Agriculture

The Rain Gauge Program continued in 2005. 28 reporters scattered throughout Moultrie and Douglas counties faithfully sent in their weekly rain amounts from March 28 through September 4. Amounts were published in the Tuscola Review and the News-Progress each week reflecting the varying amounts of rainfall across the counties. Moultrie County reported a total of 190.02 inches and Douglas County reported a total of 183.62 inches for 2005. This is a traditional program that has been ongoing for many years and has become a very reliable source for those in the business of agriculture.

The Moultrie-Douglas Variety Plot is also a traditional part of Extension that continues to provide unbiased, objective results to area farmers. Seed companies that participated in the corn and soybean plots this year were: Effingham-Clay FS, Beck's Hybrids, Burrus, Campbell Seed, Crow's Hybrids, Great Heart, Kitchen Seed, AgriGold Hybrids, Wyffels Hybrids, Midwest Seed Genetics, Nu-Ag Seed, Pfister Hybrids, Merschman Seeds, Purple Ribbon Seed, and Hoblit Seed. Duane Hopkins of Kitchen Seed invested many hours of organization, planting, harvesting and calculation of the plots and Mark and Melissa Yoder have dedicated land, equipment, and many hours of caring for the plots. Several seed company representatives were helpful during planting and harvesting. Plot results are then published and available at the Extension office.

The Master Gardener Program involved 24 trained volunteers and Coordinator Joy Palmer this past year. All volunteers have received extensive certification training, and continue to further their knowledge with continuing education courses throughout the year. 153 questions were answered by volunteers over the phone, in person, and by e-mail. In addition, 54 people attended horticulture teleconferences where they were educated in topics such as: Exotic Invasive Plants, Fruit Trees, Ornamental Vines, Vegetable Garden Design, Fall Turfgrass Care, Groundcovers, Garden & Lawn Pests, and Weeds. A Master Gardener newsletter was also developed and is distributed bimonthly.