Friday, October 2, 2026
Your Russell County Unit of the Virginia Cooperative Extension –Scott Jessee, Ashley Clark, Kristen Gibson, and Bill Worrell present this week’s Extension News.
Our office is located at 143 Highlands Drive, Lebanon, VA. Check out the Virginia Cooperative Extension Website at www.russell.ext.vt.edu/or on Facebook at Virginia Cooperative Extension – Russell County
Extension Calendar of Events:
October 8
Virtual Fencing Field Day
Stuart Land & Cattle Co – Clifton Farm – 4 p.m.
October 19
Last day to vaccinate calves for the November VQA Sale
October 23
Last day to wean calves for the December VQA Sale
November 3
VQA Feeder Cattle Sale
DV Auctions: https://afca.dvauction.com
If you need information about any of the listed events, please call the Extension Office at (276) 889-8056 or check Virginia Cooperative Extension – Russell County on Facebook.
AGRICULTURE – SCOTT JESSEE
Getting ready for cooler weather!
The days are warm but the mornings are cool. Soon cold weather will make its return to Southwest Virginia. Listed below are some “things to remember” as cold weather approaches.
Check well / pump house – Be sure that adequate insulation is present to prevent pipes from freezing. Installing a warming bulb (light bulb) can help prevent frozen pipes.
Mouse proof your house! – Prevent mouse “move-in” by sealing cracks and crevices. It only takes a tiny opening for mouse entry. Some mouse bait in the attic or basement is well-used effort. Be sure to follow directions on product label to minimize mishaps!
Water hose – Disconnect and drain water hose to minimize repairs next spring.
Remove the leaves from you guttering! This will help to reduce costly repairs from the added weight.
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm.
Install a new furnace filter. To make sure that your heating unit is running as efficiently as possible, install a new filter.
With the Farmer’s Almanac predicting the possibility of extreme snow, gather up some extra firewood! It is never a bad idea to have some extra firewood.
Winter snows can decimate power lines. The power crews are very efficient in restoring service, but large winter storms can slow their progress.
Remove old vegetation from the garden. Many plant diseases overwinter on vegetation left in the garden. Dispose of all plant material to prevent plant disease in 2027!
Cover crop – Consider planting a winter cover crop on your garden. Small grains (rye, wheat, barley) are excellent for providing soil cover during the winter. Plowed under in the spring, they add valuable organic matter and nutrients for the next crop.
Check tires on mower – Be sure tires have adequate air pressure before winter storage. This will decrease the likelihood of “flats” in the spring.
Inspect antifreeze levels in vehicles – Check the antifreeze level and quality in your vehicle to prevent freezing damage. Many auto repair centers will provide this service if you request it. You can also purchase testing equipment at the local automotive store.
Winterize your spray equipment – Drain the remaining water from spray tanks, hoses, and reservoirs. Use some oil to prevent the seizing of roller pumps.
Store insecticides and herbicides to prevent freezing – The efficacy of many insecticides and herbicides is decreased when the product is allowed to freeze. Store pesticides in designated areas away from stored food and water sources.
Inspect watering troughs while the weather is warm! Watering troughs never seem to “break” during warm weather. Take a few minutes to inspect watering trough floats, chains, and hardware before the water is “freezing.”
Dog-house renovations – Check your pets’ house to be sure that adequate bedding is available. A doghouse with warm bedding is a good place to rest until warm weather returns!
