It’s time to begin regular inspections of the backyard and landscape to remove any potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.  Feldhaus visits with State Veterinarian, Dr. Robert Stout, who says it’s a good idea to regularly inspect for collected water in locations from toys and downspouts to lawnmower seats and even bottle caps.    

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A UK doctoral student has created a working list of best trees and shrubs to plant in your landscape to attract and feed bees.  Bernie Mach says the plantings don’t have to be expensive and can add color and beauty to any landscape, and feed bees throughout the season.  

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A series of Master Logger education programs begins next week in Floyd County (May 16-18).  UK forestry professor, Jeff Stringer, explains that all professional logging concerns are required to have a Master Logger on staff to oversee their operations.  He says this program, based on “best management practices” is working quite well.

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Feldhaus provides another report on the rebuilding of the Lexington Bluegrass Stockyard which was destroyed by fire in January 2016.  The new facility will feature other commercial outlets; everything from western wear to a trucking company. Manager, Jim Akers, says a hi-tech presentation room will also be available for industry meetings and to host school group tours.  The scheduled grand opening is for this September.

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The Ky Ag Department’s “Farm to Fork” program is now open and can help local communities with cost share funds to utilize locally grown foods to put on charitable events.  Farm to Fork coordinator, Alisha Morris, says up to $500 is available for qualifying events and that applications are being taken now, through this November.

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While CBOT futures traded higher overnight, markets sold off in the day session to close steady to mostly lower.  Cattle futures closed mostly higher with the nearby June LC contract trading up the daily $3.00 limit much of the day and closed pennies off the limit.  Lean Hog futures rallied on a stronger cash hog market and higher pork values.

Led by the KC wheat market, CBOT futures pushed sharply higher with gains magnified by heavy short-covering by the speculative crowd. The buying was spurred by weekend weather that ranged from heavy flooding to heavy snow and freezing temperatures.  Cattle futures closed mostly lower after opening higher at 830 am. However, cattle traders turned sellers when they saw the sustained rally in corn futures.

CBOT futures closed steady to higher with wheat performing the best.  Live and Feeder cattle futures closed up the daily limits, so tomorrow the daily limits will be $4.50 in LC and $6.75 in FC.  Futures soared on a stronger cash cattle market and additional buying spurred on by technical considerations.