Agriculture

Although parts of Spencer County received abundant rainfall this last weekend, much of the state has been behind on rainfall since spring began, but the drought has been exceptional in Western Kentucky with some cities 8 and 9 inches below normal rainfall totals. With some of the state’s historically driest months ahead, good pasture management is critical for livestock producers, said forage extension specialists from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Spectacular blooms and diverse types and varieties make roses a favorite of many Kentucky gardeners.  However, warm, humid growing conditions create an ideal environment for serious problems each year with black spot and powdery mildew.
Gardeners can nip these fungal diseases in the bud by planting resistant or tolerant varieties and creating an unfavorable environment for disease development. It may be necessary to use fungicides throughout the summer, especially on susceptible varieties.

We have a beautiful prickly pear cactus in bloom right now that is flaunting yellow and orange blooms like a peacock does feathers.  It is tucked in a garden on the south side of the house, so it thrives.  In fact, this cactus is native to Kentucky even if most people only associate it with the desert Southwest.
When it comes to prickly plants, most of us automatically think of cacti in the desert; there are others with a subtler prick to consider for the mixed border.  Look into adding some texture with Acanthus, Echinops and Eryngium.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today its decision on Farm Service Agency  county office consolidations proposed in January as part of USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service. In total, FSA will consolidate 125 of the 131 offices originally proposed for consolidation with other USDA service centers. This includes the Bullitt County office that serviced Spencer County residents.
The Blueprint included USDA’s plan to close or consolidate 259 domestic offices including the FSA offices, additional facilities and labs, and seven foreign offices.