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Do you take your children shopping? This can be the perfect opportunity to help your child develop language skills.

There are many fun activities to do with younger children at the store to help them with language and reading skills.

The store is a great place for teaching new words and for introducing your child to new people and places. You can turn the time you have together into a valuable way to teach language skills to your child. Just remember to make it fun and to pick a time when neither you nor your child is hungry or tired.

By the end of the month, do you wonder where your money went? Many of you reading this column will hope that you can manage your money better this year than you did last year. 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to get better control of your money. Under-standing how and where you spend your money is important for everyone for financial success and to have enough money available for necessities - especially in tough economic times. There are several key steps you can take to stretch your money a little farther each month. 

Study the performance of last year’s calf crop and plan for improvement. Plan your breeding program and consider a better herd sire(s).  Select herd sires which will allow you to meet your goals and be willing to pay for superior animals. 

Consider vaccinating the cows to help prevent calf scours.

Start cows on the high magnesium mineral supplement soon.  Consider protein supplementation if hay is less than 10 percent crude protein.  If cows are thin, begin energy (grain) supplementation now. 

Many Kentuckians burn firewood as their main source of heat during the winter.  Others use it to supplement their heating sources.

For many families, that means purchasing wood.  To gain the most from your investment, pay attention to the seasoning, density and quantity of firewood.