Articles written by Jeff Gale
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 45
Field and Garden: Another challenging start to the growing season
“How is seeding going?” I asked the farmer. “Not bad” was his reply. “We’re about done with the fields where conditions are good. But now, all the remaining fields are wet.” Too much...
Ag in the Gym highlights North Dakota agriculture
"Is this Ag Day?" a student asked as I passed down a hallway at the elementary school recently. I had a poster display slung over my shoulder and a tray of large plants in my hands. "Yes, we're here...
Field and Garden: Homeowners are asking if their trees will survive
The National Weather Service got it right in January when they forecast a cold, wet spring in our region. Daily temperatures in Carrington averaged 13 degrees below normal in March and April, includin...
Field and Garden: Plots available in Carrington Community Garden
Are you interested in gardening, but don’t have a suitable site? Do you already have a garden, but need additional space for corn, squash, melons or some other crop? If you answered yes to either...
Field and Garden: Farmers, ranchers face another challenging spring
"There was a blizzard in early May 1950," recalled my friend Melvin Schramm. "Nothing had been done in the fields when I arrived home on May 23 to help with planting." The Schramm farm was located...
Field and Garden: Is your sump pump ready for spring?
During a miserable stretch of weather several winters ago, I asked my friend Earl Hepworth if he thought spring would ever arrive. Ninety-three-year-old Earl looked at me and said, “Well, it always...
Field and Garden: Opportunities for gardeners despite the cold
I enjoyed looking through my favorite seed catalogue last month, making a list of vegetable varieties that sounded promising. After comparing my list to NDSU’s publication “Vegetable Cultivars...
Field and Garden: It's time to stop farming unproductive areas
“We’ve nothing in Iowa that compares with your Research Extension Center (REC),” said my new acquaintance. “I was amazed by what I saw last summer.” This conversation took place several...
Field and Garden: Keep your Valentine's bouquet looking fresh
It seems that just yesterday we turned over our calendars and began the new year. Now Valentine’s Day is upon us, and our thoughts turn to cards, chocolate and of course, flowers. Last year, 22 perc...
Field and Garden: December's snow and February's meetings
More than a month has passed since bad weather forced many of us to adjust our plans to celebrate Christmas. The snow piles that surround us are a daily reminder of the challenging conditions that we...
Field and Garden: Do you have a succession plan in place?
My mother-in-law moved into assisted living about ten years ago. The move required significant downsizing. That’s never an easy task. So many memories are associated with certain pieces of furniture...
Field and Garden: Winter weather and upcoming programs
I asked friends at the Carrington Senior Citizen Center if they had ever experienced a four-day-long snowstorm like the one we had Dec. 13 – 16. “Yes,” one person answered, “but never this...
Junior beef producer webinar and wild poinsettias
Last summer I worked with several Extension staff to offer a program called “Junior Beef Producer” to teenagers interested in the livestock industry. The day-long program provided young cattle...
Field and Garden: Gift ideas for gardeners and others, too
“You gave this to me one Christmas,” said my mom, pointing toward a terra cotta flower pot wrapped in woven wicker. “Do you remember?” she asked. More than 40 years have passed, but yes, I...
Field and Garden: 4-H promotes positive youth development
The onlookers held their breath and watched as the marble spiraled toward the opening at the bottom of the funnel. It was the first step in a chain-reaction machine built by five Foster County...
Field and Garden: Fall harvest nearly complete in Foster Co.
Combines were moving through the fields of Foster County throughout October and into early November. Soybeans were harvested first, and then the attention turned to corn. Some farmers had to wait for...
Field and Garden: Apply now for NDSU's Master Gardener Program
Perhaps you saw the announcement that NDSU Extension will offer the Master Gardener Program again this winter. If the possibility of becoming a certified Master Gardener interests you, don’t wait...
Field and Garden: Harvest underway as mostly dry weather persists
This summer (June – August) was the 14th driest on record in Foster County, and the dry weather has continued into fall. The NDAWN stations near Carrington and McHenry received 0.6 and 0.7 inches...
Field and Garden: Winterizing trees and ripening tomatoes
Our trees and shrubs need some care as winter approaches. If conditions remain dry, then it’s recommended to thoroughly water evergreens before the ground freezes. By filling the needles with...
Field and Garden: Beekeeper uses grant to boost honey industry
Highly productive. Disease resistant. Cold tolerant. This may sound like a description of a new corn variety, but it’s not. It’s actually a list of desirable traits that Jamestown resident Megan...
Field and Garden: Boxelder bugs are on the move again
I was outside watering last week when a crowd of small, red insects scattered in all directions from the base of one plant. I quickly recognized the insects to be immature boxelder bugs. It is a sign...
Field and Garden: Rain boosts harvest hopes in parts of county
Rainfall amounts varied significantly across Foster County during August. A series of weather systems brought as much as 1.5 inches of rain to parts of the county during the middle part of the month....
Field and Garden: Now is the time to deal with dandelions
Drive by my house and you’re likely to say to yourself, “There’s a lawn that has some issues.” Dandelions, thistles and a host of other weed species have gained a large foothold in my yard....
Field and Garden: Beef workshop fostered interest among youth
“I liked how hands-on all the sessions were and how all the Extension staff were willing to work with us.” That was the comment of a participant in the Junior Beef Producers Workshop, recently...
Field and Garden: August rains make good beans and corn, too
“Our crops look really good.” That was the positive report of one Foster County producer at the end of July. “Our corn has tasseled,” the man continued. “I always say if that happens before...