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.