Cooperative Extension Service

Simpson County

300 N Main St

Franklin, KY 42134

270-586-4484

simpson.ca.uky.edu

All Farmer Newsletter

Jason R. Phillips

County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural

Resource Education

In this Issue:

Dairy Month 2

Rinse & Return 3

Services 4

In the Field videos 4

Oven Fried Fish Fillets 4

Spring/Summer 2020

1

Simpson County Extension Office Update

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. The COVID-19

pandemic has presented many challenges in agriculture. Some of

these include poor grain prices, reduction in meat processing, low

beef and milk prices, difficulties getting hired labor, inability to have

field days and in-person educational programs. These are just a

few of the many challenges that farmers face. Many local and

statewide educational programs have been cancelled or

rescheduled for a later date. I want to update you on how the

current situation is impacting the day to day operations of the

Simpson County Extension Service. I want to emphasize that I am

still available and all our services are still in place. However, we

have had to make some necessary changes in response to COVID

-19.

For the safety of our clientele and staff, our office is now open but

by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 270-586-

4484 or email simpson.ext@uky.edu. Please call to let us know

when you are in the parking lot and someone will let you in or

come to your vehicle for assistance. We will be available Monday

thru Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The brown box on the dock and

mail slot on the back door will still be used for clientele pick-ups &

drop-offs and deliveries. I am also available for farm and

horticultural visits. Feel free to email me at

jason.phillips1@uky.edu or post questions on our Facebook page.

Our plant disease diagnostic lab and soil lab are still taking

samples as well. Thanks for your patience and stay safe!!

Ag Report

Remember to tune your

radio to 1220 WFKN at

7:55 a.m. every other

weekday morning for

the Extension

Agriculture report.

June is National Dairy Month.

Milk Myths

How well do you know dairy?

Dairy often gets a bad reputation. There is a lot of misinformation about dairy and, as a result, many people avoid dairy products and miss out on its health and nutritional benefits. Studies show that when consumed as part of a healthy diet, dairy products contribute to better bone health and improve overall diet quality. Do you know which statements are true and which are false?

Only whole milk contains vitamin D.

False: All milk, regardless of the fat content, contains vitamin D. Milk ranks first as a food source of calcium, potassium and vitamin D (all critical for bone development). Milk and milk products are also great sources of protein.

Flavored milk isn’t good for you due to added sugar.

False: Research shows children who drink flavored milk meet more of their nutrient needs, do not consume more added sugar, fat or calories, and are not heavier in weight than non-milk drinkers. Milk, whether it’s flavored or plain white, contains nine essential vitamins and minerals including protein and calcium.

Soy, almond, coconut and rice beverages are healthier than real dairy milk.

False: While some milk-alternative beverages are a good source of plant protein, they are fortified and do not offer the same package of healthy nutrients — calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin — found in milk and milk products. One 8-ounce glass of almond beverage only provides 1 gram of protein, while real dairy milk provides 8 grams of protein per 8-ounce serving.

Pasteurized milk offers more health benefits than unpasteurized milk.

True: Raw milk and foods made from it do not provide any more health benefits than pasteurized milk, and raw milk can pose serious health risks, such as exposure to E. coli, listeria and salmonella, according to the Federal Drug Administration and other health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

People who are sensitive to lactose should avoid milk and all dairy foods like cheese and yogurt.

False: Lactose intolerance doesn’t mean dairy intolerance. Hard cheeses and cultured dairy products like yogurt have little or no lactose. Lactose-free dairy milk is also a good choice.

Farmers disregard the environment and use large amounts of pesticides.

False: Dairy farmers care about their farms and the land. Environmental practices on all dairy farms are tightly regulated by both federal and state agencies, and farmers consistently meet or exceed those regulations.

Dairy cows are given unnecessary antibiotics, transferring antibiotics to the milk we drink.

False: Rigorous testing ensures antibiotics do not enter the milk supply. Cows are sometimes given antibiotics under conditions approved by a veterinarian. Once a cow is given antibiotics, it is separated from the herd and continues to be milked, but the milk is discarded. That milk never reaches the consumer and is not included in any milk products.

People should avoid milk because of hormones.

False: Studies show that minimal amounts of naturally occurring hormones are found in animal and plant foods, including milk. These natural hormones are completely broken down during digestion. Some dairy farmers choose to use a naturally occurring bovine hormone, bovine somatotropin or rBST, to help cows produce more milk. The safety of rBST has been affirmed and reaffirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Drug Administration and other leading health organizations.

Sourced by South Central Dairy Alliance 2

According to the most recent Agriculture Census, Kentucky is home to nearly 58,000 milk cows on 1,577 farms. Dairy milk is extremely healthy for us to consume, but there are some myths about milk. Please take a moment to test you dairy intelligence below.

3

Agriculture Commissioner Ryan F. Quarles

Farmers are the first environmentalists. We farm in part because we love working the land and knowing our

work means something – we are feeding our friends and neighbors. But, we understand that we have a

special responsibility to maintain clean air, clean water, and fertile soils to sustain life.

As part of fulfilling that responsibility, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture operates the Rinse and Return

Program, a voluntary, cooperative program that provides Kentucky farmers a safe, proper way to dispose of

empty agricultural chemical containers at no cost. Under the Rinse and Return Program, the KDA collects

used farm chemical containers from farmers and businesses. This material is reformed into many useful

items such as agricultural drain pipe, highway sign posts, fence posts, and underground utility conduit.

Thanks to this program, the containers are kept out of landfills, and the product in the containers is prevented

from leaching into the ground water and surface water. This program is an excellent example of the farm

community working together to provide a vital public service.

The department has collected 1.6 million pounds of material since the program’s inception in 1991.

Participation in the program is a Best Management Practice in Kentucky’s Agriculture Water Quality Plan

developed by the state Agriculture Water Quality Authority, a board of agricultural and environmental

interests appointed by the governor.

The collection process is fully funded by the KDA at no cost to producers. The recycling process is funded by

the Ag Container Recycling Council (acrecycle.org), a not-for-profit organization that safely collects and

recycles agricultural crop protection, animal health, and specialty pest control product containers. The council

is fully funded by its member companies and affiliates.

The KDA website contains detailed instructions on properly rinsing agricultural chemical containers and a

schedule of container pickup dates and locations for each county. Go to kyagr.com/consumer/pest-and-

recycling.html to find out more.

The Rinse and Return Program is just one of many KDA functions that protect the environment and the

consumer. We collect unwanted agricultural chemicals, inspect motor fuel pumps for accuracy, test motor

fuel for octane and

impurities, check price

scanners, inspect

amusement rides,

calibrate scales used in

commerce, and perform

many other duties that

affect every Kentuckian

every day. Our dedicated,

professional staff is

pleased to serve you, and

we encourage you to

contact us at (502) 573-

0282 if we can help you in

any way.

KDA Program Collects Chemical Containers, Protects the Environment

Tips & Reminders

@SimpsonCES

Don’t forget to take advantage of the many services

offered by Extension!

Soil Testing Nitrate Testing Manure Testing Plant Disease Diagnostics Weed & Insect Identification Seed Testing Services On-farm visits

These are just a few of the services that local citizens

have the opportunity to utilize. To learn more, come

see us at 300 N. Main St!

Oven-Fried Fish Fillets

1 pound fish fillets 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese ¼ teaspoon dill weed ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 cups cornflake-type cereal, crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13x9 baking dish. Cut fillets into serving pieces, if necessary. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and vegetable oil, mix parmesan cheese, dill weed, salt and pepper. Dip each fillet into lemon juice mixture. Lay in baking dish, sprinkle with cheese mixture and coat with crushed cereal. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Yield: 4 servings

Adapted from “Fish and Game Cookbook” by Bonnie Scott, Copyright 213, Bonnie Scott

“In The Field with UK Extension" is a video series

brought to you from Simpson and Allen County

Extension Agents, Jason Phillips and Adam Huber.

We have ten episodes so far on important and

interesting topics involving all things agriculture

and horticulture. These videos are captured out "in

the field” and feature hands on demonstrations. You

can view our videos on YouTube and social media

pages for Simpson and Allen County 24/7 or by

going to https://simpson.ca.uky.edu/inthefield.

If you have any suggestions on video topics or have

something interesting on your farm that would

make a great educational video for “In The Field”

please contact Jason Phillips or Adam Huber.

In The Field with UK

Extension