The Kentucky State Fair is quickly approaching, and it will be time for 4-H’ers to compete for state livestock awards. The 4-H livestock shows are some of the most widely recognized and anticipated events of the fair. While these competitions are meant to be a fun, learning experience for 4-H’ers, some get caught up in the competitive spirit of the event, which can cause anger and disappointment if a young person or animal doesn’t place as high as expected.

Judging is not an exact science. Judges are chosen because they have very extensive background in their specific species. They are breeders, producers and industry professionals. However, there is no “perfect” way to judge a livestock show. Judges have criteria to follow for each show, but some judges may emphasize certain criteria over others. The important thing is for the judge to remain consistent. Youth must be “good sports” and gracefully accept the judge’s decision.

Between running air conditioners, watering plants and keeping the kids cool on a hot summer day, many of us are seeing our energy and water usage rise with the temperatures. By making some small adjustments to your home, you can conserve more energy and water. Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s good for your finances.

Here are some tips for conserving energy and water at home during the warmer months:

Install white shades, blinds or drapes as these will help reflect heat from your home. Close them on south- and west-facing walls during the day to keep your home cooler.

If you're feeling extra mosquito-bit this summer, you're not alone. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), record hot summer temperatures are bringing out the bugs.

Ants, fleas, ticks, earwigs and black widow are among the pests that are making a strong showing this year, according to the NPMA.

"Insects are cold-blooded, which means that their body temperatures are regulated by the temperature of their environment," NPMA public affairs officer Missy Henriksen said in a statement. "In cold weather, insects' internal temperatures drop, causing them to slow down. But in warm weather, they become more active. Larvae grow at a faster rate, reproduction cycles speed up, and they move faster."

If you have an ornamental pool or landscape fish pond, you might be wondering about how to reduce mosquito populations in these particular situations. Ornamental pools and landscape fish ponds are potential breeding sites; but they don’t have to be.

Below are some mosquito management tips for these pools and ponds. Some of these tips also apply to birdbaths.

The decision of global fast-food giant McDonald’s to offer a healthier Happy Meal® signifies a major shift in eating behavior and consumer trends. By reducing portion size of fries, including apples and offering a low-fat dairy option in Happy Meals®, McDonald’s is showing a willingness to address childhood obesity. (Two bags of apples can be substituted for apples and fries.) Because many children eat fast-food meals regularly, it is definitely a step in the right direction to add fiber, calcium and other critical nutrients, even in small amounts, and to reduce fat by 20 percent in these hugely popular meals.

Yoko Ito is the adult chaperone for a group of Japanese youth in the United States through the LABO/4-HInternational Exchange program. While in Kentucky, Kodama will be staying with the Moore family from Simpson County and the Mains family from Kenton County.  While in the US, she wants to make many friends and share her culture and background with others. She will have plenty of opportunity to do this as she is staying with her host families as both are active 4-H volunteers in their county.

Mixed Hay-Grass Legume:

Lance Fisher-Blue, 1st

Ethan Moore-Red, 2nd

Potatoes Red or White:

Megan Straus-Blue, 1st

Misc. Any other Vegetable:

Megan Straus-Blue, 1st

Freshman Projects:

Robert Hall-Blue

Sierra Pfefferman-Blue

Christina Herron-Red

Junior Projects:

Ethan Moore-Blue

Lance Fisher-Red

Senior Projects:

Dakota Geiman-Blue

Jordon Herron-Red

Oldest Dated FFA Jacket:

Roy Mains-Blue, 1st

Andy Caldwell-Red, 2nd

Steve Greene-Red 2nd

Megan Straus-White, 3rd

Oldest FFA Trophy or Plaque:

Roy Mains-Blue, 1st

Steve Greene-Red, 2nd

Oldest FFA Record Book:

Roy Mains-Blue, 1st

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By: Sam Nelson and Mark Weinraub

Hot, dry weather for the next two weeks will continue to stress corn and soybean crops in the western and northern U.S. Midwest, although improving odds for rainfall in the east offered some hope to struggling soybeans, meteorologists said on Tuesday.

"The rains will be too late for corn but it will help soybeans. We see upwards of an inch to 1-1/2 inches (of rain) this week and again next week for Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky," said Don Keeney, meteorologist for MDA EarthSat Weather.

A midday run of the weather forecasting models boosted expectations for rain in the middle of next week, said Jason Nicholls, meteorologist for AccuWeather. The new forecast calls for rains of 0.2 to 0.7 inch around the region, up from earlier outlooks of 0.1 to 0.6 inch.

USDA Rural Development State Director Tom Fern is in Vanceburg today to announce funding for a local non-profit group to promote job creation and business development.

Rural Development recently awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant in the amount of $75,000 to the Center for Appalachian Philanthropy.

“The Obama Administration and USDA are committed to helping rural small businesses grow, and to providing the technical support needed to spark sustainable job creation,” Fern said.