Trader's Dispatch - August 2024

Important information regarding State Hail Claims

In light of recent storms, the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding producers that when there is a hail loss, it is the participating producers’ responsibility to inform the Hail Insurance Program of the loss within 14 days of the storm. Producers can call, email, or mail/fax in their completed loss forms. Applications for State Hail Insurance Policy are available through MDA’s State Hail Insurance Program.

Producers can insure crops against hail damage at the maximum coverage rate of $75 per acre for dryland and $114 per acre for irrigated land. Rates charged are a percentage of the insured amount and vary by county. A detailed list of rates by county and crop can be found online by visiting the MDA website. State policies are available for purchase until August 15, 2024.

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PRODUCTION SALES

Meetings on agriculture drones

Nebraska Extension is hosting two drone conferences in August. The 2nd Annual Drones in Ag Conference will be on Wednesday, August 14, followed by the Nebraska Spray Drone Conference on Thursday, August 15, both at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, Nebraska.

These conferences will feature speakers from Nebraska businesses, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Federal Aviation Administration, who will cover topics in drone regulations, practical uses of drones, and spray drone applications. Attendees will also have the opportunity to watch live demonstrations of drones, including spray drones. Full agendas for the conferences will be shared through CropWatch in the near future.

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AUCTIONS

Aug 13 - 20, Kinsey Auctioneers & Real Estate, Small Acreage Auction, Online A6

Aug 13 - Sept 10, Musser Bros Auctions & Real Estate, Wayne Thieme Estate - Firearms, Online A9

Aug - Sept 17, Musser Bros Auctions & Real Estate, Joe Curran Estate, Allis Chalmers Collection, Online A15

Aug 17 - 18, Stere Auction Service, 75 Old Cars & Parts, Columbia Falls MT A4

Aug 24, Weaver Auctions, Fall Consignment, Drummond MT A6

Aug 28 - Sept 10, Yellowstone Auction, Farm, Ranch, Construction Equipment & Tools, Online A5 & C27

Sept 7, GSI Auction Service, All Seasons Home Center Lumber & Hardware, Glasgow MT A8

Sept 7, RK Statewide Auction, Ken Brose Estate Ranch, Glendive MT A7

Sept 8, RLP Auctions, Cowboy Collectibles, Americana, Hamilton MT A8 Sept 14, RK Statewide Auction, Barclay Construction Liquidation, Fairview MT A11

Sept 14, Burow’s Auction, Leonard Moug Estate & Consignor, Cascade MT A10

Sept 14 - 28, Pate Auction Inc., 2024 State of Montana Surplus Property, Online A13

Sept 21, Fritz Auction, Golden Fields Farm - Tomayer, Galata MT A19

Oct 5, Integrity Auctioneers, Ted Brockel Estate, Bison SD A16

Marias Fair in Shelby, Montana had a GREAT turnout of 4-H members who showed their skills at

Invite to apply to SDSU Extension Elevate Ewe cohort program

SDSU Extension is inviting beginning sheep producers to apply to the 2024-2025 Elevate Ewe program.

Elevate Ewe is a year-long cohort program for up to 20 people that combines workshops, webinars, hands-on training, industry tours, networking and mentoring opportunities to educate sheep producers. It is designed for producers with 10 years or fewer of experience who want to develop or improve their full or part-time sheep operation. If not already involved in sheep production, applicants must show a strong desire to manage a sheep operation in the future.

“Participation in Elevate Ewe is a great opportunity to increase knowledge of all aspects of the sheep industry and improve skills needed to be successful shepherds,” Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist, said.

PRIVATE TREATY

McMurry Cattle, Herefords, Billings MT A12 Wichman Herefords, Moore MT A12

The cohort will meet from September 2024 through August 2025. Applications are due by Aug. 30, 2024. For full program details and to apply, visit extension.sdstate. edu/events and search “elevate”. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Couples and members of the same operation are welcome to apply together. If accepted, registration is $200 per person or $300 per couple. Participants will also be expected to cover travel and hotel costs for in-person workshops.

Throughout the year, participants will

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animals, showing animals, baking, sewing, and art, just to name a few. The smiles on their faces just shows how much fun they had. Photo courtest of Pondera County Extension.

Important information regarding State Hail Claims

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Producers who previously purchased state hail insurance will receive applications in the mail. Application forms are also available online or by calling the MDA office. Staff are available to process policies, file claims, and help answer any questions producers may have regarding coverage options. Completed forms can be emailed, mailed, faxed, or used as a reference when contacting the office by phone.

Contact Information:

South Central Montana Antique Tractor & Machinery Association

August 17 & 18, 2024

EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday & Sunday (10AM - 4PM)

9:00AM Worship Service, Sunday only (at Tractor Pull Bleachers)

10:00AM - Noon

Working Sawmill, Shingle Mill & Branding

Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull

Corn-On-Cob & Steam Calliope by Steam Engine

Threshing & Binding

Dutch Oven Bread Baking & Butter Churning Homemade Ice Cream by Stationary Engine

Montana State Hail Insurance Program P.O. Box 200201

Helena, MT 59620

Phone: (406) 444-5429

Email: agrhail@mt.gov

Toll Free: 1 (844) 515-1571

Fax: (406) 444-9442

Loss claims are due to the office by October 1, 2024, and must be submitted within two weeks of the hail damage occurrence. Forms are available online or by request.

Agriculture drones

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The conference registration fee is $150 per conference, or $250 when registering for both conferences. Please register online.

Contact Dirk Charlson for more information on these conferences at 402-460-0742 (text or call).

Elevate Ewe cohort program

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have the opportunity to work with sheep, meet experts, and develop a personalized business management plan. Classroom training will be paired with interactive elements, like tours of successful sheep operations and animal, wool, and meat product markets, to expose participants to multiple facets of the industry.

They will also receive one-on-one consultations and site visits to their own operations. Thanks to its mix of educational and hands-on opportunities, Whaley said the course can help producers from all operations, large and small.

“I’ve seen this program give new producers the opportunity to network, not only with other beginning producers but experienced producers as well, and to gain knowledge from successful individuals,” Whaley said.

South Dakota ranks sixth nationally in sheep and wool production. Whaley said sheep are a good fit for the growing number of small-acreage operations, since they require less land and feed than larger livestock.

Noon - 4:00PM

Corn-On-Cob & Steam Calliope by Steam Engine

Slow Tractor Race & Barrel Races

Stationary Baling

3:00PM - Parade of Power

Working Sawmill, Shingle Mill & Branding

Antique Tractor Pull

Threshing & Plowing

Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull

Dutch Oven Bread Baking & Butter Churning

Ice Cream by Stationary Engine

Grist Mill & Spinners

For more information, contact Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist.

Deadline for September issue Wednesday, August 28

Protecting your home from wasps

By K-State Research and Extension news service

A common problem many homeowners face is wasps taking up residence outside their homes. Kansas State University entomologist Raymond Cloyd says, however, that not all wasps are harmful.

“Wasps are beneficial, and they are part of the ecosystem,” Cloyd said. “They are predators of many caterpillar pests and are docile overall. They will usually only sting if disturbed or agitated.”

Mud daubers and paper wasps are commonly seen around homes and will generally not attack people. However, yellow jackets will actually attack people.

Despite the beneficial role of wasps, many people may want to remove wasp nests to avoid the possibility of getting stung when outdoors. When considering removing wasp nests, Cloyd advises determining whether the nest is new or mature.

“If the home has a history of wasps building nests, such as in late spring or early summer, physically remove the nest when you see the nest being initially built,” Cloyd said.

New nests can be removed with minimal risk of being stung because there are usually

Resources for helping cattle deal with heat stress

By Maria Tibbetts, UNL Beef Communications Specialist | UNL Beef Communication Specialist

While we can’t control the heat, there are some things we can control to help cattle through it.

Water – Make sure cattle have access to plenty of clean water, and that there is enough access space for all cattle, including calves, to get to water.

Shade – If you have the option, move cattle to a pasture that offers shade, or use portable windbreak panels to provide some shade.

Air movement – Give cattle the opportunity to get into the breeze, if there is one.

Surface – Access to surfaces that are covered with vegetation will help cattle keep their temperatures lower.

Additional stress – Consider rescheduling anything that will add stress to cattle, like gathering, weaning, preconditioning, etc, if that’s an option.

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Back in the days of the Anglo-Saxons, August was called Weod Monath. Its translation of “weed month” is quite literal – in this month weeds and other plants grow the fastest in the northern hemisphere.

fewer wasps present inside the new nest. Wasps generally do not rebuild nests in the same location, so physically removing the nest will avoid having to deal with nests in the future.

Spraying nests with an insecticide should be done at night when the wasps are inside the nest, Cloyd said.

If the nest is large, mature, and has been around for some time, Cloyd recommends contacting a pest management professional.

“In order to avoid getting stung, it is best to contact a pest management professional,” he said.

Cloyd said that it is important to correctly identify the wasp that is creating the nest. He recommends contacting your local KState Research and Extension office and either describing the insect over the phone or sending pictures via email.

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VARIOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

1998 Peterbilt 379 3406, 550 hp, 15 speed, 100,000 on O/F, steerable lift tag, both rear ends replaced, 250” WB, 60” sleeper, 815,000 miles. $55,000 2015 Timpte 50-ft. grain trailer, air lift tag, electric over hydraulic traps, new tarp.

$55,000 Tebben 8-ft., 3-point blade, hydraulic angle and tilt. $4000 Call (406) 799-4673, leave message, Brady, MT

75 OLD CARS

2

DAYS, August 17 & 18 9:00 am

7585 US Hwy East, Columbia Falls, MT

NO RESERVE Over 10,000 parts

This is a sale of a 50-year collection of automobiles and parts - 1920s - 1980s

61 Buick LeSabre convertible, 61 Buick LeSabre 4 Dr., 36 Chevy 4 door, sedan, 29 Ford Sport Coupe (No motor/trans), 69 Chevy C-10 long box w/air cab, 69 Chevy C-20 V8 4 sp., 72 Chevy C-20 (for parts, no rust) V8 4 sp., 71 Chevy C-10 LWB V8 4 sp., 72 Chevy C-10 Cheyene (no motor), 68 Chevy C-10 6 cyl. 4 sp., 68 Chevy C-10 V8 4 sp., 65 Pontiac Lemans w/ air cab, 29 Packard Clipper (no coach all there), 49 Pontiac 2 dr. slope back w/Dodge V-8, 50 Packard Clipper 4 dr., 68 Chevy El Camino, 60 Chevy wagon, 64 Buick Riviera green, 64 Buick Riviera red, 78 Z-28 Camaro, 63 Buick Wild Cat, 59 Lincoln Premier (no motor), 61 Impala 4 dr., 64 Chevy El Camino, 79 Buick Riviera 86k (needs paint), 79 Corvette 62k (needs paint), 37 GMC pickup (all sheet metal, no frame), 95 Camaro convertible (runs & looks good), 29 Erskine Rumble Seat Roadster, 63 ½ Ford Fairlane 500 2 door, Ht, 260 air, auto, 46 Plymouth 4 door, 53 Chevy Handyman Wagon (no motor), 24 Dodge Touring (rear body gone), 29 Studebaker Coupe, 85 Fiero V6 auto, 75 Camaro 350 auto, 53 Ford Woody Wagon V8 3 sp. OD, 91 Chevy Suburban 350 auto 4x4, 24 Dodge

Depot Hack, 38 Ford 2 door sedan (no motor/trans.), 80 El Camino (bad motor), 73 Chevy Monte Carlo 64k, 67 Chevy Window Van 6 cyl. 3 sp., 49 Pontiac Woody Wagon (not steel body), 35 International ½ ton truck, 64 Buick Riviera, 58 Chevy 4 door wagon, 27 Ford 2 door Highboy (no frame), 62 Ford Falcon 4 door, 63 Ford Falcon 4 door, 73 Chevy 4x4 truck, 4852 Ford pick up (no frame), 53 Ford 4 door wagon, 64 Comet 4 door (no motor/trans), 59 Rambler American 2 door wagon, 58 Cadillac Fleetwood 4 door Special, 46 Chevy ½ ton truck, 41 Oldsmobile 2 door, Torpedo back (no frame), 57 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, 82 Mustang convertible, 76 Mustang Cobra V8 auto, 79 El Camino 327 rebuilt, 7004 trans., 54 Chevy Bel Air, 62 Buick 4 door wagon, 64 Buick Wild Cat (no bumper/ hood).

Thousands Of Parts:

Many doors, fenders, bumpers, hood ornaments, head lights 20’s – 40’s, hundreds of hub caps, 50+ grills, chrome & trim, radiator shells, name badges & scripts, pickup cabs & beds, front clips. Several early Chevy V8’s, 58 Ford 477 gas motor, 100’s of radios, tail lights.

Applications for Class 7 of beefSD program

SDSU Extension announces the opening of applications for Class 7 of beefSD, an educational program for beef producers. Participation in the beefSD program is an opportunity for producers to learn about all aspects of the beef industry and develop skills needed to be successful beef business managers.

Traditionally, beefSD has been offered only to beginning beef producers. Class 7 will be open to all beef producers willing to consider adopting new management opportunities. The curriculum will focus on precision livestock technologies for beef producers.

Husbands and wives, siblings or direct family members can also apply. Up to 20 operations will be selected to participate, based on an application and virtual interview. Participants must make a two-year commitment to the program and take an active role in all program components.

“beefSD is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that provides a unique chance for beef producers to set goals, expand relationships and learn about different aspects within the beef industry,” said Stacy Hadrick, SDSU Extension Associate and beefSD coordinator.

Registration is $1,500 per individual. To apply, contact Erin DeHaan, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, at Erin.Dehaan@sdstate.edu or 605-394-2236, or visit the beefSD program page.

Applications will be accepted from July 8 through August 26, 2024. After an initial application screening, interviews will be scheduled with potential participants in early September. Class 7 is scheduled to begin in November 2024 and will conclude in October 2026.

The beefSD program involves three components: face-toface workshops and interactive webinars, networking and mentoring, and out-of-state learning experiences. Workshops take place throughout the state, and participants are expected to provide their own transportation to most in-state events. Other expenses associated with meetings, including hotels and meals, will be covered by beefSD.

Since its inception in 2011, beefSD has provided an intensive educational program that takes participants to the next level in beef enterprise management.

“90% of alumni indicated their current financial situation has improved because of beefSD,” said Ken Olson, professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist. “Nearly 70% of alumni have increased production acres, and 88% have made changes or improvements to their natural resource management.”

For more information, contact Erin DeHaan, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist; Krista Ehlert, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Range Specialist; Stacy Hadrick, SDSU Extension Associate and beefSD Coordinator; or Logan Vandermark, SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Field Specialist.

MFU seeks centennial farms and ranches to honor

Montana Farmers Union will again celebrate family farmers and ranchers whose land holdings have been in their families and in operation for more than 100 years through its Centennial Farm and Ranch Program during MFU’s Annual Convention this year.

Since the mid-90s, Montana Farmers Union has been honored to recognize its members who have owned the same farm or ranch for 100 years or more. Nearly 200 farms and ranches have since been recognized. When an MFU member reaches this milestone, they are honored during our annual convention. In addition, they receive a commemorative plaque, and their stories and accomplishments are publicized statewide.

“The family farm is the backbone of our great state and our rural communities. And it’s been that way for generations,” said Rachel Prevost, who serves as MFU’s Member Services Director. “Montana Farmers Union began honoring centennial farms in 1995 and is proud to continue the celebration of this incredible milestone for family farms reaching 100 years. It’s not only a testament to the trials and adversity that family farms have weathered and the grit these families had to get through the inevitable tough years. It’s also a testament to the foundation laid and hope for the future generations who will continue this great family farm legacy.”

If your operation has reached the 100-year milestone, simply submit by email or mail a farm biography and pictures to Rachel Prevost at rprevost@montanafarmersunion.com or at P. O. Box 2447, Great Falls, MT 59403 no later than September 15.

The celebration will take place in conjunction with MFU’s Annual Convention to be held in October in Whitefish.

Bean Growers Day in Grant is scheduled for August

A new event, “Bean Growers Day in Grant,” will be held on Tuesday, August 20, at the Stumpf International Wheat Center in Grant, Nebraska.

“The purpose of the grower’s day is to reach out to growers and industry people in southwest Nebraska with valuable current information on dry bean production,” said John Thomas, Nebraska Extension Educator. Nebraska Extension specialists, educators, and members from the dry bean industry will present on a variety of topics. Topics for the day include:

Weed management (Palmer Amaranth)

Disease management

Irrigation and water management

Fertility and soil

Insect issues

Dry Bean industry update

The event will be on Augugt 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MT, with lunch included, at the Stumpf International Wheat Center, 76025 Rd 329, in Grant. The event and lunch are free, but registration is requested for a lunch count. Call 308-352-4340 to register.

A dry bean field north of Scottsbluff. Photo by Chabella Guzman.

2024 Marias Fair 4-H Results for Pondera County

ACREAGE AUCTION

to health issues and are selling their very well cared for small acreage equipment and tools including:

TRACTORS

John Deere 4066R with a John Deere H180 Loader with 103 hours- Very clean utility tractor John Deere E180 Lawn tractor

IMPLEMENTS &. TOOLS

3 point blade, Dewalt 10 inch table saw, craftsman miter saw, craftsman air compressor, Frontier RC2072 3 point mower, snowblower, plus many tools and misc. items.

A total of 317 exhibits and events were completed by Pondera 4-H members from four Clubs. In addition to the 4-H members, seven Cloverbuds also participated bringing items they made. Cloverbud entries are not competitive, and all youth earn participation ribbons. Pondera Cloverbuds who brought entries included: Tayler Aaberg, Paul Becker, Malia Garbo, Bridger Johnson, Emmery Nydegger, Austin Vanden Bos and Rylee Wilden.

Notable results included Madalyne Stokes placing Grand or Reserve in market classes for goat, lamb, and swine earning the ability to sell four animals at the livestock auction. In addition to top livestock marks, Madalyne received an award from the Marias River Livestock Association for her speech on Sheep Showmanship. Reed Briggs built a hydraulic log splitter earning a Best in Show in the Mechanical Science division. Taylor Haines created a First Aid Kit for dogs earning a Best in Show and earned the Pondera County Dog High Point in the Dog project. Neavah Mobley received top senior livestock judging and overall high score in Livestock Judging. Tabi Vermulm earned a Best of Show for her horse poster which documented the results of using horses for therapy. Riley Aaberg received the High Point award for Pondera County completing and doing well with the 37 projects she brought to the Fair.

We extend our thanks to all the volunteers who help lend a hand, the many local judges who share their expertise with our 4-H members and the wonderful support of the sponsors that donate to the premium fund which is paid out to the 4-H members. We are grateful for the 4-H members and their families who participate in the 4-H program, who learn by doing and continue to make the best better in all they do. We also thank the Pondera County Commissioners and our Administrative Assistant, Becky, who keeps everything in the Pondera Extension office running smoothly.

4-Leaf Clover 4-H Club

BriAllyn Billmayer Photography Interview Red, Photography Lev 1 Two or more pictures showing how to keep a photo steady and level Red; Breeding Sheep Interview Purple, Sheep Breeding Ewe lamb, born during current calendar year Purple Reserve Champion, Junior Sheep Showmanship Blue 3rd Place, Market Sheep Purple, Sheep Interview Purple Top Interview; Junior Livestock Judging Team 3rd Place.

Lily Garbo Horse Interview Red, Pre Junior Horse Showmanship Purple, Grand Champion, Overall Grand Champion, Western Horsemanship Level 1 Blue, Grand Champion, Western Pleasure Level 1 Blue, 1st Place; Cat Interview Blue, Pre Junior Cat Showmanship Purple, Reserve Champion. Orren Gustafson Market Sheep Red, Pre Junior Sheep Showmanship Blue, Sheep Interview Blue.

Kasen Mobley Breeding Sheep Interview Red, Sheep Breeding Yearling ewe, born between Jan/Dec of prior calendar year Purple, Market Sheep Blue, Pre Junior Sheep Showmanship Purple 3rd Place, Sheep Interview Blue.

Nevaeh Mobley Meat Goat Breeding Yearling doe, born between Jan/Feb of prior calendar year Purple Grand Champion, Meat Goat Interview Purple, Top Interview, Senior Meat Goat Showmanship Purple, 2nd Place, Overall Grand Champion, Breeding Sheep Interview Purple Top Interview, 1st Place, Overall Reserve Champion, Sheep Breeding Yearling ewe, born between Jan/Dec of prior calendar year Purple,

Grand Champion, Market Sheep Purple, Senior Sheep Showmanship Purple, Sheep Interview Purple; Senior Livestock Judging Team 2nd Place, Individual Livestock Judging Senior 1st Place, Overall Livestock Judging Grand Champion.

Raechal Rambo Dog Interview Blue, Obedience Sub-Novice B Purple, 3rd Place, Pre Junior Dog Showmanship Blue 1st Place; Bare-Back Equitation Level 1 Blue Grand Champion; Horse Interview Red, Pre Junior Horse Showmanship Red, Pre Junior In-Trail Blue Grand Champion, Pre Junior Trail Blue, Western Horsemanship Level 1 Blue Reserve Champion, Western Pleasure Level 1 Blue 3rd Place.

Tiegan Rambo Junior Pocket Pet Showmanship Purple, 1st Place, Overall Reserve Champion, Pocket Pet Interview Blue.

Sadie Vermulm Bare-Back Equitation Levs 4-7 Blue Reserve Champion, Horse Interview Blue, Horse Showmanship Blue Reserve Champion, Overall Reserve Champion, Senior In-Hand Trail Blue Reserve Champion, Senior Trail Blue Reserve Champion, Western Horsemanship Level 5 Blue Grand Champion, Western Pleasure Lev 4-7 Blue Grand Champion; Leadership Interview Purple; Market Swine Red, Senior Swine Showmanship Red, Swine Interview Blue.

Tabitha Vermulm Beef Showmanship Blue, Cattle Interview Purple, Market Beef Red; Bare-Back Equitation Levs 4-7 Blue Grand Champion, Green Horse Interview Blue, Green Horse Level 3 Blue Grand Champion, Horse Exhibit Blue Best of Show, Horse Interview Purple Top Interview, Western Pleasure Lev 4-7 Blue 3rd Place, Senior Horse Showmanship Blue, Senior In-Hand Trail Blue Grand Champion, Senior Trail Blue Grand Champion, Western Horsemanship Lev 7 Blue Grand Champion, Working Ranch Horse Interview Blue, Senior Barrel Racing 1st Place; Leadership Interview Purple; Leather Interview Blue, Leather Lev 3-7 Item related to project Blue, Leather Lev 3-7 Item related to project Blue, Leather Lev 3-7 Item related to project Blue; Quilting Lev 1 Other related item Purple; Quilting Interview Purple, Quilting Lev 1 Other related item Blue, Quilting Lev 1 Sample of rail fence using complementary fabrics Blue.

Sandrockets 4-H Club

Reagan Aaberg Dog Exhibit Purple, Dog Interview Blue, Obedience Sub-Novice A Purple 1st Place; Goat Exhibit Blue, Best of Class. Meat Goat Interview Blue; Horse Exhibit Blue, Horse Interview Red, Junior Horse Showmanship Blue, Junior Trail Red, Western Horsemanship Level 1 Blue, Western Pleasure Level 1 Blue, Most Promising Beginner in Horse; Leather Bookmark Red, Leather Set of four coasters Blue; Leathercraft Interview Blue; Air Rifle 3P 13-14 yrs Blue, Air Rifle Interview Purple, Air Rifle Prone 13-14 yrs Blue; Junior Sheep Showmanship Blue, Market Sheep Red, Market Sheep Interview Purple, Sheep Exhibit Blue, Best of Class; Junior Livestock Judging Team 3rd Place.

Rylie Aaberg Pondera County High Point; Baking 101 poster showing basic kitchen equipment Red, Baking 101 Pancake Blue, Baking 101 Recipe Collection Purple Best of Class, Baking 101 Sugar cookies Blue, Baking Interview Blue, Cake Decorating Interview Blue, Cake Decorating Lev 1 Cake decorated with borders Blue Best of Class, Cake Decorating Lev 1 Smoothly frosted one-level cake Red, Cooking 101 A snack Blue, Cooking 101 Three slices French toast Blue, Cooking Interview

2024 Marias Fair 4-H Results for Pondera County

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AUCTION

Blue; Market Goat Blue, Meat Goat Interview Blue, Pre Junior Meat Goat Showmanship Purple 1st Place; Western Horsemanship Lev 1 Blue 3rd Place, Horse Exhibit Blue, Horse Interview Red, Pre Junior Horse Showmanship Blue, 3rd Place, Pre Junior In-Hand Trail Blue, Reserve Champion, Pre Junior Trail Blue, Western Pleasure Lev 1 Blue, 2nd Place; Air Pistol Interview Blue, Air Pistol Basic Supported 9-10 yrs Blue; Sewing Interview Blue; Sewing Lev 1 Crayon roll Red, Sewing Lev 1 Other related item Blue, Sewing Lev 1 Other related item Blue Best of Class, Sewing Lev 1 Pillow case with band Blue, Sewing Lev 1 Sample of five hand stitches Blue; Market Sheep Red, Pre Junior Sheep Showmanship Blue, Sheep Exhibit Blue Best of Class, Sheep Interview Purple; Pre Junior Rabbit Showmanship Blue, 1st Place, Rabbit Exhibit Blue, Rabbit Interview Purple, Rabbit One Buck Senior Red. Breauna Erickson Breeding Beef Heifer calf, born during current calendar year Blue, Breeding Beef Interview Purple, Top Interview, Breeding Beef Two-year-old cow with calf at side Blue, Senior Beef Showmanship Blue; Leadership Interview Purple, Top Interview, Leadership Lev 1 notebook of accomplishments with supporting materials Blue; Market Swine Red, Swine Interview Purple, Top Interview, Swine Showmanship Blue.

Jaidyn Farkell Cattle Interview Purple, Market Beef Red, Senior Beef Showmanship Blue; Meat Goat Breeding Yearling doe, born between Jan/Feb of prior calendar year Blue, Meat Goat Interview Blue, Senior Meat Goat Showmanship Purple; Air Rifle 3P 13-14 yrs Blue, Air Rifle Interview Purple, Air Rifle Prone 13-14 yrs Blue

Kendra Farkell Goat Interview Blue, Junior Meat Goat Showmanship Purple, 1st Place Overall Runner Up, Market Goat Blue, Meat Goat Breeding Yearling doe, born between Jan/Feb of prior calendar year Blue; Air Pistol Basic Supported 11-12 yrs Blue, Air Pistol Interview Purple; Market Sheep Blue, Sheep Interview Purple, Sheep Showmanship Blue.

Lahren Fowler Baking 102 Coffeecake Purple, Baking Interview Purple, Top Interview; Horse Interview Purple, Senior Horse Showmanship Blue, Senior Trail Red, Western Horsemanship Level 3 Blue, 3rd Place, Western Pleasure Level 2-3 Blue; Market Swine Red, Senior Swine Showmanship Blue, Swine Interview Purple.

Taylor Haines Dog First Aid Kit Purple Best of Show, Dog Educational display Purple, Dog Exhibit Other related item Purple, Dog Interview Purple, Dog Other related item Blue, Junior Dog Showmanship Red, 2nd Place, Obedience Sub-Novice B

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Weeding and being cautious with pesticides

By Kathy Tando, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Consider these tips to help maximize the health of your lawn. Keep your mower blade sharp, mow with the blade at three inches for bluegrass, and consider mulching vs. bagging. A dull blade chews off the grass, and a higher setting helps shade the roots and prevents weed germination. Returning the debris to the lawn adds organic matter back and can reduce fertilizer needs. A healthy lawn is a giant step to a great landscape.

Always be cautious in using a chemical. First and foremost, use it per the label specifications – it’s the law. But some other things to consider is a chemical increases its chance of being hazardous the more you’re exposed. The concentration of the product increases its toxicity. So if you are diluting a mixture using the concentrated product take extra precaution as your exposure increases. Certain body parts are also more sensitive.

Whenever possible, skip the use of a chemical. However, occasionally it is necessary. Take precautions. Be safe. Wear appropriate protective clothing. Even with the best of practices, it’s easy to get chemicals on your hands. Minimally wear gloves. Think before you remove your gloves. Perhaps the best is to wash your gloved hands with soap and water. Or remove one and, with the bare hand, slide it into the top of the other glove to push it off.

Weeding is an all-season job. But work smarter. First, have moisture in the ground. For the most success, it’s important to get the whole root system. Be careful to disturb the soil as little as possible, as you can inadvertently bring up new seeds. Use a thin, sharp tool to insert alongside the plant deep enough to encompass the roots. Give it a lift - wait a second - feel it let go - then lift it out.

Mother Nature abhors a bare spot. And what does she most readily have to fill it? WEEDS. So beat her at the game. Mulch is one way but consider others if mulch doesn’t stay due to our winds. You can pack more desirables in, so they block the sun from the ground. Or one of my favorites is using low lying ground covers such as sedums. Sedums are very drought tolerant and don’t crowd out other desirables. #####

Temperatures vary significantly on the Moon, hitting up to 273 degrees Fahrenheit (134 degrees Celsius) during the day. On the night side, temperatures can plummet to -243 degrees Fahrenheit (-153 degrees Celsius).

MDA announces board appointments

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced appointments to the Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC) and Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC).

The following appointments were announced to the five-member governor appointed Montana Pulse Crop Committee board: Chad Forest, Richland: Eastern District. His term will run through July 1, 2027.

Todd Hansen, Gildford (reappointed): Member AtLarge. His term will run through July 1, 2027.

Brian Aklestad, Vida (reappointed): Member AtLarge. His term will run through July 1, 2027.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee’s mission is to Invest in and deliver support for marketing, research, education, and policy development programming that improves return on investment for the pulse producers of Montana. To learn more about the committee, please visit: agr.mt.gov/.

The following appointments were announced to the seven-member governor appointed Montana Wheat and Barley Committee board: Cindy McKamey, Cascade: District V. Her term will run through June 1, 2027.

Courtney Herzog, Rapelje: District VI. His term will run through June 1, 2027.

Terry Angvick, Plentywood (reappointed): District 1. His term will run through June 1, 2027.

The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee is made up of seven board members appointed by the governor of Montana. These members must be actively involved in farming while they represent producers in seven districts across Montana. In addition to these seven voting directors, there are three non-voting members: Montana’s director of the State Department of Agriculture, Montana State University’s dean of the College of Agriculture, and a representative of the Montana grain trade.

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Harry Ryba, the “Fudge King” of Mackinac Island once offered a lifetime supply of the candy for just $2,250. He said, “a lifetime, being yours or mine, whichever ends sooner”.

Zeb Engstrom Rocker S Ranch Trucking for purchasing my market goat.

Grant Ostby Full Throttle Ag for purchasing my market sheep.

Rylie Aaberg

Consignor THANK YOU

Leonard Moug Estate &

MDA celebrates Quinn Institute grand opening

Director Clark and representatives from the Montana Department of Agriculture continued their focus on highlighting the diversity in Montana’s agricultural ecosystem earlier this week where they joined Bob Quinn to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting at the Quinn Institute in Big Sandy.

“We need more Bob Quinns in this world,” said Director Christy Clark. “Bob is a true innovator that pushes the boundaries of agriculture. Farmer led research is critical to advancing the ag industry and promotes sustainable yet context-specific solutions.”

ROLLING STOCK/EQUIPMENT: Hallmark enclosed trailer, 12-ft. * Slant 3 horse trailer extra height * 18-ft. x 8-ft. flatbed trailer with ramps * NW Drag line with pony (no bucket) * John Deere combine 105 (parts) sn14418 * 12-ft. spring tooth harrow * Portable Asphalt tank with Wisconsin engine * AC 6-ft. Brush hog * John Deere Model 70 tractor * John Deere A? with single wheel front end * Ford 8 N tractor * 1950 Chevy ½ Ton.

BLACKSMITH TOOLS/EQUIPMENT: 15 x 15 Swedge block * Swedge hammers * 64” Cone * Little Giant trip hammer * Forge with electric blower * Anvil 36” long app 350 lb * Anvil 28” long app 100 lb * Vise * Tongs * Large pair tin snips * Blacksmith coal.

MISCELLANEOUS: 16-ft. flat bottom river boat with 25 hp Johnson & 2 hp Evenirude * Old wooden storage cabinets with drawers * Water tank 450 gallon * Homemade log splitter * (5) Electric Poles * Diesel fuel tank 38.5 x 5’ * Irrigation piping & hoses * Better Built pickup 100 gallon gas tank with 12 v pump * Large lot horse tack including Harnesses & Saddles * (3) Arena lights * Several bolt bins loaded * Chains, boomers & cables * New & used iron * Hydraulic cylinders

GUNS: Winchester Model 1906 22 S,L,LR * Winchester Model 670 30-06 with Bushnell 4x Banner Scope * Western Field Model 59A 22 LR * Coast to Coast Model 42 – Marlin Firearms Co 22 LR with Tasco Scope * Remington Model 31 12ga * Meriden 12ga single shot * Benelli Nova 20ga 26” vent rib * Endero Royal Western 12ga single shot * Hi Point Model JHP 45 cal * Hi Point Model C 9mm * Hi Standard Model W 105 Hombre 22 cal.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT: 43” x 27”x 6” Welding table * Roll around A frame * Forney stick welder 250 amp * (2) 15” Pedestal grinders (3phase) * F Tech Shop press 60,000 lb * Gas powered air compressor B&S 10 hp * Thermal Arc Plasma cutter Pak-7xr * Champion 20” drill press * Milwaukee Model H milling machine * Lincoln Ideal arc SP250 with LN 2-5 suitcase * Baldor 7” bench grinder * Metal shaper * Delta 10” table saw * Central 6”belt/9”disc sander * Victor build up torch * Johnson metal cutting band saw * Milwaukee mag drill * Tool post grinder * Generac 50 5000 watt generator * Coleman Powermate 5000 watt generator *EG 5000 CL Honda generator * Coleman 4000 watt generator * Onan generator 4.0 BFA * Starrett machinist level *(5) Starett micrometers 1”-6” * (2) Lufkin micrometers 2”-4” * Starrett depth gauges * Centech dial caliper * (2) Universal digital protractors * Gasket cutters & punches * Transfer punches ½-1” * Makita 7 ¼” worm drive * Milwaukee – Hole Haug drill, 9” grinder & straight grinder * Johnson chain saw * Bottle jacks * Husqvarna blower * Wheel pullers * Drill bits straight & Morris taper up to 2” * Sockets ¼” , 3/8”, ½” & 3/4” * Wrenches up to 2” * ½ & 3/4” Air impact * Dewalt ½” electric impact * 4x4 Mile Marker winch * B&D 9” grinder * Bosch hammer with bits * Hydraulic Pipe Bender * Craftsman Drill Press floor model.

ANTIQUE/COLLECTIBLE: One horse doctor buggy * Fairbanks Morris 3 HP hit & miss * Cushman Cub 3 HP hit & miss * Toledo scale * Exact weight scale Columbus OH * Indian back pack sprayer

more listing &

The Quinn Institute combines agricultural research, education, and health care to demonstrate and analyze the connection between good food and good health. Their mission is “to scale up the number of successful regenerative organic producers and demonstrate that agriculture can be both profitable and a force for good.” Established by Bob Quinn, a 4th generation farmer, scientist, author, and advocate for sustainable farming practices, the Quinn Institute is a “culmination of my life’s work,” said Quinn.

The 700-acres of donated land will serve as the regenerative, organic research spread for various agricultural systems including dryland cropping rotations, native pasture, livestock, and more.

Director Clark and participants took a field tour to learn more about reclaiming saline seeps, dryland cropping, and weed monitoring. The Montana Department of Agriculture applauds Bob Quinn and his commitment to agriculture and community.

National Marshmallow

Toasting Day

Date When Celebrated: August 30th

Enjoy today or tonight by a campfire or bonfire, toasting a big, soft, sticky and sweet marshmallow, or two, or three, or….. Summer would not be the same without a campfire and this great campfire treat. Summer is short. Summer is good. Let’s enjoy it while it is still here. Toast a marshmallow and forget about everything else.

Director Clark speaking to the crowd with Bob Quinn at the Quinn Institute in Big Sandy.

Bob Quinn speaks to field tour participants at the Quinn Institute.

Trek*nology

Star Trek premiered on TV in 1966. Though we thought it would be centuries before humans developed technology to match Star Trek’s, some innovative thinkers are already turning “Trek*nology” into everday technology. Phaser

Trek*nology: When exploring an alien planet, the crew of the Enterprise had to be ready for anything. Their best defense? The phaser–a handheld ray gun. Set on “stun,” a phaser would merely immobilize the enemy; set on “maximum,” it would vaporize him.

Technology: We don’t have phasers yet, but several companies are trying to design them. Though the Star Trek phasers fit in the palm of your hand, most prototypes are much larger–one is parked on top of a 20-foot shipping container! The energy sources being explored range from lasers to microwave radiation, and uses include stunning (or immobilizing) an opponent or ever frying the electronic components of a drone. When this technology is perfected, it will be reserved for military and police use.

Communicators

Trek*nology: These small portable communication devices could be used anywhere, anytime, and also worked for remote tracking and locating. No operators. No phone booth. No cord. Sweet!

Technology: The first cellular phone call was made in April 1973, but it wasn’t until 1983 that cell phones became available to the public–17 years after the first Star Trek episode. Today, cell phones not only act as communications devices, they can also log on to the Internet or offer navigation. And they are even smaller than the communicators Spock and Kirk used.

Transporter

Trek*nology: “Beam me up, Scotty!” Within seconds, Captain Kirk and his landing party would vanish from a planet’s surface and reappear in the transporter room on the Enterprise. Teleportation was a means of transporting people from one place to another by converting them into pure energy, then changing them back into people again at the other end.

Technology: Scientists haven’t been able to teleport a person (or even an object) from one place to another but in 1998 they did succeed in teleporting a laser beam. When it’s perfected, this technology will most likely be used for moving information–called quantum computing–and will allow people to move huge blocks of digital date at the speed of light. No more twiddling your thumbs while you download a game. But you’ll have to wait a little longer before you can say “Beam me up, Scotty.”

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I have an intense fear of speed bumps, but I’m slowly getting over it.

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Just so everybody’s clear. I’m going to put my glasses on.

#####

Two friends went to play a new course that had a reputation for being very difficult. On the first hole, the first friend teed up his ball, took a mighty swing and missed completely. He stepped away for a moment, then readdressed the ball. He took another huge swipe and missed again. Undeterred, he took one more attempt and barely made contact, sending the ball dribbling off of the tee. “Wow,” the frustrated golfer said to his friend, “this really is a hard course.”

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• Sales & Circulation departments located in MT Call today to place an ad or to subscribe! Office - (406) 271-5533 • Sales (406) 450-2782

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Montana Hereford Breeders

Anchor Polled Herefords 406-467-2880, Vaughn, MT

Beery’s Land & Livestock Co

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Brownell Polled Herefords 406-788-3242, Pendroy, MT dave.brownell51@gmail.com

Double Bit Herefords 406-293-8185, Libby, MT www.doublebitherefords.com

J Bar E Ranch

406-765-7068, Plentywood, MT

Feddes Herefords

Dan 406-570-1602, Manhattan, MT www.feddes.com

Sparks Herefords 406-778-2320, Plevna, MT www.sparksherefords.com

2024 Marias Fair 4-H Results for Pondera County

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A8

Purple, 2nd Place, Pondera High Point Dog, Overall High Point in Dog project; Horse Exhibit Educational display Blue Best of Class, Horse Exhibit Other related item Blue, Horse Interview Blue, Horse Other related item Red, Junior Horse Showmanship Blue, Junior In-Hand Trail Blue Grand Champion, Junior Trail Blue Reserve Champion, Western Horsemanship Level 3 Blue Reserve Champion, Western Pleasure Level 2-3 Blue 1st Place; DemonstrationIllustrated Talk Blue; Junior Rabbit Showmanship Purple 1st Place, Overall Reserve Champion, Rabbit Educational display Blue, Rabbit Interview Purple, Rabbit One Buck Senior Purple 1st Place Grand Champion, Rabbit Other related item Blue, Rabbit Herdsmanship.

Erika Kujava Junior Swine Showmanship Blue, Market Swine Red, Swine Interview Blue.

Makenzie Kujava Leadership Interview Blue; Archery Bowhunter 13-14 yrs Blue, Archery Interview Purple, Archery Target scrapbook Blue, Archery Unlimited 13-14 yrs Blue; Bioscience Interview Purple Top Interview; Veterinary Science Interview Purple; Senior Saturday DemonstrationIllustrated Talk Blue 1st Place.

Julia Salois Cattle Interview Blue, Market Beef Blue, Senior Beef Showmanship Blue; Leadership Interview Purple; Air Rifle 3P 15 yrs and Up Blue, Air Rifle Project Interview Purple, Top Interview; Sewing Lev 3 Other related item Purple, Sewing Interview Purple Top Interview.

Ella Stokes Air Rifle Interview Blue, Air Rifle Prone 9-10 yrs Red, Archery Barebow 9-10 yrs Red, Archery Interview Blue; Breeding Sheep Interview Blue, Market Sheep Blue, Pre Junior Sheep Showmanship Purple 2nd place, Sheep Breeding Ewe lamb, born during current calendar year Purple, Sheep Interview Blue; Pre Junior Rabbit Showmanship Red, Rabbit Interview Purple, Rabbit One Doe Senior Blue, Market Swine Blue, Pre Junior Swine Showmanship Purple, 2nd Place, Swine Interview Blue.

Kale Stokes Cattle Interview Blue, Junior Beef Showmanship Blue, Market Beef Blue; Air Pistol Basic Supported 11-12 yrs Blue, Air Pistol Interview Blue, Air Rifle Interview Blue, Air Rifle Prone 11-12 yrs Blue; Junior Swine Showmanship Purple, 1st Place, Overall Runner-Up, Market Swine Purple, Swine Interview Blue.

Welding Independent Study Log Splitter Purple Best of Show, Welding Interview Purple Top Interview; Woodworking Independent Study Purple, Woodworking Independent Study Table from reclaimed boards Purple Best of Class, Woodworking Interview Purple; Senior Livestock Judging Team 2nd Place.

Chantz Connelly Beef Showmanship Purple, Cattle Interview Blue, Market Beef Purple, Senior Livestock Judging Team 2nd Place.

Taylor Curry Market Swine Blue, Senior Swine Showmanship Blue, Swine Interview Blue.

Garett Monroe Cattle Interview Blue, Market Beef Blue, Senior Beef Showmanship Red.

Jaxson Van Haur Breeding Beef Interview Blue, Breeding Beef Yearling heifer, born between Jan/Dec of prior calendar year Purple, Top Breeding Heifer Pondera Co., Cattle Interview Purple, Market Beef Blue, Pre Junior Beef Showmanship Purple 1st Place; Market Goat Blue, Meat Goat Breeding Doeling Kid, born during current calendar year Purple, Meat Goat Breeding Yearling doe, born between Jan/Febr of prior calendar year Purple, Reserve Champion, Meat Goat Interview Blue, Pre Junior Meat Goat Showmanship Purple, Reserve Champion; Air Pistol Basic Supported 9-10 yrs Red, Air Pistol Interview Red. Everett Werner Archery Barebow 9-10 Blue, Archery Interview Blue; Market Swine Red, Pre Junior Swine Showmanship Blue, Swine Interview Blue.

Wingina 4-H Club

Lili Barcus Cattle Interview Blue, Market Beef Red, Senior Beef Showmanship Purple.

Henry Becker Leather Lev 1 Bookmark Blue, Leather Interview Red, Leather Lev 1 Other related item Blue.

Kristen Boumans Colt to Maturity 3 Year Old Blue, Grand Champion, Colt to Maturity Interview Blue, Top Interview, Horse Interview Purple, Senior Horse Showmanship Blue Grand Champion, Overall 3rd Place, Senior Trail Blue, 3rd Place, Western Pleasure Level 4-7 Blue, Reserve Champion, Senior Showmanship Tim Russell Memorial Trophy; Leadership Interview Purple.

Ehlke Herefords 406-439-4311, Townsend, MT www.ehlkeherefords.com

K & C Herefords 406-240-9301, Deer Lodge, MT

K.L. Slagsvold Herefords 406-584-7571, Lindsay, MT

Thomas Herefords 406-544-1536, Gold Creek, MT

L Bar W Cattle Company 406-425-2484, Absarokee, MT www.lbarw.com

McMurry Cattle 406-254-1247, Billings, MT www.mcmurrycattle.com

Wichman Herefords 406-350-3123, Moore, MT www.wichmanherefords.com

Madalyne Stokes Cattle Interview Purple Top Interview, Market Beef Blue, Senior Beef Showmanship Blue; Market Goat Purple Grand Champion, Meat Goat Interview Purple Top Interview, Senior Meat Goat Showmanship Purple 1st Place Overall Reserve Champion; Market Sheep Purple, Grand Champion, Senior Sheep Showmanship Purple 2nd Place, Overall Grand Champion, Sheep Interview Purple, Top Interview; Market Swine Purple, Grand Champion, Senior Swine Showmanship Purple 2nd Place, Overall Reserve Champion, Swine Interview Purple, Top Interview; Round Robin Showmanship Grand Champion; Demonstration-Illustrated Talk Blue; MRLA Sheep Public Speaking Senior 1st Place.

Mountain Front 4-H Club

Reed Briggs Beef Showmanship Blue, Cattle Interview Purple, Market Beef Red;

Hayzen Kuka Dog Interview Blue; Market Swine Blue, Pre Junior Swine Showmanship Blue, Swine Interview Blue. Ainsley VandenBos Bare-Back Equitation Lev 2-3 Blue, Horse Interview Red, Horse Showmanship Red, Western Horsemanship Lev 3 Blue Grand Champion, Pre Junior In-Trail Blue, Pre Junior Trail Blue, Western Pleasure Lev 2-3 Blue Grand Champion, Pre Junior Barrel Racing 1st Place, Pre Junior Pole Bending 1st Place, Top Horse Herdsmanship, Overall Herdsmanship; Demonstration-Illustrated Talk Purple, 1st Place, Overall Demo/Illustrated Talk 3rd Place; Market Sheep Purple Reserve Champion, Pre Junior Sheep Showmanship Purple 1st Place, Sheep Exhibit Other related item Blue, Sheep Interview Blue.

Kora Wilden Horse Interview Red; Pre Junior Rabbit Doe Purple, Reserve Champion Doe, 3rd place Overall Rabbit, Pre Junior Rabbit Showmanship Red, 3rd Place, Rabbit Exhibit Blue, Rabbit Interview Blue.

1/2 TON PICKUPS (4wd & 2wd)

3/4 TON PICKUPS (4wd & 2wd)

1 TON TRUCKS (4wd & 2wd)

1 TON DUMP TRUCKS CARS (Full, compact & hybrid) MID-SIZE PICKUPS (4X4&4X2)

EQUIPMENT

Download the Pate Auction App to your mobile device or go online and bid your price on this line of vehicles & equipment!

Viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27 from 8 am to 5 pm each day.

Removal: Monday, Sept. 30 thru Thursday, Oct. 3 from 8 am to 5 pm each day. Online registration available on our mobile app or on the website.

Assorted tools & shop equipment

Compressors

publication will be more detailed!

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Steady as You Grow Since 1912

Tool tracks evapotranspiration

The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) is partnering with the University of Idaho to test the accuracy of a new automated tool that interprets satellite imagery to help farmers and water managers track daily crop water consumption.

The cloud-based tool, called OpenET, takes thermal imagery from NASA Landsat satellites and maps daily and cumulative evapotranspiration over the growing season, allowing users to zoom in and study variability within individual pivots.

IDWR has awarded U of I agricultural engineering Professor Erin Brooks, within the Department of Soil and Water Systems (SWS), roughly $800,000 over three years to test and calibrate OpenET, which provides users data quickly and conveniently and is also accessible to aid growers in water management decisions. Meetpal Kukal, who will join SWS in August as a new professor specializing in hydrologic science and water management, and Jason Kelley, a former U of I professor in the same department, will be coinvestigators.

IDWR has been using METRIC — software developed by Richard Allen, a former U of I professor in SWS, and requiring trained staff to manually run imagery to produce evapotranspiration data. Allen also aided in the development of the beta version of OpenET before retiring in 2022.

Tracking evapotranspiration will inform growers of the amount of water their crops are using compared with the amount they’re applying to their fields through irrigation equipment, helping them improve efficiency.

“It helps growers in the sense that they can actually go in and see what happened, and they can actually evaluate their water-use efficiency — something they’ve never been able to do before on a field-by-field basis, and it helps IDWR know what has gone on and whether curtailments have made a difference,” Brooks said.

This fall, the U of I team will place soil moisture sensors and eddy covariance towers by three Magic Valley fields to record baseline evapotranspiration data. The towers take a host of ground-based, site-specific meteorological readings. They also plan to include data for this analysis from a pair of eddy covariance towers in use for a separate project on farm fields at the future site of U of I’s Idaho Center for Agriculture Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE) in Jerome. The team will compare the data with rates OpenET provides from the same sites to determine what, if any, adjustments are needed to improve the automated tool’s performance.

“Initial testing of OpenET by IDWR suggests there may be some errors introduced in the automated approach,” Brooks said. “They are interested in evaluating the accuracy of this new tool and potentially developing approaches to correct any errors that may be revealed by the project.”

Under Idaho law, water rights are tied to the amount of water farmers divert from rivers or withdraw from the aquifer by pumping. However, much of the water is not taken up by plant roots, seeps back into an aquifer or is left unused and returns to rivers in canals. As a result, farmers may divert less water without affecting their true consumption, thereby improving their own efficiency without affecting minimum flows required by Idaho Power to provide sufficient hydroelectric power to the state.

“Accurate quantification of evapotranspiration from irrigated lands is critical to basin-scale water budgets and sustainable water management in Idaho,” said Phil Blankenau, an IDWR evapotranspiration analyst.

Producers have relied upon AgriMet weather station data as a guide to predict the potential amount of irrigated water that could be consumed by crops under optimal soil conditions, but the actual amount of consumed water could vary based on the irrigation that actually occurred, the actual soil type, crop type and the fertility of the soil within any field.

“If we don’t see a difference in evapotranspiration after a curtailment in an area that means the growers are more efficient with how they use the water, and it ultimately doesn’t help maintain the minimum flows the Snake River as required by Idaho Power to meet state power demands,” Brooks said. “By becoming more efficient it’s not solving any of our water problems in the end. That consumptive water use has to go down in order to have more water at the outlet.

About Red Wines

plants, get to know your soil

By Kirstee Schutte, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Soil organic matter (SOM) is the portion of soil that is composed of living and dead things in various states of decomposition, such as plant roots and microbes. Organic (carbon-based) materials that we add to the soil, like compost or organic fertilizers, will also contribute to SOM as they are incorporated and decomposed by soil organisms. And although SOM only accounts for a small fraction of soil by volume (2-8 percent), it’s very important for soil and plant health. SOM is where the magic happens.

Soil is a mixture of mineral and organic material that makes up a complex ecosystem capable of supporting plant life. There is a web of life that exists beneath your feet. Plant roots interact with bacteria and fungi of which are food for larger microbes like nematodes and protozoa who are in turn eaten by arthropods. And the arthropods? They are eaten by snakes, birds, moles and other animals. All together they make up the soil food web. You can support the life in your soil by not applying synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, leaving leaves in the fall, and (so long as there is no disease or virus pathogens) leaving the roots of annuals to break down over winter months.

Soil is alive! Healthy soil supports healthy plants, but healthy plants also help support microorganisms. The energy that results from photosynthesis is used by plants to produce chemicals they excrete through their roots, called exudates. They are in the form of carbohydrates and proteins. Beneficial bacteria and fungi are attracted to the root zone by the exudates which they consume. The bacteria and fungi attract bigger microbes which consume them. The excreted waste is readily absorbed as nutrients by the plant. These nutrients are more readily available than synthetic fertilizers which negatively impact the soil food web.

Healthy soil is teaming with life! There are up to 50 earthworms in a square foot of healthy soil. A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain a billion invisible bacteria, several yards of equally invisible fungal hyphae, and several thousand protozoa and dozens of nematodes. Fungal hyphae travel through soil sticking to and binding particles together to form aggregates. The bacteria produce a slime to attach themselves to things so that they aren’t washed away. The slime can trap pathogens before it reaches the root and it too helps soil particles stick together.

Soil fertility is the ability of a soil to supply nutrients to a crop. Having the ability to have the right amount of nutrients available at the right time is critical to plant productivity, but you can have all those nutrients available but not the right conditions for the plant to uptake them. An often overlooked component of soil fertility is the cation exchange capacity which is a measure of the total negative charges within the soil that absorbs plant nutrient cations. It is a measure of the soil’s ability to retain applied nutrients, specifically positively charged nutrients called cations.

AG CHEMICALS FOR SALE

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FARM/RANCH AUCTION

Saturday October 5, 2024 • Bison, SD

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• Classic tractors

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Auction conducted by: Integrity Auctioneers, Harvey, ND 605-850-1330

September 20, 21 and 22, 2024

Friday, September 20th: 12 pm to 5 pm Saturday/Sunday, September 21st - 22nd: 8 am - 5 pm in Choteau, MT * 2 blocks south of City Park

3 DAY EVENT SCHEDULE

BREAKFAST SAT. & SUN. 8:00 am

THRESHING DEMO 1:00 PM DAILY

PARADE OF TRACTORS 3:00 PM DAILY FOOD & REFRSHMENTS & ENTERTAINMENT on grounds FRIDAY KIDS DAY SATURDAY CHOTEAU COMMUNITY BAND 11:00 am KIDS TRACTOR PULL SUNDAY TASGA CHURCH SERVICE 9:00 am

Pesticide drift may endanger pollinators

By Scott Elliott, ARS Office of Communications

Wind and water cause chemical pesticides to accumulate in bee-collected pollen and wax

The United States is home to more than 4,000 types of bees. Those beneficial insects are responsible for successfully pollinating the crops that feed the world’s growing population.

On the other hand, there are countless insects that attack, eat, and destroy those same plants. Agricultural producers often turn to chemical pesticides to protect their crops. Unfortunately, beneficial bees often fall victim to the same pesticides. To counter that, a group of scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is working to protect the pollinators.

“Our research is to figure out how to keep the bees as healthy as possible while enabling pest control in the crops,” said Diana Cox-Foster, research leader at the ARS Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, Systematics Research Unit (PIRU) in Logan, UT.

According to Cox-Foster, bees as pollinators are keystone species both for agricultural systems and for natural ecosystems, meaning that the bees are essential to the reproduction and health of the overall ecosystems.

“Without bees as pollinators, our food supply would be impacted,” she said, “with many of the nutritious fruits and vegetables not available or only available at high cost.”

The global annual value of crops pollinated by bees is estimated at nearly $580 billion, Cox-Foster said, with over 80% of plants worldwide requiring insect and other animal pollination for fruit and seed set. For human diets, bee pollination is essential for producing crops that provide many essential vitamins and nutrients. The current value of bee pollination in U.S. agriculture is estimated to be at least $18 billion.

“Crop production in the United States is frequently limited by a lack of pollinators,” Cox-Foster said. “Honeybee colonies are currently the only bee species for which we have estimated losses. A survey released in June 2023 estimated the annual loss of colonies was 40%.”

In addition to honeybee losses, two bee species in the continental United States, the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) and Franklin’s Bumble Bee (Bombus franklini), are on the Endangered Species List and nine other species are considered

Storing to

at risk. Factors involved in bee decline include climate change, disease, and pesticide exposure.

“From research performed on honeybee losses, we do have evidence that the ‘Four P’s’ (pesticides, pathogens, parasites, and poor nutrition) play a big role in colony losses with complex interactions between these factors; climate change also affects all of these,” Cox-Foster said.

ARS researchers have measured pesticide residues in samples of bees, wax, and beecollected pollen. They found that, in many cases, pesticides that were applied elsewhere had been introduced into bee colonies through the pollen they had collected.

“Many pesticides detected in samples had not been used in the fields, indicating that pesticide exposures had to be occurring off the local farms where bees were placed [by beekeepers],” said Kelsey Graham, entomologist and lead ARS scientist on the project. “We now believe that this is a widespread problem.”

Some of these pesticides actively move with wind and water to go outside of their original application sites, while others are so stable that they do not degrade easily.

“It’s likely that many exposures are occurring due to off-target ‘drift’ onto plants that grow near crops, and not from pollinating the crops themselves,” Graham said.

Other research at PIRU is addressing new management strategies that can improve Integrated Pest and Pollination Management for different crops. The research asks if non-pesticide pest control measures can be implemented and, if pesticides are required, whether some pesticides can offer effective pest control but deliver minimal impacts on bee health and reproduction.

reduce hay losses

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Summer hay harvest is in full swing. As you bring in your round bales for winter feeding, are you storing them in a way to minimize weather losses?

Hay stored outside will be damaged by rain, snow, wind, and ice this fall and winter. The average round bale may lose up to one fourth of its original nutrients during storage, but these losses can be reduced to less than 10 percent or so.

If we can’t get bales inside or under a tarp, giving space for air to flow around the bale to dry them out when moisture does fall is better than placing them side to side where rain, snow, and ice will gather and get trapped. Stacking uncovered will create a similar problem. Worst of all is placing round bales on their ends so moisture is able directly enter the bale.

Does snow drift around your bales? Bales placed in east-west rows often have

drifts on the south side. Hay next to fencelines or trees can get extra snow. As snow melts it soaks into bales or makes the ground muddy. Plus, the north side never gets any sun so it’s slow to dry. This year, line your bales up north-and-south for fewer drifts and faster drying as sunlight and prevailing winds hit both sides of the row.

Most important is the bottom of your bales. Always put bales on higher, welldrained ground so water drains away from them. If necessary, use crushed rock, railroad ties, or even pallets to elevate bales to keep the bottoms dry. This also will reduce problems getting to your hay due to snow drifts or mud.

Plan now to store bales outside right. Use a single row of bales end to end, along with consideration for row orientation, and ground surface drainage for the best outcome.

2024 Honoree - Rob Armstrong

Dick Irvin Inc. for purchasing my market sheep and supporting 4-H.

Reagan Aaberg

Pollen being collected from a hive. Researchers collect pollen from bee hives and analyze it for pesticide residues. (Photo by Caitlyn Horsch)

Brighten the shade with a hosta

By Emily How, Horticulture agent, NDSU Extension – Ward County

“I need to plant a hosta under my tree, which variety is your favorite?”

This innocent question to one of the NDSU Extension Master Gardeners in Ward County sent me down a rabbit hole learning about this beautiful shade-loving plant.

Hostas are a member of the asparagus family and are native to Asia. With over 2,000 different cultivars, there are many different leaf and flower colors, and variegations. Common flower colors are white, lavender and purple. The bell-shaped flowers may be fragrant and are a good pollen source for hummingbirds and bees. Hosta flowers can also provide great ornamental value to the landscape.

Though the flowers are stunning, hostas are traditionally grown for their foliage showcasing different leaf variegation. The American Hosta Society has categorized hosta leaves into five major leaf colors, green, blue, gold, Mediovariegated (dark margins and a light center), and Marginal variegated (light margins and a dark center). There are also different heights of hosta, ranging from a dwarf height (less than 4 inches) to a giant height (more than 28 inches)

Hostas thrive in shade to dappled-shade areas, perfect for planting under trees or in heavily shaded areas of the yard. Depending on the color of the leaves, hosta have different light requirements. Hostas with blue coloring need more shade than yellow and gold hostas, which benefit from two to three hours of the morning sun. If you start to notice brown or scorched leaves, this could be a sign that your hosta is receiving too much sun.

Common problems for the hosta include hungry deer, slugs and rabbits. Young sprouts are more likely to be damaged by these creatures than older plants. Try fencing or using repellents to keep deer from eating the hosta leaves, but keep in mind that a hungry animal will eat anything.

Another problem plaguing hosta plants is Hosta virus X. This virus, first discovered in Minnesota, causes the plant leaves to look discolored and blotchy. It can take several years for the virus to show symptoms in the hosta plant. It spreads quickly through division sterilizing tools and ensuring that your hosta plant comes from a reputable source is the easiest way to prevent this disease from spreading. If you suspect your hosta has Hosta virus X, contact your county NDSU Extension agent to confirm.

As for the Master Gardener’s favorite hosta cultivars, the current list includes June, a medium-sized hosta with gold and blue-green leaves; Blueberry Muffin, a medium-sized hosta with deep blue leaves and lavender flowers; and Abba Dabba, a large-sized hosta with green center and gold edges.

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What do politicians and diapers have in common? Both should be changed regularly, and both for the same reason.

4-H PARENTS & LEADERS

Deadline for advertising in the

is WEDNESDAY, August 28th.

Eric & Kate Morrisett,

Kendra Farkell

Sustainable wool

By Brent Roeder, MSU Extension Sheep and Wool Specialist

Montana is the last best place with sixtyeight million acres of rangeland managed in a sustainable way to create organic wealth for multigenerational ranching and farming families. Many of these families in Montana run sheep and most of those sheep produce high quality clips of wool sought after by our military and outdoor enthusiast. For at least 10,000 years, sheep, humans, dogs, and rangelands have lived in a symbiotic, transhumance system that sustainably produces milk, meat and wool on a world-wide basis when managed correctly.

Sheep convert grass into wool - what is your superpower. Wool absorbs forty percent of its weight in water, is selfextinguishing, possesses natural moisture wicking properties, is insulating, has natural resistance to compression and is naturally odor resistant. It keeps you warm or cool, dry and odor free with no chemical additives. These are just a few of the reasons why our military and other country’s astronauts wear wool undergarments. From an environmental standpoint, sheep can be used to graze noxious weeds and wildfire prone landscapes to produce wool in a sustainable manner. Pure organic carbon makes up fifty percent of the weight of wool and this carbon is sequestered from the atmosphere by plants consumed by the sheep (https://www.woolmark.com/industry/research/factsheets/).

So, sheep convert grass to wool in a sustainable fashion. That does not sound like much of a superpower until you take a hard look at how we use wool compared to synthetic textile production. Wool, while being durable, is also naturally biodegradable. Recent research has shown some synthetic clothing takes hundreds of years to degrade in landfills, while wool which is the most recycled fabric, takes only about a year. More important to Montana with our emphasis on pristine waterways, research has shown the massive environmental contamination from washing synthetic clothing. Some synthetic fabrics release up to 4,500 microfibers per gram of clothing washed and up to forty percent of those fibers pass through our water treatment facilities and contaminate our river and oceans (https://www.woolmark. com/industry/support/resources/#factsheets: Sustainability Toolkit). According to USDA Economic Research Service, the US imported eleven and half billion pounds of synthetic fabric in 2023 compared to under two billion pounds in 1990. We do not yet comprehend the enormous impact

micro-plastic contamination is having on our world, so become a proponent of slow fashion, read those clothing labels, and look for American made wool products. Well that all sounded just dreamy, but let us get into some documented research. US EPA from 2022 estimated US greenhouse gas emissions by economic sector to be: 1) Transportation-28%, Electricity-25%, Industry-23%, Commercial & Residential-13% and Agriculture-10% (https:// www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sourcesgreenhouse-gas-emissions) (It only adds to 99% on their chart also). According to a presentation by Dr. Richard Ehrhardt of Michigan State University at the 2022 American Sheep Industry Convention, animal agriculture accounts for 3.9% of US greenhouse gas emissions with ruminants contributing 2.3% and the US sheep industry only 0.023%. How much “new” methane has been produced in the US by ruminants since European settlement? The best estimate is found in research by Hristov 2012, Journal of Animal Science 90:1371, before European settlement, wild ruminants like deer, elk and bison already produced about 86% of the current greenhouse gas emissions that domestic livestock and wild ruminants produce today. That 14% increase occurred over the past 530 years. Another presentation by Dr. Frank Mitloehner of UC Davis stated that globally one in three calories produced for food is wasted and in the US forty percent of food in the thrown CONTINUED ON PAGE A19

Sustainable wool

out, so food waste is the real issue, not diet (https://www. sheepusa.org/events-pastconventionpresentations). Domestic ruminants do produce GHG but are not responsible for the increase we have seen recently.

Two of the biggest challenges the world faces environmentally are the microplastic contamination of water we briefly discussed and the rapid paving over of our planet’s grasslands with cement, asphalt, bricks, and/or stone. Based on the statistics of the United Nations in 2018, 55% of the world’s total population lives in cities, and this proportion is expected to reach 68% in 2050. Global satellite research indicates that the area paved over has doubled in the past 35 years from 1985 to 2020 and Asia underwent the greatest increase compared to other continents. Meanwhile, the research also found that the expansion on six continents after 2000 was significantly faster than before 2000, (https://essd. copernicus.org/articles/14/1831/2022/). We have paved over 142.15 million acres in 35 years. At that rate, we are paving over an area the size of Idaho every thirteen years.

Finally, Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” recently said that over 70% of the clothing worn by Americans was made in the US in the 1980’s. That figure currently sits around 3%. There have been many changes to US manufacturing and consumer shopping choices since the 1990’s and no doubt even more changes are coming. Let us do our part and support the growing US made wool and hemp industries and support our farmers and ranchers through a multitude of locally focused food and fiber enterprises. Future generations will thank you.

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A player stood on the 18th tee for what seemed like forever. He was practicing his swing, checking the wind, measuring the distance, and driving his partner crazy. Finally, his comrade said, “Come on, already. What’s taking so long? Hit the ball already.” The golfer took a step back and said, “My wife is in the clubhouse watching me. This shot needs to be perfect.” “Forget about it,” his exasperated partner said. “There is no way you’ll be able to hit her from here.”

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The Psychology of Money

By Jessica Groskopf, Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist

Economists are taught to assume that humans are rational and make decisions accordingly. Working with farm and ranch families to make decisions over the last twelve years has taught me that this assumption is rarely true. People and the circumstances they face are very complex. This has led me down a rabbit hole of both formal and informal study around personal finance and human behavior.

I recently picked up Morgan Housel’s book “The Psychology of Money.” The book largely focuses on investors with a traditional 9-5 job. However, many of his points relate well to farming and ranching. Here are three of Housel’s points that stuck out to me.

Challenging our view of wealth. You might catch yourself sizing up someone’s financial standing by the things they own. But Housel wisely says, “Wealth is hidden. It is income not spent (p. 99).” He relates this to people who drive Lamborghini’s, noting that driving one may just be a function of cash flow rather than true wealth. Like our “intown” counterparts, we may measure the relative success of our peers by their visible assets, but we have no way of knowing their true wealth. The information that we don’t see is their liquid assets (cash, account balances, grain in the bin, other investments, etc.) and, more importantly, their debt.

What are you saving for? Housel takes an interesting perspective on the topic of saving. He encourages readers to save not for a specific goal but to protect themselves from the unknown. “Saving is a hedge against life’s inevitable ability to surprise the hell out of you at the worst possible moment (p. 107).” According to the Federal Reserve, in 2023 only 63 percent of adults said they could cover a hypothetical $400 emergency expense with cash. Being asset-rich and cashpoor may be putting your farm or ranch at risk for failure. Everyone should have a 3 to 6 month emergency fund. What makes us happy? Housel states, “If there is a common denominator in happiness … it is that people want to control their lives (p. 83).” Housel goes on to state that having enough wealth allows people to have autonomy. I find this sentiment to also be true for farmers and ranchers. If they have enough wealth, they don’t have to sell grain or calves during a down market to make the mortgage payment. Having a cushion allows them more freedom to make the best decision for their business. The second place I see this is when bringing the next generation into the operation. When there are two or more generations in business together, there is often an issue of control. Usually, the older generation does not want to give up the decision-making power and wonders why the younger generation is not happy. It takes a unique balance to allow both generations to have control over their own lives.

The “Psychology of Money” offers more than financial advice; it provides a philosophical framework for navigating the complexities of personal finance. As I continue to work alongside farm and ranch families, I will carry forward Housel’s lessons, advocating for a holistic approach to financial management—one that prioritizes stability, preparedness, and the pursuit of happiness through autonomy. These ideas are crucial as we navigate the complexities of sustaining multi-generational farms and ranches.

The smell of things

The day started as we both wanted

As through the park, we went for a stroll

Each telling the other, while hand in hand

Our life’s ambitions, and what in life, we had for goals

We took the short cut and picking up the pace

While racing, it was close, getting to the old pine tree

We were neck-n-neck across the unmowed grass

I was trying to make the winner-me!

Right then and there, with the turn of events

My feelings were quickly shone

By the looks and the smell of things

We would never talk again, even on the telephone

Until now, the day had been good

I was using my best charm and wit

Good days like this just don’t last and it didn’t

It ended when I stepped in that pile of dog shit!

in

Wylie Frydenlund

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Nebraska Extension projects look at viability and economics of mint in Panhandle

By Chabella Guzman, PREEC communications

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Two recent projects at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff involved growing peppermint and spearmint, doing it well, and saving money and greenhouse gasses.

“Way back in 2017, there was a farmer, a native of Nebraska, who had been living in Idaho and been involved in mint production. When he came back, he wanted to start growing mint. He contacted me on everything mint. I had no idea, so I started doing research,” said Dipak Santra, Nebraska Extension alternative crops breeding specialist. Mint is grown for its oil, which is added to a variety of food and drink flavorings and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

Obtaining a USDA Specialty Crops Grant, Santra began research on which peppermint and spearmint varieties would do well in western Nebraska. The two-year project in 2018 and 2019 had eight peppermint and six spearmint clones. He found peppermint grew slower and was harvested once a month in mid-August. Spearmint grew a bit faster and had two harvestings in early July and mid-September.

“I did not have a specialized lab here (Scottsbluff), so I partnered with Mahesh (Dr. Pattabiraman, University of Kearney professor of organic chemistry), who did the oil production at his lab,” Santra said.

In the two-year study, Santra found that the variety Arvensis II performed better for peppermint, with a dry mass yield of 6,544 lbs. an acre and an oil yield of 74 lbs. an acre. The spearmint variety Scotch was the top performer, with a dry mass yield of 9,332 lbs. an acre and an oil yield of 286 lbs. an acre.

“Our next question was how much nitrogen to use on the crop. I found out farmers were using up to 240 lbs. of nitrogen per acre, which is higher than what is put on corn,” Santra said. In discussion with Bijesh Maharjan, Nebraska Extension soil and nutrient management specialist, they decided a study should be done to look at the optimal amount and what kind of nitrogen would be best for growing mint. Sujani De Silva, a graduate assistant with Maharjan, undertook the project for her Master’s Thesis at the Center in Scottsbluff.

“Currently, farmers in the Nebraska Panhandle use different nitrogen (N) rates and various N fertilizers in mint production because there is no information available regarding the optimum rate and source of N fertilizer for mint production in the area,” said De Silva.

She theorized that optimized N manage-

ment in mint production could increase aromatic oil yield and quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide; N2O). Increasing N2O emissions from agriculture are linked to soil management and the application of N fertilizers.

De Silva examined urea and polymercoated urea (PCU) to assess the effects of the fertilizer and its rates on dry matter yield and oil concentration in irrigated peppermint and spearmint. The project also assessed the effects of fertilizer N rates and sources on N2O emissions in peppermint production. The main factor was N treatment, which included the control, urea, and PCU surface applied at different rates, resulting in five different soil available N levels.

In 2022, dry matter yield ranged from 3.33 to 3.98 mega-gram per hectare (Mg ha-1 ) in peppermint and 2.33 to 2.63 Mg ha-1 in spearmint. Only spearmint dry matter yield was significantly affected by N rates and N sources in 2022.

In 2023, dry matter yield ranged from 7.56 to 13.28 Mg ha-1 in peppermint and from 10.41 to 13.43 Mg ha-1 in spearmint.

Mint dry matter yield was greater in 2023 than in 2022, as 2022 received less N than 2023 and had plant establishment issues. In 2023, greater peppermint dry matter yield was obtained from PCU and urea at 248 kg N ha-1, while greater spearmint dry matter yield was obtained from 161 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare of soil available N with PCU, which showed the best results compared to urea.

De Silva noted oil concentrations in peppermint leaves in the fertilized treatments were greater than in the control, but they did not vary by applied N rates or sources, while spearmint oil concentrations did not show any response across N rates and sources. The urea treatments had greater N2O emissions than PCU across all N rates in both years, except for the lowest N rate in 2022. Data reported an incremental trend of N2O emission with an increment of soil available N in the urea treatments but not in the PCU in both years. N2O emission from PCU did not differ from control in both years.

“The results suggest that the N application can be optimized to improve the performance of sustainable mint production using advanced fertilizer technology such as PCU,” De Silva said. “However, more siteyear data would be necessary to determine the optimum N rates.”

For more information on the study, contact Santra at dsantra2@unl.edu or Maharjan at bmaharjan@unl.edu

The spearmint plots at PREEC in Scottsbluff were harvested on October 9, 2023, by UNL students Kasun Lakmini, left, Piumi Ishara, and Sujani De Silva. Photo by Chabella Guzman.

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Corn diseases developing in some fields — What to watch

By Tamra Jackson-Ziems - Extension Plant Pathologist

A few diseases have begun in corn fields in Nebraska. Frequent rainfall in recent weeks favored disease development and spread of plant pathogens. Some of those diseases are only becoming evident (visible) now. Dry and hot weather conditions could help to slow most diseases. In addition, frequent irrigation may also support disease development and spread. Thus, it’s important to scout corn for diseases and continue to scout regularly.

Tar Spot

Tar spot (Figure 1) has been confirmed on samples this season in several counties in eastern Nebraska and in surrounding states. Tar spot pressure is still very low in most areas, but beginning to increase in others where there’s a history of more disease. It’s important to remember that the tar spot fungus disease cycle requires an average of two to three weeks before symptoms are visible to us after infection. Thus, we may continue to see tar spot development in the coming days, even in spite of hot temperatures, from infections that occurred during the last two to three weeks when conditions were more favorable.

Symptoms

Mid-Season Crop Protection

brown spot, powdery mildew, rust, and frogeye leaf spot. We recommend Quadris but Please let us know if there are other labels or brands you are interested in purchasing.

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The tar spot fungus produces small black spots (reproductive structures called stromata) on upper leaf surfaces. Spots will eventually appear black underneath on the bottom side of leaves too, and will continue to grow larger and elongate along leaf veins. A few spots may also have tan rings around them. But, black spots are common on corn leaves right now and are often insect frass instead of tar spot. Insect

Figure 1. Tar spot black stromata develop on the upper leaf first then become visible underneath too. Over time, the spots increase in size and elongate. (Photos by Tamra Jackson-Ziems)

Figure 2. Insect frass spots (shown) can be easily confused with tar spot. Be sure to check the underside of black spots to confirm

National Creamsicle Day

This holiday is always celebrated on August 14th National Creamsicle Day celebrates a tasty summer cooler. There’s plenty of ice cream, popsicles, and frozen yogurt to cool you down on a hot summer day. So, it comes as no surprise that this holiday exists to remind you to have creamsicles, too. The heat and humidity of August beckon you to discover, and enjoy, a summer cooler. A creamsicle is an excellent choice. This is one of several chilly ice cream and frozen snack days to enjoy on a hot, sticky August day. Just make sure to eat your creamsicle quickly before it melts!

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Montana Department of Agriculture 2024 Pesticide Disposal Program

If you have any old pesticides - insecticides, herbicides, rodent poison or fungicides - laying around unused, the Montana Department of Agriculture will take them off your hands. The agency will hold waste pesticide collections in Central Montana in September. The collections are scheduled in Havre on September 17; Great Falls on September 18; Lewistown on September 19; and Columbus on September 20. The disposal program is a non-regulatory, service progam that offers pesticide users the opportunity to dispose of unwanted and unusable pesticides in a safe and legal way that is economical and convenient. Disposal costs are free for the first 200 pounds and $1.00/lb. per pound for additional amounts over 200 pounds. Disposal by other services can cost 5 to 10 times more. Additional information and the required pre-registration forms are available by contacting Carli Davis in Richland at (406) 465-0531; mail to Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticide Disposal Program, 508 Prairie Dell Rd, Richland, MT 59260; email Carli.Davis@mt.gov; website http://agr.mt.gov/pesticidewaste-disposal-program

Montana State’s Blake Wiedenheft receives regional award for research excellence

By Reagan Cotton, MSU News Service

Montana State University scientist Blake Wiedenheft was recognized last month with a prestigious award from agricultural deans and directors around the Western U.S.

Wiedenheft received the Agricultural Research and Innovation Award from agInnovation West, an organization made up of the experiment station directors and agriculture deans at land-grant universities in the western half of the U.S., plus Hawaii and Alaska. It’s the regional branch of a national group dedicated to innovative research across the land-grant system on topics including food security, nutrition and health, environmental stewardship, and agricultural systems.

“This award recognizes scientists who strive in their research career to achieve benchmarks reflective of excellence,” said Bret Hess, executive director of agInnovation West, in a letter announcing Wiedenheft’s selection.

Wiedenheft, a professor in MSU’s Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, conducts research with CRISPR, a series of mechanisms and immune systems that bacteria use to defend themselves against viral infections. The work, supported in part by a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health that Wiedenheft received in 2020, has the potential for applications in a wide range of biotechnological and medical environments, from testing for viruses to exploring treatments of genetic diseases.

“It’s an honor to have our work recognized by the agriculture community, and it’s exciting to see how applications of genome engineering and RNA detection technologies are being applied in agriculture,” said Wiedenheft. “As a native Montanan and a faculty member in the College of Agriculture, I’m delighted that some of the work we’ve done is being integrated into agriculture and I welcome the opportunity for more collaborations. MSU and the College of Agriculture are perfectly positioned to take full advantage of these emerging technologies, and I hope that we can continue to contribute to innovations in agriculture.”

The award, which was announced June 25, comes with a $500 honorarium and a four-year membership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Regional agInnovation award recipients will be considered for the organization’s national awards in September.

Grazing cover crops benefits soil health in dryland systems

By Kelsey Stremel, K-State Research and Extension news service

Kansas State University researchers have found that grazing cover crops can improve soil health in no-till dryland cropping systems, addressing a key concern for producers in water-limited environments like the central Great Plains.

The study, conducted from 2018 to 2021 across three producer fields in central and western Kansas, found that grazing cover crops with beef cattle had no negative effects on soil’s physical or chemical properties compared to ungrazed cover crops. In fact, researchers observed increases in soil organic carbon stocks and potassium concentrations in grazed plots.

“These findings are significant for producers looking to integrate livestock into their cropping systems,” said Logan Simon, an agronomist at the Southwest ResearchExtension Center in Garden City. “Grazing cover crops at moderate stocking rates with adequate post-grazing regrowth can be a viable strategy for intensifying no-till dryland cropping systems while maintaining or improving soil health.”

Simon said a common concern among producers is the potential for soil compaction due to grazing. This research found no negative impacts on key soil physical properties when stocking rate and duration of cover crop grazing were managed. Soil bulk density, penetration resistance, waterstable aggregates, and wind-erodible fractions were comparable between grazed and ungrazed plots, he said.

Soil organic carbon stocks increased in grazed plots, attributed to manure deposition and retained plant residue, leading to improved soil structure and reduced erosion potential, highlighting broader soil health benefits.

“This research demonstrates that integrat-

ing livestock grazing with cover crops can be a win-win, supporting both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability,” Simon said.

The study also found that cover crop biomass left as residue after grazing was similar to pre-grazing levels, with approximately 60% of ungrazed biomass retained due to regrowth after the grazing period. This level of residue retention aligns with Natural Resources Conservation Service recommendations and helps maintain soil protection while still providing valuable forage for livestock.

Sites were grazed over a 30-40-day period, allowing for approximately 40-50% removal of cover crop biomass and cover crop regrowth after the grazing rotation. Simon said it is important to note that results from similar studies are likely to vary based on grazing animal stocking rate, categories, duration of grazing, and available cover crop biomass for grazing.

In addition to Simon, collaborators on this study include Augustine Obour, KState soil scientist; John Holman and Kraig Roozeboom, K-State cropping systems agronomists; and Sandy Johnson, K-State Research and Extension beef specialist.

The article, “Cover crop grazing effects on soil properties in no-tillage dryland cropping systems in the central Great Plains,” published in the Journal of Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, is available free through August 20 at https://bit. ly/3W5VXW4. #####

It is dangerous to abandon one’s self to the luxury of grief; it deprives one of courage, and even of the wish for recovery.

– Henri Amiel

frass can be very difficult to distinguish from tar spot and can lead to costly misdiagnoses. The tar spot fungus is embedded in the leaf and can’t be wiped off like insect frass, so be sure to wet and firmly rub black spots on leaves before calling it tar spot and making treatment decisions.

Management

Corn hybrids vary in their reaction to tar spot, thus selecting hybrids with better disease ratings (indicating more resistance) can help reduce disease severity. During the growing season, application of foliar fungicides can be effective at managing the disease when applied at appropriate time(s). Fungicides with a mixture of active ingredients from two or more fungicide classes provided the best control of tar spot. Results further showed that products applied once between VT (full tassel emergence) through R3 (milk) when disease pressure was low (less than 5% on the ear leaf) were effective controlling tar spot during most years. It’s important to continue scouting regularly to monitor tar spot and other disease changes to make timely treatment decisions. See the Crop Protection Network for more information, including the recent article about managing tar spot.

What to Expect Next

Tar spot will likely continue to develop in eastern Nebraska counties, especially in irrigated fields, albeit slower during hot, dry weather. The disease is known for increasing more rapidly during the latter grain fill stages, so expect it to increase more later in the season. It’s likely that the distribution of the fungus and tar spot will continue to expand, both locally as the fungus increases in an area and especially to fields and counties further west. Diseased samples are needed to confirm the disease in new areas.

Other Diseases

Some other diseases are active in Nebraska corn fields right now, too. Bacterial leaf streak, also worsened by wet conditions, has been surprisingly aggressive in some fields. It’s important that you can recognize the difference between this disease and the common fungal disease, gray leaf spot

CONTINUED ON PAGE A28

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Corn diseases developing in some fields — What to watch

(GLS) that is also active in the lower leaves of some fields. Southern rust has been confirmed in several Kansas counties, including in northeast Kansas. Fields in southern Nebraska should also be monitored closely for southern rust in the coming days/weeks.

Common rust has also been noted in many Nebraska fields this year following the frequent and widespread rain. The color of some common rust pustules appeared more orange than the typical brick red/brown, making them appear more similar to southern rust and more difficulty to differentiate.

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•

improve yield potential, test weight, protein, and milling characteristics that wheat producers need, and end users want. Given its medium early maturity, optimum planting dates in the northern and central high plains will consistently fall between mid-September through mid-October; consider increased seeding rates as time progresses. Battle AX has a Medium long Coleoptile to improve planting into moisture, and carries good resistance to the wheat curl mite to help against the Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. Battle AX has demonstrated good straw strength under dryland conditions (11-20” of annual precipitation), performing well under irrigated conditions as well. Please follow all label instructions of Aggressor Herbicides for use and restrictions, the label is the law.

• Torgerson’s is here to help make your life easier, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need us.

cooler weather and continue for the remainder of the season.

#####

“Go to bed in your fireplace. You’ll sleep like a log. – Ellen Degeneres

##### Wolves make terrible guard dogs–they’re more likely to hide from strangers than bark.

Figure 3. Gray leaf spot is caused by a fungus that produces rectangular lesions in the lower leaves that move up the plant over time.

Figure 4. Bacterial leaf streak produces irregular streaks (a) between the leaf veins and can’t be controlled with fungicides. Lesions are often bright yellow when backlit (b) and may develop early in the season during

August is National Catfish Month

History of National Catfish Month

The first mention of this holiday was in August of 1984 when President Ronald Reagan announced to the nation that there would be a national holiday dedicated to the catfish. Since his announcement of the holiday, the Catfish Institute (TCI), The Jackson-based location of the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry, works throughout the year to promote the work, the farmers it represents and the impact they have on local economy.

Catfish is one of America’s largest aquaculture products, and each year, a farmer is awarded “Catfish of the Year” as an exemplary example of what an American farmer looks like.

National Catfish Month aims to educate people about the agricultural importance of catfish in the economy. As they have been farmed or fished for food for hundreds of years in Africa, Asia, and South America, catfish is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world as well as a tasty meal in many parts of the United States. Catfish contains low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and a much higher proportion of omega-6 fatty acids, making it nutritious to eat. It’s a stable in many parts of the world, and in the United States, it’s considered a small part of the American tradition.

How to Celebrate National Catfish Month

If you’re aching for some catfish, try out this catfish recipe. First, rinse catfish fillets under cold water or put the catfish in an hour-long soak in buttermilk to remove the fish flavor, then wash it off and dry it with paper towels. Then, in a tray, pour milk over the top of the catfish. In another tray, combine 1 cup of cornmeal, 3 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Remove the fillets from the milk and coat in cornmeal mixture. Let it dry for 5 minutes. Next, in a large skillet, heat the oil and butter up on medium to high heat. Cook the catfish 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Cook until golden brown, drain off excess oil, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve.

throughout the state of

Fall Forage Seed Available

Soil only blows during droughts?

By: Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist

Additional Authors: Hans Klopp

During the past several weeks, last year, and previous years, incidents of soil blowing from agricultural fields have been more frequent. Many would like to know why this is occurring. Most remember pictures of the “Dirty Thirties” as a time when the soil blew and associate it with the drought years that occurred then. Those extreme droughts have not occurred recently. Admittingly, the drought monitor has shown drought in South Dakota over the past few years, but if one really looks at the impacts on crop productivity, NASS records show small decreases in average yields across South Dakota. The droughts of the “Dirty Thirties” were much worse and widespread.

What causes soil to blow?

So why has the soil been blowing lately? Let’s review the factors causing the soil to blow.

• The soil surface is un-protected by previous crop residues.

• The soil surface is smooth.

• Soil structure has been degraded by intensive tillage.

Balewagons & Retrievers

Monitor for South Dakota, June 11, 2024. (Courtesy: National Drought Mitigation Center)

Currently, tractor power and size of tillage implements has greatly increased, and therefore, degradation of soil structure is greater now than ever before. The practices that destroy and remove crop residues leave the soil unprotected. Smoothing the field with secondary tillage equipment and rollers leaves the soil surface smooth and very prone to wind scouring. Soil particles smaller than 0.033 inches are most susceptible to wind erosion (Chepil 1950). The soils that are the most susceptible to wind erosion are ones that have higher amounts of fine sand and low organic matter. However, practices that destroy soil aggregates, such as intensive tillage and rolling, reduce the mean size of dry aggregates near the surface and can make productive soils (loamy

textures with high organic matter) susceptible to wind erosion. This creates more soil aggregates that are susceptible to wind erosion. Having a longer area in the field also increases soil erodibility. Windbreaks previously were planted to help reduce wind erosion and field length. As machinery has increased, many of the windbreaks have been removed. Even if the soil is, for the most part, wet, having just a small amount of dry soil near the surface can lead to wind

Investigating the soil profile showed mucky wet soil starting at about an inch below the surface (Figure 3). erosion. High winds can dry the soil close to the surface rapidly. If the winds are high enough, even soil at intermediate water contents can blow.

What about drought?

How dry does the soil need to be before it blows? A recent weather pattern resulted in many days with high wind activity throughout South Dakota.

A key piece of evidence in the latest wind erosion events is that the drought monitor map (rendered June 11, 2024 by the National Drought Mitigation Center) shows little to no drought for most of the state (Figure 1).

Figure 2. Crop scouring caused by blowing soil. (Photo: Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension)

Figure 3. Mucky, wet soil profile due to blowing soil. (Photo: Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension)

In Summary

To keep soil from blowing, consider the following:

• Keep the soil surface protected by leaving crop residues in the field.

• Don’t smooth the field, which leaves old crop residues pointing upward.

• Reduce or eliminate tillage.

• Plant cover crops if a planned crop is removed for feed or if crop residues are removed.

The gypsy moth

In 1869 Leopold Trouvelot, a French entomologist, imported some gypsy moth caterpillars to Massachusetts. It was part of a get-rich-quick scheme: He figured that since the caterpillars thrive on oak tree leaves, which are plentiful there, he could crossbreed them with silkworm moths, and create a self-sustaining, silk-producing caterpillar. He’d make a fortune!

Unfortunately, the crossbreeding didn’t work. Then one day, a strong wind knocked over a cage filled with the gypsy moth caterpillars. They escaped through an open window and survived.

At first, the moth spread slowly. But by 1950, gypsy moths could be found in every New England state and in eastern New York. They’ve since spread to Virginia and Maryland – and beyond. Populations have become established as far away as Minnesota and California, probably due to eggs unknowingly transported by cars driven from the Northeast to those regions. They’re not a major threat, but can cause severe problems: In 1981, for example, they were reported to have stripped leaves from 13 million trees.

Wind carrying dust and dirt along the edge of a tilled field. (Photo: Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension)

Figure 1. U.S. Drought

Fields with blowing soil lately have caused severe crop destruction by scouring the plants (Figure 2).

Mid season forage check

By Ben Beckman, UNL

As we move through midsummer, it’s time to evaluate our forage situation, even if we are a bit busy. Depending on your location, meadow hay harvest might be starting, you could be on your second cutting of alfalfa, or preparing to cut warm-season annual crops soon.

Now is a great time to assess your forage inventory. Most perennial grasses have completed their growth, and multiple alfalfa cuttings should be done. Even if not all meadow hay and summer annuals are harvested, we can estimate our total yield for the year.

Ask yourself: Does our current yield meet our winter feed needs? If not, consider options like late planting of summer annuals or fall forages like oats for grazing. Be cautious with plantings for fall hay harvests however, due to drying challenges.

If you have excess hay, consider how to best manage it. Whether selling or storing, prevent quality loss by keeping hay dry. Store it under a roof or tarp if possible, elevate it from the ground, line bales with the topography and sun, and ensure good airflow around bales to maintain quality.

Finally, if you haven’t done so, send in hay samples for quality testing. Hay quality varies year-to-year, even from the same field. Testing helps us match hay to livestock needs or set appropriate selling prices.

Assessing forage stores now, while plants are still growing and hay is being harvested, helps close forage gaps, manage surplus, and ensure quality use later.

Horticulture Tip

By Catherine Wissner, retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist

Please keep insecticides like; Sevin, out of the garden, if you have a bad bug problem check what fertilized you used. Too much fertilizer or nitrogen will cause a number of problems. Also, when and how much you water use can be a point of plant stress. Never let your plants wilt or the soil dry out too much a major stress for plants, especially vegetables.

Expiration dates on bottled water have nothing to do with the water. Water can’t expire – but the bottle it’s in can. Plastic bottles will eventually start leaking chemicals into the water. It won’t make the water harmful to drink, but it will make it taste less fresh.

Jaidyn Farkell

Recipe Patch by Geri

Cucumber Peach Salad

1 English cucumber, cut into 1-inch chunks

2 fresh peaches, cut into 1-inch chunks

2 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

1 Tbsp white wine vinegar

Zest of 1 lime

1 Tbsp honey

4 large fresh basil leaves

1/8 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Add the chopped peaches and cucumbers to a large bowl. In a blender, combine the oil, vinegar, lime zest and juice, honey, basil, salt and pepper. Pulse until the basil is finely chopped and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified. Pour the vinaigrette over the peach and cucumber mixture. Stir to coat evenly.

Pea Salad

16 ounces frozen peas

6 ounces almonds, raw or roasted

1/2 cup chopped green onions

8 ounces chopped water chestnuts

2/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tsp yellow curry powder

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Spread almonds on a cutting board, and coarsely chop with a large knife. In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the peas, scallions, and water chestnuts to the bowl. Gently fold the salad into the mayonnaise dressing. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if you like. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, stir in the chopped almonds.

Zucchini Fritters

1 lb zucchini coarsely grated

1 tsp kosher salt

1 large egg

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 green onions, minced

1 tsp fresh thyme, minced

1 tsp fresh basil, minced

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup olive oil or canola oil

Sprinkle grated zucchini with about 1 teaspoon of salt. Place in a sieve or colander over a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes. Press down with a wooden spoon to push out more of the water. Wrap it in paper towels and try to squeeze out more liquid. Whisk the egg in a large bowl. Add the grated zucchini, flour, minced green onions, thyme, basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine well. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until the oil is shimmery and hot. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the skillet. Flatten slightly with the back end of a spoon or spatula. Cook, turning once, until browned, 4-6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt.

Fruit and Cucumber Salad

2 small peaches, pitted and diced

2 large plums, pitted and diced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 English cucumber, diced

1/4 serrano pepper, very thinly sliced, or to taste

1/2 tsp best quality sea salt, plus more to taste

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more to taste

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint

In a large bowl, combine the peaches, plums, celery, tomatoes, cherries, cucumber, and serrano pepper. Season with salt and black pepper and gently stir to combine. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes. The salt will start to pull juices from the fruit and vegetables. Drizzle in the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and add the herbs. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust for

and garnish with herb leaves.

Big Sky Equipment Co.

2023 New Holland CR8.90 combine, full automation, chopper and spreader, electric folding grain tank cover, DFR rock trap, twin pitch rotors.Just Traded

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I

John Deere

#####

A guy had to ask his neighbor for help getting his new sofa inside the flat because it got stuck in the door.

After about twenty minutes of vigorous pushing and maneuvering, the guy pants, “I think we’ll have to call it a day. There’s no way we’re getting it inside.”

The neighbor looks at him slowly, “Wait, inside?!”

#####

When you want to fool the world, tell the truth.

Make your own vegetable garden fertilizer

By Catherine Wissner, retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist

Save money, have happier plants and better yields by making your own vegetable garden fertilizer. This recipe has been used by the Soil Food Web group and numerous plant societies. Take 1 pound of alfalfa pellets soak in a 5 gallon bucket of water for 8 to 24 hours. At the end of the soak; add 1 cup of sugar or corn syrup, stir well. You can also add 2 to 3 tablespoons of fish emulsion just before you use the solution. One cup of solution per plant once a week or as needed watered in at the base of the plant. The stuff that settles out can be incorporated back into the soil. You can use this on your vegetables, trees, shrubs, perennial and annual flowers. This solution is only around 5% nitrogen and 2-3% phosphorus and potassium. A low nitrogen plant food will not cause an insect problem like high nitrogen commercial fertilizers can.

With this solution you are feeding the soil first, the soil micro-organisms are then feeding plants, just as nature intended. Because it’s not a commercial fertilizer and has little to no salts it should not hurt your plants and is about as organic as it gets.

As to Epson Salt use, there is no clear, published, scientific research on this product and recommendations are unclear. It is a salt and can cause plant damage if too much too frequently is used.

William Rand and Andrew McNally

Rand and McNally printed railroad tickets and timetables. In 1872 they added maps to their line. Other companies used wood or metal engravings for their maps; Rand McNally used wax engravings, allowing them to update and correct maps at a fraction of the cost. By the early 1900s, Rand McNally was one of the largest mapmakers in the country.

John Deere 6210R MFWD, Auto Quad, E range, 5600 hours. $92,500

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When I see lovers’ names carved in a tree, I don’t think it’s sweet. I just think it’s surprising how many people bring a knife on a date.

#####

It would be very nice if the car navigation voice would get more and more excited as you’d get closer to your destination.

How to save money in a highproduction home garden

By April Johnson, Pollinator technician, Dakota Gardner, NDSU Extension

In today’s world where every penny counts and sustainable living is increasingly becoming a priority, home gardening offers a dual benefit; the joy of growing fresh produce and the opportunity to save money in the process. In this article, we’ll explore strategies to help you save money in your high-production home garden.

Save on seeds and plants

One mature botanical fruit may produce hundreds of viable seeds–much more than you get in an average commercial seed packet. Open-pollinated varieties like tomatoes are ideal for seed saving because they generate offspring true to their parent plants. Let green beans dry on the vine and harvest once the pods are papery and thin. Sunflower seeds are ready as soon as the petals dry and fall off the plant, and dill seeds mature and turn brown when ready for harvest. For the most robust plants come spring, save seeds from the largest fruits on the healthiest plants.

Maximize your plant budget by splitting perennials. Propagate the runners of everbearing strawberries. Purchase seedling packs with multiple starts that can be gently separated. Cultivate healthy relationships with neighbor gardeners who love to share cuttings, tubers and propagations.

Frugal raised beds

Repurpose materials like old deck wood to construct raised beds at minimal cost. I have successfully sourced all my garden beds for free with deck or fence boards collected primarily during city cleanup weeks. A word of caution: pressure-treated wood may release traces of chemicals which can be toxic in high doses, so consider using a heavy plastic liner between the treated wood and the garden soil if toxicity is a concern.

You can fill the bottom one-half to two-thirds of the bed with brush cuttings to reduce the amount of soil needed. This method will break down over time and the soil volume will need to be replenished. Top beds with a layer of in-ground or raised bed soil and cover with wood mulch sourced from local arborists or municipal recycling programs to enhance moisture retention. Utilize vertical gardening techniques and succession planting in the raised bed to make the most of limited space and increase your yield per square foot.

Water and fertilizer conservation

Conserve water and reduce utility costs by mulching in-ground garden and landscape beds and installing rain barrels to collect rainwater. Your Soil Conservation District may offer workshops to learn how to build rain barrels from recycled materials. Add extra nutrients to your soil with homemade compost from kitchen scraps, neighborhood leaves and yard waste, and spent coffee grounds supplied by your favorite coffee shop.

By implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can create a high-production home garden without breaking the bank. From seed-saving techniques to soil management, there are countless ways to make your gardening endeavors more economical and sustainable. Embrace these practices and enjoy the fruits of your labor while contributing to a more resilient and self-sufficient future for yourself and your community.

Stuffed Peppers Day

This holiday is always celebrated on August 28th

The author of Stuffed Green Bell Peppers Day is an avid gardener. He loves sweet, green, bell peppers (and most other peppers for that matter). Understandably, he also loves stuffed peppers. In late August, these sweet garden treats are ripening far faster than they can be consumed. This is a fun holiday to celebrate and participate in - make plans to have stuffed peppers for lunch and/or dinner. If you enjoy cooking, then this can be a really fun day. You can make your own stuffed peppers. They are quick and easy to make. There are many recipe variations. But, the most popular recipe contains just five ingredients: sweet bell peppers, ground beef, rice, onions, and a sauce (usually tomato soup). There’s no need for extra salt or black pepper. Stuffed peppers are perfect without it. Find a Stuffed Green Pepper Recipe.

Did You Know? Peppers are one of the most popular plants to grow in the vegetable garden. Of the dozens of varieties of hot and sweet peppers, sweet green bell peppers are by far the most popular.

The right-size nest can maximize pollination capabilities of solitary bees

By Maribel Alonso, ARS

Solitary bees have a shorter lifespan compared to honeybees, usually lasting the spring or summer season. These bees have limited time to perform a lot of pollination work and they can use all the help they can get!

The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Research, participated in a study led by the North Dakota State University, that aimed to provide insights on how to help solitary bees maximize their pollination performance and to aid pollination management.

The study focused on the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata) to determine how modifying the nesting cavity diameter of solitary bees can enhance bee conservation, performance, and management practices. The pollination work by this species of solitary bee is crucial for alfalfa seed production.

There are more species of solitary bees than honeybees. Like honeybees, solitary bees are essential for pollinating crops and gardens, but unlike honeybees, they do not

live in hives. Many solitary bees, like the alfalfa leafcutting bee, are cavity nesters and lay their eggs in natural cavities such as hollow twigs and holes in wood or digging underground tunnels. Before laying their eggs, the mother bee determines the required amount of provisions, gathers the supply of nectar and pollen, and places it in the individual nest cells. Then, eggs are laid on the provisions for the larvae’ development. Gardeners and bee managers help increase the number of bees by placing “human-made” nesting holes around gardens to help the bees with nest construction. Another method is the use of “human-made” nesting boxes, which are also commonly used in commercial pollination managers to synchronize the time pollinators emerge with crop bloom.

An interesting fact is that the performance of solitary bees is not solely determined by their genetics but also by their body size. Furthermore, the size of the bee’s body is influenced by the diameter of the nesting cavity and the amount of provisions left by the mother bee. Bees that grow larger inside the cavities have been shown to have a greater foraging distance, making them better at spreading pollen. Therefore, the size of the nesting holes can either limit or maximize the pollination performance of the offspring. So, how can we determine the correct size and diameter for bee-nesting to maximize the production capabilities of solitary bee offspring?

An alfalfa leafcutting bee on a purple flower.An alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata) on an alfalfa flower. This bee species is one of many wild bees called on to help honey bees pollinate the nation’s crops. (Photo by Peggy Greb, D1039-10).

Scientists examined the adult body mass and provision size of the alfalfa leafcutting bee. They collected samples from nesting boxes placed in the field. The boxes offered cavities ranging in diameter from four to nine mm in one mm increments. After scientists examined all the measurements collected from the field nesting boxes, including the body sizes and provision measurements, they found that the size of the pollen provision was positively correlated to the bee’s mass. They also observed that bees’ body size increased as the diameter of the nesting cavity increased, reaching a maximum size in the bigger nesting cavity diameters, with offspring emerging from 8 and 9 mm having the highest rate of winter survival.

In addition, the study found that various factors, such as gender, wing areas, wing loading, and overwintering, significantly influ-

The rightsize nest can maximize pollination capabilities of solitary bees

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A38 ence the offspring when included in the analysis. The optimal nesting cavity size for the highest yield of offspring is 7 mm, while the best performance was observed in the 8 mm cavity. On the other hand, the 5 mm cavity could be the best option for the conservation of other cavity-nesting bees. As the different nest diameters impact each of these variables differently, pollination managers should carefully choose a cavity size that aligns with their primary management objective.

“This study demonstrates the importance of different nest sizes for solitary bees,” said Research Leader Joe P. Rinehart, with the Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Research in Fargo, North Dakota. “While larger nests result in larger bees that may be able to fly further, the medium nests produced more bees overall, and even bees from the smallest nests have the advantage of increased relative flight power, which means that they have the ability to carry relatively heavier loads than their larger counterparts.” What is next? Scientists will continue researching to find answers to additional questions, including more detailed studies on the costs and benefits of being a larger or smaller bee.

#####

Two old friends meet after years of separation. “How have you been?” asks the first friend. “How has retirement been treating you?” “All is well,” replies the second. “I’ve really been enjoying all of my free time. I actually took up golf.” “Wow, that’s terrific,” offers the first friend. “Are you any good?” “I’m actually a scratch golfer.” “Incredible. And you’ve only been playing for a short amount of time. That’s really impressive.” “Not really,” answers the friend modestly. “It’s just that every time I hit the ball, I scratch my head and wonder why I started playing golf in the first place.”

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1995 Power Guard 7KW,7KVA, diesel generator, 120-volt, single phase, fuel tank, enclosure, self-contained, 242 hours Call

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1990 Sullair 185 CFM air compressor, John Deere diesel, dual hose reels, 2400 hours Call

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2003 Ingersoll Rand P185 towable air compressor, John Deere 4045 diesel, hose reel/ hose and air wand, 456 hours, Complete Call

1997 Ford F350 box van truck, enclosed van body, rear lift gate, 460 V8 gas, automatic, 68,000 miles, nice reasonable cargo truck Call

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Affordable Construction Equipment, Billings & Bozeman MT C21

Ag Trucks & Equipment, Great Falls MT C17

Ag Wise, Kremlin MT C37

AgraSyst Dealers B7, B21

Albaugh, LLC, Seed Start C24

ASH Supply, St. Ignatius, MT B36

Badland Truck Sales, Glendive MT A40

BC Trucking & Livestock, Milt Hartman, Highwood MT B22

Ben Taylor, Valier & Shelby MT C7

Big Sky Equipment, Conrad MT A33

Big Sky Pipe, Great Falls MT B26

Big Sky Sawmill & Wood Products, Vaughn MT B32

Big Sky Wholesale Seeds, Shelby MT A30

Billings Farm & Ranch Supply, Billings MT C14

BTI Feeds, Cut Bank MT C7

Bull Mountain Fencing, Yoder, Dan, Roundup MT A38

C & B Operations, LLC, Billings, Culbertson & Plentywood, MT, Sheridan, WY, Powell, WY C18, C19

Cascade Machine & Supply, Great Falls MT C11

CbarR Cleaning & Spreading, Cody Rohlf, Shelby MT C36

Central Heating & Air Conditioning, Billings, MT B34

Centrol Crop Consulting LLC, Brady & Conrad MT B30

Circle S Seeds of Montana, Three Forks MT A26

Clearview Seed, Denton MT B4

CoAXium, Aggressor, Ft. Collins CO A38

Cut Bank Tire, Cut Bank MT C27

Dakota Truck & Farm, Minot ND C24

David Steed Company, Idaho Falls, ID A23

DBL Sales & Service, Coffee Creek MT B12, C26

Dimmick’s Auto Sales, Roundup MT A17

Doane Western of Montana, Bozeman MT.....B22

Dooley Auction, Billings MT A31

Double Diamond Truck & Equipment Sales, Missoula MT B14

Dry Fork Ag, Ledger MT B21

Equipment Share, Billings, MT A15

Express Feed & Grain Parts, Norfolk NE A24

Fire Pro Extinguishers, Pavillion WY A25

First State Bank, Shelby, MT A32

Flaman Rentals, Power MT B23, B34

Flathead Ironworks, Kalispell, MT B9

Fox Ford, Wolf Point MT C34

Frank Merchant Roofing, Great Falls MT B11

Fraser’s Oil Inc., Inverness MT C32

Frieling’s Agricultural Equipment, Great Falls MT A31, A34, A35, B33, C1, C40

Frontier Precision (formally Triangle Ag), Fort Benton MT B9

Frontline Ag Solutions Dillon, Dillon MT C25

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Glass Trucking, Denton MT C37

Golden Harvest Seeds, Big Sandy MT A20

Golden Triangle Seeds, Rudyard MT B24

Gordon Repair, LLC, Miles City MT C12

Greyn Fertilizer, Choteau, Dutton, Valier MT.....C3

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Hamilton Systems, Inc. Hamilton ND B4

Harris Custom Swathing, Conrad MT C4

Heartland Ag Systems - Titan Applications, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, WA C33

Heartland Cabin Co., Moore MT B17

Heartland Seed Company, Moccasin MT A36

Hedman, Inc, Grass Range MT C9

Helfert’s Helena Farm Supply, East Helena MT C30

Henke Enterprises, SprayFlex & Big Dog Mowers, Chester MT C20

Highline Communications, Cut Bank MT B32

Holst Truck Parts, Ucon, ID C35

Hotsy Wy-Mont, Great Falls & Billings MT C22

Hoven Equipment Co., Great Falls & Lewistown MT C5

Hwy 12 Equipment & Repair, Baker MT C12

J & K Log Homes, Lavina MT A20

J & T Equipment Sales, Stevensville MT B10

J Bar T Bins & Steel Buildings, Chester MT.....B25

Jamieson Motors, Inc., Chinook MT C8, C38

Jim Nielsen Trucks & Parts, Butte MT B27

Joe Judisch Custom Swathing & Baling, Conrad MT A27

Johnsen Trailer Sales, Inc., Bismarck & Fargo ND C14

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MT Tractors, Matt Pendergast, Stevensville MT A34

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Cover crop termination tradeoffs

By Jenny Rees - Extension Educator | Chris Proctor - Weed Management Extension Educator

|

Katja

Koehler-Cole - Extension Educator | Amit JhalaExtension Weed Management Specialist, UNL A fall-planted cereal rye, wheat, or triticale cover crop can have both positive and negative impacts, for example by tying up nitrogen, reducing soil moisture prior to planting, increasing insect pressure, reducing weed pressure, reducing soil erosion and allelopathy.

Each year we receive questions on termination timing of cereal covers. This question occurs as farmers consider trade-offs between a positive return on investment from the cover crop, by allowing more biomass growth with the potential for yield loss if termination is delayed too long. Information being shared can be confusing, with one source saying to terminate pre-plant while another says to plant green into the cover.

What’s the “right” answer? We don’t know that there is one. That’s because farmers’ goals and level of risk vary. In general, there are less risks to planting green with soybean than corn. This article will share tradeoffs to help you better assess cover crop termination timing for your operation and risk level.

Planting soybean when cereal rye is green and actively growing in a research project at South Central Ag Lab near Clay Center, Nebraska in May 2020. (Photo by Amit Jhala) Cereal Rye and Potential Allelopathy

For several years, we’ve heard about the potential allelopathic effect cereal rye can have on corn. To avoid the potential allelopathic effects, it’s often recommended to terminate cereal rye at least two weeks before planting corn. Others report successfully planting corn into green cereal rye, leading to the question: Can allelopathic chemicals from rye affect corn?

We do know studies investigating the effects of allelopathic chemicals from cereal rye on corn germination have mostly been done in laboratory settings. One study found that allelopathic chemical extracts from rye reduced corn root length, but another study found no similar effects. It is hard to say with confidence whether allelopathic effects contribute to slower growth and reduced germination that can sometimes be observed with corn in the field or if it is the result of other environmental factors or simply nitrogen tie-up (which we feel is more likely the cause). For one thing, corn has a relatively large seed, making it less likely to be affected by allelopathic chemicals than small-seeded plants. Also, allelopathic chemicals quickly degrade in the soil, so increasing time between cover crop termination and corn planting should decrease the likelihood that allelochemicals would negatively affect corn germination.

Challenges with Terminating Rye Pre-plant

While the potential effects of allelopathy are worth noting, there are challenges with timely termination of rye prior to corn planting. Killing the rye at least 14 days before planting may not allow for much rye growth in early spring or would require delayed corn planting, either way reducing the potential benefits from cover cropping. Weather conditions are not always conducive for effective cereal rye termination. In early spring when temperatures are less than 55°F and cloudy conditions are common, herbicides such as glyphosate can have reduced absorption and translocation, resulting in delayed or partial control of cereal rye.

In contrast, glyphosate applied when weather is favorable can provide very effective termination of cereal rye while also providing early-season weed suppression. An option more growers are considering is to use clethodim instead of glyphosate when terminating a small grain prior to corn and/ or seed corn planting. Clethodim kills cereals slower than glyphosate allowing for them to stay around longer between the rows for weed and erosion control, if those are part of the farmer’s goals.

Benefits to Green Planting

Some farmers have shared the difficulty of planting through the partially decomposed “mushy” cover crop. Farmers also noticed corn planted into these conditions often came up slow and had a yellow, sickly look to it for a time. Farmers that switched to planting green say it was easier to plant compared with planting into the decomposing-dying cover and noted the corn also tended to look less yellow or sickly. Two farmers in 2020 also shared the green standing rye held the previous crop residue in place and their corn emergence was more even in those fields compared to planting into terminated cover crop residue. Many have shared

2014

National Rum Day

Yo ho ho! Channel your inner pirate and let loose with a bottle of rum and a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon…or just the rum. That’s the important part.

Date Celebrated: August 16th

This day is all about enjoying the rich heritage and diverse tastes of rum, a spirit that has played a significant role in history.

Did you know rum is like a chameleon in the world of spirits? This versatile drink dances through cocktails, warming the soul and bringing joy to gatherings. It adds to a Mojito, and it’s the life of the party in a Piña Colada and a reflective companion in a neat pour.

History of National Rum Day

National Rum Day has an interesting history that intertwines with the broader narrative of the Americas and the Caribbean. The origins of rum can be traced back to the 17th century in the Caribbean, where sugarcane plantations flourished.

Slaves discovered that molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, could be fermented and distilled into a spirit. This discovery led to the birth of modern rum, which became a staple in colonial American economies and even played a role in the American Revolution due to the tax on sugar and molasses in the 1760s.

The first celebration of National Rum Day occurred in 1999 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking an annual appreciation for this beloved spirit.

The day was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of repealing a high excise tax on rum in the islands.

This spirit’s journey from being initially called “kill devil” for its high alcohol content and less savory taste to becoming one of the most popular spirits worldwide is a testament to its enduring appeal and the refinement of its production process over centuries.

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Cover crop termination tradeoffs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2

the observation of early-season weed suppression.

Risks to Planting Green

In spite of these observations, planting green is not for everyone and one needs to assess the risk of doing so. Cover crops use moisture and can dry out the seedbed. Some farmers in non-irrigated situations have planted corn/ soybeans into dry seedbeds when planting green and hoped for rains. Some farmers have found the need to run pivots to get moisture into the seedbed. Thus, there’s greater risk for farmers with non-irrigated land and those in water allocation situations.

Another risk is the potential for increased insects. In 2017, wheat stem maggot was observed migrating from lateterminated cereal rye to emerging corn plants. We think it’s important to have insects in the back of one’s mind when planting green.

Research from Penn State and Wisconsin showed no yield difference when soybean was planted green vs. planted into pre-plant terminated cereal rye or triticale. Research from Penn State showed yield loss 50% of the time when corn was planted green vs. into pre-plant terminated rye or triticale. A 2020 survey of Nebraska and Wisconsin farmers who planted green showed 42% (77 respondents) saw no yield increase while 42% saw a 1-5 bu/ac increase in soybean yields, whereas 59% (83 respondents) saw no yield reduction by planting corn green.

Considerations for Pre-Plant Termination

Terminating 10-14 days pre-plant can aid with saving soil moisture, particularly in non-irrigated or water allocation situations and is a more conservative (risk averse) approach when rotating to corn. Be aware of any herbicide label restrictions prior to corn planting when using herbicides other than glyphosate for termination.

Apply nitrogen as a starter, as nitrogen tie-up is perhaps a bigger issue than potential allelopathy. This may help the corn not look so sickly as it emerges through the dying rye. Be aware that rye death following termination and drying out will depend on environmental conditions each spring. Anticipate it may be difficult to cut through the rye residue when planting and do your best to set equipment accordingly. Consider using clethodim instead of glyphosate to allow the rye to die slower and maintain some biomass for weed/ erosion control.

Considerations for Planting Green

Apply nitrogen as a starter with corn when planting green; nitrogen tie-up is perhaps a bigger issue than any potential allelopathy.

Wait for the corn or soybean seed to begin germination before terminating the cover crop (which may be a few days). Waiting to terminate a few days after planting also allows the rye that’s been run over by the planter to regrow and kill better.

If irrigation is available, have the irrigation system ready to go prior to planting in the event you need to add some moisture into a dry seedbed.

Upon planting the field, scout for insect pressure, particularly observing if any adult wheat stem maggot flies are present.

For those who wanted the greatest amount of biomass for weed suppression in soybean, termination of rye occurred closer to heading. For those who plan to roller-crimp rye for weed control, termination occurs at boot stage to heading. When terminating a rye cover crop, if the cover is 12 inches or more and you’re planning on a residual herbicide, consider waiting on the residual as a second pass after the rye starts dying. We realize no one wants an additional pass or expense. Observation and research show that less residual gets down to the soil when cover crops are 12 inches or taller. How long one waits for the second pass for rye to start dying will depend on the environmental conditions each year. The other option if one chooses to add residual when terminating is to plan on an irrigation or rainfall event shortly after application to help move the residual herbicide down to the soil.

Please see the following articles for additional information regarding cover crop termination and application of residual herbicide: Final Results from a Multi-state Study on Cover Crop Termination with Herbicides; Managing Residual Herbicides with Cover Crops.

Risk Management Agency Guidelines allow for planting green and are based on “best management practices” for different zones and for irrigated or non-irrigated ground. You can read more on USDA’s Cover Crops site. This is for crops with a contract change date of June 30, 2019, or later, CONTINUED ON PAGE B6

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Horn flies and cattle: The challenge and solutions

By Dagan Montomery, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Educator, Sublette County, Wyoming

As summer arrives in Wyoming, warmer weather means it’s time to switch from the felt hat to straw, open the windows to let in the air and, most importantly for ranchers, turn cattle out to graze and start thinking about haying season.

However, with cold temperatures leaving, it also means the return of our least favorite neighbors—the bugs.

From mosquitoes to ticks, there are plenty of insects to annoy both humans and livestock, but horn flies in particular can take a toll on herds.

Horn flies

Horn flies, or Haematobia irritans, are blood feeding parasites frequently found on cattle in large numbers, where they can feed 24 to 38 times a day. These pesky insects reproduce by laying eggs in manure piles of cattle.

Horn flies can hatch and grow into adults within 10 to 20 days when it’s warm, and horn fly levels usually peak in late summer.

Introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s, these pests are now found across the nation, including in Wyoming.

Horn fly infestations are uncomfortable and annoying for cattle at best and can become extremely stressful, even leading to blood loss when numbers are high enough. This can lead to sacrificed herd productivity, where weight gain, milk production, and grazing patterns are all negatively impacted.

Pest impact

Studies have shown horn flies can decrease weaning weights by up to 15 percent in calves and cause up to an 18 percent impact on weight gain in stockers and replacement heifers. Horn flies cause an estimated loss of $1 billion to $2 billion annually across the U.S. beef industry.

Studies from the University of Wyoming have shown herds at higher elevations have much lower infestation rates than those at lower elevations, which is good news for many operations across the Cowboy State, in particular those at or above around 7,000 feet.

However, for those running cattle in lower elevations, such as the northeast corner of the state, horn flies are still capable of causing economic loss through stress caused to cattle.

Control options

At about 200 horn flies per head of cattle, the value of sacrificed production exceeds the cost of controlling the flies. The key is to prevent the fly population form reaching this economic threshold.

Ranchers seeking to mitigate horn fly levels may use several control methods.

One of the simpler forms of control is to break up manure piles with machinery to expose eggs and larva to dry air and insect predators. However, this is only practical on smaller acreages or in other limited opera-

tions.

For chemical control, back rubbers, oilers, and dust bags have been used for many years and can be effective at applying insecticidal dust or oil to cattle.

It is important to remember, however, these are often voluntary—unless cattle are forced through at a collection point—and will not be effective on animals that do not use them.

Ear tags impregnated with insecticides can also be effective, but the class of insecticide should be rotated every year to prevent insecticide resistance from developing in the fly population.

Adult animals typically need two tags, one on each side, to be effective. Ear tags should also be timed to ensure peak efficacy coincides with high fly populations.

Spray and pour-ons can work to reduce fly numbers on cattle, and there are several forms of application. It is important to be aware these usually are only effective for one to three weeks, so reapplication is usually needed.

These two methods are great when introducing new animals to a herd from off of the property or another pasture, which can introduce flies which weren’t present before, such as at bull turnout.

Before introducing bulls or other new animals, consider using a pour-on or spray on newcomers to reduce the risk of spreading horn flies to the rest of the cow herd.

Finally, oral larvicides—also known as insect growth regulators—can be fed to cattle. These larvicides prevent horn fly larvae from surviving in cows’ manure when the eggs hatch.

New alternatives are also becoming available. These include organics, garlic-infused feeds, and even predatory insects which prey on horn flies.

These options are still undergoing study but may prove effective in the future.

Be sure to consider the cost per head of treatment. Each treatment method has varying costs, efficacy, and ease of use.

Reprinted with permission from the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

Cover crop termination tradeoffs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4

beginning with the 2020 crop year and including successive crop years.

More Resources

For cover crop herbicide termination options, please see Final Results from a Multistate Study on Cover Crop Termination with Herbicides.

For more on use of residual herbicides with termination, please see Managing Residual Herbicides with Cover Crops.

For more on planting green with corn, please read the summary of on-farm research trials from Iowa by Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Plan for Options

With the way things are growing this year, it may be wise to have a Plan A and Plan B in mind if you plan on planting green but the cover crop is getting taller than you are comfortable with, especially for corn. For example, Plan A for a non-irrigated situation may be that you are planning on planting green unless the cover is X inches tall by a certain date (ex. April 1015) upon which you will choose to terminate pre-plant instead (Plan B). We realize none of this is easy and we wish you the best with your decisions this year. Please contact the authors if you wish to discuss these tradeoffs in more detail for your specific situation.

Close up of horn flies (Haematobia irritans) on a black cow. Photo by jackienix, adobe.stock.com.

Hangover science

What causes a hangover? Read on.

• Your liver processes alcohol into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde. Just as the alcohol made you feel good (or at least drunk), the acetaldehyde makes you feel bad. It’s the accumulation of this chemical in your body, more than the alcohol itself, that causes handover symptoms. (That’s why the hangover comes after you’ve been drinking–the alcohol has been changed into acetaldehyde.) Specifically, acetaldehyde causes your blood vessels to dilate, which makes you feel warm, and can give you a headache.

• Meanwhile, the alcohol that’s still in your system is raising both your pulse and blood pressure, which makes the headache even worse.

• And then there’s the effect on your kidneys. When you’re sober, your kidneys use a chemical called vasopressin to recycle the water in your body. But alcohol reduces the level of vasopressin in your body–which, in turn, reduces your kidneys’ ability to function. So instead of recycling water, you urinate it out. That makes you dehydrated, which can make your hangover worse.

• It’s also possible that what you’re experiencing in a hangover is a minor case of alcohol withdrawal syndrome–the same thing that chronic alcoholics experience when they stop drinking. “Your brain becomes somewhat tolerant over the course of an evening of heavy drinking,” says Dr. Anne Geller, who runs the Smithers Alcoholism Treatment Center in New York City. “The next morning, as the alcohol is coming out of your system, you experience a ‘rebound.’ You might feel nauseous, maybe you’ll have some diarrhea, maybe you’ll feel a little flushed. Your tongue is dry, your head is aching and you’re feeling a little bit anxious or jittery.

Preventive Maintenance

There are a few things you can do before you start drinking that may prevent the worst excesses of a handover:

• Eat a substantial meal or at least have a glass of milk before you start drinking. It will help protect your stomach lining.

• Avoid champagne and dark-colored drinks, especially red wines. They contain byproducts of fermentation that may make the hangover worse.

• Drink a pint of water before you go to bed. The water will help minimize dehydration.

• The next morning, eat eggs. Studies suggest that eggs help stabilize blood sugar levels and replenish depleted B vitamins. A protein found in eggs, cysteine, is believed to help break down the acetaldehyde that’s causing the hangover.

Pigeons were first domesticated by the ancient Egyptians more than 5000 years ago.

#####

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White mold threat in soybeans

By Dylan Mangel - Extension Plant Pathologist, UNL

As we approach the critical period for managing white mold in soybeans, it’s essential to make informed decisions to mitigate potential losses. Sclerotinia stem rot, or white mold, significantly impacted yields in 2023, and proactive management is crucial for this season. The key factors to keep in mind are:

Flowering Susceptibility: Soybean plants are most vulnerable to white mold during the flowering stage.

Protective Measures: Ensuring flowers are protected is essential for preventing infection and controlling the disease. Late management will not save infected plants.

Environmental Conditions: Wet, humid environments facilitate the spread of white mold.

Pathogen Overview

Sclerotinia stem rot, commonly known as white mold, is a fungal disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fungus survives overwinter in soil as hard, dark structures called sclerotia. In spring, saturated soils and a full canopy favor the emergence of apothecia — mushroom-like structures that release millions of airborne spores during flowering. These spores infect soybeans primarily through senescing blossoms and injured tissue, requiring free moisture for infection. The disease typically prevents successful pod development and produces more sclerotia on and in the stems, which are scattered back onto the soil during harvest and can survive for several years.

Disease Symptoms

Symptoms appear during pod development, starting with wilting and discoloration of leaves. Infected stems and pods show white mycelium and sclerotia, with watersoaked lesions initiating near colonized flowers. Stems become tan, bleached, pithy, and shred easily. Symptoms typically occur six to 14 inches above the soil but can also affect basal parts.

Favorable Environmental Conditions

White mold develops from flowering to pod formation under wet, humid conditions with moderate temperatures (<85°F). It is more prevalent in northern counties and irrigated fields with consistent moisture and cooler canopy temperatures.

Management Strategies

Genetic Resistance: Choose varieties rated against white mold, avoiding highly susceptible ones, and select shorter varieties that do not lodge.

Cultural Practices: Use wider row spacing (30-inch over 15-inch) to delay canopy closure and reduce humidity. Avoid irrigation during flowering. Rotate with non-host crops like corn and wheat, and maintain good weed control, as some weeds and cover crops can host the fungus.

Chemical/Biological Control: Apply foliar fungicides during the susceptibility window at flowering if there is a field history of white mold and favorable weather conditions for disease development. Late applications made after the infection window are not effective. Refer to the Crop Protection Network and the UNL 2024 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska for fungicide efficacy test results to find products that are effective on the pathogen.

Figure 1. Sclerotinia stem rot infection on soybean. (Photo by Dylan Mangel)

Figure 2. White mold apothecia structures. (Photo by Dylan Mangel)

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Be aware of toxic cyanobacteria

From North Dakota State University

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to livestock, wildlife and people.

In the last week the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has reported three cyanobacteria blooms on lakes and reservoirs in the state. For a list of reported blooms visit their website (https://deq. nd.gov/WQ/3_Watershed_Mgmt/8_HABS/ Habs.aspx).

The growth of this bacteria is facilitated by high temperatures. The hot, dry conditions we experience in the summer months are perfect for the production of cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria is caused by an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous. When manure and commercial fertilizers are misused, either by inappropriate rate or timing of application, the potential for nutrient leaching to surface water is increased. When these nutrients enter surface water, they stimulate growth of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms.

There may be an increased potential for cyanobacteria blooms in some areas of the state this year. Above average rainfall has increased runoff and may have transported nutrients to waterbodies, increasing nutrient loads and the potential for blooms.

Given the current conditions, farmers, ranchers and the public should be on the lookout for cyanobacteria blooms.

Blue-green algae often occurs in stagnant ponds or dugouts with elevated nutrient levels, forming large colonies that appear as scum on or just below the water surface. Live cyanobacterial blooms can be green, but also red or yellow, and often turn blue after the bloom dies and dries on the surface or shoreline.

Some species of cyanobacteria can be toxic when livestock and wildlife ingest them. Toxicity is dependent on the species consuming the water, the concentration of the toxin or toxins, and the amount of water ingested.

Cyanobacteria can produce neuro and liver toxins. Signs of neurotoxin poisoning can appear within five minutes to up to several hours after ingestion. In animals, symptoms include weakness, staggering, muscle tremors, difficulty in breathing, convulsions and, ultimately, death.

stock death, a veterinarian should conduct a necropsy. Contact your veterinarian to determine which samples would be appropriate for your situation.

When collecting a water sample, follow NDSU Extension’s Livestock Water Testing Guidelines (ndsu.ag/water-testing). Contact your local Extension agent for assistance collecting samples.

Be sure to wear gloves, as cyanobacteria can be toxic to humans. Collect a sample of the suspected cyanobacterial bloom from the surface of the water and deeper in the water. Keep the sample cool but not frozen, and submit it to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory or a commercial laboratory.

The sample can be evaluated microscopically for algae, or the water can be analyzed for several of the toxins at commercial labs at a higher cost.

For more information on sample collection and submission, contact your NDSU Extension agent.

Here are some ways farmers/ranchers can prevent cyanobacterial poisoning of livestock:

Reduce nutrient levels entering the water

CONTINUED ON PAGE B11

field solutions for mapping and reporting Integrated Weed or Rangeland Management Plans.

With every measurement, the value of our expertise becomes immeasurable. Frontier Precision understands that every measurement you take is the most important one. For over 36 years, we’ve been delivering the technology you need with unmatched advice and knowledge.

Animals affected by liver toxins may exhibit weakness, pale-colored mucous membranes, mental derangement, bloody diarrhea and, ultimately, death. Typically, livestock are found dead before producers observe symptoms. If cyanobacterial poisoning is suspected as the cause of death, producers should check the edges of ponds for dead wildlife.

If a farmer or rancher suspects cyanobacteria poisoning as the cause of a live-

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Dectes stem borer in soybean

By Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist | Julie Peterson - Extension Entomologist | Samantha Daniel - Extension Educator | Ruby Collins - Extension Educator

Significant yield losses can occur when the larvae prepare their overwintering chamber by girdling the base of the stem towards the end of the growing season. This girdling behavior doesn’t completely cut the plant but weakens it to a point where strong winds or storms can cause the plants to fall over.

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We observed the emergence of Dectes stem borer adults (Figure 1) on June 10 in Cass County, with adult emergence at all monitoring sites in eastern Nebraska by June 19. Adults were first observed in North Platte on June 17 and reports from Grant, Nebraska were received on June 28. While Dectes soybean stem borer populations have previously been reported mostly in the eastern and south-central parts of the state, their presence in west-central and southwestern Nebraska seems to be increasing within the last several years.

With adult emergence comes calls regarding recommendations for treating to prevent larval infestations that could lead to stem lodging at harvest. Dr. Robert Wright, a recently retired faculty member in the UNL Department of Entomology, conducted research on Dectes stem borer for the better part of a decade. Research studies at the South Central Ag Lab found that peak stem borer adult activity was in early July in soybean fields. Although we are not tracking this information this year, we have noticed significant adult activity in soybean fields over the last seven to 10 days. At the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, careful inspection of the upper four nodes of early planted soybean on June 20 showed scarring on leaf petiole associated with egg laying and small larvae present within those petioles (Figure 2).

Management of Dectes stem borer is challenging because of the inability to detect consisten yield losses from larval feeding in the stem without lodging. Studies conducted in multiple states from 2007 to 2011 found that with an 84% reduction in infested plants, yields only differed by 0.7 bu/acre from larval feeding within the stem.

Scouting in August for signs of Dectes stem borer can help prioritize fields that are at risk for an early harvest. Scouting at that point in the season is easier as you can watch for signs of a dead or wilting trifoliate on an otherwise healthy plant. Splitting the main stem can confirm the presence of absence of larvae. Fields with 50% or greater stems infested should be prioritized for early harvest.

The risk for lodging is greater on soybean that are planted early in the season to a shorter maturity group. In addition, 30-inch row spacings are a greater risk of lodging compared to narrower rows.

To date, there are no economic thresholds for Dectes stem borer. A great deal of research on Dectes has been conducted by entomologists at Kansas State University. (See the KSU Department of Entomology site.)

People planning on using an insecticide to control Dectes beetles should be aware that adult control is not highly correlated with levels of larval infestation at the end of the season, possibly due to the long period of activity and egg-laying of Dectes beetles. Multiple insecticide applications to control Dectes may not improve grower profits and may lead to late-season outbreaks of other pests such as spider mites or soybean aphids, by eliminating natural enemies that help suppress these arthropod pests.

Control of flies in pasture and rangeland

By Samantha Daniel, UNL

In Nebraska, there are two species of fly that cause the most economic injury to pasture and rangeland cattle. They are the horn fly and face fly. Selection of an appropriate control method for each will depend on the time of year; the efficacy, cost, and convenience of the treatment; and your herd management practices.

The horn fly is a major pest that is estimated to cause over $1 billion in economic losses in the U.S. annually. It is a blood feeding insect that is found on the back, sides, and poll area of the animal. The economic injury level of the horn fly is 200 flies per animal that, once surpassed, causes altered grazing patterns and behavior which lead to reduced milk production and weight gain.

While the face fly is not a blood feeder it can cause extreme discomfort by feeding on animal secretions from the eyes, mouth, and muzzle. It is also a vector of the pathogen that causes pinkeye in cattle and feeding by the female fly causes eye tissue damage. Face fly populations usually peak in late July and August and are most common near waterways, in areas of significant rainfall, and in irrigated pastures.

Horn fly and face fly management options vary widely and include forced use methods such as dust bags, back rubbers, and traps as well as product application methods such as pour-ons, animal sprays, and insecticide ear tags. For more information on control methods contact your county Extension office.

Figure 1. Adult soybean stem borer, Dectes texanus texanus (left) and larval tunneling in soybean petioles (right) at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center in June 2024.

North Dakota canola acres

eclipse

2 million

Canola acres in North Dakota, the leading canola producing state, are at a record high 2.05 million acres in 2024. This is an increase of 14 percent from USDA’s March Projected Plantings Report. For the U.S. planted area of canola is estimated at a record high 2.66 million acres, up 10 percent from last year’s planted area. Area for harvest is forecast at 2.62 million acres, up 9 percent from last year.

Compared with last year, planted area is up in all major canola-producing states. Planted area in Montana and Washington is estimated at 200,000 acres and 195,000 acres, respectively, and will both be record highs. Harvested area in Montana, North Dakota, and Washington will all be record highs, if realized. After being discontinued in 2019, estimates for canola began again for Idaho in 2024.

Be aware of toxic cyanobacteria

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B9 ##### Show me an

source by implementing a nutrient management plan or establishing buffer strips with perennial plant species. Create a designated drinking area where the risk of cyanobacteria is minimal.

Fence off the pond and pump water from the pond to the water tank.

Use water from other sources following periods of hot, dry weather.

Pump water from the center of the water body, well below the surface, where the bacteria are unlikely to concentrate, to a water tank. Unfortunately, the risk for cyanobacterial blooms will remain unless steps are taken to reduce the nutrient load and minimize the potential for nutrients to enter the waterbody. Here are some management practices to consider to reduce nutrient loads:

Follow proper methods for the application of nitrogen and phosphorous to fields. Consider the rate, time, and amount and type of nutrients applied.

Adapt soil conservation practices that reduce erosion.

Hay or graze buffer strips to reduce the release of phosphorous as plants decompose.

Contact your local NDSU Extension agent for more information on cyanobacteria and nutrient management.

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Water quality and blue-green algae

By Ben Beckman, UNL

When cattle are on pasture, both forage and water quality are important for healthy animals. Surface water is particularly prone to quality issues, such as blue-green algae, salinity, mineral concentrations, or nitrate.

Several factors can cause livestock water to be less than ideal for quality, which can impact animal productivity and health. While not common in Nebraska, salinity or minerals can cause animals to limit or refuse consumption in some locations. In some circumstances concentrations can become high enough to be toxic. Dissolved salt and mineral concentrations increase with dry conditions as water evaporates.

Another issue more common in Nebraska surface water is high nitrates. While elevated nitrates from groundwater sources feeding a pond may be a cause, more common is runoff from other sources of nitrate contamination. Cattle can deal with nitrate levels in water that are unsafe for human consumption, but the real danger comes from elevated nitrate levels in water coupled with feed sources that are also high in nitrates. The compounding effect can push a borderline ration into toxic levels or accelerate nitrate toxicity that is already occurring.

Blue-green algae is a very common occurrence in still water during the summer months. If the conditions are right, a bloom of growth can occur quickly, contaminating the water. Consumption can kill livestock within 24 hours. Algae blooms have traditionally been treated with copper sulfate following proper instructions for rates and exclusions. However, when booms become more frequent, repeated copper treatments can cause a build up of the element in the environment and animal management becomes our preferred response.

Assuring water is good quality will go a long way toward making summer grazing better and healthier cattle.

August is

National Peach Month

Peach month was created as the perfect time to enjoy and appreciate everything that has to do with this delicious fruit. Whether growing them, eating them or reading about them, peaches are the juicy theme of this warm, summer month!

History of National Peach Month

Ronald Reagan, when he was President of the United States of America, proclaimed August to be “National Peach Month”. In doing so, he called upon the people of the United States to incorporate this nutritious fruit into their diets, and also made a charge to interested groups to celebrate this month with appropriate programs and activities. The edict was filed with the Office of the Federal Register on June 16, 1982.

The peach tree (Prunus persica) is a species of prunus tree that is native to China and bears an edible juicy fruit, which is also called a peach. This is a deciduous tree that grows to be approximately 5–10 meters tall, belonging to the subfamily Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae. Interestingly enough, it is classified with the almond tree in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by its corrugated seed shell.

The leaves of the peach tree are lanceolate, about 7–15 cm long and 2–3 cm broad. The lovely flowers on the peach tree are produced in early spring before the leaves; the delicate, five petaled, pink flowers are usually either sitting alone or paired with another flower.

The fruit of this tree, which is why everyone loves it so much, is called a drupe, with a single large seed encased in hard wood (usually called either a “stone” or “pit”), yellow or whitish flesh, a delicate aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines) in different cultivars.

While the flesh of a peach is very delicate and easily bruised in some cultivars, but can be fairly firm in some commercial cultivars, especially while it is still green. The seed of the peach is red-brown, oval shaped and around two centimeters long.

Peaches, along with cherries, plums, and apricots, are called stone fruits (drupes), which means that they have a fairly large pit or seed.

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Protect ruminant livestock from heat stress

From North Dakota State University

Proactive management of livestock prior to and during heat events is critical in protecting livestock from heat stress. North Dakota State University Extension livestock specialists encourage livestock owners to monitor weather forecasts and anticipate when conditions may pose a significant risk to livestock. Such conditions exist when above-average temperatures collide with increased humidity. These conditions are expected to hit many parts of North Dakota this week, with many cities experiencing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than reported averages for this time of year. A temperature-humidity index chart can help ranchers identify when livestock are most at risk for developing heat stress. Livestock begin to experience moderate heat stress at a temperature humidity index of 82 to 83, severe heat stress at 84 to 86, and extreme heat stress at 87 or greater. A temperature-humidity index chart can be found at ndsu.ag/ heat-stress.

Heat stress can significantly impact animal performance, health and welfare, making it critical to prepare a proactive management plan for unavoidable heat events. Heat stress occurs when an animal’s cumulative heat load outweighs the animal’s ability to dissipate heat, causing body temperature to rise.

NDSU Extension livestock specialists recommend several heat event action plans:

Access to quality water sources

Water availability and quality are essential to managing heat stress in livestock. Each animal should have at least 2 inches of linear water trough access. For example, a pen with 200 animals should have 400 inches of linear water space. Evaluating your water supply lines and ensuring sufficient water pressure and flow capacity to keep troughs full during peak water consumption is also important. The amount of water livestock need depends on the animal type and production stage, with requirements often doubling during heat events. Specific water requirements for livestock can be found at ndsu.ag/livestock-water.

Shade infrastructure and fly control

Livestock owners should consider placing temporary or permanent shade structures for livestock in confinement operations or open pastures with little to no tree cover. Each animal should have a minimum of 20 feet of shade space (10 feet for small ruminants) to prevent animal grouping and comingling of sick animals. Spraying for flies prior to a heat event will also be a vital step in reducing animal grouping. Importantly, shade structures should not impede air movement, and wind barriers should be removed to promote better air movement. Livestock in confinement benefit from mounds that provide elevated wind access.

Surface cooling strategies

Proactive management of pen surface temperature can be an effective way to reduce the risk of heat stress. These strategies include dampening the pen with water or adding light-colored bedding (straw or corn stalks) to reduce the temperature of the ground. Sprinkler systems are a popular way to cool ground temperatures in confinement cattle operations. This strategy should be implemented well before a heat event and before peak heat on high-temperature days. Large water droplet size is important to avoid increasing humidity.

Animal handling

Any type of livestock handling, processing or transportation should be avoided during heat events as much as possible. If working with livestock is absolutely necessary, livestock handling should be limited to the early morning hours (prior to 10 a.m.). Calm animal handling techniques will be important to minimize stress related to handling, and livestock owners should consider working with smaller groups of livestock at a time to prevent crowded facilities. Working facilities, including holding pens, should have ample access to water, and personnel should be dedicated to monitoring livestock stress status. Avoid working livestock in the evenings during a heat event to give livestock time to recover and cool down during cooler periods of the day.

Adjusting feed intake timelines

Livestock owners should consider moving livestock feeding time to late afternoon or evening. This will allow rumen fermentation to occur during cooler night temperatures and increase the animal lung capacity during hotter daytime temperatures. If feeding multiple times daily, consider feeding a small meal in the morning and a larger portion of the diet later in the afternoon. Decrease the amount of feed offerings during and for several days after heat stress to allow animals ample opportunity to recover.

Desirae Salois

Hadley Ergenbright

Protect ruminant livestock

Know when to intervene Livestock suffering from heat stress will exhibit several signs of distress as their body works to return to homeostasis. Ruminant livestock, including sheep and cattle experiencing extreme heat stress, will exhibit increased respiration rate and panting score, foaming around the mouth, down head, and lethargic appearance. Livestock owners should keep in contact with their local veterinarian and contact them immediately if they have animals in severe distress. Animals should be gradually cooled by moving to nearby shaded areas with ample air movement. Rapid cooling (such as spraying with cold water) can have severe consequences for livestock in severe distress.

Water hemlock

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Tall white flowers in your hay meadow may be pretty to look at, but beware—they could be water hemlock, one of the most toxic plants to livestock in Nebraska.

Unlike its toxic cousin poison hemlock, spotted water hemlock—or simply water hemlock—is a perennial plant found in wet areas. Identifying it is crucial. Look for a hollow, purplish-streaked stem, small white umbrella-shaped flowers from July to September and leaves resembling parsley or celery.

Water hemlock poses a significant risk to all classes of livestock. Cattle can be poisoned by consuming just 10 ounces of plant material, especially in spring when the new leaves are most toxic. Luckily, animals often avoid grazing on it, so poisoning cases are rare.

The real danger arises if water hemlock gets into your hay. Animals may accidentally consume it, especially if the bale is ground before feeding. Avoid haying areas where water hemlock is present.

Herbicides can be used to successfully control water hemlock but are most effective on new growth. Avoid spraying plants in areas where animals are or may be grazing soon, as herbicide treatment may make the plant more appealing for grazing. Preventing seed spread this year can reduce population growth and because the plant likes wet soils, improving drainage may help with control as well.

Water hemlock may look harmless with its tall white flowers, but it poses a serious threat to your livestock. Identify, control, and prevent its spread to keep your animals safe.

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How supermarket psychology influences our purchases

By Julie Garden-Robinson, food and

nutrition specialist, NDSU Extension

The other day I was grocery shopping for a friend. It was not my usual grocery store, and I was less familiar with the layout.

We all need to eat, and most of us need to purchase groceries regularly. Our buying decisions can be influenced by “supermarket psychology” and marketing strategies.

Large supermarkets may have more than 40,000 items beckoning us with brightly colored packages and special deals. Grocery stores are businesses that need to move along their merchandise.

As I walked into the store, I was attracted to the brightly colored flowering plants. This special touch made me stop and admire the plants.

I almost picked up a plant to add to my collection. I realized that a plant would freeze in my car before I returned home.

Grocery stores want us to linger and feel at home. If music is playing in the store where you shop, it often is “calming” music not fast-paced dance music.

I was on a mission with a grocery list in hand, so I kept pushing my cart.

By the way, carts were invented in the late 1930s. Initially, wire baskets were used to assist patrons in carrying their groceries. Today’s large grocery carts entice us to fill them.

If you just need a couple items, you are better off using a plastic basket instead of a cart.

When picking up milk or eggs, in many stores you will need to walk through the entire store to reach the dairy products. Milk deliveries may arrive at the back of the store. Having dairy products in the back of the store also promotes your interactions with food.

By the way, did you ever notice that some of the favorite cookie brands often have a display close to the milk? When my kids shopped with me, I often had a package of cookies added to my cart after picking up milk.

Some stores place the deli and bakery close to the entrance. That placement can alter our dinner plans quickly. You might pick up a roasted chicken and a cake.

Remember that you pay for the convenience of buying time-saving prepared foods.

I stopped in the produce aisle. The vegetable mister sprinkled water on the lettuce as I reached for some carrots. Misting makes vegetable look fresh and enhances their color. We want colorful, fresh veggies, of course. However, getting vegetables wet can hasten spoilage if we were to follow this technique at home.

As I wheeled my cart to the cereal aisle, I remembered the “pester power” of my kids asking for cereal with a character on the front of the box.

You will note that “kid cereals” often are at kids’ eye level for a reason. Children can influence the purchases of their sometimes-tired parents.

I noticed a pallet of food in the center of an aisle with multi-package boxes of macaroni and cheese. It had a big sign that said, “truckload sale.” I’m really not sure if the prices were lower, but the sign said “sale.”

The items were not on my list, so I resisted buying.

I also noted several examples of sales with limits. Yogurt was on my list, and my friend wanted eight containers, but I bought 10. The sign said, “Buy 10 for $10.” Could I have purchased eight for $8 or 100 for $100?

I think they got me on that one. The sign did not say “Must buy 10.”

No one was giving out free food samples that day. People are enticed to buy items after tasting them. We might feel that we owe the store for the free food.

I think my jaw dropped at the final price tag. Groceries have increased in price for many reasons, including transportation issues and available supplies.

If you are keeping tabs on your grocery bill, remember these supermarket strategies.

• Prepare a grocery list in advance.

• Compare prices using the unit prices on the grocery store shelving; however, remember that larger packages may not be a better deal if you throw away the product.

• Consider generic or store brands instead of name brands. They might cost less.

• Pay attention to the prices at the checkout stand. Be sure you are receiving the sale price.

• See ag.ndsu.edu/food and click on “food preparation” to see a wide range of materials.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B17

How supermarket psychology influences our purchases

Let’s celebrate spring with a tasty recipe with a secret ingredient: black beans. Beans add fiber, folate, protein and other nutrients to your recipes. Drain and rinse canned beans to rinse away about 40% of the sodium added during processing.

Black Bean Brownies

1 (15- to 16-ounce) can black beans, drained, rinsed

3 eggs

3 tablespoons salad oil, such as canola, sunflower

1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)

1 pinch salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Chocolate syrup, optional, for drizzle

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease an 8- by 8-inch baking dish. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a blender or mixer, blend until smooth. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake in preheated oven until top is dry and sides start to pull away from the baking dish, about 25 to 30 minutes. Serve on a plate with a drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.

Makes 16 servings. Each serving has 130 calories, 6 grams (g) fat, 3 g protein, 19 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber and 105 milligrams sodium.

Famous tightwads

Marge Scott, former owner of the Cincinnati Reds. Told her staff in 1995 that she couldn’t afford Christmas bonuses and gave out candies instead. They turned out to be free samples from a baseballcard company…and they came with coupons inviting consumers to “win a trip to the 1991 Grammys.”

Cary Grant. Nicknames “El Squeako” by Hollywood friends, he counted the number of firewood logs in his mansion’s garage and used a red pen to mark the level of milk in the milk bottles in his refrigerator, both to make sure his servants weren’t taking them.

Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mooched dollar bills off of his presidential valet to drop in the collection plate at church.

Groucho Marx. Wore a beret, which became one of his trademarks, “so he wouldn’t have to pay to check his hat.”

Cornelius Vanderbilt, American financier. When his doctor told him on his deathbed that a glass of champagne a day would moderate his suffering, Vanderbilt–then the wealthiest man in America–replied, “Dammit, I tell you Doc, I can’t afford it. Won’t sodywater do?”

J. Paul Getty, oil baron. Installed a pay phone in his mansion to keep visitors from running up his long-distance bill and put locks on all the other phones “When you get some fellow talking for ten or fifteen minutes,” the billionaire explained, “well, it all adds up.”

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Rental rates for Nebraska in 2024

By Shannon Sand, UNL

What does it cost to rent pasture this year? 2024 results are out for Nebraska cash rental rates.

According to this year’s survey, the average monthly rent being paid to graze a cowcalf pair this grazing season has increased between 5-8% compared to the previous grazing season. This increase does follow the overall trend of increasing land values as well as cropland rental rates across the state.

The North reporting district — which is primarily the Sandhills — has the highest average cow-calf pair monthly rate at $73.95 per month. The Northeast and Central districts are not far behind at $70.10 and $68.05 per month respectively. The Northwest district, the Panhandle, had the lowest rates at just over $51.20 per month.

Everywhere else in Nebraska, it’s around the $58 to $66 per month rate. Pasture rent can vary for many reasons. Involvement of the landlord in fence, water and management responsibilities have a big impact. Similarly, quality of the grassland, location of the pasture and cow size can potentially affect rates. Tradition, individual relationships and local demand all also may influence individual pasture rental rates. Whether you are looking for pasture or have pasture to rent, it is always important to have a written lease agreement. These agreements can have a number of different stipulations or clauses, but they all should define the number of cattle and length of time (or stocking rate) and how an event such as a drought will be handled.

Stable fly management in pastures

By Samantha Daniel, UNL

Despite their name, stable flies can be a significant annoyance and cause economic losses in pastured cattle, not just those confined in feedlots and dairies. With the recent moisture much of Nebraska has received, conditions are favorable for significant stable fly numbers.

The stable fly is similar in size to a house fly but is dark gray with irregular dark spots on the abdomen. The proboscis, or mouthpart, sticks out from the head bayonet-style. Both sexes require a blood meal, generally twice a day, and feed on the legs and belly of cattle. As few as 4 flies per leg can cause economic losses stemming from reduced average daily gain. After feeding, stable flies will seek out a shaded resting area in windbreaks, on windmill towers, or near water tanks.

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Mother’s Day. Two children ordered their mother to stay in bed one Mother’s Day morning. As she lay there looking forward to breakfast in bed, the smell of bacon floated up from the kitchen. But after a good long wait she finally went downstairs to investigate. She found them both sitting at the table eating bacon and eggs.

“As a surprise for Mother’s Day,” one explained, “we decided to cook our own breakfast.”

Signs of a stable fly infestation will be seen in various cattle behaviors that include tail flicking, skin twitching, leg stamping, and standing in water. Cattle may also bunch together in pasture corners which may damage forage and could cause blowouts on fragile soils.

The most common treatment option is an animal spray such as Co-Ral, Prolate, or products containing permethrin or natural pyrethrins. These products can be applied using a low pressure or mist blower sprayer. Other options include targeting stable fly resting sites while avoiding water tanks and other water sources; or reducing larval development by cleaning spillage and waste around hay rings or using a larvicide (Neporex®).

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A food critic visits a local restaurant to review its food for the town magazine. The owner welcomes him and shows him to the table. The food is presented to him and after a while, the critic calls the owner to say that there is something missing in his bowl of soup. The owner asks whether it is too spicy or sweet or salty. When the food critic says no, the owner decides to taste the soup himself but he can’t find the spoon. “Yeah,” says the critic, “that’s what is missing.”

Where did that name come from?

WD-40: In 1953, the Rocket Chemical Company began developing a rust-prevention solvent for the aerospace industry. The name WD-40 indicates what the product does (water displacement) and how many attempts it took to perfect it.

Starbucks: Moby-Dick was the favorite book of one of the three founders of this coffee empire. He wanted to name the company after the story’s fabled ship Pequod, but he and his partners reconsidered and settled instead on the name of the ship’s first mate, Starbuck.

Google: In the 1930s, mathematician Edwin Kasner asked his young nephew to think of a word that could mean a very large number (1 followed by 100 zeros). The boy, Milton Sirotta, came up with Googo1. The creators of the world’s most popular search engine varied the spelling and adopted it to represent an infinite amount of information.

M&Ms: Chocolate pellets coated in sugar were popular in Britain for decades under the brand name Smarties. When Forrest Mars (son of the founder of the Mars candy company) saw soldiers eating them during the Spanish Civil War, he and his partner, R. Bruce Murrie, bought the U.S. rights. But there was already an American candy product called Smarties, so Mars and Murrie used their initials to form the new brand name.

Deciding when to remove the bulls from the breeding pastures

By Lisa Moser, K-State Research and Extension news service

In agriculture, whether it is farming or ranching, there is a seasonal shift to the daily operations. And for spring-calving commercial herds, summer often means that the cows, calves and bulls are out grazing on summer pastures while the cows are also conceiving next spring’s calf crop.

For many producers, a 50- to 70-day calving season is ideal, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute, who addressed this topic in a recent Cattle Chat podcast.

“Even though a short calving season is the goal, bred cows are worth more than open cows (ones who haven’t conceived) and so if we take the bulls away then we reduce the number of cows that will become pregnant,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said. “So, I’d keep the bulls out in the breeding pastures longer than 60 days but plan on culling the females that got bred late in the breeding season.”

However, there are times when bulls need to leave the pasture, K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said.

“As we move into mid to late summer, the

forage quality starts to decline and some of the younger bulls may need to be separated off so they can be supplemented to keep them from getting too thin, especially if they are still growing,” Lancaster said.

Also, for males in multi-bull pastures, there is always a risk that they will fight over the females that they hope to breed, Lancaster said.

“Bull injury is a risk that can be avoided by reducing the number of bulls in the pasture,” Lancaster said. “A good option is to leave one or two older bulls out in the pasture to breed the last few open cows to add value but lessen the risk of injury.”

Another consideration is labor availability to remove the bulls from the pasture, Larson said.

“Evaluate the bulls when you are moving the herd for another reason, such as to apply fly control, and then you can leverage the labor on hand,” Larson said.

Larson added: “While I like a 60-day calving season, that does not mean it has to be a 60-day breeding season and there can be flexibility as to when the bulls can be removed from the pasture.”

Prevent the spread of AIS

Boaters and other water recreationists need to follow the rules to prevent aquatic invasive species from affecting Montana’s waters.

Those rules include:

All boats must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $500. Always be sure to clean, drain and dry your boat. All watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species. An inspection is required before launching on Montana waters.

Non-residents transporting watercraft into Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launching. The fee is $30 for motorized and $10 for nonmotorized watercraft. The pass is valid until December 31.

Inspection is required for Montana residents before launch IF: the boat is entering the state, crossing west over the Continental Divide or entering the Flathead basin.

So far this year, FWP and its partners have inspected 38,000 watercraft. Of those, 25 were mussel-fouled and 150 were found with aquatic weeds. The most recent detection was on June 30, when mussels were found on a recently purchased pontoon boat traveling from Ohio to Northern Idaho. Inspectors from the Garfield Conservation District at the Wibaux inspection station decontaminated the boat and locked it to the trailer. Idaho AIS staff were notified and will follow up with the boat when it reaches its destination.

FWP and partner agencies, which include tribes, counties and conservation districts, operate more than 17 road-side watercraft inspection stations across the state. To find a watercraft inspection station or to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

Garden Pests

Mice

Use fruit and nut chocolate for bait instead of cheese. Bait can be placed in a milk bottle or similar jar, which should be placed on a ramp (with the neck higher than the base). The mouse can then go into feed but will not be able to get back out. The captured mouse can then be allowed to go free in a more suitable area (well away from the house).

Ensure any holes large enough to insert a ball pen in are filled, as mice can use these to enter the house.

When trying to catch mice, site traps horizontally around the edge of the room. This will then be effective whichever way the mouse runs.

If you don’t know where the rodent is coming from, sprinkler flour on the floor around the area and it will then be evident from the footprints. A tray containing lard or solid fat can also do the trick. If mice have destroyed a row of newly sow peas, the peas used in subsequent sowings should be coated in a mixture of paraffin and red lead made to a consistency of cream.

Center pivots: Innovation that grew crops and acres in Nebraska

By Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension water & cropping systems educator

The center pivot is the one invention that has changed the irrigated agricultural landscape worldwide. Center pivot irrigation has increased irrigation water use efficiency and reduced labor costs. It has also allowed agricultural development on marginal land with varying soil types and topography. Irrigated acres in Nebraska have increased from 3,998,000 acres (1960) to 9,378,462 acres (2022).

The general concept of a center pivot is a series of pipes connected by flexible couplers, supported by motorized structures (towers) that move the entire structure in a circle around the pivot point. The common means of power is the use of an electric motor on each tower to run the wheels, but there are systems that use water to do the same. The distance between the towers is called a “span,” usually 90 to 180 feet in length, and is supported by trusses. The length of each span can vary within the entire length of the pivot to match the contour of the land.

Sprinkler nozzles can be placed on top of the pipes or lower to the crop by using “drop pipes.” Nozzle spacing and nozzle orifice size are dependent on soil type, the amount of water infiltration rate of the soil, and the well capacity that can be pumped. The spray pattern and droplet size of the nozzle are also considered. Nozzle orifice size/water application rate increases further out from the pivot point because the pivot covers more area as it moves further out from the pivot point. Pressure regulators may be installed with the nozzles to provide

uniform pressure for better uniform water application. An end gun/nozzle package can be installed at the end of the last span to irrigate more area. Some pivots have swing arm spans attached that swing out to irrigate the corners of a field.

Water is pumped to the pivot point and out through the nozzles on the spans to irrigate the crop. The water source can be a well near the pivot point or from a well outside the pivot, and it is pumped through a pipeline to the pivot point. In some cases, where surface water is used, a small pit or holding pond is dug outside the pivot. The surface water enters the pit and is pumped to the pivot point through an underground pipeline.

At the pivot point, there is a control box to turn the well pump on, set the direction of travel, and set the speed of travel for the pivot. It monitors the functions of the pivot, sending signals to the tower boxes located in each tower controlling the electric drive motors, telling them when to move, for how long, and in what direction. Power for the pivot can be from public power sources, diesel, natural gas, or gasoline engines running a generator for power as well as serving to pump water from a well or holding pond.

Center pivots can be used to apply pesticides while applying irrigation water, called chemigation. To do so, the pivot system must have safety equipment installed. In Nebraska, the safety equipment includes a chemical supply tank with an agitator, chemical injection system, calibration tube, CONTINUED ON PAGE B24

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and required safety devices. The approved, mandatory safety equipment includes an irrigation pipeline check valve, a vacuum relief valve, an inspection port, a lowpressure drain, a chemical injection line check valve, and a simultaneous interlock. Each center pivot that may chemigate must have all the mandatory safety equipment inspected and approved by the local Nebraska Natural Resources District. Everyone who performs chemigation must be certified by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.

There are also lateral move irrigation systems which are like center pivots but move in a straight line to irrigate rectangular fields. They have different guidance systems to keep them moving in a straight line. Water can be supplied by a ditch along

the side of the field or from a flexible line attached to risers.

There were once over seventy-five center pivot/lateral move irrigation manufacturers. Some of the remaining companies in Nebraska include Valmont/Valley, Lindsay/ Zimmatic, T-L Irrigation, and Reinke. Who invented the center pivot? Frank Zybach, a farmer from Platte County is the man who invented the center pivot. He designed and built his first system in 1948, applied for a patent in 1949, and the patent was awarded in 1952. Zybach went into partnership with A. E. Trowbridge to manufacture center pivots in Columbus, Neb., but the two friends had differences in philosophies about running the business. In 1954, the partners sold the manufacturing rights to Robert B. Daugherty of Valley Manufacturing, now called Valmont Industries, the oldest center pivot manufacturer. Valley Manufacturing engineers went on to make many improvements and innovations to the center pivot irrigation system and continue to do so today.

Garden Pests

Birds and bees

Hang old CDs around the garden to deter birds from attacking fruit during the daytime. Bees are not harmful unless provoked, trapped or you are unfortunately in their line of flight. If there is a swarm of bees in your garden, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact a local beekeeper or your local authority.

If you have bees in a chimney, light a fire in the grate and this should remove them safely and harmlessly. Some bumblebees are endangered species.

About Red

Wines

Malbec

While the grapes for Malbec wine were originally grown in France, most of this variety that is produced today comes from Argentina. With its deep purple color and fruity flavors of plum and cherry, many people enjoy the ending flavors that offer a hint of smoke. Malbec is a red wine that goes well when paired with lean meats as well as with spicy foods like Indian or Mexican.

####

Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.

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Adding grass to thinning alfalfa

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

Do you have a thinning and low producing alfalfa stand; but are not quite ready to do a complete reseeding? These stands can be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses to increase hay production in subsequent years or to convert them to pasture.

Most alfalfa fields start to lose stand and production potential after cutting hay for several years. Orchardgrass is the grass most commonly interseeded into alfalfa, but other grasses like endophyte-free tall fescue, smooth or meadow brome, festulolium, and wheatgrasses also can be used. If the field will be used as pasture, a mixture of several grasses may be best since it adds diversity to your animals’ diet.

Whether irrigated or dryland, interseeding after a mid-August to early September hay harvest can be excellent timing. There is always some risk for dryland fields because several rains will be needed to start the new grass seedlings. The seeding should be done as sone as that August or early September harvest Is complete. If your alfalfa is relatively thick, you probably will need to take another cutting in about four weeks, or as soon as the alfalfa starts to form a full canopy. This allows sunlight to continue to reach new grass seedlings below the alfalfa

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2012 John Deere 8235R, weights, duals, ILS, IVT, GPS, 3531 hours.

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The seeding rate of the grasses will vary depending on the species that is used and how thick the existing alfalfa is. With orchardgrass for example, as little as 3 lb/ acre might be adequate in a relatively thick alfalfa stand or up to 6 lb/acre in a very thin alfalfa stand.

Next spring you will need to judge how well established the new grasses have become. If they seem a little weak, cut hay early to open the canopy for better light penetration.

About Red

Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the most planted grape on the planet and it is easy to see why it is so beloved. Cabernet is a fairly safe wine that is easy to share at a table because almost everyone will enjoy it. It might have a fruity taste, with French versions showing as a bit more herby. Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that is great when paired with meats.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Frontier 84-inch, 3-point mower. Like new condition. Asking $3750 1994 Titan 24-ft. flat deck trailer, good tires, 2 bad deck boards. Asking $7500 Mirrocraft 14-ft. boat, 15 hp Gamefisher motor, runs good, new tires on trailer, 2 oars. Ready for the lake or river. Asking $1500

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Safe and effective use of cattle steroid ear implants

By Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University Extension

As of July 1, 2023, label claims on cattle steroid implant products were updated by their respective manufacturing companies to meet a request from the FDA to provide clarification on reimplanting use within a production phase. There are currently 25 approved implants for use in beef production in the U.S.

Three main types of hormones are used in cattle ear implants: androgens, estrogens and progestins. Estrogens consist either of the naturally occurring estradiol-17β, a synthetic version called estradiol benzoate or an estrogen-like compound called zeranol. Estrogens can be used either alone or in combination with the naturally occur-

ring progestin, progesterone, or a synthetic version of testosterone, trenbolone acetate. Implants vary in potency and are commonly classified as low-, medium- or high-potency implants depending on their active ingredients and the concentration of their active ingredients (Table 1). Less potent implants usually contain an estrogenic hormone only or an estrogenic hormone with progesterone. Implants with medium potency usually contain an estrogenic hormone with a lesser concentration of an androgenic hormone, while higher potency implants contain an estrogenic hormone in combination with a greater concentration of trenbolone acetate.

E-C® benzoate, 100 w/ Tylan® mg progesterone

Synovex-S® Zoetis 20 mg estradiol

benzoate, -

200 mg

Revalor-G® Merck 8 mg estradiol,

40 mg - Low trenbolone acetate

Component Elanco 8 mg estradiol,

TE-G® 40 mg - Low trenbolone acetate

Component Elanco 8 mg estradiol,

TE-G® w/ 40 mg - Low Tylan® trenbolone acetate

Synovex-H ®Zoetis 20 mg estradiol Moderate 90-120 X No benzoate, 200 - Low mg testosterone

Revalor-IH® Merck 8 mg estradiol, Moderate 100-140 X No 80 mg -High trenbolone acetate

Component Elanco 8 mg estradiol, Moderate 100-140

No TE-IH® 80 mg -High trenbolone acetate w/ Tylan®

Revalor-IS® Merck 16 mg estradiol, Moderate 100-140

No 80 mg -High trenbolone acetate

Component Elanco 16 mg estradiol, Moderate 100-140

TE-IS® w/ 80 mg -High Tylan® trenbolone acetate

Synovex- Zoetis 14 mg estradiol, High 100-140

Choice® 100 mg

trenbolone

acetate

Revalor-S® Merck 24 mg estradiol, High 100-140

No 120 mg trenbolone acetate

Revalor-H® Merck 14 mg estradiol, High

140 mg trenbolone acetate

Synovex- Zoetis 28 mg estradiol High

Plus® benzoate, 200

mg trenbolone

Revalor- Merck 20 mg estradiol,

200® 200 mg trenbolone acetate Component Elanco 20 mg estradiol,

estradiol, 200 mg trenbolone acetate

Revalor-XS® Merck 40 mg

estradiol, 200 mg trenbolone acetate

Table 1. List of U.S. FDA approved implants by beef

Word origins

CALCULATE

Meaning: Add, subtract, divide, and/or multiply numbers or money

Origin: “In Rome 2,000 years ago the merchant figured his profit and loss using what he called calculi, or ‘little stones’ as counters. So the Latin term calculus, ‘pebble,’ not only gave us ‘calculate’ but our word ‘calculus,’ one of the most complicated forms of modern mathematics.”

MUSEUM

Meaning: Building or collection of art, music, scientific tools, or any specific set of objects

Origin: A shrine to the Greek Muses. “Such a shrine was known as a mouseion. When the Museum at Alexandria was destroyed in the fourth century, the word nearly dropped out of use. Three hundred years ago, a scholar rediscovered the word.”

SNACK

Meaning: A small amount of food eaten between meals

Origin: “A snack is something grabbed in a hurry, from the Dutch word snacken, meaning to snap at something, although that word was only used for dogs.”

Trailers

Large selection medium hood assemblies. (3) Under body & center post hoist assemblies.

Wide selection of 4, 5, 6, and 10 speed truck transmission.

Wide selection of medium & heavy axle shafts & drop ins. Aluminum & steel truck fuel tanks.

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Safe and effective use of cattle steroid ear implants

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B26

The expected time the active ingredients are released from the ear implant into the blood circulation of the animal is referred to as “payout.” Payout is the amount of time implanted cattle are expected to experience the benefits (i.e., increased average daily gain (ADG), improved feed efficiency and increased carcass leanness) of the steroid implant compared with non-implanted cattle. Implants can also be classified as non-coated or coated depending on their design and intended payout period. Coated implants extend the payout period of the implant by slowing the release of the active ingredients from the pellets within the implant. Of the 25 approved implants currently in use, six are coated to achieve an extended payout period. Coated implants require less cattle handling and processing for reimplanting cattle to continue achieving the beneficial effects of the implant.

Steroidal ear implants are a growth promoting technology administered subcutaneously in the back of the middle one-third of the ear to increase growth, feed efficiency and carcass leanness of beef cattle. As a result, implanted cattle typically achieve a greater final body weight before slaughter due to the increased muscle deposition and delayed fat deposition. The negative effects observed with the use of implants are possible reductions in tenderness and/ or marbling deposition. Tenderness differences can be mitigated by postmortem aging (i.e., dry or wet aging), at least 14 or 21 days. Implanted cattle typically require an additional 90 to 110 pounds live body weight to achieve similar marbling scores compared with non-implanted cattle. Many factors such as breed, diet, implant selection and timing can influence the expected response from implants. It is recommended that you speak with your regional implant sales representative or beef extension educator about developing an appropriate implant strategy for your operation.

Cattle producers raising cattle for terminal beef production can choose to administer implants at one or more of the various beef production phases recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM). Implants have been approved by the FDA for safe and effective use in the beef production phases

Approved beef production phases for implant use by U.S. FDA (Guidance for

Beef calves 2 months of age and older – beef calves considered ruminating and nursing their dams from 2 months of age

Growing beef steers and heifers on pasture (stocker, feeder and slaughter) - weaned growing beef steers and heifers (beef and dairy breeds) intended only for slaughter (i.e., not for reproductive purposes) maintained on pasture and receiving a majority of their diet from grazing.

Growing beef steers and heifers in a dry lot – weaned growing beef steers and heifers (beef and dairy breeds) that receive harvested forages as a majority of their diet and are reared on dormant pastures with insufficient biomass to sustain typical growth and/or housed in dirt floor pens. Cattle in this production phase may receive minimal supplementation, such as a protein supplement, to achieve growth rates consistent with those typically observed in cattle on pasture.

Growing beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter - weaned growing

and finishing beef steers and heifers (beef and dairy breeds) intended only for slaughter (i.e., not for reproductive purposes) and confined in group pens and fed a progressively high-energy diet ad libitum as their sole ration until slaughter. May also be referred to as feed yard or feedlot cattle in the industry. Includes growing beef steers and heifers in a grow yard (see definition below).

Growing beef steers and heifers in a grow yard - a subset population of growing beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter, these are weaned growing beef steers and heifers (beef and dairy breeds) confined in group pens and fed a moderateto high-roughage diet ad libitum as their sole ration prior to the finishing stage. Grow yards may also be referred to as starter yards or backgrounding yards in the industry and may be co-located on a feedlot or housed at a separate facility.

Implant labels will clearly state which production phase(s) it is approved for, and if it is approved for reimplantation within a particular production phase. The right side of Table 1 identifies which implants are approved for reimplantation within a production phase.

While implant use is approved for Beef calves 2 months of age and older and Growing beef steers and heifers on pasture (stocker, feeder, and slaughter), cattle cannot be reimplanted (i.e., receive two implants) in either of these production phases. At this time, a select number of implants approved for use in Growing beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter are the only implants approved for reimplantation.

Growing beef steers and heifers in a Grow Yard production phase is a subset classification of Growing beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter. Think of this as a smaller set of a larger population, basically the receiving/growing cattle in the feedlot. The Growing beef steers and heifers in a Grow Yard production phase was designed with the intent for drugs to be labeled for these cattle, separate from cattle in the Growing beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter production phase. No implants are specifically labeled for approved use in the Growing beef steers and heifers in a Grow Yard production phase. Implants would be labeled for approved use in cattle in the Growing beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter production phase instead, which also includes cattle in the Growing beef steers and heifers in a Grow Yard production phase.

Implants with Tylan (i.e., some Component brand implants) will require authorization from your veterinarian for purchase and use because of the antibiotic properties Tylan offers to provide protection against potential ear abscess development after implant administration. Also, be aware that veterinarians cannot prescribe extra-label use of implants for growth-promoting purposes because they are not being used for the treatment of disease.

Lastly, confusion remains regarding the difference between a dry lot and grow yard, even after the FDA’s attempt to clarify the definition of a dry lot. Both phases confine cattle to pens before entering the feedlot. A dry lot specifies dirt floor pens (or dormant pasture) while a grow yard does not specify the flooring. In many feedlots across the U.S., feedlots may consist only of dirt floor pens, while other feedlots may have solid or slatted concrete floors. Both phases require cattle to be fed a diet consisting of CONTINUED ON ON PAGE B30

World Lizard Day

Celebrated: August 14th

As part of a larger global effort to recognize, learn about and take care of the planet, many different days have been set aside to honor animal and plant life. So get on board with learning about the fascinating, scaly creatures that have an important role to play in their different ecosystems around the world.

About World Lizard Day

With four legs, scaly skin, long bodies and movable eyelids, lizards boast at least 7,000 different varieties of species that can be found all over the world. So there is certainly plenty to celebrate on this day! World Lizard Day offers a special opportunity for schools, parks, zoos and reptile fans to spend some time focusing on this unique category of animal.

How to Celebrate World Lizard Day

Visit the Zoo Reptile House

Since many zoos across the globe will be in the groove with World Lizard Day, this would be a great time to schedule a visit to the reptile house. A number of zoos will be home to a wide range of different types of lizards, including Komodo Dragons, Bearded Dragons, Chameleons, Geckos and many others. Parents and teachers can take this day as an opportunity for students to learn about the different types of lizards, their habitats, feeding habits and much more!

Consider Adopting a Lizard Folks who are looking for a pet that is good for older children and adults but is also ‘low-maintenance’ might want to think more about what it would be like to bring a lizard home. Just like with any pet, lizards require special care and maintenance, so it might be good to talk to some actual lizard owners about their experiences related to taking care of them, how much they cost, and more. Some breeds can make an excellent choice for a first pet, require less care than cats or dogs, and also don’t tend to irritate family members who have allergies!

An actual blue moon doesn’t have a blue color. These days, a blue moon typically means the second full moon in a calendar month.

HAY FOR SALE

Safe and effective use of cattle steroid ear implants

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B28

primarily harvest forages, common of a backgrounding/receiving/growing diet prior to feedlot entry. In both phases a supplement is allowed to provide a balanced diet, considering protein, mineral and vitamin requirements. Location does not matter

either, as cattle in the grow yard phase can be located on or off site of the feedlot. The FDA could provide more clarification on the difference between these two production phases in the future.

For cattle feeders questioning whether to use implants or not, consider the economic incentive. In this example, consider a 15% increase in ADG and 5% increase in dry matter intake (DMI) in implanted compared with non-implanted cattle. Implanted cattle typically have a greater DMI to support their additional growth. Let us say that the non-implanted cattle have an ADG of 3.50 lbs./day and DMI of 22.0 lbs./day, and implanted cattle have an ADG of 4.03 lbs./day and DMI of 23.1 lbs./day over the course of a 200-day feeding period (Table 2). During this length of feeding period, one to two implants could be administered for approximately $8 per animal. If implant administration is not conducted when other processing is done (e.g., vaccines, antimicrobial treatment), a cost of $2 per animal for processing the animal through the chute an extra time is warranted. Consider a live market price of $1.80/lb. for cattle grading USDA Choice, feed cost of $0.18/lb. feed dry matter and a USDA Select quality grade discount of $0.2417/lb. for a live market price of $1.65/lb.

For more information on implants, reach out to Jerad Jaborek, Beef Extension contact, or your regional implant sales representative. We should be able to help address your questions regarding the new reimplantation labels, implant protocols, and other implant information. For other beef cattle production related inquires, check out the Michigan State University Extension Beef Team website. Table 2. Example of feedlot performance and economic return for implanting one steer Difference

Marbling deposition can be less for implanted cattle fed for a similar number of days; therefore, implanted cattle in this example had 15% fewer cattle grading USDA Choice or greater. Implanted cattle will have gained an additional 105 lbs. live weight and consumed an additional 220 lbs. of dry matter compared with non-implanted cattle. Implanted cattle will have earned $128 per animal more than non-implanted cattle. Subtract the cost of implants and the return on your investment (ROI) of using implants is $118 per animal or approximately 12:1. If you are not implanting your cattle intended for slaughter, does your non-implanted market allow you to capture this additional value gained from using implants?

National Banana Lovers Day

Dated Celebrated: August 27th

This special day encourages people to enjoy bananas in all forms, from fresh off the peel to delicious dishes like smoothies and cakes. It’s a global event that brings people together over their shared love for this versatile fruit

The day highlights bananas’ health benefits, emphasizing their rich potassium content and essential vitamins. It also highlights sustainable farming practices and the importance of supporting fair-trade bananas.

The day sparks creativity and community on social media as enthusiasts share banana-themed posts and recipes, spreading their love for bananas far and wide

You can join the celebration by trying out new banana recipes, sharing your favorite banana facts, or hosting a banana-themed party.

It’s a perfect opportunity to explore bananas’ nutritional benefits and fascinating history. With over 1,000 varieties, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy bananas, making National Banana Lovers Day a delightful occasion for banana aficionados everywhere.

History of National Banana Lovers Day

The humble banana, believed to be the world’s first cultivated fruit, has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years.

Originating from Southeast Asia, it was the Arab traders who first brought bananas to the rest of the world during the 4th century B.C. Since then, bananas have made their way across continents, becoming a staple in diets everywhere

The day itself is an invitation to celebrate bananas in all their glory, from smoothies and banana bread to more creative culinary creations.

Interestingly, bananas are technically considered berries, meeting all the botanical requirements despite their unusual appearance for a berry. This fun fact is just one of the many surprises this beloved fruit has in store for its admirers

Whether you’re a long-time banana lover or just discovering the joys of this fruit, National Banana Lovers Day is the perfect time to explore new recipes, learn about the banana’s fascinating history, and, of course, enjoy eating bananas in your favorite form.

Mom: “How do I look?”

Dad: “With your eyes!” #####

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Reasons to control volunteer wheat and weeds in wheat stubble after harvest

By Robert Klein

-

Emeritus

Extension Professor |

Cody

Creech - Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist | Jeff Bradshaw - Director of the Doctor of Plant Health Professional Program | Stephen Wegulo - Extension Plant Pathologist | Gary Hein - Former Director of the Doctor of Plant Health Professional Program | Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist | Nicolás Cafaro La Menza – Cropping Systems Specialist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture | Pin-Chu Lai - Extension Entomologist

Soil Water Loss (SWL) — On average, there are three inches of soil water loss for weeds, including volunteer wheat not controlled in the wheat stubble. This could translate into about a 35-bushel decrease in corn or grain sorghum yields in the following year. See the article “Economics Improve with Dryland Corn and Grain Sorghum Following Weed Control in Winter Wheat Stubble” in the July 5, 2024 issue of CropWatch.

Wheat Streak Mosaic (WSM) disease complex — Did you know you can lose two wheat crops from one hailstorm? It could be yours or your neighbor’s. The first loss is from the current wheat crop being hailed. The second loss is from the WSM complex.

For example: The volunteer wheat from one neighbor’s hailed winter wheat crop served as a host for the wheat curl mite — carrying the viruses — that infected the farmer’s wheat crop across the road, which averaged just five to six bushels per acre on

320 acres. In comparison, his other fields not affected by WSM averaged 60 bu/ac. Volunteer wheat can provide the summer “green bridge” for the wheat streak mosaic disease complex, comprised of three viruses transmitted by wheat curl mites, wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus and High Plains wheat mosaic virus. By far, the greatest risk of loss from mite-transmitted viruses occurs when there is a summer “green bridge” of volunteer wheat emerging before harvest. This almost always occurs as a result of wheat seed shattered from heads during hailstorms.

Depending on when the wheat crop is infected with the virus, damage can be as great as a total loss of the field affected by WSM disease complex (Figure 2). One tenant had a greater loss, as the landlord thought there had to be enough wheat in the field to pay for harvest, but the field only averaged six bushels per acre, which was not enough to cover the cost of custom harvest.

Figure 1. The wheat-mite-virus complex has extreme potential to impact yield the following year if high risk volunteer wheat situations are not managed well. (Photo by Gary Hein)

Figure 2. Volunteer wheat, like that illustrated in the inset image, due to a widespread hail event that occurred prior to harvest in 2016 resulted in widespread yield loss to mite-transmitted viruses in Deuel and Garden counties in 2017. (Photos by Gary Hein)

Garden Pests

Ants

Ants are attracted by sweet foods and are generally harmless apart from the hills they make, but they can assist in the spreading aphids from plant to plant.

Locate the ants’ nest by sprinkling a little sugar and watch where the ants carry it.

If the nest cannot be found, identify where they are entering the house and run they are using–they seem to use the same thin route. Place some proprietary ant powder or bait outside in this run. Make sure it is out of reach of children and pets.

Locate the ants’ hill and sprinkle a liberal amount of talcum powder around and on it. The ants dislike talc and will move their colony several feet. Continue sprinkling the talc until the ants are moved to where you want them.

Boiling water poured into/onto the nest also works quite well.

Put some water in an empty jam jar; make sure there is some jam on the edge of the jar and this may tempt some of them for a swim.

Apparently ants never cross a chalk line, so get out the chalk and draw a line wherever ants tend to march.

To deter ants, spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along other areas where they are located.

Dried cinnamon is a good ant deterrent and is very effective in places that chemicals cannot be used, e.g., around ponds. Ants hate peppermint. Mix some drops of oil with water in a sprayer and spray wherever there are ants. This is also really effective indoors.

To get rid of ants, mix a small bottle of clove oil in a large watering can with a rose sprinkler. Sprinkle this over the area where the ants are. First the flying ants leave the nest in droves, then the soldier ants will follow them on foot.

Dr. William Erastus Upjohn

Until Upjohn invented a process for manufacturing soft pills, prescription pills were literally hard as a rock – you couldn’t smash them with a hammer, and they often passed through a person’s system without being absorbed by the body. Upjohn’s new process changed all that.

#####

On July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong, Commander of the United States Apollo 11 mission, became the first person to walk on the Moon.

Reasons to control volunteer wheat and weeds in wheat stubble after harvest

The mites (Figure 3) and viruses survive and build up through the summer on this “green bridge,” then in the fall, the mites are carried by wind from volunteer wheat to newly emerged winter wheat plants and transmit the viruses.

Mites depend on wind for dispersal. Through the fall, as mite populations increase, they leave the protected areas of volunteer wheat plants (rolled leaves and whorls) and crawl to leaf tips or other exposed areas where they become airborne. After landing on a new host, the mites crawl to the youngest leaf and begin to feed and reproduce.

In heavily infested volunteer wheat, most mites will carry the virus. Transmission to the young winter wheat plants requires only a few viruliferous individuals. Immature mites acquire the virus in as little as 15 minutes as they feed on infected leaves. Mites remain active for most of their lives (two to four weeks or longer with cool temperatures), but the transmission efficiency of adult mites decreases with age.

risk. Recent research has evaluated the suitability of weedy grasses as hosts for both the curl mite and the wheat streak mosaic virus complex. Barnyardgrass topped the list in terms of suitability for both virus and mites, but fortunately it is not a common grass in wheat except in low areas — including terraces — that accumulate water.

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Research has found that mites can only survive off green plants for a day or so under warm summer temperatures, but two to four days under more mild conditions (e.g., lower temperatures and higher humidities). Thus, a significant number of mites may be transported by the wind from greater distances than we originally thought; however, the greatest risk is to the fields closest to the volunteer wheat. Video 1 demonstrates mite and virus development throughout the year. Volunteer wheat is not the only summer host for the wheat curl mite (Figure 3). Over-summering hosts can also include corn or foxtail millet. An important consideration for these crops is to try to minimize the overlap of the green and growing summer crop and the emerged new crop of wheat in the fall. The greater the overlap, the greater the risk from these hosts.

In contrast, green foxtail is a rather poor host for the mites but could be an important disease reservoir simply because of its abundance. In one example, the source of mites in a winter wheat field infected with wheat streak mosaic virus was a grain sorghum field with grassy weeds adjacent to the winter wheat field. Take note of significant stands of these grasses and control them as you would volunteer wheat.

Timely Weed Control Helps Manage Yield Loss Risk

Risks from not controlling volunteer wheat and weeds include:

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Some summer annual grassy weeds can also act as mite and virus hosts — the higher the density of these grasses, the greater the

Pre-harvest volunteer wheat can cost you or your neighbor the value of next year’s winter wheat crop due to loss from WSM. In addition, loss of the winter wheat residue can lead to much lower yields in the following corn or grain sorghum crop. While control of both pre- and post-harvest “green bridge” hosts is important, timely control of pre-harvest volunteer wheat will have a greater impact on ultimately reducing virus transmission and yield loss (Figure 4).

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Figure 3. Wheat curl mite on a wheat leaf.

Figure 4. Comparison of the increased disease risk of pre-harvest volunteer wheat (first image, usually from hailstorms) versus post-harvest volunteer wheat where the green bridge has been broken (second image) in the development of wheat streak mosaic. (Source: Justin McMechan)

National Potato Day

This holiday is always observed on August 19th

This a day to celebrate and enjoy a few potatoes. The versatile spud can be enjoyed in some way for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and as a snack. While it can be eaten raw, it is usually cooked, boiled, baked, mashed, or fried. It is used in countless recipes. What really makes the potato stand out, is the many things you can put on or in it, as demonstrated by the loaded baked potato. Regardless of how you cook it, or what you put on it, Americans can’t seem to get enough of the starchy spud. And, we just love to cook with potatoes, as they are very ap-peeling!

Potatoes are one of the largest vegetable crops in the world. They were first cultivated in Peru, around 5,000- 7,000 BC. Pardon the broad estimate, but records were sparse back then, often written on the inside wall of a cave. While most potatoes grow to about the size of your fist or less, the largest potato ever grown, weighed in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces. Now, that’s a whole lot of French fries!

In celebration of National Potato Day, make certain to include potatoes at every meal today, and for snacks, too! Did You Know? Potatoes were not at the first Thanksgiving. They are native to South America. Potatoes were first domesticated high in the Andes mountains near Lake Titicaca in Peru.

About Red Wines

Malbec

While the grapes for Malbec wine were originally grown in France, most of this variety that is produced today comes from Argentina. With its deep purple color and fruity flavors of plum and cherry, many people enjoy the ending flavors that offer a hint of smoke. Malbec is a red wine that goes well when paired with lean meats as well as with spicy foods like Indian or Mexican.

and your

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Reasons to control volunteer wheat and weeds in wheat stubble after harvest

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B34

Any volunteer wheat that has emerged around wheat harvest, even in a summer crop like sunflower or corn, can also be a significant risk. Figure 5 shows considerable volunteer wheat in a sunflower field in the fall that was heavily infested with mites. This field resulted in total loss to adjoining wheat fields.

Uncontrolled volunteer wheat and weeds can cost you 30 bu/acre or more of corn or sorghum the next year due to soil moisture taken up by volunteer wheat and weeds. Weed control may be more difficult and expensive in next year’s crop.

Planting the next crop may be more difficult in last year’s weed-infested stubble. Impact of Wheat Seeding Time

The earlier winter wheat is seeded and the longer mild weather extends through the fall, the greater the risk of wheat streak mosaic virus complex infections. For instance, near Ogallala, the winter wheat yield doubled with a one-week delay in seeding date. Under warm fall conditions, the probability of secondary spread of mites and viruses increases, resulting in greater incidence of infection.

In another field near Ogallala, wheat seeded on September 8 was lost to the wheat streak mosaic complex, while a field across the road seeded September 19 to the same winter wheat variety was not affected by the disease complex.

Reproduction and spread of mites stop with cool temperatures in the fall; however, mites can survive cold winter temperatures. The virus survives the winter within the plant, and the mites survive as eggs, nymphs or adults, protected in the crown of the wheat plant. As winter wheat greens up in the spring, mites become active and the virus may spread to healthy winter wheat plants or emerging spring wheat, although this is much less of a threat than fall transmission.

Additional Losses Associated with Volunteer Wheat Diseases. Volunteer wheat can provide habitat for many other pathogens that may later be a problem if continuous wheat is seeded in the fall. Root rots, as well as seedling blights, caused by Fusarium species are specific examples. Occasionally, fall season leaf rust or stripe rust can occur. Severity of these rust diseases on the newly emerged winter wheat crop will be much higher if volunteer wheat is not controlled, and it is able to serve as a local source of inoculum.

Hessian Flies. Volunteer wheat allowed to survive through late summer and fall also dramatically increases the risk from Hessian fly. Volunteer wheat present in the early fall can serve as a host for the flies’ fall generation, resulting in greater risk from the flies’ subsequent generation the following spring.

Moisture Loss. Volunteer winter wheat and weeds also use soil water, which would otherwise be used by the following crop. The average soil water loss due to volunteer wheat is three inches, which can result in yield losses of 30 bushels or more in corn or sorghum. Occasionally the loss can be as much as 100 bushels. How does this happen when we only save three inches of soil water? With the additional three inches of soil water, the corn or sorghum crop will survive up to three weeks longer without rain before being lost to drought. Hence, if enough rain is received in time, we have observed yields of 100 bushels or more of corn or sorghum where volunteer wheat and other weeds were controlled after wheat harvest.

Increased Weed Seed. Letting weeds produce seed increases the weed seed bank and makes weed control more difficult in the succeeding crops. The additional weed residue also makes planting the following crop more difficult.

Summary

Volunteer wheat surviving through the summer and fall creates numerous risks for the subsequent wheat crop, as well as other rotated crops. Controlling volunteer wheat will reduce the risks from these threats and ultimately improve the bottom line.

For herbicide options to control volunteer wheat and annual grasses, check the 2024 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska.

#####

Nearly 80 percent of all boys born in the Soviet Union in 1923 did not survive World War II.

#####

Russia and Japan have still not signed a peace treaty officially ending their participation in World War II.

#####

Pigeons mate for life and share parenting duties. The father sits on the eggs during the day, the mother at night.

#####

In the 17th century, pigeons droppings were used to tan hides and to make gunpowder.

Figure 5. Uncontrolled volunteer wheat in a sunflower field played host to a heavy mite infestation in the fall, which led to total loss of the adjoining neighbors’ wheat fields the next year. (Photo by Gary Hein)

Where Quality Meets Efficiency

Torgerson’s For

Osten

Fraser’s

For

at Marias Fair.

Hunter Cole, Liberty County 4-H

Lynn Perry of Northern Livestock Video Auction for purchasing my steer at the Marias Fair.

I appreciate your support of me, as well as your support towards the livestock community.

Sadie Cole, Liberty County

#####

Walmart has over two million employees worldwide, making it one of the largest employers in the world. They’re also considered one of the top-earning companies in the world – their revenue in 2022 amounted to a whopping $573 billion!

#####

Wyoming was the first US state to give women the right to vote.

Wise use of manure in home vegetable gardens

By Diane Diffenderfer,

Penn State Extension Gardeners love to talk about their gardens. The range of topics is never-ending—the best bean for canning, the most flavorful tomato, how to manage the array of pests that challenge a relaxing morning in the garden and best practices for enhancing soil texture, structure, and fertility. Applying manure to a vegetable garden impacts all facets of soil health: texture, structure, and fertility.

Soil texture is the term used to describe the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. From a particulate perspective, sand is the largest particle, and clay is the smallest. The soil triangle provides a graphic representation of the combinations. While the texture cannot be changed, adding organic material such as manure will alter soil structure. From an agronomist perspective, soil structure refers to how soil components aggregate to form air and water spaces within the soil. Air and water are critical for good root, and therefore plant, development.

Two often used examples of how manure impacts soil are: for texture, adding manure (organic matter) to a sandy soil will increase the soil’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Adding manure to a clay-based soil will increase the soil drainage by creating those same spaces. When considering soil amendments, remember adding organic matter (manure) cannot change the soil texture as the percentages of sand, silt, and clay remain the same; however, the soil structure can be altered by adding manure to the soil. While this article refers primarily to using manure in a garden where edibles grow, the texture and structure properties are the same in any type of garden where soil is present.

Applying manure is not a new technique for growing crops. Although manure is commonly thought to make soil more productive, it is not technically fertilizer. Research conducted by Amy Bogaard, an archaeobotanist at the University of Oxford, reported in this article Fertilizer History P1, published by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources that the benefits of manure to plant growth were observed almost 8,000 years ago! If you enjoy an interesting science read, have a look at the article. The dating description process provides an interesting insight into projects where an archaeobotanist is a key investigator/researcher. What are the effects of adding manure to a home garden? Remember, manure is not a fertilizer. There is no guaranteed analysis with manure, as there is with packaged fertilizer. For instance, 10-10-10 fertilizer is guaranteed to provide equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This is important to know because nutrient requirements differ by plant type (for example tomato vs. cucumber) and within a plant depending upon the stage of growth. As an example, a tomato setting fruit requires less nitrogen, because vegetative growth should yield to fruit set and phosphorus and potassium are directly involved in fruit set. If you would like an analysis of the manure you are adding to your garden soil, Penn State University Soil Analysis Lab does offer manure testing. Please see this link for information regarding the test and analysis: Agricultural Analytical Services Lab Manure Testing.

Today, gardeners can obtain a variety of manures from local farmers and lawn and garden stores. Some grocery stores even offer bagged manure. In addition to numerous commercial and private outlets for getting manure, there is also a broad choice of types of manure. Manure from farm animals such as cows, horses, sheep, goats, llamas, and chickens is commonly used in vegetable gardens. Local farmers may be more than willing to offer manure free of charge because it reduces the amount of manure the farmer must safely manage. Horse and cow manure often are loaded with weed seeds that can be neutralized by composting at a temperature of 140ºF. Goat and sheep manures have the advantage of being naturally pelletized. Pelletized manure is easier to handle and often easier to spread in a home garden but should be used in accordance with the guidelines included in the following paragraphs.

According to several references, pig manure should not be used in a garden where edibles are grown. The same is true for dog, cat, and human waste due to the possible presence of parasites.

Many gardeners have ready access to chicken manure. Chicken manure is often referred to as “hot” due to high nitrogen content. Coop bedding added to the chicken guano may dilute the concentration of nitrogen in the manure. High nitrogen content may burn tender seedlings, so it should be composted prior to use in a home garden.

CONTINUED ON PAGE C4

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##### On August 6, 1762, the first-ever sandwich was created, at least with such a name. It was named after the Earl of Sandwich when he requested a dish involving meat between two pieces of bread. As the story goes, he requested it as he was in the middle of a gambling game and didn’t want to interrupt it.

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Wise use of manure in home vegetable gardens

Over the years, news stories have documented people becoming ill and, in some cases dying, as a result of eating produce infected by parasites and/or bacteria. Most notably are the incidents involving E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria contaminated vegetables. According to the University of New Hampshire article entitled Guidelines for Using Animal Manures and Manure-Based Composts in the Garden (PDF) “To ensure that pathogens have been killed, the compost pile must reach a high temperature (between 113ºF and 140ºF) for a sustained period of time (several weeks).” The article further states, “The compost must also be turned regularly and carefully monitored so that all the manure has been exposed to sufficient temperature. In home compost piles and in unmanaged manure piles, this rarely happens. Aged manure is not the same as composted manure, and is not safe to assume that pathogens in an aged manure pile have been destroyed. However, if the pile has reached an internal temperature of 140ºF, weed seeds will no longer be viable.”

According to the paper written by Steven Ingham, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Safely Using Manure in the Garden, the issue of manure contamination of edibles was addressed by the USDA National Organic Program. While the guidelines set forth by the USDA National Organic Program are for certified organic vegetable growers, these guidelines are viewed as best practices and followed by noncertified organic growers as well. The guidelines explained below, are simple, straightforward, and can be observed by home gardeners without issue.

In an effort to reduce health risks when using manure in home gardens, the USDA National Organic Program suggests waiting 120 days from application to harvest for edibles that grow in or touch the soil. For other crops, the recommended wait time is 90 days from application to harvest for these edibles.

Adding manure to the home vegetable garden can increase soil organic matter and may alter soil structure. Adding manure to soil will not change soil texture. Fall is the most common time of year for adding manure to a vegetable garden. The manure may be spread atop the soil or incorporated into the garden soil.

Pig, dog, cat, and human waste should never be used in a vegetable garden. Cow, horse, chicken/poultry, sheep, goat, and llama manure are acceptable types of manure appropriate for use in vegetable gardens.

There are differences in using raw, aged, and composted manure in a garden. Manure may be composted in a variety of means, for the home gardener, this is usually hot or cold composting. Large amounts of agricultural manure is sometimes composted in windrows. The method of composting is a personal one and the literature is flush with options.

The USDA National Organic Program has created guidelines for certified, organic growers. These guidelines may also be integrated into manure management and composting programs used by home gardeners.

Serendipity Day

This holiday is always observed on August 18th

The word “Serendipity ” was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754. He took it from a Persian fairy tale “The Three Princes of Serendip”. It was written over 1,000 years ago. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Serendipity is: “the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for”. Serendipity is not fate. It’s similar to luck. Perhaps best of all, serendipity can occur each and every day of your life!

When you think about it, serendipity comes from a positive, uplifting attitude and lifestyle. If you think positive, good things, unexpected things can and will happen. Importantly, if we are thinking positively, we are most likely subconsciously looking for serendipity. With a positive attitude, we will recognize serendipity each time it occurs.

History and Origin of Serendipity Day

This holiday was created in 2010 by Madeline Kay, the Serendipity Lady. Madeline created this day to “Dare to dream, expect the best, and to pursue your passion.” She goes on to say that serendipity is no accident. Rather, it is an attitude or lifestyle where you reach for the unexpected and for happy surprises.

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New Holland 260 swather, GPS complete, high speed, 600# weight, 419 header attached. stk# 27182. (L)

Case IH WD 2303 swather with RD193 disc header. stk# 23803. (L)

Vermeer TM1410 swing tongue with floats, 2 remotes, electric, hydraulic kits, 1000 PTO. stk# 29072. (G)

MISCELLANEOUS

Land Pride FDR1548 mower, 3-pt. finish, 48” mower. stk#25354. $990 (G)

NEW Massey Ferguson 66” grapple. Grapple kit for 82” bucket. stk# 29284. (L)

Manitou 96” grapple bucket. Mount for New Holland/Gehl/Manitou. stk# 22839.$5888 (G)

72” bucket. stk#26358. $700 (G)

Danuser F8 heavy duty digger with 12” bit. stk# 18366. $1200 (G)

Danuser 200173 18” rock auger bit with 2” hex head. stk# 29016 $1800 (G)

Woods BS3044E balespear. stk# 23716. $600 (G) Toro 34225 stand on spreader. stk# 25200. $5000 (G)

AIR CART

Morris 9650 air cart, Loup Elite monitors, 17” dual fan, 10” hydraulic assist auger with extension hopper, full bin, LED lights, 4 course, 4 medium, 1 fine seed plates. stk# 30154.(L)

LAWNMOWERS

Grasshopper 928D riding mower. stk# 30874. $9900 (G)

Grasshopper 729BT riding mower. stk# 15503. (G)

Grasshopper 725G2 riding mower, 48” powerfold deck, liquid cooled gas engine, front mount. stk# 7186. $5000 (G)

Craftsman 917.288520 riding mower, Rider 46” cut tractor. stk #31862 (G) Toro 74626 riding mower, SS4260 22 hp Kawasaki engine, 42”. stk # 12516. (G)

ROUND BALERS

New Holland RB560 baler, laced belts, ISO monitor, net only, hydraulic ramp, 1000 PTO with cut out clutch. stk# 22242. (L)

New Holland RB560 ISO with monitor, endless belts, net/twine, 1000 PTO. stk# 22245. (L)

Case IH RB565 baler, ISO, laced belts, x-wide pickup, casters, roller windguard, large flotation tires, net/twine. stk# 22476. (L)

Vermeer 605L round baler, twine only, 540 PTO, bale kicker, hay saver wheels. stk# 21490. $8000 (G)

John Deere 569 net/twine, 1000 PTO, large flotation tires, hydraulic kicker. stk# 30997.(L)

John Deere 568 baler, twine, 1000 PTO, roller windguard, large float tires. stk# 31510.

$15,500 (G)

Hesston 956A twine only. stk# 9821.$5900 (G)

Hesston 856A stk# 22105 $4900 (G)

RAKES

NEW New Holland 1631 rake, 16 wheel high capacity, single side opening, 60”, rear tandems, rear hydraulic opening. stk# 28671.(G)

New Holland 230 7 bar, hydraulic rake. stk# 28667. (L)

New Holland HT154 12 wheel rake, needs 2 new tires. stk# 31739. $9500 (G)

Vermeer 2300 hydraulic basket rake. stk#31803. $19,000 (L)

H&S MK14 14 wheel rake. stk# 31155. $12,000 (L)

Hesston 12 wheel rake. stk# 30919. $15,000 (L)

HEADERS

MacDon FD140D header. stk# 31005 (G)

MacDon FD75D header, 40-ft. flex draper with John Deere adapter. stk# 31941. (G)

MacDon FD75D header, 40-ft. flex draper with John Deere adapter. stk# 31942. (G)

MacDon PW8 pickup header, 16-ft. wide. stk# 31025. (G)

SQUARE BALERS

TRACTORS

John Deere 9520 tractor, new tires, 4 remotes, buddy seat, Trimble GPS, hydraulic steering. stk# 31467. $174,500 (L) Steiger PT225 tractor. stk# 20554.$25,000 (G)

Case IH MX135 tractor, loader & grapple, new tires. stk# 31827. (L)

Case 2096 tractor, DuAl 310 loader, 130 hp., 3 rear remotes. stk# 31858. (L)

Bobcat CT2025 HST tractor. stk# 29350.

$24,000 (L)

Allis-Chalmers 5040 tractor, 40 hp with loader. stk# 31846. (G)

New Holland 340P big square baler, density control, tandem axle, ISO intellview, large 1000 PTO, roller chute, roller windguard. stk# 30935. (G)

New Holland SF115 sprayer. stk# 28655.

Scott Schmiedeke (406) 240-2572

Victor, MT

Henry Kallis (605) 639-1904

Spearfish, SD

See us on the web: www.tte-inc.com

2014 SkyTrak 6036 3150 hours, OROPS, 3-way steering, all wheel drive, 4-ft. fork carriage with 4-ft. forks, 6,000 lb. lift capacity, 36-ft. reach, 21,000 lb. operating weight. Machine is in nice overall condition, serviced and job site ready. Located in Victor, MT . $42,900

2013 Gehl RS8-42 3120 hours, Open ROPS, 3-way steering, frame tilt, 60” carriage, 48” forks, new foam filled tires, auxiliary hydraulics, 8000 lb lift, 42-ft. reach, just serviced, jobsite ready, extremely nice condition. Located in Spearfish, SD. $59,900

2014 SkyTrak 8042 2670 hours, enclosed cab with heat, 3-way steering, frame tilt, nice foam filled tires, 48” carriage, 60” forks, 8000 lb lift, 42-ft. reach, just serviced, very clean, low hour telehandler. Located in Spearfish, SD. $52,900

2019 Kubota SVL75-2, 995 hours, enclosed cab heat and AC, hydraulic coupler, 78” bucket with bolt on edge, 75 hp, 6570 pound tip load. Very nice condition. Located in Spearfish, SD $64,500

2005 Cat TH210 1955 hours, preemission machine, enclosed cab with heat and A/C, auxiliary hydraulics, joystick controls, skid steer quick attach, weighs approximately 12,500 lbs, 5000 lb lift, 18-ft. reach, has been through the shop, just serviced, excellent condition. Located in Spearfish, SD.. $59,900

Montana 4-H Foundation awards nearly $40,000 in scholarships

From the MSU News Service

The Montana 4-H Foundation recently announced that it has awarded nearly $40,000 in scholarships to 45 graduating 4-H members and alumni.

The recipients, from 28 Montana counties and tribal areas, can use the scholarships for post-secondary education during the 2024-2025 academic year. Scholarship recipients were recognized July 11 at the 2024 Montana 4-H Congress held on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman.

Jane Wolery, executive director of the Montana 4-H Foundation, said the foundation and its donors are looking forward to seeing the scholarship recipients reach their goals through higher education.

Scholarship recipients are listed below by county, name, scholarship and amount:

Beaverhead County

Taryn Martinell, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Lacey Pape, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship, $1,000.

Blaine County

Hannah Richman, Douglas A. & Nancy W. Dear Memorial Scholarship, $500.

Broadwater County

Colton Noyes, Montana Wheat and Barley Scholarship, $1,250.

Cascade County

Macy Herman, Bud Dawson Livestock Scholarship, $500.

Baylee Herman, Montana Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship, $500.

Haley Hoerner, Bob and Margaret King Memorial 4-H Scholarship, $500.

Clayton Jassen, Nutrien Ag 4-H Scholarship, $1,000.

Hudson Rohrer, Barbara Edens Memorial Scholarship, $500.

Chouteau County

Lance Rutledge, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Custer County

Taylor Gallo, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship, $1,000.

Fergus County

Weston Hersel, TrailWest Leadership Scholarship, $1,000.

Flathead County

Quindy Gronley, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship, $1,000.

Gallatin County

Cora Pruitt, Montana Wheat and Barley, $1,250.

Kaitlyn Scott, Steer In Trailer Sales Scholarship, $500.

Garfield County

Laney Baker, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Brooke Murnion, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Glacier County

Hadley Barbie, Montana 4-H Council Scholarship, $500.

Lake County

2019 Case 850M WT 810 hours, enclosed cab with heat and AC, cloth air ride seat, AM/FM radio, cab sweeps, 5 shank ripper, 124” PAT blade, Leica iCONgrade iCP32 machine control system, like new condition, just serviced, needs nothing, very clean dozer. Located in Spearfish, SD. $139,900 2017 Bobcat S740 2370+- hours, enclosed cab with heat and A/C, joy stick controls with pattern changer, nice solid deal tires, HiFlow auxiliary hydraulics, auxiliary electrics, 3100 lbs operating capacity, 6200 lbs tip load, has been through the shop, all repairs have been done, just serviced, very clean and tight machine. Located in Spearfish, SD. $43,500

Caitlyn Ward, Montana 4-H Shooting Sports Scholarship, $500.

Lewis and Clark County

Colter Petre, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Ben Swanson, Dora Lindner Memorial Endowment, $1,000.

Liberty County

Martin Fulbright, Steer In Trailer Sales Scholarship, $500.

#####

The best way to cure a pain in the behind is to kiss ‘em goodbye. – Texas Bix Bender and Gladiola Montana

Jordan Leach, Anton and Helga Sundsted Pioneer Scholarship, $1,000.

Madison County

Abigail Curtis, Steer In Trailer Sales Scholarship, $500.

Hannah Todd (also affiliated with Gallatin County), June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Mineral County

Lanie Crabb, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship, $1,000.

Musselshell County

Josie Shaw, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Emalee Vickers, Wilcox Family Scholarship, $500.

Park County

Mariah Creason, Co Bank Farm Credit 4-H Scholarship, $1,500.

Reagan Long, First Security Bank Foundation Scholarship, $500.

Ravalli County

Emily Barcus, MABA/MGEA AgriBusiness 4-H Scholarship, $750.

Richland County

Cooper McNally, Montana Meat Processors Association Scholarship, $1,000.

Lauren Prevost, Miller Scholarship, $500.

Sanders County

Claire Wrobleski, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Stillwater County

Cadee Hess, Carson Christensen Memorial Scholarship, $500.

Sweet Grass County

RaeAnna King, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Mollie Mae Ruth, June Beaver Scholarship, $1,000.

Weston Sondeno, W. Doyle Stocks Scholarship, $500.

Teton County

Emmett Banner, Bud Dawson Livestock Scholarship, $500.

Kaylie Bender, Cedric and Elfriede Maurer Memorial Scholarship, $3,000.

Madelena Preston, Steer In Trailer Sales Scholarship, $500.

Toole County

Delaney Clark, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship, $1,000. Valley County

Zora Holt, TrailWest Leadership Scholarship, $1,000.

Wheatland County

Piper Ward, Montana 4-H Board of Directors Scholarship, $1,000.

Yellowstone County

Anna Dumas (also affiliated with Gallatin County), Steer In Trailer Sales Scholarship, $500.

Montana 4-H is part of MSU Extension. It provides education to youth ages 5 to 18. Collegiate 4-H is also available at MSU. Montana 4-H reaches more than 17,000 youth and is supported by 3,000 volunteers. Scholarships can be based on an annual gift or established as endowments. For more information about the Montana 4-H Foundation, the scholarship program or making donations that support youth and communities across Montana, contact Jane Wolery at 406-994-5911 or Jane.Wolery@ montana.edu.

#####

Never be the rider who gallops all night and never sees the horse that is beneath him.

–Jelaluddin Rumi

##### Conference: just an admission that you want somebody to join you in your troubles.

– Will Rogers

Stretch your pasture

Blueprint® products have combined to continually provide high-quality options for your cattle. If you are a returning customer, please refer to this transition guide for a new product name.

Blueprint® is the next step forward in high-performing animal nutrition. It is founded on the proven science that the form in which nutrients are delivered is just as important as the level of supplementation.

Simply put, Blueprint is the most transparent animal nutrition program available. Blueprint products contain 100% organic trace minerals made from the highest quality, most research-proven trace minerals available.

Blueprint goes beyond just meeting trace mineral requirements — its superior bioavailability supports exceptional animal performance and health. Blueprint is targeted nutrition, without excess, for peak performance.

Protein is often the first limiting nutrient on most forage programs, minerals and vitamins play an important role in helping cows stay healthy and in maintaining reproductive efficiency. CRYSTAL-PHOS™ is a weather and waste proof mineral supplement that cows will consume readily along with BGF-30™. Place a BGF-30™ barrel with every 20-30 head of cows and a CRYSTAL-PHOS® barrel for approximately every 40-70 head. Studies have shown that cows will consume mineral better from CRYSTAL-PHOS. Try the “combo” program ~ it works!

#####

Zimmerman Manure & Silage Hauling

• Any job big or small

• Loader and skid steer available.

• Vertical beaters for even spreading

• Silage pushing

Phone (406) 788-9480 or (406) 467-2845

Arnold Zimmerman, 661 4th Rd NE, Fairfield, MT 59436

A doctor made a mistake and unknowingly prescribed his patient a powerful laxative instead of cough drops.

At the end of the week the patient comes back for a check-up. The doctor asks him: “So how’s it going, Mr. Kowalski? Do you still cough a lot?”

The patient, who’s been sitting there very rigidly, looks at him with wide eyes, “No. I’m afraid to.”

#####

What’s a cheerleader’s favorite cereal? Cheerios!

#####

Google request: How to disable autocorrect in wife?

NEW 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit

Hemi V8, heated/cooled leather, middle row bucket seats, 3rd seat, and loaded with options.

$8000 Off MSRP

Huge Factory Price Reductions and Factory Incentives on New 2024 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, SAVE UP TO $8855 ON SELECTED INVENTORY

NEW 2024 Dodge Durango GT V6, heated leather, middle row bucket seats, 3rd seat, much more.

$4950 FACTORY REBATE

NEW 2024 Jeep Wagoneer Series II

Twin turbo 6 cylinder, heated/cooled leather, loaded with options.

Trade in your brand “X” and get $1000 Off

NEW 2024 Dodge Hornet GT

Plus AWD, 2.4 turbo 4 cylinder engine, heated/cooled leather, sun roof. All this for only $39,630 AFTER FACTORY INCENTIVES

“Established in 1942”

We are the oldest same family owned Chrysler Dealership in Montana. Seeourinventoryatwww.jamiesonmotors.net

Scouting and treatment recommendations for Western Bean Cutworm

By Julie Peterson - Extension Entomologist | Jeff Bradshaw - Director of the Doctor of Plant Health Professional Program

The first western bean cutworm moths (Figure 1) were captured in University of Nebraska-Lincoln black light traps at Clay Center on June 14, Concord on June 27, Mead on June 28, and at North Platte on June 29. Flights have increased over the past two weeks at Clay Center and over the past one week at Concord and North Platte. Egg laying has also begun in most of the state of Nebraska (Figure 2). Populations of WBC are not always present in economically threatening levels in the northeastern part of the state, but this year appears to have higher populations, and scouting is urged across the state. As the moth flight continues and egg masses are laid in crops, it is essential to scout fields for the white to purple, dome-shaped eggs (Figure 2) and young larvae (Figure 3).

Based on light trap data, observations of egg masses in the field, and degree-day predictions, we are recommending that scouting begin immediately in most areas of the state. In the Panhandle, where degree-day accumulations are further behind, scouting should begin within the next week. Scouting should be prioritized in fields that are at the preferred growth stage for egg-laying (late whorl to early tassel) and/or do not have the VIP3A Bt trait to protect them from western bean cutworm injury.

Scouting

When scouting for western bean cutworm in corn, you can save time by using UNL’s speed-scouting mobile app or spreadsheet. Benefits include: Paperless scouting with real time, in-field decision support.

A visual aid in identifying western bean cutworm egg masses.

Scouting data storage so you can review information without having internet access. CONTINUED ON PAGE C10

Figure 1. Western bean cutworm moth (all photos by Julie Peterson)

Figure 2. Western bean cutworm egg mass; shaped like a basketball, whereas the similar-looking stink bug eggs are taller and shaped like barrels.

Figure 3. Recently hatched western bean cutworm larvae near their egg mass.

2016 CASE IH 8240

Duals 620/70R42, hydraulic folding tank covers, long auger with directing spout, unloading auger empty function, extended wear cone and rotor, deluxe cab, leather, excellent condition, shedded, 1187 threshing hours. $199,000

2018 CASE IH 8240

Duals 620/70R42, hydraulic folding tank covers, long auger with directing spout, unloading auger empty function, extended wear cone and rotor, deluxe cab, leather, excellent condition, shedded, 1152 threshing hours. $249,000

2019 CASE IH 9250

Automation, Auto Clean, folding auger for 50-ft. header, 620/70R42 duals, air compressor, CVT drive, fine chopper, extended wear cage and rotor, deluxe cab, leather, 952 threshing hours $314,000

2018 JOHN DEERE 1895

Western Bean Cutworm

A reminder for when future scouting should be conducted. The app is available for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices. This free app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching “western bean cutworm.” It is also available as a downloadable Excel spreadsheet, Western Bean Cutworm Speed Scouting, EC1585.

If you are not using the speed-scout tool, check 20 plants each in at least five areas of the field (total of 100 plants per field). Look for eggs on the top surface of leaves in the upper one third of the plant and larvae in the tassel or leaf axils. Western bean cutworm moths prefer to lay eggs in corn plants that are in the late whorl stage to early tasseling compared to those that have completely tasseled. Pay particular attention to later planted fields or those with uneven development. Western bean cutworm eggs that hatch when corn plants are in the late whorl stage of growth have a high rate of survival. The larvae are well protected in the whorl or tassel and fresh tassels provide the best food source for early instar larvae.

If western bean cutworm eggs hatch when corn plants are in the late whorl to early tassel stage of growth, survival will be highest.

60-ft. John Deere 1895/C850 no till drill with mid row banders, new disks on JD openers, 850 bu. aircart, section control, double shoot, scales, Active Cal, high flotation tires.

399,000

Located in Three Forks, MT - For more information call Franck (406) 521-5234

More information on scouting and western bean cutworm biology can be found in the NebGuide, Western Bean Cutworm in Corn and Dry Beans (G2013).

Treatment Recommendations

There is just one type of Bt protein that provides reliable protection against western bean cutworm: VIP3A. Products that express the VIP3A protein, such as Agrisure Viptera, Leptra, and Trecepta, provide effective control and should not need to be treated, although it is always advised to scout and inspect Bt cornfields to ensure adequate efficacy. See the Handy Bt Trait Table for a list of commercially available Bt corn hybrids and the proteins they express.

The Cry1F protein has provided protection against WBC in previous years, with approximately 80% control of western bean cutworm when it was first released in 2003. However, this protein has lost efficacy in the last ~12 years due to the development of resistance. Cry1F is present in products such as Herculex 1, Herculex XTRA, AcreMax, and SmartStax. It is now recommended that fields with Cry1F products be scouted for western bean cutworm and insecticide treatment considered if above the economic threshold.

For corn hybrids that do not provide Bt control of western bean cutworm, consider applying an insecticide if 5-8% of the corn plants have egg masses or larvae. If an insecticide treatment is warranted in corn, it should be made when 95% of the plants in a field have tasseled. This application timing increases the chance that larvae will be exposed to the insecticide, resulting in better control. If larvae have already moved into the ears (Figure 4), they will be protected from insecticide by the husks and cannot be effectively controlled. Aerial application or chemigation (if nozzles are above the height of tassels) have provided good control for this insect if applied before larvae enter the ear. Nozzles do not necessarily need to be above the height of the tassels for chemigation if the irrigation system has chemigation nozzles installed. Chemigation nozzles help ensure application into the upper plant canopy through water (or other water-carried products).

Figure 4. Western bean cutworm larva feeding on corn ear.

Western Bean Cutworm

Carbamates (Sevin), spinosyns (Spinosad), methoxyfenozides (Intrepid), diamides (Vantacor, Prevathon), indoxacarb (Steward) and many pyrethroids (>50 commercial products) are labeled for control of western bean cutworm. Consider rotating the mode of action in areas where pyrethroids have been heavily used for western bean cutworm and western corn rootworm control. The potential for resistance to commonly applied active ingredients such as bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin is a concern. Some insecticides, such as Vantacor and Steward, have been shown to have a lower impact on beneficial insects (such as lady beetles and lacewings). Preserving these predators in the field can provide some natural control of WBC eggs and larvae (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Convergent lady beetle providing biological pest control by eating a western bean cutworm egg mass.

National Toilet Paper Day

The 604N/605N balers deliver the strength, productivity and operating convenience of Super M baler technology with the added capability and enhanced performance of features like the patented dual-stage belt-tightening system. From top to bottom, this baler is built to withstand tough conditions and high-capacity production — offering smooth, consistent performance to highvolume hay producers who want large 6 ft (1.8 m) diameter bales.

An operator will recognize the heavy-duty components and several key features like 5-bar pickup, direct crop feed, optional netwrap system and high-strength upper/ lower drive rollers. It all results in reliable performance and increased efficiency.

The 604N/605N balers come equipped with 21.5L–16.1 flotation tires, a hydraulic bale ramp, a moisture sensor and an automatic pickup clutch. Packaged together these features help optimize performance for high-volume producers.

The 604N/605N balers look noticeably different, but what hasn’t changed is the smart design, machine durability and the reliable, user-friendly performance that have come to define Vermeer balers.

1 The optional pickup clutch automatically stops the pickup when the desired bale size is reached,lessening inadvertent overfill of the bale chamber to help protect the rollers, bearings and belts. Seals on either side of the pickup bushings help keep out dirt and dust. Toolless gauge wheel adjustment allows for efficient pickup height adjustments.

2 Direct Crop Feed enables the forage crop to be fed directly to the bottom drum and bale-starting chamber.

3 The E-Link Pro display offers enhanced usability, such as accessible bale weight and moisture readings on the home screen with standard moisture sensors and optional scale kit. Additionally, the E-Link Pro comes with the ability to keep track of information for up to 20 customers, with up to 10 fields per customer.

4 Optional Auto Lube greasing system, controlled through the E-Link Pro display, provides automatic lubrication to critical bearings at user-defined intervals.

NEW & USED EQUIPMENT

New Vermeer BPX9010 bale processor

Highline bale processors

2014 Highline CFR651 bale processor, chopper..

2019 Vermeer TM1410 21-ft. mower

New Vermeer TM1410 trailed mower ................ CALL New ZR5-12 self-propelled baler HERE NOW! Vermeer 605M 17,000 bales, pickup rebuilt, bearings, bushings, tooth bars

New Vermeer 605N baler

for Vermeer, Hayliner, and Chisolm Trail

Celebrated on August 26th

Many people don’t like to talk about TP. We just want to appreciate its vital importance, while otherwise taking it for granted. As the Charmin ad says, “Enjoy the Go!”

Let’s not take toilet paper for granted. It may not always be there when you need it. For many of us, it is needed multiple times a day. It is not available in many parts of the world. If you’ve ever entered a stall without first checking to see if the dispenser is empty, you will agree that it is truly essential. So, as you roll off a hefty wad of toilet paper while you sit on the throne, take a minute to reflect and appreciate that it is there.

Toilet Paper Has a Long and Soiled History

Over thousands of years of history, there were many ways to clean up after the “go”. In the early days, people just used their hands for clean up. Over time, the left hand came to be designated for this task. It would then be washed in a nearby creek or simply wiped off. In many cultures, people would not use their left hand for eating or many other tasks. Over time, a wide variety of items came to be used for the cleanup job, including rocks, leaves, corn cobs, and more. Squatting over a creek was common, with waste being washed downstream by the current. Perhaps one of the most bizarre methods of wiping one’s derriere clean came into use around 79 A.D. A wet sponge on a stick was used. After use, it was rinsed off and left for the next person!

Fortunately progress and invention brought about much more sanitary and disposable toilet paper. Toilet paper was invented in China in 580. It came in sheets. It was coarse and expensive. Most of the population couldn’t afford it. It wasn’t until the 1400s that it began to be manufactured in China. Most of the world had to wait until the 1800s, for toilet paper to come into popular use. In 1857, toilet paper sheets were commercially sold for the first time in the U.S. On December 22, 1871, Seth Wheeler from Albany, NY received patent #465,588 for the toilet paper roll. With toilet paper now on a roll, using “the head” and “powdering your nose” became far more convenient and sanitary. We only had to wait another century or so for indoor plumbing, but that’s a subject for another day.

The Great Over/Under Debate

New & Used Equipment

Vermeer R2800 & R2300 hydraulic rakes $NEW

Vermeer 605N baler, net, moisture, pickup clutch. $NEW

Vermeer VR1022, VR1224, VR1428, VR2040 wheel rakes ...............................................$NEW

Vermeer BPX9010 bale processor

Kuhn GMD5251TC multi disc mower $CALL

Kuhn FC4661TCR mower conditioner $CALL

Kuhn VT280 vertical mixer.........................

Haybuster 2650 bale processor ............ $16,500

Vermeer 605N baler, 10,000 +/- bales,

Vermeer VRB14 High-Capacity Rake, 28-ft raking width, 2023 model, $Factory Discounts$

Vermeer 605SM reconditioned, field

2023 Vermeer 605N 1200 bales

John Deere 705 rake, manual

406-234-4595 Miles City, MT www.gordonrepair.com clint@gordonrepair.com

STOCK SUPPLIES

Vermeer Netwrap and Silage Film Bridon Twine and Netwrap Sweetpro Protein Tubs and Loose Mineral Redmond Salt and Conditioner

For many decades a debate raged over whether the roll of toilet paper should unfold over the top of the roll, or under it. To this day, many people still (mostly) humorously argue their case for over or under. It’s a proven fact that toilet paper unrolled over the roll is more sanitary. Those in favor of under the roll, argue those who do so are more intelligent. There are many other arguments for each direction.

Seth Wheeler’s 1871 patent for the toilet paper roll clearly shows diagrams of toilet paper coming off the top of the roll. But, wait! There are other pictures of Wheeler’s invention where the toilet paper unrolls under.

Did You Know? When a roll of toilet paper is used up, most people throw the cardboard core away into the trash. But, the cardboard roll is recyclable. Placing it in the paper recycling bin, or composting it saves space in the landfill.

Toilet Paper Trivia

• Toilet paper originated in China in 580.

• A roll of toilet paper contains 200 -1,000 sheets of paper, depending upon manufacturer and number of plys.

• Before 1935, toilet paper sometimes had splinters in it.

• The first commercially available toilet paper was made from hemp.

• In the 1950s, colored toilet paper hit the market in shades of pink, green, blue, and more. It fell out of fashion in the 1980s.

• At the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in the U.S., there was a run of merchandise at stores. Among the first items to sell out was (you guessed it) toilet paper.

• 7% of Americans admit to stealing toilet paper from hotels.

• Shy Mr. Whipple appeared in over 500 Charmin commercials.

• The average person in the U.S. uses 57 sheets per day. That amounts to over 100 rolls per year.

• About 75% of the world’s population still does not use toilet paper.

• In Great Britain it’s called “loo paper”.

• It takes about 30,000 trees per day to meet worldwide production demand.

• CharmWeddings holds an annual Toilet Paper Dress Contest.

TP Chuckle: What happens when you run out of toilet paper? …Depends

Great Selection of Case IH Farmall Tractors

Units are from 25 HP to 105 HP

Call Weston or Bill

All have loaders and 0% Finance with CNHI Capital OAC for 6 years. OR Big Cash Discounts

New 2024 Case IH Windrowers

• Cut at speeds up to 20 mph.

• New hydraulic system for smoother operation and increased GPM.

• New guidance system with Drive by Wire.

• New cab and rear axle suspension.

• Variable displacement ground drive and heater pump.

• New engine and hydraulic cooling systems.

• RD5 rotary headers provide a cleaner cut with longer knives and low profile.

• More productivity, improved performance and low cost per acre operation.

WD 2505 in stock!! With 16-ft. and 19-ft. rotary heads 0% financing available.

New RB565 Premium Round Balers

• 6-ft. 10” wide pickup with 160 tines

• Premium balers with mesh and twine

• Overshot feeding system

• Patented bale formation system

• Adjustable bale density system

• Moisture monitor system

• 2 year warrant2

2) RB565 Premium Round Balers 0% financing for 5 years.

THANK YOU

Winkowitsch Mini Storage for purchasing my market lamb

Wesley Dagel

##### Why did the physics teacher break up with the biology teacher?

There was no chemistry.

#####

That moment when your teacher gets very angry with you because you’ve been nervously clicking the ball pen, but you still have to click it one more time to be able to write.

MFU member wins scholarship from NFU

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2018 Wilson Black 50x102x78 triple axle with rear lift, 2 hoppers, electric tarp and traps.

2018 Wilson Pewter Metalic 41x96x78 Ag hoppers, electric tarp and traps.

2016 Wilson 43x102x78 Black, electric tarp, Ag hoppers.

2013 Wilson livestock 53x102,

2014 Wilson 48x102x78 pewter metallic, tri axle, 3rd hopper, electric tarp.

2014 Wilson 41x96x78, air ride with Ag hoppers.

2023 Timpte 40x96x72 air ride Ag hoppers, electric tarp, manual traps and stainless steel rear end.

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2000 Utility, 38-ft. van with 2 side doors, (4) 1600 gallon tanks and a Honda pump inside.

1996 Trail King 52-ft. step deck with 4-ft. beavertail and ramps, all steel trailer, good condition.

1995 Trail King 52-ft. step deck with 4-ft. beavertail and ramps, all steel trailer, good condition.

In recognition of her commitment to agriculture and community, Montana Farmers Union member Tammi Fladager has received a $1,500 scholarship from the National Farmers Union Foundation. Each year NFUF proudly supports the next generation of agricultural professionals by awarding several scholarships to students in various fields of study who are attending accredited two- or four-year colleges, universities or technical schools. These students demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to their communities.

“MFU is supportive of the work Tammi is doing to help introduce children and their parents to family farms and agriculture,” MFU President Walter Schweitzer said. “Her children’s books are informative, and kids enjoy having the books read to them and checking out the pictures. These books also help to educate whoever is reading the book to their kids. We are proud of our member Tammi and the work she is doing, and appreciate NFU honoring her with Stanley Moore Scholarship.”

“To secure a bright future for our organization, our communities and American agriculture, we must ensure that young people have the resources they need to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Our commitment to community and support for family farmers and ranchers drives us to support these bright minds as they pursue their education. NFU is proud to invest in the future by helping these young individuals achieve their educational goals.”

Fladager – an MFU member who ranches near Peerless and writes children’s books about agriculture through her company, The Happy Ranch Wife – received one of three $1,500 Stanley Moore Scholarships. This scholarship commemorates Stanley Moore, a long-time Farmers Union member and visionary leader who served as NFU Vice President and chairman of the NFU Insurance Companies board. The other recipients of this scholarship are Rain Vasey of Delaware are Cheyanne Lindgren of North Dakota.

Learn more about scholarships and other educational opportunities available through Montana Farmers Union at www.montanafarmersunion.com.

Harvesting summer annual forages

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Putting up good quality hay from summer annual grasses like sorghum-sudan hybrids, pearl millet, and forage sorghums can be tricky. Here are some tips to help make sure these hays are of good quality and dry, so it won’t heat or mold.

Nearly all problems making good summer annual grass or cane hay are caused by their stems. Stems are low in protein and energy, slow to dry, and the lower stems could contain potentially toxic nitrates.

There usually is a wide range of spring and early summer planting dates for these annuals, but cutting early before plants become excessively tall is important. When cut at about 4 feet in height; stems are smaller, eaten more readily, and the hay contains more protein and energy. Also, there is less plant volume. So, with smaller stems and fewer of them, the hay will dry quicker. Although you will have less tonnage when cutting early, you are creating more days for regrowth and a good second cutting.

Regardless of when you harvest though, cut it high, leaving eight to ten inches of stubble. Tall stubble pays off three ways: it helps plants begin regrowth quicker; it holds hay off the ground so air can help dry underneath; and it keeps many nitrates out in the field stubble rather than harvesting them all in your hay.

And finally, always crimp the hay. Even when stems are small, the waxy coating on the stems cause slow drying. But if you break open these stems by crimping, water will be able to escape and evaporate more quickly.

So cut it early, cut it high, crimp the stems and they will dry.

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2023 John Deere S780 (WI), Stk #85007, 502 Engine/460 Separator Hours, ProDrive Transmission with 5 Speed Feederhouse, Premium Cab, LED Lights, 4WD, Extended Unloading Auger-28.5-ft., Power Fold Grain Tank, Powertrain Warranty Til 5-2029 or 3,500 Hours $534,000 2023 John Deere S790 (WA), Stk #83735, 406 Engine/293 Separator Hours, Corn & Beans, ProDrive Transmission, 5 Speed, High Wear, 650-38 & 75026, Chopper & Power Tail, Folding Tank, 28-ft. Auger.....$574,500 $535,000 2023 John Deere S780 (BE), Stk #82964, 325 Engine/226 Separator Hours, Extended Wear, Powercast Tailboard, Power Fold Grain Tank with Extension, 580/42 Front Duals, 620/26 Rears

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CORN HEADS: 2023 John Deere C16R (WI), Stk #76389, 16R30, Stalkmaster Chopping Head, S Series Frame, Stalk Deflectors On All Rows, Active End Fenders $235,900 2023 John Deere C12F (WA), Stk #83770, 12R30, Intermeshing Knife Roller, Row Sense $159,500 2023 John Deere C12F (WA), Stk #83636, 12R30, Folding Corn Head, Active End Fenders, Stalk Stompers On All Rows $173,500

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By Ahhriatheresa Bernard Kirkendall, School of Food Science

Mooberries, a dairy-based snack reminiscent of Fruit Rollups developed at Washington State University, has earned a team of food science students national recognition at a product development competition hosted by Dairy Management Inc.

The team of seven WSU scholars placed third in the competition which featured over 20 university competitors. The seven food scientists are:

• Harrison Lowy (undergraduate)

• Kimberly Baxley (undergraduate)

• Katie Rehberger (graduate)

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• Baraktullah Mohammadi (graduate)

• Ahhria Kirkendall (graduate)

• Elizabeth Nalbandian (graduate)

• Joshua Bernin (graduate, team lead)

Lowy and Bernin represented WSU’s food science team at the competition finals in Florida where they received the third-place prize.

Mooberries is a fruit/ dairy-leather like snack that is high-protein, high-fiber, antioxidant-rich, calciumrich, low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-sodium formulated with cow milk and blueberries.

According to the student developers, it is great for health-oriented snackers, athletes, elderly, children, and the general population.

Mooberries is a fruit/ dairy-leather like snack that is high-protein, high-fiber, antioxidant-rich, calciumrich, low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-sodium formulated with cow milk and blueberries.

More variations of Mooberries can be available as well. The berry component can be substituted with strawberries, cranberries, citrine, and other fruits. Dairy alternatives can also be an option in lieu of the cow milk base.

Mooberries represents the most recent of a long line of award-winning products developed by WSU’s food science team.

#####

In a psychiatrist’s office: A man comes in and says, “Good day to you. I am King Arthur. I demand to speak with the doctor.”

The nurse says wearily, “You are not King Arthur, Mr. Crankleberry. Please sit down.”

Mr. Crankleberry exclaims, “I am! It was God himself who told me I am King Arthur.”

Another patient stands up angrily, “I certainly did not!”

Delaney Clark

######

Homing pigeons were used in both world wars to carry messages between troops and headquarters. They had a 98% success rate in missions flown.

#####

Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you; all things are passing; God never changes.

Preventing and treating mosquito bites

By Emily Struckhoff, Penn State Extension

If you work or play outside for any length of time, you are likely very aware of the dreaded mosquito bite. One minute you are minding your own business in the garden or on the trail; then, in an instant, you are bitten and feel the inevitable itch from the insect’s stealth attack. While you may not be able to completely remove the threat of mosquito bites, there are ways to significantly lessen your risk.

What are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can be found throughout the United States. Immature (young) mosquitoes, which are called larvae and pupae, are aquatic (meaning they live in water). Adult mosquitoes can fly, and adult female mosquitoes will bite people and animals to feed on their blood. As you likely have experienced, mosquito bites leave itchy welts on the skin, and can sometimes lead to diseases (such as West Nile virus) in both people and animals.

How can you get rid of mosquitoes?

The first step to preventing mosquito bites around your house or farm is to control or completely remove their habitat. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, n.d.-c) lays out several ways to do this:

Reducing mosquito habitat—Because younger mosquitos live in water, getting rid of areas where water can accumulate may reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property. Areas around the farm and home that can gather water include buckets, tarps, tires, flowerpots, and clogged gutters. If possible, remove these items or cover, clean, or reposition them so they cannot hold water.

Changing standing water—In areas where water cannot be eliminated (such as in rain barrels, bird baths, or water troughs), change out the water every week. Keeping these water sources clean further helps to eliminate habitats where mosquitoes can live.

Treating permanent water—Bodies of water that cannot be eliminated or changed out (such as ponds and irrigation ditches) can be treated with a pesticide to control mosquito larvae. According to the EPA (n.d.-a), the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (BTI) is one pesticide that can be applied to standing water to kill mosquito larvae. BTI comes in many forms, such as sprays and dunks, and it is not toxic to humans. Many BTI products are approved for homeowners to apply themselves. BTI is also approved for use in organic farming. As with all pesticides, always follow label instructions when applying it. Using BTI may not be necessary for all bodies of water. For example, keeping swimming pools clean and chlorinated can prevent mosquitoes from developing.

Keeping screens free of holes—Just as important as eliminating mosquito habitat is making sure that mosquitoes stay outside. Luckily, door and window screens do a great job of keeping mosquitoes out of your home. To stop mosquitoes from getting inside, make sure your doors and windows have screens that are hole-free.

How can you prevent mosquito bites?

In addition to getting rid of mosquitoes, there are several steps you can take to prevent mosquito bites when spending time outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, n.d.-b) encourages taking certain steps to prevent mosquito bites.

The first step is to wear loose-fitting long pants and longsleeved shirts when outdoors in areas with mosquitoes to limit mosquitoes’ access to your skin.

Another option is to treat clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that kills mosquitoes that touch it. Permethrin is not applied directly to skin, but rather is used to pre-treat clothing before you wear it. Treated clothing stays effective even after multiple washes. Always follow insecticide label instructions when treating clothing with permethrin. You can also use an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains an active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535. Insect repellents that have been registered with the EPA have been tested and are both safe to use and effective at preventing mosquito bites. If applying both sunscreen and a repellent, apply sunscreen first, then apply the repellent on top of the sunscreen. As with permethrin, use repellent according to directions. More information on types of insect repellents can be found on the EPA’s website (n.d.-b).

What should you do if you get a mosquito bite?

Getting bitten by a mosquito is never pleasant, but there are steps you can take to alleviate the effects. The CDC (n.d.a) provides guidance on what to do if you have been bitten

CONTINUED ON PAGE C22

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Preventing and treating mosquito bites

by a mosquito. First, clean the area with soap and water, then apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce itchiness and swelling. To reduce the itchiness, you can apply anti-itch or antihistamine creams, using each as the label instructs you to. Mosquitoes and mosquito bites can be annoying and can potentially lead to disease. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take around your house or farm to stop mosquitoes before they can bite. By taking these steps, you and your family can enjoy the outdoors while staying mosquito-bite free all year long.

Reminder: Boating under the influence is illegal

Don’t Drink and Drive. It’s a message you hear all the time. But what about Don’t Drink and Boat? Boating under the influence, or BUI, is dangerous and illegal. In Montana it is unlawful to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorboat, personal watercraft, sailboat, water skis, surfboard or similar watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

According to the United States Coast Guard, the use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities. Boating, fishing and other water sports are fun in their own right. Alcohol can turn a great day on the water into the tragedy of a lifetime. Play it smart and don’t drink and boat.

About Red Wines

Pinot Noir

This delicate red wine offers a lighter body that is less shocking and pushy. It has a silky feel in the mouth and often has a bright berry taste, similar to raspberries or cranberries. Pinot Noir is a red wine that, surprisingly, is delicious when paired with fish, like salmon dishes or sushi.

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2001 John Deere 9750STS with chopper, level land/variable feederhouse, 800R32 singles, 20-ft. auger. Stock #91094 $39,000 (14)

2006 John Deere 9660STS corn/bean combine, 2WD, duals, chopper, Yield Monitor, less head. Stock #86917

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2005 John Deere 9760STS small grain, with Harvest monitor, singles, Yield Monitor, Contour Master (lateral filt feederhouse), fine cut chopper, spreader, high density lighting, 22.5-ft. unloading auger. Stock #86852 $57,500 (14)

2000 John Deere 9650 with fixed speed feederhouse, regular capacity lift cylinders, chaff spreader, 20-ft. unload auger, 30.5L-32 front tires, 16.9-26 rear tires. Stock #87765

2018 Case IH 7240, small grain, 2WD, singles, chopper, yield monitor, Contour Master (lateral tilt feederhouse) header: Case IH/MacDon D60 40-ft. draper with transport, no GPS. Stock #90342

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2001 John Deere 9650W level land, variable speed feederhouse, dual speed cylinder, chopper and chaff spreader, dual 20.8R38, rear 420/85R26, DAS reel, AHC Big Top tank extension, Green Star ready, yield and moisture sensors. Stock #87319

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1995 Case IH 2188 small grain, 2WD, singles, spreader, fixed feederhouse, 30.5L-32 drive tires 90%, 14.9-24 steer tires 60%, no head included. Stock #90704

2014 Claas 750 with duals, spreader, yield monitor, Contour Master with lateral tilt feederhuse, advisor package, PowerCast tailboard, power folding grain bin extension. Stock #90908..$122,500 (15)

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2019 John Deere S780 with premium cab with leather, LED lights, guidance, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, ProDrive transmission with Harvest Smart, TriStream rotor, power folding covers, 28.5-ft. unloading, fine cut chopper, 520/85R42 tires with duals, side hill performance package. Stock #85868

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2019 John Deere S780 with premium cab, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, ProDrive transmission with HarvestSmart, TriStream rotor with extended wear package, power folding GT covers, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, fine cut chopper with Advanced PowerCast tailboard, 12” axle extensions, side hill performance package, large single tires. Stock #84959

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2020 John Deere S780 with premium cab with leather, Combine Advisor, Active Yield with moisture/yield sensor, ProDrive transmission, TriStream rotor, regular wear, extended wear grain handling package, fine cut chopper with PowerCast tailboard, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, power folding GT covers, 12 inch axle spacers. Stock #87701 $365,000 (1)

2019 John Deere S780 with dual 580s, TriStream Rotor, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, Contour Master with fore and aft, Advanced tailboard, power folding covers, 26-ft. unloading auger, no receiver, 4600 display with activations (no extended), sidehill performance kit, Class 7 wind board in place of front chaffer extension. Stock #88015

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2019 John Deere S780 with premium cab with leather, LED lights, AutoTrak activation, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, ProDrive transmission with HarvestSmart, TriStream Rotor, power folding covers, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, fine cut chopper, 12 inch axle spacers. Stock #88010

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Another positive of having a glass of water before a meal is that generally, your body doesn’t need so much food which in turn will help with losing weight!

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Cold sores, coughs, and runny noses can all improve by keeping the body well hydrated

Improvements to camelina pilot insurance program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced improvements to the camelina pilot crop insurance program for the 2025 and succeeding crop years. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding coverage options by allowing enterprise units and increasing maximum coverage levels. In addition, RMA is aligning planting dates with winter wheat for the Southern Plains.

“The Risk Management Agency is responding to producer needs by expanding enterprise unit coverage to camelina producers and offering higher levels of coverage to allow producers to better manage their risks,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger.

The following expanded coverage options will take effect starting with the 2025 crop year:

Expanding enterprise units to camelina

Increasing the maximum allowable coverage level from 65% to 85%, in 5% increments

Revising camelina plating dates in the Southern Plains region to match planting dates for winter wheat

RMA collaborated with stakeholders to modify this program. In crop year 2024, producers insured $3 million in covered liabilities on over 20,000 camelina acres.

The camelina crop insurance policy offers Actual Production History coverage, which insures a producer’s historical yield. Only camelina grown under contract with a processor is eligible for coverage, and the price in the contract is used to establish the insurance coverage. Producers that are interested in planting and insuring camelina should speak to their crop insurance agent about additional details, including upcoming sales closing dates for their area and the written agreement process.

The pilot program is available to producers in select counties in Kansas, Montana, and North Dakota. It is also available by written agreement in select non-program counties in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Grazing summer annual forages

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

Summer annual forages such as sudangrass, sorghumsudan hybrids and pearl millet planted this spring soon could be ready to graze. There are some grazing guidelines to help avoid potential hazards.

The first guideline is to never turn hungry animals into sudangrass or sorghum-type pastures. The reason why is because they may eat so rapidly that they could get a quick overdose of prussic acid and die. All sudangrass and sorghum-type hybrids can produce a compound called prussic acid that is potentially poisonous. Prussic acid, which also is called cyanide, is nothing to fear, though, as long as you use a few precautions to avoid problems.

The highest concentration of prussic acid is in new young shoots, so let your grass get a little growth on it before grazing to help dilute out the prussic acid. Let sudangrass get 15 to 18 inches in height before grazing. Sorghum-sudan hybrids usually have a little more prussic acid risk, so wait until they are 18 to 24 inches tall.

Pearl millet does not contain prussic acid so if you planted millet these grazing precautions aren’t needed. Pearl millet can be grazed when it reaches 12 to 15 inches tall.

Nitrates also can accumulate in these grasses, particularly when there are droughty conditions and/or excess nitrogen fertilization. Avoid grazing these grasses too short, since nitrate concentration is highest in the lower parts of the stems.

Summer annual grasses respond best to a simple, rotational grazing system. Divide fields into three or more smaller paddocks of a size that your animals can graze down to about eight or so inches of leafy stubble within 7 to 10 days. Repeat this procedure with all paddocks. If grass in some paddocks gets too tall, it could be cut for hay.

A well-planned start, a good rotation, and a little rain can give you good pasture from these grasses all the rest of the summer.

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First and only verified grassland carbon programs in the US.

By Adele Stenson – Western Sustainability Exchange

What if ranchers could help improve the environment through livestock grazing? Better yet, what if grazing benefited ranchers through more productive land, and also cash payments for the carbon sequestered in their ground? It might sound too good to be true, but it has, in fact, become a reality. Native’s Northern Great Plains Improved Grazing Carbon Project, which began in 2018 in partnership with Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE), received its first verification of carbon credits in October 2023. Four pilot ranches sequestered 56,508 tonnes of CO2 equivalent between 2019 and 2020. These amounts were verified as part of the Verified Carbon Standard’s required third-party audit, making Native one of the first and only verified improved grazing grasslands carbon programs in the US.

“While time-intensive and rigorous in nature, independent third-party carbon audits are an integral part of the project’s operations and long-term success. The auditors we worked with for this first verification were impressed with the level of commitment and implementation from the ranches enrolled in the project. Receiving verification approval and issuing credits is an indicator of the success of the project so far and where it can go in the future.” - Kyle O’Keefe, Carbon Asset Manager at Native What is the significance of a third-party verified carbon program?

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This first verification is a major milestone, as it demonstrates the validity of the carbon program and its support of regenerative grazing practices as a lever for increasing soil carbon stocks. The project activities and soil carbon measurement and modeling must be officially validated and then verified through a rigorous process under a qualified, independent third-party auditor. Once the verification period has been completed, the carbon credits are issued to Native to engage the voluntary carbon market and also pay ranchers for their change in practices that are driving these climate benefits.

“WSE and the ranchers in the carbon program place a high value on this verification process. There are newcomers contacting us frequently who have not gone to this level of due diligence. Ranchers are very interested in generating defendable credits that have significant data and research behind them.” - Chris Mehus, Executive Director of Western Sustainability Exchange

What does the process for entering the carbon program look like?

The entire process looks something like this: a landowner contacts Native or WSE and inquiries about the carbon program. If the landowner chooses to pursue the option further, they will work with the organizations to create a custom grazing plan that includes increased grazing rotation and non-selective grazing as well as long periods of rest. While some techniques have proven more effective than others, the landowner decides what type of grazing system best fits their operation. Although each project must meet certain grazing criteria that have been previously validated as effective, how that is accomplished will look different depending on the property and the landowner’s goals.

Overcoming Financial Barriers

Often, the cost of infrastructure and/or labor to implement a successful intensive rotational grazing system are major obstacles for ranchers. Native has an option for ranchers to utilize their HelpBuild program, where the landowner receives payments as part of a cost share to make improvements, based on their own ranch improvement plan that they develop. These payments can help pay for things like increased access to livestock water and fencing needed to make rotational grazing feasible. These barriers are often the main thing holding a rancher back from making changes that could result in improved land health, better habitat for wildlife and livestock, increased carbon sequestration, and the option to add an income stream to the operation.

“We were able to use funding from Native’s HelpBuild program to complete a water pipeline and tank system as well as for electric fencing materials. This greatly improved our grazing system, adding flexibility and much more opportunity for plant recovery.” - Kevin Halverson, Rancher, Big Timber, Montana.

Native’s program is not prescriptive but based on the core principles of improved grazing that align with increasing soil carbon stocks based on these activities. The landowner

grassland carbon programs in the US.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C26

can receive assistance from Native and WSE as needed and desired to develop a plan based on their own goals for their operation. The plan must meet certain criteria in order to be validated as a project within the Carbon Program. The new improved grazing system is then put into place, and as it is continued and documented throughout the lifetime of the project, the modeled sequestration rates for each time frame are verified. Through this process, ranchers are able to receive financial assistance for installing these grazing improvements at the beginning of the project and then continued payments for each verification throughout the contract period.

How do ranchers get more information?

WSE and Native partnered together over eight years ago with the vision of encouraging ranchers to implement regenerative agriculture practices that produce extensive benefits at many levels, including payments that can help provide future improvements and financial stability for many years to come.

Ranchers who are interested in potentially improving their productivity and bottom line while also benefiting the land and environment can contact WSE by email at info@ westernsustainabilityexchange.org or by phone at 406-2220730. They can also contact Tara Povalish with Native at tara.povalish@native.eco to discuss Native’s verified carbon program in greater detail.

If ranchers are interested in hearing an overview of the carbon markets, the five carbon companies currently doing business in the state will be featured on a panel at this year’s Expanding Markets Conference. This hybrid event will be held September 23rd-25th in Billings.

For more information or to register go to www.westernsustainabilityexchange.org/expandingmarkets-conference

2025 Aliner Ranger 12

UNL survey finds Nebraska ag land values up 5%

For the fifth consecutive year, the average all-land value of agricultural land in Nebraska increased, reaching $4,015 per acre in the 12-month period ending February 1, 2024, according to the final report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2023-2024 Farm Real Estate Market Survey.

This marks a 5% increase over the prior year and is the highest non-inflation-adjusted statewide land value in the history of the survey. Based on 2024 market values, Nebraska’s estimated total value of agricultural land and buildings rose to approximately $179.2 billion.

The survey’s final report was published June 28 by the university’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, which is based in the Department of Agricultural Economics. It provides current point-in-time estimates of agricultural land values and cash rental rates, broken down regionally across a variety of land types and classes.

Purchases for farm expansion, current livestock prices, and 1031 tax exchanges were identified in the report as the major economic forces that guided the higher market value of land across the state. According to survey results, the amount of land offerings for sale and non-farmer investor interest in land also contributed to higher values.

Inflation pressure continuing from the prior year led many operations to consider investing in assets like land or agricultural equipment, according to Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension. He co-authored the survey and report with Jeffrey Stokes, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.

“Federal Reserve policies to combat inflation have increased borrowing and financing expenses. Higher interest rates influence the cost of short-term lending for annual operating loans and long-term purchases such as farm real estate,” Jansen said. “Rising interest rates might affect the agricultural real estate market without additional profitability to offset the increasing financing expenses.”

“Market participants utilized higher returns on livestock when acquiring different grades of land,” he said, adding that higher long-term interest rates may help moderate Nebraska land values in the future.

Grassland tillable and non-tillable land across the state experienced the highest one-year changes in value, up 7% and 8%, respectively. The value of gravity-irrigated cropland rose by 3%, center pivot-irrigated cropland gained 4%, and the statewide value of dryland cropland rose between 3% and 5%.

The average size of land parcels sold in Nebraska in 2023 was 245 acres, at an average sale price of $4,532 per acre. The highest prices were in the northeast and eastern parts of the state, at $9,341 and $9,723 per acre. The lowest prices per acre were reported in the northwest and north regions, at $1,093 and $1,439 per acre, respectively.

The survey found that cash rental rates for cropland in the state were moderating compared to the prior year, rising between 3% and 5%. Pasture rental rates increased between about 5% and 10% per acre. Cow-calf and stocker monthly rental rates also increased in each of the state’s eight regional districts.

The Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report is the final product of an annual survey of land professionals, including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, and agricultural bankers. Results from the survey are divided by land class and agricultural statistic district. Land values and rental rates presented in the report are averages of survey participants’ responses by district. Actual land values and rental rates may vary depending on the quality of the parcel and local market for an area. Preliminary land values and rental rates are subject to change as additional surveys are returned.

The full report is available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/realeaste.

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Cattle water needs and what problems to watch for

By Troy Walz, Nebraska Extension Educator | Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator

Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance. Hot weather and drought conditions can impact both water quality and quantity for cattle.

How Much Water Do Cattle Need?

There is an easy answer, and there is a right answer. A general guideline is that lactating cows need two gallons of water per 100 pounds of bodyweight per day. Bulls and dry cows need one to one and a half gallons of water per 100 pounds per day, according to the 2016 Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle.

Water needs are influenced by environmental temperature, class of livestock, weight, and stage of production. The warmer it gets, the more water cows need. Cows with nursing calves need more water than dry cows. As cattle gain weight, they need more water.

As an example, spring calving cows will need close to 20 to 24 gallons of water per day for themselves and another 5 to 10 gallons for their calf when it gets hot.

Some water comes from the feed they eat, and grass can be high in water content. Nursing calves meet some of their daily water needs with their dam’s milk. However, it’s best to plan on making sure cattle have access to the full recommended amount of good-quality water. It’s particularly important that calves are able to reach the water levels in a tank, especially in hot weather. If cows come into water first and drink a tank down, calves may struggle to get a drink if there is a slow recharge on the water tank. This can lead to stress and health problems for calves. Depending on the watering system, giving calves “creep” access to a water tank they can reach separate from the cows can help to ensure calves stay hydrated.

The importance of water to beef cattle is often overlooked, and cattle performance can be affected by water intake. Nutritionists balance diets for carbohydrate (energy), protein, vitamins, and minerals but water is the most critical of these nutrients. Several factors make water needs difficult to assess.

Because feeds contain some water, not all the water needs must be provided as drinking water. Feeds such as silages, green chop, or growing pasture are usually high in moisture, while grains and hays are low. When cattle consume feeds high in water content, they drink less water.

Water quality for cattle

Water quality is important for cattle health and performance. It’s important to check water for nitrates, sulfates, and blue-green algae if a problem is suspected.

Nitrates

Nitrates are of elevated concern in drought conditions. The total intake limit for cattle is the combined amounts from both feed and water. So if you have feed that’s high in nitrates, but within acceptable limits, and water that is also high, but acceptable, the combination could exceed recommended limits and cause problems.

A safe level of nitrate nitrogen (NO3N) in the water for cattle is less than 100 ppm.

The sulfate upper limit for calves is less than 500 ppm (167 ppm sulfur as sulfate).

For adult cattle, the upper limit is less than 1,000 ppm (333 ppm sulfur as sulfate).

Symptoms of nitrate poisoning include brownish discoloration of the blood, difficult and rapid breathing, muscle tremors, low tolerance to exercise, incoordination, diarrhea, frequent urination, collapse, and death.

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae can be toxic to cattle, and it grows in stagnant water, lakes, and ponds. When there’s a lot of blue-green algae, it makes the water look like someone has dumped a bucket of light green or turquoise paint in the water.

Signs of blue-green algae poisoning are diarrhea, lack of coordination, labored breathing, seizures, convulsions, and possibly death. More information on blue-green algae can be found in the BeefWatch article Blue-Green Algae Impacts on Cattle. Warm temperatures and sunlight can cause algae to grow rapidly, so keep an eye on that in both ponds and tanks. Routinely cleaning tanks and utilizing a copper sulfate treatment or chlorine treatment can help keep water tanks free from moss and algae.

Cattle standing in the water to fight flies, or walking through it to drink increases the solids suspended in the water, and the added nutrients from manure and urine may

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Cattle water needs and what problems to watch for

encourage algae growth. Limiting cattle access to only a portion of a pond can reduce pond water contamination. Pumping water in the deep part of a pond to a water tank is a way to still utilize pond water for cattle while reducing the risk of cattle consuming blue-green algae. Fly management can also help cut down on the amount of time cattle spend in the water.

Water Testing

Monitoring water quality is a way to manage risk. Knowing if there’s a problem before symptoms show up in the cowherd is the best way to prevent losses to cattle performance, or death.

Taking a water sample and submitting it to a lab for analysis may take a few extra minutes, but if you’re out checking water anyway, it’s not much extra effort for the knowledge that the water is safe. While ponds and dams are often the most questionable in quality, the water in tanks and troughs may also need to be tested. Occasionally, events such as drought or flooding may impact the quality of water from a well or other source of water that is being used for livestock. Testing the water provides information needed to know if the water is safe for use. There are a number of labs available in Nebraska where livestock water can be tested. Prior to collecting a sample, contact the lab for a test kit and collection instructions to ensure a representative sample is taken and that the lab can complete the analysis needed.

The Nebraska Extension Nebguide “Water Requirements for Beef Cattle” contains information on guidelines for meeting cattle water requirements, potentially toxic levels of substances that can be in water as well as instructions for treatment of water tanks utilizing copper sulfate. You can find that online or at your local Nebraska Extension office.

#####

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Properly curing hay is crucial for forage quality

From North Dakota State University

Weather conditions across the Dakotas have created challenges for haymaking. Properly curing hay to the correct moisture level for baling is crucial to maintaining forage quality. At baling, the moisture level should be a maximum of 20% for small square bales, 18% for round bales and 15% for large square bales. The larger the forage package, the lower the moisture should be at baling.

• Increased early season vigor

• Phosphorus and Zinc to drive rooting & cold start the crop.

• Zinc to help with early season hormone production, ie. Auxin for root and shoot growth.

• Convey Technology to help with early season stresses, such as cool soils and excess moisture. It also improves nutrient use efficiency.

• Other essential nutrients target at each specific crop, ie. Boron for cell wall strength; Manganese for efficient photosynthesis.

• Second chance for a starter fertilizer

• Formulations are targeted at early season root growth (more root = more efficient moisture and nutrient uptake).

• Proactive way of managing the crops nutritional requirement.

• Convey Technology helps with early season stresses such as cool soils, excess moisture, and drought. Also improves nutrient use efficiency.

• Speeds up recovery from herbicide hangover - the correct supply of nutrients helps the crop metabolize the herbicide more quickly.

• Contains novel Phosphorus nutrition, providing increased nutrient uptake and movement within the plant.

• Targeted at the reproductive phse of the plant.

• Proactive way of managing the crops utritional requirement

• Contains other essential nutrients targeted for each specific crop, ie. Boron to aid pollen tube growth, Zinc to help produce Auxin, to ensure healthy pollen tube growth.

Exceeding these moisture levels can reduce dry matter and nutrient content of the hay, says James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension forage crops production specialist. At harvest, hay naturally contains microbial content. Curing limits aerobic microbial growth. Baling hay at moisture levels above 25% creates an environment for aerobic microbial growth to occur. These microbes are living organisms that feed off of the nutrient content of the hay and generate heat. As heat increases, a chemical bond forms between proteins and carbohydrates (maillard reaction), reducing dry matter and digestibility of the end product. Although this reaction produces a more palatable hay, the loss of energy and digestible protein lowers its quality. Several methods exist to accelerate drying time to prevent moisture-damaged hay. First, if possible, condition the hay at cutting. Conditioning crimps the stem, which hastens moisture loss and speeds drying. Second, when cutting, spread the forage out into as wide a swath as possible. This increases the surface area exposed to sunlight. Third, hay can be inverted or flipped over, or if this is not possible, rake the hay a couple of extra times to get hay moved from the bottom of a windrow to the top. However, be cautious with delicate crops such as alfalfa, as mechanical handling can cause leaf loss.

Using a preservative can also accelerate the time from hay mowing to baling. Preservatives will not lower the moisture content of hay, but they will lower anaerobic microbial growth, decreasing hay heating and thus dry matter and nutrient loss. Preservatives allow baling at a hay moisture content of 25-30%. Beyond 30% moisture, they will not be effective. Baleage is an option for hays with greater than a 30% moisture content. Another important point is that the effect will not last indefinitely. After about 30 days, the effect of a preservative treatment will begin to dissipate. If using a preservative, plan on feeding preserved hay early in the season and avoid storing preserved hay with untreated cured hay.

Three types of preservatives are available: organic acids, ammonia-based and microbial. Anhydrous ammonia is an effective anti-microbial preservative but requires extreme caution in handling and application to avoid personal injury. In addition, it may produce toxicity in high quality hay, potentially causing livestock death. For these reasons, treating high moisture hay with ammonia is not recommended. Microbial products are available, but their effectiveness as a preservative is not supported by research.

Organic acids are reliable, effective and time tested. Propionic acid is the most common of these, and though it is effective, it can be corrosive. Buffers can be mixed with propionic acid to reduce the corrosiveness. Read and follow label directions with propionic acid use as the rates will vary based on moisture content of the hay. Getting good distribution of propionic acid onto the hay is needed to get the most effective treatment. The solution is most often applied at the pickup prior to entering the bale chamber.

Other essential tools include a moisture tester and temperature probe. Various moisture meters are available on the market. It is advisable to check moisture meter accuracy with another method such as the microwave method. A bale temperature probe is useful for monitoring bale temperature when moisture content is suspected to be high until temperatures stabilize. Bale temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit are normal, but if temperatures reach 150 degrees and remain elevated, it signals a problem. The longer a bale stays at an elevated temperature, the more damage will occur.

“Forage testing is always a good management strategy,” says Rogers. “This year when hay may be baled at questionable moisture, forage testing becomes even more important. Knowing available versus unavailable protein and digestibility can make a real difference come this winter.”

About Red Wines

Does red wine need to be refrigerated after opening? Yes! Refrigerating red wine slows down the chemical processes that make wine spoil.

After wheat harvest, controlling weeds depends on timing

By Jacob Klaudt, K-State Research and Extension news service

Drought notoriously impacts many facets of wheat production. Growers deal with reduced yields and shortened plant heights while facing other issues that cloud a crop’s success.

Little moisture also influences the result of a post-wheat harvest herbicide application, said Kansas State University weed specialist Sarah Lancaster.

“After-harvest weeds can be particularly challenging in dry growing seasons because drought-stressed weeds and weeds that have been half-harvested are not functioning like we want them to for achieving good control,” she said.

A successful post-harvest herbicide program occurs when producers observe increased weed vigor, according to Lancaster.

“The weeds need to be actively growing for translocated herbicides (like glyphosate) to move through the plant and kill it,” Lancaster said. “Also, contact herbicides – like paraquat or Sharpen – need adequate leaf area to be properly absorbed.

She adds: “Generally, you want to wait until there is some regrowth of those weeds so that those herbicides work more effectively.”

To control weeds that have not sprouted after a wheat harvest, Lancaster encourages producers to choose a herbicide with residual activity.

“It is easy to see the weeds that have emerged through wheat stands because they rapidly grow after taking the (wheat) canopy off when harvesting,” she said. “However, for preventative planning, it is important to consider adding a product like atrazine to that wheat stubble for future weeds.”

Producers commonly use atrazine and another herbicide called metribuzin in their post-harvest weed control programs. Lancaster said both products possess similarities and differences that growers should examine before application.

“They’re both photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides in Group 5 that have some synergy with paraquat,” she said. “However, there are some differences in their chemistries. Interestingly, some kochia and pigweeds have developed a post-emergence triazine resistance, so in some cases, metribuzin will show better control.”

Other herbicides available for after-wheat harvest include Sharpen, Reviton and Valor. Lancaster reminds growers that – like the two Group 5 herbicides –some pigweeds have developed resistance against these three Group 14 products.

“It’s critical to know the characteristics of a certain weed population,” she said. “Valor does provide some residual activity and can be

a good way to control weeds like Palmer amaranth (popular pigweed).

“Sharpen and Reviton – even though they are in the same herbicide family – act differently than Valor. They have more burndown efficacy on some broadleaf weeds but do not have the same residual effect of Valor.”

Producers may realize a wide array of benefits from controlling weeds after harvest with the previously mentioned herbicides, according to Lancaster.

“In some cases – because every weed that grows may go to seed – thousands of plants can appear within a generation. Afterharvest control allows growers to reduce a weed’s seed bank within a field.”

She added: “It also better manages water resources for subsequent crops and leads to more successful yields and crop performance.”

More information about after-harvest weed control in wheat fields is accessible in the 2024 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, and Noncropland publication.

National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

Dated Celebrated: August 15th

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• Torgerson’s

•

Lemons just seem to be refreshing and delightful, no matter what kind of creative things are made with them–lemonade, lemon vinaigrette, lemon drizzle cake or lemon sorbet ice cream. But along those lines of naming things made with lemony goodness comes one of the favoritesLemon meringue pie is probably one of the most famous of lemon desserts. And it’s really no wonder, considering that it has a deliciously crispy golden crust, a tangy custard center and a fluffy meringue topping. Yum!

In fact, lemon meringue pie is one of the most popular pies in Great Britain as well as America. It sits alongside other delicious classics such as apple, pumpkin and pecan pies.

History of National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

A brief peek into culinary history reveals that lemon flavored custards, puddings and pies have been enjoyed since at least Medieval times. But the art of the actual meringue that goes on top of this delicious pie seems to have been perfected in the 17th century in France Even after that, the two were not actually combined together in this ideal union until lemon meringue pie was lovingly created sometime around the 19th-century.

Exactly who made this pie for the first time is debatable, but some people believe that the pie originated in Victorian England, where it was sometimes known as Lemon Chester Pudding. In fact, Lemon Chester Pudding is considered to be one of the desserts that introduced many people the world over to the beauty British desserts in general.

Other people tend to attribute the creation of the Lemon Meringue Pie to a Mrs. Elizabeth Goodfellow, the proprietress of a pastry shop in Philadelphia who also ran the first cooking school in America. Although the idea for a fluffy topping made from sweetened and flavored egg whites goes back a couple hundred years prior to this, the concept of adding meringue to the top of a lemon custard pie was a decidedly 19th century invention. The first mention of Lemon Meringue Pie in a cookbook was in 1869 but often, during that time, these custard pies were also referred to as “lemon cream pie”.

Learn Some Fun Facts About Lemon Meringue Pie: Impress friends, family members and coworkers with clever facts and trivia about this beloved pie and the fruit that makes it possible:

• The invention of lemon custard is usually attributed to the Quakers in the late 1700s (some years prior to the invention of the Lemon Meringue Pie).

• Lemons are citrus fruits that grow on trees in warmer climates, bearing fruit all year round. Each lemon tree can typically produce somewhere around 500 to 600 lemons every year!

• Lemons were likely cultivated as long ago as the first century, A.D., beginning in the Mediterranean area.

• The high vitamin C content of lemons can be preventative for a disease called scurvy, often prevalent in sailors. Even today the British navy makes sure to carry enough lemons on board their ships for each sailor to have one ounce of fresh lemon juice per day.

Make A Delicious Lemon Meringue Pie:

Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups water

2 lemons, juiced and zested

2 tablespoons butter

4 egg yolks, beaten

1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked

4 egg whites

6 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water, lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter. Place egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of hot sugar mixture. Whisk egg yolk mixture back into remaining sugar mixture. Bring to a boil and continue to cook while stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat. Pour filling into the baked pastry shell. In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until foamy. Add sugar gradually, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form, then stop immediately (overbeaten eggs are just as bad as underbeaten eggs). Spread the meringue over the pie, sealing the edges at the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.

Annual forage options following irrigated winter wheat

By Karla Jenkins, Aaron Berger, and Gary Hergert, Nebraska extension educators

Western Nebraska is a low-rainfall area with annual rainfall ranging from 8 to 18 inches. Precipitation usually occurs in the early spring benefitting the predominately cool-season grasses of this high altitude (3,800-5,000 ft.) area. Unfortunately, limited summer rainfall and declining quality of cool-season pastures creates a challenge for producers needing a quality forage resource in the fall. Additionally, many areas of the High Plains are under irrigation restrictions, so limited water is available for crops and forages.

In a two-year study conducted at the High Plains Ag Lab, a sorghum-sudangrass hybrid, oats, and foxtail millet were evaluated at two irrigation levels following irrigated wheat. Dry matter production, total digestible nutrients (TDN), crude protein (CP), and nitrates (NO3) were measured.

The first year of the study was 2012, which was an extremely hot and dry year. Although it was intended to have minimal irrigation levels, the researchers thought it was important to have one level unrestricted. As a result, due to the heat and drought, the two levels were 4 and 8 inches. In 2012, regardless of planting date and irrigation level, the sorghumsudangrass hybrid produced more dry matter tons than oats and millet (2.0 vs. 1.3 and 1.2, respectively).

In the second year, 2013, there were late summer rains, and the irrigation levels were 4 and 5 inches. In 2013, the sorghum-sudangrass hybrid and oats produced more dry matter tons than millet (1.0 and 1.1 vs. 0.64, respectively).

The earlier forages could be planted, the more dry matter tons were produced before frost. Due to the dry conditions in 2012, the wheat was harvested early in July, so the two planting dates for the annual forages were 7/18/2012 and 8/02/2012. In 2013, a more traditional year for moisture and temperature, the annual forages were not planted until 8/05/2013 and 8/20/2013.

Forages were harvested on 9/26/2012 and 10/08/2013. Forage quality was inversely related to dry matter production. However, all forage quality was acceptable with the lowest CP being over 10 percent DM and TDN being at least 60 percent DM, regardless of planting date and irrigation level.

In 2012 all forages had NO3 (nitrate) levels between 2,600-4,400 ppm. This would have been a concern because safe levels are below 1,500 ppm. However, samples were collected from forages left standing the following March of both years, and the NO3 level had dissipated to below 1,500 ppm

in all forages. Due to most of the moisture in this region coming in the spring, forage quality changed very little over the winter and would have made these forages a good option for standing hay.

In western Nebraska, the window for planting forages after wheat harvest and growing significant fall forage is very narrow. The earlier the forage can be planted the more likely the resulting tonnage will make it worthwhile. Forage quality would have provided acceptable gains for weaned calves or bred replacement heifers whether harvested as hay or left for standing forage in the winter.

The article is a summary of the 2016 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report article “Annual Forages following Irrigated Winter Wheat” (PDF) by Karla H. Jenkins, associate professor, animal science, Panhandle Research and Extension Center; Aaron Berger, extension educator, Kimball, Banner, Cheyenne counties; and Gary Hergert, full professor, agronomy, Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

John Deere 8650 PTO, 3 point, 20.8-38 duals, 6870 hours.

2021 Neville Built triple axle hopper trailer, steel, roll tarp, as new.

Myer’s Model M435 manure spreader, excellent

pull type fertilizer spreader, as new.

John Deere 330 28-ft. disc

John Deere 1650 60-ft. chisel plow with harrows.

John Deere 9420 tractor, 1900 hours, standard shift set up to pull air drill.

2013 New Holland T6030 tractor with Degelman blade, 355 hours.

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Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Wickens Salt Creek Ranch of Hilger has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Montana Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Wickens Salt Creek Ranch’s owners, Eric and Emma Wickens, who are Fergus County Farm Bureau members, will be presented with the award at the Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention in November. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Montana the award is presented annually with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Montana Rangeland Resources Program.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Montana landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award last year. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Montana. Among the many outstanding landowners nominated for the award were finalists: Franck and Kari Groeneweg of Three Forks in Broadwater and Jefferson counties, and Thomas Herefords Ranch, Lewis & Clark County Farm Bureau members, of Gold Creek in Powell County.

About Wickens Salt Creek Ranch

Eric and Emma Wickens want to leave land, water, wildlife, and relationships better than they found them.

As engaged college graduates, they returned home to take the reins of his family’s Wickens Salt Creek Ranch in 2007. They have since prioritized conservation practices to improve the health of their grasslands. Doing so nourishes their cattle and builds a more resilient ranch and rural community for their five children.

By emulating the natural behaviors of bison herds, rotationally grazing their Black Angus cattle contributes to nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. With assistance from the federal Conservation Stewardship Program, prairies have been restored for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat.

Elsewhere on their 4,700 acres they grow a diverse rotation of peas, barley, hay, and wheat using no-till practices. A mix of sunflower, turnip, sorghum, and radish cover crops maintains continuously living roots in the soil to improve water infiltration and increase soil health.

“There is a large circle of life to study on our ranch,” Emma said. “Recognizing how each part has an important purpose really serves to inform the stewardship decisions we make.”

Healthy grasslands provide habitat for sage and sharptail grouse, which eat fly larvae, naturally controlling pest populations around cattle herds.

The Wickens have reduced their reliance on surface water

MFU Foundation awards more than $30K to community projects

Twenty four community projects centered on agriculture have received a total of more than $33,000 in grants from the Montana Farmers Union Foundation.

“This year was harder than ever to select the grant awardees. For every grant we awarded, there were two great projects that we were not able to fund. The word is out, and I hope we can continue to grow our foundation to be able to fund more projects next year,” MFU president Walter Schweitzer said.

In total, the MFU Foundation awarded $33,349 in July across 24 projects, with more than 70 projects applying for funding. Grant recipients’ projects advance the Foundation’s mission to create new opportunities and contribute to the growth and enhancement of Montana agriculture and rural communities.

This year’s recipients will use the funding for a wide range of projects from purchasing a life-sized butcher beef model to purchasing shop tools for high school programs to Farm-to-School training programs to a community fruit orchard to a cow show training.

2024 MFU Foundation Grant recipients are:

Power Schools, Butcher Beef Cut Model, $2,999

Three Forks High School, raised beds for a school garden, $2,500

Hobson Schools, implement seed-to-salad bar project, $2,500

Land to Hand Montana, Columbia Falls Schools Farm-to-School training supplies, $2,500

Dawson County 4-H, digital animal livestock scale, $2,500

Youth Employment Program in Dillon, walk-behind tractor with rototiller and bed shaper attachments to use on community farm, $2,500

Town of Richey, irrigation and raised bed project in Little Royals Park, $2,500

Big Timber FFA, build perimeter fence adjacent to high school for animal husbandry, $2,000

Cascade FFA, horticulture facilities upgrade, $2,000

Fort Benton High School, purchase air compressor for use with plasma table, $1,500

Geraldine Public Schools, greenhouse upgrades, $1,500

Absarokee High School, purchase local fibers for use

#####

I burnt 1500 calories yesterday. I left a cake in the oven for too long.

##### Everybody knows 40 is the new 30, right? But the police officer giving me a speeding ticket couldn’t be persuaded.

#####

A man got hit hard in the head with a can of 7Up. He’s alright though, it was a soft drink.

in textile arts, $1,500

Hobson Public Schools, purchase trees for community fruit orchard, $1,000

Belt Public Schools, purchase sanders for school shop, $800

Kalispell Ag Education Center, purchase swather for ag education program, $750

Sunshine Snippers 4-H Club, audio-visual tools for Community Hall upgrades, $500

Glacier County Conservation District, Farm-to-table event, $500

Park County 4-H Council, Cow Camp and Show Training, $500

Kaniksu Land Trust, Thompson Falls Pedal to Plate event, $500

Trailhead Cattle Women, Longest Table event, $500

Pea Pods Neighborhood Community Garden, Garden Mentoring Program, $500

Montana Grape and Wine Association, annual conference, $500

Conservation Grains, milling education for local schools, $500

Liberty County 4-H, Fun Fridays, $300.

Learn more about the MFU Foundation and other funding and sponsorship opportunities at www.montanafarmersunion.com.

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FARM EQUIPMENT & KENNEL FOR SALE

1996 Flexi-Coil 391/2-ft. air seeder with 2320 tow between cart, 4” rubber packers.

1991 International 1680 combine, long sieve, Cummins engine, moisture tester, relatively new big tires, approximately 4000 hours.

Case 1010 25-ft. header with Hart Carter pick up reel, Sund pick up with rubber belts. Ford 5600 tractor, 50 hp, cab, F233 Farmhand loader, 6000 hours. 24-ft. round bale rack for truck or trailer.

John Deere space header, kerosene or #1 fuel. Farmhand 10 bale clamp for small square bales. Near new and reinforced.

WW 16-ft. stock trailer with 2 spare tires.

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Montana Leopold Conservation Award

for their cattle by plumbing their pastures with water lines and drinking tanks equipped with escape ramps for birds and wildlife. Strategically fencing water tanks forces cattle to naturally disperse their urine and manure elsewhere across pastures to feed the soil’s microbes. Bale grazing is also used on areas of thin or clay soils to provide the benefits of hoof impact and to supply additional organic matter from manure and compost.

To slow the flow of water through their hilly terrain, the Wickens have installed analog beaver dams. In addition to creating a deep, slow-flowing creek, and recharging a water table recently stricken by drought, beavers are returning to the ranch.

Eric is noticing a wildlife resurgence. Deer and bird populations are more abundant than they were in his youth. For the first time in his life, herds of elk migrate through Wickens Salt Creek Ranch, and grizzly bear are returning to central Montana.

Early on in their ranching career the Wickens decided to move their calving season later into the spring. Warmer weather and drier ground reduced sickness in the calves.

They also switched from raising only cow-calf pairs to raising yearlings, stockers, and bred heifers. In addition, they developed a backgrounding lot to feed calves and finish fat cattle in the winter with a locally grown ration of barley, peas, and legumes.

Wickens Ranch Beef, a direct-to-consumer branded beef business, offers an opportunity to share their conservation story with consumers. Diversifying their livestock and crop production has generated new streams of cash flow.

“Resilience is directly related to diversity,” Eric summarized. “The diversity of our business and biological communities within the ranch create resilience in our entire operation.”

Later this year, Wickens Salt Creek Ranch will become a regenerative agricultural education center known as a “Savory Hub.” Off the ranch, Eric’s community involvement ranges from fighting local fires, to serving on “One Montana” a non-profit striving to bridge the gaps between rural and urban communities.

Accolades

“For generations, Montana’s farmers and ranchers have been dedicated stewards of our land and water resources,” said Governor Greg Gianforte. “It’s great to recognize Eric and Emma of the Wickens Salt Creek Ranch with this year’s award and thank them for setting the standard as exceptional caretakers of our working landscapes.”

“The Leopold Conservation Award provides an excellent opportunity to recognize private land stewardship in Montana,” said Montana DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “The inspirational farming practices on the Wickens Salt Creek Ranch are a shining example of dedicated conservation efforts that improve the land and build ranch resilience.”

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Montana recipient,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Montana Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Rangeland Resources Program, Sand County Foundation, Sibanye-Stillwater, AgWest Farm Credit, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, McDonald’s, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Western Landowners Alliance, Western Sustainability Exchange, and World Wildlife Fund. For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

About Red Wines

How many calories in a glass of red wine? A 100 gram glass of red wine contains approximately 85 grams.