County Extension Office Announces End-of-Year Programs

BY CARLA VAIGHT – COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT –

Private Use Pesticide Applicator Training Scheduled

Agriculture producers wishing to purchase restricted pesticides for use on their own farm are invited to attend a certification class on Monday, December 1^st at 6:00 pm at the Polk County Fairgrounds.  The training will last about 2.5 hours and costs $10 to attend. This class will allow participants to purchase a 5 year license for pesticides designated as restricted use from the Arkansas State Plant board. All paperwork will be provided at the training.  There is no need to pre-register.  Just show up prior to 6 pm at the Fairgrounds Commercial building.  If you cannot make this date, surrounding counties will also be conducting the training.  Contact the office for information about those dates and locations.  Our phone number is 479-394-6018.

Pasture and Forage Field Day

You are invited to participate in a field day on November 18 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the U of A Southwest Research and Extension Center at Hope.  Topics on the agenda include: Rotational grazing for Cow/Calf operations; Stockpiling bermudagrass to extend the grazing season; Incorporating winter annuals into the grazing program; Comparing forage quality with a cow’s nutritional requirements; and the economics of extended grazing programs.

This should be an excellent program outlining research and management practices that can improve your bottom line on the beef farm.  These practices have been used in U of A beef cattle research and demonstration farms across the state.  They are proving to be practical and effective at keeping costs down and profits up.

A complimentary meal will be served to all participants.  Be sure to pre-register by calling SWREC at 6870-777-9702 ext 100 to reserve your meal.

4-H Sponsoring 3^rd Annual Santa’s for Seniors Program

Do you know a low income senior citizen who could use a little love and attention this Christmas?   4-H is sponsoring Santa’s for Seniors again this year.  We are looking for nominations of seniors ages 65 and up who don’t have friends and family close enough to help them at Christmas.  The nomination has a “wish list” of needs for them to complete.  Nomination forms are available at the Extension Office at 211 DeQueen Street in Mena. Nominations must be completed and returned to the Extension Office by November 20.  On November 21, “Santa’s” will be available to adopt on the Angel tree at the Extension Office.  All gifts will be due back into the office by December 12^th.  4-H members will be delivering the gifts to the Seniors on December 18^th and 19^th.

This project served over 45 Seniors last year. 4-H families say it is one of the most rewarding experiences they have in the 4-H program.  Help us out! Get involved!  You will also feel the blessings!

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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