Newspaper Page Text
The Taylor County News, April 23, 2020, Page 4.
Extension Exactitude
Submitted by Jeff Cook
Taylor County Extension Agent
Hay Management
With the weather the way it has been, I am sure that some of you are getting close to making
that first cutting of hay. So, now is a great time to talk about hay management and quality.
There are several factors that affect the quality and amount of hay that is cut in a given year.
The first is the weather, or rain, which we have no control over. Other factors include soil pH
and fertility and harvest management. These last three things are factors that we Can control.
The pH for a hybrid Bermudagrass hay field should be in the 6-6.5 range. Anything below
this can result in decreased yields due to inefficient use of fertilizer. If you have not already,
you need to soil sample your hay fields to see if the pH is in the desired range. Bahiagrass does
not require as high a pH, but in our area of the state, lime is often needed to correct low pH,
Sandy soils do not require as much lime to bring pH up to acceptable levels, but sand also does
not do a good job of holding that pH. This is especially true in fields that are intensively
fertilized.
Everyone knows that you need nitrogen IN) to grow a good hay crop, but potassium (or pot
ash) (K) is often overlooked and needed in large quantities. Most recommendations for hay
fields call for over 200 lbs. of K per acre. This is because potassium is removed at the same
rate as nitrogen when you cut and remove hay from the field. Deficiency in K can lead to poor
root growth, poor winter survival, increased diseases, and a decrease in the competitiveness of
grass. Nitrogen recommendations are still in the 200-400 lb./A range. This would be put out
after spring green up and then after each cutting of hay
Harvest management has a huge impact on the quality of your hay. Both crude protein and
digestibility decrease as you stretch the interval in between cuttings. From a 4 week interval
to an 8 week interval, the crude protein and TDN can drop significantly. So, cut on the calen
dar to produce the best quality hay.
When we have good weather to make hay (rain), we also have to contend with it at cutting
time. We all know that if we get rain on cut hay, it can negatively impact the quality How
ever, for every week after 4 weeks you delay harvest, the TDN drops 3.5%. Compare this to
only a 1% drop caused by 1/2” of rain after cutting- So, waiting on the perfect weather is not
always the best idea.
Hay sampling is available through the University, the Dept, of Ag, and private labs to test
quality. We can't always have the perfect weather, hut if you take care of the things in your
power, you should be able to produce good quality hay in the upcoming year.
Contact me if you have questions, comments, or need me to come diagnose a problem in your
Fields or in your garden, (478) 862-5496, (478) 825-6466, or mackiv^hga.edu
^Joiners Corner....
bv Neil Joiner, joinerscorner.com
“The Chandelier”
In 1950 Holy Oak Baptist Church was approaching the 100th anniversary of its founding. Its
white clapboard walls and faithful congregants were typical of rural South Georgia. There were
a dozen children of various ages, and 50 or so adults who ranged from barely grown to almost
gone.
No one was more faithful than Deacon Homer Smith, a silver haired gentleman who had once
been a baby at Holy Oak. He'd always done more than his part for the church, mostly because he
wanted to, sometimes because no one else was willing.
When the ancient oak tree which Holy Oak was named for toppled over in a storm, Deacon
Smith made a beautifully finished pulpit from its massive base. Then he carved an old rugged
cross to be hung behind the preacher on the baptistry wall.
Deacon Smith's wise counsel was valued by the congregation. As he grew older, however, he
began keeping his opinions to himself. It was, he believed, time for the mantle of leadership to
transition to a younger generation. In January of 1950 he made a private resolution to keep
silent in the conferences held each month on the second Sunday,
He made it through several meetings without expressing his views on any matters of business.
In the April conference, however, his fortitude was severely tested when Sister Betty Lou Watkins,
President of the Women’s Missionary Union, proposed a substantial acquisition.
When the pastor asked if anyone had any new business to bring up, Sister Betty Lou raised her
hand. She moved that Holy Oak spend $500 to buy a chandelier. It was the first time Deacon
Smith had heard a woman present a motion in conference. He stayed quiet but his heart was
racing and his stomach was churning. He knew the Apostle Paul said women should keep silent
in church, but he was unsure if that applied to conferences or maybe just preaching.
Multiple opinions were offered by church members during a lively discussion. Some thought a
chandelier was a wonderful idea and wanted to get it before the 100-year Homecoming celebra
tion in October. Others thought it was a complete waste of money. Two men with opposite views
each said they were certain of God’s will in the matter. The chandelier became a divisive issue in
a place where unity had long been the norm. That's when Deacon Smith stood up to speak.
“For the past few months, I've kept my opinions to myself,” he said, “because I feel like it’s time
for me to step aside on items of church business. But I can't sit quietly in the pew today.”
With the kind spirit he was known for Deacon Smith continued- “I've listened carefully to
every comment, and I have no doubt they’ve been said with good intentions. But I honestly don’t
believe our church needs a chandelier. We don't need to spend that kind of money to buy a
chandelier. We don’t have a good place to put a chandelier. And we don’t have a single member
in our congregation who knows how to play a chandelier.”
He looked around the sanctuary as he paused to gather his thoughts. His heart was warmed by
pleasant expressions. Scowls of contention had given way to radiant smiles, “This church doesn’t
need a chandelier,” he added with confidence and conviction. “What this church needs is some
better lighting!"
Sister Betty Lou Watkins withdrew her motion and offered to help investigate tire lighting
issue. Deacon Homer Smith moved to authorize the W.M.U. to spend up to $500 for whatever
kind of fixtures they could agree on. And the smiling congregation of Holy Oak Baptist Church
knew one thing with absolute certainty. Sometimes the Lord works in mysterious ways.
Footnote: “The Chandelier" was one of many humorous stones told by the late comedian Jerry
Clower, He was a master of clean comedy and a fine Christian gentleman, I don't think he
would mind my sharing a now version of his old story, but someday I’ll ask him. I expect to see
Jerry in a place where there’s no need for chandeliers. The light from the Son is more than
enough.
WES
SUMMERS
TAYLOR CO. SCHOOL BOARD
DISTRICT 5
2020
Let's get to know each other! Since we can not meet face
to face right now, I am doing a series of videos on my
campagin Facebook page. This wilt allow you a change to
learn more about who I am and why I am running for a seat
on the school board.
Follow me on Facebook at 'Elect Wes Summers for Taylor
County School Board District 5'.
We Are Not
In The Same Boat
By Wade Yoder
Master Trainer & Fitness Nutrition Specialist
www, wadeyoder.com
In today’s politically fraught environment, there is a tug of war, seen and unseen. I be
lieve this is happening even from within the medical and scientific community. This amount
of fear has corporations surely salivating to be the ones to supply the solution. While this
is going on, we need to go ahead and come together as a people and pull in the same
direction. If we don't, more lives will be destroyed and even the vulnerable we are sup
posed to be protecting will have even more future vulnerability by our action or inaction.
This was not written by me, I could not have said this better and wanted to share it with
you..,
“I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm,
but not in the same boat. Your ship could he shipwrecked and mine might not he. Or vice
versa.
For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in fiip
flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.
For some that live alone they're facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace,
rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.
With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to
their households than they were working. Others are working more hours for less money
due to pay cuts or loss in sales.
Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.
Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were con
cerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.
Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are
running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.
Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while
others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour work
day.
Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from
it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don’t believe this
is a big deal.
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet
to come.
So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our percep
tions and needs are completely different.
Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see
beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.
We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.”
Unknown Author
To contact Wade Yoder; please go to www.wadeyoder.com.
VOTE
★★★★★★★★★★
KEITH POOLE
TAYLOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER
DISTRICT 4
ARTNERS
19 S. Broad St. • P.O. Box 277
Butler, GA 31006
478-862-4644
HOURS:
Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed 12-1 p.m. for lunch.
Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Locally Owned & Operated
Large Enough To Serve You...Small Enough To Know You!
SHAPE YOUR
FAMIIY’S FUTURE
When we aren’t counted, We lose
This Census, let’s Get counted!
^United States*
Census
2020
- Wes Summers