Here are this week’s top stories from Farm and Dairy:
1. Kentucky state officials shake up NAILE leadership
The North American International Livestock Exposition began several decades ago, but Kentucky state officials are now changing how the show is managed, much to the surprise of longtime employees and supporters.
There have been unexpected leadership changes as well as a changeup with the fair board, prompting some disagreeing individuals to believe that this may be the last year for the livestock show.
2. Columbiana County Fair market livestock sale results
See photos and results from this year’s Columbiana County Fair market sale, which took place Aug. 6 and 8.
3. Ohio State Fair sells champions
See photos from the Ohio State Fair sale. The Aug. 9 sale netted a total of $264,000.
4. August’s gardening to-do list
Harvest time is here for most gardens planted in the spring and early summer. Once vegetables and fruits are harvested, clear out plants. Keep watering plants that are still producing.
Late summer is a good time to start thinking about saving seeds for next year, as well as propagating seeds and planning for a fall garden.
5. Tips for keeping flocks cool, calm and comfortable this summer
During the hot summer months, it’ important to stay hydrated, protect oneself from the heat and to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. These principles should be applied to your backyard flock, too.
Heat stress can cause birds to stop eating, and subsequently produce less eggs and have health challenges. Birds can’t sweat, so they need to be provided with adequate water to cool their body temperatures. Other measures should be taken to regulate birds’ body temperatures, such as providing shade, and they should be fed 90 percent feed and 10 percent treats regularly to keep them balanced.
