in August of 2012, Koontz and Dillon went to Pelham’s Auto Salvage looking to purchase a transmission.  After loading the transmission in the back of their truck, the employee realized the transmission had not been paid for. Furthermore Koontz had given the id and information to the employee of a Mr. Samuel D. Rennison.  Last month, it was found out that Mr. Rennison had been incarcerated since March of 2010 in Alabama.  Sheriff’s Detective Anthony Young also received a tip that Koontz may have committed the theft.  During the investigation it was learned that Mr. Koontz and his sister Ms Dillon had access to Rennison’s personal information as Koontz lives with Rennison’s exwife.  According to the police reports Mr. Koontz stated that he did not realize that Ms. Dillon hadn’t paid for the transmission until they were well on their way back to Van Buren County.  After interviewing Ms. Dillon she stated that she asked Mr. Koontz if he had paid for the transmission then stated that she didn’t think anything about going into the office to pay for it thinking that Koontz had taken care of it.  Both Koontz and Dillon were booked into the Cannon County Jail and released on bond

The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program National Contest begins tonight on the local level.  The event will take place at the Cannon Senior Center tonight at 7:00.  The American Legion Post 279 competition will be coordinated by Mr. William Freddy Curtis, Government teacher at Cannon County High School.  Mr. John Basinger is the oratorical contest director.  Winners of tonights contest will advance to the district competition slated for February 18th in Murfreesboro.  The speech contest is designed to  develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. The national winner will receive $18,000.00 in scholarship awards.  

Tonight the Cannon County Lions and Lionettes play the second game in the home and away series vs Coffee County in Manchester.  Back on November 16th Cannon was able to get the win in Woodbury 58-42.  Both teams won against their respective opponents to start the 2013 year.  Coffee beat Warren County 52-24.The Cannon boys won in November against the Red Raiders 50-41.  Both boys teams lost Friday with Coffee losing to Warren by one 46-45.  Coaches corner will start off the radio coverage at 5:45 with the tipoff of tonight’s games in Manchester scheduled at 6:00.  You can catch all the games on AM-1540/FM96.7 WBRY and online at wbry.com  

 Cow-Calf Management Tips for January January, the first month of the new year. A welcomed “new beginning” for lots of folks and cattle producers. It is also a critical month from a management standpoint for cow-calf producers. As January comes, winter begins and the environment becomes cold, wet and muddy. This is also the first or second month in which the most expensive 3 months from both an expense and production standpoint. Most of the annual production cost of producing a weaned calf, 65 percent, occurs during the next tree month due to winter feeding of hay. There are areas of the state that have been dry but, the recent rains have caught these parts of the state up on “rainfall. If weather is warmer than normal, some grass growth might occur that could be used to reduce feed cost. As usual, cold, winter weather can be anticipated which will create problems for feeding, managing and calving out the herd.
Not too much can be done about the weather but, adjustments can be made in feeding and managing the cattle. Producers should stay informed and up to date about the weather fronts and make adjustments in managing and feeding practices as well as keeping a “look out” during the calving season.
This issue of “Update” will be focused primarily on managing and feeding during the winter months. Following are some suggestions that cow-calf producers should consider in managing their cow herds. There are discussions or both late winter- early spring calving herds as well as fall calving early winter herds and those that would be applicable to either group.
 Late Winter-Early Spring Calving Herds
Most of the commercial cow herds start calving this month. This is a critical time for
these herds in that their production and management needs change drastically from a dry to lactating situation. Their feed needs increase, and calves are dropped during adverse weather conditions. On most Tennessee farms, extra labor is available to observe these cows during the calving season and arry out those management practices.
 

Make a strong effort to save every calf. With the current cost of production, cow-calf producers cannot afford to lose calves. Frequent observation of expectant cows is the best method to ensure that calves survive the birth process. This time of year, most labor would be available to frequently check cows during calving. Returns to labor in cow-calf operations are greater during calving than any other time in the annual production cycle.

Cows approaching calving should be isolated and placed on a clean pasture where they can be easily observed 2 to 3 times daily. First calf heifers should be observed more closely. More calving problems occur with first calf heifers than any other group in the herd.

Following the start of calving and lactation, the beef cow’s nutritional requirements increase about 25 to 30%. This is especially critical in the first-calf heifer, as well as the 2-year and 3-year olds. Grain may be needed if low quality hay is being fed. Feed mature cows 3-4 lbs. of grain and 6-8 lbs. for first calf heifers. If possible, these young cows should be separated from the mature cow herd to reduce the negative effect of “boss cows” keeping the young females bullied from the feed supply.

Mature cows should be in a body condition score of “5” at calving and first calf-heifers and 2-year olds should be in a condition of “6”. A BCS of 5 is the breaking point for mature cows. Cows that are thinner at calving will experience reduced future reproductive performance.

Feed better quality hay to the younger females and to cows that have calved.
 

 Producers might like to limit feeding pregnant cows to once daily. If fed late in the day, this might stimulate increased calving during the day (Konefal method). It will not occur with ever pregnant cow, but there is a definite trend for cows to calve during the day.
 

Keep out an appropriate mineral supplement that contains an adequate level of magnesium. Cows that have recently calved are susceptible to “grass tetany.” With the change in weather conditions that create stress on the cattle, grass-tetany is more likely to occur. Magnesium supplementation should be available at least 30 days prior to start of calving. It is generally recommended to provide magnesium supplementation from November through April due to year-round calving.
 

Prepare the bull for the breeding season. What is the body condition of the bull? He should be in a body condition of at least 5 and preferably 6 prior to the start of the breeding. Body condition score the bull now. If he needs to improve in condition, it can be improved one score with about 100 lbs. of gain. For example, if the bull is now in a BCS of 4, he will need to gain 200 lbs. between now and the start of the breeding season, a period of 90 days. This means he would need to gain 2.25 lbs. per day to have a desirable BCS of 6 at the start of the breeding season. Also, conduct a breeding soundness exam on your herd bull. A BSE has been planned for March 16th at the Woodbury Livestock Market. The entire exam will be performed at a cost of $40.00/bull. Jennie Schutte, Territory Manager for Pfizer, will deworm and vaccinate those bulls participating in the breeding soundness exam. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please call Dr. Willis to schedule an appointment to bring bulls in for testing. (931-409-3178). If you need more information call the Cannon County Extension Office at 563-2554.
 Late Fall-Early Winter Calving Herds
These cows should be in the middle to later lactation and into the breeding season by approximately ten days assuming calving began near the first of October. Calving at this time should aid in reducing the effect of the fescue endophyte on the reproductive performance of the cows, as well as milk production.

The cows should be in a body condition of “5” to ensure rebreeding. Especially pay attention to first calf heifers. They will need extra care and higher quality feed to rebreed

on schedule. Mature cows nursing calves will need to be fed 25-30 lbs. of good quality hay throughout the breeding season. Fall-calving cows have the greatest feed requirements during the winter months when their rations will primarily be hay. Monitor the hay condition.

Consider limit creep feeding calves. This should stimulate calf growth as well as reducing stress on the dams. Creep grazing of small grain pastures, if available, it is an excellent feed source. Discontinue creep feeding in the spring when adequate, high quality forage is available to maintain calf performance. A 10 year research project at Oklahoma State showed this to be a profitable practice.

Observe the bull’s condition. Bulls should be in a body condition score of at least “5” and preferably “6”. Bulls will lose weight during the breeding season. The cold weather increases the nutrient needs of the bull. “Thin” bulls will experience reduced reproductive performance. Pay particular attention to young bulls. These bulls should be individually fed.

Observe both the bull(s) and the cows during the breeding season. Is mating occurring? Record the dates that mating is observed. Seek out those same cows about 21 days later. Did they return to heat? If the number of cows returning to heat is great, determine the problem as a change may be needed with the bulls. Was a breeding soundness examination (BSE) performed on the bull(s) prior to breeding season?
 Suggestions for Both Calving Groups

Provide some type of protection from the weather for the herd. A woods lot would help reduce the effect of wind. One with a southern exposure would be ideal. During severe weather, some type of windbreak would help reduce feed requirements.

Increase feed as temperature drops. Rain and wind also lower the temperature. Cattle need extra feed to maintain performance. Watch weather forecasts and make adjustments a day or two before weather fronts. See article included in this issue of Update.

With winter approaching, some water sources could become a problem of availability. Be sure cattle have access to water. Even during cold weather, cattle need to consume water daily.

Test hay for nutritional value and supplement accordingly. This practice can serve as a cost reduction as well as improve production. Use the information from forage testing to divide hay into quality lots and also to allot hay to different groups of cattle.

Feed hay in areas where mud is not a problem.

Check for lice and if needed, treat. If previously treated during the fall, do it again during Super Bowl week. With limited feed, controlling lice will aid in stretching the feed supply and maintaining condition of the cows.

When feeding large bales that were stored outside, encourage producers to take notice of the amount that was wasted. Wasted hay drives up the winter feed bill, resulting in a “teachable moment” on reducing feed cost.

Soil test pastures and apply fertilizer at the recommended rates.

Complete castrating, dehorning, and implanting of calves.

Make plans to renovate pastures next month. This needs to be done between February 15 and March 15.

Purchase new herd sires. Consider only those bulls that will improve the economically important traits. Encourage producers to purchase bulls early since good herd bulls are scarce.

Make plans to attend the Senior Bull Sale of the Central Bull Test Station. Video sale sites will be available in Knoxville and Greeneville. Order catalogs and DVDs.

What is the marketing plan for the current and future calf crops? Plans need to be in place before a new herd sire is purchased. Most producers do not realize that breeding and management decisions made today can impact marketing 18 months to 2 years later.

Plan to attend and participate in educational meetings.
 
 
 Effect of Sexed vs. Conventional Semen
A group of 500 heifers was synchronized and artificially inseminated with either sexed or conventional semen. Those heifers exhibiting estrus were artificially inseminated 18 to 24 hours after detection and remaining heifers were subsequently inseminated together. Pregnancy was determined 55 to 58 days following insemination. Conventional semen resulted in significantly higher pregnancy rate (58.4% vs. 41.0%). Also, more heifers detected in estrus were pregnant (55.9%) compared to those time-inseminated (24.0%). Based on these findings, use of sexed semen should allow for some reduction in pregnancy.
Source: Hammack, Steve, 2012, Texas A&M University,
 Winter Is Tough Time For Feeding Cows
Winter is officially here. It started on December 21. With winter comes colder weather and rain and in some instances, ice. It also brings on the need for additional feed. Cows have a “critical” temperature under several environmental conditions that impact feed supply. If it is dry and cold, the cow’s critical temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, If it is lower than 32
degrees, the cow’s feed needs increase 1.0% for each degree below 32. For example, if the environmental temperature has dropped to 25 degrees, her feed need should be increased 5.0%. The nutrient that is more widely needed is energy.
When it rains or snows and it creates “wet” hair, the cow’s critical temperature drops even lower With the wet hair, insulation is not as effective and the critical temperature goes up to 59 degrees. So this would be 17 degrees difference from 32. Dr. Glen Selk, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Oklahoma State. Offers the following on calculating energy needs with wet hair coats.
 
Know that the cow’s critical temperature is 32 degrees F during the winter and there is no rain nor wind.

Anticipated “wind chill” from weather reports (Use 4 degrees wind chill in this example.)

Calculate the magnitude of the cold. 32 degrees- 4 degrees equal 28 degrees

Energy adjustments is 1% for each degree magnitude of cold or 28%.

Feed the cows 28% more energy For example, if the cows were being fed 20 pounds of hay per day, increase that amount to 25-26 pounds per head daily.
 
Cattle can do fairly well with cold and dry conditions. It is the “wet and wind” that cause problems. When hair is wet, it lays down on the animal and its insulation capability is reduced.
Stay informed of the weather conditions. Start feeding a couple of days before the cold front impacts the cattle. Continue a couple of days after it has passed
 
If the cow does not receive adequate energy, she will draw on her body fat. Body fat is measured by body condition scores (BCS). This is why the recommendation for a mature cow to have a BCS of 5 going into the winter. She can draw, if needed, on her fat storage.
 
 
Cow owners should keep informed about the weather conditions. Watch for weather fronts that are going to bring cold weather and rain and an increased energy need. Submitted by Jim Neel
 Producers Should Be Cautioned About The Quality of CRP Hay
Due to the drought of 2012, a number of producers may have harvested hay from CRP land. Producers should be cautioned that this hay will more than likely be lower in feeding value than regular harvested hay. Research conducted with feeding CRP hay for winter feeding during the early 1990”s showed that its feeding value was around 75 this is compared to “full bloom” Alfalfa with a feeding value of around 100. As one producer said during a recent winter meeting, “It may be better than a snowball.”
Iowa data showed that when the CRP ay was fed by itself it produced malnourished beef cows that lost both body condition and weight. In addition, the volume of hay wasted was high. This can be explained by the poor palatability of the CRP hay. If hay is available for feeding, feed it to mature cows that are 45-60 days or so away from calving.
Producers considering the use of CRP hay should definitely have it forage tested More than likely, it will be inadequate in crude protein which will reduce the digestibility and use of the hay as a feedstuff by the cows.
 
 Father of Waters Running Low
The mighty Mississippi River is “lower” than normal and it is interfering with commerce that includes agricultural products. It is getting potentially low to interfere with
shipping of agricultural products and the U,S, Economy. Agriculture production is looking at potential major delays in shipping 300 million bushels of grain worth more than $2 billion. If the river does not become navigable, this could reduce the world competition
for U.S. agricultural economy. In the long-run, this could also have a negative impact on spring plantings. Without lots of rain, the Mississippi will be getting below shipping depth of 9 feet.
 
 Quality of Hay Fed this Winter Can Have Long-Time Impact on Future Performance
The quality of most of the hay fed beef cattle has always been low. And, that is “ok” if the quality values, protein and energy are known and the ration balanced . the quality of hay fed the last part of gestation will have a large impact on future reproductive performance, calf health and performance and survival. The big item for consideration is will the cow breed back on schedule for next year?” The calf crop born he next two years will be” positively affected by the quality of the hay. “Good quality, good performance,” “Poor quality, poor performance.”
There are lots of cows in Tennessee that entered the winter in a body condition score of 3 or 4. These cows will have a difficult time being productive. Her performance will be reduced even more by feeding poor quality hay. Under normal conditions, no drought and limited supply of hay, beef females would be in a “good” body condition going into the winter. They had some “stored fat” that they could draw on during time during the winter when feed was short. This is important why mature cows should go into the winter with a BCS of 5 and heifers are in a BCS of 6.
It is almost a “sure bet” that a replacement heifer in a poor body condition at calving will have a calf with reduced vigor, she will produce a lower volume and quality of colostrum which results in reduced survival and performance of the calf and she will probably not rebreed in order to have a calf next year.
 McDonald’s Reports First Slump in Sales for Almost Ten Years
McDonalds, the beef merchandising giant in the U.S. and worldwide, reported that in the month ending October, 2012, sales were down 1.8%. Poor sales were reported across the world, for example, in Europe and the U.S., sales were down 2%, In Asia, the Middle East and Africa, sales were down 2.4%. McDonalds serves more than 69 million customers per day.
 Unrolling Low Quality Hay or Straw Helps Keep Calves Dry and Warmer
The greatest percentage of Tennessee beef cow herds calve during the winter months. Generally, it is wet, cold and windy and the calves are born outside on pasture or in wooded areas. Some producers unroll large round bales of lower quality hay or straw to provide an area to lie on that would be a little drier and warm. This will aid in keeping the calves dry and out of the mud which ”saps” their “vigor.”
 
 Plan to Attend The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention
The 2013 Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association’s Convention and Trade Show is scheduled for January 17, 18 and 19th. The Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro is the site for the Convention. Baxter Black will be at the Convention on Friday, January 18 to entertain the group. For more detailed information, go to the Tennessee Cattle Business Magazine, the TCA website as well as the registration material. More than 5,000 beef producers are members of the TCA. This is about 12 % of the state’s beef producers.
 Senior Bull Sale is Scheduled for January 24, 2013
The Central Bull Test Station Senior Bull Test bulls will be offered for sale on January 24, 2013. The sale will be at the Bull Test Station on Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center at Spring Hill, Tennessee. Seventy one Angus and two Charolais were cataloged for sale. If you have not already done so, order a DVD of the sale order of the bulls as well as a catalog of the sale. The catalog is also available on line.
The sale will get underway at 12:00 Noon on the 24th.
 Eighth Annual Mid-South Stocker Conference is Scheduled for February 26-27 in Somerset, Kentucky
An excellent program Is planned for the 2013 Mid-South Stocker Conference. This will be the eighth consecutive conference and it is a cooperative effort with the University of
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and the University of Tennessee Extension. Complete information can be found on the web site at Mid-South Stocker.org.
Brochures are being printed for your use in publicizing the Conference. “Post cards” are also available for your distribution to your beef producers. Please order the number that you might use with your producers.
In addition, four or five news articles have been prepared and will be forwarded to you to use in preparing news articles and radio programs on the Conference.
In addition, the Conference has been approved for in-service training. For additional information either go to the web site or contact our office.
 
 
 
 
 Cold Weather and Lice Go Hand in Hand
With the coming of cool to colder weather, the effect of the increase in lice population on cattle will increase . In addition, the added population will result in reduced gain, milk production and unthrifty appearance as well as increased susceptibility to health problems.
There are several “pour ons” that are specifically for treatment of lice. Use these if the cattle were not treated back in the fall for grubs.
Lice reproduce very rapidly as the weather cools and will peak during late February and early March. Cattle that are experiencing nutritional deficiency and are in a poor body condition will suffer the most. This would include old cows, young calves and replacement heifers. Or, maybe it is more evident in malnourished cattle.
Lice is the easiest parasite to control. Lice spend their life cycle on the host animal. Therefore they can be controlled with a “pour on” or a systemic insecticide. There are several “pour ons’ that are available for systemic control. Do not use a systemic that also controls grubs if the cattle were not treated prior to November 1.
If the effects of lice can be conservatively assumed to be $5.00 per head of cattle, the total loss to the state’s beef industry would add up to $10 million dollars or approximately $225 to $250 per Tennessee beef producer.
 
January 17-19, 2013
Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention and Trade Show
 
Embassy Suites
Murfreesboro, TN
January 21-23
Tennessee Junior Market Hog Show
 
Tennessee Livestock Center
January 24
Central Bull Test Station Senior Bull Sale
Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center
Spring Hill, TN
 
February 6-9
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention
 
Tampa, FL
February 6-9
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention
 
Tampa, FL
February 26-27
Mid-South Stocker Conference
Somerset, KY
 
 

A Murfreesboro resident, wanted in Cannon County on a probation violation was taken into custody after a nearly two hour standoff with Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputies.  A report that a man was acting suicidal on Gresham Lane early Thursday morning brought Deputies out to the apartment residence.  They learned Christopher Roy Coelho had been drinking since Wednesday morning.  According to newschannel5.com The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Felony Arrest Search Tactical along with crisis negotiators and Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency’s Special Operations Response Team’s Mobile Command Unit responded to the scene.  Coelho was in the process of attempting to cut several tattoos off his own arm.  After being taken to the Middle Tennessee Medical Center Coelho was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center where he was held on the Cannon County Charges.  Coelho does not face any charges from Thursday’s standoff
 

An Alexandria woman from nearby Dekalb County was arrested on New Year’s Day after she allegedly tried to shoplift more than $500 worth of merchandise.  According to Murfreesboro police reports Ms. Kristen Nicole Gilbert was arrested on a shoplifting charge after a loss prevention employee said she was concealing items in her purse.  Among the items were underwear, sleepwear and sweaters.  While investigating the shoplifting, the investigating officer found a list in Gilbert’s purse that had items on it used to manufacture meth.  Just when the officer found the list, it was then that Gilbert’s phone rang,  After Gilbert gave the officer consent to look at the phone, he discovered several text messages referencing getting items to manufacture meth.  Gilbert then explained to the officer that she had gone to Walmart with another individual to shoplift.  The other individual was responsible for stealing the items to make meth.  Gilbert was able to give police a description of the vehicle and police were able to contact Dekalb County Authorities.  They in turn were able to stop the vehicle as the driver entered to head back home.  

It was everything a basketball fan could hope for when the two top girls basketball programs of the very tough District 8-AA get together.  Friday night the Cannon County Lionettes traveled to Livingston to meet the Lady Cats in the first of two regular season meetings.  After Cannon scored the first basket, Livingston went on a run and lead by as many as 11 points in the first quarter, but as the game would prove several times, no lead was safe as Cannon stormed back from a 18-10 end of first quarter deficit to lead by 6 going into halftime 33-27.  Cannon would keep the lead by as many as 14 in the second half but the resurgent Lady Cats didn’t quit as they took advantage of several 4th quarter turnovers to fight back and close the lead by as many as one point.  Madison Walkup would hit two free throws with seconds left on the clock to ice the game for Cannon and give them a rare road win in Livingston 64-62.  Abbey Sissom was the leading scorer with 23 points while Abby Jakes overcame a slow first half to finish with 13 points including a clutch three that stopped the Livingston momentum during their comeback.  The win puts Cannon County’s record at 17-1 with a 5-0 mark in the district.  Livingston is still much alive in the district race as their record falls to 3-1 in the district  and 15-4 overall The Livingston Wildcats boys basketball team continued their winning streak at 8 games now to the expense of the Cannon County Lions.  After the Lions hung with the Wildcats 13-13 at the end of the first quarter.  Livingston connected on several three point shots to distance themselves from the Lions en route to a 65-45 win.  Jacob Nave led the Lions in the loss with 7 points all scored in the fourth quarter.  The Lions and Lionettes travel to nearby Manchester to play Coffee County Monday night at 6:00

The 2013 Farm Family School is scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 10th with the Mid State Producers Annual Meeting. Following the business meeting, Dr. Andrew Griffith will discuss the outlook for the beef industry. Dr. Andrew Griffith serves as the University of Tennessee Extension Service Ag Economist. Dr. Griffith recently joined the University of Tennessee system replacing Dr. Emmitt Rawls which retired in 2012. Mike & Christy Alexander with Christy Q Barbeque will cater the meal sponsored by the Mid-State Producers.Farm Family school moves to Murfreesboro on January 17th. Cowboy Poet and Humorist Baxter Black will be the featured speaker at the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association 2013 Annual Convention and Trade Show being held January 17-19th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro. Best known for his appearances on RFD TV and Hee Haw before that, Baxter will bring his unique brand of cowboy humor to Tennessee. There will be sessions discussing cattle marketing, health and nutrition as well as a panel discussion on retail trends in the cattle industry. The Convention includes over 60 vendors in the trade show and it is a great chance for producers to come and learn new information from industry professionals. Everyone is invited to come to convention for only $10 a day or $15 for both days with pre-registration. This includes the trade show, educational sessions and Baxter Black program. Meals are extra. For more information on attending the TCA 2013 Convention and a complete schedule of events visit www.tncattle.org or call 615-896-2333.
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) was founded in 1985 and has over 5,000 members from across the state. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.
The Tennessee Horticultural Expo is scheduled for January 24th thru the 26th at the Airport Marriot in Nashville. The Hort Expo is a collective meeting of the following organizations in Tennessee. TAC Tennessee Agritourism Conference, TFWA Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance, TFMA Tennessee Farmers Market Association and Agritourism, TFGA Tennessee Flower Growers Association, TFVA Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Association. The expo offers educational sessions, trade show exhibits, networking opportunities and association meetings for current agritourism operators and farmers interested in agritourism; fruit and vegetable growers; grape growers and wine makers; flower growers; and farmers market managers.
Early registration ($50) or late registration ($75) includes access to conference sessions and the Expo trade show, lunch and reception on Friday. A few sessions requiring special materials may require a minimal extra charge.  Online registration is available at register online at www.tnthe.com.
January 31st is the annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference in Manchester, TN. at the Coffee County Fairgrounds. The eighth annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference set for Thursday, January 31, at Coffee County’s Fairground in Manchester offers farmers insight to a number of emerging corn, soybean, and wheat production concerns.
            The conference is scheduled to get underway with registration beginning at 7:30 am. Registration is twenty dollars at the door or participants can pre-register for ten dollars by Monday, January 28 at the Cannon County Extension office. Registration fees include the program and materials, refreshments, lunch, a copy of the conference proceedings, and a grain conference cap. This year’s lunch at the Middle Tennessee Grain Conference is sponsored by the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative.
            A trade show of various seed, chemical and equipment dealers will begin at 8:00 am followed by a slate of speakers addressing current production topics for corn, wheat and soybeans beginning at 9:00 am.
            Dr. Fred Below will provide the keynote presentation “Unlocking the Secrets to Higher Corn Yields”. Below, a professor of plant physiology in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Champaign has categorized the results of his research into seven management practices or “wonders” that can result in high yielding corn. His study helps growers answer the question of what the latest products and practices contribute to corn yield. Below’s unique “omission plots” allow him and his research team to see the bushel impact when an individual “high tech” practice or input is added or subtracted, then compare it to other plots in which all “high tech” actions were in place in the same research plot. Replicated in various locations over various years, the test results have allowed Dr. Below to identify and rank those seven factors as having the greatest impact on corn yield.
On February 7th, Greg Brann, USDA/NRCS/TN Grazing Specialist will discuss grazing management practices to maximize yields, reduce weed pressure and efficient grass utilization. Debbie Joines will also assist with the meeting on the 7th to provide an update on nutrient management and trends occurring in the soil testing. This meeting is sponsored by the Cannon County Farm Bureau.
The National Farm Machinery Show is scheduled for February 13 thru the 16th. The future of farming is coming to the 48th National Farm Machinery Show, as the nation’s largest indoor farm show returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center. (No Farm School)
            February 21th will feature the traditional Beef Night. Beef Night is sponsored by the Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association. This year, Beef Night will be held at Medley’s Diner in Morrison Tennessee (7783 Manchester Hwy, Morrison) beginning at 6:30. David Lamon with Multimin will discuss current research using injectable mineral supplementation. Following the meal and discussion, the meeting will move to Dr. Mandy Willis Vet Clinic for some “hands on” management practices. Marshall Williams will provide calves for producers to improve their skills in dehorning, castration and other animal health techniques.
On February 28th, the Farm Family School will target weeds in pasture and hayfields. It appears that TAEP will provide assistance on purchase sprayers in 2013. Weeds such as nodding spurge, spiny amaranth, ironweed and horse nettle have continued to be troublesome and hard to control with chemical intervention. The meeting will target control options for a wide array of weeds and discuss sprayer types, nozzles, drift and residue consideration and regulations for using restricted use pesticides.
            Horse Night is scheduled for March 7th. This session is sponsored by the Cannon County Walking Horse Association. Dr. Jennifer Earing, Nutritionist with the Tennessee Farmers Coop is the scheduled speaker. Jennifer brings a passion for horses and an extensive education in equine nutrition.
            Farm Family School will conclude on March 28th with a program on beef cattle additives and nutrition. Dr. Justin Rhinehart, Beef Specialist with the University of Tennessee Extension will discuss current trends and updates in the cattle industry. Peter Prinsloo, representative with Alltech, will discuss feed additives and the role they play in feed efficiency. Both beef nights are sponsored by the Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association and Woodbury Farmers Coop.
            All meetings will begin at 6:30 at the Woodbury Lions Club Building with the exception of the Middle Tennessee Grain Conference (Manchester, TN.), Beef Night (Medley’s Diner) and the TCA convention (Murfreesboro, TN.). All UT Extension programs, is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status. Meeting sponsors will provide refreshments and all sessions are free and open to the public. In the event of severe weather, listen to WBRY radio, WBRY.com or cannoncourier.com. Help spread the word, bring a friend and neighbor to Farm Family School!