AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
NEWSLETTER

Nothing is out of reach!

FEBRUARY 2023

Inside this Issue:

Heirloom Fruits & Vegetables

As more and more consumers seek self-sufficiency, many are finding success in their back yard gardens. Concurrently the green movement continues to spur interest in organic practices and heirloom fruits and vegetables.

Recommendations for Taking Soil Samples

Soil testing is an important management practice for gardens, pastures, lawns, landscapes, croplands, and other agricultural lands. It is used to properly inform the producer or landowner of the amounts of nutrients (fertilizer and lime) needed for the best results.

Winter Fruit Tree Care

During the winter months, home orchard owners need to protect their fruit trees from rabbits and voles. But hold off on any pruning until after the worst of the cold, winter weather has passed.

Incorporating Edible Plants into the Landscape

A nice landscape of a few trees and shrubs, some flowers and well-tended turf has value. Our landscapes help define our outdoor living space, provide shade, and help screen unwanted views.

Looking Forward to the Vegetable Garden

Soon you will be receiving seed catalogs for this vegetable-growing season. While listening to the cold wind blow outside, what a comfort it is to think about spring and summer and planning your garden.

Not Too Soon to Think About Calving Season

Calving season will be here before we know it. Providing sound management during that time can mean more live calves, which translates to more profit for you.

Ways to Improve Hay Quality

If you raise livestock, you know it is very important to feed your animals nutritious hay to keep them healthy. You can take many practical steps to improve your hay quality.

Composting Basics

Composting is a great way to add valuable organic matter to your soil while reducing the amount of yard and food waste that ends up in landfills. It is also something that nearly everyone can do. Compost is the result of a natural process where decaying organic substances, such as plants, are broken down by microorganisms.

Flooding ... Are you prepared?

February is typically a cold month across the Commonwealth, but i can also be a wet one. This combination of cold, sometimes frozen and snow covered ground, with rain falling on top, can lead to devastating river flooding.