Chuck's Chat-Welcome to August!
It has started with a bang here along the Sycamore Urban Boundary. I was rudely awakened by the thunder and lightning around 2am this morning. It was concerning enough that I got up to check the local radar, and it indicated we were on the extreme west edge of the meteorological activities. And the leading edge winds; I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t some corn leaning southward now. I’m sure there is tree damage between here and Joplin.
However, it is August. Moisture is usually most welcomed this time of year. We have a good chance for more through Saturday, and it will no doubt be beneficial. Crops, pastures, recovering hayfields, lawns, gardens, flowers, and those who park outside and don’t wash their vehicles very often will all appreciate a good summer rain. The average August rainfall for Independence is 3.6 inches. As of 8 am, my gauge reveals right at one inch.
While we’re on the subject of water, I see that August is National Catfish Month, and was designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. The channel catfish is the state fish of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Tennessee. Approximately 95% of the farm raised catfish in the US is raised in Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Louisiana. They are grown in rectangular ponds averaging 10 to 20 acres and four to six feet deep. Catfish are typically harvested 18 to 24 months old and weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds. The entire processing procedure takes less than thirty minutes. A three ounce serving of plain, fried catfish contains 122 calories. I like mine with lots of batter, and I’m sure gonna eat more than three ounces. Catfish is an excellent source of protein, is rich in B vitamins, and an excellent source of phosphorus. Farm raised catfish is also low in mercury because it is raised in controlled environments.
August is also National Peach Month, and was designated in 1982 by President Reagan. Peaches originated in China, where they were considered a symbol of long life and immortality. The largest US commercial growing operations are in Georgia, Colorado, California, and South Carolina. A large peach contains around 70 calories, contains three grams of fiber, and is a great source of vitamins A and C. The world’s largest peach cobbler is eleven feet long, five feet wide, and eight inches deep. It is made during the annual peach festival in Fort Valley, Georgia, which is also the county seat of Peach County. The cobbler contains 75 gallons of fresh sliced peaches, 150 pounds of sugar, 150 pounds of self-rising flour, 90 pounds of butter, and 32 gallons of milk. Yum yum.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is partnering with Purina to sponsor the second annual Farm Dog of the Year competition. You must be a Farm Bureau member to enter. The grand prize includes a year supply of Purina dry dog food, and $5,000 to offset travel costs to the annual AFBF convention in San Antonio, January 17-22, 2020. This link will explain all the details you need: fb.org/2020farmdog
The Montgomery County Farm Bureau will be helping with the kid’s pedal tractor pull at the Interstate Fair and Rodeo in Coffeyville on August 15. Watch for more details on Facebook or your local media.
Until next month,
Chuck Voelker