Joe’sBitsand Pieces

Joe Koenen, AgriBusiness Specialist (Mo Extension Ret.)

Weather Update

Our weather and moisture situation has changed for many of us in North Missouri in the last week. It has been a welcome change. Some of our insect concerns (grasshoppers, mites, etc.) should be better than we thought not long before. However, you as a producer or homeowner/gardener still need to check things out. I have discussed the economic threshold before, meaning you need not spray or control a problem (weeds, diseases, insects) unless the economic loss is greater than the cost of control.

Extension Programming

You all are aware by now that I retired the end of 2022 after a 43-year career in University Extension. At that time and since extension has been on a path of a different system designed to provide more programming. Unfortunately, it does take time to replace people to get that in place. The process has been slower than I would have liked but it is slowly moving forward. A new Youth Specialist housed in Putnam County will hopefully happen in September at the latest. Some of you may know that with retirements the Ag staff in north Missouri is very thin so be patient. Valerie Tate (Agronomist), Zac Erwin (Livestock) and Jennifer Barnes-Schutter (Horticulture) are available in

Linn and Adair counties. Mercer county is trying to hire an agronomist but has not had any luck as I write this. Please if you know of someone interested in working for extension, have them look at jobs online.

Even though I am retired, I will answer some questions if I know them by contacting our office first. Many of you have my cell number also.

Reminders

The “Market on the Square” continues every Saturday morning on the west side of the Unionville square. There are lots of vegetables (tomatoes, sweet corn, zucchinis, etc.), fruits, baked goods and many other products so take advantage whether here in Unionville or other locations.

The Lucerne Stock Show went great last week (as I write this) with an almost record number of livestock in many areas. Thanks to all the volunteers and to everyone that attended and helped. It’s always felt like a second home to me.

The Putnam County Fair webpage is updated with the fair book, schedule and ticket information online at https://www.putnamcountyfairunionvillemo. com/. Tickets are on sale now and cheaper until September 1.

THOUGHT: “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching”!