Chuck’s Chat Welcome to May!
Here along the Northern Sycamore Urban Boundary we received 0.88 inches of rain during the month of April, according to our AcuRite electronic weather station. Based upon the slow development of the lawn, the pasture overseeded with oats, and the new pond we had dug to take advantage of the big spring rains, I’d say it is fairly accurate. I’ve mowed the lawn once, mainly just to even up the height of the weeds and the grass. The oats crop is about three inches tall and refusing to grow any more without sufficient moisture. The new pond, well, let’s just call it an expensive hole in the ground for now.
Many farmers and ranchers are currently faced with a multitude of decisions. Unlike most years, when it’s what variety of seed to plant, or which herbicide to use, or how many heifers should we keep this year, now the debates are about do we harvest the wheat or bale it, do we actually plant a crop or wait, and how many cows should we sell if the speculation is for reduced grass, lack of drinking water, or hay supplies for the winter. I realize I am preaching to the agricultural choir, but there are a few that peruse these monthly musings with little to no vested interest in our farming procedures.
Kansas Farm Bureau is offering a regional ag tour to Montana and Idaho June 12-16. Travelers will experience seed potato production, cattle ranches, fruit orchards, wineries, and the forestry and lumber industry through the Big Sky and Gem State landscapes. Registration is $2,300 for double occupancy and $1,600 for a single (does NOT include airfare). Register at https://form.jotform.com/kfbforms/tour.
Once again, Kansas Farm Bureau is awarding a Natural Resources Award. If you know of a Farm Bureau member in Montgomery County who deserves to be recognized for their farm conservation or land stewardship efforts, contact Kathy O’Brien at 620-331-0826. The application deadline is May 15.
A Policy Engagement webinar available to Farm Bureau members in Kansas is scheduled for Friday, May 19 at 11 a.m. Dean of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bonnie Rush, will discuss the latest enrollment and graduation numbers from the college, student debt and the Rural Veterinary Workforce Development Taskforce. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact and ask questions. Register for the webinar at https://kfb.zoom.us/.../regi.../WN_MxP5s9cmTMq1VJHXhbZADQ....
I had to decide this spring as to whether to buy a bull, rent a bull, or do without a bull this season and sell the cows and calves as pairs. You see, I had to sell mine last fall because he started visiting the neighbor’s cows without permission. He figured out how to lean on the fence just right and eventually he could work a few wires loose and then find his way onto the wrong side. My experience has been that when the bull figures this out, it’s time to get rid of him. Seems like there’s a few politicians in Topeka and Washington leaning a little too far over the fence sometimes. Might be time to get rid of the bull…
Until next month,
Chuck Voelker