Colorado State University Extension http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ Provides research based, reliable, timely information on Yard & Garden, Insects, Agriculture, Small Acreages, Natural Resources, Nutrition, Health, Food Safety, Family, Home, Consumer, Water, Clean & Renewable Energy and 4-H Youth Development. New and Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet Posted
  • Powdery Mildews
  • Recognizing Tomato Problems
  • Nonchemical Disease Control
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Mon, 13 May 2013 9:50:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet Posted
  • Dietary Fat and Cholesterol
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Thurs, 2 May 2013 13:16:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for May Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Water Trees to Protect from Fungus - This canker attacks tree roots in the early spring while the tree is dormant and cannot defend itself.
    Visiting National Parks - Use Extension’s Recreation and Tourism Page to plan a summer trip to the nation’s best outdoor places.
    Buying Flowers for Mother’s Day - Get mom beautiful flowers that she can plant in her Colorado garden.
    Snow Impacts on Woody and Herbaceous Plants - What is all this snow doing to my flowers and trees?
    Yard and Garden
    Adding Nitrogen to Vegetable Gardens - The right amount of nitrogen in soil will maximize production and quality.
    Dividing Interior Plants in Container Gardens - Split plants that have grown too large to encourage plant health.
    Plant a Salsa Garden - Make salsa from a variety of peppers and tomatoes that can grow well in Colorado.
    Plant Pumpkins Now for Halloween - Pumpkins are warm weather plants and require a long growing season.
    Insects
    Releasing Purchased Lady Beetles - Lady beetles are highly dispersive and migrate long distances during reproductive diapause.
    Prevent Carpenter Ant Damage - While this ant species often nests in decayed or water damaged wood, occasionally it moves into sound structural wood in buildings.
    Using Bees for Agricultural Benefits - The leafcutter bee is superior to the honey bee in alfalfa pollination.
    Stop Millipede Infestations with Adequate Sealing - Caulk openings around the foundation of a building to reduce millipede population.
    Agriculture
    Manage Disease Caused by Hail Damage - Farms that promote pheasant habitat reap economic benefits.
    Benefit from a Thriving Pheasant Population - Farms that promote pheasant habitat reap economic benefits.
    Fertilize Proso Millet with Sufficient Nitrogen - Nitrogen and Phosphorus are the two most limiting factors in small grain production.
    Managing Manure - Learn effective management techniques with Extension’s Small Acreage Management: Animal Resources page.
    Natural Resources
    Mosquito Control - Release Gambusia, a mosquito eating fish, into ponds and standing water, to decrease mosquito larvae.
    Increase Wildlife Habitat in Forest Land - Learn effective management strategies with Extension’s Small Acreage Management: Trees and Woodlands page.
    Deter Voles with Hot Sauce - Capsaicin, the heat in spicy peppers, can be used on trees, shrubs and other plants to protect them from vole damage.
    Wyoming Ground Squirrels Damage Grasslands with Burrowing - Shooting and trapping are effective methods for controlling small populations.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Eating on a Budget Doesn't Have to Mean Eating Poorly - You can still buy nutritious, delicious foods without dipping into your savings account!
    Eating Fish During Pregnancy Helps Babies Develop - DHA, found in fish, is important in the development of newborn's visual, motor, cognitive and behavioral skills.
    Athletic Performance Can Be Improved with Increased Iron Intake - Iron transports oxygen to cells, which determines the level of energy production.
    Getting Vitamin D in Vegetarian Diets - Adequate levels of vitamin D can be produced by exposure to sunlight.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Understanding Hay Fever Medication - Drinking alcohol while taking antihistamines can increase the medication’s sedative effects.
    Protect Tree Roots During Yard Projects - Soil grade changes and compaction can lead to branch dieback and tree death.
    Dance for Exercise - Dancing improves physical development and builds self confidence in children.
    Keeping You Home Cool - Re-caulk gaps around windows to prevent cool air from escaping.
    Water
    Rainwater Harvesting - Put storm-water runoff to use during Colorado’s wettest month.
    Applying for a Private Well - Most domestic wells in Colorado are considered “exempt” and do not require augmentation.
    Well Construction - Extend casing two feet above flood level to prevent contamination.
    Know Your Water Vocabulary - Learn terms used to in complex laws that govern the use of water in Colorado.
    Clean & Renewable Energy
    Converting Biomass into Energy - Use Extension’s Energy Resources- Biomass page to learn more about this alternative energy source.
    Determining Practicality of Private Wind Turbines - Use the Colorado Anemometer Loan Program to accurately measure wind levels in an area before installing a wind turbine.
    Calculate the Cost of a Domestic Hot Water System - Production of hot water with solar power can be a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs from gas.
    Increasing Home Energy Efficiency - A blower door test by an energy auditor can identify significant air leaks in a home.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html Thurs, 2 May 2013 11:33:11 -0800     New and Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet Posted
  • Sodium and the Diet
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Potassium and the Diet
  • Diet and Hypertension
  • Heart Health: Managing Heart Disease through Diet
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Wed, 1 May 2013 11:29:11 -0800     New Fact Sheet Posted
  • Watering a Home Landscape During Drought
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07240.html Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:12:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheets
  • Freezing Vegetables
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09330.html Fri, 19 Apr 2013 9:08:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheets
  • Putting 4-H Experience on Your Resume
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/09150.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:13:11 -0800     Drought Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is drought? Is Colorado currently in a drought? Who monitors drought conditions in Colorado? Learn more.
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/drought/faq.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:25:11 -0800     Reviewed Fact Sheet Posted
  • Colorado Gardening: Challenge to Newcomers (3/13)
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Fri, 29 Mar 2013 07:48:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for March Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    High altitude hard-cooked eggs - Increase the ‘standing time’ by 3-5 minutes when cooking hard-boiled eggs above 5000’.
    Returning Home After Wildfire Evacuation - Discard herbs and garden produce that have been exposed to fire retardant.
    Protecting Livestock from Rabies - Skunks are the most common species involved in transmitting rabies to horses.
    Water Wise Tips for Colorado Landscapes Water Wise Tips for Colorado Landscapes - Maximize Colorado's limited water supply & encourage a healthy, hardy & drought-resistant landscape.
    Yard and Garden
    Removing Winter Mulch - Clearing away mulch too early in the spring will cause plants to begin growing too early.
    Planting Squash - Bone meal is an effective organic fertilizer for warm weather plants.
    Linking Landscaping with Ground Covers - Choose a taller species for larger areas or steep slopes to maintain design balance.
    Transplanting Trees - Transplants are most likely to become well established when planted in early spring.
    Insects
    Identifying Peach Tree Borer - Injury is most extensive in the early spring with the emergence of maturing larvae.
    Flea Beetles Emerge in Mid-Spring - Beetle attacks are most destructive when seedlings are becoming established.
    Drain Fly Breeding - Colonization of this small fly occurs on the gelatin-like, bacteria rich coating that forms in drains and pipes.
    Attracting Butterflies to the Garden - Encourage butterflies by planning a butterfly garden.
    Agriculture
    Irrigation Scheduling - The application of the exact amount of water needed to irrigate at the right time saves money and resources.
    Fertilizing Corn - Determine how much nitrogen fertilizer to add to a corn crop by subtracting credits for the amount in manure that will be applied.
    Prevent Lambing Sickness with Nutrition - Incident of the disease can be minimized by careful management of corn feed in the diet.
    Reducing Ammonia Emissions from Manure - Fine ammonia particulate can cause bronchitis in humans and animals by travelling deep into lung tissue.
    Natural Resources
    Learning the Edible Plants of Colorado - Many wild growing flowers can be used in salads and recipes for their high vitamin and nutrient content.
    Fire Resistant Landscaping - Livestock grazing can be an effective way to remove large areas of the weed.
    Densely Growing Cheatgrass Increases Chances of Wildfire - Prairie dogs and their burrows serve as important hosts for numerous other animals.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Treating Menopause Symptoms - Keeping a family history of health issues can make women aware of benefits and risks of Menopause Hormone Therapy.
    Food Safety During Pregnancy - Hormonal changes that occur during a pregnancy cause the mother’s immune system to become suppressed.
    Smoking Poultry - Cure thin strips of meat for 24 hours in a brine before cooking to make turkey jerky.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Reducing Your Family’s Lead Exposure - Even low levels of lead in children can result in retarded mental and physical development.
    Spring Cleaning in the Pantry - Cupboards should be kept between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal food storage.
    Parenting as Grandparents - Increasing numbers of births to unmarried teen mothers, high divorce rate and other factors are putting more grandparents in parenting roles.
    Ranching and Farming With Family Members - The root of many financial problems is a serious communication or relationship problem.
    Water
    Spring Flooding - Be aware of flooding conditions with Extension’s flood related resources.
    Restoring a Pond After Wildfire - Constructing a log terrace upslope of the water body can slow the velocity of runoff and counter hydrophobicity.
    Testing Well Water for Bacteria - High coliform levels in drinking water indicate contamination.
    Domestic Water Quality Criteria - Two types of tests -- bacteriological and chemical -- are used to assess domestic water quality.
    Clean & Renewable Energy
    Reducing Air Conditioning with Landscaping - Plant deciduous trees in an arc encompassing a building on the east, south, and west to shade walls that receive the most sunlight.
    Mixing Alcohol and Gasoline - Alcohols are corrosive to certain materials in engines.
    Leasing Solar Panels for a Home or Business - Leasing can make this alternative energy supplement financially feasible and profitable.
    Electric Vehicles in Colorado - One of the main reasons consumers are interested in electric vehicles is that there are no tailpipe emissions.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html Thurs, 28 Mar 2013 12:33:11 -0800     New Fact Sheet Posted
  • Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (3/13)
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Tues, 26 Mar 2013 13:38:11 -0800     Revised Fact Sheet Posted
  • Fall and Winter Watering (3/13)
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:02:11 -0800     Revised Fact Sheet Posted
  • Grass Growth and Response to Grazing (3/13)
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:53:11 -0800     Revised Fact Sheet Posted
  • Food Preservation Without Sugar or Salt
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Fri, 15 Mar 2013 8:20:11 -0800     Revised Fact Sheet Posted
  • Ingredient Substitutions (1/13)
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Thurs, 14 Mar 2013 11:31:11 -0800     New Family Matters Posted
  • Should I Wake Up to Oatmeal or Yogurt?
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/fammatrs/fmmenu.html Mon, 4 Mar 2013 12:12:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for February Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Avoiding Deer Damage - Salt causes bud death and twig dieback in plants.
    Air Sealing Colorado Homes - Sealing air leaks is an important first step to having an energy-efficient, healthy home.
    Diet and Cancer Treatment - Tips for Healthy Eating - Weight loss is a common problem for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
    Diet and Cancer Treatment - Tips for Healthy Eating - Weight loss is a common problem for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
    Colorado Forage Guide - Help for small acreage landowners with livestock forage and grazing management.
    Yard and Garden
    Increasing Sunlight in Mountain Gardens - Remove conifers to make areas plantable.
    Landscaping with a Plan - Incorporate lighting into the landscape in anticipation of changes in government policy.
    Planting During Drought - The Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany requires little water and can be planted in small to mid-sized yards.
    Insects
    Prevent Tick Paralysis - Colorado ticks attached for long periods can produce ascending limb numbness.
    Controlling Insects with Soap - Soaps and detergents can be diluted with water to make effective pesticides.
    Springtails - Springtails are minute arthropods that may occur in tremendous numbers in soils, but they are rarely observed.
    Cooley Spruce Galls - Cooley spruce galls are commonly found on the new growth of spruce trees.
    Agriculture
    Protect Young Livestock from Extreme Cold - Pre-planned action improves management of livestock during natural disasters.
    Killing Russian Wheat Aphids - Ten to twenty infested tillers during flowering stage justifies chemical control.
    Colorado Forage Guide - Help for small acreage landowners with livestock forage and grazing management.
    Understanding Economic Depreciation for Farms and Ranches - Depreciation is defined as the annual reduction in value of a durable asset due to use, wear, age, or obsolescence.
    Natural Resources
    Drought Decreases Animal Populations - Land owners will have less revenue from hunting enterprises.
    Report Thousand Cankers Disease - Black Walnut trees are killed within four years from progressive dieback of limbs.
    Managing Prairie Dogs - Prairie dogs and their burrows serve as important hosts for numerous other animals.
    Weed Management for Small Rural Acreages - Prevention, eradication, and control are three general management strategies.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Fight the Cold and Flu with a Healthy Diet - Giving your immune system a boost can prevent cold viruses from claiming you as a victim.
    Decreasing Obesity in Children - Replace watching TV with physical activity to improve body weight.
    Eating Healthy Fats - Some fats are vital to digesting vitamins A, D, E and K.
    Diet and Cancer Prevention - One-third of all cancer deaths are preventable, and can be attributed to lack of physical activity and poor diet.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Protecting Personal Information Online - Use these tips defend your computer against phishing.
    Asserting Renter’s Rights - Colorado law prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of family status and other factors.
    Air Sealing Colorado Homes - The goal of sealing cracks and gaps is to prevent unwanted air from flowing both into and out of the home.
    Net Worth Statements - Your net worth is the difference between your assets (what you own) minus your debts (what you owe).
    Water
    Purifying Nitrate Contaminated Water - Mixing tainted water with clean water can make it acceptable for livestock and adults.
    Save Surface Water from Pesticides - Grass strips on fields filter harmful chemicals from agricultural runoff.
    Graywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting - Rainwater harvesting is the process of intercepting storm-water runoff and putting it to beneficial use.
    Protecting Your Private Well - If you own a private well, it is your responsibility to ensure the water is safe.
    Clean & Renewable Energy
    Overproducing Alternative Energy is Costly - Energy put back onto the grid is purchased at low wholesale rates by the utility.
    Air Sealing Colorado Homes - Sealing air leaks while allowing for adequate ventilation is an important first step to having an energy-efficient.
    Harvesting Energy from the Sun: Solar Photovoltaics - Solar energy can generate all or a portion of a home’s or business’ electrical needs.
    Landscaping for Energy Conservation - Windbreaks can save up to 25 percent on heating costs.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html Fri, 1 Mar 2013 13:34:11 -0800     New Fact Sheet Posted
  • Air Sealing Colorado Homes (2/13)
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:06:11 -0800     Colorado Forage Guide Posted
  • Colorado Forage Guide (12/12)
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Thurs, 21 Feb 2013 10:21:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet Posted
  • Diet and Cancer Prevention
  • Diet and Cancer Treatment - Tips for Healthy Eating
  • Managing Prairie Dogs
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:35:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet Posted
  • Water-Soluble Vitamins: B-Complex and Vitamin C
  • Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, and K
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Tues, 12 Feb 2013 13:42:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for February Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Mulching in Winter - Apply mulch to protect bulbs and prevent early emergence.
    Defuse Anger in Relationships - Suspend judgment and look at situations through others’ eyes to resolve conflicts.
    Yard and Garden
    Starting Your Garden in Winter - Starting seeds in a cold frame allows you to plant as much as 6 weeks earlier.
    Pruning Fruit Trees - Prune in early spring to prevent disease organisms from invading wounds.
    Winter Yard Care - Water trees, shrubs and lawns during dry winter periods to prevent root damage.
    Planting in Colorado Soil - Adjust high pH values in heavy, clay soil to improve root growth.
    Agriculture
    Bulking Cattle with Grain Rations - Fresh feed combined with grain makes for most effective weight gain.
    Winter Grazing - Keep livestock off wet or icy pastures to protect animals and grass buds.
    Soil Testing - A reliable soil test will reveal which nutrients to add for high crop yield.
    Measuring Irrigation Water Quality - Use the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) to determine the amount of sodium, calcium and magnesium in a sample.
    Natural Resources
    Using Solar Power - Solar energy can supply some or all of a home or business’ needs.
    Deterring Deer - Plants less palatable to deer are an alternative to fencing.
    Stocking Water for Emergencies - Rotate water stores biannually to ensure purity.
    Taking Control of Weed Infestations - Seed dormancy and extensive root systems require weed eradication over extended time periods.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Fight the Cold and Flu with a Healthy Diet - Ever wonder which product can help boost your immune system?
    Cooking Solo - When making meals for one or two, buying in bulk can be cheaper.
    Identifying the Causes of Food Intoxication - Toxins may not alter the odor or flavor of food.
    Choosing a Method to Freeze Vegetables - Tray-packed vegetables are frozen loose so a desired amount can be thawed.
    Counter Weight Loss from Cancer - Decrease portions and increase meals to curb weight loss from nausea.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Making Home Safe for Children (or Be A Child Safety Expert) - Use these tips to remove hazards to children from the home.
    Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs - Notice signs of depression and withdrawal in youth and adults.
    Improve Indoor Air Quality - Homes today contain many furnishings, appliances and products that affect air quality.
    Lowering Energy Costs - These guidelines cut back on excessive electricity use.
    Water
    Determining Water Quality - Microorganisms, organic chemicals and gasses affect drinking water.
    Save Water with Drip Irrigation - Water in micro irrigation is applied much more slowly that sprinkler irrigation.
    Irrigating During Drought - Changes in limited irrigation management can increase efficiency.
    Solar-powered Pumping Systems Have Long Term Economic Benefits - Alternative power is often used in remote watering locations because it is durable and mobile.
    Clean & Renewable Energy
    Choose a Better Tractor - Use the same standards as the Nebraska Tractor Tests to select a more energy efficient tractor.
    Reducing Rent Energy - Apartment renters can maximize energy efficiency with these strategies.
    Selecting Sites for Wind Turbines - The location of a wind tower affects its energy output.
    Hybrids and the Environment -Power to charge a hybrid is produced from fossil-fuel burning power plants.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html Wed, 6 Feb 2013 7:58:11 -0800     New Fact Sheet Posted
  • Drying Vegetables
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:13:11 -0800     New Fact Sheet Posted
  • Identification and Management of Kochia and Russian Thistle
    • ]]> http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Thurs, 24 Jan 2013 10:48:11 -0800 New Fact Sheet Posted
  • Best Management Practices for Reducing Ammonia Emissions: Lagoon Covers
  • Best Management Practices for Reducing Ammonia Emissions: Manure Management
    • ]]> http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Tues, 8 Jan 2013 13:04:11 -0800 New Hot Topics for January Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Physical activity plays a key role in a healthy lifestyle - Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for you and your child’s health.
    Winter watering - Dry air and low soil moisture mean supplemental tree irrigation.
    Understanding Economic Depreciation for Farms and Ranches - Depreciation is defined as the annual reduction in value of a durable asset due to use, wear, age, or obsolescence.
    Yard and Garden
    Pruning fruit trees - Prune trees in late winter before bud break.
    Healthy Roots and Healthy Trees - To avoid root disease, maintain a healthy, vigorous environment around a tree.
    Re-blooming Christmas Cactus - The secret to eye-popping color is reducing water to the plant after flower buds have formed.
    Christmas Trees: Recycling - Many Colorado municipalities have tree recycling programs.
    Agriculture
    Dealing with Unwanted Wildlife - Having problems with unwanted wildlife and the damage that occurs?
    Understanding Economic Depreciation for Farms and Ranches - Economic depreciation should reflect an asset’s reduction in value over time from use, age, and other factors.
    Alternative Feeds for Cattle During Drought - Substitute 1 pound of grain or other concentrate feed for 2 pounds of alfalfa hay or 3 pounds of grass hay.
    Natural Resources
    Recreation on Private Land - Include considerations for managing recreation as part of your normal agricultural operation.
    Small Acreage Forest Condition Assessment - Conduct a basic assessment for your forest land.
    Managing Small Acreage Pastures During and After Drought - Turn animals onto small pastures only for short periods of time.
    Soil Erosion Control after Wildfire - The most immediate consequence of fire is the potential for soil erosion.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Five Frequent Nutrition Questions about Diabetes Answered - Test your diabetes knowledge with the top five questions.
    Serving Children Safe Foods - It is often the cook who has the final control in ensuring that food served is safe to eat.
    Meals for One or Two - Preparing meals for one or two can be easy and enjoyable by planning ahead and making meals simple.
    Gluten-Free Baking - Baking without gluten can be challenging because gluten contributes important properties to baked goods.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Family life websites - Evaluate before you click.
    Income fluctuations - Tips on how to live with paycheck ups and downs.
    Long-Term Care Planning - Risk factors for needing long-term care include health, lifestyle, and marital status.
    Home Adaptations for the Disabled - Many Coloradans with disabilities depend on a wheelchair.
    ]]> http://www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html Mon, 7 Jan 2013 15:41:11 -0800 New Fact Sheet Posted - Understanding Economic Depreciation for Farms and Ranches
  • Three common methods for computing depreciation are straight-line, declining balance, and sum-of-year’s digits.
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/farmmgt/03766.html Thurs, 27 Dec 2012 10:53:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for December Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Happier Holidays - To make this a truly happy time of year, keep expectations at a reasonable level and set realistic goals.
    Updating Food Preparation to Promote Health - Good eating habits, based on variety and moderation, can help keep you healthy and even improve your health.
    Emergency Water Supplies and Treatment - In preparing for an emergency, store at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your family.
    Yard and Garden
    Potted Christmas Trees - Proper care during and after the holiday season.
    Care for Cut Trees - There are several steps you can follow to keep your Christmas tree fresh for the longest possible time after purchase.
    Poinsettias - Poinsettia Care tips before during and after the holidays.
    Christmas Trees: Recycling - Many Colorado municipalities have tree recycling programs.
    Insects
    Carpet Beetles - Carpet beetles are one of the most common insects found in Colorado homes.
    Spiders in the Home - Common spiders found indoors include funnelweb spiders, cobweb spiders, cellar spiders, and sac spiders.
    Indian Meal Moth - The Indian meal moth is the most common household moth that can reproduce in Colorado homes.
    Bat Bugs, Bed Bugs and Relatives - Bed bug control is very difficult and requires all infested sites to be effectively treated at the same time.
    Agriculture
    Windbreaks and Living Snow Fences - Proper planning of windbreaks and living snow fences is essential for successful results.
    Estimating Farm Fuel Requirements - By knowing the amount of fuel used, farmers can select the best conservation practices to manage farm equipment.
    Caring for Livestock Before Disaster - Disaster preparedness begins with awareness but requires vigilance and planning.
    Natural Resources
    Dealing with Wildlife & Backyard Birding - Want to learn about dealing with wildlife and/or backyard birding?
    Managing Pastures During Drought - Maintaining the health of small acreage pastures can be challenging, even in years with normal rainfall and snowpack.
    Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones - Wildfires are a natural part of Colorado’s varied forest ecosystems.
    Preventing Deer Damage - A hungry deer will find almost any plant palatable, so no plant is "deer proof."
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Handling Cooked Dinners - Recommendations for take-out, deli-prepared, or convenience turkey dinners.
    Holiday Parties: Spread Cheer, Not Foodborne Illness - What can you do to prevent foodborne bacteria from taking the cheer out of your holidays?
    High Altitude Food Preparation Guide - At altitudes above 3,000 feet, preparation of food may require changes in time, temperature or recipe.
    Food Safety During Pregnancy - Along with nutrition concerns, a growing topic of importance is food safety during pregnancy.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Happier Holidays - Changes in environment and routines can cause uncertainty and stress.
    Preventing Falls in the Elderly - The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.
    Child Restraint in Automobiles - All children under the age of 8 must be properly protected in a child safety seat.
    Smart & Small Year-End Financial Moves - You still have a few weeks left in 2012 to take action on your personal finances.
    Water
    Water Conservation Around the Home - The installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures can save up to 30 percent of indoor water use.
    Homeowner's Guide to Protecting Water Quality & the Environment - Many of our activities have altered the natural cycles of water movement and purification that give us clean water.
    Protecting Your Private Well - If you own a private well, it is your responsibility to ensure the water is safe for your family and animals to drink.
    ]]> http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:06:11 -0800 Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet
  • Food Safety During Pregnancy
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09372.html Fri, 30 Nov 2012 7:30:11 -0800     Fall 2012 Nutrient Digest
  • Nutrient Best Management Practices – Assessing Adoption by Colorado Producers
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/ag/nutrientdigest/index.html Mon, 26 Nov 2012 9:18:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for November Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Cleaning & Sanitizing the Kitchen - Consumers can protect themselves by preventing the spread of germs by both cleaning and sanitizing surfaces where food is prepared.
    DIY Home Energy Audit - Interactive website for conducting your own home energy audit from a computer or mobile device.
    The Economics of Hay Storage Structures - These structures help shield the tops of hay stacks from direct rain and snowfall.
    Yard and Garden
    Fall and Winter Watering - Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F with no snow cover.
    Healthy Roots and Healthy Trees - The root system of a tree performs many vital functions.
    Poinsettias - Poinsettia plant parts are not edible, but they are not poisonous when eaten.
    A Gardener’s Winter Reading - This has been an especially productive year for new gardening books.
    Insects
    Fungus Gnats as Houseplant and Indoor Pests - Fungus gnats are small, delicate bodied flies that commonly develop in the growing medium of houseplants.
    Clothes Moths: Identification and Control in the Home - Clothes moths are uncommon in Colorado mostly because of our dry climate.
    Insect Pests of Home-Stored Foods - When insects that infest food are first detected, try to identify all sources of infestation.
    Western Widow Spider - Widow spiders rarely, if ever, bite when not within a web.
    Agriculture
    Animal Diseases - Anthrax cases in livestock require care in handling.
    Selecting an Analytical Laboratory - Yearly sampling of each crop field is recommended to make accurate nutrient management recommendations.
    Biosolids Recycling - Biosolids are by-products of the wastewater-treatment process.
    Controlling Soil Erosion From Wind - Vegetative barriers reduce erosion from wind by reducing unsheltered distance across fields.
    Natural Resources
    Soil Erosion Control after Wildfire - The most immediate consequence of fire is the potential for soil erosion.
    Field Care of Big Game - When transporting a carcass, keep the meat as clean and cool as possible.
    Wildlife as a Farm and Ranch Business - Wildlife is a big business in Colorado; ranching and wildlife are an integrated business.
    Forest Home Fire Safety - Even if you are forced to evacuate your home, there are some things you can do to help firefighters defend it
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Bacterial food-borne illness - By following simple steps (clean, separate, cook, and chill) you can prevent most food-related illness.
    Updating Food Preparation to Promote Health - Look for ways to include fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains in favorite recipes.
    If Your Freezer Stops - Because a freezer full of food is a major investment, prepare alternatives if it stops.
    Gluten-Free Baking - Using combinations of various gluten-free products can enhance nutritional content.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Easy and Inexpensive Home Energy Ideas -There are many easy and inexpensive ways to conserve energy in your home, and keep money in your pocket.
    Using a Power Monitor to Control Your Electricity Costs - A power monitor is a device to help understand a home’s electricity consumption.
    Wind Energy for Colorado Home Owners, Farmers and Small Businesses - Long-term loans can be repaid in a series of ways. Learn to determine the best for your situation.
    Managing Stress During Tough Times -In tough times resilient people seek options, reach out to others for support, and do not give up.
    Water
    Bacteria in Water Wells - Bacterial contamination of drinking water can cause serious human illness.
    Emergency Water Supplies and Treatment - n preparing for an emergency, store at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your family.
    Graywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting - Rainwater harvesting is the process of intercepting storm-water runoff and putting it to beneficial use.
    Clean & Renewable Energy
    DIY Home Energy Audits - Our Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit will help you find areas of energy waste in your home.
    Home Energy Audit Loan (HEAL) Program - Borrow a kit for free to identify appliance electricity use, find air leaks in your home, or detect inefficient lighting.
    Holiday Lighting Tips - Running festive holiday lights doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Tues, 13 Nov 2012 2:33:11 -0800     November Family Matterst
  • Physical activity plays a key role in a healthy lifestyle
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/fammatrs/fm1211e.html Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:04:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet
  • Adolescent Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/10216.html Tues, 23 Oct 2012 2:04:11 -0800     New Impact Statements Posted
  • New technologies boost crop yield, save money, time and resources
  • Rocky Mountain Conference on Aging
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/impact/impact.html Tues, 23 Oct 2012 2:02:11 -0800     New Fact Sheet Posted - Net Worth Statements
  • A net worth statement is a financial snapshot that shows your financial wealth at a given point in time and provides a useful summary of your financial affairs.
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/09159.html Tues, 23 Oct 2012 6:38:11 -0800     Small Acreage Management - Livestock Management in the Mountains booklet
  • Livestock Management in the Mountains - Booklet developed specifically for Colorado mountain communities. Topics include fencing laws, dealing with predators, cold temperatures and snow, handling emergencies, poisonous plants, and much more.
    • ]]> http://www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/animals.html Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:22:11 -0800 New Hot Topics for October Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Canning Vegetables - Do not take short cuts in recommended preparation or processing procedures.
    COAGMet - Local weather data use evolves with changing times.
    Spiders in the Home - Some spiders wander indoors in the early fall when cooler outdoor temperatures force them to find shelter.
    Yard and Garden
    Fall tree care - Trees need water during cool months too.
    Composting Yard Waste - Raked leaves and grass clippings add rich material to a compost pile.
    Prepare sprinkler systems - Get your sprinkler system ready for winter.
    Getting Gardens Ready for Winter - By planning now, we can help plants get off to a good start next spring.
    Insects
    Kitchen nuisance - Fruit flies and fungus gnats are often found during fall and winter.
    Firewood and house log insects - Take care when bringing firewood into the home.
    Boxelder Bugs - Boxelder bugs are a nuisance in and around homes from fall through early spring.
    Flies in the Home - Although flies most often are a nuisance during the warm season, indoor overwintering is very common with cluster flies.
    Agriculture
    Small Pasture Management During Drought - Keep small pastures healthy by limiting grazing.
    Biochar in Colorado - Biochar has been promoted as a soil amendment for gardening, agriculture, forestry, and mine reclamation.
    Soil Sampling - Careful soil sampling is essential for an accurate fertilizer recommendation.
    Agricultural Energy Audits - Audits can look at the energy use of buildings and other structures as well as field operations.
    Natural Resources
    Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones - Wildfire will find the weakest links in the defense measures you have taken on your property.
    Preventing Deer Damage - A hungry deer will find almost any plant palatable, so no plant is "deer proof."
    Recreation on Private Land - Granting access to private land for recreation is an unselfish act by the owner that provides welcome experiences for recreationists.
    Wildlife as a Farm and Ranch Business - Wildlife is a big business in Colorado; ranching and wildlife are an integrated business.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Apple Season is Here - Apples may be the original ready-to-go fast food.
    Processing Chili Peppers - Chile peppers add unique flavors to foods and can be used in almost any dish.
    National Apple Month - Seven delicious apple recipes and selecting, preserving and storing tips.
    Legumes - Legumes are low in cost, and contribute iron and B vitamins to the diet.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    The Whole-House Approach to Energy Efficiency - There are a number of ways to determine where your home tends to use the most energy.
    Selecting Carpet for Your Home - Follow these tips when choosing carpet for your home.
    Long-Term Loan Repayment Methods - Long-term loans can be repaid in a series of ways. Learn to determine the best for your situation.
    Farming and Ranching Opportunities and Challenges - The more farm and ranch families find positive aspects of their lifestyle, the more they will decrease their stress and depression.
    Water
    Glossary of Water Terminology - Brush up on your water terminology to better understand the uses of water in Colorado.
    Homeowner's Guide to Hosehold Water Conservation - Water conservation in your home can help provide your household considerable savings on your monthly water bill.
    Drinking water quality and health - People can survive days, weeks or months without food, but only about four days without water.
    Water Conservation In and Around the Home - The largest water users in the home are toilets, clothes washers, faucets, and showers.
    Clean & Renewable Energy
    Energy Audits - The Center for Agricultural Energy is now accepting applications for reduced-cost irrigation efficiency audits.
    Energy Checklist for Homeowners - An energy efficient house can reduce energy bills by up to 40 percent.
    Energy Checklist for Renters - Just because you rent, do not think that you are helpless in reducing your home energy costs.
    Using a Power Monitor to Control Your Electricity Costs -A power monitor is a device to help understand a home’s electricity consumption.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Fri, 5 Oct 2012 1:05:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheet Posted
  • Solar-powered Groundwater Pumping Systems
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Wed, 12 Sept 2012 11:43:11 -0800     Fact Sheet Posted
  • Small Steps to Health and Wealth
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Tues, 11 Sept 2012 10:56:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for September Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    Managing Small Acreage Pastures During and After Drought - Management practices during drought are the same for maintaining healthy pastures in a normal year.
    Shopping at Colorado Farmers’ Markets - Following practical tips can help you enjoy the many flavorful offerings of our local farmers’ markets.
    Yard & Garden
    Powdery Mildews - Powdery mildew is one of the most widespread and easily recognized plant diseases.
    Dollar Spot Disease of Turfgrass - Proper lawn management, such as aeration, proper watering and fertilization, will reduce dollar spot problems.
    Fall-Planted Bulbs and Corms - The earlier bulbs and corms are purchased in the fall, the better the selection.
    Fall and winter watering: during drought - Limited summer rainfall and water restrictions can deplete subsurface soil moisture.
    Insects
    Insect Damage to Farm-Stored Grain - Stored-grain Insects often cause as much loss after harvest as crop pests cause during the growing season.
    Western Widow Spider - Widow spiders rarely, if ever, bite when not within a web.
    Managing Houseplant Pests - Many houseplant insect problems are introduced by infested plants.
    Ponderosa Pine Budworm - The ponderosa pine budworm is a common pest of ponderosa pine in Colorado and New Mexico.
    Agriculture
    Controlling Soil Erosion From Wind - Covering the soil surface with crop residues is the most effective means to control soil erosion.
    Long-Term Loan Repayment Methods - Long-term loans can be repaid in a series of annual, semi-annual or monthly payments.
    Gastrointestinal Parasites in Sheep and Goats: Frequently Asked Questions - Gastrointestinal parasites are commonly found in sheep and goats worldwide.
    Natural Resources
    Conservation Easement Guidelines: What every landowner should know - Landowners have become increasingly aware of conservation easements as an option for preserving family lands.
    Leafy Spurge - Leafy spurge is difficult to manage and can recover from almost any control effort.
    Fire-Resistant Landscaping - Newcomers to rural areas need to know how to correctly landscape their property to reduce wildfire hazards.
    Coping With Snakes - Most Colorado snakes are nonvenomous (nonpoisonous), harmless and beneficial to people.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Eat Leafy Greens For a Crop of Health Benefits - There are many leafy greens which are nutrition powerhouses.
    Flavored Vinegars and Oils - Flavored vinegars and oils add excitement to salads, marinades and sauces.
    Canning Vegetables - Do not take short cuts in recommended preparation or processing procedures.
    Smoking Poultry Meat - Smoked turkey, turkey jerky and smoked chicken are flavorful options for preparing nutritious and economical meats.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Make Progress Every Day - Make progress every day by doing positive things that move you closer to your goals.
    Solar Leasing for Colorado Homes - A residential solar lease is a contractual agreement between a homeowner and a solar provider.
    Completing applications and references - A complete, good-looking application & useful list of references gives candidates a competitive advantage.
    Lead-Based Paint in Homes - Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning for children and can affect adults.
    Water
    The Colorado Agricultural Meteorological Network (CoAgMet) and Crop ET Reports - CoAgMet is a network of automatic weather stations distributed across the state.
    U.S. Drought Monitor - Current drought conditions across the nation and Colorado.
    Colorado Water Institute - Focuses water expertise of higher education on evolving water concerns & problems faced by Colorado citizens.
    Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network - Network of volunteers working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow).
    Energy
    Easy and Inexpensive Home Energy Ideas - There are many easy and inexpensive ways to conserve energy in your home, and keep money in your pocket.
    The Whole-House Approach to Energy Efficiency - The passive and active energy systems in a home are interconnected.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu Wed, 5 Sept 2012 1:46:11 -0800     New and Recently Reviewed Fact Sheets Posted
  • Evergreen Shrubs
  • Formulating Rations With the Pearson Square
  • Making Pickled Peppers at Home
  • Preventing E. coli From Garden to Plate
  • Smoking Poultry Meat
  • Solar Leasing for Colorado Homes
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Mon, 27 Aug 2012 2:19:11 -0800     New Hot Topics for August Hot topics in each program area change monthly. New topic changes:
    Main Page
    How to Help Children Frightened by News Events - Teachers, parents and other caregivers can support children in dealing with traumatic events in the news.
    Nitrates and Purchased Hay - Any purchased hay should be tested for nitrates.
    Yard & Garden
    How to Submit Samples to a CSU Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic - Most county Extension offices have staff trained in basic plant problem diagnostics.
    Recognizing Tomato Problems - Despite the short growing season in many areas of Colorado, tomatoes are an easy and popular vegetable to grow.
    Environmental Disorders of Woody Plants - Temperature extremes and rapid fluctuations can harm most plants.
    Growing Lavender in Colorado - Lavender has been one of the most popular herbs for centuries.
    Insects
    Nuisance Wasps and Bees - Wasps and bees can be a serious nuisance problem throughout Colorado, particularly late in the summer.
    Oystershell Scale - More than 50 plant species in Colorado are attacked by the oystershell scale.
    Clover and Other Mites of Turfgrass - Many species of mites are common in Colorado turfgrass.
    Spiders in the Home - Some spiders are found in webs outdoors in late summer, particularly the banded argiope and the “cat-face” spiders.
    Agriculture
    Irrigation Efficiency Audits - The Center for Agricultural Energy is now accepting applications for reduced-cost irrigation efficiency audits.
    Agricultural Energy Audits - An audit can look at the energy use of buildings and other structures as well as field operations.
    Where Does the Money Go? Food Marketing Margins Explained - Farmers and ranchers receive only a fraction of the consumer’s expenditure on food.
    Natural Resources
    Weed Management for Small Rural Acreages - Prevention is the first line of defense and keeps weeds from occurring or increasing in an area.
    Preventing Deer Damage - Deer can cause extensive damage by feeding on plants and rubbing antlers against trees.
    Recreation on Private Land -Access to private lands is a privilege respected by most visitors.
    Nutrition, Health & Food Safety
    Drink Tea? It is Good for You - Tea ranks as high or higher than many fruits and vegetables for the antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.
    Tomatoes - The most widely home-canned product in the U.S. is also the most commonly spoiled home-canned product.
    Roasted chili time - Safely handling and preserving chilies keeps everyone healthy.
    Seafood and Nutrition - Bring home the ‘catch of the day’ to boost your omega-3 fatty acid intake.
    Family, Home & Consumer
    Consider Outside Influences on Health and Wealth - Do you ever think about how influences in your childhood affect your life today?
    Making Decisions & Drought - Drought, like other natural disasters, costs individuals & families an incredible amount of worry, concern, stress, & money.
    Selecting a Child-Care Facility - Child care choices are based on many factors.
    Preventing Home Radon Problems - Colorado contains high concentrations of radon, considered the second highest cause of lung cancer.
    Water
    Domestic Water Quality Criteria - Two types of tests -- bacteriological and chemical -- are used to assess domestic water quality.
    Homeowner's Guide to Household Water Conservation - Water conservation in your home can provide your household considerable savings on your monthly water bill.
    Irrigation Ditches and their Operation - Ditch companies have the right to enter your property to maintain the ditch and ditch banks and perform “reasonably necessary” operations.
    Colorado’s Water Situation -Many larger landscape sites (golf courses, parks, and industrial sites) are irrigated with nonpotable water or raw water.
    Energy
    Colorado Energy Master - Courses are offered in Pueblo, Logan, Archuleta, and Boulder counties for the fall of 2012.
    Irrigation Efficiency Audits - The Center for Agricultural Energy is now accepting applications for reduced-cost irrigation efficiency audits.
    Do-It-Yourself Energy Assessments - Tools to help determine energy efficiency upgrades, solar photovoltaics, and/or wind energy at your home.
    Energy Checklist for Renters - Just because you rent, do not think that you are helpless in reducing your home energy costs.
    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu Mon, 6 Aug 2012 9:46:11 -0800     Recently Reviewed Fact Sheets Posted
  • Drying Fruits
  • Food Storage for Safety and Quality
  • Radon in the Home
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Tues, 31 July 2012 14:47:11 -0800     New and Recently Reviewed Fact Sheets Posted
  • Health Benefits and Safe Handling of Salad Greens
  • Serving Children Safe Foods
  • Control of Annual Grassy Weeds in Lawns
  • Managing Sodic Soils
  • Home Adaptations for the Disabled
  • Lead-Based Paint in Homes
  • Renting: Security Deposits
  • Flavored Vinegars and Oils
  • Leathers and Jerkies
    • ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/pubs.html Wed, 11 July 2012 8:55:11 -0800     Wildfire Resources New Resource Added

    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/fire/index.html Mon, 9 July 2012 7:32:11 -0800     Wildfire Resources New Resource

    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/fire/index.html Tues, 3 July 2012 9:32:11 -0800     Small Steps to Health and Wealth Monthly Messages New podcasts uploaded!

    ]]>     http://www.ext.colostate.edu/smallsteps/index.html Mon, 2 July 2012 9:32:11 -0800