“A Christmas Message to my WordPress Family” copyright 2013 John J. Rigo, Texas’ Commentator and Published Poet

A Special Thank You and Christmas Blessings to my WordPress family who have made this past year very special in their comment postings as well as our personal e-mail exchanges.

“Our Recent Trip to “Texas’ Grape Camp” in Fredericksburg, Texas” Copyright 2013, John J. Rigo co-owner, Silver Star Winery of Texas

A great gathering of new and old vineyard growers throughout the state of Texas.

A great gathering of new and old vineyard growers throughout the state of Texas.

Texas' Grape Camp Logo

Texas’ Grape Camp Logo

Texas' Grape Camp in Fredericksburg, Texas

Texas’ Grape Camp in Fredericksburg, Texas

We have just returned from a three-day trip to “Texas‘ Grape Camp” in Fredericksburg, Texas: www.txwines.org/grapecamp/.   Knowledge is truly power in determining the success of a future winery and vineyard on our farm in Eustace, Texas.  If you are a land owner in the area and wish for to share our knowledge in a consultant format, in starting a winery and a vineyard, do not hesitate to contact us.  You will find our consultant fees reasonable and will save you thousands of dollars in planning your own dream vineyard in East Texas.

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“We Won Second Place in Hay Event in Kaufman County” copyright 2013 John J. Rigo co-owner Silver Star Winery of Texas

Comp breakdown on our current hay for sale.

Comp breakdown on our current hay for sale.

Out of 16 entries we placed "second" in the catergory of "Other Grasses."

Out of 16 entries we placed “second” in the catergory of “Other Grasses.”

20131022_213503This evening my wife and I attended the 2013 Floyd Smith Memorial Hay Show at the Kaufman County Fair Grounds.  We had placed one of currently owned 5 X 6 Rolls of hay for analysis and judging for the event.  We are proud to announce as the only out of county entry from Henderson County, we placed “Second” in this event in the category of “Other Bermuda Grass.”  Pictures of the actual analysis sheets will be posted tomorrow.  Our actual % of CP came to 12.9.  We were within a whisker of the first place winner. There were 13 entries in our category.  For newbie farmers in the East Texas area we are very proud and thankful for our placement for our fine hay which is currently for sale at $70 a roll. 

“Hicks knows horses: Longtime veterinarian specializes in horse medicine” Commentary by John J. Rigo, co-owner Silver Star Winery of Texas, copyright 2013

Group picture of Dr. Steve Hicks in backround and Linda Stewart Rigo)  (foreround) of Silver Star Winery of Texas. Dr. explaining to AG group about different kinds of grass.  Copyright 2013 John J. Rigo

Group picture of Dr. Steve Hicks in backround and Linda Stewart Rigo) (foreround) of Silver Star Winery of Texas. Dr. explaining to AG group about different kinds of grass. Copyright 2013 John J. Rigo

Last night I had the blessing of being the guest of one my wife’s AG classes through the junior college in Athens, Texas.  A class of approximately nine with my wife and I attended a seminar on the proper feeding of horses on Dr. Hick’s farm in Palestine, Texas.  Without a doubt, Dr. Hicks is truly one of the finest vets I have ever met in my life. Following is an article about him and his long history as a vet. Click the following link for his full story: Hicks knows horses: Longtime veterinarian specializes in horse medicineA picture of my wife, Linda with Dr. Hicks will be forthcoming. Linda is currently in the mist of a full semester of two AG courses through the college and another winery on-line course, part II of a five-part course through the UC of Davis out of California.  Knowledge is power when it comes to our forthcoming winery and vineyard in this part of East Texas

“Quality Hay Sales In Eustace, Texas” copyright 2013, John J. Rigo, Silver Star Winery of Texas

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

We are proud to announce we now have high quality hay for sale from our first cutting.  After placing over 4 tons of fertilizer on 22 acres we now have some of the most beautiful hay in Henderson County, Texas.  They are fully secured, tied in twine in 5 foot round bales.  In price they are “currently” $70 a bale.  As the summer proceeds and the possibility exists of little rain, the price per round bale will increase. No need to make offers on this fine product, the prices will remain firm.  Terms are, cash only, no checks, no money orders and loading and delivery is not available.  We will be collecting tax for each purchase unless presented a current farm and or ranch exception certificate number.  Contact John or Linda Stewart-Rigo at Silver Star Winery of Texas on 12551 FM Road 2709 in Eustace, Texas, phone: 903-425-4900.  Another hint, look for the mail box with the security sign on it; to the right is the large sign at the gate opening which reads, “Silver Star Winery of Texas.” If there is no answer on your telephone call please leave a voice mail.  Most calls returned within a business day.

“New Heifer Calf to our Herd” copyright 2013 John J. Rigo, Silver Star Winery of Texas

A New Addition to our family at Silver Star Winery of Texas.

Texas Poetry

 

 

Her name is “Pumpkin.”  Note her color where the name comes from.  She is very bonded to “Violet.”  She is a “Brangus” calf.

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“My Father’s Day Present” copyright 2013 John J. Rigo, Silver Star Winery of Texas

Her name is Violet. She is the calf of a Jersey from Jersey.

Her name is Violet. She is the calf of a Jersey from Jersey.

Violet is my Father's Day Present.

Violet is my Father’s Day Present.

Violet has beautiful markings. Her Mother is a Jersey from actually Jersey.

Violet has beautiful markings. Her Mother is a Jersey from actually Jersey.

Her name is Violet.  We have been buying raw milk from her Mother for over a year.  She is an actual Jersey.  Her Mother came from Jersey.  She has beautiful markings on her.  Currently, friends of ours with a farm in Kemp are keeping her for us until we get settled on our new farm home in Eustace, Texas.

Our Inspiration: Mitas Hill Vineyards: A Little Slice of Heaven in McKinney

 

 

Our Inspiration: Mitas Hill Vineyards outside of McKinney Texas.

Our Inspiration: Mitas Hill Vineyards outside of McKinney Texas.

Mitas Hill Vineyards: A Little Slice of Heaven in McKinneyThe foregoing link is to a winery just outside of our former home in McKinney, Texas.  It was the Mitas family that inspired us to move forward and purchase “Silver Star Winery of Texas.”  Read all about this wonderful family and their dream coming into reality.

“We Now Have High Quality Hay For Sale” copyright 2013, John J. Rigo, Silver Star Winery of Texas

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Beautiful Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

Hay for Sale at Silver Star Winery of Texas in Eustace, Texas.

We are proud to announce we now have high quality hay for sale from our first cutting.  After placing over 4 tons of fertilizer on 22 acres we now have some of the most beautiful hay in Henderson County, Texas.  They are fully secured, tied in twine in 5 foot round bales.  In price they are “currently” $70 a bale.  As the summer proceeds and the possibility exists of little rain, the price per round bale will increase. No need to make offers on this fine product, the prices will remain firm.  Terms are, cash only, no checks, no money orders and loading and delivery is not available.  We will be collecting tax for each purchase unless presented a current farm and or ranch exception certificate number.  Contact John or Linda Stewart-Rigo at Silver Star Winery of Texas on 12551 FM Road 2709 in Eustace, Texas, phone: 903-425-4900.  Another hint, look for the mail box with the security sign on it; to the right is the large sign at the gate opening which reads, “Silver Star Winery of Texas.” If there is no answer on your telephone call please leave a voice mail.  Most calls returned within a business day.

“Thank You to Reynolds of New York” copyright 2013 John J. Rigo, Texas’ Commentator

 

 

Horses feeding on the finest hay in Henderson County at Silver Star Winery of Texas.

Horses feeding on the finest hay in Henderson County at Silver Star Winery of Texas.

Future high quality hay at Silver Star Winery of Texas.

Future high quality hay at Silver Star Winery of Texas.

My thanks and appreciation go out to Mr. Reynolds of Reynolds of New York, a Fertilizer Broker and distributor for the Henderson County area of Texas.  Yesterday his company placed four tons, eight thousand pounds of fertilizer,  spread on 22 acres of our farm in Eustace for hay production for first cuttings in early June. 

While in process of preparing on farm for our future vineyard and winery, we plan on also having the finest hay in the area available for future sale.  If you own horses in the area and want the finest hay available for their feed, be sure to contact us.  Our hay will be on sale in early June and July.

I may note that other Fertilizer Brokers in the area indicated that we were basically “tenderfoots” and “needed to raise-up in the peeking order” to get Fertilizer service.  With higher prices quoted for services, one broker indicated we would be lucky to find anyone to spread our 30 acre farm until mid July 2013.  Reynolds had no problem being available within the day we called to spread and at a much better price for like and same.