Agriculture

The USDA Farm Service Agency announced the sign-up deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program has been extended to April 13.
After the CRP general sign-up ends on April 13, FSA will evaluate offers based on cost and the Environmental Benefits Index. The EBI takes into consideration variables such as wildlife habitat, water quality protection, soil erosion reduction, air quality protection and other enduring benefits. Accepted offers will become effective Oct. 1.

Predictions for this season include a high incidence of both fire blight and cedar apple rust.  The signs of fire blight (scorched-looking foliage and stem tips) are rather boring compared to the freaky looking appendages that “ripen” with cedar-apple rust.  Get ready to start seeing large, orange gelatinous spore horns hanging from cedars like they are decorated with Japanese lanterns.  They strike awe and dread from me because they are fabulous looking creations of nature but they also forewarn a rust problem in the orchard for next year.  

Did you know that azaleas and rhododendrons are essentially the same thing? They are both members of the rhododendron genus; they have similar blooms and similar cultural requirements. Some say the primary difference between the two is the number of pollen-bearing stamens: rhods have 10 or more per flower and azaleas have only five.

Congratulations to Lilli Hanik of Fisherville, Liz Walker of Mount Eden, and Courtney Jeffiers of Taylorsville for receiving the 4-H Middle School Award at 4-H Teen Summit on Saturday, March 17th at the Kentucky Leadership Center in Jabez.