The Adair County FFA has had a team of students mastering Beef Quality Assurance and Care practices over the past few months to prepare for a statewide cattle-handling competition. The team recently placed fifth in the qualifying event and will participate in the final round of competition in May.
Watch the Adair County FFA cattle handling team compete against board members of the Adair County Cattlemen’s Association on April 21 at 6 p.m. at the Adair County High School FFA Barn. Participants will enjoy watching the students compete but will also learn more about BQCA practices. Attendees may also complete or renew their BQCA certification by attending and completing a quiz.
During the month of April, the BQCA training fees are waived due to sponsorships. You can also renew yours online at www.kybeefnetwork.com. BQCA certification is good for three years and is required for participation in large animal projects in CAIP. For more information, contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service at 270-384-2317.
Adair County Cattlemen’s and Wayne Hatcher Memorial Scholarship Applications Due April 15
Because of kind donations and sponsorships, the Adair County Cattlemen’s Association will be awarding two scholarships for $1,000 each this year.
Applications can be picked up at the Adair County Extension Office or at the Adair County High School guidance counselor office.
Only seniors of the Adair County school system are eligible to apply. The application is open to students attending an accredited college, university, or trade school. The application must be turned into the Adair County Extension Office no later than April 15.
Invasive Species Field Guide
The University of Kentucky's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources has released a Field Guide to Kentucky's Invasive Plants, a comprehensive resource designed to help landowners, conservationists, and forestry professionals identify and manage invasive plant species throughout the state.
This guide provides detailed profiles of the most prevalent invasive trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and herbaceous plants that threaten Kentucky's ecosystems.
Each species is presented with full-color photographs, information about its origins, distribution, threats to native biodiversity, and effective control methods.
From the hardy Callery pear to the pervasive kudzu vine, the guide highlights the threats these species pose to forests, fields, and waterways.
The book also emphasizes practical management techniques, offering guidance on hand removal, herbicide application, and integrated approaches tailored to site-specific conditions. Special attention is given to balancing ecological health with practical land management goals, ensuring that users can address invasive species responsibly and effectively.
The Field Guide draws on a wealth of expertise from contributors across specific regions, including the board members of the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council. It builds on an earlier pocket guide with updated content and new species profiles, reflecting the evolving landscape of invasive plant management.
Key features include detailed species profiles with clear descriptions and images for easy identification, step-by-step control recommendations ranging from manual removal to chemical treatments, and a focus on the most common invasive plants in Kentucky and neighboring states.
Whether you’re a landowner grappling with autumn olive or a forest manager tackling multiflora roses, this guide serves as a practical reference for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
As invasive plants spread, these resources are critical in equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to protect their natural heritage.
To view the field guide visit forestry.ca.uky.edu/articles/for177-field-guide-kentuckys-invasive-plants.
