Free Web Course helps you get the most from your money
A free online course, offered through Iowa State University Extension, is helping people get a grip on their money. The course – Take Control of Your Money – makes it possible to learn money management skills in the privacy of home. The 7-step process covers spending habits, getting out of debt, and increasing savings. Designed and administered by ISU Extension family resource management specialists, the course is convenient and ongoing – course-takers determine when to start and finish. A commitment of 3 to 4 months is necessary to work through the process. The exact time will depend on how well records are kept and time available for needed record keeping. Visit the site www.extension.iastate.edu/financial/money to learn more about the course and to sign up. A free learning coach is available via e-mail to answer your questions about any covered material. The course is offered free of charge.
Organic Farmer forum
The Howard County Extension office is hosting an organic farmer information exchange meeting on June 14, 2007 at the Extension office at 132 1st Ave. West, Cresco IA. The meeting is open to anyone currently farming organically or thinking about changing over to organic farming. There is no cost, no agenda, just a free flow of information between people who want to learn and share information with each other. The meeting starts at 7 PM and ends when people are ready to go home around 9 or 9:30. If you would like more information about this forum call Howard Co. Extension office at 563-547-3001 and ask for Charlie.
Alfalfa RFV in Howard County
Increasing alfalfa Relative Feed Value (RFV) can add tremendous value to the farm enterprise through reductions in purchased feed and increased dry matter intake. Determining when to cut the first crop alfalfa is often difficult due to variation of quality relative to flowering stage. Alfalfa quality should be 150 RFV for milking dairy herds; 120-130 RFV for heifers, stocker cattle and lactating beef cattle. It is important to realize as first crop alfalfa rapidly drop 3-5 points of RFV per day. The sample I checked just north of Cresco on May 25 was at 200 RFV. I am checking the field every Monday and Thursday in the month of May. You can call me at the office 563-547-3001 for the latest reading.
Bulb Rot
I know that spring is really here when I see the tulips and daffodils in bloom. While these flowers are easy to grow they can develop a problem called bulb rot. If they develop yellow leaves or fail to emerge in the spring they may be suffering from bulb rot. Cool, soggy conditions can favor infection by certain soil-borne plant pathogens. Several different fungi and bacteria may infect bulb tissue. To be sure you will need to dig up the bulbs and examine them. Diseased bulbs usually are discolored, soft, and may even have a foul odor. Diseased bulbs should be discarded, along with some of the surrounding soil. The best way to avoid this problem is to make sure the flower bed is properly prepared. You want to make sure the area has good drainage. If you have very compacted soil or clay you may wish to add peat or some potting soil to the area to improve the drainage before planting new bulbs. And always pay close attention to how deep you plant the bulb.
skb
5/25/2007