Ramsey County

November 12, 2007

Howdy!!!  I am writing this article on Thursday to have something for you on Tuesday.  I will be out of the office for the federal holiday (deer hunting opener).  I do hope everyone has a safe and fun deer season.  By the looks of all the dead deer lying along he traveled roads I think vehicles need to be more cautious than the deer.  They are not a very big animal but can do a tremendous amount of damage to any vehicle.  I also noticed water starting to freeze on some of the water around the area.  It won’t be long till ice fishing but until then, let’s continue enjoying the nice weather we have been having.  There is still time to get those outside chores down.  The ground is still workable but with deer hunting coming on and the fact that it is November many activities have come to a stand still.  Getting dark at 5:30 is not my cup of tea either.

As we are getting ready for winter remember to water your trees.  We suffered a lot of damage to trees this past growing season due to the dry conditions of last year July and August.  The same goes for all arborvitae; a good drink of water goes a long way to the health of our trees and shrubs.  Get those roses mulched if you have not done so and get your windows and any areas of your home either caulked or plastic that might have any air leaks.  It seems no matter how new or how well we have take care our home we always have areas that are drafty and with fuel prices reaching the stars we had better take precautions.  Another good thing to cover, would be your condenser unit for the air conditioning in your home.  If possible, try to remove all crud from the fans and coils without damaging them.  Covering the unit should lengthen the live of your unit.  This is also a good time of year to be checking your chimney and gutters.  Remember if done after the leaves are all gone will eliminate any extra water next spring, either from spring runoff on you roof or from that early spring storm and you had forgotten to clean those gutters.  Years ago we had a chimney fire and it scares the liven daylights out of you so make sure if you have a fire place or a wood burning stove to take the time and either get it done or hire someone to do it for you.  I like burning wood nearly every night at our home and it is better being safe than wish you would have.  One word of caution, be very careful cleaning as the top of the chimney is a long ways off of the ground and big guys, like me, hit the ground hard if not careful.  Another good thing to check is the draft of your chimney.  Birds sometimes build nests in the chimneys and by opening your vent and lighting a candle or small piece of paper.  If the smoke rises quickly your chimney is clear but if it does not you had better be checking for something.  Remember to also burn good hard wood.  Old Dutch elm can be burn’t but the bark should be removed before burning so not to spread any of the Dutch Elm disease to other neighboring trees.

PRODUCERS, REMEMBER FARMERS’ NIGHT OUT THIS COMING THUSDAY NOVEMBER 15,  AT 6 PM.

   Calendar!!!
            November 15               Farmers’s Night Out, Memorial building
            November 28               Rancher’s Night Out, Lake Region Livestock
            November 28               Eastern Dakota Feedout arrival
            November 27               Tax Preparer workshop
            December  6                District Crop Improvement meeting, Lakota
            January    8-9               Lake Region Extension Roundup

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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