Monthly Archives: July 2022

By ELISE DALLEY

The Progress

Tending the farm stand at Hardy Farms are sibling team l to r Mark, Luke, Allie, John and Lizzy Nelson.

There are only a handful of agricultural producers left in the Moapa Valley. But they all pride themselves in the rich satisfaction that comes from hard work and seeing the abundance of their produce benefit their neighbors.

Moapa Valley farmers are delighted to share the produce they grow with local residents. Through local farm stands and markets, they sell their home grown crops to the public.

Quail Hollow FarmsLaura and Monte Bledsoe, owners of Quail Hollow Farm sell their produce in a little farmhouse out on their front yard. Selling homegrown vegetables is something the Bledsoes are well acquainted with, as theyve been doing it for 16 years now.

While vegetables are the bulk of their stock; preserves like pickles, jams, jellys and freeze-dried items can also be found in their farm stand as well.Our farm is organic and we try to stay organic, said Laura Bledsoe. That is what most of our customers want.

The Farm Stand at Quail Hollow Farms is built to look like a quaint farm house.

Bledsoe explained that the local farm stand isnt the farms only marketplace. The bulk of our produce goes to families that subscribe to community supported agriculture (CSA), she said. They sign into the harvest for a season and then we make deliveries or they can pick them up.

While the biggest part of their farmer is sold in CSA shares, there is usually additional produce and products for sale in the Quail Hollow Farm Stand.We always try to have something available to sell throughout the whole year, Bledsoe said.

MVHS Ag FarmKevin and Denise OToole also are involved in local agricultural production. The OTooles work alongside local FFA students on the MVHS Ag Farm. Tomatoes, lettuce, melons, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are among the many vegetables they produce and sell on the farm.

Much of the food produced at the Ag Farm is grown in a large greenhouse. When the produce ripens, much of it is stored in a refrigerator case in the front yard for members of the public to come and buy.Its an honors system farmers market, said Kevin OToole. People buy what they need and then drop the money in the safe.

The proceeds from these sales get put back into the program as funding for the farm and for the students.The AG farm also has an annual autumn sale of pumpkins and squash which are grown in the fields at the farm. The funds from that event goes into FFA funds to sustain that program.

OToole stressed the importance of farming and giving back to the community. This is our way to help the community and support our program, he said. We try to teach students how to work and how to become leaders of the future. We are doing this hands-on.

Hardy FarmsThe Hardy Farm in Logandale gives back to the community as well, through the sale of their delicious produce. Allie Nelson, 16, is one of the many farmers behind the scenes at the Hardy Farmstand. She said that she enjoys helping out on the farm.

I really like selling the food because I get to meet new people at the stand, and have interesting conversations and talk to them, Allie said. Its cool because its something that I enjoy doing and its something that my family has enjoyed doing for a long time.

The Hardy clan gets up at 6:00 every morning and spends their morning pulling weeds, picking vegetables and preparing the stock for the day. They sell corn and wheat in the summer along with tomatoes and zucchini. In the fall they sell watermelon, squash, corn and pumpkins.

The Hardys have provided this service to the local community for years. The farm has been the in Valley for four generations.Allies mom, Lauren Nelson explained that even though the farm work takes a lot of time, hard work, and early mornings, it is all worth it to be able to see the progress and good that it does. And it builds good relationships and fond memories, she said.

Lauren said that one of her favorite memories is of her grandpa Glen Hardy sharing the produce he had raised with neighbors and friends in the community.Allie Nelson agreed. He was like a Santa Claus! she said.I think growing and selling corn reminds me of Grandpa Glen, Lauren added. I love how Allie called him like a Santa Claus. It feels good to grow food and then share stories and memories with people when they come by and visit.

There are many stores, stands, and shops that sell vegetables and other produce. However, keeping an eye out for locally grown produce not only supports the farmers themselves, but gives back to the community. Becoming self-sustainable and self-supported is not only encouraged, it is also crucial to a functioning community.

To get to the Hardy Farm stand follow the signs near Moapa Valley Blvd and Waite Ave. in Logandale.

The MVHS Ag Farm is located on the west side of Moapa Valley Blvd., just about a quarter mile south of the Yamashita Bridge.

Quail Hollow Farms stand is located at 1395 N. Anderson Street, west of the Perkins Field Airport.

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Local Ag Producers Offer Local Farm Stands - The Progress - mvprogress

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. From the Spring Mount Percheron Draft Horse Hitch to the Miniature Horse Extravaganza, the Equine Experience atPenn States Ag Progress Dayshas something for everyone. During the three-day event, Aug. 911, visitors can attend demonstrations, interact with Penn State equine science faculty and staff, and learn about horse health and care.

The Equine Experience will once again allow people to see a variety of great horse demonstrations for a number of different horse breeds, said Danielle Smarsh, equine extension specialist and assistant professor of equine science in theCollege of Agricultural Sciences. Well also have plenty of educational exhibits inside the equine barn, covering topics from the care of horses, pasture management, and ways for both youths and adults to be involved with horses.

Located at the top of Main Street at the Ag Progress Days site, the Equine Arena and Equine Exhibits Building showcase the versatility of the horses and horse breeds, as well as University displays and handouts about forage, pasture management and stable facilities.

Penn State equine science faculty and staff, and members of the Pennsylvania Equine Council, will be available in the Equine Exhibits Building throughout the three-day show to answer questions and provide information on equine-related topics.

This years arena demonstrations cover various topics for every interest and horsemanship level. For the first time since 2019, a six-horse hitch will return to the Equine Experience. Spring Mount Percherons, owned and shown by David and Linda Hershey of Warriors Mark, will be on site all three days.

Learn more about horse logging and restorative forestry by attending one of the demonstrations by Bear Hill Horse Logging. Bear Hill specializes in low-impact timber management, selective harvests and wetlands logging.

Visitors can learn the basics of handling and training young horses in demonstrations with the Universitys Quarter Horses during all three days.

The popular Keystone Dressage and Combined Drill Team will return Wednesday to put its horses through their paces. Rick Shaffer, of R&S Paso Fino Stables in Somerset, also will return for two breed clinics and riding demonstrations.

On Wednesday, the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association Youth Ambassadors will show off their miniature horses in two demos.

The Wednesday evening extravaganza will include another demo from Spring Mount Percherons, as well as a Salute to America, followed by a fast-paced Mini Jumping Derby.

On both Tuesday and Thursday, 4-H Team Horse Power will host demonstrations. Spectators will learn the basics of hitching up and driving horses in Putting the Horse to Cart. The second demo, Why the Little Things Matter, will discuss the importance of body language and energy level when riding and communicating with your horse.

To wrap up Ag Progress Days, 4-H teams will challenge their peers in an equine knowledge competition at the annual Penn State Equine Science Horse Quiz Bowl Thursday.

Sponsored by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m.5 p.m. Aug. 9; 9 a.m.7 p.m. Aug. 10; and 9 a.m.4 p.m. Aug. 11. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, visit the Ag Progress Dayswebsite. Twitter users can find and share information about the event by using the hashtag #agprogressdays, and Facebook users can find the event by searching @AgProgressDays.

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Hitch up the wagons for the Equine Experience at Ag Progress Days - Pennsylvania State University

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Mesquite Senior Games (MSG) popular non-sanctioned pickleball tournament is scheduled for October 18-20 and registration is open now for anyone age 50 and over at http://www.mesquiteseniorgames.org.

The games will be held at the cities newest pickleball courts located at 49 West Old Mill Rd, across the street from the Mesquite Recreation Center.

All players wishing to register must first open an account on http://www.pickleballtournaments.com. Anyone can create an account and they are free of charge. The registration deadline is October 11, 2022.

Mens doubles will play Tuesday October 18, beginning at 8 am. Mixed doubles will play on Wednesday October 19 at 8 am. And womens doubles will take place on Thursday, October 20 at 8 am.The sports fee is $30 for registration and $20 for the event.

The MSG Pickleball Director, John Rosen reminds all interested parties that the Nevada Senior Games tournament is set for September 16-18 in Las Vegas. That tournament is a National Qualifier. Athletes can register at https://nevada.fusesport.com.

For more information about MSG registration call 435-602-9029 or 702-345-3347.

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MSG Fall Pickleball Signups Open - The Progress - mvprogress

By JESSICA PETERSON

The Progress

Local librarian Naomi Harris reads a book about monsters to kids attending the weekly reading hour at the Moapa Valley Library last week. PHOTO BY JESSICA PETERSON/The Progress

Children gathered at the Moapa Valley Library branch in Overton to participate in the librarys Storytime event on Wednesday morning, July 6. The library has been hosting weekly themed events for kids all through the summer as part of its Summer Challenge 2022. This weeks storytime theme was Monsters.

Around twenty kids with their mothers gathered in the Storytime Room at the library. A number of monster-themed books were on display at the head of the room. Chairs and benches were prepared for adults and most of the children sat on the floor in the front. At the back of the room, several tables were set up, covered with craft supplies.

Librarian and storyteller Naomi Harris, who is known by the kids as Miss Naomi, sat in the front of the room. She captivated the kids attention with a large blue and orange monster puppet. The monster enthusiastically greeted everyone and asked the kids if they liked monsters, to which most of them shook their heads or mumbled no.

Miss Naomi then played the song The Monster Mash to get the kids more excited and energetic.Once everyone sat back down, she read There was an Old Monster by Rebecca Emberley. In this book, the monster swallows a number of silly things. When the monster swallowed something, Miss Naomi had the kids wiggle as if they were being tickled.

Local librarian Naomi Harris helps kids create their own monster in a craft project completed during Reading Hour at the Overton Library last week. PHOTO BY JESSICA PETERSON/The Progress

She also read The Little Shop of Monsters by Marc Brown and R.L. Stine. In this book, the kids were shown a variety of different monsters and encouraged to choose their favorite before one of the monsters chose them!

After the books, Miss Naomi showed the kids how to make their very own monsters to take home. The kids decorated a latex glove with scary eyes, spooky mouths with sharp monster teeth. Then the glove was secured onto a paper cup with a rubber band. The kids pushed a straw into a pre-cut hole in the cup and, when blown into, the glove monster emerged from the cup.

The librarys summer challenge will continue through the end of July. Upcoming storytime themes include Birds on July 13 and Oceans on July 20. Other fun events include the Summer Shadow Puppet Show Tour on July 14, Crafternoon on July 19 and 26, and the Summer Challenge Finale Water Day on July 27. All events begin at 11:30 a.m.

For more information, contact the Moapa Valley Library at 702-397-2690 or visit LVCCLD.org/SummerChallenge.

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Kids' Monster Mash At Overton Library - The Progress - mvprogress

"Our aim is to decouple, so our business can grow sustainably, while decreasing environmental impacts,"saidJim Andrew, chief sustainability officer, PepsiCo, in the firm'sESG summary report

"There is still much more work to be done, and we cannot do it alone, so we in partnership with our value chain partners, communities, NGOs and government leaders will continue investing in action, innovation and partnerships that enable us all to realize a more sustainable future."

Defined as a set offarming principles and practices that improve and restore ecosystems while building resilience, regenerative agricultural practices have become a priority for PepsiCo and its more than 7 million acres of agricultural farmland across the globe.

"Our approach is outcome-oriented, and to some extent, we are practice agnostic.Were supporting regenerative agricultural practices that aim to make soil healthier, sequester carbon, improve watershed health and biodiversity, and strengthen farmer livelihoods. Were working closely with our farmers and intermediary suppliers to embed these practices throughout our agricultural supply chain," said the company.

So far, PepsiCo has transitioned more than 345,000 acres to regenerative agriculture practices in the US and Canada, on its journey of converting all seven million acres of its farmland to regenerative farming methods by 2030.

Farmer adoption has been strong with 100% of participants in demo programs adopting regenerative practices, thanks to a $2m co-investment fund to continue to incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative practices.

"Regenerative techniques not only protect against soil erosion and water depletion, but they can also help farmers grow more food on the same amount of land. These techniques typically require fewer inputs, so they can also lead to higher margins and greater profitability for our farmers," noted the company.

The company also reported that it reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from a 2015 baseline supported by renewable energy sources.In 2021, Scope 3 emissions which account for 93% of the company's emissions increased by 5%, however,from a 2015 baseline, due largely to unprecedented business growth.

In its water conservation efforts, PepsiCo improved its operational water-use efficiency by 18% in high-water risk areas from a 2015 baseline against a target of 25% by 2025 and replenished 34% of water used in operations to local watersheds in 2021 -- a total of more than 6.1 billion liters of water.

In an effort to expand its portfolio to provide consumers with more product choices with improved nutrition, PepsiCo has set several ingredient reduction goals pertaining to saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium.

Four years ahead of schedule in 2021, PepsiCo achieved itssaturated fat reduction goal of 75%of its convenient foods portfolio (i.e.not exceeding 1.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 calories).

In addition, 53% of PepsiCo's beverage portfolio volume now has fewer than100 calories from added sugarsper 12-oz serving. Two-thirds(66%) of its convenient foods portfolio volume does not exceed1.3 milligrams of sodiumper calorie.

The company noted that it is also making an effort to include more nutrient-dense ingredients in its products as part of its 'diverse ingredient goal' emphasizing more plant-based ingredients.

In 2021, for instance, PepsiCo and Beyond Meat's Planet Partnership debuted Beyond Meat Jerky (which includes pea and mung bean proteins), the joint venture's first product.

"We are purposely incorporating more diverse ingredients in both new and existing products that are better for the planet and deliver nutritional benefits," said PepsiCo.

"We are prioritizing chickpeas, plant-based proteins, and whole grains, and expanding our positioning in the nuts and seeds category."

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PepsiCo makes progress on regenerative agriculture and nutrition commitments - BeverageDaily.com

Home AK Fire Info Firefighters make progress on multiple fires in the Upper YukonZone

By Alaska Fire PIOs on July 11, 2022

A new record was set today for the number of consecutive days of red flag warnings for lightning. With 3,323 new strikes reported, and 53 active fires across the Upper Yukon Zone, firefighters are making progress on the 5 staffed fires and are pivoting to new priorities.

Biederman Fire (#458) Fire activity remains low with dense fog and smoke laying over the fire last night. The 10 firefighters assigned to the incident will continue moping up for the next 3 days to insure that the fire is secure. Some natural sections of fire resistant hardwoods will help to maintain containment within the existing footprint.

Bearman Fire (#444) Firefighters are close to completing work around the structures and allotments. This work will continue for another 2 days as opportunities to move firefighters directly to the fires edge and attack the fire directly are evaluated. An incident management organization is in place in Fort Yukon to coordinate resources and oversee the incident.

Cottonwood (#530) This fire has been contained and the smokejumpers are working to move equipment and return for a new assignment later this afternoon.

Schilling Creek Fire (#294)/ North Fork (#340) Work is continuing to cut and place hose lines around allotments. Both crews from the East and West ends will joining together tomorrow. Work is anticipated to be completed in 4-5 days.

Goose Fire (#395)/ Belle(#398) Good progress was made yesterday to protect an allotment on the North end of the fire. Firefighters are completing their work along the eastern edge of the fire and will be joining other resources on the North end later today. Work is anticipated to continue through Wednesday before firefighters can be reassigned to other fires.

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Categories: AK Fire Info

Tags: 2022 Alaska Fire Season, Bearman Fire, Biederman Fire, Cottonwood Fire, Fire Year 2022, Goose Fire, Schilling Creek Fire

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Firefighters make progress on multiple fires in the Upper Yukon Zone - akfireinfo.com

Chile is getting every closer to being able to export fumigation-free grapes to the U.S. as it makes progress on an Atacama-based inspection site, fruit export associaiton Asoex said.

USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a Pest Risk Analysis associated with the long-awaited Systems Approach on Feb 14, 2022. The comment period ended on March 29, 2022, and regulators are understood to be currently reviewing the comments.

One of the key conditions for the implementation of the Systems Approach is having a Chile-based facility where inspectors from the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG), under the supervision of USDA-APHIS officials, can ensure that the fruit complies with the respective fruit safety regulations.

A delegation recently visited the current facilities of a cold storage plant in the Pabellon area in Tierra Amarilla, which will be refurbished to carry out quality control work and export fruit in compliance with the protocol.

"The delegation that made the visit was composed of representatives of [grape association] APECO, ASOEX, along with public and private actors and marks an important milestone in the materialization of this project that has been on the agenda of farmers and public agencies in Atacama for years," Asoex said in a release.

Miguel Canala-Echeverra, the General Manager of Asoex, said: "We have all concluded that the best location is in the Pabelln sector, towards the interior of the valley, because it is close to the production areas and cold storage facilities where the samples would be obtained to be sent to this inspection point."

"We are very pleased. We have had meetings with the Regional Government, with representatives such as the Regional Ministerial Scretretary of Agriculture, with the Director of [phytosanitary watchdog] SAG, and there is total consensus regarding its importance and the Regional Government's desire to be able to contribute to materialize the construction of this place."

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Chile making progress in grape inspection site for Systems Approach exports - Fresh Fruit Portal

Both President Biden and Manuel Oliver, the father of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre victim who heckled him Monday, are right. As Biden said, the new laws represent the most significant federal gun-safety step in decades and, as Oliver effectively expressed through his pain, it is woefully insufficient to stem the rising tide of gun killings.

Which is to say, the progress just notched should be far more a moment for galvanizing public support for bolder measures than cause for back-patting and self-satisfaction.

The package provides more mental health services to people in psychological distress, incentivizes state passage of red flag laws, tightens background checks and more, likely saving hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives. But given that an America awash in guns is suffering record highs in firearm deaths suicides, homicides and others there will still be a steady drumbeat of killings on street corners, and a steady accretion of bodies killed or maimed by mass shootings in schools, malls and other common spaces.

Manuel Oliver, father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver, interrupts President Joe Biden speaking during an event to celebrate the passage of the "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act," a law meant to reduce gun violence, on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, July 11, 2022, in Washington. Oliver was escorted out of the event. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Because Republican elected officials and their allies in the courts almost uniformly reject anything that might chip away at what they perceive as a near-absolute guarantee to be armed almost anywhere, its on Biden and his party to keep pushing for more robust gun safety statutes, and to use public powers creatively. A short list of next targets:

Repeal the gun industrys horrendous federal liability shield.

Move a new ban on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines to the Senate floor, to see who, after so much additional madness, will go on record again as defending their legal sale.

Press again to ban gun sales to any civilian under the age of 21.

Ensure genuinely universal background checks, and prevent gun sales from going forward when their check cannot be completed in three days, and require microstamping federally to better track crime guns.

Use executive authority to pressure gun makers to stop selling their products through problem dealers.

Guns kill nearly five Americans every hour. Do not rest until the carnage calms.

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The long fight ahead: Gun progress and the lack thereof in America - New York Daily News

A man attempting to push a peanut to Pikes Peaks summit with his nose has about 10 miles to go to reach his goal, according to a tracker on the city of Manitou Springs' website.

Using an undisclosed apparatus, Bob Salem has trekked 3 miles up the steep slopes, according to the tracker. Because of the heat, he is reportedly resting during daylight hours and moving during the evening and early morning when its cooler, according to the website update.

If he makes it to the summit, Salem will be the fourth person to achieve the feat and the first to do it in the 21st century. The first to do it was Bill Williams, who pushed the peanut up Americas Mountain in 1929 to win a $500 bet. Adjusting for inflation, $500 back then would be equivalent to more than $8,000 today.

New book chronicles colorful, lesser-known stories on Pikes Peak

Ulysses Baxter replicated the feat in 1963, using a spoon attached to his nose. The peanut he used is currently on exhibit at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center.

The last peanut pusher was Tom Miller, who reportedly made it to the summit in 5 days.

Manitou Springs spokesman Alex Trefry said people have been following Salems journey with interest since he began on Saturday. Salem hopes to reach the summit with his legume by July 17.

Itssomething, said Manitou Springs spokesman Alex Trefry. I love it, though. It gives people someone for root for. Its cool to see.

Click or tap hereto see a segment on the Travel Channel about the history of the peanut push.

Manitou Springs launches website tracking progress of Pikes Peak peanut pusher Bob Salem

Colorado Springs man attempting to push peanut up Pikes Peak

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'Peanut pusher' making progress up Pikes Peak long trip remains - Out There Colorado