Category: Agriculture

By Rick Hirsch/County Extension Agent

Hay storage losses vary greatly depending upon several factors, but storage technique is of utmost importance. The loss of dry hay stored inside a barn is usually of little concern. However, even for barn stored hay, losses rise sharply as moisture levels increase above 20 percent and losses from round bales stored outside under adverse conditions can be much larger. During storage, hay can be subject to dry matter losses as well as losses of forage quality. So, it is important to have the proper storage space for hay. Barns similar to these Dutch Barns could be a step in the right direction when it comes to having sustainable storage options.

If hay is to be stored outside, it is desirable to locate the storage site close to the feeding area because bales become more difficult to handle as they weather. It is easier to move them a greater distance when they are new and tightly wrapped. Continue reading “Agriview: Store Hay to Limit Losses”

By Rick Hirsch/County Extension Agent

I know we have had more than our fair share of rain this year, but the hot, dry days of summer are just around the corner . . . maybe. Keeping our lawns green in July and August can be a challenge even with a good irrigation system. Watering is one of the basic elements of lawn maintenance and often one of the costliest. But without it, our lawns may well dry up and die. With an effective system of pipework and water flow valves (https://tameson.com/valves/ball-valve/manual/3-way/) in place, there is no reason that your lawn can’t make it through August without succumbing to the intense heat.

Soil type, grass species and turf management influence the amount of supplemental water and the watering frequency required for lawns.

Sandy, coarse-textured soils absorb water at a much faster rate than finer textured soils, but retain less moisture. Therefore sandy soils will require more frequent applications of water at lighter rates. Clay soils retain more moisture and should require less frequent waterings. Clay soils absorb water very slowly so application rates should be slower and extended over a longer period. Continue reading “Agriview: Caring For Your Lawn in the Heat”

By Rick Hirsch/County Extension Agent

We are fortunate to have a number of flowering annuals available that will withstand out hot, dry summers. Marigolds, zinnias, periwinkles, cleome, portulaca, gloriosa daisies, and globe amarinth are all extremely heat tolerant, and well adapted to our environment. Castor beans will provide huge masses of tropical foliage in green, bronze or purple, with minimum effort. For shaded areas, chose from impatiens, begonias, caladiums or coleus. All these are available in a variety of foliage or flower colors to suit most any scheme. Moon flowers and morning glory vines may be planted from seed and when grown in arbors, provide shade and flowers later in the summer.

Summer is a time for enjoying the landscape. By carefully selecting and placing colorful, easy-to-grow annual flowers and some minor arborist assistance, you can make our outdoor areas more attractive, and still have plenty of time to relax. Although if you need professional help, you can always contact company like Legion Landscaping for comprehensive landscape designs and installations. Continue reading “Keeping Lawns and Landscapes Healthy”

By Rick Hirsch/County Extension Agent

The recent rains have brought fire ants closer to the surface, both literally and as a matter of concern for area property owners.

Rain doesn’t necessarily make fire ants more abundant. They were always there; they just weren’t as noticeable. When it rains, the ground becomes saturated and the fire ants move their colonies higher, giving some people the impression there are more of them than there were during dry months.

Unless homeowners have been treating regularly, it’s a safe assumption they already have or will be getting at least one fire ant mound in their yard. Continue reading “Hirsch On Dealing With Fire Ants”