November 2008 Farm and Home Tips

Greene County Partnership
Agribusiness Committee
Next Meeting:  December 4, 2008 @ 9 a.m.

Tobacco/Annual Crops

-- Provide security for tobacco that is prepared for market

-- Plan for float beds now and order plants early

-- Lime and fertilize by soil test

-- Maintain tobacco bale weight — target weight is 80 pounds with a maximum of 100 pounds.  Every pile will be moisture tested. 

                Moisture tester is available at the Greene County Farm Bureau office. 

-- Provide copies of sales tickets to multi-peril insurance provider for any losses as soon as tobacco is sold.

-- Deadline to sell your tobacco successor-in-interest contract for the remaining six payments is November 1

-- Do not bale tobacco wet.  Tobacco should be graded in a minimum of three or four grades or, if contracted, follow your contractor’s

                instructions for number of grades.  Follow your contractor’s specifications on bale size and weight. 

-- Receiving stations contact:  Terry Whitson, Rogersville (RJ Reynolds & Burley Stabilization Corporation) or Glen Martin in Greeneville

-- Check with crop insurance agent regarding a commercial policy and to obtain more coverage to replace catastrophic policy

Livestock        

-- Complete fall herd health work

-- Market non-productive animals to reduce feed cost

-- Group and feed cattle by stage of production

-- Ensure that beef & dairy cattle are maintained in a manner that will result in a safe and wholesome beef

product for the consumer.

--Call the extension office for more information on the cost-share money.  Obtain premise identification for cost-share money.

-- Breed sheep and goats now for April kids and lambs

Forage

-- Forage test, balance rations and apply lice control

-- Inspect and test hay before feeding.  Ask for feed analysis on purchased hay.

Government                

-- Check with FSA office for NAP insurance for insurable crops

-- EQIP signup is year round

-- Dairymen submit receipts for payment

-- State cost-share programs are available to improve water quality.  Contact the Greene County Soil Conservation (NRCS)

Feed Grains/Soybeans

-- Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) on harvested grains, soybeans and silages are available once the crop is harvested. 

       Electronic LDP payments are also available.  Contact the FSA office for details. 

DATES:

November 6 – 20th Annual Farm-City Banquet, Clyde Austin 4-H Camp, 6:30 p.m.  Nikki Land will be the guest

speaker.  Tickets for $15 can be purchased at the Greene County Partnership, Greene County Farm

Bureau, Farm Credit Services and Heritage Community Bank.

November 11 – Beef Quality Assurance Meeting.  Reservations are required.  Call the Greene County Extension Office.

December 4 – Agribusiness Committee, 9 a.m., Greene County Partnership Boardroom

December 6 – 9 – Farm Bureau Convention, Franklin, TN

December 7 – Greeneville Christmas Parade, 2 p.m.