Although this was a below average year for making hay, it does not mean that you should not be testing that hay.  With most of the calves either weaned or shipped, it is important to find out what you are, or going to be, feeding.  Hay testing is the first step to designing a winter-feeding program.  Hay is your bulk package to deliver energy, protein, minerals and vitamins and can help you decide how much supplement, if any they might need.  Each hay lot should be sampled separately.  A lot is defined as - same field, same cut and harvested, and stored under the same conditions.  The best samples are obtained by using a hay probe, which can be borrowed from the Extension Office.  Every effort should be taken to insure a representative sample has been taken from each lot.  The sample should then be bagged in a 1 gallon zip lock plastic bag for shipping.  There are many labs available for forage testing with most producers using a lab certified through the National Forage Testing Association.  There is a complete directory of labs at www.foragetesting.org or you can drop your sample off at the Fallon County Extension office and we can help you with how much each sample will cost and mail it in for you.

How do you know which test to run on your sample?  According to Dennis Cash and John Paterson, both MSU Animal and Range Sciences Extension Specialists, "Crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, total digestible nutrients and nitrate levels.  Other tests such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and trace minerals -copper and zinc may be helpful."  Many of our small grain hays can have toxic levels of nitrate.  Nitrate can be present in both drought hay and hay grown under cool, wet conditions.  Once the analysis is back, a ration can be balanced for the level of animal productivity desired, for example, post calving or replacement heifers.

Stop by the Fallon County Extension Office for more information on Hay Testing or call 778-7110 to reserve the hay probe. 

DANGER OF BYPASS STARTING OF TRACTORS

Sunday, July 25, 2004 - Associated Press

Marysville, CA – a 56-year -old woman shopping at a roadside produce stand north of Marysville was struck and killed by a runaway farm tractor and trailer Saturday.

Jose Garcia, 50, of Marysville, a longtime employee of Bock’s Fruit Stand, had just delivered produce as the stand prepared to open for the day about 9 a.m., said Yuba County Undersheriff Steven Durfor. When the tractor wouldn’t restart, Garcia jump-started it with a screwdriver while standing alongside, Durfor said. The tractor was in gear and lurched forward as the engine caught, plowing through tables laden with fresh fruits, and vegetables before striking
the fruit stand itself. Garcia jumped onto the tractor, but not before it struck and killed Linda DeWees of Orangevale, who was shopping alone at the time. She was pronounced dead at the scene; no one else was injured.

Garcia was questioned, but no charges have been filed as the investigation continues, Dufor said.

This is the time of year that our things to get done before winter list never seem to end.  However, there are a few things that cannot wait and should be done before it freezes.  The first to come to mind is the "maintenance, cleaning and storage of ground sprayers".  Proper maintenance and storage techniques not only streamline next year's pre-season preparations, but also will insure the best performance and add years of great service to your operation.

This process consists of six steps: Read, Rinse, Drain, Clean, Inspect and Store.

1. READ:   Before you begin cleaning your sprayer, read the label of the pesticides you have applied, this will tell you how to properly dispose of the residual product and provide you with any special cleaning instructions, decontaminating products and personal protective equipment you will need.

2. RINSE:  The importance of rinsing is to remove any concentrated or large areas of product.  This means circulating water through the whole system and then applying to a site that is listed on the label.  This step may require several small volume rinses.  Select a location where the rinse will not contaminate water supplies, str3ams, crops or other plans and where large puddles won't accumulate creating a hazard to humans, animals or the environment.

3. DRAIN:  Disposal of the pesticide sprayer rinse water must be done in accordance with the label of the products that were used.  The site must be listed on the label.  Water left in the sprayer lines, nozzles, pumps and tanks could freeze and cause damage to the sprayer.

4. CLEAN:  Once the sprayer has been rinsed and drained it is time to decontaminate it both inside and out including the lines, booms and nozzles.  You will only need enough product to fill the lines and be sure to wear personal protective equipment during the cleaning process, you may have to scrub the outside of the tank.  The cleaning agents are different for each pesticide, so, using the correct only is critical to doing a good cleaning job.

5. INSPECT: Always wear personal protective clothing as pesticide residual may be present on the sprayer.  In this step you are looking for damage to lines, nozzles, hoses, and booms.  This may help streamline next year's spray season if repairs are done now.

6. STORE THE SPRAYER:  In this step you will need to add anti-freeze.  Antifreeze for recreational vehicles is  commonly used, by circulating antifreeze through the entire sprayer this will help coat the interior and push out any contaminated water left in the sprayer.

For a detailed outline on "maintenance, cleaning and storage of ground sprayers" stop by the Extension Office and ask for Mont Guide fact sheet #8917, Written by Reeves Petroff, MSU Pesticide Ed Specialist and Dr. Greg Johnson.