Cooperative Extension Service Breckinridge County 1377 S. Hwy 261 Hardinsburg, KY 40143 (270) 756-2182 Fax: (270) 756-9016 https://breckinridge.ca.uky.edu

Breckinridge County AG Newsletter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page

Agent’s Corner 1-2

Useful WEB Resources 2

CFAP Program for Non-Specialty Crop Producers

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CFAP Program for Livestock Producers

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FAQs regarding COVID-19 & its effect on the meat supply

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Ranunculus (Buttercup) Risk in Pasture & Hay

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Watch for Freeloaders on Cattle 7-8

Watch for Poison Hemlock in Hayfields

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Response of Pasture Weeds to Herbicides & Mowing

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From The Woods Today Webinar 10

Horticulture Webinar 10

Why Hire an Arborist? 11-12

Beef Management Webinar Series 13-14

Rose Care 15

Upcoming Events 15

Breckinridge Co. Farmers’ Market 16

Almanac Tidbits for June 16

Like us on Facebook

Agents Corner:

It’s been a long time since I have been able to sit down and put my thoughts out on paper. I, along with you, have been practicing social distancing or at least try-ing to keep you and yourself healthy. I have been caught at Walmart and TSC and the local farm stores blocking traffic by simply talking to people. I love to talk to ‘my people’, anyone that will listen. My girls have asked before; so who was that, how do you know them, why do you just talk to anyone and everyone? I enjoy hearing about your families, your farm, your raised beds, your kids and grandkids. In these last few months I have had to resort to texting, email, social media and calling farmers to keep in touch. We have all had to take different avenues to keep in touch. I hope it is not the new normal forever. I want you to know I am available to talk, advise or just listen to issues that you are experiencing. Since the middle of March, we have been alternating office hours to allow one (1) staff member in the office at a time with limited access to our office facility. We are now moving to an ‘open office hour’ for clients. We can only have two (2) clients in the office at one time, so it maybe first come first serve, but if you know you are coming into town you can call to make an appointment or if all else fails I can make a farm visit or meet you in the parking lot. Our administration at the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment have been very supportive of our staff to be available to the community through what-ever means it takes while maintaining the health of the staff and the community. I want to thank everyone that have been able to attend a meeting through ZOOM, borrowing videos and eXtension to fulfill the CAIP meeting requirements. We will soon be open to public meetings with over 50 people, I can’t wait! You Never Know What Your Next Stage in Life is going to be….. As many of you know my family in Breckinridge County and across the state, we have always been a tobacco, beef cattle and grain crop family operation. I will never ever tell anyone that it has been easy to raise a family, work full time +, and keep a farming operation up in my spare time. We are no different than so many of you and your families; sometimes it feels like we are all hanging on by a thread. As a mom that works off the farm it seems that I only work for the benefits, which are fantastic, and I encourage farming families to do the same.

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Agent Corner (continued) I have several that drive a school bus, work in the school lunchroom, work in farm stores, and even work for other farmers to help with the bills or to be able to afford health insurance. I have had numerous discussions with farming families on this very topic for at least two (2) years. Let’s face it; it is getting harder every year to raise a family on our old stand by crops. I have met master welders, master equipment repair people, and even those that are a ‘Jack of All Trades’. My saying used to be ‘its time to gather all your chicks up and watch them close’. But I think we are beyond that notion now. I have approached UK Specialist with a meeting series on how to start my own business or how do I put my resume to-gether and look for alternative work, not to leave the farm but use my farm knowledge, skill to start a business. The legal side of that notion has everyone stumped, but it is my goal to get that accomplished. I know you are reading this and thinking, I am too…..to do something new. I say someone on your farm is very skilled and could look into a new enter-prise, a new career or a new business. Again, if you know my family at all, the career move that occurred in our home has been a huge blessing. The pain staking worry is not 100% gone, but I’d say it’s almost 99% gone. The biggest challenge has been for me to realize that I can’t be gone all day and night meeting with my job because I was running my career and he was running two (2) farms with seven (7) employees and family of six (6) to every event.

News on CAIP: Anyone who was approved and are now wanting to turn in their receipts for CAIP reimbursement must contact Marti James from the Soil Conservation Office at cell phone 270-547-8409 or 270-580-2124 to set up an appointment. Receipts can only be turned in with an appointment. Soil Conservation Office is presently working out of the Extension Farmers’

Market and Educational Facility. Carol M. Hinton Extension Agent For Agricultural /Natural Resources Education Breckinridge County

NOTE:

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, everything is so uncertain for any

in-person meetings and a lot of them being conducted by Zoom or

Webinars. I would like for producers to contact me by email at

cmhinton@uky.edu ; then I can send items directly to you so it will

be easier for you to sign up and join the meetings.

USEFUL WEB RESOURCES

Wheat Science Group http://wheatscience.ca.uky.edu/home

Kentucky Grain KyGRAINS.info

Kentucky Pest News http://kentuckypestnews.wordpress.com/

Crops Marketing & Management Update http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/extcmmu.php

KATS—Kentucky Agriculture Training School— kats.ca.uky.edu

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Can I get COVID-19 by eating contaminated food or meat or Is it safe to eat food/meats if it has been handled by a worker with COVID-19?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be contracted through food. Currently, there is no evidence of the disease being transmitted through food or meat. COVID-19 is respiratory illness contracted via personal contact. Traditional food safety measures and thorough cooking should always be followed.

Can I get sick by handing food and/or meat packages if COVID-19 has contaminated the surface?

According to the FDA and USDA there is no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted through food/meat packages. In addition, according to the FDA, you do not have to wash your food containers to prevent COVID-19 infection. Never try to wash meat in the sink or spray/dip food products into chemicals commonly used for household cleaning. You should wash your hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content as soon as you can after handling packages or leaving a retail establishment to be safe. Be sure to disinfect food preparation areas according to chemical manufacture recommendations.

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through imported food or packaging from COVID-19 positive coun-tries?

According to the FDA and USDA there is no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted through imported foods, meats, or packaging.

FAQs regarding Covid-19 and its effect on the meat supply. Prepared by: Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, Ph.D.; University of Kentucky, Dr. Jonathan Campbell, Ph.D.; Pennsylvania State University, and Dr. Lyda Garcia, Ph.D.; The Ohio State University.

Ranunculus (buttercup) risk in pasture and hay By: Dr. Megan Romano, DABVT, Clinical Toxicologist, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Worldwide, there are approximately 600 species of Ranunculus, commonly known as buttercup or crowfoot. Ac-cording to the current USDA PLANTS database, nearly 30 different Ranunculus species are found in Kentucky. Fresh Ranunculus leaves, flowers, and stems have a sharp, pungent taste and are usually avoided by grazing live-stock. Some Ranunculus species contain varying quantities of ranunculin, a compound hydrolyzed to protoanemonin when plants are damaged – for example, by grazing or mowing. Protoanemonin is a vesicant, causing blistering of the skin, mouth, and digestive system on contact. Ranunculus species with high ranunculin concentrations are the most toxic. Dried Ranunculus is expected to lose toxic potential fairly rapidly, although specific research has not been published to confirm this. Protoanemonin forms a non-vesicant compound, anemonin, upon drying.

Ranunculus ingestion can cause mouth pain, blisters, drooling, oral and gastric ulcers, colic, and diarrhea. Clinical signs can be severe if large quantities of Ranunculus are ingested, but the acrid taste usually deters further grazing in horses and cattle. Clinical signs are typically seen only when other forage is unavailable and animals are forced to consume Ranunculus. Sheep may be more likely than other grazing animals to eat the plants, particularly immature stages. Horses are probably the most sensitive species to the gastrointestinal effects of Ranunculus. One anecdotal report has suggested a possible association between presence of Ranunculus in pastures and abortions in cattle. An-other suggests the same possible association in horses. Attempts to reproduce the disease have not been successful in either horses or cattle, and the hypothesized association remains unconfirmed.

A review of UKVDL records over the last 13 years found no cases of livestock deaths attributable to Ranunculus ingestion. It is possible that cases of colic or diarrhea have been caused by Ranunculus ingestion but were never at-tributed to the plant. Because animals avoid grazing Ranunculus when possible, it proliferates in overgrazed pas-tures. Overgrazing is prevented by maintaining appropriate stocking rates. Ranunculus poisoning is most likely in starving animals. The risk in Kentucky is minimal as long as plenty of other forage is available; unpalatable fresh plants are generally avoided when possible, and dried plants are less toxic than fresh.

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Watch for Freeloaders on Cattle By: Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, PAS Associate Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

In February at the Mid-South Stocker Conference we had Dr. Strickland provide an update on the Asian long-horned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). Last week while on a conference call with two colleagues in North Carolina we got talking about this new pest which first appeared in 2017 on sheep in New Jersey. It has since been found along the east coast from Connecticut down to North Carolina and as far west as the northwest cor-ner of Arkansas. My NC colleagues have seen it more than we have to date, but with the cattle influx we have it is only a matter of time before it starts showing up more I fear. This tick was found in Kentucky last year already. I would encourage those of you bringing in cattle from the eastern states, particularly Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, New York and east Tennessee, to quarantine and thoroughly look over the animals for ticks before turning them in with other livestock.

This tick is unique as it is parthenogenic meaning females reproduce without males. A mature female tick will feed on a host, drop off the host and lay 1,000-4,000 eggs in the litter on the ground. These eggs hatch and the six-legged larvae quickly find a host to feed upon. After feeding they drop off the host to molt into the nymph stage within two weeks. The nymphs find another host, feed for 3-8 days and drop off the host to molt into the adult stage. In about 3-8 weeks, the nymphs molt and emerge as eight-legged adult ticks. The adults will then search for a host to feed upon to restart the lifecycle. Thus, this is

a three-host tick that can quickly replicate and infect a farm. The tick can go from egg to adult in six months or less. The tick is not host specific and according to Dr. Strickland has been found on dogs, cats, foxes, rac-coons, opossums, skunks, rabbits, groundhogs, goats, deer, elk, cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, geese, hawks, and people.

This tick does well in warm, humid climates. Temperatures in the mid-60’s to mid-80’s allow for rapid replica-tion and development of the tick. The Asian longhorned tick (ALT) dwells in forest edges and pastures seeking hosts. This tick moves quickly up tall forage and animals. This tick will be commonly observed on the ears, tail head and between the rear legs of cattle. Kentucky provides an ideal climate and habitat for this invasive tick.

The Asian longhorned tick can transmit diseases to the host animal. In New Zealand and Australia, the tick has shown to transmit Theileria annulata that leads to theileriosis in cattle. Last year researchers found that ALT here in the states can transmit the parasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype that can have severe impacts on cattle. The protozoa affects red blood cells and leukocytes leading to severe anemia and potentially death. Oth-er pathogens found in ALT include those the can lead to babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ana-plasmosis. However, studies need to determine if this tick can transmit these pathogens. Thus, this tick should be of concern not only for the health of the livestock but those individuals that are outdoors and may become a host for ticks. Use repellents (ie. DEET, picaridin, IR3535) and check yourself regularly for these freeloaders. View the following website for information on repellents that are effective for tick control and hours of dura-tion for products: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents . For tick control on livestock, investigate common fly control products which contain pyrethroids and organophosphates and read the labels to ensure they provide tick control. Topical avermectin containing products can also be effective for ticks. Ear tags impregnated with insecticides can also help reduce infestations. As with fly control, a combination of methods (ie. sprays, rubs, tags) will provide the best results.

Identification of ALT from other ticks can be difficult and require a trained eye. Examples of common ticks are shown below. However, to properly identify ticks, collect them and preserve them in an alcohol solution (greater than 70% is best). Record the location and host animal along with the date the tick was collected. Sub-mit the ticks for identification to Dr. Jonathan Larson at the UK Department of Entomology. For additional information on this pest and others, be sure to check out the Kentucky Pest News.

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Watch for Freeloaders on Cattle continued

Identification of ALT from other ticks can be difficult and require a trained eye. Examples of common ticks are shown below. However, to properly identify ticks, collect them and preserve them in an alcohol solution (greater than 70% is best). Record the location and host animal along with the date the tick was collected. Submit the ticks for identification to Dr. Jonathan Larson at the UK Department of Entomology. For additional information on this pest and others, be sure to check out the Kentucky Pest News.

Being informed is our first step in managing this new pest. If you need additional information on tick and other parasite control strat-egies, contact your veterinarian or local county Extension agent. Slow down and take some time monitor your cattle this summer periodically. Hopefully, this will also give you a bit of satisfaction seeing the cattle and reinforce why you do what you do to keep your cattle healthy and productive. Until I see you again, stay healthy.

Acknowledgments: Thank you to Dr. Ric Bessin, UK Extension Entomologist, with this article. Top view of a female Asian Long-horned tick in nymph and adult stage.

Source: cdc.gov/ticks/longhorned-tick/index.html The images be-low show differences in common ticks with regards to markings, head shade, and body size. Source: cdc.gov/ticks/longhorned-tick/index.html

WATCH FOR POISON HEMLOCK IN HAYFIELDS Source: J.D. Green, Extension Weed Scientist

In about a month, many of you will begin cutting your first hay of the season. While making hay, it is important for you to notice and remove poison hemlock from your hay or pasture fields.

Native to Europe, poison hemlock is an invasive weed that was introduced as an ornamental in the United States during the 1800s. It is potentially poisonous if ingested by livestock or humans in both its vegetative growth stages and when dry. The weed is often found along fencerows, roadways and other areas not used for cropland across most of Kentucky and the United States. However, in the past several years, its presence has increased across Kentucky, and it is now found in some hay and pasture fields.

If consumed, poisoning symptoms appear rather quickly in livestock and include nervousness, trembling, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, pupil dilation, coma and eventually death from respiratory failure. Livestock usually do not eat poison hemlock when in its natural growing state because of its unpalatable taste. However, they will eat it if no other forage is available or when they inadvertently consume it through hay.

Ideally, you should control poison hemlock with herbicide products applied during the plant's early vegetative growth stage during the late winter or early spring or with an herbicide treatment in the fall. By this time of the year it may now be too late for effective control with 2,4-D applied alone and may require other herbicide options for best con-trol. With herbicide applications to grazed pastures remove livestock from the field until plants have fully died. You can also control poison hemlock by mowing or mechanically removing the plant before it produces new seeds, which occurs soon after flowering. If you find it while cutting hay, either mow around the weed or mow it separate from your stored hay.

The easiest way to identify poison hemlock is by its smooth, purple-spotted stem. Poison hemlock is often confused with the nontoxic weed Queen Anne’s Lace (also called Wild Carrot) because both produce clusters of small, white flowers but Queen Anne’s Lace will have hairs along its stem and leaf bases. Poison hemlock usually reaches its peak bloom in late May or early June, while Queen Anne’s Lace blooms a little later in late June and July.

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From The Woods Today The UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team has recently launched a new internet show called From the Woods Today. This weekly show airs live on Wednesdays at 11 AM Eastern Time.

Prior to each show, a new link will be placed on www.FromTheWoodsToday.com. Hosts Renee' Williams and Billy Thomas, along with the UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team feature guests such as forestry and natural resource professionals, wood-land owners, extension personnel, and more to cover a variety of timely forestry, wild-life, and natural resources related topics.

In addition to the live shows, recordings of the shows are also posted at www.FromTheWoodsToday.com.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

If interested in any of these events, contact the Extension Office for more information.

DATE EVENT LOCATION

June 18 Yellow Tag Sale UPI, Irvington

June 18 KATS—Mid Season ON Hold

June 30 Pest Management Field Day Princeton, KY

July 16 KATS -– Spray Clinic Princeton, KY

July 28 UK Corn, Soybean & Tobacco Field Day Princeton, KY

July 30 High School Crop Scouting Competition Princeton, KY

August 7 Friday After 5 Ag Appreciation Night, Owensboro, KY

August 27 KATS—End of Season Princeton, KY

Rose Care

In early May, I put 1 tablespoon of Osmocote around each bush, which will last

several weeks.

You will need to start fertilizing every two weeks. Water thoroughly before fertiliz-

ing, if it does not rain, water between fertilizing. DO NOT WATER AT NIGHT. The best time to water is in

the morning hours so foliage will dry before nightfall, because roses do not like to go to bed with wet feet. Do

not fertilize after August.

Also, it is time to begin your spray program of an insecticide, such as Isotox, and a fungicide, such as

Funginex. NOTE: Be sure to follow directions on labels.

At the first sight of disease, spray with a fungicide every 10 days during the growing season.

At first sight of insects, spray with an insecticide, and then repeat application in 10 days. If needed

spray every 10 days.

When the buds have been spent, prune back to first 5th leaf. Roses that are kept neatly pruned will con-

sistently produce more flowers than bushes not pruned. After the first buds have been removed, remove most

of the foliage at the lower end of the plant (about 3 or 4 leaves up from the ground) to improve air circulation.

In Mid-September, discontinue pruning buds to allow bushes to store energy for the winter.

At Thanksgiving, it is time to prune a few inches of dense, twigging top growth from bushes to prevent

winter wind damage. If the weather is mild, spray a fungicide on bare stems and on the ground. Begin mulch-

ing to protect from winter cold.

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Almanac Tidbits for: June

Plant above ground crops — 1-3, 21-22, 27-30

Plant Below ground crops — 6-7, 11-12, 16-17

Seed Beds ——————— 2-3, 21-22, 29-30

Kill plant pests: ————— 4-5, 8-10, 13-15, 18-20, 23-26

The Cooperative Extension Service prohibits discrimination in its programs and employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, disabil-

ity, or national origin.

To file a complaint of discrimination, contact Tim West, UK College of Agriculture, 859-257-3879; Terry Allen or Patty Bender, UK Office of

Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity, 859-257-8927; or the USDA, Director Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W Whitten Bldg., 14th & Inde-

pendence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 (202-720-5964).

Open every Saturday—6:30 a.m. (ct) Open every Tuesday—3 p.m. (ct)

until products are sold Starting June 13 thru October 2020

Location:

Behind the Breckinridge County Extension Office in the Extension Farmers’ Market and Educational Facility, on the corner of US 60 BY-Pass and Hwy 261 at 1377 South Hwy

261, Hardinsburg, KY

Accepting WIC Vouchers and Senior Citizens’ Voucher -- contact the Health Dept. at 270-756-5121 for vouchers.

Wide variety of fruit and vegetables, due to Covid-19, handmade crafts will not be sold until later this summer. This is a great opportunity to come out and meet the producers who work hard pro-

ducing the high quality produce that you enjoy.

We will be practicing social distancing — you must stay 6 feet apart and please do not handle the produce. Please be prepared for changes

to the market procedure as the season progresses.

For more information call 270-756-2182 Funded in part by Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds

Breckinridge County Farmers’ Produce Market