Menifee County Extension Office 140 Main Street P.O. Box 85 Frenchburg KY 40322 Phone: 606-768-3866

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Mary McCarty Menifee County Extension

4-H/Ag Agent

PRESORTED STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID FRENCHBURG KY

PERMIT 16

Kayla Walton

Menifee County Extension

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

UK Specialist, Les

Anderson BCS at

calving

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Post Weaning Val-

ue Added Program

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Farmer’s Market

Opening Day

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Outdoor Safety 6

Menifee Co. 4-H

Communications

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4-H Camp 8

Dining with Diabetes

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Calendar of Events 10-11

Cooking Through the Calendar

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What 4-H Clubs Offer

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Recipes 14

Super Star Chef 15

Cultural Arts Exhibit 16

Menifee County Homemakers

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Get FitBlue 18

Grocery vs– Farmer’s Market

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M E N I F E E C O U N T Y

C O O P E R A T V I E E X T E N S I O N

S E R V I C E

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F R E N C H B U R G , K Y 4 0 3 2 2

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6 0 6 - 7 6 8 - 2 5 2 4 ( F A X )

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Menifee County Extension News M A Y — J U N E 2 0 1 9 V O L U M E 1 7

Spring showers bring May flowers. We are in the middle of spring and summer is knocking on our door. It’s that time of the year to spray those winter annuals and some perennials like buttercup. If you wait till you see all of those yellow blooms in the field then your control percentage will go down dramatically. If you are participating in the CAIP program, you have less then 2 months left to get your project completed and receipts turned in. There are 2 more chances for CAIP Education- May 14th BQCA at Me-nifee -cost $5 & May 20th at Morgan County Extension Farm. You must have your education completed, producer report, pictures of finished project, and receipts to receive pay-ment for your project. As always, let us know if there is anything that you need. We are here to serve. Have a great week!

Mary McCarty Menifee County Extension

4-H/Ag Agent

As summer approaches we are excited to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, start harvesting summer fruits and veggies from our gardens, and plan for fun summer trips! To go along with your spring-fever, coming up in May and June we have 4-H Camp, 4-H Super Star Chef, Farmer’s Market opening day, a diabetes nutrition class and support group, our summer walking challenge and the Cultural Arts Exhibit at Mountain Memories Festival. This can be an exciting time of year with all the summer activities to prepare for and for many, a summer break to look forward to! If you are looking to fill your time this summer or just want to add some fun-filled learning into your spring and summer plans stop by the extension office and see what all we have to offer!

Kayla Walton Menifee County Extension FCS/ 4-H Agent

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I Normally Like Ribs Les Anderson, UK Beef Specialist

Jeff, Darrh, and I were chatting the other day and, amazingly, we all agreed on something! Over our many miles of travel this winter/spring, we have seen more ribs on cows that any of us can remember. The wet, cold winter and poor hay quality has really stressed cows and if we don’t watch out, it will impact rebreed-ing. A successful breeding season begins with nutritional management decisions made prior to calving but most spring-calving herds are past that now. “Ribs” are best maintained over the winter during the two trimesters of pregnancy. Visible ribs are one component of body condition score. Body condition score (BCS) is a nu-merical estimation of the amount of fat on the cow’s body. It ranges from 1-9; with 1 being emaciated and 9 extremely obese. A change in a single BCS (i.e. a 4 to a 5) is usually associated with about a 75 pound change in body weight. Evaluation of BCS prior to calving and from calving to breeding is important to en-sure reproductive success. Rebreeding performance of cows is greatly influenced by BCS at calving. Cows that are thin (BCS < 5; visi-ble ribs) at calving take longer to resume estrous cycles and therefore are delayed in their ability to rebreed. As precalving BCS decreases, the number of days from one calving to the next (calving interval) increases in beef cows. Females with a precalving BCS <5 tend to have production cycles greater than 1 year. For ex-ample, cows with a precalving BCS of 3 would be expected to have a calving interval of approximately 400 days, while a cow with a precalving BCS of 6 would have a calving interval of approximately 360 days. Thin cows are anestrous for a longer period of time and are therefore more likely to be open at the end of the breeding season. They may also result in lighter calves to sell the next year because the calves from these thin cows will be born later in the calving season. Management of BCS after calving also impacts rebreeding efficiency. Maintenance requirements for energy and protein increase 25-30% for most beef cows after calving. Producers need to plan their supplementation to match or exceed this increased nutrient requirement. Rebreeding efficiency is enhanced in cows that calved thin if their energy intake is increased. Although the best management plan is to calve cows in a BCS of 5+, increasing the energy to cows that are thin at calving can boost reproductive performance. If you see ribs, increase the energy intake of your cows even if they are on pasture. They need to gain weight or re-breeding will likely be hindered. Thin cows (on an increasing energy intake plan!), young cows, and late-calving cows have one characteristic in common that will greatly impact their reproductive success; anestrus. After each calving, cows undergo a period of time when they do not come into estrus. This anestrous period can be as short as 17 days but can also last as long as 150 days depending upon a number of factors. Typically, mature cows in good BCS will be anestrus for 45-90 days (avg about 60 days) while first-calf heifers will be in anestrus for 75-120 days. Let’s consider the impact of anestrus and calving date for a herd that calves from March 1 until May 10. Bull turnout is May 20 and the length of anestrus for mature cows (BCS 5+) is 60 days, for thin (BCS <5) mature cows is about 80 days, and for young cows is 90 days. A mature cow with no ribs showing (BCS 5+) that calves on March 1 will begin to cycle on May 1 and is highly likely to conceive early. However, the ma-ture cow that calves on April 20 won’t cycle until June 20 and her opportunity to conceive early is less like-ly. Mature cows with “ribs” showing and first-calf heifers that calve on April 20 won’t begin to cycle until July 20 and will have limited opportunities to conceive.

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Download the FitBlueKY app on your smart phone for free and join us for the community steps challenge for the month of June! Follow the steps below to download the app and like our Facebook page to watch for the code to join our challenge! The overall winner will receive a Fitbit fitness tracker at the end of the challenge!

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The Cooperative Extension Service's educational programs serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital statis, genetic information, age, veteran's status or physical or mental disability. 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 & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 (202-720-5964). UK Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity: http://www.uky.edu/EVPFA/EEO/

Cattlemen can reduce the anestrous period by fenceline exposure to a mature bull or by treating the cows with progesterone for 7 days prior to bull turnout. Sources of progesterone include the feed addi-tive melengestrol acetate (MGA) or an EAZI-Breed CIDRÒ insert (Zoetis Animal Health). Both sources induce estrus in anestrous cows and exposure of anestrous cows to progesterone for 7 days before bull exposure and increase pregnancy rate. Pregnancy rates increase in these females because inducing estrus will increase the number of opportunities these cows have to conceive in the breeding season. Normally, I love “ribs” but not showing in my cows. If ribs are visible then plans need to be made to reduce the anestrous period. Energy intake must increase and estrus must be stimulated to give these cows a chance to conceive and give you a chance at a profit.

I Normally Like Ribs Les Anderson, UK Beef Specialist

PVAP – A New Program Offered by UK and KBN Kevin Laurent

What is PVAP? There is a new program, beginning this year , aimed at Kentucky cow-calf pro-ducers who have never marketed weaned calves or who have never retained ownership in the feedlot. The program is called the Post Weaning Valued Added Program or PVAP for short. This program is being offered through support of a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and will be administered by University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Beef Network. The objective of PVAP is to encourage cow-calf producers to retain ownership and capture added value from their investment in beef cattle genetics, facilities and improved management through diversified marketing strategies. Two options will be offered: PRECONDITION-PVAP - which is an on farm preconditioning pro-gram that prepares calves for the feedlot and FEEDLOT-PVAP - which allows producers to send cat-tle to the feedlot for evaluation of performance and carcass merit. Justification: Demand for weaned calves is growing and the cattle market is placing more emphasis on calves with a known management history. The overwhelming majority of calves in KY are weaned on the trailer in route to the local sale barn. Research has shown that calves preconditioned through programs such as the CPH-45 experience a 74% reduction in sickness and death loss making them more valuable to buyers. By weaning and preconditioning calves on the farm in KY, producers can not only potentially capture a premium at the sale barn, but also add more weight to calves prior to marketing. Summary data from UK and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have consistently shown positive net returns for participating in CPH-45 sales. Additionally, the quality of KY cattle has improved tremendously over the last 15 years. Progressive producers may also be able to capture more added value and a greater return on their investment in genetics by owning their cattle through

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the feedlot phase. This will also provide an opportunity for cow-calf producers to gain valuable feedlot and carcass data on their herds. Option 1 - PRECONDITION-PVAP (ownership retained post weaning, preconditioned and sold in KY) Program Eligibility:

For home raised weaned calves retained on the farm for 45-120 days prior to marketing Only producers who have never weaned and preconditioned calves on the farm are eligible. Producers may only participate in the program one time.

Program Structure: Potential producers will be identified by the local UK ANR agent or KBN facilitator. Step 1 - Site visit by the UK ANR Agent or KBN facilitator and UK Specialist to inspect facilities to

determine the suitability of weaning pen, on farm feed storage, etc. This visit will also entail plan-ning the weaning process and designing a proper feeding program.

Step 2 – Work, weigh and wean the calves using CPH-45 or similar approved protocol. Begin the feed-ing program. Calves will be graded and valued at this time using current KDA market information.

Step 3 – Weigh and booster the calves. Evaluate the feeding program. Step 4 – Sell the calves at a recognized preconditioned sale such as CPH-45, Red Tag, Yellow Tag,

Farmers’ Elite, etc. Step 5 – Complete required paperwork detailing beginning weights, feed and vet costs, and sales re-

ceipts. Producers must submit complete paperwork to receive a PVAP-incentive payment. Payment will be $30/head (maximum $1,000) for producers completing the program.

Option 2 - FEEDLOT-PVAP (ownership retained through feedlot phase and sold in Iowa) Program Eligibility:

For home raised calves weaned on the farm using CPH-45 protocol, then enrolled in the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative, Lewis, Iowa or similar approved program.

Only producers who have never retained ownership through a commercial feedlot are eligible. Producers may only participate in the program one time. Producers cannot participate in both PRECONDITION-PVAP and FEEDLOT-PVAP in the same

year. An attempt will be made to limit the number of calves an individual producer can enroll to a maximum

of 20 head. Exceptions may be made to ensure enough cattle for shipment. Program Structure:

Potential participants will be identified by the local UK ANR agent or KBN facilitator. Step 1 – Orientation meeting conducted by UK Specialists and UK ANR agents for participants. Step 2 - Site visit by the UK Specialist, UK ANR Agent or KBN facilitator to evaluate the calves and

plan the weaning process and design a proper feeding program. Step 3 – Work, weigh, EID tag and wean the calves according to CPH-45 protocol. Step 4 – Weigh and booster the calves. Evaluate the feeding program. Step 5 – Deliver calves to central shipping point. Calves will be graded and valued by USDA person-

nel using current market information prior to shipment to the feedlot. Step 6 – Upon harvest of cattle and receiving the final closeouts, a wrap up meeting will be held with

UK specialists for one on one evaluation and interpretation of each producer’s data. A $75/head (maximum $750) PVAP-incentive payment for producers completing the program.

PVAP – A New Program Offered by UK and KBN

Kevin Laurent

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Menifee County Homemakers In April, Menifee County Homemakers had their annual meeting and dinner event hosted by the First Club. Guest Speaker, Jeneen Sallez, spoke about the Menifee Community Theatre group.

President Phyllis Lawson will represent Menifee County Homemakers at the Ken-tucky Extension Homemaker’s Association State Meeting May 14-16, 2019. Menifee County will also be represented by three winning cultural arts exhibits by Jerri Hale, Darla Ritchie and Jean Roberts.

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The annual cultural arts exhibit competition will take place on June 6. All ages are welcome to contribute! Categories include paintings, drawings, sewing, quilting, crocheting, cross-stitch, scrapbooking, jewelry-making, woodworking and more! For a complete list or further questions contact the extension office.

Homemaker Club Meeting First Club: May 20th at 6 pm (extension office) Cabin Country: May 17th (field trip to Shaker Village) & June 20th at 12 pm (extension office) Home and Hearth: May 14th & June 11th at 6 pm (Korea Church of God)

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Responsibilities: UK Specialists:

Provide two site visits per cooperator. Assist in designing the feeding program Summarize closeouts and report to KADF. Provide technical support to both UK ANR agents, KBN facilitators and producers. Develop educational material based on results.

UK ANR Agents/KBN Facilitators: Identify cooperators. Provide technical support on initial site visits along with subsequent cattle working events. Secure portable scales for on farm weights or access to nearby truck scales for group weights. Assist cooperators with records and completion of paperwork.

Producers: Commit to following recommendations for the feeding and management program. Maintain accurate records on costs and sales receipts.

PVAP – A New Program Offered by UK and KBN

Kevin Laurent

Menifee County Farmers Market

Opening Day

June 14th, 2019

Tuesday’s 10-1pm

New Friday Hours! 4-7pm

Farmer’s Market Pavilion (Back Street) Frenchburg

: May 17th (field trip to Shaker Village) & June 20th at 12 pm

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As soon as the weather warms up, most of us head outdoors. If outdoor activities like camp-ing or hiking are in your family’s near future, make sure everyone knows how to keep themselves safe.

Planning is one of the most important safety measures you can take. Proper planning ensures your family has enough water and food in the event you get lost. It also means you have clothing like rain jackets and boots that you can use if the weather rapidly changes. Talk to your young people about your expectations for their behavior before you go on an outdoor adventure.

Once you get to the campsite, set clear boundaries with your children on an area that they should not leave. If they need to go to the restroom, bathhouse or anywhere else outside of your defined boundary, make sure they go with an adult if they are younger or in pairs if they are old-er. Never let a young person wander around a campsite alone.

Before you go on a hike, teach your young people how to identify poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, so they can stay away from them. Wear long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes to help avoid accidental exposure to poisonous plants. You may want to have some calamine lo-tion or hydrocortisone cream handy in case of accidental exposure. Long, light-colored clothing will make ticks easier to see too.

Young people need to know that wild things should stay wild. They should not eat anything they find, drink any water that has not been purified or try to pet or feed wild animals.

Make sure your family properly disposes of food waste and does not take food into their tent, especially if you are in an area with known bear activity. Bears can smell food even through packaging.

Encourage young people to stay away from water if you are not with them, especially if they are not a strong swimmer.

After hikes, wash all clothes to remove any poisonous plant matter that may have brushed up against your body. Check all family members for ticks. Common places to find ticks include be-hind ears, hair, neck, legs and around the waist.

For more information on outdoor safety tips, contact the Menifee County Extension office.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, na-tional origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender ex-pressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or men-tal disability.

Teach Everyone Outdoor Safety

Darrell Stirwell

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Cooking Through the Calendar: May 28th at 5:30 Recipe– Chicken and Ranch Mush-rooms

Cooking Through the Calendar: June 20th at 5:30 (this is a date change from the original fly-er!!) Recipe– Hawaiian Pizza

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Menifee County 4-H would like to congratulate all of the classroom winners with their 4-H Demonstrations and Speeches. On April 22 these talented 4-Hers came to Menifee Elementary School to com-pete in the County Communications night. The following students earned the right to move on to District Communications on May 7 at Lewis County High School.

Foods—Trinit Blakenship

STEM—McKenzie Walker

Animal Science—Kylee Botts

Natural Resources—Kolton Akers

Health—Lucas Riley

Visual Arts—Wyatt Martin

10 Year Old—Jalyn Brown

11 Year Old—Kaitlynn Wambaugh

12 Year Old—Jordan Terrell

Chicken and Ranch Mush-

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What Does 4-H Have to Offer

4-H is the nations largest youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders. 4-H members are organized in project and school clubs that meet monthly. 4-H is open to anyone that is 9-18 (Jan 1). New opportunities are always available thru 4-H.

Is overnight camping for members 9-15 as of the day of camp. We camp in London, KY at Camp Felt-ner for 3 days and 4 nights. June 3-6, 2019 is this years dates. There is a cost to 4-H Camp. However, fundraiser are held through out the year and sponsorship are received to give scholarships to 90% of Menifee County campers. Junior Counselors 16-18 and adult volunteers are needed to make 4-H Camp a success.

4-H is in 4th and 5th grade school clubs with hopes to add more grades to the list. Students learn Rob-erts Rules of Order and also get a monthly lesson on 4-H Core area that is chosen by their teacher. Stu-dents also do a class project of either a speech or an demonstration.

4-Hers use computers and a Cricut (die cutting machine) to design gifts, room décor, cups, and other projects. Depending on the project most classes are free. Homeschool club is open to any homeschool student to participate in 4-H school club like activities.

Activities for school club will give an introduction to everything that 4-H has to offer. Meetings are held at the Extension Office.

Robotics is held afterschool at the 4-Her school or at the Extension Office in the evenings or on Satur-day morning. 4-Hers use laptops to program EV3 robots to perform different challenges.

4-Her learn skills to cook meals and dessert at home. Members have fun whipping up their own sweet treats, healthy snacks, and meal ideals.

This club offers youth the opportunity to learn safely and properly shoot archery, shotgun, and rifle. Look for new disciplines to be added in the future. This club meets March—September. Members have the opportunity to compete in shoot matches in surrounding counties and at state.

Teen Club will learn leadership and team building skills through outdoor adventure activities. They will meet monthly the Extension Office.

Members will learn about breeds, parts, systems, ID, and other important facts about animals. Mem-bers have the opportunity to participate in the country ham project, skillathons, judging contest, and raising and showing animals at 4-H events.

4-H Camp

4-H School Enrichment

4-H Cricut Club

Homeschool 4-H Club

4-H Robotics

4-H Cooking Club

4-H Shooting Sports

4-H Teen Club

4-H Livestock and Horse CLubs

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If you or someone you care about has Diabetes, join us for a nutrition class and summer support group as we dive in to “Dining with Dia-betes” and sample a diabetes-friendly recipe! We will be meeting every oth-er Thursday at 5:30 for the months of June and July begin-ning June 13. Participants that attend all 4 sessions will receive a gift bag complete with a diabetic-approved recipe book!

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