Happy Thanksgiving from Kentucky

     Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, because for me it has always been a time to be with family. It's never been anything fancy. When I was a child my Daddy would spend most of the day hunting with his brothers. It was always a tradition that we sold our tobacco the Friday after Thanksgiving so I remember helping to load the tobacco, not on Thanksgiving, but often it was that week so the sights and scents of the tobacco barn are linked to Thanksgiving for me.
     Today, we no longer grow tobacco but we still have the livestock to care for so like all farmers, the daily duties of feeding and checking the cattle, goats, and pigs is still part of the day. Hopefully there will be time to relax and watch our Dallas Cowboys win, as the cooks (my Mama, myself, and daughter) spend most of the day in the kitchen cooking a meal filled with our traditional foods of turkey, dressing, ham, green beans, corn, cranberry salad, and delicious desserts of pecan pies and cheesecake.
    I'm thankful for my many blessings, my salvation, family, health,  home, wonderful friends, and to be born and live in this great nation the United States of America. My thanks to each and every military person that has fought for this country and our freedom, and to their families for their daily sacrifices.
     Happy Thanksgiving from Kentucky to all! May God bless you!

Veterans Day Feature - Trigg Enterprises is Homegrown by Heroes

 

     With our nation celebrating Veteran's Day earlier this week on Tuesday, November 11, I thought it was the perfect time to feature the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Homegrown By Heroes program and visit with one of the farmer-veterans enrolled in this specific Kentucky Proud program. Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer launched this program in January of 2013 and there are now over 60 Kentucky  farmer-veterans enrolled, using the distinctive logo shown above which shows buyers they are purchasing  Kentucky products from a Kentucky veteran.

     I had the opportunity to visit with Joe Trigg and Rodney Trigg, of Trigg Enterprises, in Glasgow, Kentucky.  Joe and Rodney are two of the five family members, including Eron, Christopher, and Cedric that make up the family produce business that has been in place since 1993. Trigg Enterprises has a greenhouse operation in the city limits of Glasgow and sells directly to customers at that location and also at the two farmer's markets in Glasgow. 

     

     "The greenhouse features a watering, fertigation system (water & fertilizer added through irrigation), that is all controlled by an automated system. This makes it easier because we can't always be here to water at specific times." explained Joe.   

     

     Trigg Enterprises has developed an outstanding business selling a large variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, and hydroponic lettuces and greens. They are also very successful with their strawberry operation growing everbearing varieties in plant pouches. I was lucky to sample the strawberries and they are delicious!

    

    

     

 Joe Trigg, left,  with Rodney Trigg in Trigg Enterprises greenhouse with broccoli being grown in buckets with onions and tomatoes, where the summer tomatoes where previously grown.  The strawberry  plant pouches are hanging at the upper right side of the photograph.  

     It's obvious that Trigg Enterprises has been in business much longer than Homegrown By Heroes has been in place, however, the veterans are taking advantage of the program to promote and build their successful business . Joe Trigg is a 28-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Rodney Trigg is a 21-year veteran of the Navy and their service to our nation is great. An amazing  way to say "Thank You" to these veterans is to support their business, or a Homegrown By Heroes business in your area. 

For more information on Trigg Enterprises and their entire operation please visit the following link: http://www.triggenterprise.com/index.html

For more information on the Homegrown By Heroes program please visit the Kentucky Department of Agriculture  link: http://www.kyagr.com/marketing/homegrown-by-heroes.html

Photograph property of Wanda Quiggins

Feature Friday! Kentucky Proud - Cappy's Incredible Caramel Corn

      With colder temperatures arriving in Kentucky on Halloween what better day to feature the delicious Kentucky Proud treat, Cappy's Incredible Caramel Corn, formerly located in Union, but now moved to their new location in Paris, Ky.

     Cappy's Incredible Caramel Corn is owned and operated by Brad and Margaret Wallace and their family. I purchased a bag of their "Signature" flavor caramel corn at one of Lexington's distinctive shops and loved the sweet, but light and fresh flavor. Its also very addictive!
     What makes this caramel corn so unique, and I think special, is that the original "Signature" flavor is a family recipe from Brad's aunt. For years Margaret made the caramel corn for family and community events and always received compliments and requests for the recipe, which she always kept to herself.
     In 2011, the Wallace's decided to take their product to the public, joining the Kentucky Proud program, and attending festivals, and events to sell their products. I personally don't know many people that don't like caramel corn so I was not surprised to learn that they sold out at every show and quickly began to get orders from businesses at many locations in the state. They use high quality ingredients and are looking at using Kentucky Proud popcorn for their products.
     Margaret worked to develop other flavors and they now have 7 distinctive flavors available year round and the addition of Peppermint during the Christmas season.  The seven flavors are Signature, Sweet & Salty, KY Bourbon, Cinnamon, Molasses, Kahlua, and Vanilla Bean. The caramel corn is offered in bags of two sizes and by the case.
     Margaret has developed other products that you may not find at their online store, but can be purchased at festivals or shows, or ordered if you call or email. How does Bourbon Caramel Sauce sound? Yes a great treat over ice cream or cake! They also have Caramel Sauce and Chocolate Caramel Sauce available. She also makes a wonderful brittle from the smaller caramel corn pieces and makes caramel apples during the Autumn apple season.
     With Christmas just around the corner, think of Cappy's Caramel Corn for a delicious Kentucky  Proud product to give to your family, friends, or business associates. Cappy's has gift basket options and can customize orders.
     Be sure to go to their website for more information on Cappy's Incredible Caramel Corn and look for them at Kentucky festivals including the Christmas Gift and Decor Show at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, December 12-14.  http://cappyscaramelcorn.com/

Cappy's Incredible Caramel Corn 859-384-0533.  They also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cappys-Caramel-Corn-LLC/145675378836704



                               
   
     The Kentucky Proud program is a Kentucky Department of Agriculture promotional program for Kentucky products and producers. For more information on the program or other products go to http://www.kyproud.com/
     Follow my blog for more articles featuring Kentucky Proud producers and products!

The Beauty of an Autumn Sunrise in Kentucky

     It's a blessing to live in Kentucky and enjoy the beauty of God's work in each sunrise. I just wanted to share a few of the photographs I've taken this week.

 It's a cool 40 degree, foggy morning.

 I love this photograph with the lone cow grazing in the sunrise.

 God painted a beautiful sunrise on Tuesday, October 28.

I love the reflection of the sunrise in the western sky on Tuesday, October 28.

All Photographs property of Wanda Quiggins.

Youth Contests held at Hart County Farm Bureau

     It's that time of year when talented youth members of Kentucky Farm Bureau from across the state meet at their county office to compete in the Outstanding Youth Contest and the Variety Contest. Thursday evening, October 16 was that date for Hart County's contest and it was an enjoyable evening with a great group of contestants.

     The Outstanding Youth Contest is open to youth 15-19 years old whose parents are members of Kentucky Farm Bureau, and both a male and female division contest is held. The contest consists of a personal interview and each contestant presenting a two minute speech about Farm Bureau or agriculture.

     The Variety Contest is open to youth ages 6-19 whose parents are members of Kentucky Farm Bureau, and entries can be individuals or groups and be vocal, instrumental, dance, or drama.
     These contests are a great opportunity for youth to gain experience and confidence in public speaking or performing for an audience. Outstanding Youth Contest participants also learn about advocating for agriculture and see how important it is for the industry. 

     The winners of the Hart County contests go on to the district contest on November 3,  for the opportunity to represent the district at the state competition held during the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation state meeting, December 3-6, in Louisville. 

     There were four contestants in the Outstanding Youth Contest, Ellen Metcalfe, Tricia Childress, Zack Nichols, and Blake Quiggins.  Tricia Childress and Blake Quiggins were the winners and will represent Hart County Farm Bureau at the district contest.
 

The 4 contestants in the Outstanding Youth Contests are all members of the Hart County FFA Chapter and enjoyed talking and relaxing before the contest began. Pictured above, left to right, Ellen Metcalfe, Tricia Childress, Zack Nichols, and Blake Quiggins.

Tricia Childress and Blake Quiggins

    The Variety Contest was filled with great talent with both vocal and instrumental entries.The following were contestants:  Kaylee Childress, Jenna and Ava Logsdon, Candace Logsdon, and Tricia Childress. Tricia Childress won the Variety Contest and will advance to the district contest. Jenna and Ava Logsdon were second.
     Good luck to these youth representing Hart County at the district contest!
     

Kentucky Sites to Visit During National FFA Convention

     Next week is an exciting time for Kentucky residents as we welcome thousands of FFA members to the Bluegrass State for the 87th Annual National FFA Convention. Louisville is the final destination for convention goers and most members will travel by bus or van across Kentucky and have the opportunity to stop and visit with some of  the state's producers and agriculture businesses. I'm using this year's convention theme and asking Kentucky to "Go All Out" in welcoming this great organization to the state.

     There are many must-see places in and around Louisville that I'm sure many chapters will visit including the Kentucky landmark Churchill Downs. Live racing returns on October 26, perfect for group tours to visit the barns and get a behind-the-scenes look at the horse racing industry and see the amazing animals. http://www.churchilldowns.com/plan-your-visit  The Kentucky Derby Museum has a page dedicated to the FFA Convention and planning a visit. http://www.derbymuseum.org/ffa/

     I want to make a few suggestions for agriculture-related stops and give links and information making it easier for FFA chapters to plan and meet more of our producers and visit ag-businesses. Many of the nations agriculture teachers are way ahead of me and use their network of friends, colleagues, and fellow producers to plan stops along the way.

     The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is a great resource for planning your trip. Visit the following link for a wealth of information about Kentucky agriculture. http://www.kyagr.com/      The KDA also has an outstanding Agri-Tourism site called Kentucky Farms are Fun. You can search by region, according to your travel route, or by type of business such as orchards, horse farms, livestock, farmer's markets, etc. http://www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com/  Kentucky Proud is a program sponsored by the KDA which promotes Kentucky grown or Kentucky made products. Look for this logo when making purchases.

     The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is an excellent choice for a fun and educational tour about the equine industry. The park is the world's only park dedicated to the horse and is home to the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event, a competition of dressage, cross-country, and jumping. Set in the heart of Thoroughbred country the park and museum highlights all areas and breeds of the equine industry. http://kyhorsepark.com/

     I'm including several of my favorite farm/orchard/farmer's market stops that are working farms with excellent products and unique features. My first is Chaney's Dairy Barn, just south of Bowling Green. Here you can get a tour of the farm and enjoy lunch or dinner and delicious homemade ice cream.

Food is always excellent and they have a large selection of Kentucky Proud products. http://www.chaneysdairybarn.com/index.html

   
     Hinton's Orchard and Farm Market, near Hodgenville, offers a full Kentucky Proud market featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables. A highlight of visiting this time of the year is a chance to conquer the corn maze. http://hintonsorchard.com/

     Kentucky is 8th in the nation in beef production and has the largest number of beef cattle of any state east of the Mississippi River. Visiting any of our purebred or commercial producers is only a phone call away. Contact the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association http://www.kycattle.org/ for help in locating beef producers along your travel route through Kentucky, or you can contact national breed association offices for suggestions.



     Now for some non-ag, unique to Kentucky destinations.

The Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, located just off I-65 is a great stop. What teenager doesn't like to look at sports cars? http://www.corvettemuseum.org/

     The Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, one of the most popular museums in the state. Great to visit at any time but especially now during the World Series.  http://sluggermuseum.com/

     If you plan to stop at any locations and especially if you have a large group, call ahead so the business can be prepared and make your visit the best possible. Wishing all the FFA members safe travels and hoping your visit to Kentucky is great!!



   









 

Fall Scenery of The Farm & Community

 One of the largest tobacco barns in our area.

Close-up view of tobacco hanging in barn to cure.

 Beautiful fall scene of Cosby Methodist Church.

The afternoon sun over one of the ponds.

Canadian geese visiting the farm.

 I was able to get a little closer for this photograph.

I wish I'd had a larger zoom lens for a close-up of these beautiful birds. 

Photographs are property of Wanda Quiggins

Big Buffalo Crossing Barbeque Cook-Off

     I want to promote one of our local festivals featuring one of my favorite foods, BARBEQUE!!


     Make plans to attend the 5th Annual Big Buffalo Crossing Barbeque Cook-Off this weekend, October 17-18, in Munfordville, Kentucky. This Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned contest will feature over 30 barbeque teams from several states competing for $15,000 in prizes.This is a contest like you may have seen on the cable channel Food Network, where the teams cook ribs, pork, chicken, and brisket. You can watch the teams cook Friday night and Saturday morning as they prepare for the contest that begins at noon. There will also be a variety of food vendors and craft booths on site for shopping.

For more information, call 1-888-686-3673 or 270-524-4752 or go to the following link:
http://www.visitmunfordville.com/BBQ_Home.html

For more information about the Kansas City Barbeque Society follow this link: http://www.kcbs.us/

You can find more information about visiting Munfordville at http://www.visitmunfordville.com/Events.html

Photographs from Day 1 of KDA/KJCA Fall Classic

Grand Champion Prospect Market Animal, exhibited by Laurel Culp, Nicholasville, KY

Reserve Champion Prospect Market Animal,  exhibited by Taylor Hobbs, Hardin County

 3rd Overall Prospect Market, exhibited by Mallory Whitson, Russellville, Ky

4th Overall Prospect Market, exhibited by Zach Milam, Olmstead, KY

5th Overall Prospect Market, exhibited by Conner Jaggers, Magnolia, KY

Senior Division Showmanship 

One heat of Intermediate Showmanship 

Enjoying Junior Division Showmanship

 Conversation with the judge during Junior Division Showmanship

Junior Division Showmanship 

Judging Contest

Judging Contest

     The Fall Classic is a 2-day event for Kentucky youth exhibitors, filled with individual and team contests ranging from Sales Talk to Quiz Bowl and a beef show featuring classes for heifers, cow/calf, and bred and owned bulls. The weekend ended with an awards banquet recognizing the top participants in each age division.

     Photographs above feature activities from Day 1 of the Fall Classic.

Photographs are property of Wanda Quiggins

100 Years of Extension Celebrated at Hart County Cooperative Extension Service

   




  This week the Hart County Extension Office celebrated 100 Years of Extension locally with an afternoon reception highlighting the centennial anniversary of the signing of  the Smith-Lever Act while recognizing the local extension employees and services provided to the community. The Smith-Lever Act provided funding for outreach at the Land-Grant Universities founded by the Morrill Act of 1862. The act was introduced by Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia and Representative A.F. Lever of South Carolina to expand the vocational, agricultural, and home demonstration programs in rural America.
     * Specifically the Smith Lever-Act stated as its purpose, "In order to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects related to agriculture, uses of solar energy with respect to agriculture, home economics and rural energy and to encourage application of the same, there may be continued or inaugurated in connection with the college or colleges in each state, territory or possession." The appropriation for Cooperative Extension as established by Smith-Lever was unique in that it set up a shared partnership among the federal, state, and county levels of government.*
     The cooperative extension service provides programs and information concerning family and consumer science, agriculture, and youth development through 4-H. Hart County has been blessed with a dedicated staff at the extension office, providing decades of support, information, and education to county residents. This is evident by the many homemaker club members, farmers, business owners, community leaders, and 4-H members present Tuesday at the reception.

Amber Huffman, Hart County Cooperative Extension Agent for Youth Development, welcomes guests to the reception, while Chris Clark, Hart County Cooperative Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, at right, waits to speak about the Smith-Lever Act.

Guests were asked to sign their name and write one word which described 'extension'.  Descriptive words included learning, helping, 4-H, development, leadership, friends, food, and education.

     The extension office is a source of information and programs covering topics such as exercise, health, canning, baking, quilting, sewing, gardening, pest control, crop production, beekeeping, weed identification, fencing, plus 4-H programs of leadership, public speaking, foods, livestock production, woodworking, community service, and equine science.....just to name a few.

Virginia Davis, Director of Hart County Chamber of Commerce (2nd from left) presented a certificate of appreciation to the staff of the Hart County Cooperative Extension Service. Pictured above: Lisa Vierstra - Office Support Staff, Virginia Davis, Chris Clark - County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resource, Amber Huffman, Agent for 4-H Youth Development, Betsy Ann Tracy - Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, and Lisa Pritchard - 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant.

Amber Huffman, Hart County Agent for 4-H Youth Development with 4-H members Blake Quiggins, Carson Seymour, and Wade Scott.

     Three generations of my family have enjoyed the programs offered through the extension office, specifically 4-H. My mother was very active in her 4-H Club, serving as an officer and completing many sewing and cooking projects. I was also a Hart County 4-H member, and I enjoyed years of cooking and beef cattle projects, and participating with the club in many variety show productions. My two children gained positive experience in public speaking, leadership, livestock judging, and livestock production. As an added bonus we have formed lifetime friendships with wonderful people.
     The extension office is a resource that many people use weekly, however, it is still an unknown resource for some residents because they just don't realize the information and services available. Take the time to visit your local extension office.
   
 For more information about the Hart County office or programs available contact staff members as listed below at 270-524-2451 or  visit the following link: http://hart.ca.uky.edu/

Staff Directory

Lisa D. Vierstra		lisa.vierstra@uky.edu		County Extension Office Support Staff
Christopher L Clark		clclark@uky.edu		County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Felicia L. Davenport		felicia.davenport@uky.edu		SNAP Program Assistant
Lisa M Pritchard		lisa.pritchard@uky.edu		4-H Youth Development Program Assistant
Amber B. Huffman		lbranste@uky.edu		County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development
Betsy Ann Tracy		betsy.tracy@uky.edu		County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences

 *   This information from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service  

Photographs property of Wanda Quiggins

KJCA/KDA Fall Classic October 4-5

     The annual Kentucky Junior Cattlemen's Association/Kentucky Department of Agriculture Fall Classic beef show will be held this weekend, October 4-5 in Russellville, Kentucky at the Logan County Ag Arena.This two-day event is filled with fun and great opportunities for Kentucky youth involved in beef projects including showmanship, ad design, skillathon, sales talk, team fitting, and of course the beef cattle shows featuring a Prospect Market Show on Saturday, and the Fall Classic Show on Sunday.

New this year is a Quiz Bowl team event as well as a quiz bowl team event for adults. These contests have a registration fee of $10 per team.

For all the details, including schedule, contests, and entry forms go to the following link: http://www.kycattle.org/fallclassic.html 

Education & Fun for Kids at Farm Safety Day Camp

     Over 180 Hart County School District 4th grade students enjoyed an informative and fun day at the annual Farm Safety Day Camp, on Thursday, September 18. Students were transported from their schools to Hart County Fairgrounds where over 30 community volunteers representing a variety of businesses and organizations including 4-H and FFA teens demonstrated proper safety practices at 8 stations.
     The stations included demonstrations with equipment and scenarios, often scaled-down, illustrating the actual dangers encountered daily by farmers and farm families, highlighting the hazards of grain bins, tractor roll-overs and PTO's (power take off), livestock, ATV's, electric power lines, and fire.
     "We try to change the stations each year and keep it personal, with information that will help the community," explained Paula Clark, coordinator for the Hart County event.
     Even though less children are living on farms now when compared to past generations, it is important to educate and inform all children in rural areas of the hazards possibly encountered on a farm so they are safe and mindful of dangers when visiting farms of family and friends. Accidents often occur quickly and many are avoided thanks to educational events and camps that remind kids how to be safe on the farm.
     This event would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of Progressive Agriculture, the foundation formed to secure financial support for this program. Progressive Agriculture is sponsor of over 430 Farm Safety Day Camps held annually across the nation.  Hart County Farm Safety Day Camp coordinator Paul Clark attends a training program each year in preparation for the event.  The program is free to the participants, and each child receives a t-shirt. For more information on Progressive Agriculture and the sponsors of this nation-wide program go to the following link:  http://www.progressiveag.org/
   

     

All photographs property of Wanda Quiggins

25th Anniversary Angus Opportunity Sale, April 5, 2014

       Buckner & Jeffries Angus Farm will host their 25th Anniversary Angus Opportunity Sale, Saturday April 5, 2014 at 12:00 pm CT in Canmer, Kentucky at the farm. Keith and Diane will celebrate with their three sons and their families, Todd and Denise Jeffries, Tim and Leslie Jeffries, and Troy and Tammy Jeffries. The sale will feature bulls, cows, heifers, and embryo packages.  Make plans to attend this Angus event, purchase some outstanding Angus genetics, and visit with the Jeffries family and their guests.

      The sale catalog can be viewed by visiting the American Angus Association website and following the link to sales  http://www.angusjournal.com/salebooks/angusopportunity040514api/ 


      While the Jeffries family is celebrating 25 years of breeding Angus cattle they have graciously donated the sale proceeds from a fall-born Ace daughter to the local 4-H youth to help fund the Hart County 4-H Livestock Premium Show. All proceeds will go towards premiums or awards for Hart County youth exhibiting market animals in the show. Purchasing this heifer will not only be an addition to your herd but will help to support the agriculture youth of Hart County. Ace is pictured below. 

               

       TC Aberdeen Ace 966 owned by Buckner & Jeffries, Hammerhead, Davis Bend Farm, and TC Ranch. Grand Champion Angus Bull 2010 Kentucky State Fair, Grand Champion 2011 Kentucky Angus Preview Show. Sire of both Junior and Senior Get-of-Sire at the 2011 Kentucky State Fair.