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On January 06, 2018

Each year the Penn State Extension Field and Forage Crops Team offers workshops and meetings for farmers and other agricultural professionals at many locations around the state.  These daylong programs focus on important production ag issues and feature both local, university and industry speakers. Sponsors have exhibits and are available to chat about their latest equipment and products.

Each year producers face challenges with the growing season, that we must deal with and can learn from.  This year some challenges we faced were slugs and armyworms in corn and soybean production, the emergence of White Mold disease in many soybean fields, and challenges with cover crop management and planting green. In fact these are just some of the topics, which will be addressed at each meeting.

Additional themes (which vary somewhat by location) include “Farm Transitioning: What’s your exit Strategy?”, “Xtend Soybeans: What Went Wrong in 2017”, “Soil Health: Key to Sustainable High Yields”, “Top Ten Hard to Control Weeds”, and many others.

Each meeting will also have a minimum of 2 core and 2 category PA pesticide recertification credits.  Many will also have Certified Crop Advisor and PA Nutrient Management (Act 38) credits as well.

The price varies by location (usually between $10 and $20), and includes a hot lunch.  The Crops days and conference in January are: Lehigh County Crop Conference (Allentown), January 18, Lancaster Crop Conference, January 19, Franklin County Crop Day Chambersburg January 23. York Crop Day, January 15, Perry County Crop Day (Elliotsburg), January 16, Mifflinburg (Union County Crop Conference), Jan 26.

You can register for any of the above crop days or conference at 1-877-345-0691<tel:1-877-345-0691>, or at the following websites: http://extension.psu.edu/crops-conferences , or http://extension.psu.edu/crops-days

 

To Practice Winter Pond Safety

The recent extremely cold weather has created opportunities for outdoor winter fun including skating on ponds. Winter pond recreational activities such as sledding, ice skating, and fishing are enjoyed by many rural families in Pennsylvania. Extension Associate Linda Fetzer reminds us that since these fun winter activities are pond-related activities they require safety precautions because ice is involved.

Always know the strength and thickness of the ice on the farm pond before doing any activity on the ice. Because ice is a complex formation no ice is completely safe. Newly frozen ice is typically stronger than old ice. Ice that has thawed and refrozen can be weak and potentially dangerous. Temperature, precipitation (e.g., snow, sleet, rain), age of ice, water depth, and water quality are all factors involved in the strength and thickness of ice. Just because ice may be several inches to a foot or more thick does not guarantee its strength.

Before attempting to cross a frozen pond, conduct an inspection to determine the ice’s thickness by drilling a hole through and chipping at the ice every 10 feet out from the shore. Examine the ice for thickness and color. High density ice is present if the ice comes off in chunks when it is being chipped. Low density and deteriorating ice is present when the ice comes off in flakes or thin layers. Inspect the ice conditions every time you go onto the ice because condition, strength, and stability of ice can change quickly depending on the temperature, weather, and sunlight. Ice that has been exposed to air temperatures above freezing (32 F) for six hours over a 24-hour period can rapidly lose strength and stability. The following descriptions outline the type of ice and its potential stability. First or old ice is oily to opaque and is formed when the water temperature reaches 32 degrees F and freezes crystals into clumps. Light gray to dark black ice indicates melting ice, and  occurs even if the air temperature is below 32 degrees F. Snow ice is white to opaque and forms when water-saturated snow freezes on top of ice forming another thin ice layer. Finally clear ice which is blue to clear is formed over a long period of below freezing temperatures.

It is important for families with ponds to be equipped for a winter pond rescue. Winter drowning victims may fall through thin ice and may not be capable of pulling themselves to safety. If a person falls through the ice, the first step is to remain calm and not run over to the hole in the ice because you could quickly become a victim as well. Locate and recruit other people to form a chain and slowly crawl toward the hole and throw a flotation device to the victim. If a flotation device is not available, use anything that has length such as rope, ski pole, tree limbs, etc.

Once the person has been rescued, evaluate them for signs of cold-weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when there is a decrease in the person’s normal body temperature (98.6 F). The body loses heat faster than it is able to produce heat. The effect of hypothermia is dependent upon the victim’s length of time in the water, water temperature, and their clothing. Common symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, blue tinted skin, poor coordination, numbness, decrease in dexterity, and confusion. Contact emergency medical responders immediately. While waiting for responders, get the victim into a shelter where they are able to gradually warm-up. If a shelter is not available, protect the victim from wind with whatever you have available (e.g., sleeping bag, tree limbs, people, etc.). The victim can slowly drink warm non-alcoholic non-caffeinated beverages. If possible, remove the victim’s wet clothes and wrap them in warm clothing, blankets, or sleeping bags. When caring for a hypothermia victim, never apply heat directly to the person’s skin or rub or massage their skin.

Frostbite can occur even if you are not submerged in water. In this condition, a person’s body tissue becomes frozen and restricts circulation to their affected areas. Typically affected areas are toes, feet, fingers, ears, cheeks, and nose. Superficial and deep frostbite are the most severe types of frostbite and require immediate medical attention. Signs of frostbite include waxy skin, numbness, skin may be hard to touch, and possibly blistered. Frostbite can be extremely serious and lead to infections, blood clots, gangrene and amputation. Follow the same treatment steps outlined for hypothermia. Additional treatment includes immersing frozen body parts in warm water (100 F) or warm compresses for 20 to 30 minutes, keep affected area elevated, and do not let affected area be re-exposed to cold conditions.

To Learn About Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Programs for Meat and Poultry Processors (HACCP)

Training is being offered at Penn State University Park on January 19, 2018 for food processors to learn about HACCP.  This course covers the fundamentals of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and the application in meat and poultry processing operations. It provides the participant with hands-on experience in developing a HACCP plan. This course is certified by the International HACCP Alliance and meets USDA requirements for HACCP training.

This course is designed for Plant management, HACCP coordinators, quality assurance/control personnel, sanitation management, line supervisors, and line operators employed by meat and poultry processing plants as well as other professionals looking to increase their knowledge of HACCP.

The class will be located in 252 Food Science Building,University Park, PA 16802. To register by phone call 877-778-2937.

Quote Of The Week: “Great leaders choose values over victory, purpose over profit.” Jim Collins