2013 CAIP to Begin in Carroll County

Applications will be available on Friday, December 6 for the 2013 Carroll County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) at the Carroll County Extension Office.

Applications must be picked up and returned to the Carroll County Extension Office between December 6 and December 20.  We cannot accept applications before or after those dates.  All applications must be into the Extension office by December 20 at 4:30 p.m.

A Farm Serial Number is required information for the application, and it is strongly recommended you contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at (502) 732-6931 to receive or confirm that number.  Only the FSA can provide your Farm Serial Number.

The CAIP is a cost-share program that originates from the 1998 Master Tobacco Settlement and provides funding for the following agricultural categories:

Fall Composting

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

(Clemson Univeristy Extension)

As the fall season progresses, leaves and other yard waste can pile up.  Composting is a practice that is beneficial to the environment and allows property owners to get ride of yard wastes in an effective manner.

Finished compost can be used for a variety of tasks:  improve soil structure in gardens and landscape beds, help soil hold nutrients, reduce erosion and water runoff, reduce weed problems as mulch, moderate soil temperatures, and conserve soil moisture.  Composting yard and kitchen wastes also reduces the volume of material going into landfills.

Weeds free of seed heads and residues, like vines and pruned limbs, make a good addition to a compost pile.  It is not necessary to remove grass clippings from the lawn if you follow proper lawn management practices; however, if you decide to compost grass clippings mix them with other materials like leaves or brush.

C.R.A.N.E. Takes Flight

C.R.A.N.E. on the Kentucky River

Over the past several months, a couple of the area Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agents and I have been planning a new Extension program that focuses more on our local natural resources.

We call this program "Conserving Resources through Agricultural and Natural Exploration," or C.R.A.N.E.

C.R.A.N.E. was developed to bring awareness and consideration to our natural resources by thinking outside of the classroom and learning about those resources through exploring our surroundings.

Kentucky Forest Facts

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

(University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry)

Kentucky has an abundance of trees--about 12.4 million forested acres.

In Eastern Kentucky, forests are full of dense stands of hardwoods.  In Western Kentucky, you are more likely to see a riparian forest along a winding river.  In Central Kentucky, stately bur oaks often populate urban landscapes.

In Carroll County, we have over 27,000 forested acres--that is 30.4 percent of the total county.

Regardless of the species or climate, forests help all of us breathe cleaner air, drink cleaner water, and enjoy forest wildlife.  In addition, we also are able to utilize products from them every day.

A Sure Sign of Summer: Lightning Bugs

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Lightning Bug (R Bessin 2000, University of Kentucky)

Lightning bugs.  What adult doesn't have memories of chasing and catching these fascinating little insects?

When my brothers and I were little, we spent many hours chasing bug and bug, and placing them in a jar with holes punched in the lid.  Then, we would sit in a dark room and watch these glowing wonders.

Lightning bugs, also known as fireflies, do more than generate entertaining childhood memories--they also help control some pests in the garden.

Encountering Young Wildlife

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Fawn (Alabama Cooperative Extension)

Watching wildlife is a really fun and exciting activity.  It can be very enjoyable to watch wildlife in their natural state in our surroundings.  This time of year can be especially exciting because the young wild animals can be seen.

If we are outside, we may come across young wild animals that appear to be abandoned or orphaned.  The big question is what should we do about it?

First and foremost, do not bring the animal in your home for care.  This may be the worst thing you can do for these young animals.

2013 Carroll County Fair

IT'S COUNTY FAIR TIME!

The 2013 Carroll County Fair begins tomorrow, June 7 at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Carrollton.

Over 130 4-H exhibits have already been judged, and will be in the Fair Exhibit Building for viewing tomorrow.  Stop by the Exhibit Building to see what 4-H projects will be going to the Kentucky State Fair this year!

Open exhibits will be accepted tomorrow, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Exhibit Building near the entrance to the Carroll County Fairgrounds.

Livestock and animal shows will be excellent this year.  4-H and FFA volunteers had worked incredibly hard to make our 4-H Livestock Barn a place of beauty.  If you're coming to the fair, be sure to walk down to the barns to look at all the shows we have going on.  Here's a schedule:

Soil Compaction in the Garden

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Gardening season is in full force with the threat of frost now behind us.  Before the garden went in, we had soil on our minds with testing the soil for fertilizer and lime needed.  However, now is also a good time to think about your soil.

I have talked about soil compaction in cropland, but soil compaction also creates an unfriendly growing environment for garden plants.  It is a serious problem for many home gardeners.  Thankfully, it is relatively easy to prevent.

Compaction transforms soil into a difficult environment for plant growth by making it harder for roots, water, and soil to penetrate the ground.  Major causes are working the soil when it is too wet, foot traffic, and excessive rototiller use.

Learn to Identify Key Forages

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

(University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture)

Developing a grazing management plan for your pastures is a critical practice for livestock producers because pasture is the most economical and efficient way to feed your animals.

The first step in developing a grazing plan is identifying the forage species in your pastures.  During most of the spring and fall in Kentucky, we find cool season grasses along with some legumes.  The following descriptions are those forages we see most often:  tall fescue, orchardgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, white clover, and red clover.

Carpenter Bee Control

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa sp. (R. Bessin, 2000)

Have you noticed the presence of carpenter bees around your home lately?

These beneficial pollinators can be intimidating.  They are relatively large in size and can cause considerable structural damage over time.

Carpenter bees spend the winter as adults in their gallery homes.  Now, they are starting new tunnels or expanding old ones in order to raise a brood of about six larvae during the summer.  Accumulations of sawdust may be the first sign that their work has begun.

Thunderstorm Safety

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

In spring and summer, weather patterns are more active as they move through Kentucky, especially in the afternoon and evening, resulting in more thunderstorms.

These weather conditions also increase the potential for lightning to strike people working or playing outdoors, and even while they are inside a building.

All thunderstorms produce lightning.  Sometimes called "nature's fireworks," lightning is produced by the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between negatively and positively charged areas.  An average lightning charge can provide enough energy to keep a 100-watt light bulb burning for more than three months!

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Carroll County

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Emerald Ash Borer, adult (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service)

The presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a serious invasive pest of ash trees, has been confirmed in Carroll County.

The EAB can attack all species of ash in landscapes, forests, and woodlots.  The insect will attack stressed and healthy trees greater than about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Although Carroll County has been in the quarantine area since the insect was discovered in Kentucky in 2009, this is the first time the insect has been found here.  The amount of die-back seen in the infested trees indicates that the infestation is probably two to three years old.

Horn Fly & Face Fly Control in Cattle

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

With the warmer weather upon us, we need to take a closer look at pests that can be bothersome to our cattle.  Horn flies and face flies are two of those pests.

Both species breed in fresh pasture manure piles but present very different threats and management problems.  Fortunately, there are a variety of fly control options.

Horn flies are blood feeders.  They remain on animals most of the time, taking 20 to 30 small blood meals per day.  More than 100 flies along the sides and backs of each animal every day during the fly season can mean 12 to 15 pounds lower weaning weights for spring calves and poor gains for older animals.  The close association between the horn fly and the animal, however, does make many control methods quite effective.

Summer Pasture for Horses

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

(University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture)

With pastures greening up well across the county, it is time to start planning ahead with summer pasture needs for your horses.

Pasture provides a significant percentage of horses' nutrient needs.  Although horses have more grass than they can consume in the spring when moisture is adequate, the hot and dry conditions of summer greatly reduce available pasture.  Good management is the key to getting through this growth slump.

Weed Watch: Poison Hemlock

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Poison hemlock, flowering (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension)

Last week, we focused on yellow buttercup emerging in fields and pastures.  This week, let us take a closer look at another weed that we may be seeing on the farm--poison hemlock (Conium maculatum).

Although this plant is often seen along roadways, abandoned lots, fence rows, and other non-cropland sites, in more recent years, poison hemlock has expanded into grazed pasture lands and hay fields.  The concern not only stems from its invasive nature, but the fact that it is one of the most toxic plants in the world.

Poison hemlock is classified as a biennial that reproduces only by seed.  Flowers and new seed are typically produced in late May and June.

Weed Watch: Yellow Buttercup

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Field of Yellow Buttercups (University of Kentucky)

One of the signs that spring has arrived is when yellow buttercups begin to appear, but it is during the winter months that the vegetative growth of buttercup actually takes place.

As a cool-season weed, this plant often flourishes in over-grazed pasture with poor stands of desirable forages.  In fact, many fields that have dense buttercup populations are fields heavily grazed by animals during the fall through the early spring months.

Buttercups are sometimes classified as short-lived perennials, but often grow as winter annuals.  Plants typically produce five, shiny yellow petals in the early spring.

Tips to Prevent and Improve Soil Compaction

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Soil compaction is a common problem that many producers face, but is often overlooked.  Significant soil compaction can reduce forage yields and slow forage establishment.  Management practices can be used to reduce and correct this problem while improving soil conditions.

Soil compaction (right) presses soil particles together, reducing pore space.  (University of Minnesota Extension)

Compaction results when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space and aeration.  The damage to the soil structure reduces the soil's ability to hold and conduct water, nutrients, and oxygen.  Rate of water infiltration is decreased and more water is lost to runoff.  Other effects of compaction include decreased organic matter, reduced microbial activity, poor drainage, increased erosion, and nutrient leaching.

Mowing Height for Lawns

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Lawn mowing season is almost here, and I cannot wait!  I am looking forward to dusting off the old push mower (Great exercise!) and getting to work.  I love mowing the yard, and I especially love seeing how it looks once it is cut.

However, to keep the yard looking its best, we need to consider correct mowing heights.  Since last week's article focused on fertilization of lawns, this week's article will continue the discussion with mowing lawns.

The first mowing, usually in late March, makes the lawn look spring-like and very attractive.  Subsequent regular mowing hardens the grass for drought and heat stresses later on.  When the first clump of grass grows above the mowing height, get out there and mow--even if a lot of the yard does not need to be mowed yet.

Lawn Fertilization in Spring

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

 
At the first sign of green grass in the spring, it is tempting to dust off the fertilizer spreader to apply nitrogen to the lawn.  If you applied nitrogen late last fall or winter, there is no need to apply nitrogen this spring because the lawn already should be starting to green up.

Applying nitrogen now also will make grass less heat and drought tolerant and cause more problems with weeds and diseases.  Weeds compete with grass for moisture and nutrients.

If you did not fertilize the lawn last fall, applying nitrogen this spring will be beneficial because it will green the lawn and make it look better for a few weeks.

Got Manure for Fertilizer? Have it Tested!

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Manure Happens.

Make the Best of It.

Properly using manure as a fertilizer can be both economically and environmentally beneficial.  However, nutrients in manure vary widely, and therefore it is important to have your manure tested before application.

Testing allows for accuracy in nutrient management specific to your crop needs and it minimizes water contamination caused by nutrient run-off or leaching.

To have manure tested, gather samples and bring them to the Carroll County Cooperative Extension Office.  Before samples are sent off, you will need to fill out some paperwork, similar to that of a soil sample.  The cost is $25 per sample.

Once the completed paperwork and samples are in hand at the Extension Office, we ship the samples to the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture's Division of Regulatory Service Soil Test Laboratory.

Renovating with Annual and Perennial Ryegrass

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Ryegrass (University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture)

Many areas in pastures are susceptible to severe damage between late fall and early spring.  High traffic areas such as feeding areas, sacrifice lots, alleyways, gateways and waterers are often bare and muddy this time of year.

To slow and reduce soil erosion, compaction, forage damage, and wee problems, these areas need to be renovated promptly.  It is also beneficial for animal health to reduce muddy areas.

Both annual (Italian) and perennial reygrass are good options when renovating these areas.

Get Prepared to Prune

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

As spring approaches, many homeowners begin to think about their yard's landscape.  To ensure healthy spring plants, now is the time to start thinking about pruning the trees and shrubs around the home.  However, do not just prune for the sake of pruning, make sure you have a valid reason for pruning before you begin.

The winter months can be damaging to trees and shrubs.  Pruning during the late winter months allows for the removal of damage caused by winter winds and precipitation.  The wounds caused by pruning heal most quickly this time of year just as new growth is emerging on the plant.

Pruning also allows removal of diseased, crowded, or hazardous branches.  When pruning trees, the size of the tree does not need to be reduced too much in one season.  Limit the pruning amount to one-fourth of the tree's volume.  Start by thinning out branches by cutting them off close to the tree's trunk or a large limb.

Conservation District Announces 2013 State Cost Share Program

  
The Carroll County Conservation District is now accepting Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share Applications on a continuous basis.  This continual sign-up is designed to make the program more "landowner friendly" and help address the needs of a landowner at any time during the year.  As landowners plan conservation projects with the assistance of their local conservation district, they will be able to apply for financial assistance for those projects without having to wait for a designated sign-up period.

Thousands of Kentucky landowners have received state assistance through the Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share program.  Known informally as state cost share, the program was created in 1994 and helps landowners implement best management practices to protect soil and water resources on their property.  Since the program's inception, more than $129 million has been approved for use in implementing best management practices through more than 15,000 submitted applications.  This money has assisted landowners in all of Kentucky's 120 counties.

4-H Country Ham Project Begins in Carroll County

"Those hams are just a drippin'!"

That's our 4-H Agent Joyce Doyle's response when anyone comes into the office and asks about how the 4-H Country Ham project is progressing in Carroll County.

Country ham has a long history in Kentucky, and the process of curing country hams is becoming a lost art to the young generations...until the recent years.  The 4-H Country Ham project started in the late 1990s in Kentucky.  This 8-month project involves taking green hams and curing them with the end product going to the Kentucky State Fair in August to be judged.

Farm Service Agency Announces 2013 Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) for many Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodity, disaster, and conservation programs through 2013.  FSA administers these programs.

The extended programs include, among others:  the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program (DCP), the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE), and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC).  FSA is preparing the following actions:

FSA will begin sign-ups for DCP and ACRE for the 2013 crops on February 19, 2013.  The DCP sign-up period will end on August 2, 2013 and the ACRE sign-up period will end on June 3, 2013.

Spring Heifer Development

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

(University of Kentucky)

January is an extremely important "checkpoint" in spring heifer development programs.  The key to proper heifer development lies in understanding the factors that influence conception in yearling heifers.

One key factor regulating heifer fertility is age at puberty.  Most producers do not consider age at puberty of their heifers to be a major problem, yet few know how many heifers are actually cyclic at the beginning of the breeding season.

What to Look For in Firewood

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

(University of Tennessee)

Many Kentuckians burn firewood as their main source of heat during the winter.  Others use it to supplement their heating sources.  For many families, that means purchasing wood.  To gain the most from your investment, pay attention to the seasoning, density, and quantity of firewood.

Seasoning is an important consideration when purchasing firewood.  Ask if the firewood has been seasoned.  Wood that is seasoned, or cured, was properly cut, split, and stacked for about six months to remove enough moisture so it will burn efficiently this season.  Properly seasoned firewood has a gray, weathered appearance and large cracks in the log ends.

Burning unseasoned wood produces a smoldering fire that creates a potentially dangerous creosote buildup in the chimney.  This inefficient burning also can lead to a poor draft, causing smoke to bellow into the room instead of flowing up the chimney.