Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home
276 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 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
Fire Wise
August 06, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBFire is beautiful and sometimes magical, but it is not joke. Fire losses and expenditures total nearly $330 billion annually in the USA. There are many things you can do to reduce the danger of fires. Follow local burning guidelines, always extinguish fires completely, and use fire wise landscaping principles. Note: in the show we wrongly used firewise.org as the web address, it has been updated to https://nfpa.org.
Heat Stress in Livestock
July 30, 2023 16:00 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBIt's hot out there! With heat indexes hitting 100 this summer, we are rerunning a show from 2019 on how to manage heat stress in livestock. You'll learn to identify the signs of heat stress and what you can do about it. When in doubt, call your vetrinarian! Livestock Heat Stress: Recognition Response and Prevention by Susan R. Kerr from Washington State University Extension https://hdl.handle.net/2376/5277
Pasture Health
July 23, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBIf you are raising livestock you have your hands full. Not only do you need to balance breeding and genetic stock, but you also need to balance minerals and medical. But, at the base of all good livestock production is grass and soil. If you neglect those, you can lose a lot of money.
Good soil makes great burgers
July 16, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.6 MBWhile we're not technically making burgers out of soil, through a complex series of interactions good soil leads to lots of healthy grasses, which make healthy cows, which then make great burgers. But, if you want a good end product you can't scrimp at the beginning. Feed your soil the right foods, provide the right medicine and vitamins, and you can watch everything improve.
What to do about Fireblight in the Summer
July 09, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBThe best way to manage fireblight is by taking preventive action. But many miss that window or don't know they should take action in February and March. Blackend shepherds crooks show up in June and July well after the prevention time period is over. Is all lost? Perhaps not, but you must be careful in the steps you take.
Perennial Weeds
June 27, 2023 19:37 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBControlling perennial weeds takes a different perspective than controlling annual weeds. They are often harder to completely remove due to their large root systems. Patience is key here.
Controlling Annual Weeds
June 18, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBThe sheer variety of weeds makes them difficult to control. Some are annual, some biennial, some perennial. Each type requires different management. Annuals are often controlled using pre-emergent herbicides, but when do you apply them to get the greatest impact? Are there other effective methods?
Long term plants need long term planning
June 11, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.6 MBWoody ornamentals include trees, shrubs, and even some vines and ground covers. With the long life expectancy of woody plants it is important to think of the bigger long term picture before you put it in the ground. Things like planting zones, slopes and frost pockets, drainage and moisture levels, can make big differences in the success of and long term problems in your plantings.
Winter Woodys
June 04, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.7 MBWoody plants took a hard hit this past winter. Warmer temperatures mixed with sudden freezes overcame many of our shrubs natural protections. Often, once one stressor occurs, a series of followup stressors come visiting our plants. We discuss steps you can take now to help revive your woody ornamentals and protect them in the future.
Pawpaws or your state's banana
May 28, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MBPawpaws are a unique tropical fruit that grows in northern climates. It is often referred to as the "insert your state here" banana. Tune in to a recap of lessons learned in the 2023 Ohio Pawpaw Conference including tips on taproots and ripening.
Growing Grass
May 21, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBA blast from the past about growing grass. Check out this show, originally aired in 2016, where we talk about how to get and maintain a healthy lawn. Hint: it has more to do with what you can't see than what you can see! We also tagged on some important Ag Minutes on hay production and tractor safety for our farming friends!
Sweet Sweet Strawberries
May 14, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBStrawberries are one of the first fruits and a great seller at Farmer's Markets. Today, we talk about varieties, planting techniques, and pest control. Whether you're a farmer or a home gardener, if you like strawberries, this isn't a show to miss!
Why Farmer's Markets are a Big Deal
May 07, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MBFarmers work hard to create food from seed and soil. It's important we support our local food system so we can keep them around! Shopping at a local farmer's market does more than just support the farmer however, there a nutritional and community benifits too!
Produce Safety Plan Templates Give Suggestions
April 30, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.7 MBSometimes it can be overwhelming to write out how to do something in detail. That is why there are many many templates to help you develop a farm food safety plan that is right for your farm. Remember, it is important your plan and your standard operating procedures match what you actually do to reduce risk, not what you think an inspector or auditor wants to see.
When is Agricultural water safe to drink?
April 23, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBWhen growing produce there are really two types of water, preharvest and harvest/post-harvest. For any applications during and after harvest, the water must be potable. In other words, you should be able to drink it! Before harvest however, there's a little wiggle room. Listen in to learn more! And please fill out our survey @https://bit.ly/ExtensionCalllingEvaluation
Grafting Tomatoes
April 16, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBGrafting trees is common practice, but tomatoes!? Tune in to learn the why and how to take your favorite tomatoes and graft them to different root stocks!
Caring for Carrots
April 10, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBCarrots are a tasty and healthy snack. With light fluffy soil and even moisture you'll be three quarters of the way to a quality crop. Tune in for the other quarter and grow your own snacks this year!
Ticks, more than a nuisance
March 26, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBThe ticks we have to day are not the same ticks we had 20 years ago. With the changes in our weather patterns come new varieties and they're packing a greater disease load. Special guest Tim McDermott from OSU Extension gives us a review of what has changed and what you can do to protect yourself, your children, and your animals.
Your Role in Food Safety
March 19, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBFood safety is a luxury we take for granted, until something happens. Our food system is incredibly safe. But, everyone has a role to play to keep it that way: growers, packers, processors, transporters, marketers, and consumers. Simple steps like washing your hands before handling fresh produce can mean the difference between a lovely dinner and a miserable stay in a hospital. Join us to learn more.
Planting Trees: The Root of the Matter
March 12, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBDon't find out ten or twenty years from now the tree you lovingly planted had a poor root system. Learn what to look for when buying a tree. Also, how to avoid transplant shock and improve a tree's success.
How you can know when things will start to grow
March 05, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 35.8 MBEver wonder how plants know when to sprout and insects know to hatch? Ever wish you knew how to predict when you should apply preventative chemicals to your lawns or trees? Growing Degree Days are the answer!
Fire Season and Propagation of Cuttings
February 26, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBTwo timely topics today. First we talk about fire season and how to safely burn brush piles. Then, we move on to propagating plants using cuttings. We focus on elderberries, but the method applies to most woody species.
Derailment Impacts and Emergency Planning
February 19, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBAfter any emergency it's important to look back and ask, "what could I have done better?" But, even more important, you should make plans on what to do if an emergency occurs. Today we discuss some tips for emergency planning and what you should and shouldn't be worried about post derailment.
Derailment Impacts and Emergency Planning
February 19, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBAfter any emergency it's important to look back and ask, "what could I have done better?" But, even more important, you should make plans on what to do if an emergency occurs. Today we discuss some tips for emergency planning and what you should and shouldn't be worried about post derailment.
Protecting trees during planting and construction
February 12, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBWe all react to significant changes in our lives, trees are no different. Whether building on a wooded lot, repairing a driveway, or planting a new family treasure, the first step to a healthy tree is making sure the roots have sufficient oxygen.
Interpreting your Forage Test Results
February 05, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBIf you got a forage test, way to go! You've taken an important step to taking good care of your livestock. If you have a big sheet of numbers you don't understand, you aren't alone. Dan and Karen break down the basics and help you understand what to feed to which cattle. For more help, download this great guide from University of Wisconsin Extension: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/wbic/files/2011/11/Hay-feed-analysis-draft-4.pdf
Fertilizer Review
January 29, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBTake a few moments to step back and do some review on fertilizers. What do NP&K do? How much is enough? How much is too much? Tune in to this episode and don't forget to let us know how you use the show. We'd love to hear from you at: https://bit.ly/OhCoEval or drop us an email!
Bird Pests
January 22, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBBirds are usually a beautiful addition to our landscape, but some birds are pests, and some are downright nuisances. Three invasives typically top the problem sheet: starlings, house sparrows, and pigeons. Plan ahead and be prepared to protect your home or crops. For more info on this subject check out this great publication from University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension: https://wildlife.unl.edu/pdfs/urban-pest-birds.pdf
How Mud Impacts Hay and Cattle
January 15, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBWinter rains always bring mud but how big of an impact does mud have on your farm? We talk about how to store and feed hay, when to add supplements, and the importance of keeping water clean from sediment. We also touch on how to restore areas damaged during winter feeding.
Please pass the Salt, Deicing recommendations
January 08, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBWith winter comes cold temperatures and ice. Deicing chemicals can kill plants, damage infrastructure, and lead to pollution. So, how do you know which deicing chemical is best? To start, choose one that works well in your typical winter temperatures.
What's your system? Reviewing Receipts and Records
January 01, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MBWhether you keep receipts in a shoebox or utilize the latest app to organize your expenses, the most important thing is that you have a system to track your business expenses. Keeping good records helps you know what to deduct on your taxes, but more importantly, it helps you know where your business stands.
Food Safety: How not to kill your family or make them sick
December 22, 2022 21:30 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBAn early gift that we couldn't wait to share! This week Emily Marrison from OSU Exension shares timely tips to keep us all from getting sick. Don't let food poisoning ruin your holidays. Cook food to the right temperatures, keep your counters clean and sanitized, and keep foods separated from the store onward.
Bee Aware of Best Practices
December 18, 2022 15:00 - 27 minutes - 38.7 MBWhile most gardens have been put to bed and production fields are snuggled under blankets of cover crops, many growers have dreams of next years blooms and berries dancing through their heads. If it weren't for the buzz buzz our our buggy friends those dreams may never come true. So take this time of rest and check out your stash of pesticides, try to figure out which are safer for our pollinators. Make your plans for next year to be extra careful and tune in to learn how many bee species li...
Fires Aren't Always Nice: Tree and Light Safety tips
December 04, 2022 17:00 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MBDecember is known for bright lights and, for many, dressed up trees in the living room. Unfortunately, bright lights and excitement often bring unsafe practices and lead to devastating fires. Be safe this holiday season, practice good extension cord safety, keep your tree well-watered, and make sure your smoke detectors work.
Let's talk Turkey about Food Security
November 27, 2022 17:00 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBWe cover a lot today, from local turkeys and biosecurity to the space program and how technological advancements impact your food production. We end with a tip on how your holiday shopping can help improve your local food security.
Basic Bale Grazing
November 20, 2022 17:00 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MBBefore you consider bale grazing, take a look at your soil test to identify which fields would most benefit. To prevent too much damage, spread bales out and avoid frequently used pathways. Soggy soils should be avoided but there may be other options available for those poor sites.
Basic Bale Grazing
November 20, 2022 17:00 - 103 KB application/pdfBefore you consider bale grazing, take a look at your soil test to identify which fields would most benefit. To prevent too much damage, spread bales out and avoid frequently used pathways. Soggy soils should be avoided but there may be other options available for those poor sites.
Know-how for Growing Under Cover
November 13, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 36.6 MBWhen growing crops in low tunnels, high tunnels, or green houses, you have to change your practices. The loss of rainfall and airflow create specific challenges that you need planning and awareness to overcome. Micro-irrigation and fertigation systems can be incredible, but can also be a headache if soil drainage, slope, and crop are not taken into consideration.
The Power of Light in Leaves
November 06, 2022 17:00 - 27 minutes - 38.7 MBLight changes with the seasons, but what does that mean for plants? Learn how PAR, single vs double ply poly, supplemental light, and row covers can impact growing conditions for winter crops.
Scary Pumpkin Problems
October 30, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBFearful of ghostly pumpkin leaves or outright terrified to watch your cucurbits wilt over night? Listen in to learn how to prevent these, and more, scary pumpkin problems!
Would You Waste Your Woods?
October 23, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBDon’t sacrifice the generational values of your woodland to a high-pressure sales pitch. Take your time and plan out any timber harvest. Woodlands have a lot going on and managing a forest may seem impossible. Foresters are trained on how to best meet the long-term goals of the owner and the needs of the forest.
Simple Steps to Improving Water Quality
October 18, 2022 20:08 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBWater is the most important nutrient for animals and plants alike. But we often make simple mistakes that impact the quality of our water and our ability to treat our wastewater. Today we meet with two water quality specialists from the City of Wheeling, Mike Chiazza and Joe Smith to discuss how things like grease, “flushable” wipes, litter, and yard waste impact water quality. Dan and I also touch on fertilizer and herbicide use and why it’s important to get a soil test.
A Not So Heavenly Tree
October 16, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBAilanthus altissima, Tree of Heaven has long been a frustrating pest plant. Now, with its close ties to the Spotted Lanternfly the stakes are higher. Unfortunately, if you don't follow the proper steps to remove this plant, you'll likely make the problem worse.
After the Storm
October 02, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBMany accidents and injuries come after a storm. For those with the misfortune of experiencing a flood or other strong storm it is important to take extra steps to stay safe when cleaning up. Chainsaws and foot injuries are two things that could send you to the E.R. Wet hay can do worse to your livestock. To help reduce problems ahead of time, check out our previous episode on how to prepare: https://extensioncalling.libsyn.com/whats-with-all-the-flooding
Fall Prep Can Prevent Problems
September 25, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBThe weather is turning and harvests are winding down. As things slow down, don't let them come to a complete stop. Cleaning, sharpening, and mulching are just a few of the things that you should do before tucking in for the winter.
Fall Prep Can Prevent Problems
September 25, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBThe weather is turning and harvests are winding down. As things slow down, don't let them come to a complete stop. Cleaning, sharpening, and mulching are just a few of the things that you should do before tucking in for the winter.
Edible Mountain Interview
September 18, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBSpecial guest Chuck Klein from https://www.wvpublic.org/edible-mountain joins us to talk about the amazing diversity and value of our Appalachian forests and how he's working to archive the vast knowledge of how to use these plants. We also discuss opportunities for forest farming, potential markets, and valuable resources.
Learn by Gardening
September 11, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBThe Extension Master Gardener program is an international group of people who love plants and growing things. Each member goes through an extensive training program and is required to put in volunteer hours. But the program has more benefits than just learning more about growing things.
What's with all the Flooding?
September 04, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBYou may be wondering why you are hearing about severe floods so often. The simple answer is our weather patterns are changing. Listen in to learn about our changing weather patterns and how to be prepared for when the worst happens to you.
Soil test kits vs lab results
August 28, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBSoil is the foundation of life. But soils vary greatly and just knowing the current pH isn’t enough to provide the best growing conditions for your crops or grazing livestock. Soil testing labs include a lot of different information in their recommendations beyond the basic pH and nutrient levels. Why is that important? Tune in to find out!