Agriculture

Pleasureville farm listed

among top angus breeders

Dutch Creek Beef of Pleasureville owns one bull listed in the Spring 2012 Sire Evaluation Report published by the American Angus Association.

"This report provides both Angus breeders and commercial cattle producers using Angus genetics with accurate, predictable selection tools for improving their herd," American Angus Association COO Bill Bowman said in a release announcing Dutch Creek’s inclusion.

Officials warn horse owners

of tent caterpillar outbreak

Experts are warning that a tiny critter that can have a big impact on horse owners is back. The University of Kentucky warned last week that eastern tent caterpillar eggs have begun hatching well ahead of last year.

Absolutely nothing says spring more than the distant chorus of spring peepers.

There is a wooded stream just off Conner Station that is home to a cacophonous band of peepersall competing for as many females as they can.  On a warm March evening, especially after a shower, spring peepers remind me of how glorious rural life can be.  Just by listening a whole other world can be imagined.

Male spring peepers are the noisemakers.  The louder and faster they peep, the luckier they get on their quest to attract females.

I am plotting and planning and placing orders for onion sets and seed potatoes and summer crops that will be directly seeded in the garden once the temperatures really warm. I can barely stand the wait!

I have two trays of seedlings that I started about 2 weeks ago and have begun another round of kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts in 3 more trays.

My setup is not elaborate. It basically consists of a kit that includes a plastic dome that fits over a seed tray and pan.