AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
NEWSLETTER   ~   MARCH 2024

Inside this Issue:

Meet Our New Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, Chad Allen

My name is Chad Allen, I am the new County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources in Floyd County. I am excited to be in Floyd County and look forward to meeting everyone and be able to assist in any way I can for the farmers in Floyd County.

Have you renewed your Farm License Plate?

We ask you to make the $10 donation when you go to the Floyd County Clerk's office on each tag you renew. It's an excellent way for our agricultural community to support the youth of Floyd County and help fund 4-H programs that make a lasting difference for our kids.

Certified Seed a Good Investment

Buying certified seed is one of the few investments that give you a guaranteed high rate of return. Certified red clover seed can return three to five tons more hay over the life of the stand.

What to do in March & April

These are few suggestions that may help you and your plants during this time period. In March, begin mowing as soon as possible to remove uneven growth. Continue mowing (at least weekly during April and May) at about 2-21/2 inches in height.

Cicadas

Some of you may have heard about our upcoming and unwanted visitor of the cicadas. These appear on a 17-year cycle and the early summer (approximately May 2025) we will see their return.

Spring Mowing Most Important of Yearlong Lawn Duties

It's difficult to envision mowing your lawn this spring when frost or snow greets you nearly every morning. Yet the first spring mowing, usually in late March, begins your most important annual lawn duties.

Take Preventative Measures to Control Fruit Diseases

Late winter and early spring are critical times to control fruit diseases by preventing early infections. Once a disease appears, it's often too late or too hard to overcome, so prevention is an effective, inexpensive disease control measure.

Winter Preparation Gives Gardeners a Jump on Spring

As winter draws to a close, it is time for vegetable and flower gardeners to start preparing for the spring planting season, said Rick Durham, associate extension professor for consumer horticulture at the University of Kentucky.

Get Jump-Start on Farm Equipment Maintenance

It may feel like spring will never truly arrive, but it will. It's a good idea to go ahead and get started on your farm equipment maintenance. Doing the repairs now can save time and aggravation later.

Prepare Your Garden for April Showers

Much of the work goes in before you even break the soil. Before you dig in, it's important to choose the proper site, plan what you will be growing, and prepare the soil to yield the best possible results. A garden is nothing without a good foundation, making it extra important to choose the correct site.

Time to Prune

Believe it or not, spring really is on the way. After a long, cold winter, many homeowners begin to turn their attention to their landscape. The winter months can be damaging to trees and shrubs. To ensure healthy spring plants, homeowners may want to prune the trees and shrubs around their home.

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's also something that nearly everyone can do.