Agriculture

If you have a less-than-productive grass pasture or hayfield, following a few simple renovation techniques could increase the field’s productivity.  Some things you can do include planting a legume such as red clover, controlling pests and adding lime and fertilizer. Be aware though, some techniques require you to start as early as the middle of February.

Henry County Farmers/Landowners are encouraged to visit the NRCS office in New Castle now to receive information and apply for conservation technical assistance and possible financial funding opportunities.  Applications for Environmental Quality Incentives Program will be in the Jan. 18, 2013, ranking period.  The application process for 2008 Farm Bill conservation programs is continuous, but funding selections are made at specific times during the year.  

Last week, I had the chance to attend the Commodity Day of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Annual meeting in Louisville.  State and national experts discuss new findings and directions for a variety of farm enterprises through short conferences through the day.  I was able to attend the tobacco conference, the economic outlook conference and the forage conference.  Other well attended offerings were:  dairy, equine, feed grains, beef, horticulture, forestry and natural resources. 

4-H livestock judging is a great way for young people to learn more about the animals they love and learn valuable life skills, such as decision making and critical thinking, in the process.

One of the great things about livestock judging is you only need to have an interest in livestock to participate. Owning livestock or coming from an agricultural background are not participation requirements.