Agriculture

Most people are aware of the danger to ash trees from the emerald ash borer throughout North America. According to a sobering USDA Forest Service publication, “Emerald ash borer is the most destructive forest insect introduced into North America in recent history. Our present ability to detect, contain, eradicate, or manage EAB infestations is limited . . . The eventual loss of the vast majority of ash trees in North America should be anticipated.” To read the entire publication, please visit http://na.fs.fed.us/pubs/eab/eab_strategy.pdf.

Getting a message out to the masses has never been so convenient, and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture is no stranger to engaging multi-generational, diverse audiences. It was a natural progression for the college to develop a strong social media presence.

Spring bulbs popping up everywhere as temperatures roller-coaster from the teens to the 60s have left many scratching their heads; there is not much we can do to fool Mother Nature so we must be patient and hope that we have a decent display come March.
I have some foliage that has turned to mush, but the bulb and bloom is still safe beneath the soil surface; the bulb will send up fresh foliage in due time. The real issue with the crazy weather is that our bulbs need sufficient dormancy and chilling time in the ground in order to bloom well.

The Kentucky Farm Service Agency State Office Management Team will hold a public meeting on Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Bullitt County Extension Office located at 384 Halls Lane in Shepherdsville.