Recent Posts
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Black walnuts are a very common tree up here in the mountains. My backyard is almost completely covered with the walnuts every fall. I’ve been woken up very suddenly more than once in the middle of the night from them dropping on my roof. Black walnut trees are pretty interesting plants with some unique properties…
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We have a new farm bill coming down the pipe that is going to be impactful for our farmers. I am going to do my best to explain the history of the farm bill, what things are in the new farm bill, and how it’s going to affect people. I’ll just give forewarning that I…
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You may have heard of invasive species. It’s a pretty hot topic in the agricultural and environmental world these days. For some people invasive species may bring up images of pythons in the Everglades. While we don’t have any pythons in the woods around here (and I am very thankful for that) we do have…
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Around this time of year mistletoe is sometimes a popular decoration in people’s homes. You’ll see it hanging above doorways for use by romantically inclined couples. Nowadays you can buy plastic mistletoe at stores to put up in your house. Let’s talk about the effect that mistletoe can have on trees in the nature. You…
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Moles and voles can be very damaging to your yard. They can dig up long tunnels through your yard and make a meal out of the plant roots. This can leave your yard with a lumping look and wilted dying plants. The key to treating these issues is figuring out whether you have moles or…
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Have you ever seen a pumpkin over 100 pounds? How about over 300? 600? This year we had our first ever giant pumpkin growing competition with 4-H youth in Union county. I had the pleasure of working with them as a coach. Growing the pumpkins was a group effort with Patrick Fix, Tim Grizzle, Timothy…
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Yellow jackets will become the most active during the late summer and fall. I’ve received a few calls from people saying that they have encountered some around their homes. I have a few around my own house, so I know they’re out there! Yellow Jackets can look similar to wasps. Wasps are usually unaggressive unless…
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This time of year you’ll see leaves start to change colors. In the mountains the colors can make a beautiful sight. But why don’t evergreens lose their leaves, and why are there all the different colors? Let’s talk about it so that as the leaves change this year you can show off your scientific knowledge…
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Kudzu is possibly the most invasive plant species that we have in the Southeast. It grows like wildfire taking over hillsides, trees, and most any landscape that it can get its green tendrils on. I know that you’ve seen it in our area, so let’s talk about the plant so that you can get to…
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I was very excited to write this article because I get to write about two of my favorite things! College football and agriculture have a history together and that can be seen in traditions and stories that many schools have. Since the beginning of the football season is almost upon us, I wanted to share…
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