2012 Boise State Broncos Kickoff Schedule begins

Yahoo!!!!!   Boise State season is back on and this may be one of the most interesting seasons to watch.   Notice I didn't say best.   But, BEST is not off the table.   Hey, who isn't going to miss Kellen Moore? 

Can't wait for this Friday's game at Michigan State.  Myself and hundreds of other Boise State Fans wish they could be there as well.   But, the parties will happen across the Living Rooms in Idaho.   Suggestion:   Avoid Wal-Mart this Friday afternoon - you'll see some stocking up going on!

So if you want a quick run - down of what the challenges of the Season are well here it is:



From the Wheat Field to the Blue Field ----  HOPE YOU ENJOY THE GAMES!!

Prediction:   Boise State by 3.   Yes.... I think the game is going to be that tight.

Damon Dickson

Wildfires continue to Rage in Idaho

Can you guess how many acres in Idaho have been burned by wildfire this year?

The answer is over 1 million!   It is so bad that the Idaho Governer Otter activated the National Guard.

The cost of protecting homes and farms is really beginning to escalate in Idaho and across the country. 

Fire Crews have begun efforts to save property in the town of Featherville,  ID where wildfires are putting the community in danger.   To do this they do what is called a burn out operation where they burnoff fuel that could be consumed by the oncoming wildfire.   The old saying "fight fire with fire".

 

This brings up an intersting point.  I always thought that what was dropped from Helicopters during a wildfire operation was material meant to put the fire out.   It turns out that sometimes what is dropped are balls with potassium permanganate and antifreeze.   It burns quick and hot.... designed not to spread.

 

Catch this excerpt from the Today Show:

 

Wildfire Evacuations

 

 Found an interesting Video of an on ground burn out:

 



This gives you an idea of what these wildfires are like on the ground:



Damon Dickson - Boise

What does hunting and crops have to do with each other?

So, one of my favorite things about living in Boise and being close to the Northern Mountains is  hunting.   But do you ever think about why some wildlife is so attracted to certain geographies.   It's pretty simple:

Shelter & Food

The food is most important for a wild animal.   But the food can also serve as shelter -----   Think CORN!!!

This is where Idaho is unique.   Great Corn environment, but there are so many other foods that work for wildlife too.

When farmers leave their fields available for Wildlife they are essentially leaving food and shelter behind for Wildlife.

Here's what got me thinking about Hunting tonight.   This was the view this evening.



Now, this is where the conversation takes a turn in the type of work I do.   What is the right balance for Wildlife versus the need to manage the production in the field.   Well, My feeling is that it is somewhat subjective.   But, let me say this;   There are some Aerial applicators out there that have a hard time staying in bounds and spray wildlife areas surrounding the field unnecessarily.

Ground Application is better if possible (from a Hunters point of view).   Having said that, when your in an area where wildlife is important (because let's be real -- some areas aren't as important as others), I would go with a granular application and just make sure it gets into the soil.

This is a real simple conversation to have with your Pesticides Vendor.   Most are very understanding of your concern and want to extend themselves to meet your need.

Don't be surprised if they ask to hunt on your property.



Wildfires around Boise taking a toll

Here's some of the latest on wildfires occuring in Idaho:

Central Idaho Fire forces evacuation

NBC News reports on Boise area wildfires

 

By NBC News staff and wire services

Updated at 12:10 a.m. ET: The Idaho National Guard is joining the fight against at least nine wildfires burning across the state, including the 68,000-acre Trinity Ridge blaze, one of 60 large U.S. fires being fought in one of the worst U.S. fire seasons.

Most are scorching the dry and hot Western states, including Washington, where the 22,656-acre Taylor Bridge fire five miles outside Cle Elum has charred 70-plus homes and more than 200 barns and other structures this week.
More than 400 homes have been evacuated in the area, but firefighters managed to carve containment lines around 25 percent of the blaze's perimeter by Wednesday night, with full containment expected within a week, authorities said.

 

Not only are more wildfires flaring up in the West this year than last, but the nation's fires have gotten bigger, said Jennifer Smith, of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

---

As of Thursday, more than 43,000 wildfires had been reported in the U.S. this season, burning a total of nearly 6.4 million acres, or 10,000 square miles, the center said.
The 10-year average for the period is 52,535 fires, but covering only 5 million acres, Smith said.

The above article is direct from NBC News service - Damon Dickson- Boise

http://youtu.be/bSiDLCf5u3s

Watch the video above and remember to have a "Safe" weekend!

Boise and all Southern Idaho expecting humidity.    Great time to lay down fertilizer, growth starters and Weed control.  

Got a question today I hear once a year:

Can you use Diesel to kill Weeds?

Short answer:   You can

BUT

Don't do it.    It will poison your soil and can partially affect your water table  (some will debate that).   Also,  it will clog your spraying devices (so I've heard) making them difficult to clean.  


Send me any other Redneck Questions you may have.

Raising Corn in the Boise Sun

Enjoying the Heat .... not realy ;   How is it that everytime I get away for a few days to take some time out ---- It's just crazy weather.   Enuf of my woes.

So --  getting questions about how the heat is impacting crops.   Corn has hit some real price highs so it's worth more than ever now to look out for any kind of protection or assistance you can put out there to cover yourself.

Most of what I've seen lately in Idaho gives me little concern about the heat.   What you really want to watch out for is curled leaves on your plants.   Thats the first sign.  It is possible to over water corn, so don't think that your doing the right thing by always adding water in the heat.   Just use some common sense and you'll be find.  Corn is a pretty tolerant to heat changes anyway.

When you see silking (the string looking things) begin to grow out ---- the following 2 weeks need to be very careful on adequate water.

How to Shuck Corn