Food Preservation Classes
Are you growing a garden this summer? Like to shop at farmers markets? Belong to a CSA? Want to have summer produce all winter long? University of Missouri Extension is offering a series of food preservation classes at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 3601 S. Sterling Ave., Independence this summer. These classes are hands-on workshops to give you practical experience in preserving food safely. You take home the product you prepare at each class. Flyer
Thursday, June 27 – 6-8 pm: Salsa from Your Garden
Thursday, July 11 – 6-8:30 pm: Pressure Canning Summer Produce
Monday, July 22 – 6-8 pm: Dehydrating Fruit, Veggies, and Jerky
Thursday, Aug. 8, 6-8 pm: Making Fantastic Jams and Jellies
Classes are $20 each. Contact Karen Elliott, elliottk@missouri.edu or 816-482-5850.
Century Farm Search Deadline May 1st.
If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1913, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
“Missouri Farm Bureau is a proud partner in the recognition of century farms,” said Blake Hurst, president. “We applaud the hardworking farm families that have kept us fed and clothed for generations. They represent an important part of our heritage and laid a foundation for the bounty Americans enjoy every day.”
Applicants certified as owners of a 2013 Missouri Century Farm will be recognized by the MU Extension office in the county where the farm is located. Applicants are presented with a sign and a certificate. For applications received by May 1, a $65 fee covers the cost of a certificate, farm sign and booklet for approved applicants. If the application is received between May 1 and May 15, the cost is $75. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2013, to be considered. For application forms and information, call Extension Publications toll-free at 1-800-292-0969, contact your local MU Extension office, or visit the program website at extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm.
Grow Your Farm Makes Local Headlines
The Grow Your Farm session made local headlines. Check out the television report from Fox4 News. http://fox4kc.com/2013/02/25/special-report-back-to-the-farm/
4-H Youth Fair Dates Set
The Clay County 4-H Youth Fair will be held July 10-14, 2013 at Earnest Shepherd Youth Center. Watch for a full schedule and more details about the fair in upcoming months.
Soil testing
Now is the time to get your soil tested to avoid spending unneeded cash on nutrients your soil might not need. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each sample should contain about 1½ cups of dry soil from 6 to 7 inches deep. Consult our soil testing information under Services for specific instructions.
Northland Grandfamilies
Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? Based on the most recent census data, over 4,000 grandparents in the Northland are living with grandchildren under the age of 18.
Clay County Extension and the Clay County Senior Services have developed a partnership to help those in just such a situation. If you or someone you know is a grandparent, aunt or uncle raising children, contact the Clay County Extension Center at 816-407-3490 for more details on the “Northland Grandfamilies” program. Information about the monthly support group meetings can be found on the following link.
Master Gardeners answer questions
The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City are in full swing with Master Gardeners answering calls Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. You may even call the hotline at your convenience, leaving your questions on gardens, flowers, trees and anything having to do with urban horticulture on the answering machine in the evening and they will return your call the next day. Call 816-833-8733 (TREE). You can also bring in samples or stop by and visit with a Master Gardener at the Clay County location on Tuesday or Thursday.