Growers Use Crop Residues to Increase Yields and Protect Soil
Growers using no-till and reduce till systems have reduced soil erosion in Northwest Missouri to a point that we have achieved many of our goals in reducing soil loss. However, with heavy rains this spring and some of the damage that occurred in 2007, we do have some small ditches in fields.
If you have fields that have damage, you may want to smooth the ditch edges with a blade. Plowing or disking loosens more soil and this can dislodge with the impact of rains. Also, sowing some winter small grains that can create residue will help absorb the energy from rain. Old crop residues also help prevent erosion once the ditches are filled.
As we continue to look for ways to improve crop yields, some are questioning the value of no-till. We only have to look back about 20 years to see the benefits we have now.
When we lose topsoil, our crop yields decline. The organic matter contained in top-soil provides our crops with sources of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Organic matter also provides the environment for good plant growth.
Our data at the Graves-Chapple Farm continue to show that no-till crop yields are equal to or greater than other tillage systems. Also, when you examine the income and expense, the economics are better with no-till.
Another reason for continuing with no-till is increased water infiltration. Tests conducted years ago at Graves-Chapple showed that no-till had greater infiltration rates of water compared to other tillage systems even ripping the soil. We also repeated this again last year at the Graves-Chapple Farm and again the results were faster infiltration rates with no-till.
The use of crop residues to protect the soil and the use of mechanical practices to move excess water off of row crop fields continue to be important strategies to keep our soils productive and producing high crop yields. Lets continue using these practices so future generations can have access to this resource.
For more information contact Wayne Flanary at (660)446-3724 or Heather Benedict at (660)425-6434, Regional Agronomists with the University of Missouri Extension.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sooty Blotch in Apples
Sooty Blotch in Apples Not a Health Concern
By Janet Hackert, Regional Nutrition and
Health Education Specialist
This year the apple harvest has been bountiful! But some of those beautiful apples are showing blemishes caused by sooty blotch. Although they may not look nice, these apples "do not pose a health risk," says Dr Michael Ellis from the Department of Plant Pathology at Ohio State University.
An apple with sooty blotch has brown to dull black spots on it. The spots do not have clear-cut edges, but rather have an indefinite outline. The spots may be confined to one small area, or may cover most of the fruit’s surface. Most commonly this problem occurs with Golden Delicious or Grimes apples, but may show up on any variety.
Sooty blotch is caused by a fungal infection. It is particularly prevalent later in the season when May and June were cool and wet and July and August were hot and dry – much like we have had in many parts of northwest Missouri this year.
The good news is that sooty blotch is only ‘skin deep.’ Because it is confined to the surface of the fruit, it is easy to remove it. As Dr. Ellis reports, "Removal of the fungus by washing, rubbing or peeling the fruit results in fruit that is acceptable for cooking or eating fresh." But then, washing and rubbing any type of fruit is recommended to keep that food safe to eat, whether the process is to remove sooty blotch or any number of potentially dangerous microorganisms.
Hold apples at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal long term storage. Apples at these temperatures last far longer than at room temperature. Temperatures in a garage or basement may be cool and will prolong the shelf life of apples. But even better would be to use a spare refrigerator where apples would be kept at a constant temperature. For apples with sooty blotch, the same storage conditions are recommended. Even after being held in cold storage, "sooty blotch could increase, but not be a health risk," says Dr. Ellis.
University of Missouri Extension is the local link between the resources of the four University of Missouri campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis; Lincoln University in Jefferson City; and people throughout the state.
Equal opportunity is and shall be provided to all participants in Extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or military organizations associated with the armed forces of the United States of America.
By Janet Hackert, Regional Nutrition and
Health Education Specialist
This year the apple harvest has been bountiful! But some of those beautiful apples are showing blemishes caused by sooty blotch. Although they may not look nice, these apples "do not pose a health risk," says Dr Michael Ellis from the Department of Plant Pathology at Ohio State University.
An apple with sooty blotch has brown to dull black spots on it. The spots do not have clear-cut edges, but rather have an indefinite outline. The spots may be confined to one small area, or may cover most of the fruit’s surface. Most commonly this problem occurs with Golden Delicious or Grimes apples, but may show up on any variety.
Sooty blotch is caused by a fungal infection. It is particularly prevalent later in the season when May and June were cool and wet and July and August were hot and dry – much like we have had in many parts of northwest Missouri this year.
The good news is that sooty blotch is only ‘skin deep.’ Because it is confined to the surface of the fruit, it is easy to remove it. As Dr. Ellis reports, "Removal of the fungus by washing, rubbing or peeling the fruit results in fruit that is acceptable for cooking or eating fresh." But then, washing and rubbing any type of fruit is recommended to keep that food safe to eat, whether the process is to remove sooty blotch or any number of potentially dangerous microorganisms.
Hold apples at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal long term storage. Apples at these temperatures last far longer than at room temperature. Temperatures in a garage or basement may be cool and will prolong the shelf life of apples. But even better would be to use a spare refrigerator where apples would be kept at a constant temperature. For apples with sooty blotch, the same storage conditions are recommended. Even after being held in cold storage, "sooty blotch could increase, but not be a health risk," says Dr. Ellis.
University of Missouri Extension is the local link between the resources of the four University of Missouri campuses in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis; Lincoln University in Jefferson City; and people throughout the state.
Equal opportunity is and shall be provided to all participants in Extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or military organizations associated with the armed forces of the United States of America.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Bad Second Inning Dooms Northeast in Districts
A bad second inning doomed Northeast Nodaway in districts as they lost 11-1 in six innings to Stanberry Wednesday. The Bulldogs scored six times in the second to create an insurmountable 7-0 lead after two innings and cruised to the victory.
Stanberry scored once in the first; Sydney Stoll reached on an error and Hailey Stuart doubled her to third, hitting a shot into the right field gap. Kimberly Jensen was thrown out on a dropped third strike, but Stoll broke for home safely on the throw to first to make it 1-0.
Northeast threatened in the top of the second as Blair Schmitz walked and Mallorie Peters grounded out to advance her to second, but Taylor Dougan and Sarah Fox struck out.
The Bluejays were doomed by pitching breakdowns in the second inning. Emily Bryant struck out three Stanberry batters in the first, but her control deserted her and she walked four batters in the second. Stanberry teed off on her as well, getting four hits in the frame and sending eight straight batters to the plate safely. The big blows for the Bulldogs in the inning were Shannon Luke’s two-run single between first and second as well as Jensen’s line drive single that scored two more.
Northeast got a run back in the third when Bryant tripled in the gap in right center and Cammi Hansen grounded out to bring her in.
Bryant walked two more batters in the third; Alex Wallace advanced them with a bunt and Hailey Stuart singled them home. Stuart took second on a wild pitch and then Jensen reached safely when Mallorie Peters fell down trying to field a grounder, scoring Stuart. That made it 10-1.
After Northeast went in order in the fourth, Taylor Dougan replaced Bryant on the mound. She struck out the first two batters; Morgan Luke reached on an error for Stanberry, stole second, and took third on a wild pitch. But Cammi Hansen fielded a grounder and threw her out at the plate to end the inning.
Dougan was hit by a pitch for Northeast and took second on a wild pitch in the top of the fifth; however, Kelsie Shaw and Sarah Fox struck out and Emily Bryant grounded out to end the threat.
Stanberry loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the fifth, but they could not score. Dougan struck out Jensen; Katie Redig hit a line drive that would have ended the game, but Bryant snared the shot at shortstop to keep Northeast alive. Kelsey Stuart struck out to end the inning.
With two outs in the sixth, Rachel Runde singled between first and second while Blair Schmitz walked; however, Mallorie Peters grounded out to strand them. Morgan Luke singled in the 11th run for Stanberry to end the game on the 10-run rule.
Stanberry scored once in the first; Sydney Stoll reached on an error and Hailey Stuart doubled her to third, hitting a shot into the right field gap. Kimberly Jensen was thrown out on a dropped third strike, but Stoll broke for home safely on the throw to first to make it 1-0.
Northeast threatened in the top of the second as Blair Schmitz walked and Mallorie Peters grounded out to advance her to second, but Taylor Dougan and Sarah Fox struck out.
The Bluejays were doomed by pitching breakdowns in the second inning. Emily Bryant struck out three Stanberry batters in the first, but her control deserted her and she walked four batters in the second. Stanberry teed off on her as well, getting four hits in the frame and sending eight straight batters to the plate safely. The big blows for the Bulldogs in the inning were Shannon Luke’s two-run single between first and second as well as Jensen’s line drive single that scored two more.
Northeast got a run back in the third when Bryant tripled in the gap in right center and Cammi Hansen grounded out to bring her in.
Bryant walked two more batters in the third; Alex Wallace advanced them with a bunt and Hailey Stuart singled them home. Stuart took second on a wild pitch and then Jensen reached safely when Mallorie Peters fell down trying to field a grounder, scoring Stuart. That made it 10-1.
After Northeast went in order in the fourth, Taylor Dougan replaced Bryant on the mound. She struck out the first two batters; Morgan Luke reached on an error for Stanberry, stole second, and took third on a wild pitch. But Cammi Hansen fielded a grounder and threw her out at the plate to end the inning.
Dougan was hit by a pitch for Northeast and took second on a wild pitch in the top of the fifth; however, Kelsie Shaw and Sarah Fox struck out and Emily Bryant grounded out to end the threat.
Stanberry loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the fifth, but they could not score. Dougan struck out Jensen; Katie Redig hit a line drive that would have ended the game, but Bryant snared the shot at shortstop to keep Northeast alive. Kelsey Stuart struck out to end the inning.
With two outs in the sixth, Rachel Runde singled between first and second while Blair Schmitz walked; however, Mallorie Peters grounded out to strand them. Morgan Luke singled in the 11th run for Stanberry to end the game on the 10-run rule.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Jack Remembers for 10-15-08
January 11th, 1965 was the coldest day of the winter. The sun was out, but it was below zero. It was the second Monday in January and Inauguration Day for Governor Warren Hearnes. The Honorary Colonels were lining up in alphabetical order for the Inaugural Parade.
For many years, the Democratic governors had named Honorary Colonels to their staff. Normally they named two per county and sometimes many more. They had Colonels uniforms and marched in the Inaugural Parade. At the Inaugural Ball held in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building, the Colonels and their ladies would promenade down the spiral staircase and past the state elected officials. It was a colorful ceremony and cost the state nothing. The Colonels also paid for the painting of the First Lady’s portrait that would hang in the mansion, and would participate in functions throughout the Governor’s term of office.
The Colonel next to me asked if I was cold. I replied, "I’m freezing." Out of his inside coat pocket, he pulled a pint of whiskey, which we thought warmed us up. His name was Pat Jones and from that day on, he was my favorite "Colonel". He owned Modern Security Insurance Company, a 7500 acre ranch near Rogersville, and later built the Exotic Animal Paradise east of Springfield on Highway 44.
After the Inauguration at high noon we adjourned to one of the State Senator’s offices and continued to warm up by consuming some of the Senator’s stock. During this period of time, Pat related to me how proud he was of his two children. His girl he was not worried about, but he said he didn’t think his boy Jerry would ever be worth a dime because all he thought about was football. Jerry was playing that year on the University of Arkansas Razorback team as a guard. Little did Pat realize 30 years down the road his son would own the Dallas Cowboys. I don’t know what the Cowboys are worth, but the Washington Redskins recently sold for $800,000,000.00.
For many years, the Democratic governors had named Honorary Colonels to their staff. Normally they named two per county and sometimes many more. They had Colonels uniforms and marched in the Inaugural Parade. At the Inaugural Ball held in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building, the Colonels and their ladies would promenade down the spiral staircase and past the state elected officials. It was a colorful ceremony and cost the state nothing. The Colonels also paid for the painting of the First Lady’s portrait that would hang in the mansion, and would participate in functions throughout the Governor’s term of office.
The Colonel next to me asked if I was cold. I replied, "I’m freezing." Out of his inside coat pocket, he pulled a pint of whiskey, which we thought warmed us up. His name was Pat Jones and from that day on, he was my favorite "Colonel". He owned Modern Security Insurance Company, a 7500 acre ranch near Rogersville, and later built the Exotic Animal Paradise east of Springfield on Highway 44.
After the Inauguration at high noon we adjourned to one of the State Senator’s offices and continued to warm up by consuming some of the Senator’s stock. During this period of time, Pat related to me how proud he was of his two children. His girl he was not worried about, but he said he didn’t think his boy Jerry would ever be worth a dime because all he thought about was football. Jerry was playing that year on the University of Arkansas Razorback team as a guard. Little did Pat realize 30 years down the road his son would own the Dallas Cowboys. I don’t know what the Cowboys are worth, but the Washington Redskins recently sold for $800,000,000.00.
Pool Fundraiser October 18th
Grant City Community Betterment along with VFW and VFW Auxiliary will be hosting a Bingo Night and Soup Supper on Saturday, October 18th at the Worth County Fairgrounds Building. They will start serving at 5:30 pm and free will donations will be accepted for the soup supper.
Bingo will start at 7 pm and will be a 50% payback per game. All proceeds will go to the Pool Renovation Project.
Come join us for some good food and lots of fun.
Bingo will start at 7 pm and will be a 50% payback per game. All proceeds will go to the Pool Renovation Project.
Come join us for some good food and lots of fun.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Westfork Boosters 4-H Minutes for October 5th, 2008
The regular meeting of the West Fork Boosters 4H Club was called to order by President Austin Thummel at 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 5, 2008. The Pledge to the American flag and the 4H Pledge were led by Austin Thummel. DeAnn Warne, secretary did roll call. The Roll Call Question "What is your favorite color?" Wyatt Rush gave the treasurer’s report with a balance on hand of $1389.69.
Old business discussed everyone needs to turn in their enrollment forms. At our September meeting we discussed doing a food drive for the Mission Possible Center as our community service project. The goal was to raise 150lbs. of food. We receive quite a bit of food. Our December meeting will be Saturday, December 6th, with bowling at Maryville from 3-5 and we will have pizza delivered. Before bowling we will go shopping for kids that we have taken off the Angel Tree.
New business discussed was our November Community Service Project. A couple of ideas that were thrown out was a Soup Kitchen in St. Joe, cookies for seniors or adopt a family for Thanksgiving. The kids took a vote with 7 votes to Soup Kitchen, 6 votes to adopting a family for Thanksgiving and 2 votes for cookies for seniors. It was decided if we couldn’t get in the soup kitchen then we would adopt the family. We discussed who would bring drinks & snacks our meetings. Wyatt Rush made a motion to start at the beginning of the alphabet. Luke Andrews seconded.
November: Andrews / Gabriel Family
December: Hardy/Hunt Family
January: Rush/ Thorborn Family
February: Thummel/ Troutwine Family
March: Warne/Welch Family
April: Andrews/Gabriels Family
May: Hardy/Hunt Family
Next meeting will be Sunday, November 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Worth County Fairgrounds Building or we will find out about the soup kitchen.
A motion was made by Sidney Thummel to adjourn the meeting and Luke Andrews seconded it.
DeAnn Warne,
Secretary
Old business discussed everyone needs to turn in their enrollment forms. At our September meeting we discussed doing a food drive for the Mission Possible Center as our community service project. The goal was to raise 150lbs. of food. We receive quite a bit of food. Our December meeting will be Saturday, December 6th, with bowling at Maryville from 3-5 and we will have pizza delivered. Before bowling we will go shopping for kids that we have taken off the Angel Tree.
New business discussed was our November Community Service Project. A couple of ideas that were thrown out was a Soup Kitchen in St. Joe, cookies for seniors or adopt a family for Thanksgiving. The kids took a vote with 7 votes to Soup Kitchen, 6 votes to adopting a family for Thanksgiving and 2 votes for cookies for seniors. It was decided if we couldn’t get in the soup kitchen then we would adopt the family. We discussed who would bring drinks & snacks our meetings. Wyatt Rush made a motion to start at the beginning of the alphabet. Luke Andrews seconded.
November: Andrews / Gabriel Family
December: Hardy/Hunt Family
January: Rush/ Thorborn Family
February: Thummel/ Troutwine Family
March: Warne/Welch Family
April: Andrews/Gabriels Family
May: Hardy/Hunt Family
Next meeting will be Sunday, November 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Worth County Fairgrounds Building or we will find out about the soup kitchen.
A motion was made by Sidney Thummel to adjourn the meeting and Luke Andrews seconded it.
DeAnn Warne,
Secretary
Silver-Haired Legislature Identifies Priorities
Silver Haired Legislative delegates from all areas of the state met September 29, 30 and October 1, 2008 for their 35th annual legislative session. Delegates debated and voted on twenty-two separate proposals during a three-day session, which took place at the Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, as well as the House and Senate Chambers of the Capitol in Jefferson City. Delegates attending from the Northwest area were Senators: Sharon Ferris, Trenton; Dale Faulkner, Tarkio; Helen Leimbach-Zech, Plattsburg. Representatives: Edwin & Dorothy Allender , Chillicothe; Dale & Patricia Midland, Maryville; Martha Rush, Sheridan; John Murphy, Maysville; James Crenshaw, Lathrop; Claude Brandon, Savannah; Joyce Nixon, St. Joseph; Jennie Vertrees, Princeton; Mary Catherine Damm, Chillicothe; Howard Trullinger, Eagleville.
At the conclusion of the session, delegates voted on their top five priority bills for presentation to the Missouri General Assembly, scheduled to convene in mid-January. Silver Haired priorities include:
1. Comprehensive Entry Point;
2. Increase Area Agencies on Aging Meal Funding;
3. Increase Missouri Health Net Asset Levels:
4. Increase Personal Needs Allowance of Facility Residents on Medicaid;
5. Regulate Payday Loans.
At the conclusion of the session, delegates voted on their top five priority bills for presentation to the Missouri General Assembly, scheduled to convene in mid-January. Silver Haired priorities include:
1. Comprehensive Entry Point;
2. Increase Area Agencies on Aging Meal Funding;
3. Increase Missouri Health Net Asset Levels:
4. Increase Personal Needs Allowance of Facility Residents on Medicaid;
5. Regulate Payday Loans.
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