Agriculture

One of the most anticipated rites of spring is dusting off the tiller and heading out to the vegetable garden for a little soil play. It is one of those things you can’t plan for, though. It becomes a waiting game because we can’t do it if the soil is too wet; we don’t want to do it if it is too cold; and we only have the time to do it when the weekend rolls around.

Even though you may not have put away your winter coat just yet, it’s time to start thinking about 4-H summer camps.
Are you ready to experience one of the most fun weeks of your life? Do you like to catch bugs, butterflies, crawdads or fish? Maybe you love swimming, riflery, archery, canoeing, crafts or music. Do you like to go hiking and spend time identifying trees and critters you find along the way? Do you like making new friends and having lots of fun? If any of these things appeal to you, you need to sign up for 4-H camp this summer.

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.