By J. Larry Miller
I continue to hear the question asked about the recent rainfall and whether we are replenishing our soil moisture. The answer is yes as ponds and lakes are near normal pool. However, the bigger question is, “will this alleviate our concerns about a possible drought this summer”. That question is never a simple answer.
Subsoil moisture is much more of an issue in central and northern Illinois because they have an ability to hold that moisture and be porous to allow roots to reach any subsoil moisture. In Southern Illinois our soils have a high clay content which limits the roots of plant ability to reach subsoil moisture. Therefore, we need rain more regularly than other areas of the state because of less topsoil and higher clay content. For that reason, a short period in July and August of no rainfall can be a major problem for crops. Am I concerned about dry weather in the summer? Always! That is why crop insurance is such a valuable commodity.
The Franklin County Farm Bureau board held their monthly meeting this week and invited Franklin County Board members to our meeting to discuss issues important to farmers and the needs of the county. The men and women who serve on our county board certainly are doing their very best to try and provide good government in our county. They do not always agree on particular issues but work together for the county. We had a very good discussion about fracking of oil wells, county roads and the facility needs for the various offices of county government. Our Farm Bureau Board certainly appreciates the time that the county board offered us at this meeting.
On Tuesday February 26th there will be two seminars held at John A. Logan College that are open to the public. The first seminar “On the Road” with Kevin Rund will discuss trucking regulations and will be from 8 am to 10:30 am. The second seminar on the Farm Bill with Doug Yoder will discuss various aspects of the Farm Bill and will be from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
The Franklin County Young Leaders are taking orders for smoked pork loin. These will be available to pick-up on Thursday March 28th either at 11:00 am or at 4:00 pm. The prices are ½ loin – $30 and full loin $45. Call 435-3616, stop by the office or see a Young Leader today to order your pork loin just in time for Easter dinner.
This is just a reminder that if you are needing to apply or re-new your FOID Card the Franklin County Farm Bureau can help you fill out your application and take your pictures. For more information call 435-3616.
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.
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