Agriculture

Now that it looks like springtime has finally arrived, many of us will turn our attention to our gardens, yards, and pastures.  I think all of us are glad that spring is here for now at least.
Many of us have our gardens up and growing, but with the cooler temperatures that we have had over the last few weeks, some of us haven’t been able to get our gardens out yet.  But once the plants start growing, it is almost inevitable that your garden will get some sort of disease on tomatoes, squash, etc.

Local families are needed to host Japanese exchange students, ages 12 to 15, for four weeks this summer as part of an exchange program sponsored by Kentucky 4-H. The Japanese youth will stay with their American host families from mid-July to mid-August. To find more information about the program or request an information packet, visit the website at:  http://www.kentucky4h.org/InternationalExchange.

Warmer weather brings more pest problems. Horn flies and face flies are key pests of cattle in Kentucky. 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.

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, dry conditions of summer greatly reduce available pasture. Good management is the key to getting through this growth slump.