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 enthusiasts with opportunities to learn about beef nutrition, reproduction, herd evaluation and manure management.

The feedback at the end of the program was positive. “I wish it [the program] was longer,” commented one participant.

We’re offering another opportunity for young people (ages 13 to 18) to learn about the beef industry during the upcoming school holiday.

This time the program is being offered on-line.

NDSU Extension veterinarian and livestock specialist Dr. Jerry Stokka will be the main presenter.

During the first half of the webinar, Dr. Stokka will describe the calving process and tell the participants what to do in case of difficulty.

The focus of the second half of the presentation will be disease diagnosis among young calves.

There will be plenty of time for participants to ask questions.

The goal is that by the end of the webinar, the youths will be better equipped to distinguish between the problems they can handle themselves and those that need a veterinarian’s assistance.

The hour-long webinar begins at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28.

There is no fee for the webinar, but preregistration is required: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/events/junior-beef-producers-winter-webinar

For more information, contact me in the Foster County Extension office (652-2581, [email protected]).

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I was in the grocery store several weeks ago when someone asked a question about “wild poinsettia.”

I wasn’t familiar with a plant by that name, but I promised to look into it.

It turns out that wild poinsettia is a cousin to the holiday poinsettia that we have in our homes at Christmas. Both plants are members of the euphorbia family.

Because of its colorful orange bracts, wild poinsettia is sometimes called “Fire on the Mountain.” The bracts are much smaller than those of holiday poinsettia.

Some gardeners grow wild poinsettia as an ornamental, whereas others consider the plant to be an invasive weed.

Wild poinsettia is native to the southern U.S. and Mexico; however, it has spread in recent decades and is now found growing as far north as Minnesota and South Dakota.

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In regard to holiday poinsettia, did you know that a well-cared for plant can last six to eight weeks in our homes?

Careful management of temperature and moisture is key to prolonging plant life.

Poinsettias like temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees. Put plants in sunny locations, far from drafty areas near doors and furnace vents.

Poinsettias do not like “wet feet.” If there is foil around the pot, then pierce the wrapping at the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain away.

While it’s important not to overwater, poinsettias should never become so dry that they wilt.

To maintain proper moisture, check the plant daily by pushing one finger about half an inch deep into the soil. If the soil is dry to touch, the plant needs water.

Apply lukewarm water to the soil until some water runs out the drainage hole, then discard the drainage water.