Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home
276 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsYour source for research-based information for the farm, garden, and home. We bring Extension education to your pocket in 30 minutes or less. Please share your thoughts and ideas at: https://bit.ly/ExtensionCallingEvaluation.
These mini-trainings will give you entry to mid-level information that is easily digestible. If you are looking to improve your health, the health of your farm or garden, or simply better understand our food system, tune in.
Recorded by Karen Cox of WVU Extension ([email protected]) and Dan Lima of OSU Extension ([email protected]). Produced by Karen Cox. Transcripts by Dan Lima.
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University and Ohio State University Extension Services are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status.
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Episodes
Maintaining a healthy lawn
April 21, 2024 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBTurf grass takes effort. If you want a healthy lawn, there are some steps you can't ignore. Sharpening your mower blades is just one of them. Please check out our website: https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/lawn for more information after the show.
Storms and Trees
April 14, 2024 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBStorm damage can be rough. A tree failure in a storm can be devastating. There are several things you can do to help your trees weather storms better, but you may be thinking of the wrong ones and making the risk greater.
HPAI: What's the to do for bird flu?
April 07, 2024 16:00 - 28 minutes - 1.18 MBGuest Erika Lyon from OSU Extension joins us to discuss the news surrounding highly pathogenic avian influenza including symptoms and biosecurity steps. We also give some quick tips for consumers. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock https://u.osu.edu/poultry/files/2022/04/Avian-Influenza-Trifold.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/inhumans.htm https://u.osu.edu/poultry/2023/02/23/understanding-the-current-avian-influenza-outbreak-and-its-i...
Livestock and Post Flood Vaccines
April 05, 2024 16:45 - 31 seconds - 769 KBQuickly remove all flood debris, including poisonous plants, from fields. Vaccinate all livestock, including horses, exposed to flooded areas during or immediately after the flood. Check with your veterinarian about which clostridial and tetanus vaccines to use for your animals and if you will need boosters. Closely inspect all livestock that were exposed to flooded areas for injuries. Open wounds need a tetanus antitoxin. Always follow label directions. Learn more at your local exte...
Harvested Forage Affected by Floodwaters
April 05, 2024 15:44 - 30 seconds - 766 KBFlooded hay and baleage can cause illness or death to livestock. Discard dry hay that has been soaked by flood water, do not use for feed. Inline wrapped baleage that was not fully sealed on both ends should not be fed to livestock. Individual baleage rolls wrapped in undamaged plastic may be useable if certain conditions are met. Contact your local extension agent for details. If in doubt, don’t risk it, throw it out. Document all lost forage. For more information contact your...
Flooded feed and grain
April 05, 2024 14:42 - 30 seconds - 762 KBFollowing are Flood Recovery tips from the W.V.U. Extension Service. Until tested, flooded feeds should be considered harmful to animals. After a flood, wet feed and grain will begin to heat and mold very quickly, leading to spoilage, mycotoxins, and potential spontaneous combustion. Remove unaffected grain and bales immediately and store them separately; moisture will quickly spread. Flooded seed grain, hay, and silage are likely a complete loss. When in doubt, don’t risk it...
Flooding in the Vegetable Garden
April 05, 2024 13:40 - 1 minute - 1.21 MBIf flood waters have covered your garden, consider the produce unsafe to eat for humans or animals. If flood waters have contacted the edible portion of a crop it is illegal to sell. If touched by flood waters discard: leafy vegetables, fleshy fruits or vegetables (like tomatoes, berries, & summer squash), corn, grains, and even produce with a hard protective skin. Root crops that are ripe or near harvest should also be discarded. Record all losses. If the edible portion develo...
Standing Forage affected by flood waters
April 04, 2024 23:38 - 31 seconds - 771 KBRemove livestock from flood damaged pastures. Provide clean water and clean forage. Flooded forages should not be fed. Cut flooded pasture and hay fields to a 2 to 4-inch stubble height. Don’t breathe silt dust, wear a mask. Document amount of lost forage. Do not make hay from or graze flooded fields until grass has regrown to a height of 8-10 inches. For more information contact your local extension office or visit: https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-p...
Flooding in the Pantry part 2 – canned goods
April 04, 2024 22:35 - 1 minute - 1.21 MBFloodwaters can make foods unsafe. If you have a question about the safety of any food item, throw it out. Undented cans of food without rust can be saved if they are washed and sanitized before opening. To sanitize steel cans: Put on rubber gloves then remove paper labels and set aside. Wash cans in a strong detergent solution. Use a brush to remove any dirt. Rinse well. Soak the clean, rinsed containers for 15 minutes in solution of 1 cup of chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of ...
Flooding in the Pantry
April 04, 2024 21:31 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBFood touched by floodwaters can make you very sick. Discard any and all food if it came in contact with flood water. The only exceptions are foods canned by a manufacturer. Flooded foods you must discard include anything that was open, fresh produce, meat, and eggs. Throw out any food in boxes, plastic containers, and other packages, including glass jars, even if still sealed. You must discard home-canned foods if contacted by floodwaters. Manufactured cans that are dented, l...
Flood Damaged Hay
April 04, 2024 20:29 - 31 seconds - 768 KBUnroll or spread Flood damaged hay to allow it to decompose more quickly and prevent fires. Place hay in areas which need erosion control or nutrients. Protect your lungs, wear a mask the entire time you work with flood damaged forages. Do not unroll hay in areas where livestock are currently or will be placed before the hay fully decomposes. Do not feed flood damaged hay. For more information contact your local extension office or visit: https://extension.wvu.edu/community-bus...
Flooding Scares Animals Too
April 04, 2024 19:27 - 1 minute - 1.29 MBHumans aren’t the only ones displaced by floods. Snakes and other animals are also moved and frightened. Watch out for poisonous snakes that may have come into buildings with flood waters. Use a stick to poke through debris before entering an area. Pets often get separated from their owners. Take a photo or description of your lost animal with a contact number to your local animal shelter. If you have found a pet, send a photo and contact number to the local animal shelter. Sc...
After a flood: Dirty Waters and Thirst
April 04, 2024 19:24 - 1 minute - 907 KBMost counties experiencing a flood will be under a boil order until plant operations can be restored. Use bottled water, clear water that has been boiled for 5-10 minutes, or chemically disinfected water (5 drops of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) for handwashing, food prep, and drinking. Undamaged water heaters often hold water but it should still be boiled before drinking. Before using your tap water check that water lines and sewer lines are undamaged. If you do f...
After a flood: Inspect Buildings and Look for Fire Hazards
April 04, 2024 19:22 - 1 minute - 1.26 MBOnce an area has been cleared for you to return, stay out of any buildings where flood waters remain. Avoid using candles or open flames. Instead use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to reduce fire hazards. Before entering, examine walls, floors, doors, windows, and staircases to see if the building has shifted. Inspect foundations for cracks and other damage. These are indicators that the building may no longer be safe. Once you have determined the structure is sound, look f...
Sanitize Private Water Supplies
April 04, 2024 19:20 - 1 minute - 1.21 MBThis is WVU Extension reminding you to sanitize private water supplies before drinking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, washing and preparing food, or making ice. Floodwaters carry organisms that can lead to illness or death. Disinfect all wells, springs, cisterns, pumps and pipes exposed to flood water. Use bleach containing 5.25% available chlorine. Mix one gallon of bleach with four gallons of water. Remove all debris from the reservoir. Pour in 2 ½ gallons of the disinfecting sol...
Watch your Feet and be Wary of Electricity
April 04, 2024 19:18 - 1 minute - 351 KBThere are many dangers hiding after floodwaters recede. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet. Cuts or open wounds that are exposed to flood waters can invite serious infection, including tetanus, and warrant medical attention. Rubber gloves and rubber boots with hard soles are recommended. Pay close attention to smells of gas or something burning. Frayed wires can send sparks or invisible electrical currents through water. Even if th...
What to do with a flooded basement
April 04, 2024 19:16 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBBefore You Enter a Flooded Basement conduct the following steps to keep you safe. Turn off the electricity and gas. Check outside cellar walls for possible cave-ins, evidence of structural damage, or other hazards. Open doors and windows. If you need to pump the water out of your basement, do so in stages. Remove no more than one-third of the water each day. Water in the basement helps brace the walls against the extra pressure of water-logged soil outside. If water is pumped out t...
First Steps Home after a Flood
April 04, 2024 19:14 - 1 minute - 665 KBWVU Extension sends these tips to help during flood recovery efforts. As the flood waters recede and you are allowed back into your home or business to assess the damage make sure you take lots of pictures of the building and its contents to document damages for insurance claims. Keep watch for electrical dangers and report downed power lines immediately. As you enter buildings look for loose plaster or drywall, and ceilings that could fall. Also watch the floors for loose nails ...
Stay Away from Disaster Areas
April 04, 2024 19:08 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBThe West Virginia University Extension Service sends these tips to help keep you safe during disaster recovery efforts. While we all want to help, for now, stay away from disaster areas. Your presence can interfere with rescue and emergency operators as well as putting yourself at risk. Contact local coordinators of volunteer efforts such as Volunteer West Virginia to find out how and when you can help most. Your help will still be needed weeks, months, and even years from now. I...
Flood Safety Tips
April 02, 2024 15:29 - 1 minute - 1.83 MBQuick tips to stay safe in flood conditions.
Core Pesticide Concepts
March 31, 2024 20:12 - 29 minutes - 41 MBWheeling’s new Tree City USA status brings questions about Bradford Pears, and spring temperatures signal the Belmont County Plant Swap, but mostly we cover some core concepts for using pesticides safely.
Raising Rabbits
March 31, 2024 16:00 - 26 minutes - 36.3 MBThis is a brief begginers guide to help you be a better bunny lover. We need your feedback! Please share your thoughts and ideas at: https://bit.ly/ExtensionCallingEvaluation.
Native Shrubs
March 24, 2024 20:04 - 27 minutes - 2.08 MBAdding native shrubs to your landscaping is a fun way to improve the habitat of local birds and butterflies. We offer several options and discuss their characteristics. More great info can be found here: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5813
Managing the Woodlot
March 17, 2024 19:26 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBIf you have more than a few trees in your backyard, you may be wondering what you can do with them. A lot of what you can do is determined by what you want to have in 50 or 100 years. Trees and forests take time to grow and one mistake can last generations. Start off on the right foot by listening in!
Silvopasture: Can livestock production really coexist with trees?
March 07, 2024 15:12 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBSilvopasture is not a new concept. However, our methods of implementing it have changed. There are indeed ways that cattle can coexist with timber management, but there are significant limitations. We touch on some of those concepts, but if you want to get mooving, we recommend digging deeper by checking out: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2018/07/six-key-principles-for-a-successful-silvopasture-2/ and joining some great groups like: https://www.appalachianforestfarmers.org/.
Getting Out Of the Weeds
February 25, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBIn the last epsisode we reviewed the importance in identifying the weed you are trying to control. This time we will focus more on the variety of control methods available. It is important to use multiple techniques or an integrated approach. This will help prevent your weed problem from getting worse while also protecting the environment and your pocketbook.
Getting into the weeds
February 18, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBWeeds are a challenge regardless of whether you are growing a lawn, flowers, pasture, or row crops. The broad variety of weeds means we need to have a variety of treatment methods. Integrated Weed Management is the combination of multiple activities to gain better control of those pesky weeds. This segment discusses how the differences in weeds can be used to help improve your results.
What comes after?
February 11, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 3.06 MBPlanning for the future is hard enough without thinking of your own mortality. However, it is critical to make a sound, legal, plan for just that. Will the farm stay a farm after you are gone is a critical question to discuss with your family, one that doesn't have a lot of easy answers. More questions to ask include planning for retirement and long-term care. We recommend working through this fact sheet series with your family: https://ohioline.osu.edu/tags/basic-estate-planning regardless ...
Is your business making money? Are you sure?
February 04, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBIn this second to last installment of our business planning series, we talk about how to know if you business is making money. While you may be showing positive income on your balance sheet, that's not always the whole picture. There are many factors to consider. We dive into enterprise budgeting to help you see which aspects of your farm are making money and where you are losing money.
Strengths and Weaknesses
January 28, 2024 17:00 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBStarting or expanding a business requires you to take stock from personal, economic, and physical perspectives. Agricultural businesses are no different. One must examine regulations, possibilities, probabilities, and of course, abilities. To help sort all these steps in your mind, we recommend conducting a SWOT analysis.
Know Thy Self
January 21, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MBWhen starting any kind of business, it is essential to know why you are putting in the effort. By working with your family, sit down and talk about what values are most important and how this venture could support or hinder them.
So you want a fruit tree...
January 14, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBIf you want an annual source of food for your family a fruit tree is a wonderful option. However, buying the first tree you see and putting it in any old spot is a recipe for disaster. Healthy fruit trees take planning and effort. If you avoid either of these you will be unhappy with the results. Save yourself the extra work down the road and make the right choices up front, from soil drainage to selecting the right variety.
Animal Care in the Cold
January 12, 2024 20:00 - 1 minute - 1.51 MBQuick tips to help you prepare for the upcoming single digits!
Just because you can't see it...
January 07, 2024 17:00 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MBJust because you can't see it doesn't mean it can't hurt you. That is why it is so important to call 811 before you dig. We talk about why, when, and how to get your underground utilities marked before taking on big or small digging projects.
Farm Loan Discrimination and Funding for New Practices
December 10, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBFunding a farm is no small feat and taking out a farm loan is a big deal. Sometimes collateral needs are overbearing, and interest rates are unfairly burdensome. If you applied for a farm loan prior to 2021 you may be eligible for funding now. Jacqueline Keene joins us from Windsor Group LLC to discuss a new federal program to help. We also discuss several amazing opportunities for farm funding through the Climate Smart Commodities program. Lisa Jones and Brian Wickline from WVU Extension jo...
Ag Lime isn't a fruit
December 07, 2023 13:13 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBWe often talk about the imporatnce of lime in agriculture. Today we dive a little deeper to why soils are acidic and how to properly manage the pH to have healthy, productive crops. Our website has more great resources on selecting and applying lime properly. https://extension.wvu.edu/agriculture/pasture-hay-forage/soil-fertility
Winter woes and ALT tick safety
November 26, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MBMany believe ticks aren't a danger in the winter. Unfortunately, they are wrong. Ticks do slow down in colder temperatures, but they are still active. Take precautions whenever you are in tick habitats like brush and woods for deer ticks, mown grass for dog ticks, and tall grass for asian longhorned ticks. Also stay vigilant with pets and livestock to protect them from disease and potential death in some cases. Visit https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you to make sure...
Sweet Potatoes
November 19, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBSweet potato casserole is one of Karen's favorite Thanksgiving dishes. But, are sweet potatoes potatoes that are sweet, or are they yams? Actually, they are neither. They are a tasty root from the morning glory family. Why do they have so many names? Dan and Karen dive into their history and how to grow and cure these tasty roots.
What is a pest and what do I do about it?
November 12, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBWhat makes something a pest is a question not often asked but it is important to help identify when and how to take action. You need to identify what the problem is, what the potential impact of the problem is, what your tolerance for the problem is. Only after these things have been defined can you take the next step to control the problem. This is the foundation for integrated pest management.
Trees with Friends
November 05, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBPaw Paws, urban orchards, and general tree care all get air time in today's show as we host guests from West Virginia State University Extension, Liz Moss and Eden Clymyer-Stern. What can we say, when you have three tree nerds in one room who knows what crazyness might ensue. Join us for this funfilled roller coaster, who knows what will happen.
Controlling Erosion, big and small things you can do
October 29, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBErosion is one of the most challenging issues for farmers, gardeners, foresters, builders, and well, pretty much anyone. Erosion not only removes valuable topsoil and reduces our ability to grow things, but soil in water causes problems to fish and other creatures reducing their ability to survive. There are lots of things that can be done in urban and rural areas alike: covering your garden, using silt fencing around contsruction areas, following best management practices on farm roads, and...
Fall leaves and Fireflies
October 22, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBMany fond memories come from catching and releasing fireflies. Yet, their numbers are fading. Our destruction and disposal of fall leaves is a large part of the cause. Unfortunately for our gardens, a lack of firefly larvae means more slugs and snails. Help out fireflies by leaving fall leaves where they lay, or making a small place for them to stay.
Spotted Lanternfly
October 15, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBIf you hate the 17 year cicada, I'm sorry to tell you about the spotted lanternfly that's coming soon to a town near you. This insect is not a fly, but a leafhopper. It sucks the juices out of trees and plants using its needle like mouth. It then covers everything in a sticky sweet mess that attracts stinging insects and sooty mold. So what can you do? We invited James Watson from the WVDA to help us out. Tune in to find out!
Pawpaws: Starting and Transplanting
October 01, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBDo you want to help build the pawpaw industry by growing trees or fruit? Tune in as we discuss propagation, planting, and transplanting pawpaws. They may be hardy, but they're fickle to get started. They need rich, well drained soils but don't mind some acidity. The tap root is the key.
Getting to the Root of Tree Failure
September 24, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MBLosing a large tree is never fun, but did you know many tree losses are preventable? If you are planning to plant a tree, you can prevent many unnessary tree deaths (and expenses) by following the instructions in this podcast. Choose the right place, prepare the right space, inspect the base, and you'll have a smile on your face.
Seed Saving
September 17, 2023 16:00 - 10 seconds - 520 KBSeed saving seems simple, but it isn’t completely basic. Losing all your seeds to mold or having none of them germinate could extend your seasonal depression just as the sun starts to come out. And did you know that crosspollination can cause toxicity in some species? Tune in to learn more about all this, and how to reduce next years disease load while you’re saving your seeds. We used these great resources as references and think you should too: https://extension.psu.edu/seed-saving-basics ...
Parasite Management in Sheep and Goats
September 03, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBOne of the biggest concerns with raising sheep and goats is parasite management. There are a lot of things that can go wrong by over treating, even (and perhaps especially) with natural things like copper. Keeping a close eye on your animals for weight loss or decreased body condition, diarrhea or swelling under the jaw can all be helpful in reducing the severity of parasite loads. If you can, find a FAMACHA training and attend it! Tune in to get an overview and check out this great fact sh...
Stockpiling Forage
August 27, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBStockpiling forage basically means you are avoiding grazing a certain field so you can save it for leaner times in the winter. There's a little more to it, however. Fertilizing, nutritional needs of the animals, body condition scores, and more go into determining feed needs. Could stockpiling be a way for your farm to reduce input costs?
Water Quality: Runoff and Irrigation
August 20, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBWater is the most important nutrient. Access to clean water is essential to human life and to many of the things we like to consume. But, water quality may not be as straightforward as you'd think. Clear water can be just as dangerous as cloudy, or turbid, water. We discuss bacterial and chemical issues, why they're important, and what you can do.
Controlling fungal diseases on fruits
August 13, 2023 16:00 - 34 seconds - 800 KBOne of the many calls we get in the summer is regarding Anthracnose on Grapes. Unfortunately, when it comes to fungal diseases, often by the time you see symptoms. Scouting and prevention are key. In this show we discuss how to properly use fungicides, and how sanitation, pruning, and healthy soils will keep your fungal diseases at bay.