Planting Ideas in these Challenging Times

Published: 2020
By Colleen Buck

Sheridan County MSU Extension Agent Colleen Buck reports that programming started off with the Winter Series, with topics including: interpreting forage results, understanding bull expected progeny differences (EPDs) or genetic merit, hemp, Farm Bill, plant identification, and Palmer amaranth. Over 10,000 acres were represented by participants during the Winter Series. Programming as we traditionally know it changed in March due to COVID-19. Utilizing social media to distribute information and programs became critical. Previously on the Sheridan County MSU Extension Facebook page, a posting would reach between 50-150 people, and since March that number has doubled and in some cases, tripled depending on the content. A large part of early summer was spent figuring out how to navigate putting on the 4-H portion of the Sheridan County Fair so that youth could showcase their projects and many hours of hard work. Working within the COVID-19 guidelines set by the State 4-H office, the 4-H Livestock Committee and Sheridan County Public Health, 4-H members were able to show and sell their animals at the Sheridan County Fair. This fall Buck, in collaboration with Daniels County Extension Agent Inga Hawbaker, presented a succulent workshop in both Sheridan and Daniels Counties. The workshop focused on background information, planting recommendations and care of succulents. Participants received four succulent plants, a planter, and the planting materials. The participants reported that they wanted another similar class. Some of the changes participants reported was that they would water less and use potting soil made for succulents. The combined classes reached 42 succulent enthusiasts.