Agriculture and Natural Resources s4

March 17, 2011

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Economic benefits may lead to farmers choosing corn

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

Germinating seeds and transplanting

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

2011 food guidelines and the role of 4-H

Economic benefits may lead to farmers choosing corn

Source: Chad Lee, Associate Professor, University of Kentucky Plant and Soil Sciences

With grain prices at high levels, many farmers may switch from cattle or pasture to corn this year. Because of increased demand, moving to corn can lead to average gains of $100 per acre, vs. $30 per acre for cattle. Corn is predicted to be a strong commodity in the coming months because of a confluence of events, including a low global stockpile from production problems in other parts of the world and large purchases from China and other countries.

Producers who have limited experience with grain crops need to consider multiple factors, such as costs for seed, fertilizer, nitrogen, diesel, and land rent, and tillage or non-tillage soil systems, when making the decision to plant corn. Hay and pasture fields often will suffer from compaction and can be low in potassium. Farmers can apply fertilizer but it is already too late in the season to adjust for pH. Farmers can apply lime this spring, but it will not have time to adjust the soil pH until the 2012 growing season. Pelletized lime works a little faster but not fast enough.

Farmers considering a switch to corn should first have a composite soil sample analyzed.

At approximately $5-10, a soil test can transfer significant savings to the farmer by establishing clear fertilizer needs. Many farmers in east Kentucky rely on the popular 19-19-19, which has equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 19-19-19 is a very expensive way to fertilize because it is a blanket rather than a targeted response, often resulting too much phosphorus and potassium being applied. Nitrogen is critical to corn growth and can be applied as a fertilizer or as manure. Soils coming out of sod will mineralize an additional 25 to 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre, reducing the total nitrogen fertilizer requirement. Because fertilizer costs can run $100-

$150 an acre, keying in to the soil’s true needs will save money, allowing greatest cost benefits.

Farmers will want to buy seed now, if they have not yet done so. Picking a hybrid with a good performance history is important. Although seed prices continue to rise, so do the options available to the farmer, allowing him/her to choose for specific traits such as herbicide resistance and/or insect resistance as well as one suited to the planting time. Using these tips while planning a corn crop can lead to a market advantage for the farmer.

For more information on corn, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id155/id155.pdf or contact the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

-30- Germinating seeds and transplanting

Source: Jack Buxton, associate professor emeritus of floriculture

Starting plants from seed early and transplanting them to the garden is a time-honored, economical and rewarding gardening tradition. Germinating seed at home increases the options for fall planting, when garden centers have stopped carrying a full array of plants, and it allows the home gardener to use saved seeds from unusual or favorite varieties that might be unavailable or hard to find. You will need to plan ahead to time germination correctly, assemble basic equipment, and devote a small amount of time to maintaining proper conditions for your seed beds.

Germinate seeds. A commercially packaged medium is convenient, and most transplants can be grown in the same formulation. The container you use to germinate should be 2-3 inches deep, with drainage holes in the bottom. Moisten the medium and fill to within a half-inch of the top. Sow seeds in rows or scatter uniformly, at a rate of 10-20 seeds per square inch. Cover with a layer of medium. (Very small seeds, such as petunia, remain uncovered.) The seed packet will state whether the seeds require light or dark conditions for germination. Select a location where the temperature ranges from 70-80 degrees, but refer to the seed packet for specific instructions. Maintain a constant moisture level and sterile conditions. After germination, seedlings require light, either natural or artificial.

Transplant seedlings. Within a few weeks, seedlings should be moved to larger containers to allow room for growth. Fertilize once, following instructions on container. A water-soluble houseplant fertilizer can be used. Maintain ideal temperatures and water levels to promote highest growth rates. Plan ahead to time your transplanting to the first frost-free date in your area, which can vary from late April to mid to late May. Seeds that germinate in six to 10 days usually are ready to be transplanted outside in five to eight weeks. Plants that take 10-20 days are usually ready for the garden in eight to 14 weeks.

For more information on home gardening and transplanting, refer to http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ho/ho56/ho56.htm or contact the (YOUR COUNTY)

Cooperative Extension Service.

-30- 2011 food guidelines and the role of 4-H

Source: Deana K. Reed, Extension specialist for 4-H Youth Development

The newly released food guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate a major shift in the recommendations that the agency is making for Americans. An increasing percentage of the population suffers from overweight, poor diet, obesity, forms of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses. The USDA’s revised guidelines are meant to raise awareness of the inherent risks in prevalent American lifestyle choices, characterized by an over-consumption of non-nutrient-dense highly processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle.

Health is the fourth “H” in 4-H Youth Development. The Healthy Living Mission engages youth and families through access and opportunities to achieve optimal physical and social- emotional well-being. It is our mission that by 2014, 4-H—a recognized leader in providing hands-on, non-formal learning experiences—will expand participation from 2.5 million to 2.75 million youth and their families in a dynamic process of healthy living opportunities so they are physically, socially, and emotionally prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The USDA acknowledges the sweeping epidemic of overweight and obesity and says quite bluntly: Cut calories and exercise more. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health at every age. The USDA recommends that Americans:

 Balance calories to reduce weight. Weight can be reduced by reducing caloric intake, by

increasing physical activity, or by combining both for the most favorable outcome.

 Reduce nutrient-poor foods such as refined/processed foods, trans fats foods, high

sodium foods, “junk” foods, and sugary beverages.

 Eat more nutrient-rich foods and beverages. Specific USDA recommendations include:

vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, seafood, lean

meats and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, and nuts and seeds.  Develop healthy eating patterns, especially in children, as research shows kids are at

risk for developing chronic diseases due to poor diet and inactivity.

 Make healthy eating choices.

Children can benefit tremendously from learning accurate food, nutrition, and fitness information and learning how to use this knowledge in their daily lives. Using this information will improve overall health and fitness levels and may reduce their risks of developing life- threatening illnesses later in life. Kentucky 4-H Youth Development encourages all Kentucky youth to increase daily physical activity and to develop healthy eating habits, such as eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

For more information on dietary policy, visit http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/PolicyDoc/PolicyDoc.pdf or contact the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service.