Cummings and Goings in Agriculture

County Agent Predicts More Snow Will Be Seen

By Steve Cummings

Hard to believe I had to go south to Jackson to see snow.  I went down to the Farm Bureau State Convention last Friday with predictions of snow, and those predictions actually came true.  Even in the city of Jackson, the snow was very pretty.  I feel sure we may see more snow this winter.

The Farm Bureau State Convention was this weekend and Yalobusha County was well recognized.  Kyle and Lauren Jeffreys were recognized as outgoing members of the State Young Farmer and Rancher Committee, where Kyle has served this past year as vice-chairman of this committee.

Jody Bailey was elected to the Farm Bureau State Committee, representing Region IV.  Jody replaced Betty Jo Mills, of Montgomery County who was elected as State Chairman, of the Farm Bureau Women.  Coley Little Bailey was elected to the Farm Bureau Board of Directors representing District V.

Congratulations to Buster and Sue Jackson, as their granddaughter, Kelly Jackson, was crowned National Rodeo Queen.  Kelly is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gary Jackson.

Our Office Associate for the last three years, April Kilpatrick, resigned recently to take a position at the University of Mississippi.  As we hate to see April go, we wish her well with her new endeavors.  Keep a lookout in the local newspapers after the first of the year for a job announcement for this position.

The harvest is complete. The year is almost gone. Where did it go? Christmas is almost upon us again and 2010 is coming soon!

Following are some tips that shall help us enjoy the holiday season if we heed and pass them on to family and friends:

Beware of Holiday Candles

• Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials.

• Do not leave children unattended in the room with lit candles.

• Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.

• Refrain from using candles to decorate Christmas trees.

• Avoid using candles at parties.

• Never display lighted candles in windows.

Test Tree Trimmings

• When decorating with lights be sure to purchase the type that have been tested and labeled by an approved laboratory.

• For outside decorations – use only lights that are labeled for outside use.

• Do not overload electrical outlets and always unplug all lights when leaving the home or going to bed.

• Never use electric lights on a metal Christmas tree.

Keep Christmas Trees Fresh

• Choose a fresh tree and secure it in a sturdy stand.

• Locate the tree away from heat sources and exits.

• Water it daily.

• If you purchase an artificial tree, make sure that it is fire retardant.

Prepare for Holiday Parties

• Decorate with flame retardant or non-combustible materials.

• If smoking is allowed, furnish sufficient deep dish ash trays and check them frequently.

• After the party, be sure to check the upholstery furniture, cushions and trash cans for smoldering cigarette butts.

Designate a Driver

• If you are a party attendant, select a driver.

• If you are a host you should have a supply of non-alcoholic beverages on hand for the designated drivers.

Inspect Fireplaces  

• Fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected each year before the start of the heating season. Creosote forms as the wood burns, creating a buildup in the chimney walls that will cause a fire if not properly cleaned.

• Always protect your home and your family by using a sturdy screen.

• You should only burn wood and not paper or pine limbs which can float out of the chimney and may ignite a neighbor’s yard.

• Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace.

• If you purchase a factory built fireplace, do so by buying one that has a testing laboratory label and make sure that it is installed according to local standards.

• If stockings are hung on the mantle, don’t start a fire in the fireplace.