Agriculture

Americans have all sorts of reputations, one being our love affair with the perfect lawn.

The funny thing about it is that many of our lawn-care habits actually create additional problems that need some sort of intervention. It is a vicious lawn care cycle.

Fertilize, mow, spray, fertilize, mow, spray…why not just mow high and enjoy the clover?

No matter how many times agronomists warn us not to fertilize in the spring, products fly off the shelf in April and May. Fall is the time to fertilize, if you must.

One of the most anticipated rites of spring is dusting off the tiller and heading out to the vegetable garden for a little soil play. It is one of those things you can’t plan for, though.

It becomes a waiting game because we can’t do it if the soil is too wet, we don’t want to do it if it is too cold, and we only have the time to do it when the weekend rolls around.

Well, what would you say if I told you that you were off the hook when it comes to spring tilling?

USDA extends deadline

to file in discrimination case

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the extension of the voluntary claims process for Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades. All claims must now be filed by May 1.

This is an ongoing issue that was the subject of several workshops around the state, including one in Simpsonville last year that was attended by federal and state agricultural leaders.

Fruit orchard grower session set for Mulberry Orchard

The University of Kentucky Horticulture Department will present a fruit grower orchard meeting on April 11 at Matt Gajdzik’s Mulberry Orchard.  

This program, is being put together by John Strang, UK Extension specialist in fruit and vegetable crops, tentatively will address a variety of diseases and pests. It would include specific sessions and then a roundtable discussion among growers, moderated by Jeremy Hinton.