There has been a confirmed case of anthrax in Hill County near Whitney, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission.

The premises have been quarantined.

Dr. Max Drow, Region 3 director for the commission, said a veterinarian performed a postmortem exam of a stock cow who had died unexpectedly on the ranch and tissue samples confirmed the anthrax diagnosis.

Drow said the disease stems from the naturally occurring Bacillus anthracis organism found in soil and is not a form of weaponized anthrax. It is only spread through direct blood contact.

The ranch owner has vaccinated the remaining livestock on the ranch. No other animals are thought to be affected.

For additional information, call 800-550-8242 or visit www.tahc.state.tx.us.

Counting feral hogs

AgriLife and the McLennan County Extension office are trying to get an accurate count of feral hogs being removed from private property to more accurately estimate the hog population growth.

The increase is now estimated at 18 to 20 percent.

You can make a report by accessing a form at www.mclennan-tx.tamu.edu. Send the completed form to b-higginbotham@tamu.edu. For more information, call 254-757-5180.

Funds for nonprofits

Three Central Texas nonprofits received $2,500 each through local farmers participating in America’s Farmers Grow Communities Program sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

The annual program allows farmers to register to win $2,500 for their favorite community nonprofit organization.

Area winners and the nonprofits they designated were:

*  Justin Hanson of Robinson (McLennan County), benefiting Sally’s House.

*  Hill Co., Delmar Sullins of Hillsboro (Hill County), benefiting Abbott FFA.

*  Paul Young of Lott (Falls County), benefiting Falls Community Hospital and Clinic Inc.

One winner was selected in each of 1,204 eligible counties in 38 states. For every farmer who applies, Monsanto donates a dollar to their local United Way.

For more information, visit www.monsanto.com/americasfarmers.

Regulations on herbicides

McLennan County extension agent Shane McLellan issued a reminder of state regulations on herbicides to avoid damage to the increased amount of cotton planted locally.

The Texas Department of Agriculture prohibits the use of all ester formulations of regulated herbicides between April 1 and Aug. 31 of each year.

A permit is required for the application of the other formulations of regulated herbicides during that period.

A permit will not be required for the application of the regulated herbicides between Sept. 1 to March 31 of the next year.

The three leading causes of 2,4-D injury to cotton are vapor drift, spray drift and sprayer contamination.

To ask questions or obtain a regulated spray permit form, call 254-757-5180.

Small grain workshop

AgriLife Extension services from McLennan, Bosque, Falls and Limestone counties will have a small grain field day workshop from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 29 at Niemeier’s field on FM 443 near McGregor.

Topics will be variety trial tour, small grain insects, marketing and laws and regulations. There will be continuing education units for pesticide license holders and certified crop advisors.

The registration deadline is Friday. Cost is $10.

For more information, to register and for directions, call your local county AgriLife Extension office.

Items for Farm & Ranch Briefs can be emailed to news@wacotrib.com, mailed to the Waco Tribune-Herald , P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702, or faxed to 254-757-0302, attn. Farm Page.