.....Advertisement.....
.....Advertisement.....

Agriculture

  • COLUMN: Troubleshooting tomato problems

    This time last year, I had some healthy looking tomato plants, which was a delight because in 2009, I had some disease issues.

    Turned out that 2010 was a bust though because of all the crazy heat we had. This year, the garden and the tomatoes look promising, but I am always on the lookout for emerging problems. So far, the 2011 daytime and nighttime summer weather and temperatures are absolutely perfect for tomatoes.

    Click here to read more...
  • Fun at the 4-H tractor contest

    The 2011 Spencer County 4-H Tractor Contest was held on Friday, May 27th at the Spencer County Fairgrounds.  The Spencer County Youth Service Center provided snacks for the group, which were greatly appreciated.  All participants took a knowledge skill test, inspected the tractors, and drove through an obstacle course, while using the safety procedures that they learned at the tractor safety S.O.S. class, taught by Adam Butler and Todd Bivens this past March.  

    Click here to read more...
  • COLUMN: Producers likely have time to make more hay

    Exceptionally wet weather delayed hay cutting this spring, but producers likely still have time to make enough hay to last them through the winter.

    While many producers were able to make hay during the hot, dry weather the first two weeks of June, producers of alfalfa and alfalfa-mixed grasses were about a month behind with their first cutting. This delay will likely cost them one cutting this year.

    Click here to read more...
  • COLUMN: Spencer County 4-H Trailblazers participate in District Horse Show

    On Saturday, June 4, the Spencer County 4-H Horse Club, the “Trailblazers”, attended the District 3 Horse Show at Lakeside Arena in Frankfort.  District is a regional pre-qualifying competition for the 4-H State Horse Show in July.

    Click here to read more...
  • COLUMN: Harvesting berries for full flavor

    Summer months are the harvest season for blueberries and blackberries, both of which have the potential to grow very well in Kentucky. Blueberries, which are native to North America, are harvested from early June through early August. Blackberries are harvested from mid-June to early October. These delicious fruits offer newly recognized health benefits, but best of all, they capture the essence of summer in their sweetness.

    Click here to read more...
  • COLUMN: The bagworm drag: Bagworms at work right now in evergreens

    Who among us is guilty of not noticing it until it’s too late? Yes, all of a sudden there is nothing left of your blue spruce or arborvitae. Bagworms have been munching on the needles for weeks and we wonder how it all happened.
    Well, they are at work right now, so go outside and take inventory of your evergreens because that’s what the bagworm likes the most. Now is the time they do their damage unless we put a stop to it.

    Click here to read more...
  • Wilt caused by more than heat in vegetable patch

    I can hardly wait for this year’s first harvest of summer squash.  Last year was a bust because of the heat; so, I have high hopes for a bumper squash crop this year. Mostly, gardeners complain about losing their plants to the squash vine borer; but, I have managed to offset that pest pressure by delaying planting in order to miss peak egg-laying time.  I have also used row covers, lifting them in the morning so bees can do their pollinating, then covering them during the day when mama wasp of the vine borer does her work. 

    Click here to read more...
  • Active weather pattern could hold key to Kentucky agriculture

    Coming out of the wettest combined April and May on record, Kentucky agriculture producers are dealing with a multitude of problems including flooding and increased disease.

    University of Kentucky College of Agriculture meteorologist Tom Priddy said data from Jan. 1 to May 31 reveals Kentucky’s wettest year on record with an average 31.38 inches of rainfall statewide. That figure surpasses the previous record of 31.18 inches set in 1950.

    Click here to read more...
  • COLUMN: Spencer 4-H members shine at Fashion Revue

    Three Spencer County 4-H members got to experience being in a Fashion Revue thanks to Shelby County 4-H!

    Click here to read more...
  • COLUMN: Getting to know your beneficial insects

    Before you squish consider the next generation of beneficial insects that you may be eliminating from your garden.  We have come to look at all insects as bad, which is far from the truth.  We delight over butterflies but likely kill many while in the caterpillar stage; we love lady beetles but the nymph stage looks a little scary; and we swat and spray ever fly, wasp and bee in ear-shot.

    Click here to read more...

Copyright © 2013

The Spencer Magnet is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Spencer County, KY and the surrounding area.