4th of July / Agricultural Practices

News Article for June 30, 2008:

The 4^th of July conjures up all sorts of thoughts and emotions as we celebrate the independence of our nation. We have a long standing tradition in our church of honoring the men and women who have served and those who are serving in the military. We recognize each branch of the military individually and sing their song. It is quite inspiring and makes all proud to be an American.

In addition to being Independence Day, the 4^th of July is also a marker on the calendar for many agricultural practices. I use holidays to relate many management practices. We already know July 4 so why would we want to learn all the things that should be done on July 1. Even my wife was kind enough to have all 3 of our children on the 19^th so all I have to do is remember the month. I believe in the keep it simple premise.

Anyway, one of the first management practices to remember is do not fertilize woody ornamentals after July 4^th. Fertilization will flush new growth and it is necessary to allow the new growth to harden off and turn woody before winter to prevent freeze damage. This is also true for your trees.

For the hunters that are having withdrawals, July 4^th is a weekend that many hunters and farmers use to plant brown top millet for their pastures and dove fields.

Brown top millet can be planted from April 1 – August 15 successfully. It takes about 60 days for the plant to mature and form the grain heads. Most farmers here will broadcast the seed at a rate of 20 pounds per acre.

Once the seed heads are formed the millet can be cut for hay or mowed which will allow the birds access to the grain. Since doves have short legs they like a clean field to feed. Harvesting for hay or burning off plant residue after mowing makes a perfect clean feeding environment.

Cattlemen should be on notice that July 4^th is the last date to leave your bulls out with the cows. Bulls should be separated from the cows now to avoid having summer calves next year. Summer calves never grow off well because it is too hot for the cows to eat and therefore produce milk for calf development. Bulls can be returned to the cow pasture in January if you want fall born calves next year or put them out in April if you want spring calves.

July 4^th is also a good time to prune your blackberries. The berries for next year will be produced on the wood that grows this year. You can selectively prune out old canes and leave the new canes, however many people will cut the entire plant down to about 6 inches after fruiting.

Fertilize now with 2 to 3 tablespoons of ammonium nitrate per plant to get enough growth for next year’s berry crop.

I mentioned last week and will remind you again to prune blueberries as soon as they are all harvested.

There is more than enough to keep you busy for a few days while you celebrate our independence.

For more information on these or related topics contact Kenny at 686-3020.