From fine tuning best management practices on the farm to doing plantings around the home that attract bees, the pollinator protection plan being developed in Kentucky and across the nation is examining how to protect this important asset.  Dr. Tammy Horn Potter, state apiarist for the Ky Ag Department discusses the process. (Public Forum, July 13, 7-9 p.m., Warren County Extension office).

CBOT futures closed lower in the major commodities, pressured by favorable weather and forecasts that encouraged heavy long liquidation.  Live Cattle closed lower while Feeder Cattle were mixed, thanks to the lower corn futures market. Yesterday’s small gains were erased with today’s losses.

CBOT futures closed mixed in response to the midday reports from USDA. USDA surprised traders with about 1.2 million more corn acres than expected. On the other hand, soybean acres were just below the average trade guess, although still the largest on record. Cattle futures closed higher across the board, extending the rally into its fourth day. 

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While much of the 2016 legislative session concluding in April had mostly to do with dealing with the budget, there were a number of new laws enacted that will kick into effect on July 15. Farm Bureau legislative chief, Jeff Harper, discusses formation of the new water resource management program and what it means, and discusses a “preemption” bill having to do with any “local” efforts to regulate seed labeling.

The “On-Farm Energy Efficiency” grant applications awarded by the Governor’s Council on Ag Policy are now being considered.  GOAP’s Bill McCloskey who helps oversee the program, says in its first four years these $10,000 matching grants have helped a number of farmers in grain drying, poultry production, and other areas where these investments made long-range sense in cutting energy expenditures on the farm.

Across the state nominations and elections are underway for member of county FSA boards.  Mitchell Dunn, Administrative Specialist for FSA’s state office in Lexington, says at each local office about a third of members will need to be replaced by new volunteers who will help determine eligibility for fellow farmers for a number of USDA programs. 

All terrain vehicle accidents can happen in a split second and while Henry County dairyman, Curtis Coombs, was chasing down a wayward steer a quick change in direction resulted in a rollover and a broken ankle.  Carilynn Coombs says her husband wasn’t “doing anything stupid,” but simply cut his turn too sharp for the speed he was traveling. His broken ankle has been painful for sure, but it could easily have been far, far worse.