Ramsey County

May 21, 2007

Howdy!!!!!
What a wild ride of weather we have had, this past week and looks like week ahead.  I talked to a young lady from Egland that had her garden smoked with frost this past week even turning her potatoes black.  We did have a slight frost in our neighborhood, killing some sensitive garden and annual plants.  The weather man, this morning, mentioned rain amounts this week in the 1-4 inch range.  It seems when they start talking about amounts rather than chances, things seem to change.  This past weekend saw our water feature up and running.  It was very rewarding knowing things can work with a little bit of hard work and determination.  So often we sit around looking for something to complain about and taking on a project of this size does not allow time for that to happen.  One last note to all the perennial growers out there: if you have something you would like to share with me please give me a call, I am looking for some new perennials to plant in my yard.

Spraying season!!!! 
Tis the time of year to start your engines and get after those pesty weeds, either in your fields or yards.  As we prepare to control those broadleaf weeds there are many tasks that need attention.  First off and most importantly is proper handling attire.  Gloves, goggles, clothing and rubber boots, too name a few of the proper personal protective equipment that are available, can go a long ways in keeping you safe from Pesticide exposure.  Secondly, always read and follow the label of the pesticide you are applying.  If the field inspector should stop and check you and your equipment and finds that you are applying pesticides off label, penalties could be in store for you.  Making sure your sprayer and equipment is working properly can also save you money from making the correct application to the area you are applying pesticides to.  This past week I heard of a couple of nurse tanks that came dislodged from the trailer they were sitting on.  It only takes a few minutes everyday to check your equipment for safe and proper use.  Lastly keeping good records can save you and your neighbor a headache down the road should a unlikely weather problem arise and cause a drift problem.  HAVE A SAFE PESTICIDE APPLICATION SEASON.

Needlecast in Spruce!!!
It is that time of year again for you to be paying close attention to your spruce trees.  This is not only for the urban folks but also for all of you rural people that have spruce trees in your yard.  Rhizopharea needlecast season is upon us and we need to be paying close attention to our trees.  There are many spruce trees that are about ready to lose that end cap, on the new growth, this spring and that is the time of year for that application of Bravo Weatherstik.  This application should made when approximately 10-20 percent of the caps have fallen off.  A second application should be made 10-14 days later.  This product contains the active ingredient Chlorothalonil.  Your local pesticide dealer will either have the product on hand or can get it for you.  There are also local commercial applicators that apply the product for a fee.  For information pertaining to needlecast or other tree problems please feel free to give me a call at 701-662-7030.

Calendar
            June 21            Crop Management Field School (Carrington)
            June 16            4-H Horse Show
            June 28            4-H Livestock Achievement Day
            July 17             Carrington Field Days
            July 18             North Central Field Days
            July 19             Langdon field days

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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