4-H Agriculture Picture Challenge

Be sure to have your 4-H Member check out this new 4-H Contest!  

Open Agriculture Department at Ag Festival

Below you find the list of Open Agricultural Entries that can be entered into the Ag Festival. 

Exhibit Registration will take place Thursday, July 17^th from 10am through 6pm at the 4-H Activities Building at Myer Creek Park.  Judging will begin promptly at 6pm. 

Please take a minute to review the list and see what all you and your family members can exhibit this year.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Open Agricultural Crops Department

Entries begin Thursday, July 17^th 10am

Judging Begins at 6pm

Contact- Cary Hicks

(270)273-3690

Rules and Regulations:

1.      Entries must be brought to the 4-H Activities Building at Myer Creek Park and registered on Thursday, July 17^th 10am-6pm.

2.      Judging will begin promptly at 6pm on July 17^th.

3.      All judges’ decisions are final.

4.      Exhibits must be picked up Saturday, July 19^th 6pm-8pm.

5.      Field and Garden Crops will be judged on their stage of maturity at time of judging.

6.      All premium checks will be mailed to exhibitors following the close of Ag Festival. 

7.      Entries must have been produced in McLean County.

8.      Exhibitor must be a resident of McLean County.

FIELD CROP DEPARTMENT-OPEN DIVISION

$7.00   $6.00   $5.00   $4.00

Tobacco

            501      Green Tobacco by the Stick, Burley, 4 Stalks per Stick

            502      Green Tobacco by the Stick, Dark, 4 Stalks per Stick

            503      Best Potted Growing Plant of Burley Tobacco

            504      Best Potted Growing Plant of Dark Tobacco

Corn

            506      10 Ears White Corn 2014 Crop

            507      10 Ears Yellow Corn 2014 Crop

            508      10 Ears Popcorn 2014 Crop

            509      1 Qt White Shelled Corn 2013 Crop

            510      1 Qt Yellow Shelled Corn 2013 Crop

Hay

            511      ½ Bale Clover Hay

            512      ½ Bale Alfalfa Hay

            513      ½ Bale Mixed Hay

            514      ½ Bale Grass Hay

            515      ½ Bale Legume Hay

Seed Crops

            517      1 Qt Soybeans 2013 Crop

            518      1 Qt Wheat

            519      3 Soybeans Plants

           

GARDEN DEPARTMENT- OPEN DIVISION

$5.00   $4.00   $3.00   $2.00

            521      Snap Beans-any variety, plate of 12

            522      Beet-any variety, plate of 5

            523      Broccoli, best head

            524      Cabbage, best head

            525      Lima Beans-any variety, plate of 12

            526      Cauliflower, best head

            527      Carrots-any variety, topped, plate of 5

            528      Cucumbers-for slicing, any variety, plate of 5

            529      Cucumber-for pickling, any one variety, plate of 5

            530      Green Onions, plate of 5

            531      White Onions, plate of 5

            532      Yellow Onions, plate of 5

            533      Okra-any green slender variety, plate of 5

            534      Peppers-green bell, plate of 5

            535      Peppers-red bell, plate of 5

            536      Peppers-pimento, plate of 5

            537      Peppers-banana, plate of 5

            538      Peppers-jalapeno, plate of 5

            539      Peppers-cayenne, plate of 5

            540      Potatoes-best of any variety, play of 5

            541      Striped Pumpkin

            542      Pumpkin-any variety

            543      Summer Squash-any variety, play of 3

            544      Winter Squash-any variety, play of 3

            545      Sweet Corn, 6 ears in husk

            546      Tomatoes-red, one variety, plate of 5

            547      Tomatoes-yellow, one variety, plate of 5

            548      Tomato-Largest

            549      Watermelon-Largest

            550      Cantaloupe-any of variety

            551      Best Garden and/or Orchard Display

            552      Best Novelty Garden Crop Display

            553      Best Gourd Display

            554      Best Sunflower Head

            555      Best Jar of Honey

            556      Best Miniature Flower Arrangement, 3” high, live

            557      Best Rose Display

            558      Best Zinnia Display

            559      Best Flowering House Plant

            560      Best Foliage House Plant

            561      Best Arrangement of 5 or Fewer Flowers, Live

            562      Best Arrangement of 6 or More Flowers, Live

            563      Best Agriculture Education Display/Poster

Wheat Harvest & DON Concerns By Carrie Knott, UK Grain Crops Extension Agronomist

Wheat Harvest and DON Concerns

Carrie Knott, Grain Crops Extension Agronomist

Apparently the recurring theme of the 2014 wheat crop is unusual weather patterns and problems. 

Many producers started the season later than desired due to unusually cool weather that delayed corn development and harvest.  Unusually low temperatures delayed wheat development.  Fortunately, wheat was not delayed as much as it could have been.   As of last week the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) reported that 35% of Kentucky’s wheat crop had been harvested.  The 5 year average for harvested wheat is 50%.  

Unfortunately, high deoxynivalenol (DON; also called vomitoxin) levels in harvested grain have been reported throughout Kentucky.   This is despite the fact that most counties are reporting good test weights and yields.  In many cases, producers have done everything right.  The environmental conditions simply favored extensive DON accumulation with little or no visible symptoms of head scab (Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearium). 

There are laboratories that can test for DON levels in grain samples if a producer is interested in knowing this information before transporting grain for sale.  For detailed information on DON testing contact your local University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Agent.  

McLean Co. Ag Festival Will be Here Soon!!!

Chigger Time

It’s chigger time across Kentucky. Just talking about them may make you itch. Chiggers are actually the immature stage of certain mite species. You’ll find them most often in overgrown bushy areas. They also congregate in shady, humid areas near stream banks, under or around shade trees or in berry thickets.

UK Extension Entomologist Lee Townsend and Mike Potter explain that only the larval (immature) stage of this family of mites causes the itching problem. After hatching, larvae crawl around until they find and attach to a suitable host. In addition to humans, chiggers feed on a variety of wild and domestic animals, including snakes, turtles, birds, rodents and domestic pets such as dogs and cats.

A widespread myth is that chiggers burrow into your skin and feed on your blood. This isn’t true. Instead, they attach to a skin pore or hair follicle and then inject a salivary fluid that produces a hard, domed area around them, and they use a feeding tube to withdraw liquefied tissues from hosts. The red welt rash and intense itching are allergic reactions to the salivary secretions and can last for up to two weeks or longer.

Larvae feed for about three or four days; then drop off and eventually mature into non-parasitic adults.

There are ways you can protect yourself from these itchy pests. Avoid walking through unmown fields, brush and other overgrown areas. Instead, walk in the center of mown trails to avoid brushing up against vegetation where chiggers congregate.

Create a chigger barrier when you hike or camp in potentially chigger-infested areas so that chiggers can’t come in contact with your skin. Wear long pants that are tucked into boots or socks and long-sleeve shirts. Clothing made of tightly woven fabrics keep chiggers from reaching the skin as easily.

You can also apply an insect or tick repellent; just be sure to read and follow the directions on the container. Products containing DEET or picaradin are easy to find and use. Also, there are clothing treatments containing permethrin.

Showering or bathing immediately after coming indoors effectively removes chiggers that have not yet attached. If that is not possible, thoroughly and briskly rubbing your skin with a dry towel may remove many chiggers before they are able to attach and feed.

While chiggers are most common in wild overgrowth, they can also make a home in shady areas of yards, parks, camps, picnic sites and recreation areas. You can control chiggers in your outdoor environment with effective vegetation management that allows penetration of sunlight and reduces humidity. Prune trees and bushes and mow closer to allow more sunlight and to lower humidity. Remove scrub brush piles and accumulated debris to reduce protection for small animals and are important hosts for chiggers. As an added benefit, these steps will reduce problems with ticks as well.

For more information about chiggers and other summer pests, contact the McLean Cooperative Extension Service.  Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

McLean County Ag Festival

2014 McLean Co. Ag Festival Livestock Show Rules

2014 McLean County Ag Festival

Youth Livestock Shows

GENERAL LIVESTOCK RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. All entries must conform to the official health regulations governing the exhibition of livestock in Kentucky.  All animals exhibited at the McLean County Ag Festival shall be identified individually on a health certificate.

2. Exhibitors are expected to treat their animals in a manner consistent with good animal husbandry, and display proper sportsmanship at all times.

3.  The official judge’s decisions are final.                                

4. Owner must furnish all feed and bedding for their animals.

5.  All animals exhibited must be the bona fide property of the exhibitor.

6. The shows are open to regularly enrolled 4-H and FFA members engaged in an approved livestock project.  The livestock shows are open to enrolled 4-H members who have passed their 9^th birthday before January 1, 2014 but have not had their 19^th birthday as of January 1, 2014.  FFA members are eligible to show up to three county fairs after they graduate high school. 

7. All entries must be under the supervision of the 4-H Youth Development Agent or the Vocational Agriculture Instructor.

Youth Beef Show

Registration:  Saturday, July 19th from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. for all beef entries at Myer Creek Park 4-H Activities Center

Beef Schedule:  Beef Showmanship 6:00 p.m., followed by Market Steer/Market Heifer Show and conclude with the heifer show

Show Chairmen: Dinky Hicks, Cary Hicks, Katie Royse, Ross Woodburn

Beef Showmanship Rules:

1. 4-H and FFA members will show together for showmanship.

2. Participants will be broken into three classes based upon their age as of January 1, 2014.  Novice (5 to 8 years old), Juniors (9 to 13 years old) and Seniors (14 years old and up).

3. Junior and Senior showmanship classes will be presented cash awards, 1^st- $25, 2^nd- $20 and 3^rd- $15 and ribbons.

Open Market Steer / Market Heifer Classes

Rules:

1. The county Market Steer/Market Heifer Show is open to all 4-H and FFA members. 

2. Market steers and market heifers will show together.

3. 4-H and FFA members will show together.

4. Three classes will be offered: light weight, middle weight and heavy weight market steer/market heifer with these premiums: 1^st - $50, 2^nd - $30, 3^rd - $20, and 4^th - $15. 

5. Grand Champion Market Steer/Market Heifer will receive $100 and a banner.      

6. Reserve Champion Market Steer/Market Heifer will be awarded $50 and a banner.

Premiums, Ribbons and Feed Buckets Sponsored by Independence Bank.

Premiums and Banners Sponsored by McLean Co. Cattlemen’s Association.

Youth Market Lamb Show

Registration and Weigh In:  Saturday, July 19th from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. for all lamb entries at Myer Creek Park 4-H Activities Center

Market Lamb Schedule:  Will start 5:00pm. Show order: Showmanship, novice weight classes and market lamb weight classes

Show Chairmen: Dinky Hicks, Steve Hatfield, Cary Hicks, Katie Royse, Ross Woodburn

Market Lamb Showmanship Rules:

1. 4-H and FFA members will show together for showmanship.

2. Participants will be broken into three classes based upon their age as of January 1, 2014.  Novice (8 years old and under), Juniors (9 to 13 years old) and Seniors (14 years old and up).

3. Junior and Senior showmanship classes will be presented cash awards, 1^st: $50, 2^nd: $25 and 3^rd$15 and ribbons.

Market Lamb Rules:

1. Exhibitors may enter market ewes or wethers.  Induced cryptorchids, short scrotum lambs, and ram lambs may not be shown. 

2. Lambs must be docked and clean castrated, and the animal must be shorn slick above the knee and hock joint (1/4 inch or less) prior to the first class. 

3. Lambs will be shown by weight.  Classes will be broken at the discretion of the local committee.

4. Youth eight years old and under as of January 1, 2014 are eligible to participate in the Novice weight and showmanship classes.

5. A maximum of seven classes will be offered with these premiums:  $20, $15, $12, $10, $9.  Total premiums per class will be $66.

6. Before the selection of the Grand Champion Market Lamb, a Best Born and Bred McLean County Lamb will be selected.  To qualify for the class, the market lamb must have been bred and born in McLean County.  An award will be given to the winner. 

7. Grand champion lamb will receive $50 and a banner and reserve champion lamb will receive $25 and a banner.

Premiums, Ribbons and Feed Buckets Sponsored by Independence Bank.

Banners Sponsored by Steve Hatfield.

Youth Market Goat Show

Registration and Weigh In:  Saturday, July 19th from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm for all goat entries at Myer Creek Park 4-H Activities Center

Goat Schedule: Goat Showmanship will start 15 minutes after the conclusion of the market lamb show, followed by novice weight classes and market goat weight classes

Show Chairman:  Dinky Hicks, Cary Hicks, Katie Royse, Ross Woodburn

Market Goat Showmanship Rules:

1. 4-H and FFA members will show together for showmanship.

2. Participants will be broken into three classes based upon their age as of January 1, 2014.  Novice (8 years old and under), Juniors (9 to 13 years old) and Seniors (14 years old and up).

3. Junior and Senior showmanship classes will be presented cash awards, 1^st: $25, 2^nd: $20 and 3^rd$15 and ribbons.

Market Goat Rules:

1.  Exhibitors may enter market does or wethers.  All goats must be clean castrated (banded or surgically removed clamping is not allowed) prior to arrival on the grounds.  All testicular tissue is to be removed.  No artificial coloring may be used.

2.  Horns are optional, but must be tipped (squared off).  Tipped is defined as having the end of the horn squared off to ½ inch in diameter or larger.  All tipping must be done prior to arrival on the grounds.  All goats shown by Novice exhibitors must be disbudded (dehorned).

3. All goats are required to have a complete unbroken mouth and kid teeth.  The judge will make the determination.

4. Goats will be shown by weight and must weigh a minimum of 30 pounds on show day.  Classes will be broken by weight at the discretion of the local committee.

5. Entries will be divided into classes with not more than 20 lbs. variance in weights.

6. Youth eight years old and under as of January 1, 2014 are eligible to participate in the Novice weight and showmanship classes.

7. A maximum of seven classes will be offered with these premiums:  $15, $10, $8, $6, $4.  Total premiums per class will be $43. 

8. Before the selection of the Grand Champion Market Goat, a Best Born and Bred McLean County Goat will be selected. To qualify for the class, the market goat must have been bred and born in McLean County.  An award will be given to the winner.

9. Grand Champion Market Goat will receive $50 and a banner and Reserve Champion Market Goat will receive $25 and a banner.

Premiums, Ribbons and Feed Buckets Sponsored by Independence Bank.

Banners Sponsored by David & Cary Hicks.

Youth Market Swine Show

Registration and Weigh In:  Friday, July 18, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Myer Creek Park 4-H Activities Center

Swine Schedule:  Swine Showmanship 6 pm, followed by novice weight class and swine weight classes

Show Chairmen: Dinky Hicks, Jonathan Ayer, Cary Hicks, Katie Royse, Ross Woodburn

Swine Showmanship Rules:

1. 4-H and FFA members will show together for showmanship.

2. Participants will be broken into three classes based upon their age as of January 1, 2014.  Novice (8 years old and under), Juniors (9 to 13 years old) and Seniors (14 years old and up).

3. Junior and Senior showmanship classes will be presented cash awards, 1^st: $25, 2^nd: $20 and 3^rd$15 and ribbons.

Swine Show Rules:

1. The youth swine show is open to any 4-H and FFA member.

2. Exhibitors must notify the McLean Co. Extension Office  at (270)273-3690 by July 11^th if they are planning on showing at the McLean County Ag Festival.

3. Each 4-H or FFA member may exhibit up six pigs. 

4. Any animal on-foot showing evidence of staginess, incomplete castration, crippling, or disease will be eliminated from competing in the show.

5. Youth eight years old and younger as of January 1, 2014 are eligible to participate in the Novice weight and showmanship classes.

6. Barrows and/or gilts are eligible to be shown.  They will be shown together.

7. Swine will be shown by weight.

8. A maximum of eight classes will be offered with these premiums:  $20, $17, $14, $11, $9.  Total premiums per class will be $71.

9. Before the selection of the Grand Champion Hog, a Best Born and Bred McLean County Hog will be selected. To qualify for the class, the market hog must have been bred and born in McLean County.  An award will be given to the winner based on contributions from local businesses and will be given at a later date.

10. Grand Champion Market Hog will receive $50 and a banner and Reserve Champion Market Hog will receive $25 and a banner.

Premiums, Ribbons and Feed Buckets Sponsored by Independence Bank.

Banners Sponsored by Sam’s Pig Place.

McLean Co. Ag Festival Mule Show

Keeping My Distance

I have seen it happen countless times on TV and in movies, and I just hope that it does not ever happen at my house.  I dread the day that my little boy comes inside the house and pulls out a snake that he has found outside and asks to keep it.  If and when that does happen, you all may not see me for a few days because I’ll be recuperating and trying to get my heart to beat regular again.  Like many, I hate snakes.  I’m fine as long as I see them before they see me and I have plenty of time to put some distance between us.  However, I do not want to be up close and personal with them.  I just prefer to keep my distance.

Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, and Ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, are the two most common phobias people experience about animals and wildlife.  The best way to control these fears is to educate yourself on the subject or to avoid the source altogether.  However, if you enjoy outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, camping or even just setting up the backyard barbeque, chances are eventually you will run into one of these creatures. 

According to UK Extension Entomology Specialist Ric Bessin, spiders and snakes are predators that prey on insects and other animals that feed on many plants found in yards and gardens.  Both of these backyard visitors are often misunderstood.  While it is true that some snakes and spiders will bite if disturbed, generally, neither are aggressive toward humans and actual bites in the yard are rare. 

Two spiders found in Kentucky are considered dangerous; the brown recluse and the black widow.  Both of these spiders prefer to live in dark, seldom disturbed areas.  You are more likely to find them hiding in garages and storage sheds than among plants in your yard or garden.  For this reason, it is always a good idea to wear gloves when searching through items in these areas.  Look at pictures of these and other spiders so you can identify them. The black widow has a distinct red, hour-glass shape on her underside.  A dark, fiddle-shaped mark is found on the body of the brown recluse.  Some of the more colorful spiders found outdoors include orb weavers like the large yellow and black garden spiders, funnel web spiders, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and crab spiders. 

Of the 33 snake species found in Kentucky, only four are venomous; the Northern copperhead, Western cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake and pygmy rattlesnake. These four species have very specialized habitat requirements and are rarely found around suburban homes and buildings.   However, they are not uncommon in McLean County.

Garter snakes, rat snakes and Eastern Milk snakes are harmless and more likely to be seen in populated areas.  These beneficial species prefer damp, dark and cool areas where food is abundant.  Stacked firewood, old lumber or junk piles, heavily mulched gardens, lawns and abandoned lots with tall vegetation, cluttered basements and attics, and feed storage areas in barns where rodents may be abundant, provide attractive habitats. 

There a several ways to differentiate between venomous and harmless snakes.  For a detailed list of identifying characteristics, go to the website: http://www.ca.uky.edu/forestryextension/publications_wildlife.php.

If you encounter a snake, the best approach is to retreat.  A cornered animal is more likely to strike, but if left alone, the intruder will probably initiate its own retreat.  If a problem persists, homeowners can try altering the habitat to make it less attractive.  No chemicals exist to kill snakes so cultural practices such as mowing, removing clutter and controlling rodent populations must be used to reduce opportunities for human-snake interactions.

As predators, spiders and snakes are an important part of our natural world.  They provide free pest control by reducing populations of undesirable insects and rodents that can damage crops, landscaping and property. 

For more information about wildlife in your backyard, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service.  Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin. 

Upcoming Antique Tractor Show

McLean County Ag Festival Livestock Shows

Extension Celebrates 100 Years of Service

This year we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which officially created the National Cooperative Extension System. This celebration will highlight Extension’s past and focus on the contemporary application of Extension’s transformational educational programming into the future.  While celebrating Cooperative Extension’s heritage, the primary focus will be on contemporary efforts and launching Cooperative Extension for the next 100 years of educational programming that transforms behavior of individuals, families, youth, farmers, communities, and businesses. 

We are planning two events for our 100 Years of Extension Celebration; the first is this Friday, June 13th.  Everyone is invited to join our celebration, taking place at the McLean County Fair.  Cake will be served at the 4-H Activities Building starting at 5pm this Friday evening as part of our celebration.  Please join us as we look back on 100 years of education and making a difference in the lives of McLean County Citizens. 

Another part of our celebration requires a little more work out of you all.  I ask that McLean County Citizens send in “your extension story”.  We want your story about how the Cooperative Extension Service has impacted you.  It does not have to be Agriculture only; it can be Ag, 4-H and/or Family and Consumer Science.  We would like to compile all of your Extension Stories and share them with the county during the Ag Festival.  If you have an Extension Story that you would like to share, please send them to me either via mail, drop them off or email them to me at cary.hicks@uky.edu by July 1^st. 

I hope to see you all this week at the McLean County Fair and hope that you will join us Friday evening at the 4-H Activities Building for our 100 Years of Extension Celebration.  I look forward to hearing your stories of past experiences with the Cooperative Extension Services and your ideas for our future.

For more information on programs and services provided by the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office, please contact us at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.