Joe’sBitsand Pieces

Joe Koenen, AgriBusiness Specialist (Mo Extension Ret.)

Drought Update

I hate to keep doing this but as of Thursday as I write this, almost all of Putnam County and much of the northeast corner of Missouri is in a D3 or extreme drought. The middle portion of Missouri is as well. I have talked about MU extension’s drought resources and they are now on the main page, www. extension.missouri.edu, so is easier to find. As stated last week, a good rain that they got in the southwest portion of our county and Newtown is still the best solution.

Livestock And Pet Care

Our extremely dry and warm conditions are not only hard on us but on livestock and pets. Livestock need good, clean water available to them at all times. Water requirements for beef cattle and other animals increases during warmer (80-100 degrees). For example, a mature beef cow needs 20 to 25 gallons per day in those temperatures. Do not forget the bull(s) either as mature bulls need about the same amount, yearling bulls a little less. A 600-pound growing animal still needs about 15 gallons per day. The water needs to be clean and fresh too. Farm animals need shade and good forage availability also. This would be a great year to test your hay as well.

Do not forget about your pets either. They must have fresh, clean water daily also. I know from a personal note that I change my water for my 3 dogs three times a day right now. Smaller dogs (under 15 pounds) require around a normal glass of water but bigger dogs (50 pounds) require 2 gallons a day. In the hot, dry weather do not forget about shelter and shade for them and cats too. I saw a nice calculator for dogs at https:// www.nomnomnow.com/ learn/article/dog-water-calculator but could not find a cat one. I am sure they exist too.

REMINDERS

Fairs and livestock shows are getting here quickly so keep up. Some are online or you can contact the extension office in your county. They have information on more every day so contact your local office. Some such as NEMO (Kirksville) and state fairs (Missouri and Iowa) are online).

The “Market on the Square” continues every Saturday morning on the west side of the square. Last week’s market included tomatoes, blueberries, carrots, onions. beets, and zucchinis in addition to baked goods and eggs. In addition to those, the market has crafts, clothing, soap, woodworking, collectibles and other handicrafts. Keep up on Facebook also.

THOUGHT: “Life has no remote control - get up and change it yourself !”

“People don’t need you to tell them what’s wrong with their lives; they already know. They need you to reassure them that they can still make it right.” -- Brianna Wiest