Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[preciouskitty]

I see it is ALMOST above freezing up there!!!!! In fact, at the moment, it is 5 degrees WARMER back home than here in Alabama! But it is supposed to be 54 here once the sun comes up.....

Muskrat pix are cute, thanks for sharing.

 

[uchytil]

Cement floor for me. It has a base layer of pine shavings in direct contact with the cement and then 12 -18 inches of straw on top of that. No problems with migrating cold from the floor or any moisture issues.

If you have moisture occurring it could be several variables such as too many birds, inadequate ventilation, water spillage or water migration through the cement. There is a term for that but I can't think of it.

Monarchs were hit hard this year. It was the worst on record according to Monarch Watch. Many factors involved such as loss of habitat, too much monoculture agriculture, excessive use of glyphosate and the one that irritates me the most is that road commissions are spraying herbicides along road sides.

Yep, sounds like a ventilation issue, however, in the spring when you have a cold floor and warmer outside the floors can get wet from condensation. Best to keep the doors shut at that time no matter how good your ventilation is.

LOL

saw this in a mag. they used old tires and added a tire and dirt as the plant grew. thought it was a clever idea but wonder about the rubber in the tires??

Black rubber absorbs heat and where I live I don't like that method. I've tried that, under straw, and a barrel. The best way I've found (for me) is to dig a trench about 12 inches deep. Drop in a cut with 3 eyes about every 6 inches spaced. I loosely cover the seeds just above them so you still have a trench. As the shoots form I add soil from the banks of dirt from the ditch. When they reach grade I start hoeing dirt in from the sides to keep soil up on the plant. That's where the new taters come from - above the seed so the deep the trench and higher the hill...In the end I dig some nice Pontiacs and Norlands, or Kennebecs. NO bugs last year! I was stoked not to be squishing them with my fingers.

 

[taprock]

OK folks, How about a little "Muskrat Love?"
Until I kicked up a little snow at him! He waddled off 15 feet or so went under the snow. Back up,walked in a circle and then disappeared under the snow!

So cute! It made me giggle a bit remembering. Back a few years my DH was trapping. Same kind of situation where he came upon the muskrat out and about. When he got close it froze so he went up and tossed a snowball at it to get it to move. It came at him and tried to attack him and then chased him out of the woods. He was amazed how aggressive it was while he trying to wade though snow to get away.

 

[SillyChicken]

yeah don't remind me about the road side spraying... it took 2 yrs to get a tree replaced after they killed one on my property. They're not allowed to spray anywhere near my land again!!!


debating on leaving for GR tonight to get the sheep or early tomorrow morning...concerned about the snow we're suppose to get.

 

[SillyChicken]

I got a 92/100 on my exam this morning

Way to go!!

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Over 80% of the cities in Wayne County (SE Michigan) have ordinances marking milkweed (Asclepias sp.) a noxious weed subject to a fine. That was one of the tickets I got last year. 

I have one boy in the aviary. He is a beautiful LF SF canary just starting to develop his song.   

I remember your ticket. Unreal.

"noxious" ??????
Really? That is really something!

I'd say everybody get your driving, shopping, etc out of the way ASAP. DH reported seeing stuck vehicles on the East - West roads already today.
I. Am. So. Sick. Of. This. Weather.
Sorry, now that is out of the way, everyone have a good day. PK enjoy your day.

 

[chickwhispers]

Quote: That must have been a site to see!

I didn't get too close, hence the 'kicking up snow'. I wasn't sure what a muskrat was doing up there visiting anyway.

 

[RaZ]

Announced on the MDARD website is the appointment of a new Ag Commissioner. I like her credentials and hope that she will take a good hard look at the LACK of science surrounding the Site Selection GAAMP.


I think it would be nice to send an e-mail of welcome to the new commissioner and let her know how you feel about the proposed changes. The next meeting is February 12, 2014. The business session is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in the ConCon Room, Atrium Level, Constitution Hall, 525 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan.



http://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248-320826--,00.html

Snyder makes appointment to Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development

Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development

Contact: Sara Wurfel
517-335-6397 or [email protected]

January 30, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Dru Montri, of Bath, to the Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The five-member bipartisan board has the responsibility to recommend, and in some cases determine, policy on food, agriculture and rural development issues. No more than three members may be from the same political party.
“Dru has a lot of experience working in the food and agriculture industry and I look forward to the contributions she will make to the commission,” Snyder said.
Montri owns and operates Ten Hens Farm, a year-round farm in Bath. Montri is also committed to regional food system work. She has been the director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association since its inception in 2006. Montri has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in horticulture from Penn State University. She also holds a Ph.D. in horticulture and community, agriculture, recreation and resource studies from Michigan State. She replaces Donald Coe and will serve as an independent.
Montri will serve a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2017, and her appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
###
Fan us! facebook.com/MIDeptofAgriculture
Follow us on Twitter @MichDeptofAg
Watch us! youtube.com/MIAgriculture

 

[uchytil]

yeah don't remind me about the road side spraying... it took 2 yrs to get a tree replaced after they killed one on my property. They're not allowed to spray anywhere near my land again!!!


debating on leaving for GR tonight to get the sheep or early tomorrow morning...concerned about the snow we're suppose to get.

Is the snow supposed to start tonight? I saw 4-6 inches tomorrow for here ( an hour west of GR). I need a break in this white demon because we told Lisa and the Girls we'd take her flock and she's an hour and a half away.

 

[Candy442]

OK folks, How about a little "Muskrat Love?"




Is that Muskrat Suzy or Muskrat Sam?