4H UPDATE

Beef Fitting/Showing Workshop for 4-H/FFA Members

A beef project workshop for Franklin County 4-H and FFA members will be held on Saturday, April 4, at Midwest Prairie Candles Arena, 1518 A Highway 65, north of Hampton. The session will be held from 9 am to noon. Members are encouraged to bring a calf to the workshop. Sessions will be led by the ISU Livestock Judging Team coach and members.

4-H Bucket Calf exhibitors will also have an opportunity to learn more about caring and showing calves at this workshop. Participants will learn about feeding, watering, haltering, training, and grooming calves in several fun hands-on activities. No bucket calves are to be brought to the workshop.

A noon meal will be provided for participants courtesy of the Franklin 4-H Foundation. Please pre-register by calling the Extension Office at 641-456-4811 by Friday, April 3!

4-H VOLUNTEER BANQUET TO BE HELD

Hampton State Bank and the Franklin County 4-H & Youth Committee are sponsoring a banquet for 4-H volunteers Monday, April 6, 6:00 p.m., at the Hampton State Bank. All 4-H club leaders, project leaders, Youth Committee, Foodstand Committee, 4-H Foundation, and Extension Council members and guests are invited.

Fair information and club work schedules will be covered in a meeting for club leaders after the meal.

Call in meal reservations by April 1 at 641-456-4811.

picture provided by bob n renee at flickr.com

Need To Know?

Iowa State’s Answer Line Has the Answers to 'Need to Know' Questions

AMES, Iowa --When consumers want answers to immediate home and family questions they turn to Iowa State University Extension’s Answer Line by phone at (800) 262-3804 or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/.

“Two-thirds of our calls are questions about food, particularly around a holiday,” said Evelyn Beavers, Answer Line coordinator. However, Answer Line isn’t a recipe service. Rather, professional consumer and family scientists field questions on food buying, cooking, storing and safety.

Answer Line also handles questions about child development, consumer management, home environment, nutrition and textiles, among other topics. The toll-free phone service has been available for nearly 35 years.

“We’ll answer just about any home or family question,” Beavers said. “We are a unique program, because when you call, you will speak to a live person and get research-based answers.”

Answer Line is part of a national Healthy Homes initiative for Extension. This provides emphasis on indoor air quality questions such as mold, radon, asbestos and general cleaning.

The Web site’s frequently asked questions allow Iowans access to information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consumers can search by keyword, browse the keyword index or select a topic area to find answers to their questions.

The toll-free service also is available in Minnesota at (800) 854-1678. Calls are answered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Relay Iowa line (phone linkage for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals) is available at 711. In addition, questions can be sent by e-mail to answer@iastate.edu.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like: Michelle Hartman – Tupperware – 641-373-8880    Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227  Long Branch Supper Club – 641-458-8027   Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234   Seven Stars Restaurant - 641-456-5378

Earth Hour is Saturday March 28th

This Saturday is the third annual ritual of turning off our lights for one hour.  It started in Australia by the World Wildlife Fund in 2007.  At 8:30 pm Central, turn off your lights for one hour.   The idea this year is to raise awareness about climate change.  Read more here.

That's great.  Let's all turn off our lights for hour.  We can become a dark planet.  For One Hour.

But then what?  We turn on the lights and go on about our business?  I've got some ideas ....

Why not do one of these things:

1. buy a CFL lightbulb and install it

2. keep your thermometer at 68 in the winter instead of 70.

3. start a compost pile.

4. walk more and drive less.

5. turn off the light when you leave a room.

6. wash your clothes in cold water.

7. plant a garden.

8. share the garden with your neighbors.

9. shop local.

10. read a book instead of watching tv.

That's just a couple of ideas -- can you think of some more? 

What's Up In The Garden by Jackie Dohlman

Tips on Fertilizing Roses, Oedema on Ivy Geranium Leaves, and Good Sites for Vegetable Gardens

When should I fertilize hybrid tea roses?

Fertilize hybrid tea and other modern roses three times a year. The first application should be made in early spring after pruning. Put on the second application during the first bloom period (typically late May or early June). The third application should be made in mid to late July. Use an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Sprinkle 1/4 cup around each plant. Do not fertilize after July 31. Late summer fertilization will encourage succulent new growth. Late season growth may not harden off properly before winter and be susceptible to winter injury.

There are blister-like growths on the undersides of ivy geranium leaves. What is the problem?

Oedema is probably responsible for the lesions on the undersides of the ivy geranium leaves. Oedema is not caused by an insect or disease pathogen. It is a physiological problem. Oedema is most often encountered in greenhouses in late winter.

While oedema can occur on many different plants, it is most commonly found on ivy geraniums. Affected leaves develop small blisters on their undersides. The blisters rupture and turn tan or brown and become corky. Seriously affected leaves may turn yellow and fall from the plant.

Oedema typically occurs when plants absorb more water through their roots than they use or transpire through their leaves. This usually happens during prolonged periods of cool, cloudy weather in late winter. Oedema develops when the soil is warm and moist, while the air is cool and moist. Water pressure builds up in the cells of the leaf causing them to enlarge and form swollen, blister-like growths.

While oedema is unsightly, it does not cause serious harm to affected plants. Problems can be minimized by not over-watering during cloudy weather and reducing humidity levels in the greenhouse.

What would be a good site for a vegetable garden?

Vegetables grow best in a well-drained, fertile soil. The garden site should also receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Avoid shady sites near large trees and shrubs. Most vegetable crops will not produce well if they don’t receive sufficient sunlight. The site should also be fairly level to avoid soil erosion problems and free of difficult-to-control weeds, such as Canada thistle and field bindweed.

Got gardening questions? Contact the Hortline at (515) 294-3108 (Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. -12 noonand 1 - 4:30 p.m.) or send an e-mail to hortline@iastate.edu. For more gardening information visit us at Yard and Garden Online at www.yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:

Michelle Hartman – Tupperware – 641-373-8880

Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227

Long Branch Supper Club – 641-458-8027

Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234

Seven Stars Restaurant - 641-456-5378

picture courtesy of jk10976 at flickr.com 

C.A.R.E.

Care’s the Word for Families

CARE is the first part of keeping families together and strong. Research on families indicates that strong families give each other CARE – it’s more than concern or close attention. CARE’s an acronym for strong families:

C stands for consideration or careful thought and attention family members show for each other;

A stands for appreciation, a grateful recognition or a sensitive awareness for each other;

R stands for respect. Strong family members treat each other with courtesy and do not take advantage of each other. They respect each other’s views, opinions, and feelings;

E stands for empathy or understanding. There is an understanding of how others feel, what they are doing, why they are saying what they are saying or doing.

Some families are strong. They talk to each other, they help each other in times of stress, they laugh together, and they stay in contact with each other all their lives. Other families are not so strong – but they can change.

picture courtesy of freeparking at flickr.com 

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:

Michelle Hartman – Tupperware – 641-373-8880

Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227

Long Branch Supper Club – 641-458-8027

Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234

Seven Stars Restaurant - 641-456-5378

Do You Shop Local?

TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR AD ONLINE!

Do You Feel Safe?

How to Improve Rural Security

Iowa has a low level of crime compared to the national average and that is good news. Our state even has a lower rate than the Midwest average. However even with that low crime level, in 2007 Iowa reported more than 16,000 incidents of burglary -- the unlawful entry into a building or structure to steal or commit a crime. This level of burglary is down slightly from the last five years but ask any burglary victim if this decrease holds any significance or comfort for them.

Residences or farms were the top targets for burglaries, accounting for about 65 percent of all the burglaries in 2007. It is easy to ignore the possibility that crime can impact you but it is more prudent to take some simple steps to gain additional protection and reduce the likelihood of becoming a burglary victim. Use simple efforts to deter, delay and deny criminals from committing burglary on your acreage.

The first action is to get secure
Have secure deadbolts installed on all external doors to your home, barns and other buildings on the property. Installed them is only half of the effort -- you must use them all the time to be effective. It is also important to add commercially available locks for any sliding glass doors or use a rod in the track to prevent burglars from prying it open.

Windows are the next entry point of burglars so examine your windows. Adding a sliding bolt or screw connection improves double-hung window security. You need to pay extra attention to basement windows. Windows at ground or below ground level are easy access points for burglars.

Keep your vehicles locked when they’re not being used. Never leave your keys in the vehicle or equipment. When you store valuables in your vehicle, (such as computers, small electronic devices, tools, and purses) you must keep those items out of sight. If burglars don’t see a reason to break in your vehicle they won’t.

Check your lights
Keep your home, driveway, barns and other buildings illuminated at night. Nobody wants spotlights on your property all night so consider motion sensors that active light when there is activity. Bright lights and good illumination makes criminals think twice about approaching because they don’t wish to be seen. It is also a good idea to use timers on several indoor lights in the home giving the appearance that someone is at home.

Examine your landscaping
Trim bushes and other plants that hide doors, windows or block your security lights. This eliminates hiding places for would-be burglars and adds another level of protection.

Assess your vulnerability and identify the possible threat for burglary to better understand your risk. These are just a few basic options available to assist you in making your acreage secure and less likely to be targeted by burglars. Depending upon your level of concern or knowledge about recent burglaries in your area, there are more options such as a barking dog, an acreage watch group and high tech electronic alarm systems.

Additional information
http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/index.html
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/ucr/2007/iacrime.shtml
http://www.ncpc.org/
http://www.usaonwatch.org/
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dir/episode/0,2046,DIY_14297_25637,00.html

Map of Iowa burglary rate by county for 2007
in the online March 2009 issue of  Acreage Living.

picture courtesy of flickr.com

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Lilacs, Mulch, Strawberries

Pruning Lilacs and Removing Mulch from Strawberries

Pruning Lilacs

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a large shrub that may reach heights of 15 to 20 feet. As lilacs mature, the shaded lower portions of the shrubs usually lose their leaves, resulting in leggy, poorly shaped specimens. Large and old lilacs can be renewed or rejuvenated by two different pruning methods.

One way to renew a large, overgrown lilac is to cut the entire plant back to within six to eight inches of the ground in late winter (March or early April). This severe pruning will induce a large number of shoots to develop during the growing season. In late winter of the following year, select and retain several strong, healthy shoots to form the shrub framework and remove all the others at ground level. Head (cut) back the retained shoots to just above a bud to encourage branching.

A second way to prune old lilacs is to cut back the overgrown shrubs over a three-year period. Begin the procedure by removing one-third of the large, old stems at ground level in late winter. The following year (again in late winter), prune out one-half of the remaining old stems. Also, thin out some of the new growth. Retain several well-spaced, vigorous stems and remove all the others. Finally, remove all of the remaining old wood in late winter of the third year. Additional thinning of the new shoots also should be done. Since lilac wood needs to three or more years of age before it blooms, this pruning method should allow you to enjoy flowers every spring.

When properly pruned, a large, old lilac can be transformed into a vigorous attractive shrub within a few years. Once rejuvenated, pruning should be a regular part of the lilac maintenance program. The shrub can be kept healthy and vigorous by removing a few of the oldest branches everytwo or three years.

Removing Mulch from Strawberries

While March is an excellent time to prune many deciduous shrubs, some garden chores should wait until later in spring. To reduce the chance of frost or freeze damage, home gardeners should leave winter mulch on strawberries for as long as possible. Removal of the mulch in March or early April may encourage the plants to bloom before the danger of frost has past. Temperatures of 32 F or lower may severely damage or destroy open flowers. Since the first flowers produce the largest berries, a late spring frost or freeze can drastically reduce yields. Leaving the mulch on through March and early April will delay or slow growth and reduce the risk of frost or freeze damage.

To determine when to remove the mulch, periodically examine the strawberry plants in early April. Remove the mulch from the strawberry planting when about 25 percent of the plants are producing new growth. New growth will be white or yellow in color. (If possible, the winter mulch on strawberries should remain until mid-April in central Iowa.)

When removing the mulch, rake the straw to the aisles between rows. If there is a threat of a frost later in the season during bloom, the mulch can be lightly raked back over the strawberry plants. 

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picture of lilac from suesue2

Sunshine Vitamin

The Role of Vitamin D

Spring is around the corner and with this comes longer days and warm sunshine! Jill Weber, Nutrition & Health Field Specialist for Iowa State University Extension Service, said increased research is being conducted on the role of Vitamin D in our health.

Vitamin D is unique because it can be obtained in two different ways: from exposure to sunlight and from foods. Did you know a vitamin D precursor is produced in the skin upon exposure to the ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays of the sun? This precursor then circulates to the liver and on to the kidneys to be turned into the active form of vitamin D.

How does vitamin D fit into the picture of overall health? Calcium can be absorbed without vitamin D. However, vitamin D increases the efficiency and amount of calcium absorbed. If there is a vitamin D deficiency, calcium absorption from the intestine may decrease from approximately 30-50% to no more than 15%. The main role of vitamin D is to keep blood calcium levels in the normal range. It does this by increasing calcium absorption from the intestine and increasing calcium removal from the bones. If not enough calcium is consumed and absorbed, vitamin D will signal removal of calcium from the bones to maintain normal blood levels.

How much time do you need to spend in the sun to make vitamin D? It is generally thought that exposure of the hands, face, and arms three times a week for about 5-15 minutes is more than adequate. Many factors, including clothing and sunscreen, can block the UV-B radiation from the sun and prevent vitamin D production. This may not be a big issue for children and young adults because it is unlikely they will wear a sunscreen every time they are outdoors, nor will they likely cover all sun-exposed areas of the body. However, older adults may be more diligent in sunscreen application and/or have less sun exposure, especially during winter months when more time is spent indoors. Because older adults also have less of the vitamin D precursor in their skin, as well as kidney function that tends to decline with age, they are at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency.

What foods contain vitamin D? Most foods do not contain any vitamin D, nor are they fortified with it. Milk is one of the few foods to which vitamin D is added during processing. Other dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, are poor sources of vitamin D because they are generally not made with fortified milk. Fatty fish and their oils (tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod liver oils) are some of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver and egg yolks. Although nutrient needs should be met primarily through consuming foods, if you think you may not be getting enough vitamin D in your diet, talk with your health care provider about possibly taking a supplement to ensure adequate intake.

photo by ifraud

need the dates of what's happening in Hampton?  Click  here

More information about building a healthy diet is available from your local Franklin County Extension Office, 3 1^st Ave NW, 641-456-4811. You can also access nutrition information from our ISU Extension website 24 hours a day at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition/