I urge everyone to stay the course in maintaining distances and being sensible with the upcoming easing of some of the restrictions. Our local non-essential businesses are suffering, and I have mentioned just a few of them here in Jefferson. Please support our neighbors and maybe hum a tune while you are at it.

On the first day of quarantine, Little Red Barn sold to me: a big scoop of yummy ice cream.

On the second day of quarantine, Brookside Inn sold to me: 2 takeout meals.

On the third day of quarantine, Middletown Valley Bank lent to me: a 3-month loan.

On the fourth day of quarantine, Jefferson Auto Service sold to me: 4 brand new tires.

On the fifth day of quarantine, Hemps Meats sold to me: 5 juicy steaks.

On the sixth day of quarantine, Jefferson Archery sold to me: 6 brand new arrows.

On the seventh day of quarantine, Dunkin Donuts sold to me: 7 jelly doughnuts.

On the eighth day of quarantine, Jefferson Market sold to me: 8 rolls of TP.

On the ninth day of quarantine, H.C. Summers sold to me: 9 bags of grass seed.

On the tenth day of quarantine, Farmers Daughter Bakery sold to me: 10 awesome pastries.

On the eleventh day of quarantine, Watsons Carry-out sold to me: 11 chicken pieces.

On the twelfth day of quarantine, Adriennes Flower Delights sold to me: 12 long stem roses ...

11 chicken pieces, 10 awesome pastries, 9 bags of grass seed, 8 rolls of TP, 7 jelly doughnuts, 6 brand new arrows, 5 juicy steaks, 4 brand new tires, a 3-month loan, 2 takeout meals and a big scoop of yummy ice cream.

Follow this link:
Staying the course | Letters to the Editor - Frederick News Post

Clear your schedules, you have plans on Wednesday night. On May 20, Joe Harris, Akil Mitchell, and London Perrantes will take part in a rewatch of the Cavaliers 2014 ACC tournament win over Duke. The game will be broadcast via the ACCs official Facebook page and Twitter account.

Virginias tournament title came after wins over Florida State, Pittsburgh, and Duke. The Cavaliers were the No. 1 seed in the tournament after finishing first in the regular season with a record of 16-2 in conference play. It was Virginias first ACC tournament title since 1976, and the Wahoos would go on to earn a No. 1 seed and make the Sweet Sixteen.

Joe Harris was named tournament MVP with teammates Malcolm Brogdon, Anthony Gill, and Akil Mitchell joining him on the All-Tournament teams.

Against Duke, the Cavaliers shot 45% from the field and got 23 points from Brogdon. Harris chipped in 15 points, with Gill adding 12.

See original here:
Rewatch Virginia Basketballs 2014 ACC tournament title on Facebook - Streaking The Lawn

Understand the influence of COVID-19 on the Sports Turf Seed Market Size with our analysts monitoring the situation across the globe.

A Sports Turf Seed Market Research Report :-

The study on the Sports Turf Seed Market attempts to provide significant and detailed insights into the current market scenario and the emerging growth prospects. The report on Sports Turf Seed Market also emphasizes on market players as well as the new entrants in the market landscape. The expansive research will help the well-established as well as the emerging players to set up their business strategies and achieve their short-term and long-term goals. The report also adds significant details of the evaluation of the scope of the regions and where the key participants should head to find potential growth opportunities in the future.

Get a Sample PDF Report: @ https://garnerinsights.com/Global-Sports-Turf-Seed-Market-Status-and-Future-Forecast-2015-2025#request-sample

Sports Turf Seed Market Research Report presents a detailed analysis based on the thorough research of the overall market, particularly on questions that border on the market size, growth scenario, potential opportunities, operation landscape, trend analysis, and competitive analysis of Sports Turf Seed Market. This research is conducted to understand the current landscape of the market, especially in 2020. This will shape the future of the market and foresee the extent of competition in the market. This report will also help all the manufacturers and investors to have a better understanding of the direction in which the market is headed.

Topmost Leading Manufacturer Covered in this report:Hancock Seed, Pennington Seed, The Scotts Company, Barenbrug Group, Turf Merchants, Green Velvet Sod Farms, Bonide, Jonathan Green, Pickseed, PGG wrightson Turf,.

Global Sports Turf Seed Market: Product Segment Analysis:Cool Season Grass, Warm Season Grass,.

Global Sports Turf Seed Market: Application Segment AnalysisLandscape Turf, Golf Turf, Others,.

The novel COVID-19 pandemic has put the world on a standstill, affecting major operations, leading to an industrial catastrophe. This report presented by Garner Insights contains a thorough analysis of the pre and post pandemic market scenarios. This report covers all the recent development and changes recorded during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Geographically it is divided Sports Turf Seed market into seven prime regions which are on the basis of sales, revenue, and market share and growth rate.United States, EU, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia.

Get discount on this report: @ https://garnerinsights.com/Global-Sports-Turf-Seed-Market-Status-and-Future-Forecast-2015-2025#discount

With this Sports Turf Seed market report, all the participants and the vendors will be in aware of the growth factors, shortcomings, threats, and the lucrative opportunities that the market will offer in the near future. The report also features the revenue; industry size, share, production volume, and consumption in order to gain insights about the politics and tussle of gaining control of a huge chunk of the market share.

The main points which are answered and covered in this Report are-

l What will be the total market size in the coming years till 2021?l What will be the key factors which will be overall affecting the industry?l What are the various challenges addressed?l Which are the major companies included?

The Global Sports Turf Seed Market outlook provides a 360-degree overview of the entire market, highlighting the future prospects and tendencies of the industry. The information provided in this report has been accumulated using a blend of primary and secondary research assumptions and methodologies. The gathered information is then verified and validated from industry specialists, which makes the report a valuable source of repository for anyone interested in purchasing and assessing the report. The report will help the readers in understanding some of the key market dynamics, which includes the industry trends, competitive landscape, growth potentials, challenges, and lucrative opportunities.

Read Complete Report With TOC: @ https://garnerinsights.com/Global-Sports-Turf-Seed-Market-Status-and-Future-Forecast-2015-2025

Read more here:
Upcoming trends, share report, growth size, industry players and global forecast to 2025 with Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Turf Seed Market - NJ MMA...

Photo:Lorie Shaull

Protests against state lock downs to stop the spread of COVID-19 are occurring from Washington and Idaho to Michigan and Pennsylvania. They pretend to be spontaneous uprisings. But in fact they are well coordinated by deeply connected networks of billionaire-funded, tax-exempt organizations. These right-wing groups seek to stoke the anger of frustrated working people and small business owners. They work to direct peoples frustration away from the failures of capitalism by ranting about government overreach.

In response to the coronavirus health crisis that has taken tens of thousands of lives in the U.S., most states have issued stay-at-home orders to contain the pandemic. This has shuttered much of the economy, jeopardizing small businesses and leading to mass unemployment. The well-funded far right is working furiously to roll back the state restrictions. The capitalists see their profit machine grinding to a halt, and they are counting on desperate workers and small employers to come to their defense and turn up the heat to kick production into high gear.

Many dismiss participants at the anti-shutdown rallies as ignorant, uneducated folks complaining about trivial issues such as not being able to get a haircut or buy grass seed. These critics often overlook the role of the right-wing mega donors who back the organizations that are instigating these protests. For instance, the DeVos family, which includes Trumps Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, contributes to the Michigan Freedom Fund that promoted that states anti-lockdown protests in mid-April.

Other reactionary groups behind the rallies include Freedom Works, which was founded by uber-rich industrialist and anti-union zealot Charles Koch, and the Convention of States (COSA). Robert Mercer, a billionaire hedge fund manager and Republican patron, spent big to launch COSA in 2015. It is highly connected to the Trump administration. Among its supporters are the current director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Ken Cuccinelli, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson. COSA organized through various Facebook pages with passionate calls such as, The people are rising up against these insane shutdowns, and Were fighting back to demand that our elected officials reopen America.

In dire times like these the right wing is perfectly happy to see a burgeoning fascist movement counter growing support for socialist concepts like producing to meet needs (food, safety gear, etc.) rather than to make more profits for the already super-rich. White supremacists and affiliated anti-government militias such as the Three Percenters and Oath Keepers are showing up at the rallies to recruit and organize. There have been numerous xenophobic signs such as Deport All Illegals. At an anti-shutdown protest in Ohio, a sign depicted Jews as rats, calling them the real plague. The Proud Boys, a nationalistic and male chauvinist organization that incites violence, has also been involved in anti-shutdown protests in various states from Washington to Georgia.

The pandemic has exposed that capitalism is in crisis and cannot provide the essentials of life for working people. Now is the time to build an inclusive movement that challenges big business while helping out small proprietors. Such a movement can lead workers in their struggle to access what they need to survive, including safe working conditions, good jobs, a strong social safety net, universal healthcare, and free public education.

Beyond achieving bare necessities, we can set our sights on a socialist society that will put an end to the poverty, prejudice, and exploitation that are essential to the profit system.

Statement issued by the Freedom Socialist Party

More:
Behind the anti-shutdown protests: protecting Wall Street and corporate profits - Random Lengths

Summer is on its way, which for many signals the start of lazy days and longer nights. The summer can also be a wonderful time to catch up on maintenance projects and complete all of your to do lists around the home.

There are a number of maintenance tasks that should be done to preserve the look and efficiency of your home, while also helping to continue to bring you peace of mind.

Looking to take on some of these projects this summer? Here are 10 tasks to help keep your checklist on track.

Gutter maintenance. In some parts of the country the summer is a time of heavy rains, and in the Northwest it never seems to stop for very long. So its a great time to ensure that your gutters are in top shape before the arrival of fall leaves.

House repainting. After a winter beating, your house may be a bit worse for the wear. The summer is a good time to take on an exterior painting project when days are sunny and longer.

Lawn rehab. Those who live in colder climates may be surprised after the winter thaw to find brown grass or empty patches. Summer is a good time to seed your lawn and replant any landscape that may not have survived winter.

Home improvement projects.Many homeowners wait until summer to take on the home improvement projects that have been on their wish list all year. Looking for ideas? Try incorporating a fire pit or stone patio into your outdoor environment.

Tree maintenance. Following the winter hibernation period, all of natures creatures are back. Those low hanging branches may offer an attractive means of access to your attic or roof for a curious animal.

Insect control. You may want to take steps to protect your backyard barbecues and picnics from unwanted visitors.

Driveway re-paving. Just as there are potholes created in the street from severe weather damage, your driveway may need a fresh coat to help ensure a smooth ride home this summer.

Water connections. From outdoor kitchen faucets to your garden hose, now is a good time to make sure everything is in working order.

Get organized. Summer is a great time to clear out the basement, shed or attic and get rid of all of those unwanted and unused items.

Check windows and doors. During winter, there is a need to keep cold temperatures out; in summer months, you want to keep cool temperatures in. Given the mild temperatures, summer is a good time to consider upgrading or replacing doors and windows.

Cathy Hobbs is an Emmy Award-winning television host, interior designer and home-staging expert. Contact her atinfo@cathyhobbs.com.

More here:
10 tasks that will help preserve your home - Seattle Times

On the hill above Bruce Pascoes farm near Mallacoota in Victorias East Gippsland, theres a sea of mandadyan nalluk. Translated from Yuin, the language of the country, it means dancing grass.

Pascoe and his small team of coworkers have never done a harvest like this before. Theres so much grass that both sheds are full, and Pascoe says they are racing against the clock to refine our methods so we can extract the seed and make the flour. We have got to get this done in two or three weeks before the seed completely drops.

The team had a ceremony for the the beginning of the harvest because they think its the first time in 200 years that mandadyan nalluk has been harvested for food.

And some of these people are descended from those who would have done the last harvest, Pascoe says. Thats what this farm is all about trying to make sure that Aboriginal people are part of the resurgence in these grains, rather than being on the periphery and being dispossessed again.

They had intended to harvest a different, more promising crop of kangaroo grass but it was destroyed by the summers catastrophic bushfires. As a CFA volunteer, Pascoe spent weeks on the fire and recovery efforts. His sheds burned down but his house survived.

It was terrible. Terrible. All the days merged into one. Here it went for five or six weeks. The days were indistinguishable. Everyone was just racing around, trying to fight a fire here, fight a fire there, save a house here, save a house there. It just went on and on and on. The people of Mallacoota have done it really tough. [They] are just recovering, and will still be recovering in a decade.

As he battled the fires, Pascoe was under increasingly vitriolic attack over his 2014 book Dark Emu, which used historical sources, including the journals of explorers, to show that Aboriginal people engaged in complex agriculture and were not just hunter-gatherers.

The personal attacks, largely driven by the Herald Sun columnist Andrew Bolt and a prominent Aboriginal businesswoman, Josephine Cashman, escalated. Cashman asked the Australian federal police to investigate allegations that Pascoe had received financial benefit from claiming to be Aboriginal. The AFP said Pascoes Aboriginality was not relevant in determining whether a commonwealth offence had been committed, as such there was no need to undertake these inquiries. Then the provenance of a letter Bolt and Cashman relied on to denounce Pascoe was called into question by NITV. Cashman was removed from the senior advisory body to the minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt.

The elders stuck by me firm, and some of them ... stopped me in the street to tell me to keep doing what I was doing

Pascoe had little to say publicly at the time and withdrew from some scheduled appearances. But he says book sales went up and he could afford to hire four young people to work with him.

When Andrew Bolt attacked me a lot of Australians took it as a personal attack on them, because a lot of people have read Dark Emu, he says. The same people, booksellers have been telling me, bought 10 copies as Christmas presents.

Sales boomed around that time so I was making money, and all of that money is going into wages. And wages then go back into Eden [across the NSW border] and theyre spent on the children, at shops where the shopkeepers are battling their guts out to stay alive, so I feel a lot of good has come out.

But Pascoe says it was the worst, worst time of my life.

It was hard for me, that period, he says. Im not trying to downplay it. Im not trying to say Im this resilient character because Im not. But I was totally supported by Aboriginal community. Not every Aboriginal person, obviously, because people tell me that social media was rife with other opinions. But basically the elders stuck by me firm, and some of them came down here, some of them stopped me in the street, to tell me to keep doing what I was doing.

Pascoe says he took solace from the number of Australians who want their children to learn a better history, a more true history.

Its a wave that is washing over these dinosaurs, he says. Theres an extinction event happening, and the dinosaur, of course, is never aware of his demise.

Pascoes team has been able to work right through the coronavirus: We just carry on. This is a very isolated farm and were isolated on it, so its pretty good.

This week they milled some of the mandadyan nalluk seed into flour and baked a loaf of bread.

Its beautiful bread. Its a really dark, rye-like flour. Incredibly dark, incredibly aromatic, but also very tasty, Pascoe says, and its not like anything he has smelled before.

He gets seven or eight requests a day from bakers and restaurateurs to supply seed or flour, which they will do when they get the milling right.

He also wants to show local farmers that letting these plants grow is worth the effort.

In future years itll be commonplace because we can grow these grasses on degraded land. I think there are a lot of farmers on marginal land now. They want some consistency, and they want reduced costs. Perennial grain is a way to do that.

The dancing grass is only one of several perennials the team is working with, including kangaroo grass, warrigal greens, samphires and water ribbons.

We cooked with murnong the other day in a recipe we hadnt tried before and it was sensational, Pascoe says. Water ribbon tubers are absolutely delicious. We found a plant, we still dont know what it is, which came back after the fires, a lovely little onion type thing, absolutely sensational.

Theres nothing new about it at all, but we ignored it. We turned our back on anything of Aboriginal provenance, such was our sensitivity to the history of the country.

Its time to embrace the history of the country, and with that we will be able to embrace its food.

See more here:
'Time to embrace history of country': Bruce Pascoe and the first dancing grass harvest in 200 years - The Guardian

Market Study Report LLC has added a new report on Lawn and Garden Supplies Market Size that provides a comprehensive review of this industry with respect to the driving forces influencing the industry. Comprising the current and future trends defining the dynamics of this industry vertical, this report also incorporates the regional landscape of Lawn and Garden Supplies market in tandem with its competitive terrain.

The report on Lawn and Garden Supplies market provides a complete assessment of this industry vertical, along with an exhaustive analysis of various market segmentations. The study summarizes the industry scenario with respect to current market position and industry size based on the volume and revenue share. It provides vital information regarding the geographical landscape of the market as well as the key organizations that define the competitive hierarchy of the Lawn and Garden Supplies market.

Request a sample Report of Lawn and Garden Supplies Market at:https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/2647745?utm_source=jewishlifenews&utm_medium=ADS

Key insights from the Lawn and Garden Supplies market report:

Detailed summary of the regional terrain of the Lawn and Garden Supplies market:

Unravelling the competitive outlook of the Lawn and Garden Supplies market:

Ask for Discount on Lawn and Garden Supplies Market Report at:https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/2647745?utm_source=jewishlifenews&utm_medium=ADS

Additional aspects that will affect the remuneration of Lawn and Garden Supplies market:

For More Details On this Report: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-lawn-and-garden-supplies-market-report-history-and-forecast-2015-2026-breakdown-data-by-companies-key-regions-types-and-application

Related Reports:

1. Covid-19 Impact on Cat Cages Market, Global Research Reports 2020-2021Read More: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/covid-19-impact-on-cat-cages-market-global-research-reports-2020-2021

2. Covid-19 Impact on Cat Shelves Market, Global Research Reports 2020-2021Read More: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/covid-19-impact-on-cat-shelves-market-global-research-reports-2020-2021

Read More Reports On: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/at-1150-cagr-pyrogen-testing-market-size-key-regions-and-competitive-landscape-to-2026-2020-04-15?tesla=y

Read More Reports On: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/sepsis-diagnostics-market-size-is-poised-to-cross-usd-103302-million-by-2026-2020-04-14?tesla=y

Read More Reports On: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/point-of-care-poc-diagnostics-market-size-is-poised-to-cross-usd-346-billion-by-2025-2020-04-13?tesla=y

Read More Reports On: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/blood-glucose-monitoring-device-market-size-is-expected-to-exhibit-us-261-bn-by-2026-2020-04-09?tesla=y

Read More Reports On: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/at-241-cagr-mrna-cancer-vaccines-and-therapeutics-market-size-is-expected-to-exhibit-610-mn-usd-by-2025-2020-04-07?tesla=y

Contact Us:Corporate Sales,Market Study Report LLCPhone: 1-302-273-0910Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150 Email: [emailprotected]

See the rest here:
Lawn and Garden Supplies Market: Global Analysis of Key Manufacturers, Dynamics & Forecast 2020-2026 - Jewish Life News

Sitting under a tree in a park in the summer, listening to birds and squirrels chirping while reading a good book is priceless. Charmaine J. Forde

By SCOT STEWART

Special to the Journal

There are of course, different types of squirrels in the Upper Peninsula. Most are quite familiar with the array of tree squirrels found in town and in the woods. There are red squirrels, and gray squirrels, including a black, melanistic form, all active during the daytime. The red squirrels are the noisiest, with their long, trilled call loud enough to be heard far off in the woods, or in the next block in town. The gray squirrels dont make much noise until there is a fuss a quarrel over food, or a disturbance. Then there are flying squirrels, two species, northern and southern, and they are mostly active after dark and they dont make much noise at all. They are so secretive, folks are usually stunned when they find them not only in their neighborhood, but actually living in their house with them.

But there is a whole different type of squirrel here in parts of the U.P., and they are relative newcomers. Ground squirrels, thirteen-lined ground squirrels. They originally were just found on the Great Plains but as areas have been cleared, they have move eastward. They are now found from Alberta to Texas, and the Rockies to Ohio. They prefer open areas with short grass, away from the forest. Solitary animals, they dont share a burrow, but will often live close together where the habitat is good.

Around Marquette they are commonly seen and heard in a number of areas where they can easily be observed. Around the mouth of the Dead River, in the grassy-weedy spots, on the edge of Wright Street near Lakeshore Blvd. along the less manicured portions of the football playing fields, and next to the bike path north the entrance to the Shiras Steam Plant, there are established small grouping of these rodents.

They often live completely unnoticed, bearing a low profile, and being relatively nervous little animals, usually dive into their burrows at the slightest signs of danger. The first noticeable sign they are present is usually their short, high-pitched whistle, warning others of a potential predator. They are hunted by snakes, weasels, foxes, hawks and owls, and usually less than 10% live to their first winter. That truly loud whistle sounds like a call of a bird, and when none is seen most pass it off as something that flew away. A quick whistle and they dive for cover. They make small dead-end safety burrows and longer tunnels to sleeping areas where they eventually hibernate in winter.There is a great deal of variety in the diet of thirteen-lined ground squirrels. They belong to a group of rodents called spermophiles, from their Latin name, Spermophilus, meaning seed lovers. Weedy areas often provide plenty of seeds, to go with roots, grass and clovers. They also eat small amphibians, insects and other arthropods like spiders and millipedes. They will even grab a bite of carrion if available.

They are cute little furballs. As their common name indicated, they have rows of tan and dark brown lines across their backs, the darker lines punctuated with rows of light dots. Like their larger rodent relatives, the prairie dogs, they frequently grab a paw/handful of grass blades or a bunch of clover and sit on their haunches to eat it, raising their heads slightly above the line of vegetation to watch for danger. They are probably at their best when collecting vegetation to line their burrows. Filling their mouths with large bunches of grass they offer a whiskered look, just a bit like those chipmunks with cheek pouches full of seeds. Ever curious, they will peek out of their burrows frequently after being frightened, and it is that wondering mind that probably gets them in the most trouble.

So, listen carefully when out for a walk, and check the ground regularly for groups of holes in short grass. If a spot is found where it looks like 18 holes of golf could be played in about 30 seconds, more than likely there are ground squirrels living there. Stop, freeze and watch the holes for peering eyes.

Scot Stewart is a teacher at Bothwell Middle School in Marquette and a freelance photographer.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Read the original post:
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels now live in the Upper Peninsula - Marquette Mining Journal

The last five weeks of glorious weather remind me of the line about the merry month of May from The Rocky Road to Dublin.

aving happy cows out grazing in fields of lush green grass makes life easier. But as someone once told me, when things are going well, thats the time to look out. I found this out for myself recently as suspected Redwater cases claimed two cows from my herd within a week.

Redwater was common enough in cattle years ago and was associated with older, rough pastures. My two cows went down very quickly, and even though they got blood transfusions, it wasnt enough to save them.

I havent found out what caused it and I just hope that it was an isolated case. I am watching cows very closely for any drop in milk production or any other indications that they are off form.

Apart from that it has been a busy and productive time. Breeding kicked off on April 20 and at the end of three weeks, 90 cows and heifers were submitted. There was an 85pc submission rate for the cows and 100pc for the heifers.

The teaser bulls with the chinballs certainly worked hard and without fail. They were in from day one.

The teaser with the cows certainly loved milking times as he lay down outside the collecting yard for a rest until milking was over.

It was a pleasure to work with the heifers this year as I brought them home to the milking platform for the three weeks. They were in two paddocks close to the parlour and were easily visible.

They were all submitted within the first three weeks, including two out of the 22 receiving estrumate to bring them into heat. They all received sexed semen. This is my first time to use it. I will work hard with the April and May calvers to get them served as quickly as possible. All cows finished calving last week.

First cut

By the time you read this, our first-cut silage should be in the pit as it was cut last Tuesday.

I got three grass samples tested and they all had sugar levels between 4.55. The nitrogen levels were also low at between 10 and 50. Fertiliser was on for just six weeks and the good sunshine helped to use up the nitrogen.

Grass has really taken off in the past two weeks. Along with the first cut last week I included three paddocks (2.7ha). This brought my farm cover down to a more manageable level of 612. The cover/LU stands at 149 and I am now stocked at 4.12LU/ha. In the past month I reseeded two paddocks (2.1ha). Conditions were ideal.

I burned off, ploughed, power-harrowed, levelled, sowed and rolled. The grass seed used was a two-variety mix of abergain and abermagic. Lime and 10-10-20 fertiliser were also applied. Dare I say it, some rain would really help reseeds in this part of the country.

A Grass10 meeting was held on Zoom last Monday. The emphasis was to walk the farm regularly, keep covers at 1400 and take out surpluses for bales immediately. For the next month with such rapid growth, this will be the main challenge.

The milking cows are currently producing 29 litres at 3.57pc BF, 3.23pc PR, 4.84 lactose giving 2kg MS/cow/day, TBC 4000, SCC 81, Therm. 30. Milk urea is 14. The cows are getting 14kg of grass and 4kg of a 16pc protein nut.

The first group of heifer calves went to grass two weeks ago. They have settled in nicely and are enjoying the sunshine and the freedom. They are getting about 1kg of meal daily.

Even though our summer months are going to be very different this year, we must continue to farm safely and well.

We must continue to encourage our young family members to help out where they can as there are always so many jobs to be done around our farms. Start by making a list and getting through them.

Enjoy the long days ahead!

Online Editors

Originally posted here:
Redwater cases the only blot on what has been an ideal spring dairy landscape - Farm Ireland

City Fans United has produced a draft strategic plan setting out a five-year vision for Chester FC and is now asking members and supporters for their views to help shape the final plan.

An initial consultation has been launched giving fans and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and tell the club what matters to you.

The consultation, which runs until Monday, June 1, includes an online survey and a series of interactive virtual workshops.

Developed in collaboration with Chester FC Community Trust, the draft plan aims to provide a blueprint for the future and establish the club as a successful, sustainable force for the long-term.

It is based upon six strategic pillars which will enable the club to achieve its ambitions: Football Excellence; Membership and Fan Engagement; Better Facilities; People and Culture; Finance and Governance; and Community.

Andrew Morris, City Fans United chairman, said: The final strategic plan will reflect our shared vision and ambitions for the club so the contribution of members and supporters is of vital importance.

These are unprecedented times for football and all clubs are having to respond to overcome new challenges, but we believe our ownership model is an asset and means we are better placed than many to do this.

Given the uncertainty about when football will resume, what it will look like when it does and whether crowds will be permitted, the board has adopted a flexible business plan model which is an ongoing process.

The strategic plan is a high level summary that will guide the club for the next five years and enable us to move to the next level and realise the potential of the supporter-owned model.

The plan must represent the aspirations of the membership so we are asking every supporter to take part in the consultation and tell us what is important to them.

Did you know we offer a free email newsletter service?

Each CheshireLive bulletin delivers the latest breaking news, what's on events and the hottest talking points straight to your inbox. For more information about how - and why - to subscribe,click here.

To join City Fans United or renew your membership for the next 12 months, visit http://www.cityfansunited.com/join-city-fans-united. The cost remains 12 per year to be an owner of the club and in these challenging times your commitment and contribution is needed more than ever.

A direct debit for CFU membership can be set up via email to nick.phillipson@chesterfc.com as this makes future renewals much simpler and provides further revenue for the club as well giving access to benefits as a CFU member.

Meanwhile, work is now well under way on the annual pitch renovations at Chester FC thanks to the generous support from fans at this difficult time.

Almost 4,000 was raised from the E-Matchdays last month and these funds have enabled the club and groundsman Mike Barrow to ensure the pitch remains in top condition for when football returns.

With no matches scheduled and the recent good weather, work on the playing surface has been able to start earlier than normal with the expert assistance of Duncan Ross Ltd, one of the UKs leading contractors working in sportsturf, land drainage, fine turf, landscaping, agriculture and greenspace.

Mike and his team of volunteers scarified the pitch last week in three directions to rip out any of the weaker grass in preparation for the work.

On Monday the pitch was spread with 70 tonnes of sand which was drag-matted to level out the surface and then seeded four ways with the club grateful to Dandys for providing a fantastic deal on the grass seed.

It is expected that with the forecasted good weather and temperatures set to remain along with some natural rain or sprinklers signs of growth will be seen in 7-10 days.

Then, in around 5-6 weeks, the pitch will be cut regularly and returned to its usual excellent condition ready for whenever football resumes.

Jeff Banks, director of fan engagement, praised the fans, players and management at the club for helping raise funds: To achieve a figure of nearly 4,000 from the E-Matchdays was fantastic and its great that we can visibly demonstrate where that money has been spent.

We have always been proud of the surface at the Deva Stadium and this contribution together with the hard work of our groundsman and support from Duncan Ross will help ensure we continue to prepare the pitch for footballs return.

Read more:
Chester FC sets out bold plan for five year vision of the future - Cheshire Live