July 8, 2005

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Maintaining Farm Ponds

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

Tips To Safely Can and Freeze Your Fruits and Vegetables

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

What Is Kentucky 4-H?

Maintaining Farm Ponds

Source: Forrest Wynne, KSU Extension aquaculture specialist; UK Cooperative Extension Service Pesticide Applicator Training Program

Ponds are a critical part of many farms in Kentucky and proper maintenance can ensure they will perform well for many years after construction.

Constructing ponds in the appropriate sites is the first step to ensuring a useful pond. A good supply of clean drinking water for livestock must be located within an adequate forage area to produce healthy animals. The volume of water required for livestock depends on the size of the animal, size of the herd and amount of time the water supply will be in use.

Most livestock ponds should be entirely fenced with gravity feed water supplied to a watering tank keeping animals out of the pond. This prevents soil erosion and protects stabilizing vegetation on the dam, spillway and pond banks. Keeping the animals out of ponds reduces the amount of sediment going into the pond from an eroding bank. It also improves water quality by reducing turbidity (muddiness) caused by eroded clay soils.

Nutrients provided from manure and fertilizer in the watershed will fertilize pond vegetation. However, aquatic plants will receive these nutrients directly where the livestock are allowed to wade into ponds. A poorly managed pond will fill quickly with debris and sediment due to increased loading of organic matter from manure and decaying aquatic plants, combined with erosion. These can reduce the life of a pond and pollute the water possibly contributing to poor animal health.

Many farm ponds in Kentucky serve the dual purpose of a place to relax and catch a few fish or swim. They also may be used for irrigation or rural fire control. Managing ponds for multiple purposes can be difficult. Pond volume, watershed size and number of animals kept in the watershed, will affect nutrient run-off into the pond. When properly applied, to the watershed, little of the nitrogen and phosphorus contained in inorganic fertilizers should be lost in runoff into the pond.

Fish populations may benefit from the minimal nutrient runoff of well managed pastures. However, excessive nutrients from livestock waste will create water quality problems. Aquatic plants and algae will thrive on excessive nutrients and may become difficult to control.

The weedy appearance can be unattractive as well as cause largemouth bass to have a more difficult time preying on bluegill. This may result in an overpopulation of bluegill. Chemical controls can be time consuming and costly and in some instances, may not be legal, safe or practical in livestock watering ponds.

Ponds used for fishing must be stocked properly, limed and harvested correctly. For Kentuckians interested in maintaining fish ponds, a monthly management calendar is available from http://ces.ca.uky.edu/westkentuckyaquaculture. Before using any fertilizers or chemicals, be sure to check that they are safe for livestock if the pond is serving this dual purpose.

Livestock ponds less than 1/2 acre in surface area may provide little opportunity for managing sport fish populations due to their small size, and possible water quality problems. If a pond is constructed in acid soils it should be limed before filling. The pond lime requirement would be similar to the amount of lime used to raise the soil pH to that used for planting alfalfa. Fulfilling the soil's lime requirements is especially important before beginning a pond fertilization program.

Weed control is an essential part of pond management. Preventive measures include proper design. Banks should be sloped steeply so that very little water is less than two to three feet deep. To help prevent serious weed infestations you can do the following things:

·  Most waters in Kentucky are sufficiently rich in plankton and other food organisms to support large fish without the need for supplemental fertilization.

·  Maintain a good sod and grass cover around your pond. This will help prevent runoff and erosion. Do not fertilize the turf directly around the pond.

·  If the water is used for livestock, fence the pond and water the animals from a stock tank below the dam and outside the fence. Animals will increase turbidity and fertility and erode the banks. Do not allow livestock access to a pond unless a gravity flow tank cannot be installed. In this case, fence the pond to allow limited access to a few locations around the shoreline. Consider providing a source of shade in pastures so animals can avoid extreme heat.

·  Check septic tanks for possible leaching into the pond. Locate new septic drainage fields so that the nutrient-rich effluent will not reach your pond.

·  Do not permit runoff from chicken coops, feedlots and other areas to enter your pond. If this kind of runoff is occurring upstream from your pond, you should check with your county Board of Health to see if anything can be done about it.

If you have a weed problem mechanical controls can be used. Mechanical controls include hand removal, dredging of shallow pond areas or winter draw down may be effective in freezing and killing shoreline vegetation. Using rakes with ropes attached can work for removing some floating plants. But these methods can be impractical or uneconomical.

A biological control that can be used is triploid grass carp to control soft-stemmed vascular plants and branched algae. These fish are plant eaters and can help control pond vegetation. They need to be stocked at a rate of 5 to 20 fish or more per surface acre of water depending on the severity of the plant problem.

Chemical control methods also can be used. Weed identification is essential in determining which herbicide to use. When used properly, aquatic herbicides are effective in controlling vegetation without harming fish. There may be restrictions on water usage for a period of time after treating with a particular herbicide. Always check the herbicide label for possible restrictions.

For more information on pond construction and maintenance, contact the (Your County) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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TIPS TO SAFELY CAN AND FREEZE YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Sources: Sandra Bastin

An abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables are being produced in local gardens or can be found in farmers’ markets across the state. Many people are busy canning and freezing to preserve this bounty. To safely preserve produce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided time-proven canning and freezing procedures.

Blanch vegetables before freezing them. Blanching is the process of heating or scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time. This slows or stops enzymatic action that reduces flavor, color and texture. It also removes dirt and organisms from vegetable surfaces; helps retard vitamin loss; and wilts or softens vegetables, making them easier to pack in freezer containers.

Use a wire blanching basket and covered saucepan or a wire basket into a large kettle with a fitted lid. Use 1 gallon of vigorously boiling water per pound of prepared vegetables. After putting vegetables into the basket, lower it into the container and begin blanching time as soon at the water returns to a boil, usually within one minute. If it takes longer to return to a boil, you’re using too much vegetable for the amount of water. Be sure to keep heat high for the total blanching time.

Quickly and thoroughly cool vegetables to stop the cooking process. Otherwise, they’ll be overcooked and lose flavor, color, vitamins and minerals. Inadequate draining before freezing, slow freezing or temperature fluctuations above 0 degrees Fahrenheit might cause this. It can affect frozen vegetables’ texture and appearance.

Frozen food is only as good as the quality of the fresh food. So choose high-quality products at optimum maturity and freshness. Although freezing doesn’t kill all bacteria, yeasts and molds in food, it does keep them from rapidly multiplying when the food remains at 0 degrees F or less. However, surviving organisms can multiply when the food is thawed.

When canning foods, wash and blanch them before filling jars. Do not over pack jars as this can cause inadequate processing and result in unsafe food. Nearly all fresh vegetables must be processed in a pressure canner for the required USDA processing time. Pickled foods, such as acidified tomatoes and pickles, can be safely processed without pressure in a boiling water bath.

It’s very important to allow steam to escape for 10 minutes before closing the valve or putting the weight on the vent. This allows the inside temperature to correspond to that of the pressure gauge.

If you discover an unsealed jar within 24 hours, the food can safely be re-canned. Remove the lid and check the jar sealing surface for tiny nicks. Change the jar if needed and add a new, treated lid; then reprocess using the same original processing time.

Properly canned food will retain optimum eating quality for at least one year when stored in a cool, dry place. Canned food might lose some quality in a few weeks or months if stored in a warm place (near hot pipes, a furnace or in direct sunlight), depending on the temperature. Dampness might corrode cans or metal lids, causing leakage and food spoilage.

For more information on canning, freezing and other food preservation topics, contact the (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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What Is Kentucky 4-H?

Source: Martha Welch

Hundreds of thousands of Kentucky youth are able to learn by doing through Kentucky’s 4-H Youth Development Program.

Answering some frequently asked questions will help provide more information about the 4-H Program.

Who can join 4-H?

Youth ages nine to 19, whether they live in large cities, small towns, rural areas, on farms and even on military bases are able to join 4-H. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

NOTE AGENTS: If your county has Clover Bud activities, use the first paragraph below. If not, go to the second paragraph below.

4-H also has Clover Bud activities for ages (lowest age) to (oldest age). These activities include (list some activities in your Clover Bud program.)

What does each “H” in 4-H represent?

HEAD. 4-H challenges youth to make decisions and think both individually and as a group member. 4-Hers are able to discover new ways of doing things and often learn different ways of dealing with everyday challenges. Leadership, responsibility, self-discipline, and initiative are important components of the 4-H Program. By becoming a 4-H member or volunteer, one can serve as a positive force in today’s world.

HANDS. 4-H experiences will teach youth skills that will be used throughout the rest of life. An important 4-H philosophy is to “learn by doing” as members become involved with a variety of hands-on activities. Youth can choose from a set of nearly 100 different topics, ranging from bicycle safety to cooking to computer technology to veterinary science. 4-H experiences are great ways to help members discover interests that lead to satisfying, rewarding careers later in life.

HEART. Youth are exposed to many new friends, both among their peers and adult leaders. 4-H members are given the chance to work through ideas and emotions by talking to each other as well as club leaders and volunteers. 4-H focuses on building character, accepting differences in people, and making one’s community a better place to live.

HEALTH. Feeling good is merely one aspect of being healthy. Others aspects include doing ones best to develop a balance among school, friends and family, and making the best choices in life. 4-H focuses on developing healthy lifestyles and understanding what happens when unhealthy choices are made.

What can I do in 4-H?

4-H offers something to interest everyone. Activities can be built around individual interests and talents. Youth will work with other young people toward common goals and will be given the opportunity to teach younger people.

Through project work and other educational activities, young people can grow vegetables, hatch an egg, chat on a computer, make bread, go to camp, give a demonstration or speech, shadow an adult at work, cure a ham or conquer an obstacle course.

Being a member of 4-H also gives youth opportunities to perform a skit, start a business, shear sheep, take photographs, judge soils, drive a tractor, barbecue chicken, learn about electricity or make a birdhouse. 4-H members can be part of an international exchange, decorate a room, ride in a bicycle rodeo, learn to sew, raise an animal or protect the environment. The possibilities are endless!

How can I become involved in 4-H?

Youth can be involved in 4-H in many ways. The most fun of these ways is through involvement in a 4-H club or project. Starting a 4-H club is really easy. All that’s needed is a group of interested young people and a couple of adults to work with the youth. Clubs can meet in a variety of public places including schools, libraries, community centers, and even barns.