Agriculture

I was among friends last week, discussing the virtues of okra. Some preferred to categorize the “slime” as a “thickening agent,” while others insisted you need to be a woodpecker to eat one!

The little ones are best, of course, but often they get too big to be edible. Okra is indeed a great thickening agent in gumbo and other quintessential southern dishes, but there is another plant lurking in the garden that can do the same – and you can usually just find it growing along a path or in the flower garden.

I am getting ready to head back to U of L, where I teach two courses, so I really need to get organized!

The garden is still producing, and time needs to be spent on turning some of the bounty into things that can be enjoyed during the winter months.

I have had the dehydrator going everyday this last week drying apples, peaches and berries, cherry tomatoes and potatoes. Plus, there are predictions of rising food costs (ironically current reports indicate that grain and sugar prices are affecting prices now, and I don’t eat much of that!).

I saw the strangest thing the other day: a bona fide whirlwind?  I was taking water to the ewes and lambs midday, and I looked up to see this swarm of plant material – and whatever else was in it – swirl around a viburnum.  It was hot out and only the slightest breeze was apparent. 

Because I was by myself, I had to comment to the sheep and the dogs, “Oh my gosh, look at that, that is so weird!” 

Collins student Daugherty in WKU agriculture program

Erin Daugherty represented Collins High School at the recent ASSET Conference (Agriculture Students Striving for Effective Tomorrows) held at Western Kentucky University in June.

She was selected by a committee that included students and professors representing the WKU agriculture department for her accomplishments and leadership in the agriculture field.

The conference was held for those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.