UT/Williamson County Extension June Newsletter 4215 Long Lane, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-5721 Useful Tips From the Yard to the Pasture The summer months always bring unique challenges to our cool season grasses (those that are green in the Spring and Fall). Severe drought periods combined with extreme heat can temper even the finest yards or pastures. The following are three tips for the wise (besides watering), whether it is for a homeowner or farmer. Nitrogen/Fertilize, avoid applying to cool season grasses in the summer months. The plant does not actively grow when stressed, so it is wasted money from the homeowner perspective and can lead to toxicity issues for livestock owners. Second, do not graze or mow grasses below three inches. Typically, the leaf above the ground is equivalent to the root below. Also, grasses grow by photosynthesis, so less blade equals less growth. Finally, without rain, plants will not grow. Most of the active weed herbicides for lawns or pastures require the weed to be in an active growth phase. If spraying weeds in an active drought, there will be little to no effect. For Tennessee, survive the summer in order to thrive the rest of the year.. Upcoming Events UT Turf and Ornamental Field Day: September 8, Franklin UT Horse Field Day- September 8, Spring Hill UT Master Beef Series (7 classes): Fall 2016 UT Master Horse Series (10 classes): Winter 2016 (contact amitch15@utk.edu for more info)
June 2016 Hor culture Programming in Williamson County Probably the most exciting development in June resulted in the annual Junior Master Gardener Camp, where 50+ youth (incoming 1 st through 6 th graders) came together for a weeklong day camp. Williamson County Master Gardeners and other local professionals taught the kids all about gardening. The theme of this year s camp was VEGGIE QUEST, with topics ranging from beneficial versus pest insects, garden related wildlife, etc. A nutritional component was provided by the FCS Agent Patsy Watkins, Whole Foods and WCMG Ann Harvey (aka Miss Pickle). My Friend s House Horticulture Agent Amy Dismukes, along with the assistance of several WCMGA male volunteers, installed a kitchen garden at My Friend s House, a youth group care home in Franklin. Not only is this an opportunity to plant a seed in the minds of several interested young men in the practices and protocols of gardening for food, it is a chance to provide strong male role models for a group of at-risk teen boys. With the second season already off to a great start, we expect the season to end with produce, attainment of knowledge and personal growth.
4-H Summer Camps June 6-10 th our 4-H Agents along with several trusty volunteer and teen leaders took 107 youth to 4-H Camp in Columbia. 4-H Camp is a fun-filled five day, four night summer camp where youth have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors through various activities. Youth can participate in creek-stomping, swimming, archery, rifle range, arts and crafts, recreational sports, and much more! The campers also get summer camp experiences including camp songs, bon fires, s mores, and sleeping in a cabin! While at 4-H Camp, youth learn many life skills including money management, time management, space management, working with others, communication, and responsibility. We all had a fun and safe week at 4-H Camp this year. 4-H Culinary Camp This month, Nelani Colletti attended the FCS (Family & Consumer Science) Behind the Scenes: Recipe for Culinary Success Camp in Nashville. Nelani joined 4-H members from across Middle TN to learn about Culinary Arts and possible careers in the culinary field. While on the trip, Nelani and the group toured a Whole Foods Grocery Store learning the smart way to shop, prepared a dinner, toured The Bun Company, made hard candies and freezer jam, met a chef, and visited the Nashville Farmers Market. The group did a service project at Second Harvest Food Bank. The highlight of the trip was going out for a Hibachi dinner and a Broadway Play, Beauty and the Beast at TPAC! It was a great trip and everyone had the chance to see and meet people who work in the culinary field in various capacities.
4-H Competitions bring Local Winners State Dairy Quiz Bowl Champions The Williamson County Dairy Quiz Bowl team was named state champions once again for the Jr. High Division. These four individuals (L-R) Forest Ozburn, Kendall Warpool, Sydney Lamb, and Isaiah Osborne have been studying endless materials about dairy cows preparing for the contest. After multiple rounds of questions the Williamson County team came out on top for the fourth year in a row! National Livestock Judging Finalists The Williamson County Livestock Judging Team was one of 12 to compete at the state contest held in Knoxville, TN. (L-R) Justin McCollum, Wyatt Haley, Collin Stanley, and Tyler Haley qualified for the event by placing second at the regional contest held back in April. These four members evaluated animals based on their appearance and market characteristics. Along with evaluating the livestock, they had to provide reasoning on how they evaluated them. The team placed fourth overall in the state and will be moving on to a national contest later this year. Williamson County Agent Larry Darnell is pictured at the far right.
Family and Consumer Science Meghan One of Meghan s first opportunities was to assist Patsy at the Jr. Gardener camp. Patsy taught the campers some fun facts along with the health and nutritional benefits of tomatoes and corn. As part of the class the campers made black bean and corn salsa. After enjoying sampling their creation they were able to take the rest of the salsa home for their families to enjoy. With the beginning of the summer season our office welcomes Intern Meghan McCrary. Meghan is a nutrition student at MTSU and will be with us until July 29. The internship is an opportunity for her to teach, observe, assist, and learn about all different aspects of extension work. She is working with Patsy Watkins and Mary Beth Antunes to get a comprehensive view of Family and Consumer Science. Jr. Gardener Camp There will be a Food Preservation class held June 21 for the members of the Allenbrooke CSA. Starla Hardin, Maury County FCS agent and Patsy Watkins, Williamson County FCS agent will be co-teaching this class for these CSA farm members. This is a joint county effort since the farm actually lies in both counties. Agents Mary Beth and Patsy are also having a baking class for 4-6 graders to teach them how to bake and enter their creations in the Williamson County Fair. This class is currently taking reservations and will be held July 14. There will be a fee of $15 dollars to cover supplies. Call our office at 615-790- 5721 for more information.