Extension News

Posted

Adair County Cattlemen’s Association to Celebrate May Beef Month

The Adair County Cattlemen’s Association will be celebrating May Beef Month on Wednesday, May 1st from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Extension Office. Members will be grilling and selling ribeye sandwiches with chips, a drink, and a cookie for $6. Orders may be picked up or consumed indoors at the Extension office. Orders may be placed on the morning of May 1st in person or by calling the Extension Office at (270) 384-2317.

Exploring the World of Mushrooms

Join us on April 30th at 5:30 at the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service to learn about the many edible mushrooms that grow in our woodlands in Kentucky. Learn how these mushrooms can be grown as well as how they can be prepared and preserved for consumption. Extension Forestry specialist Dr. Ellen Croker will be on hand discussing the mushrooms of Kentucky. Adair County FCS Agent Dylan Gentry will provide tips and recipes for mushrooms as well as providing samples from Friend of Fungi who is local mushroom grower and farmers market vendor.

Practice Safety When Using Pesticides Around Home

As we happily greet the warm days of Spring, the same can’t be said for the insect that follows. Whether it’s an unwelcome infestation in our home or an uninvited guest to a BBQ, insects tend to bug us!  To address pest infestations, some may use pesticides to restore order to gardens, landscapes and indoor spaces. When applying pesticides, employing smart, cautious approaches is crucial for the safety of your household. UK Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, Dr. Ric Bessin provides the following strategies to mitigate pesticides usage risks for you and your family: 

• Select the appropriate pesticide: Identify the pest causing damage to ensure the ideal pesticide to use. Misusing a pesticide fails to resolve the issue, wasting resources and exposing your family to unnecessary risks. Extension offices are available to assist in accurately identifying pests and selecting the appropriate treatment. Sometimes the best action plan to address insect issues does not include pesticides!
• Adhering to pesticide label instructions: Pesticide labels carry legal authority, designed to ensure your safety. Applying a pesticide in a manner not specified could be unsafe or illegal. Additionally, certain pesticides may not be suitable for use in residential areas. You will ensure the safe and effective use of the product against pests by properly following the label’s directions. 
• Avoiding combining pesticides with household items: Use designated equipment for pesticide application, refraining from repurposing these items for household tasks. Mix only the amount of pesticide needed for the task. Properly dispose of any leftovers without using drains or toilets. 
• Wearing protective clothing: Minimize exposure to pesticides by donning appropriate gear. While specific protective equipment may be recommended on the pesticide label, wearing plastic gloves, closed shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts is a minimum safety standard. 
• Keep away from children and pets: Ensure children and pets are not present in the area during pesticide application, adhering to label guidelines when it's safe to return. If timing is not specified, waiting until the pesticide has completely dried is a good best practice.
• Thoroughly cleaning after application: Clean reusable protective gear and wash application clothing separately from other laundry. Always cleanse your skin and hands thoroughly before consuming food, drinks, or tobacco. 
• Storing pesticides safely: Follow label instructions for proper storage, keeping pesticides out of reach of children and pets and in a temperature-controlled environment. Pesticides should be stored above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while also avoiding extreme temperatures. 

Adopting these practices can significantly reduce the risks associated with pesticide use, ensuring a safer environment for you and your family. 

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

Thank you for supporting local journalism.
Click here to Subscribe.
Click here to donate.