The Lucknow Sentinel, 1987-09-09, Page 7Watch your alfalfa
Fall Cutting Schedules
Why do we need to observe a critical
harvest date for alfalfa? So we need to
mi4s that third cut in September?
A�falfa regrows after cutting from
nutrient stored in the root for the first
e weeks. Only after this three week
iod does the green plant start to
eplenish those root reserves. When you
cut you are counting on a killing frost in
less than a week or after at least 5 weeks so
that the root will have the energy to sur-
vive until the next year. Cutting alfalfa in
September does not mean that the plant
will die but it puts the roots into a weaken-
ed condition. If there are further stresses
of poor nutrient supply, crown freezing,
diseases etc. the plant is less likely to
withstand them. Fertilizing can reduce the
step but not completely eliminate it.
Remember three weeks of draining the
root and at least two weeks to buildup root
reserves. That's what you need after cut-
ting alfalfa. A strong healthy root system
is your key to next year's hay crop.
Joan McKinlay
Soils & Crops Specialist
Bruce, Grey & Dufferin Counties
1987-88 Bruce County Dairy Princess To Be
Crowned
The crowning of the 1988 Bruce County
Dairy Princess will take place Saturday,
September 19, 1987 at the Teeswater Com-
munity Center.
This year 4 contestants will be com-
peting for the title. They are Karen Fen-
ton, Port Elgin; Pam Kestner, Mildmay;
Janet Lane, Holyrood; Karen Rutledge,
Kincardine.
Prior to the dance, the girls will give a
short talk to the audience. The winner will
be announced midway through the even-
ing. The successful contestant will spend-(-
the
pendthe next twelve months representing
Bruce County dairy farmers and pro-
moting dairy products at local schools,
service clubs, fairs, etc. Next August she
will vie for the opportunity to be crowned
1988 Ontario Dairy Princess.
Our 1986-87 Dairy Princess, Marie
Henhoeffer recently competed for the
honour of the 1987 Ontario Dairy Princess
FARM REPORT
PO
RT
at the C.N.E. Thanks and congratulations
should be extended to Marie for her ex-
cellent representation and making it to the
semifinals.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of
the Bruce County competition. A reunion
has been planned for former Dairy
Princesses and Committee men in order to
celebrate this special occasion.
Mark September 19, 1987 down on your
calendar and plan to attend the Dairy
.Princess anniversary dance.
Tickets are available from - Milk Com-
mittee men, Walkerton O.M.A.F., and at
the door.
Terry James
Farm Management Specialist
Bruce County Plowing Match
The 1987 Bruce County Plowing Match
was held on the Ross Young Farm in
Tiverton on August 29. Here are the
results :
Horses under 20 or not competed before:
1. Kathleen McRobbie, Mount Forest; 2.
Ross Young, Tiverton. Jaunter Plows: 1.
Andrew McRobbie, Mount Forest; 2 Ivan
Thomas, Paisley. Under 15: 1. David
Davenport, Owen Sound. 15 to 18: 1. Drew
Davenport, Owen Sound; 2. Brian MacKin-
non, Paisley. Open Tractor: 1. Marie
Krauter, Elmwood. Open 2 Furrow : 1.
Barry Ribey, ' Paisley; 2. Rod
MacGillivray, Paisley. Open 3 - 4 Furrow:
1. Chris Thorne, Tara; 2. Paul Irwin,
Paisley. Semi -Mounted: 1. Bryan Muegge,
Walkgrton; 2. Glen Lang, Walkerton.
Novice: .1. Dennis Munro. Antique &
Novice: 1. Harry Wilhelm, Chesley; 2. Jim
Sloan, Chesley. Ladies Open: 1. Eleanor
Krauter. Queen of the Furrow: Teresa
Schuler. 1st runner-up: Ann Robertson,
2nd runner-up Nancy Green. Mayors &
Reeves: Weir Sheane of .J(incardine
Township won the Saugeen Township
claiallenge trophy.
Mac Bolton
Agricultural Representative
Milkweed - if you
can't beat it, eat it!
There is a silver lining to the farmer's
growing milkweed dilemma. University of
Guelph Biologist Alan Watson says
milkweed pods are a tasty late summer
dish that can be served in place of more
conventional vegetables.
Milkweed is just one of hundreds of
varieties of wild plants that we tramp, over
in woods and pastures without recognizing
their food potential, says Watson. Through
the nature interpretation program at The
Arboretum, Watson offers an annual
workshop on edible wild plants and weekly
excursions that invite questions about
woodland menus.
You'll enjoy eating wild plants, if you
learn when to harvest and how to prepare
them, says Watson. They need preparation
and seasoning just like cultivated
vegetables.
He recommends that milkweed pods be
collected and cooked fresh. Dipthem into a
pot of boiling water for about a minute and
a half, then lift and dip immediately into a
second pot of boiling water. The first boil-
ing sets the milky sap that gives the plant
its name, and the second boiling cooks it to
the desired tenderness. If you like your
vegetables crunchy, remove the pods in 5
or 6 minutes and add butter. Delicious!
Milkweed also provides an early spring
vegetable when the young sprouts can be
cooked with cat -tail shoots and burdock or
dandelion roots. Most visitors to The Ar-
boretum are more familiar with wild salad
greens such as dandelion, ox -eye daisy and
lamb's quarters, says Watson, but these
too are spring dishes. In late summer we
should be looking, to the harvesting of wild
berries, roots and mushrooms, he says.
Before you harvest, however, Watson
cautions two things: make sure you know
what you're collecting and remember to
conserve. There are toxic chemicals in
many wild plants, so it is important to go
with someone who is experienced and rely
on a gond plant identification book to help
make you aware of the mistakes you could
make. Wild plants are pressured by weeds,
other plants and insects, says Watson.
Don't destroy the whole plant or there may
not be any next year. Ginseng is an exam-
ple of a native Ontario plant that was
harvested by early European settlers year
round instead of waiting, as the Indians
did, until the plant had gone to seed in the
fall. Today Ginseng is a rarity in Ontario.
Imagine, one day trying to conserve
milkweed.
W.M.S.. meets
The Presbyterian W.M.S. held their
September meeting at the home of Mrs.
Austin Lorie last Wednesday. Mrs. Little
presided over the meeting and opened with
scripture and prayer.
Mrs. Rhoda MacKenzie presented a
thoughtful Bible study on the Open Door.
After a hymn, Mrs. Jas Aitchison led the
group in prayer.
Mrs. Ken Laidlaw presented the even-
ing's topic, Bangladesh, the poorest coun-
try in the world. She spoke on the
deplorable hardships the people of that
country face.
A duet on tape by Mr. Lorie and his
daughter, Shirley, was much enjoyed by
all.
Business was dealt with next and cards
of sympathy and get well cards were sent
to members. Also, a happy 90th birthday
wish was addressed to Mrs. Jean Reid.
Members were also reminded of the ral-
ly to be held in Wingham on September 14
starting at 1:30 p.m.
After the closing hymn, Mrs. Mable
Johnston closed the meeting with a prayer.
A social hour followed.
Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, September 9, 1987—Page 7
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