4H Project feeding programs 12/11
Posted by ljcfeed
Power Point covering the Skamania 4H class.
Factors Affecting Growth & Visual Performance
Factors Affecting Visual Outcome
Showpig Selection
Showpig Management
Showpig Nutrition
Showmanship
Boer Goat 4H Feeding and Showing 12/11
Posted by ljcfeed
Western Washington Pastures 04/10
Posted by ljcfeed
IN WESTERN WASHINGTON: PASTURE MANAGEMENT FOR SMALL LANDOWNERS
Most pastures can be greatly improved with the application of good management practices. Fertilization, drainage, rotational grazing, regular clipping, chemical weed control, pasture renovation, reseeding, or a combination of these management techniques will often improve pasture productivity and provide flexibility to a forage program. The lack of any of these or overstocking or overgrazing will limit pasture production, but, more important, the pastures will be invaded by rush, moss, buttercup, tansy ragwort, thistle, or other weed species. The presence of these weeds are symptoms of poor pasture management. The inclusion of good management in the pasture program is costly and may not be economical to improve pastures on small acreages.
The Lowdown on Lime 04/10
Posted by ljcfeed
In the Northwest, turf grasses and pastures are not native and even though specific seeds have been hybridized to do well in our climate, they still need help from us to grow and flourish. Soils in the Northwest are typically acidic because of soil forming factors such as the type of rock the soil comes from, topography and rainfall. To grow pasture successfully, low pH (acidic) soils need to be raised to somewhere between 5.8% and 7% throughout the root zone (top 6 to 8 inches of soil) depending on the soil and grass type. This can be accomplished through the addition of lime—something all pastures in western Washington require in order to stay productive. Adding lime should be an ongoing process every one to three years, depending on your specific conditions.
20 Soil Analysis Facts 02/10
Posted by ljcfeed
Click on the image for a larger version
1 – Organic Matter
This is a measurement of fully decomposed humus and not recently plowed in organic matter. They will be part of future measurements as it decomposes. AgPro Renew stimulates biological activity to break this down and increase humus for a higher organic reading.
2 – Phosphorus (P)
P1 is the measure of readily available phosphorus for immediate plant use. P2 is P1 plus the non-available phosphorus in reserve. Bicarbonate. This test measures the readily available phosphorus in basic soils (higher pH over 7.0) as some readings can be neutralized in soil with free lime.
Biological activity is critical in the conversion of P1 to P2. We have 3 products to help, (Renew, Reclaim and AIM) depending on soil compaction and alkalinity. Most soil fertility manuals give the required phosphorus and this amount is often sold to growers.
We suggest subtracting the available amount, helping the conversion process of the unavailable, and buying only what is needed for the specific crop. Anything else increases input costs and does nothing for yield.
3 – Potassium (K)
Higher levels are needed for optimum performance in clay and high organic matter soils. Light soils should have reading of 150-175 ppm while heavy soils do best with 100-250 ppm. Extra potassium may be needed in soils exceeding 20% in magnesium base saturation. Potassium in base saturation should always exceed Sodium levels for maximum yield.
Bird watching 09/09
Posted by ljcfeed
Celebrate the Fall Bird Migration at the Columbia Gorge Refuges
Fall is just around the corner, and with it will come the arrival of migrating birds to the Columbia Gorge National Wildlife Refuges, Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, and Pierce.
While the birds at Franz Lake can only be appreciated from the overlook on Highway 14, guided hikes are scheduled at both Steigerwald Lake and Pierce Refuges. Hikes at Steigerwald Lake NWR will occur on Sunday, September 20, and Saturday, September 26, 2009. Hikes are scheduled at Pierce NWR on Saturdays, September 12 and 26, 2009. All hikes will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m.
The guided walks are free and open to the public; however, space is limited to 15 people per hike. Please contact Eric Anderson at (360) 887-4106 or Eric_Anderson@fws.gov to register for a hike, obtain directions to the starting location and get additional information if needed.
The Columbia Gorge Refuges sit at a migratory crossroads. Birds use the refuges to rest and refuel on the way to their wintering grounds. At Steigerwald Lake Refuge, waterfowl such as the omnipresent mallard and the colorful wood duck can be seen using the wetlands. Wintering or migrating Canada geese will be resting or feeding in the lake waters. Riparian woodlands can provide sightings of songbirds, such as western tanagers, purple martins, Swainson’s thrushes, Bullock’s orioles, and cedar waxwings. Both outings will be easy walks on the new Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail .
The other two hikes will provide an opportunity to see a refuge that is otherwise closed to the public. Hikers at Pierce NWR will have a chance do some birding through oak woodlands, open fields, and riparian forest. They will be easy walks on flat terrain leading to beautiful views of the Columbia River, refuge wetlands, Beacon Rock, and Hamilton Mountain .
Birdwatchers, both novice and experienced, are invited to come out and get a closer look at the refuges and the nature show created by the changing of the seasons. Experienced guides will identify birds, explain why habitat areas on the refuges provide vital resting stops for migrating birds, and discuss how the refuges are managed. Unusual sightings can surprise and excite birders on any of the hikes.
Bring your binoculars, appropriate footwear/attire, and water. As is always the case in this area in the fall, check the weather forecast and be prepared for rain if necessary.
Regards,
The Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards
www.refugestewards.org Columbia George
Skamania County Fair Project 08/09
Posted by ljcfeed
Two hour before Grand Opening 2009
Small Acreage Answer Clinic @ LJC Feed 07/09
Posted by ljcfeed
Got Questions About Managing Your Land?
Visit the Small Acreage Answer Clinic at LJC Feeds in Camas
Saturday, August 1, 2009
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
LJC Feed
Camas, WA
Landowners can have their questions answered on topics ranging from runoff and drainage, mud reduction, manure management, composting, pastures, and fencing at an answer clinic for small acreage landowners at LJC Feed in Camas.
The Small Acreage Program, co-sponsored by Washington State University Clark County Extension, the Clark County Clean Water Program and the Clark Conservation District, will provide answers to questions, tips, fact sheets, and information on upcoming events applicable to small acreage property management. Visitors will also be able to check out the Clark Conservation District’s manure spreader and learn how to rent the spreader for free.
Erin Harwood, Program Coordinator says, “We are excited to partner with LJC Feed to answer questions from small acreage landowners at this event. We hope landowners will come away with solutions to some of the challenges unique to owning small acreage property.”
Staff from WSU Clark County Extension and the Clark Conservation District will be available to answer questions at a booth outside the LJC Feed store at 3501 NE 3rd Ave in Camas from 10 am until 2 pm.
For more information, please contact the Small Acreage Program at 360-397-6060 extension 7720
