Ty Back - Breathitt County Cooperative Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources August 2016

“The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways.”- John F. Kennedy

Upcoming Events

July 30, Kentucky Woodland’s Owners Short Course, UK RCARS at Quick-sand. More information on page 6.

August 9, Lunch at the Market, Breathitt County Farmer’s Market located at the Quicksand Fire Department, 11:00 AM– 1:00 PM ( or Until Sold Out). August 10, Hemp Class, Extension Office, 6:00 PM. More information below. August 26, Deadline for Hay Contest entries. See page 8 for more information.

Breathitt Ag News Cooperative Extension Service

Breathitt County

1155 Main Street (PO Box 612)

Jackson, KY 41339

(606) 666-8812

Fax: (606) 666-2566

www.breathittextension.com

Hemp Class

When: August 10th at 6:00 PM Where: Breathitt County Extension Office

Industrial hemp research in Kentucky began in 2014 following passage of the Farm Bill and Kentucky Senate Bill 50. Since that season, hemp research efforts have expanded significant-

ly. State-wide research involves production, processing and marketing of hemp products. Re-search at UK has been mostly agronomic or production oriented. Dr. David Williams has been involved with hemp production research since the first trials in 2014. He will provide an in-troduction to the industry, hemp history and botany, and research results from work at UK.

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Hay for horses comes in many forms, but the two most common are round bales and small square bales. Both have significant advantages as well as challenges and can be a source of quality forage for horses when managed correctly. Before purchasing or putting up hay, remember that forage quality does not depend on the size or shape. High-quality ( or low quality) hay can be packaged in round or square, large or small bales. Forage quality is at its peak when harvested at the correct stage of maturity. The extent of quality loss is relat-ed primarily to timing, management, and weather conditions. Once baled and stored properly, forage quality losses are minimal over a long period of time. Improper feeding of hay can also lead to quali-ty and quantity losses. Round Bales Process: Bailing hay can be an expensive en-deavor. Those costs (plus shipping and taxes) are typically included in the price of the hay. Making round bales requires fewer passes over the field and less time, fuel, and twine compared to making square bales. Hence, round bales are often more economical. Hay baled at higher moisture levels is more likely to heat, causing forage quality losses and potentially even fire. Before storing round bales inside, allow them to go through a “sweat,” allowing the inside bale temperature to return ambient tem-perature. See the University of Kentucky article “Hay Fire Prevention and Control” for more infor-mation on this topic. Size: The size of round bales can vary widely de-pending on the size of the baler and the density of the bales. Round balers can be 4 to 6 feet wide and produce bales ranging from a few hundred pounds to nearly a ton. Weight also depends on the type of forage baled. Legumes are denser that grasses, so a bale of alfalfa will likely weigh more that a similarly sized bale of grass hay. Water is less likely to perco-late into more densely packed bales, so denser bales will ford forage quality better when stored outside. Storage: Ideally, property owners should store all hay inside. However, round bales are commonly stored outside. Outside storage exposes hay to ele-ments; exposure to moisture can significantly re-duce forage quality. Moisture, in the form of rai, dew, snow, or soil, absorbed from the ground de-grades forage quality in two ways. First, water-

soluble nutrients, including carbohydrates, vita-mins, and minerals, leach from wet hay.. Moisture also allows bacteria and fungi to thrive; these or-ganisms fee on protein, carbohydrates, and fiber in the hay, reducing quality and producing dangerous byproducts. If you must store round bales outside, place them on rock or wood pallets to prevent moisture wick-ing from the ground. Place bales with flat sides butt-ed firmly together but round sided not touching. Cover bales with heavy-duty tarps, if possible, and avoid storing them under trees, which increases the amount of moisture the bales absorb and prolongs drying. Never stack bales when storing outside unless they are tarped. One study on round bale storage docu-mented 43% loss ad 66% animal refusal when stored on the ground, compared to 2% loss and 3% animal refusal when stored in a barn. Round bales that are held together using “net wrap” shed water better than bales with twine, so net wrapping is preferred when storing uncovered. Handling: Because you can only move round bales with a tractor or other machinery, this hay form might not be an option for small farms with limited equipment. When feeding large groups of horses, though, the ability to quickly put out a large bale of hay can make feeding easier and less physi-cally demanding on staff. Pulling off large sections of hay by hand and dragging them into stalls is pos-sible, but extremely labor-intensive. When feeding round bales inside, most farms unroll the hay and fork hay into stalls; mechanized unrollers can speed up this process. Feeding Losses: Feeding losses are a major con-cern when feeding any hay. Hay producers invest significant effort, time, and money into growing, baling, and storing hay, only for horses to waste it. Round bales stored outside and exposed to ele-ments often develop a deteriorated outer layer that horses refuse to eat. Time also increases waste. If a round bale is fed to a small number of animals, they will trample more of it. Reduce feeding losses by using any number of hay feeders, including rings or nets To keep animals from trampling the hay. Cov-ered feeders help limit trampling and weather expo-sure. Hay feeders come in many styles, types, and sizes and should be carefully evaluate to select one

Understanding Round and Square Bale Hay for Horses Source: Dr. Ray Smith, UK Forage Specialist; Tom Keene, UK Marketing Specialist;

& Krista Lea, UK Pasture Evaluation Program

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Minnesota article “Selecting a Round-Bale Feeder for Use During Horse Feeding” for a comparison of feeder types. Remember that some feeders require equipment to lift and move. Herd dynamics might also play a role in the type of hay feeder selected. In extremely large herds that consume a round bale in 24 hours or less, unrolling hay might be the best option to allow ac-cess for all horses at once. Safety: Because round bales are often exposed to more moisture compared to square bales, they come with a greater risk of mold and botulism. In most cases, mold will do no more that cause forage refusal, but the dustiness created by mold can lead to respiratory problems. Botulism is a common bacteria found in the soil. It can thrive in wet hay and has been known to infect horses. The best way to prevent botulism is to purchse quality hay that has been stored properly and to feed it to horses as soon as possible. A botu-lism vaccination is available. Consult your veteri-narian for details. For more information about botu-lism see the University of Kentucky article “Botulism: A Deadly Disease Tat Can Affect Your Horse.” Small Square Bales Small square bales are the most common form of ay for horses– and for good reason. They are conven-iently sized, easy to handle and are typically higher n quality that round bales (mainly because more care is usually put into harvesting and storing them), but these perks come at a price, as small bales are more expensive than large round ones. Making: Baling forage into small square hales is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Unless you purchase a hay accumulator, bales must be picked up from the field and stacked in a barn by hand. Whether you are making your own hay or purchas-ing it, labor will increase the forage’s overall cost. Size: Small square bales are just that-small. Tra-ditionally they are about 3 feet long 18 inches wide and just over 1 foot tall and can range from 35-70lbs, with an average of 50lbs. Hay producers pre-fer bales to be denser to save room when stacking in a storage facility and for transport. However, many horsemen prefer lighter bales that are easier to handle. Storage: Because of the added labor and, thus, cost involved with square bales, they are almost al-ways stored indoors. Their flat surface would collect

water and cause them to deteriorate rapidly if left uncovered. If stored inside, forage quality remains stable for a prolonged period with minimal changes in forage quality. Storage losses are usually minimal when bales are tied tight. Loose or broken strings, however, often result in lost material. Handling: This is another area where small square bales have an advantage. Unless you are moving a large number of bales or traveling a long distance, you can maneuver bales by hand. Small farms might purchase a couple of bales at time and transport them in a truck, horse trailer, or even an SUV. Small square bales are easily fed in stalls and ideal if intake needs to be limited. Feeding Losses: As with round bales, feeding losses with square ales can be significant and vary widely. When feeding in a stall, some horses will drag their hay around, resulting in much higher losses. Some people will shake ay out into a pile, making it harder to spread around. Using hay feed-ers, such as managers, racks, or nets, will reduce feeding losses either in a still or in a paddock. Using feeding pads in paddocks will also reduce feeding losses by keeping hay out of mud. Most horses will choose to graze over consuming hay, so some is likely to be wasted if fresh forages are available. Small square bales are easy to store, handle, and feed. This convenience comes at a price; small square bales will likely be much more expensive than similar quality round bales. Storage is usually not an issue with these bales, but hay feeders are essential to reducing feeding losses. Equine operations might find benefits in using round bales. Round baling forage is less expensive than square baling, but proper storage is key to maintaining forage quality and reducing losses. Feeding several horses in a pasture or drylot is easi-er using round bales, but requires special equip-ment. Hay feeders, such as rings, nets, or huts, will greatly reduce feeding losses. As always, grazing is far less expensive than any form of hay; good pas-ture management year-round will prolong grazing and reduce the need for hay Many equine operations find that a combination of round bales and small square bales work best. Round bales are more economical for feeding groups of horses in a pasture setting while small square bales are far easier for individual feeding. Regardless of what type or size of hay you choose, feeding losses can ad up quickly and cost your oper-ation substantially.

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Do Not Over-Fertilize Tomatoes

Source: K-State Extension

Though tomatoes need to be fertilized to yield well, too much nitrogen can result in

large plants with little to no fruit. Tomatoes should be fertilized before planting and side

dressed with nitrogen fertilizer three times during the season.

The first side dressing should go down one to two weeks before the first tomato rip-

ens. The second should be applied two weeks after the first tomato ripens and the third

one month after the second.

Common sources of nitrogen-only fertilizers include nitrate soda, urea, and

ammonium sulfate. Blood meal is an organic fertilizer that contains primarily, but not ex-

clusively, nitrogen.

Use only one of the listed fertilizers and apply at the rate given below.

Nitrate of soda (16-0-0): Apply 2/3 pound (1.5) cups fertilizer per 30 feet of row.

Blood Meal (12-1.5-.6): Apply 14 ounces (1.75) cups fertilizer per 30 feet of row.

Urea (46-0-0): Apply 4 ounces (1/2 cup) fertilizer per 30 feet of row.

Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0): Apply 0.5 pounds (1 cup) fertilizer per 30 feet row.

If you cannot find the above materials, you can use a lawn fertilizer that is about 30 per-

cent nitrogen (nitrogen is the first number in the set of the three) and apply it at the rate

of 1/3 pound (3/4 cup) per 30 feet of row. Do not use a fertilizer that contains weed killer

or weed preventer.

5 Tomato Leaf-Spot Diseases Source– K-State Extension

The time of year, two common leaf-spot diseases appear on tomato plants. Septoria leaf spot and early

blight are both characterized by brown spots on the leaves. Septoria leaf spot usually appears earlier in

the season than early blight and produces small ark spots. Spots made by early blight re much larger

and often have a distorted “target” pattern of concentric circles. Heavily infected leaves eventually turn

yellow and drop. Older leaves are more susceptible than younger ones, so these diseases often start at

the bottom of the plant and work up.

Mulching, caging, or staking keeps plants off the ground, making them less vulnerable. Better air circu-

lation allows foliage to dry quicker than in plants allowed to sprawl. Mulching also helps prevent water

from splashing and carrying disease spores to the plant.

In situations where these diseases have been a problem in the past, rotation is a good strategy. It is too

late for that now, but keep in mind for next year. Actually, rotation is a good idea even if you have not

had problems in the past. But many gardens are too small to make it practical. If you have room, rotate

the location of the tomatoes each year to an area that has not had tomatoes or related crops (peppers,

potatoes, eggplant) for several years.

If rotation is not feasible, fungicides are often helpful. Be sure to cover both upper and lower leaf sur-

faces, and reapply fungicide if rainfall removes it. Plants usually become susceptible when the tomato

fruit is about the size of a walnut.

Chlorothalonil is a good choice for fruiting plants because it has a 0-day waiting period, meaning that

fruit can be harvested once the spray is dry. Chlorothalonil can be found in numerous products includ-

ing Fertilome Broad-Spectrum Landscape and Garden Fungicide, Ortho Garden Disease Control, Gar-

denTech Daconil and others. Be sure to start protecting plants when the disease is first seen. It is virtu-

ally impossible to stop it on heavily infected plants.

You can also used fixed copper, which is sold under many brand names: Bonide copper spray or dust,

bonide liquid copper, or hi-yield cooper fungide. Fixed copper is an organically approved spray.

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7 Zika Website Gives Kentuckians Latest Information

By: Katie Pruit

University of Kentucky entomologists recently develop a website that will have the

most up-to-date information on Zika virus ad its spread, as mosquito population around the state begin to build. The website is– http://pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/ZIKA/1kyzika.html.

“Mosquitos are beginning to appear in the sate now, and their populations will peak during the mid-to late summer,” said Lee Townsend, extension entomologist with the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and web-site administrator. “The website has infor-mation on the mosquitos which are potential virus carriers in Kentucky and will include in-formation on locally transmitted cases as they appear.” One species, Aedes aegypti, is a known carrier

of Zika. Kentucky is a the northern edge of the mosquito’s range. The other is Aedes al-bopictus, which is better known as the Asian tiger mosquito and the most common mos-quito in Kentucky. Though is hasn’t been confirmed, scientist believe that all mosquito species within the Aedes genus could potentially transmit Zika.

In addition, the website included links to the Center for Disease Control and Preven-tion’s Zika virus web page, information for pregnant women, a map of the confirmed cases of Zika in the United States, products used to control mosquitos and educational activities for children. Mosquito control videos in both English and Spanish are also available.

Currently, all confirmed cases of Zika in the United States are from travelers who were bitten by mosquitos while in another country. Kentucky has had six such cases re-ported thus far. The virus causes everything from mild, flu-like symptoms in the average person to severe birth defects in babies, if their mothers contract the virus during preg-nancy.

If you would like your hay to be tested for FREE, call us at 666-8812.

Deadline for entry is August 26th.

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Breathitt County Farmer’s Market

Breathitt County

1155 Main Street

Jackson, KY 41339

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID

JACKSON, KY

PERMIT 4339

The Breathitt County Farmer's Market is now open for the summer. Visit our local Market to help support the farmer's in our county. The Farmer's Market is open

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 AM-6:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM-2:00 PM. There will be a Lunch at the Market hosted by the Breathitt County Extension Office on Au-

gust 9th and will be served from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (or until sold out).