Early bird grain meeting scheduled for Nov. 27

A lot of Henry Countians are involved in corn and soybean production these days.  To get things started off with the latest information, UK Cooperative Extension is holding early bird grain meetings for farmers across the state.  The Central and Eastern Kentucky meeting will be from 1:30 to 4:30, Tuesday, Nov. 27, as a live-internet session in the Henry County Extension Office.

The program includes the following topics:  How to maximize returns from manure;   weed control; corn rootworm, invasive stinkbug update, and insect challenges with warm vs. cold winters;  prevention of corn disease;  crop insurance risk management for 2013;  corn seeding rates and planting dates.

Further details can be obtained by calling the Henry County Extension Office at 845-2811, and we’d like to have you register so we can prepare the facilities appropriately.

Henry County Cattleman’s Association

The Henry County Cattleman’s Association will have its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, at the Henry County Extension Office.  Just a reminder:  no one will be able to take calls for reservations at the Henry County Extension Office after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday as the office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.  As the Extension staff will be sharing time with families and friends, we wish the same for you.

AFGC meeting this January in Kentucky

The American Forage and Grassland Council will host its annual meeting Jan. 6-9, 2013, at the Marriott River Center in Covington.

The conference will feature specific topic areas; scientific posters; an outstanding exhibit hall representing seed, chemical, fencing and other industry companies and organizations; many networking opportunities; and several competitions such as the forage spokesperson, emerging scientist, photo and essay contests.

The conference opening session moderated by Dr. Garry Lacefield will focus on forage research, teaching and extension: Challenges and opportunities with presentations by key leaders from industry, education, producer and government perspectives. In addition, AFGC is proud to partner with Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide workshops on forage suitability groups – the what, why, how, when and by whom for successful development and developing grazing plans with contingency for drought and wildfire.

Details and registration are available on the web at www.afgc.org.   Or, contact the Henry County Extension Office at 845-2811 for information or questions.

Winter Livestock/Forage Reminders

• Plan and prepare for changes to your grazing system and pasture renovations that will be implemented next spring.

• Apply phosphate, potash, and lime according to soil test recommendations.

• Frost seeding of clovers should be performed between Feb. 1 and March 1.

• Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in late February to promote early grass growth.

• Alfalfa can be grazed after Nov. 1 or the first killing frost with no negative effects on spring growth.

• Inspect and prepare water systems for freezing temperatures. Be sure that livestock have access to water at all times.

• Reduce damage to pastures by removing animals or reducing traffic during extremely wet conditions. Use a sacrifice lot, barn, or move animals faster to reduce negative effects.

• If possible, move feeding area often to reduce soil erosion, compaction, and mud accumulation.

• Sample hay prior to feeding or sale.