Programs aid farmers with beef certification, breeding

2012 is officially here, and with it comes new opportunities to gain knowledge through the UK Cooperative Extension Office.

One such opportunity is through the “Carroll County Agri-culture News.” I have developed this Exten-sion newsletter to be delivered on a quarterly basis. The inaugural newsletter is being sent out at this time, and it will include information from the UK Cooperative Extension Service, as well as reminders and announcements for upcoming programs. If you would like to receive my newsletter, please contact the Extension office.

BQA certification

Beef Quality Assurance Certification will take place on Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carroll County Extension Office. The cost is $5.

This certification assures the consumer that all cattle shipped from a beef production unit are healthy, wholesome and safe, and that their management has met FDA, USDA and EPA standards.  Certification is good for three years. 

BQA Certification is required if you have been approved for cattle cost-share programs, such as CAIP, or participate in CPH-45 sales and Master Cattleman.

Please register by Jan. 6 with the Extension office.

Pesticide certification

Pesticide Applicator Certification will take place on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carroll County Extension Office.  There is no cost for the certification.

Recordkeeping and the proper storage of chemicals will be covered in this class, in addition to other general topics associated with pesticide application.

The MAG-60 Program

The first breeding season involved with the MAG-60 program is coming to a close.

You can still participate in the management and genetics project for the spring 2012 and fall 2012 breeding seasons.  Participation is on a first come, first serve basis.  If you are interested in learning more, contact the Extension Office immediately.

Vegetable Academy

The Vegetable Academy: A Short Course to Advance Vegetable Production in Kentucky will be held on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Henry County Extension Office.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. The cost is $30.

Topics include irrigation and fertility management, variety selection, postharvest handling, organic production, weed management, insect management and identification, disease management and identification, equipment usage and marketing.

Please register with the Carroll County Extension Office by Jan. 27.

Kentucky Equine Survey

The Kentucky Equine Survey is taking place in summer 2012. For you and your horses to be involved, send your name, mailing address, and phone number to NASS at nass-ly@nass.usda.gov.

Put “Kentucky Equine Survey” in the subject line.

If you receive a survey from NASS, fill it out and send it back.

Email issues that are pertinent to your breed, discipline or interest area to equineinitiative@uky.edu. Put “Kentucky Equine Survey” in the subject line.

Dates of interest

Jan. 4: Agricultural Development Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Carroll County Extension Office.

Jan. 9: District 3 4-H Horse Management Meeting, 7 p.m., Carroll County Courthouse.

Christin Herbst is the Carroll County Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources. Call her at (502) 732-7030 or send e-mail to Christin.Herbst@uky.edu.