STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann

UNL Extension Educator,
Webster County
July 13, 2012 Edition
This time of year is bitter/sweet. The “bitter” this year has been the early and incessant heat that has permeated all across Nebraska and from what I hear the entire Midwest. Several “old-timers” (and yes even older than me) have told me that the last 9 months reminds them of the 30’s. That is a pretty strong statement, but I am not doubting their insight at all. It is disheartening to see the condition of our pastures and crops and particularly in the south half of the south tier of counties in our region. It is obvious to me, and particularly our farmers and ranchers, that we are experiencing drought conditions.
I think the location of my UNL Extension office is a good reference point. In Red Cloud there has not been appreciable moisture since 8” of rain that fell during the month of August in 2011. We had the driest and warmest fall in recent memory, and throughout the winter Red Cloud collected only a total of about 6 inches of snow. That brought us into spring of 2012 with deficit subsoil, aggravated by early and often record heat in May and June. As far as rainfall, Red Cloud accumulated only about 2.5 inches of moisture during the entire month of June which of course is a critical month for crops and pasture. This has all come together to further complicate the already dire straits that our hay ground, pastures and especially dry land crops were already in. We had unusually hot conditions from June 20 through July 9 with temperatures in the mid to high 90’s and even into the 100’s with winds that further added insult to injury.
The dry-land corn and even some irrigated corn show dead and dying plants. Wind burned corn leaves and blue and cupped soybeans can be found everywhere. Alfalfa is flowered and only 6 inches tall and the grass crackles when you walk across it. I have had several inquiries concerning making silage and also about high nitrates in corn and forage that may be destined for silage or gathered feed for livestock. We had a small break the last 3 days from the incessant heat and unending winds. But are now facing a 10 day forecast for above average heat and below average moisture. We need to pray for rain!
I mentioned the “sweet” part of this year. Well, the one thing I love about this time of year is that it is County Fair time! Ever since I was a kid the county fair has been an object of fascination and wonder for me. Let’s take a moment to reflect on what makes the County Fair! I like to share the following piece that I put together a couple of years ago.
The Country in County Fair: Forget Ferris wheels and cotton candy. At the Webster County Fair, it's all about "just bein' country." The fair, harkens back to the good old days when fun meant family, animals and spending time outdoors. The hustle and bustle of daily life is replaced by the cacophony of bleating animals. Men in blue-jeans, sweat stained hats and boots gather in the hot sun to talk crops and the bids on cattle, hogs and sheep. Youngsters lounge in the shade of the animal pens, discussing how their steers fared in the live show or showmanship events.
Fairs are a unique summer and harvest celebrations that have been a part of the American scene since the early 1800's. They're the smells, candy apples, barnyard manure, roasting sausages, teenage perfume, and the sweat of laboring contestants - there's a distinct aroma that only fairs and festivals possess. And where else can you find a rodeo, beef, hogs, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and blue-ribbon pickles in one place. Fairs offer something for everyone. Childhood memories lure us back to a fair each year where we admire lipstick-red tomatoes, can ride a carousel, eat cotton candy even if it sticks to our face. Fairs celebrate rural America, vegetables, farm animals, sewing and home cooking. Fairs from their earliest days have been yoked to the carnival culture with its sideshows and games of chance.
We all like Fairs. They are an important part of America and Nebraska, and the Webster County fair is hardly atypical. These ventures always revolve around agriculture and family bonding. People involved with the 4-H and FFA work really hard to maintain the old-fashioned county fair and atmosphere. People are nostalgic in nature and we try to maintain the basics of what life was 50 years ago. The Webster County fair, now in its second century in Bladen, relies mostly on livestock shows, rodeo and children's contests for entertainment, just like they did not only 50 years ago but much longer.
As an old time 4-Her and FFA member, fair time is far more work than what I remembered as a kid. The 100° days seem hotter, and the snow cones and funnel cakes seem more expensive. Nonetheless, I've yet to attend any activity that boasts as much community support, creates so many hours of quality family time, and has a higher percentage of kids who understand the value of competition, sportsmanship, hard work and having fun. Fair time gives dads a chance to really connect with their kids – their efforts focused on helping them achieve their goals. Meanwhile, the moms just continue what they do all the time -- keep the family together, and sacrifice mightily for their kids. Both parents wanting their children to experience what they did when they were young. Grandpa and grandma will be attending to make it all the more enjoyable for the kids. They will vocalize the praise for their grandchildren to anyone who will listen, filled with hope and pride.
It doesn't really matter what your goals are, or the activity you choose to compete in. There's just something special about melding community, kids, animals, ag and fun into an annual event. I consider spending time at a county fair as a “right of passage”, a reinforcement of what makes America unique and special. Everywhere you look at the fair you'll see proud dads, super moms, great kids, and the support network of family and community that enables those kids to have an experience of a lifetime. And the neatest thing of all is that it's all in our own backyard. See you there --at the fair!

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: www.webster.unl.edu/home