July 2024 Edition

Agriculture & Natural Resources
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Estill County Farm Scoop
Agriculture & Natural Resources 
July 2024

Keeping Birds Away from Ripening Small Fruits
Source: Delia Scott, Department of Horticulture Extension Associate

Birds that feed on ripening small fruit can be a problem for homeowners with plantings of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants and grapes.

There are multiple techniques that may be effective in keeping birds away, depending on bird populations and other available foods. These include using bird scare balloons with large eyes on the sides, placing rubber snakes or owls around plants, hanging aluminum pie pans or old CDs that blow in the breeze, or using reflective tape over and around the plants. These techniques are more effective if used before the bird problem develops. Birds will eventually become accustomed to scare devices, so repositioning them frequently is necessary.

Another effective technique controlling bird feeding is the use of exclusion netting. There are many types of netting available, from fine-meshed netting that also excludes insects to large-meshed netting designed exclusively for bird control. Using a structure is often recommended to keep the netting off the plants, as well as to make harvesting more enjoyable. Photos of bird netting setups and structures can be found at https://www.uky.edu/hort/bird_netting_pics on the UK Horticulture Department website. Once birds have found fruit, it is difficult to discourage them from continued feeding. Birds will eat fruit long before it is considered ripe, so be sure to apply nets or use scare tactics before fruit begins to color.

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Estill Conservation District Soil Quality Cost Share Program

The Estill County Conservation District has set aside cost share funds for a Soil Quality/Cover Crop Program. The purpose of this program is to help Estill County farmers and gardeners with the use of diverse cover crops improving soil health which is the capacity of the soil to function. The Conservation District will provide cost share to establish these pre-selected, diverse cover crops. THE SIGNUPS WILL BEGIN JULY 22ND, 2024 AND CONTINUE THRU AUGUST 2ND, 2024. There is a limited amount of funds set aside for this program and approval will be on a first come-first served basis. Program guidelines can be obtained at the Conservation District Monday –Friday 8-4:30pm, or 723-5104.

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Summer Heat Safety

By Jane Marie Wix - National Weather Service Jackson, KY

Summer heat arrived with a bang in mid-June across Kentucky! Unfortunately, we are only getting started with the summer season - there will most certainly be several months of hot weather ahead. Summer is also the season when everyone wants to be outside, either working or having fun. As much as we love this time of year, it is also a very dangerous season.

Heat continues to be the deadliest form of weather across the country. Higher than flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Sadly, statistics for last year showed a higher-than-average fatality rate. Heat related deaths have been creeping up every year for the last few years.

During excessive heat, avoid heavy activity and direct sunlight. Stay hydrated, find a cool indoor place, and check on children, the elderly, and pets. Protect yourself outside by wearing light, loose-fitting clothes, stay hydrated, and spend time in the shade. Also, never leave anyone (or pets) alone in a locked car, even in the winter, as death can occur in as little as 10 minutes.

Know the signs:

• Heat Exhaustion: Becoming faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool/clammy skin, nausea, rapid/weak pulse, muscle cramps.
• Heat Stroke: Throbbing headache, no sweating, red/hot/dry skin, nausea, rapid/strong pulse, possible loss of consciousness.

If someone experiences these symptoms, get them to a cooler place and try to cool the body (loosen clothing, drink cool water, etc.). If it’s a heat stroke, call 911 IMMEDIATELY.

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To view the entire newsletter, click the attached PDF. 

 

For more information on Agricultural programs, please contact Emma Lee, County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources.
emma.lee@uky.edu or 606-723-4557