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Time To Scout For Potato Leafhopper

It is time to have your sweep net out and be scouting for potato leafhopper (PLH) in your alfalfa field. The recent rains have brought PLH into our region from the south where they overwinter. So, get that sweep net out and start checking to see if they are in your alfalfa fields. The piercing and sucking feeding of PLH means that their feeding isn’t obvious and damage (stunted plants and yellowing leaves) won’t show up until a few weeks after feeding. Consequently, scouting with a sweep net is the best method to determine when you need to spray.

IPM of PLH requires knowing the value of the silage or hay. Below is the updated threshold chart with higher values than in older charts.

Source:psu.edu


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Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

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