Rain is just fine, when you get it!

It doesn’t matter when it comes, it sure is fine when it happens.

Lots of folks got more rain than I did last week, and some folks got less. The grass is starting to grow the crops look a lot better and some folks say they may even get a second cutting of hay on some fields.

Saturday at the Farmer’s Market there were folks selling a lot of sweet corn, beans and melons that I wouldn’t have given much hope three weeks ago. They even cooked and gave away free sweet corn Saturday; over 500 ears. Don’t let Saturday morning go buy without checking out the Farmer’s Market you’re liable to miss something.

I don’t think we’ll correct the damage that has been done by the April freeze and this dry summer but everyone feels better about our prospects. Hope it rains on everyone this week.

There’s another feeder calf sale at the local market this week and I hope a lot of folks take advantage of the sale. Calf prices are inching up and weaning those late fall born and early 2007 calves will take a lot of pressure off of your cows and pastures.

I received a report from the state Department of Agriculture the other day that said over 30 Warren County producers have received hay barn grants this year. They still want folks to apply for the grants that pay up to $4,500 hundred dollars for a farmer to build a hay barn. This is the first week for cattle grants to be accepted. The department of Agriculture is paying up to $3,500 dollars for folks to build or improve cattle handling facilities and feeding equipment. I think they’ll be looking for more applicants than they will get. If you plan of making improvements over the next four months be sure to get in on these grants programs. Give me a call for more information (473-8484) or go to picktnproducts.org on the internet.

STEAK, POTATOES’

and TREES?

The menu of topics covered at the annual Steak and Potatoes Field Day includes more than just beef cattle management and fruit and vegetable production. This year the event, which is hosted by the University of Tennessee Plateau Research and Education Center in Crossville, will also feature presentations geared toward forestry management for hardwood production and wildlife habitat.

The field day is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 7. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the program will begin at 8:30. The program will conclude at 2:30 p.m. and includes a sponsored lunch.

Experts from the University of Tennessee will present short seminars on topics of interest to cattle producers, fruit and vegetable growers and landowners interested in managing their forests. In particular, beef cattle producers should be interested in discussions of the economics of making hay, preconditioning calves and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s process verified program.

Fruit and vegetable production topics to be covered include various issues related to blueberry production, and a sweet corn and tomato variety tour. A talk about biodegradable plastics is also expected to be popular.

Production of switchgrass, a native warm-season perennial grass expected to weigh heavily in the success of new bioenergy initiatives throughout the state, will also be a featured topic. By the way, I’m looking for someone who would be interested in sowing some swithchgrass next spring. UT will provide the herbicides and the seed, you provide the equipment, land and fertilizer. Give me a call for more information.

The UT Plateau Research and Education Center is located west of Crossville on U.S. Highway 70 North. Give us a call here at the Extension office for more information 0on the field day next Tuesday near Crossville.

WARREN COUNTY FAIR COMING SOON

It won’t be long before it time for the Warren County Fair. Fair President Steve Grandey tells me that they are planning for a big fair this year Starting on Sept. 8 and running through Sept. 16.

Last year the fair board raised exhibit premiums in several departments. Now’s a good time to start looking around for those exhibits that come from the garden and the fields. If you have questions the fair books should be out soon or give us a call here at the Extension office (473-8484).