Claude Thompson – Page 486

Veterans to Farmers determined to expand farming opportunities for women Veterans – VA News – Veterans Affairs (.gov)

Farming is the process of growing crops or raising livestock. A farm may also be an area of land used for growing fish, plants, or aquatic animals.

If you are thinking about starting a farm, it is important to consider the climate and soil conditions in your area. This will affect the kinds of crops you grow and how well they do.

Farming uses many of the same skills essential to the ethos of the U.S. military: hard work, attention to detail and service before self, to name a few.

In 2013, Veterans to Farmers launched to allow Veterans to re-utilize those skills while taking on the challenge of continuing to feed our growing nation and securing our food sovereignty. Its classes provide the hands-on training needed to learn about the many ways a Veteran may participate in agriculture. Although the word “agriculture” summons to mind rows of food and huge tractors, agriculture is really much, much more, with dozens of ways to contribute.

Since 2013, Veterans to Farmers has trained more than 150 Veterans, preparing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to start a farm, work on a farm and grow their own food.

It has not taken the organization by surprise that its classes have been predominantly male.

With that in mind, Veterans to Farmers is determined to expand agricultural opportunities to women Veterans. Currently, 17.3% of the active-duty U.S. military is comprised of women. Those women contribute to the readiness and well-being of the military community across the globe.

Much like the military, women in agriculture are often underrepresented. Only 33% of women in the United States make up the agricultural labor force. And of that, only 14% of those women own their own farm, controlling a meager 7% of farmland in the United States.

You can turn through the pages of history and find it covered with women that changed the trajectory of agriculture. They are seldom recognized for their contributions, but without them we wouldn’t have things like modern genetics, new and revolutionary farm equipment or agriculture in general. Evidence suggests that women started collecting seeds in the fertile lands we now call the Middle East. And from that simple act, the birth of civilization was made possible at the hands of women.

It’s pleasing to report that, in the U.S. military and in agriculture, signs point to rising numbers of women in both fields of work!

To date, Veterans to Farmers has partnered with the Denver Botanic Gardens and Altius Farms in Denver. You will meet some of Colorado’s most remarkable women farmers in both places. These farmers plan, plant and harvest thousands of pounds of beautiful food each season for the local community. Farming is arduous work, and running a farm is even more complicated. Veterans to Farmers aims to help the Veteran “beginning farmer” start with the community and resources necessary for success.

The USDA farm bill defines a beginning farmer as someone who has materially and substantially participated in any farm or ranch operation for 10 years or less. In the attempt to provide more access for Veterans and women, the bill categorizes them as a “socially disadvantaged” group, providing increased funding for the beginning farmer. You can learn more about this on the USDA’s website.

The nucleus of the Veterans to Farmers’ mission is offering Veterans a holistic approach to community and post-traumatic growth. The organization is honored to provide Veterans with a healthy space to learn and connect with other Veterans while learning new skills. It’s operating on the notion that with enough of us answering the call, Veterans can make a notable impact in feeding their communities.

Visit the Veterans to Farmers website to learn more.

Source: news.va.gov

Master Gardeners: Get ready for your spring garden – Yakima Herald-Republic

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Starting A Vegetable Garden

There are a number of benefits to growing your own vegetables. They’re good for your health and help reduce the environmental impact of eating foods that have traveled a long way from the farm.

Choosing the right vegetable varieties, planting them at the best time and practicing crop rotation are all important parts of a successful garden.

Winter isn’t over. The nights are freezing and even the daytime temps are low. There’s a cold wind blowing. It’s a perfect time to plan your gardens.

The heat of the summer is too late to plan. Those hot days are reserved for the back-breaking labor designed to build character such as weeding long rows of veggies and dragging hoses around to water thirsty plants.

So, start planning now to assure that you will grow what you want to eat, in an efficient way. Planning will help minimize tasks you most dislike. Planning lets you create a garden that meets your physical and time restraints, while focusing on food crops you will enjoy eating.

Planning means you won’t be overwhelmed and can truly find the joy of vegetable gardening.

Begin with the end in mind. Following that principal, here are a few activities to help you visualize your ideal food garden.

1. List all the vegetables, berries and fruits you love to eat. Don’t forget herbs. Browse a seed catalogue for ideas. If you and your family don’t enjoy it, don’t put it on the list. Gathering this information now will help narrow your options.

2. List all the gardening activities you hate. Weeding might be at the top of some people’s lists but yours might be dragging garden hoses to change water, double digging heavy compacted soil, or just fighting the heat of the summer. Only things that make gardening miserable should go on this list.

3. List all your growing locations. You might have a south-facing fence that could be used as a trellis, some large pots on a terrace or just a south-facing kitchen windowsill. Take a mental walk of your property considering light, water and growing conditions. Visualize all the possible growing spaces, even spots among your existing plants, but keep in mind successful gardens need 6-8 hours of sunlight. Don’t restrict yourself to a standard square plot.

4. Think about last year’s garden space and the results. Evaluate the planting locations, soil quality, temperature and light conditions and the availability and volume of water. If you had a garden journal and/or maps, dust them off and make a list of the things you want to change.

5. Your final task is to think about time, cost and quality-of-life items. Do you have physical limitations? How much time do you want to spend in the garden? Do your wants fit your budget? Be realistic so your gardening experience is joyful rather than a job you do not want to face.

Now it is time to create your perfect garden vision. Begin with the end in mind. Sketch a map of your space with actual dimensions. If using pots, list the size, location and number of containers. You will be using these maps through this growing season to record crop location, and number of plants and dates planted. You will use them for placement patterns, succession and companion planting as well as crop rotation. You will also want an irrigation map. These maps should be stored in a journal to guide you from year to year.

Garden journals can simply be a notebook that you can easily take with you to the garden area or could be set up as a spread sheet with Excel. They could include photos, where and when you purchased plants or seeds and companies you prefer.

Now that you know where you are planting your garden, you need to decide what you are going to plant. From your original crop list, choose favorite varieties that are appropriate for your planting areas. If using pots, consider varieties that seed companies recommend for growing in small areas.

Take your time and study many garden catalogs as there is a lot of information that will guide you. Some catalogs even give you extra tips that can make you more successful. Be sure to also read the back side of seed packets that will give you germination times, how deep to plant seeds, if the crop needs full sun and how many days till you can harvest. There is a lot of information to know before planting that will make your life easier and reward you with amazing vegetables.

Now about that “things you hate list” you made. If you wrote that you hate the hot summer sun, plan on doing your gardening chores early in the morning or in the cool of the evening. Set up some seating nearby for taking a break. This could be a beautiful outdoor garden room or simply benches placed in the shade.

Did you write that your watering system is not the greatest? Ideally, setting up a drip system so that water gets right to where you want it, and with little effort on your part other than turning on the tap.

You could create a drip irrigation system yourself, but if it seems overwhelming, there are companies that will do the job — for a price. If hiring professionals is not in your budget at present, consider a few tips. A thick layer of mulch is great for keeping moisture in the soil, so you do not have to water as often. Invest in extra hoses so you can leave them mostly in place. Only having to disconnect one and reconnect another saves work and time.

Don’t water unless you need to. Only water the amount for each plant’s needs. Push a shovel into the soil and move it forward to see if the soil is actually dry.

Finally, a word about weeds. That heavy layer of mulch to save watering will deter weeds from sprouting. Planting densely can make shade between the rows and deter weeds also.

Get the weeds while they are young. Tiny weeds can be easily pulled or rubbed out by using a hula hoe, a favorite of many gardeners. Once weeds get big, they are hard to remove, steal water and nutrients from your garden and might set seeds to make it worse next year.

There is nothing tastier than growing your own food and Master Gardeners are here to help you. Please call our clinic at 509-574-1604. Master Gardener volunteers hold classes during the garden season that cover many garden topics. Watch this column for announcements on topics, times, and locations. They are free. Check the library for beautiful gardening books to give you inspiration, and share ideas with that neighbor who always has a beautiful garden.

Happy gardening!

Source: yakimaherald.com

PAHRUMP | BUSINESS BRIEFS – pvtimes.com

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Homesteading is a great way to live a self-sufficient lifestyle. It can be as simple as a backyard garden or as complex as a large-scale farm.

But whatever you decide to do, you should make sure that your lifestyle is truly sustainable and aligns with your values.

Bye-bye Bearded Lady

If you’ve never made it to “Topless Titty Tuesdays” at the notorious Bearded Lady Saloon in Pahrump, you’ve missed your chance.

The iconic Pahrump bar that’s known for hosting outrageous events (we’re talking “Redneck Fourth of July” truck bed pool parties, mustache, mullets and mohawk competitions, ass-shaking challenges and more) announced on Facebook it soon will be relocating to Las Vegas. A rebranded bar is expected to replace the business at 1330 Fifth St., according to the post, and will remain operated by Bearded Lady owner/operator Kelli Sater.

We’ll update you with more on the plans as they’re available.

The Bearded Lady Saloon opened in Pahrump in January 2020.

It hosted its final Topless Tuesday — a regular promotion where topless girls got $1 off drinks — last week. The last night of live music there was Saturday.

Pahrump ranks among most affordable place for homeowners in Nevada

A new report from data aggregator SmartAsset, ranks Pahrump No. 9 in the state when it comes to affordable living. Pahrump homes are a bit more affordable than No. 10 Fernley in Lyon County, according to the data, but costlier than No. 8 Cold Springs in Washoe County. The study examined the average closing costs, property taxes, homeowner insurance rates, mortgage payments and median incomes, and did some math to arrive at an “affordability index.”

According to the ranking, the most affordable town for homeowners in Nevada is Spring Creek, a town of about 14,500 people in Elko County. While home costs are significantly more expensive there than Pahrump, according to the data, Spring Creek residents earn nearly twice as much as residents here making it easier to own and afford their homes.

Benefits meeting for Test Site workers

The U.S. Department of Labor will host an outreach event beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1 at the Pahrump Nugget, 881 S. Highway 160, to discuss the benefits available to current and former nuclear weapons workers –including uranium miners, millers and ore transporters – from covered facilities, and their families under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.

The federal government provides lump-sum compensation and medical benefits to current and former nuclear weapons workers whose illness is the result of their work in the nuclear weapons industry. To date, the program has paid more than $1.5 billion in compensation and medical benefits to claimants in Nevada, and more than $22.7 billion nationwide.

This event is open to the public and does not require pre-registration.

Staff will be available to assist with questions, claims status and filing. Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information call the Las Vegas Resource Center at 866-697-0841.

Calling all homesteaders!

Homesteaders and others will have the chance to network when Southern Nye Grange #30 hosts an open house from 1 to 2 p.m on Saturday, March 4, at 7810 Jane Ave. in Pahrump. The grange promotes community service and homesteading and provides a network for those who raise livestock. Homesteading has surged during the pandemic as more people turn to sustainable agriculture practices on their own land. For more information, contact Glenna at 775-378-2265.

Chamber to host members-only luncheon

Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business luncheon for its members from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15 at the Pahrump Nugget, 881 S. Highway 160. The luncheon is $30 for members; $35 for guests of members. Register for the event on the Chamber’s website.

Got a business tip for this column? Contact Editor Brent Schanding @bschanding@pvtimes.com.

Source: pvtimes.com

PAHRUMP | BUSINESS BRIEFS: Bye-bye Bearded Lady, homesteader meetup & more – pvtimes.com

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Homesteading has a lot to offer.

Aside from being a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle, the benefits of homesteading include lower bills, more self-reliance, and less stress.

However, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Luckily, we’ve put together some first steps that will get you on your way to becoming a self-sufficient homesteader.

Bye-bye Bearded Lady

Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
Revelers really get into the spirit at the Bearded Lady Fourth of July Redneck Pool Party at the bearded Lady Saloon, 1330 5th St. in 2022.

If you’ve never made it to “Topless Titty Tuesdays” at the notorious Bearded Lady Saloon in Pahrump, you’ve missed your chance.

A rebranded bar is expected to replace the business at 1330 Fifth St., according to the post, and will remain operated by Bearded Lady owner/operator Kelli Sater.

We’ll update you with more on the plans as they’re available.

The Bearded Lady Saloon opened in Pahrump in January 2020.

It hosted its final Topless Tuesday — a regular promotion where topless girls got $1 off drinks — last week. The last night of live music there was Saturday.

Pahrump ranks among most affordable place for homeowners in Nevada

A new report from data aggregator SmartAsset, ranks Pahrump No. 9 in the state when it comes to affordable living.

Pahrump homes are a bit more affordable than No. 10 Fernley in Lyon County, according to the data, but costlier than No. 8 Cold Springs in Washoe County.

The study examined the average closing costs, property taxes, homeowner insurance rates, mortgage payments and median incomes, and did some math to arrive at an “affordability index.”

According to the ranking, the most affordable town for homeowners in Nevada is Spring Creek, a town of about 14,500 people in Elko County.

While home costs are significantly more expensive there than Pahrump, according to the data, Spring Creek residents earn nearly twice as much as residents here making it easier to own and afford their homes.

Benefits meeting for Test Site workers

The federal government provides lump-sum compensation and medical benefits to current and former nuclear weapons workers whose illness is the result of their work in the nuclear weapons industry.

To date, the program has paid more than $1.5 billion in compensation and medical benefits to claimants in Nevada, and more than $22.7 billion nationwide.

This event is open to the public and does not require pre-registration.

Calling all homesteaders

Homesteaders and others will have the chance to network when Southern Nye Grange #30 hosts an open house from 1 to 2 p.m on Saturday, March 4, at 7810 Jane Ave. in Pahrump.

The grange promotes community service and homesteading and provides a network for those who raise livestock.

Homesteading has surged during the pandemic as more people turn to sustainable agriculture practices on their own land.

For more information, contact Glenna at 775-378-2265.

Chamber to host members-only luncheon

Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business luncheon for its members from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15 at the Pahrump Nugget, 881 S. Highway 160.

The luncheon is $30 for members; $35 for guests of members. Register for the event on the Chamber’s website.

Got a business tip for this column? Contact Editor Brent Schanding @bschanding@pvtimes.com.

Source: pvtimes.com

MCCC Foundation Provides $10000 in Direct Support to MCCC’s … – MCCC News

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Popular Flower Types

Flowers have been a symbol of beauty, hope, love, and sympathy for centuries. They can be given as a gift to commemorate a special occasion or to send a message of your feelings.

Among the most common flowers are daisies, roses, carnations and lilies. They come in a variety of colors and have different meanings.

West Windsor, N.J. – With seven medals over eight years at the Philadelphia Flower Show, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) horticulture program students — with additional financial support this year from the MCCC Foundation — have the momentum to keep that winning streak going this March at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world, the Philadelphia Flower Show is an iconic annual event that boasts fabulous large-scale gardens and beautiful landscape displays. Attracting over 250,000 people annually, the show is a mesmerizing floral experience that features stunning creations by the world’s premier floral and landscape designers.

In addition to acres of gardens, the show hosts esteemed competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations over an eight-day period.

“MCCC horticulture students begin preparing for the spring show during the fall semester, and it is an amazing learning experience,” said Horticulture and Plant Science Professor Amy Ricco. “It is literally the pinnacle of the year,” she said.

Mercer County Community College has been participating in the Philadelphia Flower Show for over nine years. The event helps students put their horticultural planning, forcing, planting, building and organizational skills to use against a tight deadline.

“The experience is similar to working for a very tough client,” Ricco explained.

Last year’s class took home a number of awards including a silver medal, the Chicago Horticultural Society Flower Show medal and an Herb Society of America Award for its display “Releaf.” In 2020, students won a gold medal and an Herb Society of America Award for their Mediterranean display “Verdant Veranda.” Leading up to 2020, MCCC’s medal count was one bronze, three silvers and one gold.

“These awards are the feathers in the caps of our graduates who go on to transfer or work in the industry,” said Ricco. “Preparing for the show and making it all come together is an important resume-building experience that employers look for,” she said.

Several short months ago, it looked as though the quality of MCCC’s display would be compromised due to a technical snafu.

The show, which has traditionally been held indoors at the Philadelphia Center in March, moved to the city’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park during the pandemic. The change from indoors to outdoors required a much warmer clime, so the flower show was moved to June.

“This year the show is indoors and in March,” said Ricco. “We were all jubilant until I realized we had already used a portion of this year’s budget to pay the expenses for last June’s outdoor show, so we were scrambling for funds,” she said.

Funds flowed in from the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society and Mercer County Community College.

“Then the MCCC Foundation stepped in and granted us $10,000, which we desperately needed,” said Ricco. “The students and I are so very grateful to all the Foundation donors, Mercer County Community College and the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society who all together made it possible for us to compete.”

This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show theme is “The Garden Electric,” and will showcase over 30 displays. And MCCC will be competing once again for medals in the “Education” category with the theme “Majestical,” focusing on the color purple.

“It is tough to center on just one color, but we are working hard to make it happen,” said Ricco. “I am just so thrilled that now we can focus on getting our work done and creating an amazing display rather than worrying about funding. It’s going to be a wonderful show this year.”

The Philadelphia Flower Show will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 4-12, 2023. Tickets can be purchased at https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show.

The MCCC Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation that assists the college and the advancement of public higher education by broadening the base of community and financial support. For more information about the MCCC Foundation visit www.mccc.edu/foundation.

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Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth.

Horticulture and Plant Science at MCCC

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MCCC Home Page

Mercer County Community College (MCCC) has been a participant in the Philadelphia Flower Show for nearly a decade. The event helps students put their horticultural skills to use against a tight deadline. MCCC will be competing in the “Education” category with the theme “Majestical.” (Pictured above: Horticulture student Alyssa Smith examining plants that will be used in the Philadelphia Flower show display. Smith, originally from Franklin, Tennessee, transferred from Rowan University to MCCC to pursue a degree in horticulture.)

Horticulture student Vicky Vega tending to Ajuga Black Scallop for the Mercer County Community College exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Vega will be graduating this year with an A.A.S. in Horticulture from MCCC.

Landscape Design and Landscape Construction Instructor David DeFrange (left), has been involved in every Mercer County Community College trophy win. Here he works with a student to prepare purple stepping stones as part the MCCC display at the Philadelphia Flower Show which will take place March 4-12, 2023 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Source: mccc.edu