Wow, can you believe that April is almost over. Even though the weather has been funky, 70 degrees, then snow, then 70 again, the winter and spring annual weeds are growing well. If these weeds are a problem for you, then you need to get them sprayed. Over the years I think the biggest problem I have seen, both from farmers and homeowners, it waiting too long to spray annual weeds. By the time weeds become really noticeable you have already missed the best time to kill them. It has happened many times, someone has brought some kind of mustard weed that is a couple of feet tall and ask about killing them. I give them a recommendation, but I also point out that it would have been a lot cheaper and easier to kill it when it could have been covered with a quarter. That means now.
I don’t recommend spraying without seriously considering whether or not it is actually necessary. If you just have a few weeds, then don’t spray. So get out and look carefully at the weeds in your fields and lawns. If you find that you have a problem with winter and spring annual weed seedlings, then now is the time to spray.
I want to remind the 4-H Horse project members that there are a couple of deadlines coming up in the next month. First, next Friday, May 9, is the deadline for District Horse show entries. If you intend on competing in a District horse show, level testing and horse ID sheets need to be completed by then too. Horse ID sheets from everyone not participating in a district show are due into our office May 15.
I want to remind parents and employers that Tractor Safety training is required by federal law for youth ages 14 and 15 who will be operating tractors and related farm and ranch equipment for someone other than their parents or legal guardians. UNL Extension in Cherry County and Mr. Greg Nollette, Valentine FFA teacher will conduct a Tractor Safety training workshop on May 29. The workshop will be held at Valentine Rural High School from 9:00 – 4:00 CT. Please bring a sack lunch. Youth must be 14 years old by May 29 to participate in this training.
Interested youth must pre-register no later than May 23 by contacting the Cherry County Extension Office at 376-1850 and picking up the course workbook. Applicants must complete required reading and written assignments in the workbook prior to the training to be eligible for certification.
Contact the extension office at 376-1850 for more information on any of the things I’ve covered.
