Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home

Soil compaction is a long term problem that is best to be avoided.  Keeping heavy equipment off of saturated soils is a good start.  However, with clayey soils it is often hard to avoid compaction using tillage radishes …

Establishing a cover crop can add valuable organic matter, protect your soil from erosion, and prevent valuable nutrients from leeching out of the soil. This show introduces you to grass and legume species that work …

Many farmers struggle with persistent weed problems. We help you identify some of the biggest trouble makers and discuss how to best manage them.  …

Spring showers bring May flowers but they also bring saturated soils and a rush to get the first cutting.  Fallen trees and invasive weeds can taint your hay and make your cattle sick. Taking a walk through the field …

Multiflora rose started out as a good idea. But we know where the road of good intentions leads... Multiflora rose is a nuisance in fields and …

Erosion comes in many forms and costs associated with soil loss are undervalued. Join us and our special guest Joe Lehman from the USDA NRCS and learn about how to take care of your soil and keep our streams running …

Ergonomics is often looked at as silly fluff. But, what if your back could hurt just a little less after harvesting all day? Wouldn't that be nice?  …

Potassium and Magnesium are important nutrients but they must be in balance to give a healthy diet to your livestock. Too much potassium in your fields from over fertilizing with manure can cause too little magnesium to …

April showers bring May flowers, but be careful with Nitrogen in the spring. Your choice of a Nitrogen source can impact plant uptake, runoff, and …

The impacts of winter storms linger in city and forest trees alike. From broken limbs to damaged crowns, special guests Dave McGill and Greg Dahle discuss how to identify dangers associated with the aftermath of ice and …

Start your orchard off right or bring in stronger varieties as old trees phase out.  This week we discuss characteristics for a variety of apples …

Good nutrition, colostrum, and electrolytes are your best weapons to prevent and combat calf diseases like scours. By keeping a good vaccination …

While we mostly hear about big farms in the news for outbreaks, food safety is important even in the back yard garden.  Washing your hands before harvesting is a critical first step in any food safety plan. But, it's …

Seed catalogs are enticing but if you don't know your soil nutrient levels your garden and pasture won't meet their potential.  If you didn't test last fall, get a sample in as soon as possible. We recommend soil …

Local fruit is delicious and nutritious. Make sure your crop is market ready. Take steps early to clean up your plants and use preventative measures …

With last year’s soggy spring followed by a dry summer, odds are good that you are looking at some pastures that need a little help. Frost seeding is …

Whether for your personal health or the health of your pastures, stick to your resolutions by having an overall plan and set smaller SMART goals.   …

Winter blooms can light up rooms like nothing else. If you are thinking of keeping your poinsettia with the hopes of it blooming next year, tune in to find out what extra steps this unique plant will need.  We also talk …

With Thanksgiving behind us Christmas trees are on the minds of many.  Keeping a live tree safe takes extra care including watering daily, getting a clean cut, and going easy on the lights.  Pick up more details …

While our area's plants are going into dormancy, and animals are seeking warmer places to spend the winter, our soils are still quite busy places.  Microbes may slow down in lower temperatures but healthy soil is never …

Pesticides are an important tool in the home and on the farm.  It is important to know the signal words like caution, warning, and danger.  Let us …

When starting a new business there are an overwhelming number of questions to answer.  When starting a new farm enterprise there are even more.  "Think about the different available markets and consider what your end …

It is hunting season, and a "great time to get out there and enjoy the outdoors," according to Dr. Sheldon Owen, WVU Extension's Wildlife Specialist.  He joins us to help review safety tips like letting someone know …

Fall may feel like a time of ending but it is really a time of renewal.  Plants are preparing for winter, help them out by mulching.  As for your …

Many landowners lease their lands to allow hunting.  Whether you are inviting people to your woodlands to hunt deer or mushrooms, there are a few …

Good water quality benefits everyone.  Keeping your stream from eating away at your land helps too.  Learn the benefits of grassy strips and forested riparian buffers and how to install them.  Contact us for your very …

Most of you are taking the necessary steps to maintain your pasture's health, but sometimes the weather just doesn't cooperate.  Ed Rayburn, Forage Specialist from WVU Extension, joins our show to clarify when an open …

Testing your water is important for many reasons, to protect your family from biological contamination, to prevent blockages in irrigation lines, and …

Simple steps like storing hay on a well drained platform or covering it can reduce storage losses. Moisture content of your bales can not only lead …

For Fall Prevention Month we invite Lorrissa Dunfee, Family and Consumer Science Educator from Belmont County to learn the risks associated with falls, at home and on the farm. Lorrissa shares that while aging plays a …

Harvest season is in full swing, but do you know how to make the bounty last?  Tune in to this week's program to get the run down on how to store …

Whether you grew a garden for the first time or want to improve the shelf life of your market crops this show is going to help you out.  We cover …

After a brief review of the livestock markets Dan and Karen dive into current pest forecasts.  We're starting to see Downy Mildew nearby so get your preventive spray program going.  We also cover many insects to watch …

It's hot, it's dry.  Neither make raising cattle easier.  Tune in for some tips on how to make the most of what you have, take an inventory, and plan for the winter. We toss in a few notes on keeping your lawn healthy …

You can't get rid of a weed if you don't know it's secrets.  Things like, does it have deep roots? and is it a biennial or an annual?  Just because it looks dead, doesn't mean you've rid yourself of the problem.  From …

Today we bring you the livestock report and a flashback to a show from 2018 on how to lease land for agriculture.  You shouldn't treat it like a …

Great job! You have your soil test results and you are following them to a T, but should you be?  If your harvest is less than the production …

Ticks are part of summer (well, all seasons really).  As people venture outdoors the risk of getting bitten increases.  Unfortunately, ticks carry several zoonotic diseases.  Today we discuss the most common one in this …

There's a new tomato virus, thankfully it's not in town.  Learn steps to help keep your tomatoes protected.  We'll also help you understand how to …

Watching the prices plummet or sales completely stop caused many farmers more than one night of lost sleep.  We discuss the Corona Virus Food …

A good beef farmer is a good grass farmer. This goes for all grazing animals. Quality food in sufficient quantities is important for the health of all living things. This week we discuss pasture management and it's …

Why is meat so expensive at the grocery store right now? How can I improve my local food security?  Can I buy meat right off of a farm?  What is the risk of getting Covid-19 from meat packing plants that got shut down? …

This week Dan and Karen dive deep into how soil texture can tell you when and why to be worried about water.  Protect your soils from long term damage by learning danger signs for compaction and ideas on how to know …

Quality Fruit production takes attention and time.  Monitoring temperatures, rainfall, and past disease issues are essential in developing a proper fungicide spray program.  But, don't skip sanitation as it is your …

Wild weather is something any farmer should plan for.  But, crops that will last 30 years or so like orchards present unique long term planning …

A special guest from OSU's sheep team, Christine Gelley, joins Dan and Karen to discuss the basics of raising sheep and goats. From foods and supplements to fencing and marketing let us help you get things started on …

Have you gotten really good at making bread while being locked in?  Did your victory garden get a bit out of hand? Just in time for farmers market …

This week Dan and Karen review putting up silage or balage as an alternative to hay when it just won't stop raining.  There are certain steps to harvest and prepare balage properly that you must take to avoid potential …

In honor of Arbor Day Karen and Dan discuss some of the often forgotten planning steps to consider when planting a tree and their disastrous impacts.

Weeds are a constant challenge in produce and pasture.  Today Karen and Dan discuss how different weeds require different strategies for control and …

This week we take on the basics of raising backyard chickens.  From which type of bird would be best, to getting healthy peeps and feeding them …

Food safety is always a priority and farmers take many steps to stop food-borne illnesses. But what can we do to help farmers and consumers stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak? This episode answers questions like can …

Today we go over some of the changes livestock auctions are making to help keep you safe.  We also offer some tips about what you can do to help our soil test labs keep up.  Finally, we talk blueberries, our acid loving …

Recording off site but still going!  This we we'll give you the latest auction report and talk about growing grapes.

With days getting longer, many gardeners and farmers are getting the itch to get planting.  While starting seeds indoors and planting in greenhouses is well underway, we help you know what things can be done to get you …

Whether you are starting an orchard or renovating grandma's prize winning apple tree there are good and bad ways to do it.  Listen in to save yourself trouble down the road.

It's coming!  Watch for it!  Smash it (but call someone first so we can positively ID it)!

Learn best practices for starting seeds so your plants have a good healthy start!

Best Practices and ideas for managing environmental impacts on the farm.

Master Gardeners are one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. That's especially amazing when you consider they have to take 40 …

Whether you graze in the winter or feed hay, there are steps you can take to improve your farm's success. This week we talk pasture management for healthy forages.

Check out our new shorter format as we dive into the benefits of soil testing and give some pointers on how to do it right. Transcripts available - please email karen.cox@mail.wvu.edu

In this episode we hope to help you identify what is most valuable about your woods for you and your family.  Whether it be an investment for retirement or for enjoying the health benefits of being outside, having a …

Have you ever wondered if participating in feeder calf sales is really worth it?  We compare results from one of our local feeder calf sales with …

Yep, we're taking the plunge and talking Genetically Modified Organisms today.  What are they?  Why is it a big deal? And should you be worried.

Use low stress handling and good planning to improve your price at the market.  Always work and transport cattle in a calm manner, properly load your trailers, and watch your calendars.  We also discuss the importance a …

Ever wondered if there was another way to deal with mice, weeds and other pesky problems? Today we discuss different techniques for controlling both …

Should you use a cover crop? What cover crop meets your needs? What do I need to do before planting my next rotation if I use a cover crop? These …

Tune in for this great interview with Brandon Sternadel from the Pipeline Ag Safety Alliance. We discuss when to call 811 and why.  Keep your farm and your family safe and save your bank account from a costly mistake by …

What is in your water and why you need to know. From food safety aspects, to runoff problems, to irrigation and fertigation issues, it is important to know what is in the water you are using on the farm.

Is your pasture in need? Now is a great time to reseed, treat perennial weeds, fertilize winter pastures, and plan out your grazing paddocks for the winter. Download to learn more!

Rhododendrons infected with Phytophthora ramorum or Sudden Oak Death were sold through big box stores in March and April of 2019.  Learn how to …

From selection to planting to pruning to overwintering, we discuss how to care for roses.

Dan and Karen share the local livestock prices and discuss potential causes for volatility in the market.  They also discuss a few risk management …

Dan and Marissa from the Belmont County Extension office discuss the marketing and health issues associated with E-cigarettes or vaping.

Get an update on proper usage of antibiotics to improve animal health while following VFD Regulations. BQA. Local livestock report through 3:22.

Special release for the heat wave: a review of precautions to keep yourself and your animals safe in the heat. More thorough information can be found here: Livestock Heat Stress: Recognition, Response and Prevention

Learn about steps for properly composting manure in windrows.  Improve nutrient content, reduce environmental impacts, remove weed issues, and …

Composting helps to reduce waste going to landfills and convert trash to treasure.  We discuss how to balance carbon and nitrogen ratios for optimal decay and plant nutrient values as well as how to troubleshoot common …

Got a pond? Got weeds in your pond? Want them gone? This show is for you! We discuss why some ponds have more weed problems than others and ways to reduce nutrient loads, reduce weed development, and keep fish healthy.  …

This week's hay and livestock report is from Mt. Hope Auction (through 5:55). Then we dive into what to know about African Swine Fever.  We spend most of this segment on biosecurity tips that will keep your pigs and …

Increase your success with fruit trees by making the right choices up front.  We discuss variety, root stock, frost pockets, and more to help you get a good start to an orchard or small backyard fruit production.

From starting with quality seed to making sure you aren't transferring last years diseases, there are many steps you can take to get a good start to your crop. Listen in to find out more (livestock report runs through …

Hay season has come to the Ohio Valley. Karen and Dan take discuss steps to help make sure your time and effort provide the greatest return. There is so much to discuss we had to break it into two shows, here is part …

Hay season has come to the Ohio Valley.  Karen and Dan take discuss steps to help make sure your time and effort provide the greatest return.  There is so much to discuss we had to break it into two shows, this is part …

Floating Row Cover, High Tunnels, and Shade Cloth are just a few options available for extending your growing season.  We offer a myriad of options to help you choose what's best for your farm.

After the local livestock auction report we review the causes, treatments, steps for preventing tetany and bloat when putting your ruminants out in spring pastures.  If you think your animal has a serious health issue …

Learn proper pesticide application methods for controlling weeds while protecting the environment.  Also, tips for identifying poison hemlock a …

Karen interviews Brian Kralovic a local certified arborist.  We discuss good tree care, common tree care mistakes, and considerations for choosing and planting a new tree. For more info check out treesaregood.org and …

Dan hosts special guest Christine Gelley from the Noble County Extension office to talk about strategies for dealing with farm stress.

When building your raised bed garden consider how low your roots need to go.  We go beyond the basic mix to discuss various success strategies and root depths. (Local livestock report through 2:45).

Please enjoy this show from May 2017 where Dan and I talk about integrated pest management through crop rotation and resting the field.  We'll be back next week with a new show for you!

Last year's mud has carried over through the winter and we're looking at a rough start to spring grazing. With more rain expected, it may be time to reconsider how we pasture our livestock. Management intensive Grazing …

After the Parkersburg livestock prices (through 4:56) we talk about why it's important to pay attention to compaction and steps you can take to get a start on remediating ruts and get a good planting this spring. …

Mode of Action vs. Site of Action, Restricted Use vs. Restricted Entry. This episode we work on deciphering all these things while helping you create a system to protect yourself and your farm when working with …

Keeping the right records for pesticide application is more than knowing the spray dates for your applicator license.  Spray records can help improve the efficacy of the application and save you money by not over or …

After last year's rain every one is hoping to have a little less mud.  But, the rains did more than make mud. Soil nutrients were leached out, nitrogen building bacteria were drowned, and soil structure was …

Dan provides the local livestock prices (through 4:25). Then we get into some tips for keeping fruit diseases at bay as the end of our cold season …

Keep your calves healthy by making sure mamma is healthy at time of birth, making sure colostrum is received in the first hour, and consider a …

If you are low on hay or feeding lower quality hay, you may need to supplement your cow's energy needs in this last trimester.  We discuss how to …

Join in for a glance at local livestock prices, how the state of WV assesses mineral taxes and royalty taxes, and recommendations for handling medication to meet Beef Quality Assurance standards.

This week we talk about tough decisions in tough financial times.  We review using records to make changes so business struggles don't become personal struggles.

This week we provide information about upcoming programs like the WV Small Farm Conference and Appalachian Grazing Conference as well as small local events.  Then we dive into important plant characteristics to consider …

This week we help you get ready for calving season, review the local livestock report, and discuss some problems and solutions for muddy pastures.

A quick overview of the potential impacts of the 2019 Farm Bill.  More information can be found at https://agriculture.house.gov/farmbill/

We break out of the farm mold today to talk about the 13 things you need to do to be successful.  This show is based on Zdravko Cvijectic's post on …

This week we discuss tips for feeding the birds this winter.  We also talk about glyphosate resistance in palmer amaranth and how to make sure your …

Dan and Karen discuss Chainsaw safety and tips on choosing firewood to heat your home or have a pretty fire.

For transcripts or more information contact karen.cox@mail.wvu.edu.

Programs and activities offered by the …

Upcoming programs for the upper Ohio Valley Region announced. Tips on growing spinach in winter from row covers to high tunnels. If you would like a …

This week we encourage you to start gathering your farm business records early and give guidance on how to review your books so you know what steps to take before the fiscal year ends. We also review local livestock …

This week we we share the local livestock prices and welcome special guest Ms. Marnie Miller. She is a certified food preserver and we discuss home …