I was beginning to wonder if anyone really read my columns or not but after writing my column about the Asian Lady Beetles my fears were reassured.  In my column I had stated that Asian Lady Beetles do not bite. 

I have since found that although an uncommon occurrence, the Asian Lady Beetles have been reported to nibble, nip, or “bite” humans.  These beetles are not aggressive toward humans, and they simply may be examining an unfamiliar substrate or they may be seeking moisture.  Their occasional nibbling is not reported to break the skin or draw human blood.  I would to thank those of you who read my column and called it to say that you had been “bitten, nibbled on, or nipped.”  It is nice to know that my column is being read and I appreciate your support and I look forward to future conversations, projects, and interactions with you.  

As I drive around the county I have observed many different activities: planting winter wheat, harvesting corn and soybeans, fixing fence, and controlling weeds.  If you are wondering how you can control those pesky weeds you can use mechanical methods or even apply an herbicide (it’s not too late).   

You may want to consider using a new product out that has received very good reviews.  It is called Milestone (aminopyralid): Dow, and is labeled for pasture, rangeland, and CRP.  It is a “General Use” pesticide with an auxin-like growth regulator (group 4) which is similar to Tordon, Stinger, and Garlon.  It is highly effective on many noxious weeds (especially Canadians) but NOT leafy spurge or field bindweed.  Milestone can be used on non-irrigation ditch banks and seasonally dry wetlands but not over open water.  There is less soil persistence with this product and there is no grazing restrictions following application.  For other herbicide recommendations please refer to weed control publications: Weed Control in Grass Pasture & Range: 2006 (FS 525-P) on-line at http://agbiopubs.sdstate.edu/articles/FS525P.pdf or Weed Control in CRP Plantings: 2005 (FS 525-CRP) on-line at

http://agbiopubs.sdstate.edu/articles/FS525CRP.pdf.  For more information please feel free to contact me at the Turner County Extension Office at 297-3112.

For your information:  South Dakota farmers are welcome to participate in the upcoming 2006-07 PorkBridge Grow-Finish Educational Series on swine production topics.  For more information contact SDSU Department of Animal and Range Sciences Head Bob Thaler at (605) 688-5011. 

November 1-2, 2006 will be the Eastern South Dakota Water Conference which will be held at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, SD.  For more information visit http://wri.sdstate.edu/esdwc.

I would like to wish a very special Happy Birthday to my son, Benjamin, who turned ONE on October 9!  Happy 1^st Birthday Honey, Mommy loves you very much.