(Last week’s items)
The road or country lane I grew up on was a roadside garden of sorts. Before the county came along and cleared the road banks, the trees almost touched from side to side, pretty but it wouldn’t dry out very fast after a rain and it was almost impassable at times.
There were gooseberries, dew berries, raspberries, chokecherry trees, mulberry and plum, wild onions, and grapes. Also nearby was a small meadow where an older lady had shown my mother how to pick an assortment of greens. I am too chicken to try it myself now. I only know the lowly dandelion to be safe.
There was a huge gooseberry bush at one corner of our hay field, and also blackberry fields nearby. I made some spending money one summer picking gooseberries for some old folks in town. They wanted five gallons; it took a while, and the charge was 50 cents a gallon. To this day, I hate to see these wild treasures go to waste.
One has to be a little cautious along the roads now a days because of all the sprays we have. Know your area before you strike out on your search. I have friends in town and country that I share my booty with. As Betty Crocker said, "Nothing says loving like something from the oven," and I will add the stove and berry patch. I gave one friend a black raspberry pie for her birthday. She never shared with anyone and in a couple of days, it was gone. A pie also beats a get well card; just ask another friend that.
So, if you see me with scratches and scrapes at this time of year, you can bet I have been battling the thorns and bushes, weeds, and vines. Fresh always beats frozen, canned, or dried.
My grandson marveled recently at a pie I served him that the berries had been on the tree just the day before. In this fast-paced world, something fresh and not prepared is a treat.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Nodaway County Eligible for FSA Disaster Loans
Mr. Tim Kelly, State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency, announced effective June 13th, 2008 that Nodaway County in Missouri will have FSA disaster loans available due to severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding which occurred from May 25th, 2008 and continuing. Applications for assistance will be accepted at the Nodaway County office of the Farm Service Agency for physical and production losses caused by this disaster. Applications will be accepted through February 13th, 2009.
Loans for physical losses must be used to replace or repair damage to buildings, fences, or to compensate the farmer for losses of basic livestock, stored crops, or supplies on hand or equipment that was lost due to the disaster. Loans for production losses may also be used to buy feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, or to make payments or real estate or chattel debts. Generally, loans for production losses cannot be approved until crops have completed their production cycle or have been harvested.
In order to qualify, a farmer must have suffered a 30% loss in production or an actual physical loss that was essential to the successful operation of the farm.
Loans for actual losses are made at an interest rate of 3.75% for emergency loans for those eligible applicants who are unable to obtain the credit needed from another source. All loan programs of the Farm Service Agency are conducted on a non-discriminatory basis.
Loans for physical losses must be used to replace or repair damage to buildings, fences, or to compensate the farmer for losses of basic livestock, stored crops, or supplies on hand or equipment that was lost due to the disaster. Loans for production losses may also be used to buy feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, or to make payments or real estate or chattel debts. Generally, loans for production losses cannot be approved until crops have completed their production cycle or have been harvested.
In order to qualify, a farmer must have suffered a 30% loss in production or an actual physical loss that was essential to the successful operation of the farm.
Loans for actual losses are made at an interest rate of 3.75% for emergency loans for those eligible applicants who are unable to obtain the credit needed from another source. All loan programs of the Farm Service Agency are conducted on a non-discriminatory basis.
Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan Stands the Test of Time
On July 31st, Judge Stephen Limbaugh will leave his seat on the Supreme Court to accept his appointment to the federal bench. Our state courts will lose an excellent jurist. Because this is Missouri, we can be sure that Judge Limbaugh’s seat on the court will be filled by a highly qualified lawyer who will not be beholden to special interests or corporations. If this were Illinois or any of the 21 states that have contested elections for their state supreme courts, I could not say that.
In those states, voters have been barraged by demeaning political attack ads designed to destroy the opposing candidate’s credibility. Not only does the content of this type of ad encourage the public to think poorly of the targeted candidate, but the money behind the ads raises serious concerns. A 2007 Zogby survey showed that four in five business leaders worry that financial contributions have a major influence on decisions rendered by judges.
In contrast to these multimillion dollar judicial campaigns, Missouri has a better way of selecting judges to its appellate courts (and also for trial judges in St. Louis City as well as in Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties). It is called the Non-Partisan Court Plan, and it consistently provides our state with excellent judges. The Plan is simple. Lawyers who want to serve as judges and who believe they are qualified submit their applications. A commission composed of lawyers and members of the public who are not lawyers review the applications, conducts interviews, and selects the top three candidates. The governor then fills the judicial opening by selecting the top candidate. After the new judge has served at least 12 months, the voters decide whether the Commission and the governor made a good pick by determining whether the judge should be retained.
No million dollar campaigns. No vicious attack ads. The Non-partisan Court Plan has served Missouri for nearly three quarters of a century, becoming a model for the nation. The beauty of the plan is that judicial candidates don’t have to curry favor of either political party or prowl about for campaign contributions. What judicial candidates do need are impeccable credentials, a strong understanding of the law, and the standing within the legal profession and their community to gain the trust and respect of others.
Because this is Missouri, the door is wide open to qualified lawyers and shuts out the worst excesses of partisan politics and special interest money.
In those states, voters have been barraged by demeaning political attack ads designed to destroy the opposing candidate’s credibility. Not only does the content of this type of ad encourage the public to think poorly of the targeted candidate, but the money behind the ads raises serious concerns. A 2007 Zogby survey showed that four in five business leaders worry that financial contributions have a major influence on decisions rendered by judges.
In contrast to these multimillion dollar judicial campaigns, Missouri has a better way of selecting judges to its appellate courts (and also for trial judges in St. Louis City as well as in Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties). It is called the Non-Partisan Court Plan, and it consistently provides our state with excellent judges. The Plan is simple. Lawyers who want to serve as judges and who believe they are qualified submit their applications. A commission composed of lawyers and members of the public who are not lawyers review the applications, conducts interviews, and selects the top three candidates. The governor then fills the judicial opening by selecting the top candidate. After the new judge has served at least 12 months, the voters decide whether the Commission and the governor made a good pick by determining whether the judge should be retained.
No million dollar campaigns. No vicious attack ads. The Non-partisan Court Plan has served Missouri for nearly three quarters of a century, becoming a model for the nation. The beauty of the plan is that judicial candidates don’t have to curry favor of either political party or prowl about for campaign contributions. What judicial candidates do need are impeccable credentials, a strong understanding of the law, and the standing within the legal profession and their community to gain the trust and respect of others.
Because this is Missouri, the door is wide open to qualified lawyers and shuts out the worst excesses of partisan politics and special interest money.
How to Treat Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy Rash
Poison ivy is a common cause of a skin irritation called contact dermatitis that may result in a red, itchy rash consisting of small bumps, blisters or swelling.
Most people have some level of sensitivity to poison ivy and similar toxic plants, such as poison oak and poison sumac. The irritating substance is the same for each plant, an oily resin called urushiol (u-ROO she-ol).
Rashes caused by poison ivy and its cousins generally aren't serious, but they certainly can be bothersome. Treatment for poison ivy mostly consists of self-care methods to relieve the itching until the reaction goes away.
Signs and symptoms of a poison ivy rash include:
Redness
Itching
Swelling
Blisters
Often, the rash has a linear appearance because of the way the plant brushes against your skin. But if you come into contact with a piece of clothing or pet fur that has urushiol on it, the rash may be more spread out.
The reaction usually develops 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last up to three weeks. In severe cases, new areas of rash may break out several days or more after initial exposure. This may seem like the rash is spreading. But it's more likely due to the rate at which your skin absorbed the urushiol.
Your skin must come in direct contact with the oil from the plant in order to be affected. Spreading blister fluid from scratching doesn't spread the rash, but germs under your fingernails may cause a secondary infection
A poison ivy rash itself isn't contagious. Blister fluid doesn't contain urushiol and won't spread the rash. In addition, you can't get poison ivy from another person unless you've had contact with urushiol on that person.
See your doctor if any of the following occur:
The reaction is severe or widespread.
The rash affects sensitive areas of your body, such as your eyes, mouth or genitals.
Blisters are oozing pus.
You develop a fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C).
The rash doesn't get better within a few weeks.
Poison ivy rash typically goes away on its own within one to three weeks. In the meantime, you can use self-care methods and over-the-counter medications to relieve signs and symptoms. If the rash is widespread or results in a large number of blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone.
Once a rash has broken out, the following may help to soothe itching and swelling:
Over-the-counter high-potency corticosteroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, especially within the first few days
Calamine lotion
Creams containing menthol, such as Sarna
Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), which may also help you sleep better
Cool-water tub soaks with over-the-counter colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno)
Cool, wet compresses for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day
General Health Clinic encourages you to speak with your healthcare professional with questions or concerns regarding poison ivy. The Clinic welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri. The office will be closed on July 11th, but will be open Saturday, July 12th. Appointments can be made by calling 660-778-3209.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/poison-ivy/DS00774
Poison ivy is a common cause of a skin irritation called contact dermatitis that may result in a red, itchy rash consisting of small bumps, blisters or swelling.
Most people have some level of sensitivity to poison ivy and similar toxic plants, such as poison oak and poison sumac. The irritating substance is the same for each plant, an oily resin called urushiol (u-ROO she-ol).
Rashes caused by poison ivy and its cousins generally aren't serious, but they certainly can be bothersome. Treatment for poison ivy mostly consists of self-care methods to relieve the itching until the reaction goes away.
Signs and symptoms of a poison ivy rash include:
Redness
Itching
Swelling
Blisters
Often, the rash has a linear appearance because of the way the plant brushes against your skin. But if you come into contact with a piece of clothing or pet fur that has urushiol on it, the rash may be more spread out.
The reaction usually develops 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last up to three weeks. In severe cases, new areas of rash may break out several days or more after initial exposure. This may seem like the rash is spreading. But it's more likely due to the rate at which your skin absorbed the urushiol.
Your skin must come in direct contact with the oil from the plant in order to be affected. Spreading blister fluid from scratching doesn't spread the rash, but germs under your fingernails may cause a secondary infection
A poison ivy rash itself isn't contagious. Blister fluid doesn't contain urushiol and won't spread the rash. In addition, you can't get poison ivy from another person unless you've had contact with urushiol on that person.
See your doctor if any of the following occur:
The reaction is severe or widespread.
The rash affects sensitive areas of your body, such as your eyes, mouth or genitals.
Blisters are oozing pus.
You develop a fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C).
The rash doesn't get better within a few weeks.
Poison ivy rash typically goes away on its own within one to three weeks. In the meantime, you can use self-care methods and over-the-counter medications to relieve signs and symptoms. If the rash is widespread or results in a large number of blisters, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone.
Once a rash has broken out, the following may help to soothe itching and swelling:
Over-the-counter high-potency corticosteroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, especially within the first few days
Calamine lotion
Creams containing menthol, such as Sarna
Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), which may also help you sleep better
Cool-water tub soaks with over-the-counter colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno)
Cool, wet compresses for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day
General Health Clinic encourages you to speak with your healthcare professional with questions or concerns regarding poison ivy. The Clinic welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri. The office will be closed on July 11th, but will be open Saturday, July 12th. Appointments can be made by calling 660-778-3209.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/poison-ivy/DS00774
Mature plants and trees can cast shade over once-sunny garden
Mature trees and plants can cast shade over once-sunny garden
Over time, a sunny garden may become a shady one as surrounding trees and shrubs mature.
"Landscapes change their degree of shade, making it a challenge to grow garden plants," said Chris Starbuck, University of Missouri Extension horticulturalist.
"Analyze the degree of shade in your garden periodically to determine if changes in plant materials may be needed," he said. "Choose plants that do well in less light."
Shrubs like junipers and lilacs require full sun and will decline as shade increases. Replacing them with shade-tolerant species like azaleas, Japanese kerria or certain viburnums will improve the appeal of the garden considerably.
Plants growing in shade must cope with low light levels and poor air circulation and compete with shading trees for water and nutrients, Starbuck said. Shallow-rooted trees such as maples and willows are particularly troublesome.
Cool-season salad vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and radishes may benefit from light shading during the summer heat. Beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, peas, potatoes, rhubarb and turnips will grow in light shade, but not produce as large a crop.
Currants and gooseberries tolerate medium shade and still produce a crop. Bramble fruits such as blackberries and raspberries grow in light shade, but with reduced yields.
Adding organic matter to shade garden soil will help. In the typical landscape, removing leaves each fall disrupts plants’ natural nutrient-recycling process. However, if leaves are not removed they can mat down and smother garden plants. Shredded leaves can be safely applied as mulch.
Another option is to compost the leaves and apply the compost in core-aeration holes or in small pockets dug in the garden, he said.
Don’t haul in several inches of compost-rich amendment to till into the soil under shade trees. Some species, such as oaks, are extremely sensitive to changes in soil depth within their root zone.
Branches or walls that cast shade block air movement. Poor air circulation coupled with lower light levels means foliage stays wet longer.
"Most plant-disease problems are worse under these conditions. Plant farther apart in the shade to allow more air movement. Water with soaker hoses or drip-irrigation systems to avoid wetting the foliage," he said.
Removing lower tree limbs or entire trees and shrubs that are too crowded will increase air movement and light penetration below the tree canopy. This will reduce disease problems and allow a wider palette of plants to grow in the garden.
For more information, see the MU Extension guide "Gardening in the Shade" (G6911) at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06911.htm.
Over time, a sunny garden may become a shady one as surrounding trees and shrubs mature.
"Landscapes change their degree of shade, making it a challenge to grow garden plants," said Chris Starbuck, University of Missouri Extension horticulturalist.
"Analyze the degree of shade in your garden periodically to determine if changes in plant materials may be needed," he said. "Choose plants that do well in less light."
Shrubs like junipers and lilacs require full sun and will decline as shade increases. Replacing them with shade-tolerant species like azaleas, Japanese kerria or certain viburnums will improve the appeal of the garden considerably.
Plants growing in shade must cope with low light levels and poor air circulation and compete with shading trees for water and nutrients, Starbuck said. Shallow-rooted trees such as maples and willows are particularly troublesome.
Cool-season salad vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and radishes may benefit from light shading during the summer heat. Beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, peas, potatoes, rhubarb and turnips will grow in light shade, but not produce as large a crop.
Currants and gooseberries tolerate medium shade and still produce a crop. Bramble fruits such as blackberries and raspberries grow in light shade, but with reduced yields.
Adding organic matter to shade garden soil will help. In the typical landscape, removing leaves each fall disrupts plants’ natural nutrient-recycling process. However, if leaves are not removed they can mat down and smother garden plants. Shredded leaves can be safely applied as mulch.
Another option is to compost the leaves and apply the compost in core-aeration holes or in small pockets dug in the garden, he said.
Don’t haul in several inches of compost-rich amendment to till into the soil under shade trees. Some species, such as oaks, are extremely sensitive to changes in soil depth within their root zone.
Branches or walls that cast shade block air movement. Poor air circulation coupled with lower light levels means foliage stays wet longer.
"Most plant-disease problems are worse under these conditions. Plant farther apart in the shade to allow more air movement. Water with soaker hoses or drip-irrigation systems to avoid wetting the foliage," he said.
Removing lower tree limbs or entire trees and shrubs that are too crowded will increase air movement and light penetration below the tree canopy. This will reduce disease problems and allow a wider palette of plants to grow in the garden.
For more information, see the MU Extension guide "Gardening in the Shade" (G6911) at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06911.htm.
CRP Release Suspended by Judge
Recently, USDA had authorized certain acreage enrolled under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to be available for hay or pasture after the primary nesting season ended for ground-nesting birds, which, in northern Missouri, is after July 15, 2008. This modification was under critical feed use initiatives and was only available in 2008. Prior to haying or grazing, producers would have been required to pay a fee of $75. No payment reduction would have been assessed on contracts being utilized for this critical feed use. Haying was limited to 50% of each eligible field. If grazing, 25% of each field must have remained ungrazed or all of the eligible CRP acreage could have been grazed at no more than 75% of the stocking rate, as determined by NRCS. All hay and livestock were to be removed by Nov. 10, 2008.
The most environmentally sensitive land enrolled in CRP was ineligible for critical feed use. These lands included wetlands, buffers, filter strips and other practices. In addition, acreage ineligible for critical feed use included acreage devoted to useful life easements, and land within 120 feet of a stream or other permanent water body.
On July 8, 2008 a Federal Judge granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) regarding the Critical Feed Use (CFU) initiative. Accordingly, all authority is suspended to process or approve the release of CRP for this purpose. Producers who have been previously approved are being notified that any CFU activity must immediately cease and that any such activity will, until further notice, be considered an unauthorized activity on CRP land. The Restraining Order is in effect until modified by the Court. A hearing has been scheduled and hopefully the issue will be resolved shortly.
At this time some other options do exist for producers to hay or graze CRP acreage under the managed haying and grazing provisions contained in their conservation plan of operations. Only acreage not hayed or grazed in the last 3 years would be eligible for release under this option. Worth County has also been approved for grazing under the emergency grazing provisions which would allow CRP acreage that was released for haying or grazing last year to be grazed this year as well. Both of these options would require a payment reduction of 25% of the contract price on the acres actually hayed or grazed. Please call 660-726-5525 in Gentry County or 660-564-3341 in Worth County with any questions you have concerning this information. Do not hay or graze any acreage released under Critical Feed Use provisions until further notice.
The most environmentally sensitive land enrolled in CRP was ineligible for critical feed use. These lands included wetlands, buffers, filter strips and other practices. In addition, acreage ineligible for critical feed use included acreage devoted to useful life easements, and land within 120 feet of a stream or other permanent water body.
On July 8, 2008 a Federal Judge granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) regarding the Critical Feed Use (CFU) initiative. Accordingly, all authority is suspended to process or approve the release of CRP for this purpose. Producers who have been previously approved are being notified that any CFU activity must immediately cease and that any such activity will, until further notice, be considered an unauthorized activity on CRP land. The Restraining Order is in effect until modified by the Court. A hearing has been scheduled and hopefully the issue will be resolved shortly.
At this time some other options do exist for producers to hay or graze CRP acreage under the managed haying and grazing provisions contained in their conservation plan of operations. Only acreage not hayed or grazed in the last 3 years would be eligible for release under this option. Worth County has also been approved for grazing under the emergency grazing provisions which would allow CRP acreage that was released for haying or grazing last year to be grazed this year as well. Both of these options would require a payment reduction of 25% of the contract price on the acres actually hayed or grazed. Please call 660-726-5525 in Gentry County or 660-564-3341 in Worth County with any questions you have concerning this information. Do not hay or graze any acreage released under Critical Feed Use provisions until further notice.
Work scheduled for area bridges
The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that two jobs are scheduled for the week of July 14, 2008 in Nodaway and Worth Counties (weather permitting).
Monday, July 14, 2008 - Nodaway County, Route NN. Crews will be doing deck repairs to the Platte River Bridge one mile west of Parnell. Traffic will be restricted to one lane from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. One day only.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - Worth County, Route W. Crews will be doing deck repairs to the Grand River Bridge three miles east of Route 46. Traffic will be restricted to one lane from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. One day only.
For more information about this or other projects being handled by MoDOT, please call our toll-free customer service hotline at: 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888-275-6636).
Monday, July 14, 2008 - Nodaway County, Route NN. Crews will be doing deck repairs to the Platte River Bridge one mile west of Parnell. Traffic will be restricted to one lane from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. One day only.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - Worth County, Route W. Crews will be doing deck repairs to the Grand River Bridge three miles east of Route 46. Traffic will be restricted to one lane from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. One day only.
For more information about this or other projects being handled by MoDOT, please call our toll-free customer service hotline at: 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888-275-6636).
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