Extension Calling

Nothing against pumpkin spice, but when we think fall we're all on board for apples. We have such a wide variety of apples we encourage you to reach out to a local orchard and try something new. Some varieties of apples will continue to ripen into November! 

With such a long turn around, growing garlic can be incredibly rewarding, or incredibly dissapointing. Moisture can be the enimy for growing, curing, and storing. Start with clean bulblets (cloves) that are certified for planting and maybe not the ones from the grocery store. While those will work, they may bring disease into your soils. Listen for more tips for a successful crop!

Adult spotted lanternflies (SLF) are being seen in new areas right now. Check the map to see if they're near you, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf scroll down to current status and find your state. If your county isn't marked, be sure to report your sightings! This website will help you find your state's reporting requirements. If you are visiting an area with SLF or just passing through, take the time to check your things before going home for insects and egg masses. The same applies if you are going from an infested area to visit an area that doesn't have this insect. Our grape growers are depending on you!

This episode is a little different as we are boosting the signal to share information about assistance programs for farms to deal with the impacts of this extended drought period. Please note that the speakers here are from the Potomac Highlands and you will need to contact your local service providers to learn about the NRCS programs open to your area. 

Drought is hard on all plants, even the mighty oak. Early leaf drop, root loss, and increased danger of predation by insects are but a few of the impacts. Watering orchard, yard, and street trees can help keep them strong for many years to come. 

If you are looking to expand your spring flowering, you have to plan ahead. September is a great time to plant new bulbs, corms, and rhizomes. Enjoy greater success with proper vernalization, planting, and placement.

If you are in an area facing drought, there are a few things you can do to protect your crops beyond irrigation. 

It has been a harsh summer. Many pastures and hayfields are dry and crispy. Luckily, we snagged this amazing interview from Ed Rayburn before he retired on what you need to do to bring them back!

If you raise livestock, you are a grass farmer. Hay and forage are key to meeting your management goals and making a profit. But, do you know where you can cut corners and where you can't? 

Food waste and Yard waste make a nearly 10 million ton per year problem. But there is one simple thing we can do to make a big impact, compost. You can compost nearly anywhere and on any scale as long as you follow a few simple rules. Give it a try and make a difference in your landfill (and get free fertilizer while you're at it)!

The lack of rain and heat has impacted our cool season grasses. If you're looking at a lost second cut of hay or stalled growth in the pasture, it's time to look at how the rest of the year is going to play out. Avoid overgrazing pastures to eek out the summer. Feeding hay is a better way to put weight on right now. Then, look at how that extra hay is going to impact your bottom line. 

Improving the quality of the beef on the consumers plate is more than just making sure you have the correct amount of marbling, and the right species mix of cattle. It's making sure you are doing all you can to care for the animal as it's being raised and brought to market. Caring for the animal includes handling, managing medications, keeping it clean and safe, and protecting it from injury. All of these will help your animals gain and have a higher value at the market, while also making your life easier too! 

Summer is a working season for some and a vacationing season for others. Sometimes family will visit the farm. Are you doing all you can to help keep them safe? How about keeping yourself safe? We go over several recommendations for working around equipment, electricity, and more. Stay hydrated and stay safe!

As we get outside more to enjoy the nice weather, it is important to remember about those little blood suckers hiding in the grass. Even well manacured lawns can be home to ticks. Know the risks, use repellents, and always do tick checks.

It's finally here! The time for planting is now! Memorial Day weekend is commonly looked to as our official frost free date and when soil temperatures are in 60's. So if you're dreaming of sweet corn roasting on an open fire later this year, it's time to get out and get it planted. 

Rhododendrons and azaleas are some of the most beautiful plants in our spring landscape. They are tough and the deer don't prize their foliage. However, they do have problems. Most often the issues are caused by poor growing conditions which invite disease to take hold. We go over some of the big ones today. Images and more details can be found here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/azaleas-and-rhododendrons-identify-and-manage-problems/ 

Turf grass takes effort. If you want a healthy lawn, there are some steps you can't ignore. Sharpening your mower blades is just one of them. Please check out our website: https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/lawn for more information after the show. 

Storm damage can be rough. A tree failure in a storm can be devastating. There are several things you can do to help your trees weather storms better, but you may be thinking of the wrong ones and making the risk greater.

Guest Erika Lyon from OSU Extension joins us to discuss the news surrounding highly pathogenic avian influenza including symptoms and biosecurity steps. We also give some quick tips for consumers.  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock https://u.osu.edu/poultry/files/2022/04/Avian-Influenza-Trifold.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/inhumans.htm https://u.osu.edu/poultry/2023/02/23/understanding-the-current-avian-influenza-outbreak-and-its-impact/

Quickly remove all flood debris, including poisonous plants, from fields.  Vaccinate all livestock, including horses, exposed to flooded areas during or immediately after the flood.  Check with your veterinarian about which clostridial and tetanus vaccines to use for your animals and if you will need boosters. Closely inspect all livestock that were exposed to flooded areas for injuries.  Open wounds need a tetanus antitoxin.  Always follow label directions. Learn more at your local extension office, or online at https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-preparedness/flooding/forage-livestock-management-after-flooding