Ramsey County

May 15, 2006

Howdy!!!!
Well, here we go with the summer season just around the corner, the garden is just about fully planted and my daughter (Christine) announced her engagement last weekend.  I was really excited for her but I did have to call her to get her to slow down with the planning process.  Between that and Jason and Stephanie having a new family member in about 4 weeks, there is no time in the inn for me to get our yard work done.  I have however gotten my pad extended and sprinkler system put in with a new flower garden addition.

Shotgun classes to begin!!!
Ramsey County 4-H Shooting Sports is offering two shotgun classes beginning Monday, June 5.  The first class is intermediate beginners and will start at 6: pm and continue on through 7:30.  The second class is intermediate advanced which will begin at 7:30 and continue on to 9 pm.  Hunter’s safety is a prerequisite for these two classes.  There is $40 registration fee to cover the cost of the clays pigeons and you must also provide your own shells.  The classes are offered to all young adults’ ages 10 to 17, with classes limited to 10 shooters.  To register, for the classes, stop by the Extension office or call 701-662-7027.  This is a first come first basis class.

Grasses used for hay or pasture????
I have had many questions this spring on which grass to plant on the poorer ground around sloughs or wet areas.  The first grass that I will talk about this week will be Switchgrass.  Switchgrass is a tall, erect, native, sod forming warm season perennial forming thick clumps from short rhizomes.  Switchgrass is found throughout the state on moist soils with most of the switchgrass being found in the southeastern part of the state.  Forage quality is very good once established.  This grass decreases with overgrazing, frequently being replaced with lower producing mid and short season grasses.  As I mentioned earlier switchgrass is a very good forage but needs to be harvested early and if left to mature loses its value very quickly.  Switchgrass will not do well on poorer soils and or high saline areas.

There is also an alfalfa available that has claims to doing well on saline areas. Check with your local seed dealer for more information.

Calendar!!
            June 17            Achievement Day 4-H Horse Show
            June 29            Achievement Day Livestock Show
            July 13             Canola field tour, Langdon
            July 20             Langdon field Days
            July 26             Ramsey County Field Day       

524 4th Ave NE #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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