Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY
Applications will be available on Thursday, December 6 for the 2012 Carroll County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) at the Carroll County Extension Office, 500 Floyd Drive, Carrollton.
Applications must be returned to the Carroll County Extension Office between December 6 and December 20--we cannot accept applications before or after these dates.
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:
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Local NRCS Working Group Meeting Scheduled to Discuss EQIP
Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal program that provides technical and financial assistance to land users to address natural resource concerns. NRCS is asking for local input for the fiscal year 2013 program.
For fiscal year 2013, EQIP will be administered in Kentucky using four ranking areas across the state. The ranking areas consist of multiple counties that have been determined to have similar farming operations and resource concerns. Applicants within each ranking area compete only with others in that ranking area. NRCS has asked for local input from each of these areas.
A Local Working Group meeting consisting of Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Grant, Owen, Carroll, and Gallatin counties is scheduled for Thursday, November 29, 9:30 AM at the Walton Branch of the Boone County Public Library in Walton, Kentucky.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal program that provides technical and financial assistance to land users to address natural resource concerns. NRCS is asking for local input for the fiscal year 2013 program.
For fiscal year 2013, EQIP will be administered in Kentucky using four ranking areas across the state. The ranking areas consist of multiple counties that have been determined to have similar farming operations and resource concerns. Applicants within each ranking area compete only with others in that ranking area. NRCS has asked for local input from each of these areas.
A Local Working Group meeting consisting of Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Grant, Owen, Carroll, and Gallatin counties is scheduled for Thursday, November 29, 9:30 AM at the Walton Branch of the Boone County Public Library in Walton, Kentucky.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Effect of Dry Weather Conditions on Fall Soil Test Samples
Weekly News Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY
It is still not too late to get in your fall soil samples for next year's growing season, and the recent rains make it an excellent time to collect samples.
An interesting result of the dry weather conditions of the past summer is that we may see lower soil pH and potassium levels in fall soil samples. Measuring the accurate levels of pH and potassium in soil after harvest will provide the proper amount of potassium fertilizer and lime needed in the spring to supplement the soil's nutrients to provide suitable growing conditions.
Lack of rainfall causes the soil to retain salt, which leads to the lower levels of soil pH results. There is approximately one-half of a pH unit difference between fall and spring soil samples. Rainfall is the only way for soil to leach trapped salts. Soil samples collected during dry conditions can produce lower than normal results. Inaccuracy of pH measurements can cause miscalculations of the proper amount of lime needed for the next planting season.
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| (Photo Courtesy of Tom Schultz & Iowa State University Extension) |
An interesting result of the dry weather conditions of the past summer is that we may see lower soil pH and potassium levels in fall soil samples. Measuring the accurate levels of pH and potassium in soil after harvest will provide the proper amount of potassium fertilizer and lime needed in the spring to supplement the soil's nutrients to provide suitable growing conditions.
Lack of rainfall causes the soil to retain salt, which leads to the lower levels of soil pH results. There is approximately one-half of a pH unit difference between fall and spring soil samples. Rainfall is the only way for soil to leach trapped salts. Soil samples collected during dry conditions can produce lower than normal results. Inaccuracy of pH measurements can cause miscalculations of the proper amount of lime needed for the next planting season.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Debunking Some Common Fruit & Vegetable Crop Myths
Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY
There are many myths and old wives tales concerning fruit and vegetable crops that have become part of Kentucky lore. Several myths that still exist today involved grape coloration and fall frosts.
A number of grape growers believe it is necessary to pick the leaves off the vine to expose the grape clusters to the sun so the grapes will color. This myth probably originated from growers removing leaves to improve air-circulation and reduce fruit rot.
The truth is grapes--with the exception of the seedless Reliance variety--do not need sunlight to color. In fact, the fruit will color just fine when covered. Home grape growers can staple a bag over each cluster which keeps off birds, insects, and diseases and reduces their spray program.
Frost has a tendency to concern many producers, especially cattle producers. While specific grasses like johnsongrass can definitely be of concern to graze directly after a frost, some people believe edible greens for humans become poisonous after a frost as well.
There are many myths and old wives tales concerning fruit and vegetable crops that have become part of Kentucky lore. Several myths that still exist today involved grape coloration and fall frosts.
A number of grape growers believe it is necessary to pick the leaves off the vine to expose the grape clusters to the sun so the grapes will color. This myth probably originated from growers removing leaves to improve air-circulation and reduce fruit rot.
The truth is grapes--with the exception of the seedless Reliance variety--do not need sunlight to color. In fact, the fruit will color just fine when covered. Home grape growers can staple a bag over each cluster which keeps off birds, insects, and diseases and reduces their spray program.
Frost has a tendency to concern many producers, especially cattle producers. While specific grasses like johnsongrass can definitely be of concern to graze directly after a frost, some people believe edible greens for humans become poisonous after a frost as well.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
The Legend of the Jack O' Lantern
Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY
Tonight is an especially spook-tacular evening full of ghosts, goblins, princesses, and other creative creatures walking the streets in Carroll County.
In the spirit of Halloween, this week's article focuses on a spooky origin of a well-known season staple.
Jack O' Lanterns are a popular item to see keeping watch on door steps. We see them everywhere and even have pumpkin carving parties, but do you know the legend behind the Jack O' Lantern?
Happy Halloween!
Tonight is an especially spook-tacular evening full of ghosts, goblins, princesses, and other creative creatures walking the streets in Carroll County.
In the spirit of Halloween, this week's article focuses on a spooky origin of a well-known season staple.
Jack O' Lanterns are a popular item to see keeping watch on door steps. We see them everywhere and even have pumpkin carving parties, but do you know the legend behind the Jack O' Lantern?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Calculating Winter Hay Supply
Weekly News Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY
October is an important time for livestock producers to assess their winter hay supplies. With the majority of this year's hay made, now is the time to determine whether you have enough to get your animals through the winter.
Determining this amount is a rather straightforward task. Here is how to get a fairly accurate estimate:
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| (Photo by Stephen Patton, University of Kentucky) |
Determining this amount is a rather straightforward task. Here is how to get a fairly accurate estimate:
- Estimate the number of days you will feed hay this winter. In a normal year, Kentucky producers average 120 days (from December 1 to March 31) of feeding hay. This will vary depending upon your situation.
- Determine the amount of feed your animals will consume each day. Cattle and horses consume an average of 2.5 percent of their body weight every day. To determine this amount, multiply the average animal's weight times 0.025 (2.5 percent). Multiply that answer by the number of animals you plan to feed.
- Multiply the products of #1 and #2 together. This will give you a good idea of the approximate pounds of hay you will need for the winter.
- Take three or four hay bales to a facility with a scale, such as the local feed store, if possible. Take the bales' average weight and multiply that by the number of bales you have. Compare this number to the amount you need.
- You also need to allow for storage and feeding loss, and adjust your hay supplies to cover these losses. If you store your hay outside, your losses may be more than 50 percent. A 50 percent loss would mean that you need to double the amount of hay you calculated, in order to feed your animals.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
4-H & FFA Livestock Clinic A Success!
On Saturday, October 13, Carroll County 4-H and the Carroll County FFA Chapter hosted a Livestock Clinic at the 4-H Livestock Barn on the Carroll County Fairgrounds.
Led by our new 4-H Agent, Joyce Doyle, the clinic was conducted to create interest in showing livestock and building a livestock club in the community.
Mallory Pennick, a senior at the University of Kentucky and member of the UK Livestock Judging Team, was the primary instructor for the clinic. She did an EXCELLENT job, speaking on parts of the animal, considerations for buying a new animal, general animal care, showmanship, etc.
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