Clay County Cooperative Extension Service

06/04/2026

Spring-Calving Herd Management
Dr. Les Anderson reminds producers that cows should be on good pasture with clover and preferably low endophyte levels in fescue for the spring breeding season. Cattle should also have abundant shade and water.
Read the full article in Off the Hoof: https://afs.mgcafe.uky.edu/extension/beef/off-the-hoof-newsletters

06/04/2026

Take a journey with us this summer as From Appalachia Abroad heads to the vibrant countries of Japan & Thailand!

In these sessions, we’ll explore how daily life, food, and traditions in both countries compare to those in Appalachia - discovering meaningful similarities in family, resilience, and a deep connection to the land.

Participants will learn about staple foods, explore unique cultural expressions, and gain a deeper appreciation for communities that, while miles apart, share common values.

Come ready to learn, reflect, and expand your worldview as we connect Appalachia to Japan & Thailand in a way that feels both eye-opening and surprisingly familiar.

Join us at the Clay County Extension Office and experience the beauty of Japan on June 22nd &Thailand on July 27th at 5:00 PM. Seating is limited so please reserve your spot!

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

Preparing for Asian Longhorned Tick in Kentucky ENTFACT-518: Preparing for Asian Longhorned Tick in Kentucky By Anna Pasternak, Graduate Tick Researcher and Jonathan L. Larson, Extension Entomologist  Asian Longhorned Tick Fast Facts Asian longhorned tick (ALT) is an invasive species that was firs...

06/03/2026

☀️📸 FREE Summer Fun for Kids & Teens (Ages 9–18)! 🎨🍪

Looking for something exciting (and FREE!) to keep your kids engaged this summer? Check out our 4-H Summer Programs—hands-on, creative, and Looking for something exciting to keep your kids engaged this summer? Check out our 4-H Summer Programs—hands-on, creative, and full of fun! 👇
✨ Photography Days
📅 June 10 & 12 | ⏰ 11am–1pm
Capture the world through your lens!
🍓 Food Preservation & Baking
📅 June 15 & 17 | ⏰ 1:30pm
Make your own jam & biscuits!
🎨 Art Project Day
📅 June 18 | ⏰ 1:30pm
Create a beautiful sun catcher!
🦋 Monarch Waystation Class
📅 June 23 | ⏰ 11am–1pm
Help plant a monarch-friendly habitat!
🕯️ Beeswax Candle Making
📅 June 25 | ⏰ 1:30pm
Make your very own candle!

🏆 Bonus: Projects will be showcased on July 10th, and top entries could advance to the KY State Fair!

📞 Register now! Call the Clay County Extension Office at 598-2789
👉 Spots are limited—don’t miss out on a summer of learning, creativity, and FUN! 🎉

06/03/2026

Join us for our first Clay County Extension Showcase- Open to all Clay County residents!

Show off your talents and celebrate the creativity of our community at the 2026 Clay County Extension Showcase this summer!

We encourage community members of all ages to enter items across a wide variety of categories, from handmade crafts and photography to homegrown produce, baked goods, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just enjoy creating at home, there’s a place for you to participate and share what you’ve made. Entries will be accepted July 6th–8th at the Extension Office, with exhibits (and ribbon winners) open for public viewing on July 10th. We would like to invite everyone to come see the incredible talents of our community on display!

Youth 4-H winners will have the opportunity to advance to the Kentucky State Fair, while adult participants will receive county-level recognition, with the option to independently enter their items at the state level if they choose.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of something special - enter your items, support your neighbors, and help us celebrate the skills, traditions, and pride that make Clay County shine.

Registration of entries: Clay County Extension Office, July 6th – 8th, 9am – 4pm.
Judging: Thursday, July 9th.
Exhibits on display: Friday, July 10th, 10am – 3pm, EXCEL Building.
Pick up exhibits: Friday, July 10th, 3pm – 4:30 pm, EXCEL Building.

Only one entry per person per Class # (i.e. 100A). For a complete list of Divisions and Classes please come by or contact the Clay County Extension Office at 598-2789. You will need to have the Class # on each item you enter. Labels will be provided at the time of registration.

Fruits, vegetables, and food should be entered on white Styrofoam plates. Please ensure baked food is cooled before wrapping with clear plastic wrap or gallon size storage bags. Canned food should be in a standard canning jar and sealed.

Ribbons will be given for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place for each Class.
Champion: A Grand and Reserve Champion will be chosen for each Division.

06/03/2026

REMINDER!! Stop by the office this week to get your weekly newsletter packet and walking log or call 598-2789 if you would like one e-mailed to you.

Get ready to move more, feel better, and “Walk Your Way” this summer with Clay County Extension! Our 12-week Walk Your Way Challenge is all about getting active at your own pace and building healthier habits one step at a time. Whether you already walk regularly or you’re just getting started, this program is designed to help you gradually work your way up to 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week (about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week).

Walking counts but so does dancing in the kitchen, gardening, biking, playing outside with the grandkids, or even a stroll through the neighborhood. However you choose to move, it all adds up!
Kickoff week begins June 1st, and community members are invited to stop by the Clay County Extension Office to register and pick up their participant packet filled with helpful resources, weekly walking logs, and motivation to keep you going throughout the summer. Participants will track their activity each week, and those who complete the challenge will receive a fun incentive at the end! We’ll celebrate together at the end of the program with a picnic at the park and a 30-minute community walk. Grab a friend, bring the family, and join us as we take steps toward better health together!

06/03/2026

Today at 11:00!

What’s got spots all over and totally sucks (tree sap)? It’s the spotted lanternfly, one of Kentucky’s newest invasive pests. Join us as Dr. Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology, teaches about the spotted lanternfly and what it means for your trees.

The battle against the spotted lanternfly is heating up and our trees are on the front lines. Barbara Karsnitz, Kentucky Division of Forestry, will discuss what they are doing to track populations of this new invasive in Kentucky. All this and more tomorrow, 6/3, at 11 a.m. on From the Woods Today. FromtheWoodsToday.com

06/02/2026

Our office will be hosting Appalachian Carbon Exchange for an upcoming Landowner Lunch & Learn (FREE) on June 12th @ 12:00PM. This session is intended to provide information for forest landowners about an opportunity related to forest management and potential income from their property.

This is an educational event designed to help landowners learn more, ask questions, and determine whether the program may be a good fit for their individual goals. Register here: https://share-na2.hsforms.com/217337_HET7CRRSSfYPCD1w42g423