Extension Calling

As the season of outdoors comes closer, it's important to review some basics of pesticide safety. Whether they are organic or synthetic, all pesticides can be dangerous. So wear your PPE and keep them out of reach of children! 

Being out in cold temperatures is often necessary. But, there are a few things you can do to improve your comfort and safety. We cover how to layer your clothes, travel safely, and how to help livestock stay warm and healthy in low temperatures. 

Learn about the differences in sidewalk salt and their effects on the ice, environment, and the sidewalk itself. We also remind our poultry owners about biosecurity tacticts to protect their birds from avian influenza

What to do in the garden or on the farm during winter to reduce disease and make life easier next year.

Explore the history and dangers of feral swine, their diseases, hunting regulations, and safe cooking tips to protect yourself and our food system.

Using soap to kill insects isn't as simple as it seems. Today we go through the ins and outs of what makes soap an appropriate insecticide and what to avoid.  References: Fundamentals of Using Soaps as Insecticides by Dr. Raymond Cloyd https://blogs.k-state.edu/kansasbugs/2020/06/12/fundamentals-of-using-soaps-as-insecticides/  Insecticidal Soap Written byPaul Pugliese. Growing & Mowing in Bartow County March 4, 2024 https://site.extension.uga.edu/bartow/insecticidal-soap/  The Use of Horticultural Oils and Insecticidal Soaps For Control of Insect Pests of Amenity Plants Fredric D. Miller  Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF) November 1989, 15 (11) 257-262; DOI: https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1989.055  https://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/15/11/257  Horticultural oils and soaps play important roles in reducing pest pressure and lowering risks for a biological control program. https://www.nurserymag.com/article/compatible--tools/  Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control Factsheet | HGIC 2771 | Updated:

Join us as we explore the impact of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on our forests, uncovering its origins, spread, and the ecological consequences of its control. Learn about hope for management and what you can do to protect your prize hemlock tree from this invasive pest.

Belive it or not, zombies really do exist. There are many examples in nature and cordiceps do play a role. However, for the most part, zombieism is restricted to insects. 

We have a special guest this week as part of the WVU Extension Drought Series coordinated by Alex Straight. Dr. Lowell Midla, is a Doctor of Vetrinary Medicine and is joining us from Merk Animal Health. Learn the different stressors that impact animal health and what you can do about them. He also covers good herd management techniques for when feed stocks are low. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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