Lindie Huffman, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved eleven model programs for the Pendleton County CAIP Programs. There will be three informational meetings held for the general public in reference to the programs available and the application process.

Everyone knows how stress feels. Stress makes it difficult to meet the challenges associated with everyday life. Daily, people deal with stress from meeting deadlines, appointments and balancing home and work schedules. Coupled with everyday issues, life changing events such as a death in the family, moving, career change or family problems can cause additional stress.

The human body can take a certain amount of stress, but the level varies with each individual. It’s important for you to be in tune with your body and realize when the stresses in your life are reaching uncontrollable levels and leading to distress. Distress can cause you to become ill, injured or depressed.

Instilling self-discipline in children will provide them with tools necessary for achieving success in the classroom and throughout life. Parents are a key factor in helping youths become good at disciplining themselves and local 4-H programs can be helpful as well.

A recent research study of 204 eighth-graders focused on the relationship between the youngsters’ self-discipline and their school achievement. Researchers found that self-discipline, when measured in the fall of the school year, had more than twice as much effect on students’ final grades in the spring as their measured IQ or scores on national achievement tests.

Lindie Huffman, Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved eleven model programs for the Pendleton County CAIP Programs. There will be three informational meetings held for the general public in reference to the programs available and the application process.  Please RSVP for one of the following meetings so that we can ensure enough copies will be available for all attendees.  Reservations can be made by calling 859-654-3395.  The first two meetings will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 4 and the third meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, September 5.

All meetings will be held in the Pendleton County Extension Office Meeting Room.  Regardless if you have participated in these programs in the past, it is recommended that everyone interested in participating to attend one of these information meetings as some processes may have changed. Please call 859-654-3395 for more information.

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Throughout their 4-H career, young people have opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities, state and nation. Civic engagement is something Kentucky 4-H has always emphasized. By participating in civic engagement, young people learn about their communities, community leaders and their role as a citizen. The goal is to help young people become informed citizens and future community leaders.

You have probably heard that the cost of food is expected to rise next year. You can do several things to reduce your current grocery expenses and hopefully prepare yourself for the expected price increase.

One of the easiest things to do is to plan ahead. That includes making a meal plan for the week and making a shopping list based on the ingredients you need to fulfill your plan. Check weekly store sale ads and product coupons in the newspaper and online to find the best prices for the items you need. However, don’t buy something you don’t have plans for just because it’s on sale. Make sure sale items ring up with the correct price at checkout.

Lindie Huffman, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources

Late summer and fall offer a third growing season for the home gardener, though both new and experienced gardeners often overlook the opportunity to extend the bounty of the home garden by. Spring gardening is marked by relief that winter is over, with the anticipation of warmer weather. Summer gardening brings its own joys, with longer days and the natural cycle of rain and sun that helps plants yield ripe, delicious fruits and vegetables. But with some planning, fall can provide just as much enjoyment as spring and summer, and you can extend the harvest well into the cooler months.

A new school year is upon us, and it’s a great time to join 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization. 4-H offers experiential learning to youth ages 9 to 18 with something for all interests from insects to space to sewing. There are topics for all youths. By participating in 4-H, youths develop many essential life skills including responsibility, leadership and self-esteem.

Anyone who cooks meals for their family wants to prepare nutritious meals that are tasty.  Great meals do not just happen. They take time and preparation, but following a few tips and planning meals in advance is beneficial for you and your family. By planning meals you can provide side dishes that appeal to everyone.  Planning your meals in advance could help you refrain from unnecessary purchases at the grocery store and have fewer leftovers. One of the best things about meal planning is that you create fun, family time where everyone can appreciate one another.

Agriculture Commissioner James Comer reminds Kentucky livestock producers that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture can help them find badly needed forages for their animals as many Kentucky pastures and hay fields have dried up in this year’s drought.

“Kentucky farmers feel frustrated and helpless because of this summer’s hot, dry weather,” Commissioner Comer said. “Many of our livestock producers are having to feed hay and other forages that normally would be set aside for winter. The department’s forage sales directory and hay hotline can help them find the forages their animals need.”