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.
Keys to a Balanced Soil 04/10
Posted by admin
Products of biotechnology offer the greatest potential for growers to achieve minimum inputs and maximum yields by enabling them to better manage the factors that drive input costs up as well as those that limit production.
There are three proven keys to creating a balanced soil for a profitable growing program.
- Life in the soil including the microorganisms in the soil, which is the foundation for the second and third keys;
- Physical which include tillage, planting, crop rotation, irrigation, etc.;
- Chemical which include fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, etc.
The following are recognized benefits of a healthy, balanced soil:
- More friable soil requiring less energy in cultivation
- Softer top soil causing less stress and damage to sprouting plants
- Faster and more complete seed germination frequently requiring less seed per acre
- Better decomposition of organic matter
- Better soil aeration and release of CO2 produced by microbial action in the soil organic matter
- More efficient use of soil moisture often reducing costs of irrigation
- Greater drought resistance
- More rapid water penetration and less erosion
- More effective use of plant nutrients present in the soil by increasing organic conversion to plant available forms
- Faster, larger, healthier root formations, and better nutrient absorption
- More efficient use of plant nutrients with an increased fertilizer and chemical efficiency
- Release of nutrients that otherwise would not be available to the plant
- Less loss of nutrients by leaching
- Soluble plant available nutrients are held in the root zone
- Yield increases, often 20% or more
- Quality increase by escalating carbohydrates (sugars and starches), oils and proteins
- Often greater resistance to insect and fungus damage due to healthier, less susceptible plants
- Less weeds
- Less toxicity
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.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING WORKSHOPS 09/09
Posted by admin
Fall Composting Workshops open for registration … Tuesday, September 15, 2009 5:07:52 PM From: Jo Anne Dolan …
View Contact To: mcr@columbiasprings.org Master Composter Recycler Fall Workshops BACKYARD COMPOSTING WORKSHOPS
Learn the basics of backyard composting. Pre-registration is required. Held at Columbia Springs and CASEE. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6 – 8 P.M. Columbia Springs Sat., Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – noon CASEE, 11104 NE 149th, Brush Prairie Sat., Nov. 14, 10 a.m. – noon CASEE, 11104 NE 149th, Brush Prairie WORMSHOPS (family-friendly)
Learn about the care and feeding of redworms for vermicomposting.
Build your own worm bin to take home.
The $40 fee includes worms and bin.
Pre-registration and pre-payment by mail are required.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 – 8 P.M. Columbia Springs 1 2208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. – noon Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver
To register for a workshop, e-mail MCR@columbiasprings.org or call (360) 882-4567
Web site: www.columbiasprings.org/mcr
Master Composter Recycler Program Columbia Springs 12602 SE Evergreen Hwy Vancouver, WA 98683 360.882.0936 ext. 224 www.columbiasprings.org
The five R’s: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Refuse and Rot!
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
