Warren County grapes are winners

A few tons of grapes head for Beans Creek Winery in Manchester from the Passons Vineyard in Newtown. Maybe these grapes will be part of a winning wine produced at Beans Creek Winery this fall.

He was in the middle of harvesting and hauling grapes down to the winery in Manchester. This is the fourth picking year for the first of Jimmy?s grapes and they did pretty well this year. He figures that one variety was making about six tons per acre and the other will be picked in about two weeks.

The best news about the grape business here in the county is that we have two other vineyard that have been planted the past year and both will be in production next year. George Smartt and Roger Dellinger both have small planting started and are very excited about them.

Jimmy also had some exciting news to report about the Indianapolis International wine show that was held recently. Bean?s Creek Winery received a Silver medal for it?s Chardonel entry. Now this show had entries from around the world so the competition is tough.

Just goes to show what a good winemaker with Warren County grapes can do.

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FAIR TIME IN WARREN COUNTY

The 2006 Warren County A&L Fair is just a few weeks off and the 2006 Fair Catalogs are available around town at several locations.

Everything you need to know about the fair can be found at www.warrencountyalfair.com This site has the fair book and schedule and lots of information at the fair. You can even print off registration forms.

If you plan to enter some exhibits nows the time to get a fair catalog and read up on the rules and the specifications for the category that you are interested in. Most if not all fair entries now require pre-registration and the necessary forms are in the fair book. If you have questions give us a call here at the Extension office (473-8484). Pre-registration forms should be turned in at the Extension office or mailed to; Warren Warren County Fair, P.O. Box 329, McMinnville, TN 37111-0329. Deadline for entry forms is Friday, September 1.

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4-H CHICK CHAIN SHOW AND SALE

The annual 4-H Chick Chain Show and Sale will be held this Thursday, Aug. 24 at the Warren County Fairgrounds. The show starts at 5:30 and the sale will follow at 6 p.m.

The 4-H Chick Chain gives 4-Hers the opportunity to gain experience raising and caring for 25 baby chicks. The 4-Hers all received the same chicks at the same time and will display six of these ready to lay pullets at Thursdays show. After the judge makes his decision and picks the champion pen of chickens the pens will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Funds from the auction are used to pay for next years chick chain and provide prize money for the participating 4-H members.

If youre looking for a few pullets for a back yard flock this is the place to find some good ones.

Michael Barry, Extension 4-H Ag Agent tells me that several 4-Hers have birds that are already laying and hes hoping there will be about 30 4-Hers participating in the show. This is also a good place to come out and support some 4-Hers who have successfully completed a six month long project and deserve a little recognition. If you have questions give us a call at the Extension office (473-8484).

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Seedling tree orders

Landowners can order tree seedlings now for the 2003 fall and 2004 spring planting seasons The TN Division of Forestry grows a variety of high quality hardwood and softwood tree seedlings and makes them available to landowners at low cost for reforestation, wildlife management and conservation purposes. More than 20 million seedlings are produced each year.

There are two important changes in the program this year the availability of new species and the minimum quantity that can be ordered. This year, TDA is offering 24 hardwood species that can be purchased in increments of 125.. However, a person can still order any species in increments of 500. The nursery produces many different vairieties for landowners, such as Kentucky Coffee Tree, Buckeye, Mulberry and Water Tupelo. Get your order in early as the demand for seedlings, especially hardwoods, is increasing. He also recommends that landowners consult their local forester on which varieties are best suited for their site. Seedlings are delivered beginning in December through April. Order forms can be obtained calling the East Tennessee Nursery toll-free at 1-877-TN-TREES (868-7337). A directory of local forestry offices, order forms, a catalog and other helpful information are available on the web site at www.Tennessee.gov/agriculture/forestry.