December 22 -December 26
Avoiding
Overwintering Blue mold
According to Bill Nesmith, Extension Plant Pathologist,
controlling Blue mold on your Burley tobacco seedlings can be simple.
Growing tobacco plants in a greenhouse requires an active
control program to protect against blue mold.
Keeping
Good Production Records
The IRM has introduced a program to assist beef producers with
their production. Extension Beef Specialist, Darrh Bullock has
all the details.
Providing
Critical Livestock Management
Livestock producers need to consider weather conditions and
the impact the weather will have on their animals. Monty Chappell,
Extension Livestock Specialist explains what should be done.
Ag Programs
December 15 -December 19
Continuing
Tobacco Buyout Saga
Congress has decided not to act on the Tobacco Buyout. Extension
Agricultural Policy Specialist, Will Snell has all the
details.
Developing
A Positive Relationship With Dairy Consultants
Consultants are crucial to your dairy operation. Extension
Dairy Nutrition Specialist, Donna Amaral-Philips advises dairy
producers to establish good communication with consultants.
Selecting
Flowers For The Holidays
Poinsettias are a great choice for the holiday season. They
are also the number one potted flowering plant grown in the
U.S.
Bob Anderson, Extension Horticulturist explains
this phenomena.
Controlling
Seed Insects With Insecticide
Extension Entomologist Ric Bessin describes different forms
of insecticide applications for seed treatment which are
available for a successful operation.
Complying
With Pesticide Record Keeping Regulations
It is important for all private pesticide applicators to keep
a complete record of their filed paperwork for at least two years. Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist explains the
application record process.
Ag Programs
December 8 -December 12
Staying
Competitive In The Burley Tobacco Market
The tobacco market is becoming even more competitive. The
tobacco variety selection is also beginning to change. Extension Tobacco
Specialist Gary Palmer has all the details.
Importance of
Cultural Practices in Vegetable Production
Cultural practices play a major role in disease development.
According to
Extension Plant Pathologist Bill Nesmith, production practices
should be carefully reviewed.
Controlling
Ammonia Emission From Livestock & Poultry
According to
Extension Livestock Systems Specialist Jose Bicudo, even
though animal waste contains many negative aspects, ammonia
emission should not be a primary solution to the problem.
Recycling animal waste can help increase soil fertility.
Selecting Fresh
Fruit 7 Vegetables From The Market
John Strang, Extension Horticulture Specialist explains what
features you should look for in vegetables before purchasing
them.
Conserving Energy
In The Poultry or Animal Facility
Extension Poultry Specialist, Tony Pescatore, suggests there are many
ways in which you can save energy and decrease costs efficiently
in animal facilities.
Ag Programs
December 1 -December 5
Preparing Tobacco
for Market To Insure Optimum Profit
According to Extension Tobacco Specialist Bob Pierce how well
producers harvest and cure their product has a great bearing
on the price they can expect.
Storing
Pesticides In Winter
It is possible to safely store pesticides for use next season. Extension Entomologist Lee Townsend
explains how.
Changing
Depreciation Laws for Farmers
The amount of depreciation expenses has recently increased
regarding purchases of new capital assets. Extension Farm
Management Specialist Steve Isaacs describes how this is done.
Protecting
Pansies From Black Root Rot
According to John Hartman, extension plant pathologist, Pansies are a great choice for the fall,
winter and early spring gardens. Pansies can be susceptible to Black Root
Rot and insects.
Establishing
Energy Star Standards For the Home
The University of Kentucky has committed to a partnership with
Energy star in order to practice a more efficient way of
energy usage. Extension Housing Associate Jerry Hash has all
the information.
Ag Programs
November 24 -November 28
Certifying
Kentucky Burley Tobacco for Export to China
Extension Plant Pathologist Bill Nesmith explains the
procedure for certification of Kentucky Burley tobacco in
order to allow export to China..
Controlling
Insect Pests with Corn Seed Treatments
Seed treatments may be available to control a number of insect
pests of corn. According to Extension Entomologist Ric
Bessin not all of the seed treatments provide the same level
of protection.
Revising
the NetMerit Lifetime Profit Index
According to Jack McAllister, Extension Dairy Specialist, a
number of new traits were added and other traits were modified
as part of the index. The new Index provides an up-to-date
tool for the dairy producer to improve the bottom line.
Recognizing
Rust Problems on Cool Season Grasses
On cool season grasses, rust problems can be a considerable
problem, according to Extension Plant Pathologist Paul
Vincelli. Kentucky bluegrass and Perennial ryegrass are
especially effected.
Understanding
Timber Production in Kentucky
When a properly designed and forested area of our land is
harvested, a Kentucky forester can take pride in the fact that
the land provides an opportunity to be reforested in the
future. Extension Forestry Specialist Doug McClaren provides
insight into this process.
Ag Programs
November 17 -November 21
Reducing
Stress and Increasing Fertility in Dairy Cows
Extension Dairy Specialist George Heershe says several factors
within stressed cows decrease their fertility.
Protecting
Plants against New Diseases and Pests
Bill Nesmith, Extension Plant Pathologist, explains the
efforts to protect plants from introduced diseases and
pests.
Placing
Mulch Strawberries Protects them from Cold
According to John Strang, Extension Horticulture Specialist,
mulch protects strawberry plants during the colder months. If
not used, plants can be lifted, and the roots can be
damaged.
Attending
to Weed Problems in the Winter Months
Evaluating weed control options for the upcoming season is
important preparation for producers during the colder months.
J.D. Green, Extension Weed Control Specialist offers these
suggestions.
Stopping
Fall Insect Invaders
Problems caused by insects invading our homes in the fall can
be addressed before they cause damage. According to
Extension Entomologist Lee Townsend prevention is as important
as removal.
Ag Programs
November 10 -November 14
Increasing
Soybean Yield
Is there such a thing as a soybean yield plateau? Extension
Agronomist Chad Lee has all the details.
Driving
Up Beef Prices
Consumers should stock up on beef this season. Lee
Meyer, Extension Agricultural Marketing Specialist, explains
the beef price phenomenon this season.
Planting
Christmas Trees In The Fall
According to Deborah Hill, Extension Forestry Specialist,
suggests that the fall is the perfect time to start a Christmas
tree plantation. Christmas trees offer a great source of extra
annual income.
Selecting
& Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs
According to Bob Anderson, Extension Horticulturist, some
Spring blooming flowers are great for fall. Here are a few
suggestions.
Ag Programs
November 3 -November 7
Using
Crop Rotation to Manage Pests
According to Ric Bessin, Extension Entomologist, an important,
efficient and inexpensive way to manage pests during the grain
price decrease is to use crop rotation.
Handling
Frost Damaged Tobacco
Extension Tobacco Management Specialist Bob Pearce explains
how the weather patterns effected this years tobacco crop.
Avoiding
Worm Problems With Goats
Goats can easily become infested with worms. According to
Patty Sharko, Extension Ruminant Veterinarian, these worms can
be harmful to the goats health.
Reducing
Viral Diseases In Greenhouse Plants
Extension Plant Pathologist John Hartman explains that the increase of plants grown under plastic and glass
can result
in viruses and diseases. These viruses can be easily spread to
plants by bugs.
Preventing
Timber Trespassing
"Timber trespassing" is a growing problem in
Kentucky. Extension Forestry Specialist Jeff Stringer suggests
how to conform to proper logging procedures.
Ag Programs
October 27 -October 31
Controlling
Tobacco Blackshank In 2004
According to Extension Plant Pathologist Bill Nesmith,
Blackshank disease can be devastating to your crops.
Inadequate crop rotation is the key reason why Blackshank
continues to increase in Kentucky.
Marketing
Grain is A Challenge
Marketing grain is a big challenge. Weather conditions are a
major reason. Extension Grain Marketing Specialist, Steve
Riggins has the details.
Managing
Grassland For Organic Forage
Monty Chappell, Extension Sheep & Livestock Specialist
suggests a way to manage organic forage. Chappell recommends
using goats and/or other animals to clear the area.
Planning
your Feeding program For The Colder Months
As the season changes, horse owners need to begin the process accommodating
horses in their winter facilities and updating the feeding plan.
Extension Equine Specialist Bob Coleman asks important
questions regarding the process.
Determining
The nutrient Value of Manure
According to Extension
Soil Testing Coordinator Frank Sikora, a few tests should be
performed on manure before returning it to the soil. The soil test laboratory
at the
University of Kentucky can test your manure for nutrient
content.
Ag Programs
October 20 -October 24
Resisting
Diseases of Corn
According to Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist,
in order to cut down on corn crop losses corn growers should
try to select corn hybrids with partial resistance to certain
diseases.
Preparing
This Year's Burley Crop For Market
In order to make sure than your tobacco crop is fine-tuned for the market, Extension Tobacco Specialist, Gary Palmer has
a few guidelines to offer.
Backgrounding
Conditions For Growing Mushrooms
As a result of this season's rain fall, mushrooms
have had a great and abundant growing season. John Hartman, an
Extension Plant Pathologist explains this occurrence.
Managing
Livestock During The Colder Months
Monty Chapel, an Extension Livestock Specialist, advises
livestock owners to start planning and managing early for the
colder months.
Storing
Yield Data From Yield Monitors & GPS Receivers
Extension Agricultural Engineer, Tim Stombaugh offers advice to producers on how to use and read their
data on yield monitors and GPS receivers.
Ag Programs
October 13 -October 17
Controlling
Post-Harvest Disease in Pumpkins
Disease control has been a major problem with pumpkins through
this year. Diseases can greatly impact the appearance of your pumpkin.
Preserving
Farmland In Kentucky
Pumpkin production is not coming to an end because of winter.
Efforts to control diseases in pumpkins should not stop at
harvest.
Keeping
A Mare In A Productive State
In order to keep your mares in a healthy reproductive state,
there are a few things you need to check for. Determining
which reproductive program they can be placed is very
important.
Harvesting
& Storing Horseradish
It is possible to obtain, fresh, high quality horse radish
during the winter. The winter freezes helps the roots produce
the oil needed for a tasty horseradish condiment.
Managing
Sweet Corn Insects In Late Season
During the late season, controlling Corn Ear Worm becomes
increasingly more difficult. Here are some important factors
to consider for controlling these pests.
Ag Programs
October 6 -October 10
Understanding
The Tobacco Buyout Proposal In Congress
Legislative activities on the Tobacco Buyout Proposal are
still circulating in Washington D.C. The proposal would allow
growers in traditional areas to grow tobacco within a
production control safety net program.
Selecting
The Ideal Planting & Harvesting Dates For Grain Crops.
The late harvest dates we experienced will delay winter wheat planting. Ideal
planting dates are crucial to decrease disease and
infestations and to ensure proper growth.
Maximizing
Forage For Winter Use
Analyzing your hay is very beneficial to your feed program. Be
sure to properly sample your hay for nutrients.
Dealing
With Perennial Vines In Field Crops
During the crop season perennial vines increase around the
field. Perennial vines can interfere with harvesting.
Using
Trickle Irrigation For Blueberry Production
With the increase in blueberry production as an alternative
crop for tobacco, farmers should start thinking about new
techniques. Trickle irrigation has been successful.
Ag Programs
September 29 -October 3
Managing
Root Knot Nematode
Root Knot Nematode is usually not very harmful to tobacco, but
when concentrated it can do a lot of damage. Root Rot Nematode
can damage tobacco leafs and roots.
Paying
Attention To Details In The Feed Program
There are certain steps one should take regarding the feed
program to ensure that their cows perform well and produce
high quality milk.
Understanding
Aphids In The Soybean Crop
Even though Soybean Aphids don't cause much damage to the
crop, it is important to check your crop. The current threshold
for treatment is 250 aphids per plant.
Improving
Fertilizer Technology
Land-grant university researchers from around the country are
working on new technologies regarding safer fertilizer and application
techniques. There are new techniques that are presently
being researched.
Analyzing
Aflatoxin As A Risk In Corn
When corn is infected by a certain fungus, it produces
Aflatoxin, a very harmful toxin. The Aflatoxin contamination
usually occurs during hot and dry periods.
Ag Programs
September 22 September 26
Examining
Apples For Disease
Looking for diseases and analyzing your apple crop this year
may help you produce quality apples next year.
Managing
Conditions For Curing Burley Tobacco
There are quite a few steps involved with the curing of burley
tobacco. Daily routines need to be performed for about six
weeks at a time.
Maintaining
Soil Fertility Following Silage Harvest
In order to ensure a good future silage harvest it is very
important to manage the soil properly. Return the nutrients
that are being used by the high yielding production this year
to your soil.
Applying
Lime To Your Fields
It is time to schedule lime applications. Before applying lime
to your fields be sure to get a soil test to check the pH of
your soil.
Resisting
Cedar Apple Rust Disease
If your apples have not received fungicide treatments this
season, they may have Cedar Apple disease or Apple Scab.
Ag Programs
September 15- September 19
Adjusting
The Fungicide Spray Program In Pumpkins
In order to successfully produce fall vegetables, you should
consider applying a good fungicide spray program.
Finding
& Keeping Good Farm Employees
Early planning should be the first step when hiring new
employees. Considering future needs will allow you more time
to choose a better worker.
Curing
Tobacco In A Challenging Season
Because of the constant rain fall, tobacco roots have become
weak in many fields. There are a few steps you should take into
consideration when attempting to salvage the tobacco crop.
Considering
Small Ruminants As An Alternative Enterprise
If you have a few acres of land available or you are looking
for a source to replace tobacco income, you should consider
raising small ruminants as an alternative enterprise.
Scouting
Insect Infestations In Late Corn
As a consequence from the frequent rain fall this spring, this
years corn was planted late. This means that the corn will
also be harvested later, making it more prominent to insect
infestations.
Ag Programs
September 8- September 12
Topping
& Harvesting Tobacco Infected With Blue Mold
Blue mold attacks premature tissue in tobacco leaves. It is
very important to follow certain steps to help tobacco age in
order to keep it free from this disease.
Evaluating
Genetics For Fertility of Dairy Cows
Recent data shows a decrease in the fertility of dairy cows.
There are many factors that are being considered as the cause
to this problem.
Managing
Squash Vine Borer Activity
It is difficult to recognize when Squash Vine Borers attack
your squash crop. It usually damages the crop before you are
able to see signs of infestation.
Evaluating
The NOAA Weather Alert Guard System For TV
The national weather service now offers a new type of weather system.
The NOAA weather system is now available on home televisions.
Planting
Spring-Blooming Flowers In The Fall
Planting flowers in your garden is fun and it enhances the appearance
of your landscape. There are a few things you should take into
consideration before choosing your flowers.
Ag Programs
September 1- September 5
Labeling
Meats & Produce By Country Of Origin
On October 1, 2004 Cool, also known as Country of Origin
Labeling will become mandatory. This includes all unprocessed
foods such as fresh meats, fruits and vegetables.
Recognizing
trends In consumer-driven Agriculture
An aging and more diversified population and demands for
higher standards of living are all factors that should be
considered when predicting future agricultural trends.
Maintaining
Nutrition In Later Cuttings of Forage
The rainfall this season may yield more forage on Kentucky farms. One
concern is the possible
lack of nutrients in later cuttings.
Keeping
High Producing Dairy Cows Content
High producing dairy cows demand more of their owners to maintain
a high productivity level.
Controlling
Late Season Tobacco Insects
Due to the wet season, insect problems have increased all
around Kentucky. Aphid infestation is a major
concern.
Ag Programs
August 25- August 29
Combating
Diseases Effecting Pumpkins
Pumpkins are becoming very popular around Kentucky. For successful
production of pumpkins growers need to recognize diseases to ensure proper treatment.
Managing
Sucker Problems On Tobacco
Due to this season's weather patterns the Burley tobacco
crop greatly varies in size and quality. The weather is making
sucker control difficult.
Browning
of Black Locust Leaves in Mid-Summer
Large numbers of Black Locust trees surround Kentucky
highways. This insect called Locust leaf minor is the main cause of browning of trees
before fall.
Identifying
Summer Black Stem & Leaf Spot Alfalfa
If not controlled early on, Summer Black Stem and Leaf Spot
Disease can be very deadly to Alfalfa. These diseases are
spread easily and are very hard to be completely
eliminated.
Growing
& Marketing Small Fruit In Kentucky
Kentucky is a ideal place to grow small berries. The
production of small berries in Kentucky has lead to supplemental
income and more activities with local community farmer's Markets.
Ag Programs
August 18- August 22
Avoiding
The Introduction of Blue-Mold On Tobacco
The most damaging form of Blue-Mold movement occurs with
transplants. It is recommended not to use transplants
from an area once Blue-Mold occurs.
Planning
Ventilation For Animal Buildings
People involved with barn planning and design need to be aware
of proper ventilation around the animal buildings to supply
the animals with fresh air. More ventilation also helps with
drying and upkeep of the barn.
Locking
In Milk Prices For Kentucky Farmers
The trend is up for milk prices for Kentucky dairy farmers.
Thus far, the rising prices are not sufficient to make up for
lower prices in recent years.
Caring
For Late-Planted Tobacco
Growers must not forget to scout and must take preventive action
if necessary on late-planted fields. Because of the wet Spring
this year Blue-Mold is a potential problem on Burley tobacco.
Handling
Vaccines Properly
Vaccines should be used in the cow or goat herd to help
prevent losses from disease. Good handling and storing of
vaccines will ensure fewer problems.
Ag Programs
August 11- August 15
Announcing
The New Grassland Reserve Program
The Grassland reserve Program is a voluntary program. This
program is intended
to help protect and restore grasslands. Eligibility for this
program will vary.
Updating
The Blue Mold Situation In Kentucky
Blue Mold has been spreading throughout Kentucky and is established within a number of communities. Growers are
urged to put Blue Mold control in place, especially in the
Eastern portion of Kentucky.
Understanding
The Role of Lichens On Trees & Landscapes
Lichens are a combination of fungi, living in close
association with algae. Seeing lichens in city trees is
a sign that the urban air is clean.
Controlling
Cattle Grubs
Cattle grubs, also known as heal flies, glue their eggs to the
heal or lower part of the legs of cows in the pasture.
Kentucky cattle should be treated for grubs from the end of July
through the end of October.
Managing
A Lawn During The Hot Summer Months
Managing a lawn can be difficult and time-consuming during
the summer months. Blue Grass and Tall Fescue varieties suffer the most
in the heat.
Ag Programs
August 4- August 8
Monitoring
Corn Fields To Avoid Pest Damage
Moths from the first generation corn borer, are active across
the commonwealth these days. Egg laying from the second
generation is continuing at this time.
Using
Nutrient Supplements To Complete Your Horse's Diet
Many horses are fed a basic diet of forage and grain.
Depending on the type of forage that horse owners are using
and the activity of the horse, you can meet nutrient
requirements easily. Nutrient Supplements are an important
part of a horse's diet.
Maintaining
The Water Supply In A Well
People who are using wells as their primary water source here
in Kentucky, have to take special care maintaining those wells
and ensuring that they are getting safe drinking water from
those sources.
Protecting
Against Tobacco Pests
The burley tobacco crop is now at a point where insects feed on these fast growing plants. Timely scouting and
control measures are very important at this point.
Cooling
Fruits & Vegetables To Preserve Quality & Flavor
Anyone planning to sell fruits and vegetables on regular
basis, will probably have to design some form of storage
system. This usually includes cooling equipment.
Ag Programs
July 28- August 1
Balancing
Yields Of Late Planted Corn & Soybeans
Kentucky's wet Spring led to a very late planting season for
much of the soybean and corn crop in the state. Most producers
understand that their potential yields may be affected by late
plantings. Some may be tempted to try various agronomic
practices to enhance their crop.
Reducing
Heat Stress in Livestock Production
Summer weather brings the challenge of reducing heat stress in
livestock production. A good rule of thumb for livestock
producers is to follow very carefully present weather
conditions and weather forecasts.
Combating
Weeds In Grass Pastures & Hayfields
In most pastures of hayfields unwanted plants or weeds can be found.
Weedy plants reduce quantity and sometimes quality of the
desired forages available to livestock.
Updating
The Tobacco Class Action Anti-Trust Suit
Recently a class action, anti-trust suit was tentatively agreed to by
many of the major tobacco companies in the U.S. Final arrangements expected this fall may mean that many
Kentucky burley producers and allotment holders should expect
to receive some financial compensation.
Maintaining
Good Soil Properties For Plant Growth & Crop Yield
Having good soil is important for plant growth and crop yield.
Soil is an important factor whether you are growing a lawn, producing forage for livestock or growing shrubs or
trees in your yard.
Ag Programs
July 21- July 25
Yellowing
of Alfalfa Foliage
Recently, alfalfa fields have exhibited yellowing of foliage.
There are several possible reasons for these symptoms.
Comparing
USDA Grain Reports
The grain markets are being influenced by two recently
released US Department of Agriculture reports.
Protecting
Cherry Trees From Leaf Spot
Cherry leaf spot is a serious disease of sour cherries and
could cause severe defoliation.
Growing
Christmas Trees For Supplemental Income
Landowners looking for supplemental income may want to
consider Christmas tree production. As with any alternative enterprise,
there are some important considerations that must be
addressed.
Testing
Soil Around The Landscape
The college of Agriculture offers soil tests at two locations
within the state. The majority by far is tested for
agricultural production. All other requests are for home
owners for other purposes.
Ag Programs
July 14- July 18
Growing
& Harvesting Blackberries
Blackberries are fast becoming a popular crop among Kentucky's
gardeners and commercial producers.
Controlling
Blue Mold With Fungicides
Why aren't we covered up with Blue Mold, despite the very
rainy weather that Kentucky has experienced over the past 60 days?
Analyzing
A Ruminants' Eating Habits
The process of eating and digesting is a much more complicated
experience for animals like: sheep, cattle and goats. Here is
an inside look at this critical process.
Identifying
& Controlling Mosquitoes
It is a rare individual that would take the time to identify
the type of mosquito that was biting them. Like humans, there
are many different types of mosquitoes and some are more
dangerous than others.
Keeping
Your Poultry Disease-Free
Disease control is a major concern for both the large commercial
farm and the small poultry flock as well.
Ag Programs
July 7- July 11
Analyzing
Water Molds In Kentucky Soils
The unusually wet weather this Spring was very conducive for
several diseases of alfalfa seedlings.
Caring
For The Tobacco Crop In Late Spring & Early Summer
Farmers used to say that a wet June and a dry July, made a bad
tobacco crop and a dry June and a wet July made a good tobacco
crop. Anytime you start out wet with tobacco you will have a
hard time producing a good root system.
Protecting
Yourself Against Mosquitoes Around The Home
All of the rain we've had this Spring translates into large
numbers of mosquitoes. It is too early to tell yet how this
may relate to the West Nile virus.
Matching
Plants With An Appropriate Site
For a lot of people warm weather brings the urge to get
outside and do some gardening, like making the landscape beautiful
again.
Supplementing
Income With Non-Timber Forest Products
If you own 25 acres of less of woodland on your property you
can generate extra income.
Ag Programs
June 30- July 4
Analyzing
Variable Costs For Enterprise Production
One of the keys for estimating the profitability of farm enterprises
is knowing the variable cost of production.
Identifying
Stink Bug Damage In Corn
Cool weather has set the stage for increased stink bug
injuries to corn in 2003. The brown stink bug is the most
common stink bug attacking corn.
Distributing
& Marketing Food In The U.S.
America is blessed with one of the finest food production and
distribution systems in the world. Many consumers have little
or no idea how the various factors come together and actually
protect our food.
Preventing
& Treating Pink Eye In Cattle
Summer's hot, humid weather can complicate pink eye in beef
cattle. If left untreated, pink eye can result in complete
blindness in cattle.
Increasing
Soil Productivity With Precision Agriculture
Kentucky has a share of clay soils. Occasionally these spots
need deep tillage to increase their productivity.
Ag Programs
June 23- June 27
Using
Herbicides To Control Weeds In Corn & Soybeans
A post-emergence Herbicide application after the crop and weeds emerge is one
method to control weeds in corn and soybeans.
Controlling
San Jose Scale In Apples & Peaches
One of the more difficult to control pests in apples is San
Jose Scale. Over time, this pest can seriously effect the
health of trees.
Protecting
Against Diseases of Meat
There is a nationwide effort within the United States to make
sure that mad cow disease does not show up on our door step.
Regulatory protection against diseases entering this country
is a major reason for the abundance of safe meat in the U.S.
Keeping
Blackberries Disease Free
Blackberries are easy to grow in many parts of Kentucky.
Blackberry plants can be killed or stunted by
diseases.
Testing
A Dairy Lagoon For Nutrient Levels
The three major nutrients contained in the lagoon water are:
nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. To affectively utilize
each of these nutrients you have to have some idea of how much
nutrients are in the water being sprayed onto the field.
Ag Programs
June 16- June 20
Yellowing
Of Tobacco Buds & Leaves From Cool Weather
Tobacco is developing yellow bud and yellow leaves resulting
from the cool, cloudy, wet weather that we have experienced.
Preparing
Dairy Enterprise For The Hot Weather
With low milk prices it is more important than ever for Kentucky
dairy farmers to do everything they can to maintain high milk
production this Summer.
Considering
Late-Planted Corn Requirements
The unusually wet weather we have experienced in Kentucky has
set back the corn planting intentions for many growers.
Cycling
The Expansion Of A Cow-Calf Operation
As potential profits dip in burley tobacco production, more
Kentucky farmers have started up cow-calf operations. Right
now prices are pretty good but this market can have high and low points. What
factors can help a producer determine if this is the right
time to commit to this type of farm operation?
Choosing
Annual Flowers For Shady Gardens
Almost every homeowner has a shady area in their yard where
a colorful display would be welcomed. Only a few annual
flowers can provide a colorful display when planted in shaded
gardens or containers.
Ag Programs
June 9- June 13
Cooperating
To Update The Tobacco Warning System
The Kentucky Blue Mold Warning System operated by the college
of agriculture at the University of Kentucky, provides a
valuable service to the tobacco growers in this region.
Introducing
A New Procedure For Synchronizing Estrus In Dairy Heifers
One of the key management tools now available to dairy
producers are products that can help to more uniformly control
the conception times for dairy heifers. There is a new product
now available to do just that.
Evaluating
The Economic Impact Of Strawberry Production In Kentucky
Strawberries continue to be a favorite fruit. You can either pick
them yourself or pick up a package at your favorite
store.
Checking
Your Home For Radon
Radon is real and it is the second leading cause of lung
cancer in the United States. The body of data supporting radon
risk is larger, more consistent and more convincing than most
any other carcinogen.
Caring
For Turf In Early To Mid-Summer
The cool, wet weather of the past month has created a vast
green landscape across much of Kentucky. What do we do now to
keep our lawns looking good into the early and mid-Summer
period?
Ag Programs
June 2- June 6
Enrolling
In The Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a new sign up
for the conservation reserve program, commonly known as the
CRP.
Flagging
Sclerotinia Crown & Stem Rot of Alfalfa
There is a very destructive disease of fall seeded alfalfa and
red clover that has thrived on the wet conditions that Kentucky
has experienced over the last few months.
Choosing
The Right Feed For Your Horses
For a horse owner, going to the feed store to buy feed for
your horse can be a real challenging task.
Selecting
The Right Size Pipe For Farming Operations
Farming operations depend on good water supplies and getting
that water to the right location, demands the right sized
pipe.
Controlling
Flies On Beef & Dairy Cattle
Pasture flies can have a major impact on beef cattle herds and
dairy herds.
Ag Programs
May 26- May 30
Preventing
Seed Corn Maggots
While early planted corn can be a real boost for the grower
who plans ahead and takes advantage of a break in the weather,
it is also important to ensure that the seed is protected from
early season pests such as the seed corn maggots.
Increasing
Cost For Land In Kentucky
While the stock market and many industries were loosing financial
ground over the past few years, prices for real estate rose at
a heady pace. Farmland in many parts of the country reached
all time high prices. That factor coupled with low loan rates
are tempting some farm producers to consider adding to their
current land holdings. Is this a good long-range policy?
Identifying
Nutrient Deficiencies In Plants
Once crops are planted farmers should begin to scout their
fields to identify plant emergence, insects, disease occurrence
and nutrient deficiencies.
Recognizing
Alfalfa Weevil Damage In Plants
The alfalfa weevil is a significant pest in the first cutting
of alfalfa and also established alfalfa fields here in
Kentucky.
Mowing
Your Yard In The Spring
Mowing a home lawn in the Spring is one of the most difficult
tasks we have to do.
Ag Programs
May 19- May 23
Evaluating
Dark Tobacco Production
There is a small group of Kentucky producers who grow dark
fired tobacco, unlike their counter parts prices for the
product have been consistently higher.
Understanding
Floods & Flood Safety
Floods and flash floods are an inevitable part of life in
Kentucky. It is important to understand them.
Characterizing
Kentucky Agriculture
Kentucky Agriculture is a diverse industry. We often think of
Agriculture only consisting of the 90,000 or so Kentucky farms
but it is more then production agriculture.
Avoiding
Seed Corn Maggot Problems
Early planting dates and cool, wet weather favor a particular
crop pest, the seed corn maggot.
Testing
Animal Manure
Animal manure and chicken litter contain valuable nutrients
that can be used to fertilize pastures and crops.
Ag Programs
May 12- May 16
Reviewing
Current Grain Market Reports
Many farmers are likely disappointed by the price action of
the corn and soybean pinch at the Chicago Board of Trade,
based on recent government reports.
Considering
Dairy Management Options In The Spring
The warm winds of Spring are a wake up call for many
successful dairy producers. The warm breezes suggest that it
is time to consider implementing the many different management
options that can make a dairy operation more efficient and
profitable.
Growing
Interest In Egg Production In Kentucky
There is increased interest in producing eggs from farm-raised
flocks in Kentucky and selling them to the consumer.
Reducing
Cost of Precision AG GPS Receiver
New innovations and new procedures in precision agriculture
have brought the cost down for agricultural producers.
Adding
Color To A Landscape With Annual Flowers
Annual flowers can add a Summer full of color to your
landscape.
Ag Programs
May 5- May 9
Maintaining
Constructive Wetlands
Constructive wetlands are an important part of an increasing
number of residential neighborhoods around Kentucky. As with
any other system that uses plants and soils to contain and
control waste water, they require periodic maintenance.
Identifying
Plant Float System Pests
Pill bugs, fungus gnats, shore flies, blood worms, slugs, cut
worms. None of them sound very good. All of them can all be
problems in plant float systems.
Difficulties
In Growing Blueberries In Kentucky
Anyone who has attempted to grow blueberries in Kentucky
understand
that sometimes it takes some tinkering with the soil to get a
good crop. While that might me viewed as a drawback, a
positive aspect of blueberries is that they have relatively
few disease problems.
Recognizing
The Need For EIA Testing of Horses
Kentucky horse owners who intend to compete in contests, offer
their animals for sale, or just plan to house their horses with
other horses, need to be aware of the test for EIA.
Applying
Flash Flood Safety Rules
Floods and Flash floods are an inevitable part of life in
Kentucky.
Ag Programs
April 28- May 2
Avoiding
The Summer Reproductive Slump In Dairy Cattle
Summer's heat is on it's way! Protect your animals against
heat stress.
Interpreting
Soil Tests
Each year thousands of soil samples are processed through the
University of Kentucky regulatory services test lab. The key
to whether they actually help home owners and farm producers,
is the way the way those findings are interpreted.
Understanding
Lightning Danger
Mankind has long marveled at lightning. Lightning continues to
be the subject of in-depth scientific study.
Preparing
Your Lawn During The Spring
The overall aesthetics of your lawn, can easily be improved in
the Spring. It is also important to condition the lawn for
long term care during the Summer.
Caring
For Your Spring Time Garden
After an exceptionally dark and dreary winter, a few warm and
sunny days can send an avid gardener into a planting frenzy.
Ag Programs
April 21-April 25
Using
Psychology In Livestock Management
Management often determines profit or loss in the
livestock business. One of the skills of livestock management
is understanding and applying animal psychology.
Establishing
Disease Control Procedures For The Landscape
There's a very good chance that if you had a disease problem in
your home landscape last year you can expect the same problem
this coming year unless you take action before it shows up
again.
Ensuring
Tree Planting Success
Many Kentuckians spend considerable time and effort planting
trees. Whether you're planting seedlings or small saplings
there are several steps to ensure survival.
Raising
A Small Flock Of Chickens
So you want to raise a small flock of chickens? What kind of
chickens do you want to raise?
Preparing
For Foaling
Foaling or partritioning a horse is really a simple event.
Preparation is important when the time comes for this event.
Ag Programs
April 14- April 18
