Oldham Oldham CouCountyntyExtension NewsletterExtension Newsletter

FCS News–Page 3 • 4-H News–Page 5 • Report to the People–Page 7 • Extension Events–Page 11

Winter 2019

207 Parker Drive • La Grange, KY 40031 • Telephone: 222-9453 • Fax: 222-7930 • oldham.ca.uky.edu

Educational programs of  KY Cooperative Extension  serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.

LEXINGTON, KY 40546

Cooperative Extension Service

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Family and Consumer Science

4-H Youth Development

Community and Economic Development

Disabilities accommodated with prior notification.

Agriculture & Natural ResourcesAgriculture & Natural ResourcesAg Agent Receives State Award

Oldham County Agriculture Agent Traci Missun received the Kentucky Forage & Grassland Council’s State Public Service Award at the Heart of America Grazing Conference. This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to forage education for producers, industry members, and public officials.

Traci has served on the Kentucky Forage & Grassland Council as president, vice president, and nominating committee chairman. In this role, she led efforts to identify needed information and assistance to help producers be more successful in their grazing and hay operations. Traci also maintains the Kentucky Forage & Grassland Council’s website and social media.

Kentucky Forages on YouTube

UK Extension hosts a YouTube channel with many videos helpful for pasture and hay production. Videos include presentations from grazing conferences and field days around Kentucky. Go to YouTube and search for “Kentucky Forages,” or visit youtube.com/user/VTForages.

The Heart of America Grazing Conference was held in Northern Kentucky this fall and included a presentation on the future of livestock fencing systems. Over the last several years, many companies have been working on developing virtual fencing systems. The technology is much like invisible pet fencing. It is a pretty amazing concept for the future of livestock production. Check out the presentation beginning at minute 22:46 at youtu.be/MQUfNZPxoiQ?t=1366.

Traci Missun received the State Public Service Award from the Kentucky Forage & Grassland Council.

Page 2Page 2Traci Missun

Agriculture & Natural Resources AgentMichael Boice

Horticulture Assistant

Use the Right Cattle Mineral

Minerals play an important role in cattle health and nutrition. Health problems may develop if cattle are not receiving recommended levels of certain minerals. When purchasing mineral, check the label to determine if it meets these recommended levels. Also pay close attention to the recommended target intake (ounces per day per head) and sources of the minerals. Sources other than those recommended by UK Extension may not be readily absorbed or available to animals.

A chart outlining recommended mineral levels for beef cattle production is available online at www.rs.uky.edu/regulatory/feed/UKBeefIRMMineralSpecs.pdf or in our office.

Ornamental Grass – an Invasive Weed in Pastures

Over the last five years, there has been an increased incidence of ornamental grasses invading pastures. Ornamental grasses used in landscapes produce seeds that are often fluffy and easily dispersed by wind. After germinating from seeds, the clumps of grass develop an extensive root system that allows the plant to regrow every season.

Ornamental grasses grow during warm weather, so new shoots typically emerge in late spring and die back after freezing weather occurs in the fall.

This invasive grass is a problem in pastures because most animals will not graze it. The new leaves that emerge in spring are tender enough that they may be grazed, but these quickly grow into tough leaves that are not palatable to livestock.

It is possible to identify the plant in the spring before it produces seeds. One distinguishing characteristic of this invasive grass is its extremely flat stems. Another is the toughness of the stems and leaves. And another identifying trait is that the plant’s leaf blades will appear frazzled at the top following mowing.

Repeated mowing during spring through fall will help keep the grass from spreading further and may reduce the population somewhat. It is important not to let the plants produce seeds that can be the source of even more problems.

When there are only a few plants present, digging them out is the best control option – make sure to dig out the entire root system. In many cases, spot sprays of herbicides may be warranted.

Example of Ornamental Grass Invading Pasture

Close-up of Ornamental Grass Seed Head

Page 3Page 3

Family & Consumer SciencesFamily & Consumer Sciences

Homemaker Lessons

In January, lesson information on Influence of Personal Characterics will be mailed out to all homemaker members who have submitted their dues and enrollment forms to the Extension office.

On Thursday, February 27, Trimble County FCS Agent Jane Proctor will teach The Buzz About Honey. The lesson begins at 10:00 a.m. and will last about an hour. Homemaker lessons are free and open to the public. RSVP via (502) 222-9453 or phyllis.mills@uky.edu.

Homemaker Cultural Arts

The 2020 Oldham County Cultural Arts Competition is Friday, February 28, at the Oldham County Extension office. Entries will be accepted from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. with viewing to begin at noon. Homemakers can check out their entries at 1:00 p.m. Joan Zehnder, retired art therapist, will present Journey Though Your Imagination With Art Therapy.

Entry categories are found on page 28 of the Oldham County Extension Homemaker Handbook as well as on the KEHA website (keha.org). Take note of the changes for this year in following categories:

8. Crocheta Fashionb. Accessoriesc. Home Décor & Afghansd. Thread Crochet

15. Knitting, Handa Fashionb. Accessoriesc. Home Décor & Afghans16. Knitting, Other

21. Quiltsa Machine Applique (Machine

Quilted)b Hand Applique (Hand

Quilted)c Hand Pieced (Hand Quilted)

21. Quilts (continued)d Machine Pieced (Hand

Quilted)e Machine Pieced (Machine

Quilted)f Novelty (Stenciled,

Embroidered, Miniature, etc.) (Hand Quilted)

g Novelty (Stenciled, Embroidered, Miniature, etc.) (Machine Quilted)

h Baby or Lap (Hand Quilted)i Baby or Lap (Machine

Quilted)j Technology-Based (Hand or

Machine)k Miscellaneous (Hand or

Machine)

23. Rug Makinga Braidedb Wovenc Hookedd Punch Needle

26. Paper Craftinga Origamib Quillingc Scrapbooking

All entries must have been completed within the past two years. Direct questions to Lauren Fernandez, Oldham County Extension Program Assistant, via lauren.state@uky.edu or (502) 222-9453.

The blue ribbon winners at the county level will advance to the Louisville Area Cultural Arts Competition on Friday, March 6. For the second year, the Area Competition will take place at the Bullitt County Extension Office, located at 384 Halls Lane in Shepherdsville. Entry check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. with viewing at 12:30 p.m. and check out at 1:30 p.m. Bring your quarters to Cover the Table for Ovarian Cancer!

Page 4Page 4Sherry Ragsdale

EFNEP AssistantLauren State Fernandez

Extension Program Assistant

Country Morning Casserole Recipe

Food Waste Can Cost You

Simple put, food waste is food that goes uneaten and is thrown away. This is a costly habit many families make. Reducing the amount of uneaten food you purchase cuts down the amount you buy at the store, ultimately resulting in less money spent at the grocery. Here are some tips to help you reduce food waste:

• Be aware of how much food you throw away.• Don’t buy more food than can be used before it spoils.• Plan meals and use shopping lists. Think about what you are buying and when it will be eaten. Check

the fridge and pantry to avoid buying what you already have.• Avoid impulse and bulk purchases, especially produce and dairy that have a limited shelf life. Promotions

encouraging purchases of unusual or bulk products often result in consumers buying foods outside their typical needs or family preferences, and portions — potentially large portions — of these foods could end up in the trash.

Source: Food and Drug Administration

Ingredients:• 2 cups whole-wheat bread,

cut into cubes• 1 cup shredded low-fat

cheddar cheese• 6 eggs• 1 cup skim milk• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder• 1/8 teaspoon pepper• 1 cup frozen broccoli

florets• 1/2 bell pepper, roughly

chopped• 1/2 onion, chopped

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.2. In a 7-by-11-inch or 9-by-9-inch pan, layer bread cubes and shredded cheddar3. In a medium bowl, mix eggs, milk, salt, garlic powder, pepper and vegetables. Pour over bread.4. Bake for approximately one hour (check periodically) or until eggs have set.

Nutrition facts per serving:120 calories; 5g total fat; 2g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 170mg cholesterol; 400mg sodium; 9g carbohydrate; 1g fiber; 3g sugar; 0g added sugar; 12g protein; 0% Daily Value of vitamin D; 10% Daily Value of calcium; 6% Daily Value of iron; 4% Daily Value of potassium.

Sources: Brooke Jenkins-Howard, Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service; USDA

Makes 8 servingsServing size: 3-by-3 inch pieceCost per recipe: $4.51Cost per serving: $0.56

Page 5Page 5

Achievement Award Winners Recognized at the County Award Banquet

The 4-H Achievement Program recognizes members from age ten. The application is a detailed resume of the member’s 4-H and community involvement. Members compete at the State Level when they reach Clover Level 3. Scholarships are available at each state level achieved. Congrats to the following 4-H’ers:

4-H Youth Development4-H Youth Development

Clover Level 1Chloe Hardesty

Clover Level 2Lucia Isenhart

Kendall KennedyAlexis Yonts

Connor Yonts

Clover Level 3Ryan Hawkins

Caecilia IsenhartFreya Isenhart

Clover Level 4Andrew MyersAdelle MinorCaroline Olds

Clover Level 5Ella Olds

Advanced Chef Club Coming in February

Middle school students, join us on Mondays in February to hone your cooking skills! The 4-H Advanced Chef Club meets between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. at the Oldham County Extension Conference Center, located at 205 Parker Drive in La Grange. Learn these fun recipes:

A supply fee of $25 covers all related costs. Limited spaces available. To register, contact the Oldham County Extension office at (502) 222-9453.

Feb 3: Chicken Fingers & Sweet Potato FriesFeb 10: Soufflé

Feb 17: Carrot Cupcakes With IcingFeb 24: Breakfast Bonanza

Don’t Miss Out on 4-H Camp!

Mark your calendars now! 2020 Oldham County 4-H Camp will be June 22 through 26 at Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp. We are looking for teens and adults to attend camp with us. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering to be a leader at camp. Registration will be available in February.

Past leaders are invited to a 4-H camp planning meeting scheduled on Thursday, January 9, at 6:30 p.m.

4-H Communications Program Empowers Young People

Despite being the number one fear of most Americans, the ability to speak in public can open many doors in terms of personal friendships and professional advancement. Polish those public speaking skills at the Oldham County 4-H Communications Event on April 9!

Competitive events give youth the opportunity to practice what they have learned; receive positive, constructive suggestions to improve; and overcome the fear of speaking in public. As well, senior 4-H members may compete in mock job interviews.

District level winners are invited to the University of Kentucky to showcase their public speaking skills during the State Communications Day. For more information on our communication programs, contact the Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service.

Source: Jennifer Tackett, Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Specialist

Page 6Page 6Kelly Woods

4-H Youth Development AgentAmy Logsdon4-H Assistant

Oldham County 4-H Shooting Sports

At this year’s Kentucky 4-H State Shooting Sports Competition, 1059 youth participated from 75 counties. Over 425 volunteers supported these events, eight of which were from Oldham County, plus coaches and a coordinator that traveled to support our shooters.

Thank you volunteers and coaches, and congratulations to all of our Oldham County 4-H’ers!

.22 Pistol

Age 12-14 Individual2nd: Erik Benvie

3rd: Andrew Myers

Age 15-18 Individual1st & High Overall Score:

Logan Roberts

Age 15-18 Team1st: Bobby Nelson,

Logan Roberts, Kaitlyn Snyder, Audra Spellman

.22 Rifle

Age 12-14 Individual2nd: Sarah Grace Jackson

Age 12-14 Team2nd: Sarah Grace Jackson,

Andrew Myers, Ethan Rowland, Laura Worth

Age 15-18 Individual1st: Dain MacDonald

3rd: Will Abbott

Age 15-18 Team1st: Will Abbott,

Dain MacDonald, Meridian Myers, Sophia Worth

Archery Bowhunter

Age 15-18 Individual2nd: Justin Ensor

Archery Recurve

Age 15-18 Individual3rd: Spencer Wieland

Archery Target

Age 12-14 Individual3rd: Trent Fitzner

Air Pistol

Age 15-18 Team2nd: Dain MacDonald,

Meridian Myers, Logan Roberts, Kaitlyn Snyder

For the 2020 season, returning club members register on February 26. New members register on March 4. If your child is interested in 4-H Shooting Sports, email the coordinator at

oc4hshootingsports@gmail.com to be placed on the contact list.

New 4-H Rabbit Club

Learn how to provide proper care for rabbits at the new 4-H Rabbit Club! You do not have to own a rabbit to join. Club members will learn to identify breeds and work on showmanship. For more information, contact club leader Colette Easter via coletterae@yahoo.com or (509) 680-0681.

Attention Horse and Dog Club Members

To qualify for participation in any 4-H Competitive Horse or Dog Event, 4-H’ers must complete 6 hours of instructional hours taught and documented by their 4-H certified club leader before April 15.

Please meet with your club leader now to ensure you will have your completed and documented 6 hours of instruction prior to April 15. Club members must also have submitted their 4-H enrollment forms to the Extension office by April 15. Documentation of completed hours must accompany all event registration or show paperwork.

Page 7Page 7

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran

status, or physical or mental disability.

In 2019, Beth Huffman received one of the four Kentucky 4-H Emerald Awards. At the age of 9, this young lady joined Leaders of the Pack Dog Club where she still remains active today as a club co-leader.

Beth summed up her 4-H career: “4-H has shaped me in many ways. When I first joined, I was a shy kid who didn’t talk to anyone. Eleven years later, and I am now comfortable speaking in front of groups of people. This is a place I never thought I would be. 4-H has built my character and has changed my life. It has taught me so many important things, like the value of family because 4-H has been a second family to me. I couldn’t have asked for any better people to surround myself with than those I have met in 4-H. 4-H took a 9 year-old-girl who didn’t talk and has turned me into a strong and independent woman.”

For More Information, Please Contact us at:Oldham County Extension Office • (502) 222-9453 • oldham.ca.uky.edu

207 Parker Drive, La Grange, KY 40031

Report to the People

Beth Huffman was one of four 4-H’ers across Kentucky to receive the Emerald Award in 2019

Oldham County • 2019

Page 8Page 8

Building 4-H Leaders

4-H Woodworkers of Oldham County led a woodworking project for local girl and boy scouts, enabling 25 scouts to receive their woodworking badges. Each scout constructed a blue bird box. 4-H members also made birdhouses which they donated to Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.

Club leader Sherry DeCuir shared the following, “I have watched the members develop confidence that comes from practicing a new skill. They are becoming more expressive with their ideas and becoming leaders.”

Strengthening Public Speaking Skills

In 2019, Oldham County 4-H empowered over 507 youth through the 4-H Public Speaking program with 450 presenting at the club level, 28 attending the county event, seven competing at the District Event, and four individuals qualifying for the State Event.

Breaking 4-H Camp Records

Oldham County 4-H broke all county camp records with 370 attending the summer of 2019. At the close of camp, campers indicated 80% learned a new skill while at camp, 86% made their own decisions while at camp, and 84% worked with people different from themselves.

Extending Our Reach

Each year, the Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service honors a volunteer who shows outstanding leadership and commitment to Extension programs.

2019 Extension Leader of the Year Ken Heppermann began volunteering by teaching a business management class for Extension in 2006. He has since served on the Oldham County Extension Council, helping identify needs that Extension can address through its programs, and on the District Board which provides oversight of funds and spending.

Oldham County Extension continues to move forward with improved services and educational programs for residents, thanks to the dedication of Ken and many other volunteer leaders.

David Deibel presents Ken Heppermann (left) with the Extension Leader of the Year Award

4-H’ers led a woodworking project for local girl and boy scouts

Page 9Page 9

Promoting Healthy Choices for Healthier Families

Sixty limited resource individuals graduated Extension’s Healthy Choices program taught by the Oldham County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Assistant through three recovery programs: Roederer Substance Abuse Program, McCauley Halfway House, and District Drug Court. Goals for the program included improving overall nutrition while stretching food dollars.

Participants learned how to create healthy meals on a budget, proper food safety practices, and better food resource management. Classes included a cooking demonstration and food sampling of meals prepared. Participant self-reporting showed that:

• 93% learned to plan meals before grocery shopping

• 89% will make a grocery list before shopping

• 95% showed a positive change in nutrition for at least one food group

Strengthening Extension’s Service to the Horse Industry

Horses continue to be the top agriculture commodity in Oldham County. The last Kentucky Equine Survey ranked Oldham County as follows:

• #4 in State in Value of Equine Sold at $7.2 million

• #5 in State in Equine Operation Income at $11 million

• #6 in State in Total Value of Equine and Equine-Related Assets at $163 million

Prompted by the 2018 Equine Extension Summit and the UK Equine Working Group, an initiative began to reach out to horse operations to learn about challenges and needed assistance.

The UK Horse Specialist and the Oldham County Agriculture Agent visited nine horse operations in 2019. Results included providing technical advice and drawings for arenas and facilities, including a proposed horse park project; providing renovation and management recommendations for a breeding farm to improve foaling conditions and foal health; and assisting in business planning for a horse facility seeking to increase farm income.

Farm visits are available to troubleshoot problems and provide technical advice

“Pasture management classes I have taken in Oldham County

have helped me maintain healthy pastures and in turn a very healthy herd of Thoroughbreds. Without your expertise I would have been

hard pressed in some of these trying weather years to keep the pastures

in good condition.”

Elizabeth RosenbergLe Bon Cheval Farm

Page 10Page 10

Teaching Home Horticulture and Volunteering

Oldham County Master Gardeners had another record-breaking volunteer year. Thirty-seven Master Gardeners contributed 2,156 volunteer hours in the community. Oldham County sites supported by Master Gardener work include Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Yew Dell Gardens, Brownsboro Area Trail Association, Harrods Creek Park, Friendship Health & Rehabilitation, and the Kentucky State Fair.

Master Gardeners have hosted and taught 17 public gardening programs since January 2018.

Protecting Streams and Preventing Soil Erosion

Oldham County is home to many small streams, with many of these running through residential property. Many residents report flooding and drainage issues on their property due to streambank erosion and stream blockages. Oldham County Extension partnered with the Oldham County Engineer’s Office and the Curry’s Fork Watershed to offer ‘Backyard Streams’, a program to teach residents about evaluating, maintaining, and repairing streams.

Twenty residents learned practices to reduce pollution from lawn fertilizers and pesticides; how to use buffered areas to prevent streambank erosion; other ways to dispose of limbs and leaves; and proper ways to repair damaged or unhealthy streams. Participants also learned about county recycling resources and technical assistance available to troubleshoot stream problems.

• 930 youth use skills learned through 4-H to conserve natural resources

• 487 youth and adults adopted practices to conserve or protect soil and water

• 1,591 Oldham County residents reported using leadership skills learned through Extension (communications, decision making, facilitating activities)

• 2,730 youth and adults reported using life skills learned through Extension (science, engineering, and technology; gardening; caring for pets and livestock; culinary arts)

• 174 Extension leaders were involved in addressing significant community issues

• 631 farmers and residents incorporated best production practices learned through Extension

• 70 youth mentored younger youth

• 537 producers and residents utilized Extension diagnostic services (soil testing, forage testing, and pest identification and management)

• 241 youth gained at least one new life skill as a result of participating in 4-H summer residential camp

• 86,849 people reached through Extension programming

Extension At a Glance

Healthy Families. Healthy Homes. Healthy Communities.

It starts with us.

Page 11Page 11

2 Santa’s Workshop2 Shooting Sports Officers, 7pm3 Master Cattleman, 6pm5 District Board, 9am5 Leaders of the Pack, 7pm9 Green Thumbs Garden Club, 9:30am9 Santa’s Workshop10 Master Gardener class10 4-H Photography Club, 6:30pm

12 Cosmic Cooking Club, 3:30pm12 E-Squared, 6:30pm13 OC Beekeepers, 6:30pm14 Come Sew, 10am-3pm16 Santa’s Workshop16 Delicious Delights, 6:30pm17 Cloverbuds, 6pm17 4-H Poultry Club, 6:30pm

All activities are held at the Oldham County Extension office unless otherwise noted. Please call to RSVP for classes held at Extension offices.

Upcoming Extension Events

5-7 KY Fruit & Veggie Conference, Lexington7 Master Gardener class7 4-H Photography Club, 6:30pm9 Camp Planning Meeting, 6:30pm10 OC Beekeepers, 7:30pm11 Come Sew, 10am-3pm13 Green Thumbs Garden Club, 9:30am13 Shooting Sports Officers, 6:30pm13 Delicious Delights, 6:30pm14 Cosmic Cooking Club, 3:30pm

14 Cloverbuds, 6pm16 Ground Covers, 6:30pm16 Leaders of the Pack, 6:30pm16 4-H Council, 7pm16-17 KY Cattleman’s Convention, Owensboro20 Office Closed for MLK Day21 Master Gardener class23 Oldham County Ag Connection, 6:30pm24 Swarm Team, 7:30pm28 4-H Poultry Club, 6:30pm

January

3 Advanced Chef Club, 4:30pm4 Master Gardener class6 Leaders of the Pack, 6:30pm6 E-Squared, 6:30pm8 Come Sew, 10am-3pm10 Green Thumbs Garden Club, 9:30am10 Advanced Chef Club, 4:30pm10 Delicious Delights, 6:30pm10 Shooting Sports Officers, 6:30pm11 Cloverbuds, 6pm13 Homemaker Board, 1pm14 OC Beekeepers, 7:30pm

17 Advanced Chef Club, 4:30pm17 Shooting Sports Officers, 6:30pm18 Master Gardener class18 4-H Photography Club, 6:30pm20 Leaders of the Pack, 6:30pm24 Advanced Chef Club, 4:30pm25 4-H Poultry Club, 6:30pm26 Shooting Sports (Returning) Registration,

6:30pm27 The Buzz About Honey, 10am28 OC Homemakers Cultural Arts

February

December

December 21 through January 1, the Extension Office is closed for winter break.

3 Master Gardener class4 Shooting Sports (New Member)

Registration, 6:30pm5 Leaders of the Pack, 6:30pm

6-7 Organic Association of KY Conference, Louisville

9 Green Thumbs Garden Club, 9:30am9 Delicious Delights, 6:30pm

March

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Cooperative Extension ServiceOldham County 207 Parker DriveLa Grange, KY 40031oldham.ca.uky.edu502-222-9453

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The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the bases of race, color, ethnic origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other related matter should be directed to Equal Opportunity Office, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Room S-105, Agriculture Science Building, North Lexington, Kentucky 40546.

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