Living the Country Life Radio Program: Week of April 2, 2012

John Deere Maintenance Monday: Fuel Protect

In this edition of Maintenance Monday, we're answering a question from Mark in Kansas. He added a fuel stabilizer to his lawn mower's gas tank for storage last fall. Is it a good idea to always have a stabilizer in the tank, even when being used in the warmer months?

Radio interview source: Phil Lauer, Product Manager, John Deere

Listen here: John Deere Maintenance Monday: Fuel Protect

John Deere Maintenance Monday: Retrofitting ROPS

In this edition of Maintenance Monday, we're answering a question from Jackson in Nebraska. He wants to fix up an antique tractor for use on his small farm. The machine doesn't have a roll-over protection system, and Jackson wants to know if he can retrofit the tractor with it.

Radio interview source: Herb Willcutt, Extension Ag Engineer, Mississippi State University

Listen here: John Deere Maintenance Monday: Retrofitting ROPS

Country View: Barb Iverson - Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm - Woodburn, OR

There aren't many places as colorful as the Iverson family farm in early spring. There are 120 varieties of tulips splashed over 55 acres for visitors to enjoy and bring home to their own gardens.

Radio interview source: Barb Iverson, Co-owner, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Listen here:Country View: Barb Iverson - Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm - Woodburn, OR

Crossbreeding cattle

Crossbreeding cattle is a potential way for producers to increase their economic returns while reducing the cost of production. By coupling the strengths of two-or-more breeds, you're capturing their best traits and hybrid vigor into one animal.

Radio interview source: Scott Greiner, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Virginia Tech

Listen here: Crossbreeding cattle

Testing creek water for ammonia

High concentrations of ammonia from manure runoff are toxic to fish. If you have horses or livestock close to a waterway, periodically check the water with a simple ammonia test kit to prevent a disaster from happening.

Radio interview source: Jim Sievers, Environmental Specialist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Listen here: Testing creek water for ammonia

Gardening trends 2012

Sustainability and home food production are topping the gardening trends this year. Vegetables, small fruits, and even chickens are the 2012 superstars of the back yard.

Radio interview source: Doug Jimerson, Editor-in-Chief: Garden and Outdoor Living, Better Homes & Gardens

Listen here: Gardening trends 2012

Tree water sacks

A new tree is exciting in the landscape but lugging the hose to water it is a different story. Surround the tree with a watering bag and let it do the work for you.

Radio interview source: Scott Cissel, President, Tree Gator

Listen here: Tree water sacks

Transporting poultry

When transporting birds, always make sure they're in containers with adequate ventilation and absorbent bottoms so they don't slip. Partition the containers, too, so the birds don't cluster together.

Radio interview source: Scott Beyer, Extension Poultry Specialist, Kansas State University

Listen here: Transporting poultry

Forage products

Good quality hay and pasture isn't always available. If you're having difficulty finding adequate forage for your animals, consider feeding alternative forage products that offer excellent nutrition.

Radio interview source: Kevin Kline, Extension Horse Specialist, University of Illinois

Listen here: Forage products

Building a bee nesting block

Bring more native bees to your yard by building them a nesting box. They are very easy to make and will attract a variety of pollinators to your garden.

Radio interview source: Scott Black, Executive Director, Xerces Society

Listen here: Building a bee nesting block