Category: Health & Lifestyles

By Adam Russell
Production expectations are good for Texas cotton, but low prices may stymie positive outcomes for growers.
John Robinson, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, said growing conditions are much better than in recent years due to drought, but prices are low and could decline further.
In 2022, Texas cotton growers experienced widespread crop losses, Robinson said. Two out of three acres planted with cotton were abandoned due to unrelenting drought.
Subsequent years produced below-average results for growers, he said. In 2023 and 2024, winter and springtime rains provided decent planting conditions before arid weather set in. High temperatures and little to no rain led to lower yields in dryland and irrigated fields, while late-season rains delayed harvests in some areas and hurt lint quality.
“Most cotton growers across Texas have taken a punch in the gut the last few years and are looking for that season to make up for it,” he said. “Conditions around the state should provide that kind of optimism, but unfortunately, the other important profit factor – prices – are pretty weak.”
Cotton prices slide
A June 30 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated national cotton acreage would be 10.1 million acres, down 10% compared to last year. Cotton acres in Texas, the nation’s leading producer, were expected to be down over 4% — 5.7 million acres compared to 5.95 million acres in 2024.
Robinson said low prices, coupled with wet weather and delayed plantings in the Mississippi Delta region, likely factored into the decline. The lower acre estimates did not result in a price boost at market.
Before the report was released, there were some expectations that cotton plantings could be closer to 9 million acres.
Cotton prices have taken a…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

By Joseph Ramon
Devine News Intern
Over 65 cattle ranchers and farmhands gathered at Graff 7A ranch in Hondo Texas to hear updates from the Medina County Farm Bureau and Texas A&M Agrilfe Extension on New World Screwworms.

Dr. T.R. Lansford, the deputy executive director and assistant state veterinarian for Texas Animal Health Commission, gave the presentation explaining what New World Screwworms (NWS) are, why they are a threat, how they can be combated and what is being done to prevent the spread to Texas.
Screwworm maggots are the larvae of the fly that attack living flesh of mammals. Livestock and deer are most susceptible but there are reported cases of NWS attacking birds, companion animals, other wildlife, and on very rare occasions humans.
The life cycle of the NWS begins with adults aged 10-14 days which will lay eggs in the cattle. Eggs can be laid in an open wound, reproductive tract, sinuses or even ear canals. Within hours these eggs will hatch into larvae which will start burying themselves into the tissue. Larvae spend about 5-7 days inside the animal or in the tissue and then they come out, and pupate into the ground. After 6-8 days, they emerge from their cocoon into adult flies and repeat the process. The entire cycle is normally 18 days in hot climates, but in colder areas it can slow down and take as long as 60 days.
When it comes to transmission of this disease it is not contagious from animal to animal through contact. For this disease to spread, it requires a fly. The NWS can be masked by other types of maggots or flies that enter the wound to feed on tissue that has become necrotic as a result of damage done by the screwworms.
The primary method of eradication is the Sterile Insect Technique. This method is done by releasing sterilized adult male flies into female populations. Female NWS only mate once, so through this method NWS have been eradicated before during the 60’s in the United States.
It would be very impactful to the economy of livestock production, wildlife production and the general economy at large if there was a reintroduction of the NWS into the United States. The U.S. has made substantial efforts to remain NWS free such as financially supporting the creation of a sterile NWS plant in Mexico to eradicate the populations that appear there and prevent the spread into the U.S.. The estimated benefits of remaining free of NWS are $3.7 billion to the general economy in the United States.
There would potentially be a large amount of livestock and deer deaths. In 1935, there was an approximate loss of 180,000 cattle in Texas alone, according to Lansford . During the infestation, it was estimated that 80-90% of fawns died from NWS infections. The estimated impact on the Texas economy if there is another infestation is $1.8 billion based on the losses incurred during the infestation in 1976, adjusted for inflation.
When checking for screwworm infestations one of the signs is a strong foul odor. Monitor behavior, frequent head shaking could also indicate an infestation in the sinuses or ear canals. If these infections are not treated they typically result in death in 7-10 days, according to the presentation.
If there is an infestation discovered there are several forms of treatment to remove the infestation. There is a topical treatment that can be applied called permethrin pesticides. Systemic options are only available through a veterinarian. In addition, consider treating with betadine and otodine solutions. These will help dry up the wound and heal faster.
There are 2,200 confirmed cases of infestation in Mexico, the closest being an infestation in Oaxaca as of the week before this presentation. To prevent the spread U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brook Rollins, has closed the borders for importation of cattle, horses and bison into the U.S.. The USDA announced a five pronged approach to stopping the spread into the U.S. which includes: stopping the pest from spreading in Mexico and ensure we are full partners in eradication, protect the U.S border at all costs, maximize our readiness, take the fight to the screwworm, and innovate our way to eradication.
“We need to inform all the cattle producers and the wildlife people that the screwworm situation was bad back in the ‘60s. I mean, it’s devastating to the livestock industry. And now to the wildlife industry. People need to be aware of what’s out there and what might be coming, and what to do about it if it gets here.” said Ronnie Muennink, president of the Medina County Farm Bureau. “ I grew up when screwworms were around, and the treatment is a daily thing. You have to watch your animals constantly, and treat immediately, because the death rate is in 7-14 days.”
If you have a suspicious case, contact the Animal Health Commission, USDA, or your veterinarian.
For more resources on screwworm information go to the USDA, Agrilfe Extension, and the Animal Health Information websites.

Devine, Texas – June 2025 – At the monthly Devine Lions Club meeting last week, Lion Lewis Stroud was awarded the Presidential Medal for Leadership by Lions Club International (LCI), earning the organization’s second-highest individual award. The recognition was announced by District 2-A2 Governor Rose Ann Barajas in the presence of Devine Lions Club membership.
A legacy of compassionate leadership. Lions Lewis Stroud, a dedicated member of the Devine Lions Club since 1985, has championed civic engagement, community fundraising, and youth outreach throughout his tenure. From club secretary to club president, his stewardship has lead to innovative service projects benefitting the visually impaired residents to supporting the Devine Police Department Silent Santa to celebrating local high school students at the monthly club meeting.
The Presidential Medal for Leadership is just one notch below the Ambassador of Good Will award. It honors LIONS who have shown profound initiative, inspired members, and contributed significantly to community welfare – all hallmarks of Lewis’s ongoing service.
Governor Rose Ann Barajas and Lions from District 2-A2 lauded Lion Lewis at the District Convention in April at the Historic Menger Hotel. “His leadership has changed lives,” shared Governor Rose Ann. Fellow Lions echoed the sentiment: “Lion Lewis always finds a way to turn compassion into action,” one club member remarked.
Upon accepting the medal, Lion Lewis humbly credited his club and the community of Devine, saying, “This honor is ours, not mine. It’s proof that when we work together, we can truly make a difference.” He pledged to use this recognition to spark new service initiatives – particularly for vision health and the youth in Devine.
LCI is a global service organization active in over 200 countries, dedicated to supporting vision, youth programs, disaster relief, and community development. Founded in 1917, awards like the Presidential Medal for Leadership span local, district, and international levels, celebrating Lions who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and lasting impact.
Lion Lewis Stroud’s receipt of the Presidential Medal for Leadership not only honors his past contributions – it also services as a beacon of hope for both current lions and aspiring community leaders. His story is a reminder that true leadership is rooted in service, and true achievements are shared with those around us.

The following programs are offered to Devine ISD students:

June 16 – 19 – Tennis Camp for grades 1 through 5 from 8 am to 9:30 am and grades 6 through 9 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Tennis Courts. Cost is $55 and a t-shirt is included. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and a cap. Please wear camp t-shirt on Thursday for pictures.
June 23 – 27 –Arabian Summer Basketball Camp for grades 1 through 3 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm and grades 4 through 9 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm at the DSAC Gym. Cost is $55 and a t-shirt is included. Participants will learn fundamental offensive skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defensive techniques will be stressed. There will also be time spent on dedication, school pride and Devine TEAM spirit.
July 14 – 17 – Mini Cheer Camp for Kinder from 9 am to 12 noon and grades 1 through 8 from 9 am to 3 pm at DHS Gym. Cost is $45 for Kinder and $65 for grades 1 through 8. Theme days will be: Let’s Glow Monday (Neon); Tiki Tuesday (Beach/Hawaiian); Workout Wednesday (Workout Clothes); and Super Slay Spirit Thursday (Maroon/Gold).
July 14 – 17 – Warhorse Football Camp for grades 3 through 6 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Warhorse Practice Field. Cost is $50.

Congratulations to Ms.Thompson for being awarded this year’s Friendship Art Club Scholarship! Margie is one of two students selected from a group of applicants to receive the $1,000 scholarship. Her artwork was reviewed and chosen by a committee
of Friendship Art Club members.
Each year, the Friendship Art Club presents scholarships to graduating high school seniors with artistic talent from Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Somerset, and Medina Valley, with the goal of inspiring them to pursue further education in the arts. The scholarship is made possible through proceeds from a community raffle held during the club’s annual Art & Craft Show.
Additionally, the club hosts an annual Art & Craft Show to showcase the talents of both students and members. This year’s event will take place on September 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lytle Community Center. Artists and crafters, both members and non- members, are welcome to reserve a booth to display and sell their work.
For more details or to reserve a booth, please contact Melanie McMeans at 210-413- 9150 or email thefriendshipartclub@gmail.com. Or you can visit the Friendship Art Club website at friendshipartclub.my.canva.site.

Source: fda.gov
On January 15, 2025, the FDA issued an order to revoke the authorization to use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs. Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027 or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products. Consumers could see FD&C Red No. 3 as an ingredient in a food or drug product on the market past the effective date in the order if that product was manufactured before the effective date.
FD&C Red No. 3, also referred to as Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye 3, and erythrosine, is a synthetic food dye that gives certain foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color, and is found in certain candy, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, and frostings and icings, and ingested drugs. Like other color additives, its uses must be approved by the FDA, and it is used in small amounts. The FDA requires manufacturers to list FD&C Red No. 3 in the statement of ingredients when added to food.
The FDA is revoking the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The Delaney Clause, enacted in 1960 as part of the Color Additives Amendment to the FD&C Act, prohibits FDA authorization of a food additive or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.
The FDA determined that the data presented in a 2022 color additive petition show that this ingredient causes cancer in male laboratory rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 because of a hormonal mechanism that occurs in male rats. Studies in other animals or in humans did not show the same effect and there is no evidence showing FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in humans.
In the case of color additives, manufacturers submit data and information to the FDA as a petition requesting approval of the intended use. The FDA evaluates the petition, and other existing data and information, and if the data available demonstrates that the substance is safe under the proposed conditions of use, the agency issues a regulation authorizing the use of the color additive. When evaluating the safety of a new color additive or a new use for a listed color additive, the FDA considers factors, including likely amount of consumption, intended use, the manufacturing process, and its physical and chemical properties, among others.
Under the FDA’s food labeling regulations, certified colors must be declared in the statement of ingredients on food labels by “FD&C Red No. 3” or without the “FD&C” prefix or the term “No.”– “FD&C Red 3” or “Red 3”.
Other countries allow the use of FD&C Red No. 3 under a different name, such as in Canada and Europe under the name erythrosine.
Past Regulatory Actions on FD&C Red No. 3
In 1969, FD&C Red No. 3 had already been in use in foods and ingested drugs and these uses were permanently listed under the FDA’s color additive regulations.
In 1990, the FDA responded to a petition requesting that the FDA permanently authorize the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs. Before that time, the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs was provisionally listed. As part of the process to request authorization, the petitioner needed to provide data that supported the safe use of the color additive. Due to the existence of data demonstrating that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 caused cancer in rats, the FDA denied the petition based on the Delaney Clause.
In 1992, the FDA announced its intention to revoke the permanent listings for the uses of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs (57 FR 16702) based on the Delaney Clause due to effects observed in male rats. The agency decided not to take action at that time, given the resources required to remove this authorization. However, available data does not raise safety concerns for humans.

No Bingo in May
VFW Post 3966 will not have Bingo in May. Due to a tax issue we have not been able to resolve, we are currently unable to renew our Bingo License which expires on April 30, 2025. We have hired a Certified Public Accountant to assist us in resolving this issue. We will renew our Bingo License and resume games as soon as we can take care of this matter.
Free One Year Membership for New Members
New members who sign up in May will get a one-year membership for free. Also, if your existing membership expires before June 30, 2025, you also qualify for the free year of membership.
An individual is eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars if the individual is serving or has served honorably as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States:

1. In a foreign war, insurrection or expedition, which service has been recognized as campaign medal service and is governed by the authorization of the award of a campaign badge by the Government of the United States; or
2. On the Korean peninsula or in its territorial waters for not less than 30 consecutive days, or a total of 60 days, after June 30, 1949; or
3. While a member of the Armed Forces serving in an area which entitled the individual to receive special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger
   If you meet these qualifications or want more information, contact Commander Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204 or email at vfw3966commander@yahoo.com.
   Memorial Day Ceremony and Flag Retirement
   On Memorial Day, May 26, 2024, Post 3966 will hold a flag retirement ceremony to be followed by a Memorial Ceremony. South Upson Street between the Devine Post Office and the Bingo Hall will be closed for the ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place in the street below the patriotic mural on the Bingo Hall starting at 9:30 am.
   Drawing Fund Raiser
   Post 3966 is having a drawing fund raiser for projects and new equipment/ repairs. The Post is selling tickets for a Diamondback DB15 5.56 Rifle, a Tristan Cobra III 12 Guage Pump Shotgun, and a Taurus G3C 9mm Pistol. Members will be selling tickets at Tractor Supply on Saturday (May 3) and at the Devine Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday (May 3-4). The drawing will be on July 4th at VFW Post 3966, 211 W. College Ave., Devine, TX. Winner does not need be present.
   Rental Hall and Meeting Room Available
   Our Bingo Hall is available for rent. If you are planning a graduation party, wedding reception, birthday party or other event, please consider our hall for the event. We can seat up to 250 people. Rental is $450 for the public, $350 for VFW members. A $150 Reservation/Cleaning fee is required. Contact Dennis Ortega at 210-404-3267 to make a reservation.
   Our meeting room can be used for meetings or training. We also have a room for charitable organizations to meet. Contact Gary Saathoff at 210-289-6204 or vfw3966commander@yahoo.com for more information.