Happy National FFA Week! Designated a national week in 1947, the week of George Washington’s birthday, National FFA Week runs from Saturday to Saturday and gives FFA members an opportunity to educate the public about agriculture. During the week, chapters conduct a variety of activities to help others in their schools and communities learn about FFA and agricultural education.
If it weren’t for my experience in FFA, I don’t know that I’d be writing to you all today. For me FFA was instrumental in improving and developing communication, decision making, time management, and leadership skills. It was through Career Development Events, such as livestock judging and parliamentary procedure, where I honed those career and life skills.
Speaking of life skills, in 2018, we are going to offer an opportunity for Henry County youth to work on developing their own skill sets via 4-H livestock judging. For any youth or parents of youth enrolled in 4-H that are interested in learning more or participating in the judging program there will be an informational meeting on March 20th at Crossroads Church on the north side of Napoleon. If you recall last year’s team had a very successful outing at the state competition during the Ohio State Fair. If you have any questions about 4-H livestock judging, give me a call at the office.
It has also been a wild week’s worth of weather here in NW Ohio. With near 30-degree temperature swings and steady rain it looks like spring is going to come in like a lion in 2018.
As temperatures rise be on the lookout for pests emerging from hibernation. Most of the insects that will appear in the home are harmless and are likely trying to make their escape to the outdoors, such as lady beetles and stink bugs. However, this is also the time of the year to be on the lookout for more destructive insects such as termites. If you suspect you have a termite problem, bring a few of the specimens into the office and we can identify them for you. If confirmed that they are in fact termites, we recommend consulting a professional for treatment.
Other household pests that are becoming increasing active as we go through a spring fall are our rodent species. Mice that have been tucked away in walls and attics are beginning to stir. There are several options for population control including traps and rodenticide baits. If you are going to use rodenticide bait, be sure they are in a bait station where small children and pets will not have access to them. Typically, basements and attics are the best places to set bait stations for optimum control. Be sure to check the stations periodically to monitor bait disappearance.
I’ll end this week with a quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said, “The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” Stay dry.