Joe’sBitsand Pieces

Joe Koenen, AgriBusiness Specialist (Mo Extension Ret.)

Temperature Update

Last week I told you soil temperature was too cool for many crops and vegetables. Our warmer weather has made the soil temperatures warm enough for corn and all cool season vegetables. However, it needs to be warmer for soybeans, tomatoes and pumpkins at least.

UPCOMING 4-H/FFA DEADLINES

There are some deadlines coming up in 4-H/ FFA that you need to be aware of if you do not already. The state deadline in Missouri to register your horse remains May 1. You need to bring a picture of the horse(s) you plan to show in 2023 or draw markings on the form. Since it is a state deadline, it is one you must comply with.

The other deadline coming up is for swine DNA cards. It is May 15 and Penny will have cards available in the Sullivan and Putnam County offices soon. If you wish to show at the state fair, you must complete the DNA card by that date.

Century Farm

This has been mentioned quite a bit by me already but the Missouri Century Farm program deadline to apply for this year is coming soon. May 1 is the deadline to apply if you have at least 40 acres that has been in your family since December 31, 1923. That 40 must have a direct line (blood or marriage) and still contribute to income even if rented out. Do not miss out if you have a family farm that qualifies. You can apply at your county extension office or online at Missouri Century Farms - Programs | MU Extension. Questions may be directed to your local extension office.

REMINDERS

Remember the “Market on the Square” in Unionville starts Saturday, May 1st ,which is not far away. Hope you will join us then. Many other markets in our area begin in May so contact your county extension office if you need more information.

This week (and last) the Putnam County Extension office hours may be a little erratic. While Penny Kittle and Lisa Doster are covering, things come up. Contact offices close by if you need something right away and do not get an answer.

THOUGHT: “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations!”

WASHINGTON, DC

- On Thursday, April 13, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) applauded a decision from a federal judge in North Dakota that halted implementation of the Biden Administration’s waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule in 24 states, including Missouri:

“This injunction means that Missourians will be spared, for the time being, from the Biden Administration’s overreaching, burdensome WOTUS rule. Congress spoke loud and clear on WOTUS when they passed my resolution to get rid of it. While the President unfortunately vetoed it, the court’s ruling is just another indication of how flawed this WOTUS rule is. With the upcoming vote to override the President’s veto, every Member of the House has the opportunity to fix this issue and ensure that all states get the relief they deserve from the Administration’s overreaching WOTUS rule. I want to thank Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey for joining the lawsuit, ensuring that Missouri was one of the states included in the injunction.”

This second recent injunction halts implementation of the WOTUS rule now in a total of 26 states. On February 2, Graves and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC) introduced a resolution under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the Biden Administration’s flawed, burdensome WOTUS rule. The resolution passed in both the House of Representatives and Senate with bipartisan support but was vetoed by President Biden on April 6. A vote to override the President’s veto is expected in the House of Representatives next week.

Graves Applauds Ruling Blocking Biden WOTUS Rule in Missouri Back in the Day

By Ross Malone

April 19, 1909 – The Frisco Railroad threatened to speed on through Rolla without stopping unless the City Council agreed to stop the local college students from flirting with girls on the trains. The young men were prohibited from flirting and “making eyes” on the station platform, waving their hands, tipping their caps, or giving college yells in the direction of the young women.

April 20, 1903 – Dr. Green was offering bargains at the Barry Hotel in Cassville. He was selling his “best teeth” for $7.50, gold crowns for $4.00, and bridge work for $40.

April 21, 1914 – Lt. Julius Townsend from Athens, MO, was cited for his distinguished Malone ... Cont. to pg. 12

MoDOT Urging Drivers to “Work with Us” in Record-Breaking Year This Construction Season

Jefferson City

- With a record-breaking $1.8 billion for road and bridge work this year, Missouri motorists can expect to encounter a significant amount of work zones and ongoing maintenance operations during their travels this year. The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting the National Work Zone Awareness Week April 17-21, urging motorists to “Work with Us” by making smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel to protect themselves and those they share the road with, including highway workers.

“The decisions you make in work zones could be the difference between life and death, for our workers, yourself and everyone you share the road with,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “Any time you pass highway workers on a Missouri roadway – whether it’s a long-term closure, a moving operation or shoulder work – buckle up, put your phone down, slow down and stay alert.”

It’s not just a courtesy to slow down and move over for these work zones—it’s the law. Drivers should be aware of changing traffic conditions, observe warning signs and merge before reaching lane closures.

With a record number of construction projects, you can help make your travel safer by checking out what work zones you’ll encounter before you go. Visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler. modot.org.

In 2022, Missouri saw