Opinion

Spring and early summer cuttings often present the greatest risks for hay fires because of the difficulties of drying hay before baling. No matter the time of year, if rain is in the forecast, hay producers are often tempted to bale at a little higher moisture content to avoid weather damage. If hay is baled too wet and packed too tightly into storage, severe heating can occur causing significant dry matter and quality losses or worse – a hay fire.

I am a Freedman citizen of the Choctaw Tribe, quarter blood Choctaw Indian and three quarter negro. I was born in what was called Gaines County when the Choctaw tribe had control in this country, later named Latimer County. I have been living in this county 63 years.

June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder of the need to slow down, prevent and ultimately cure terrible diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million Americans are suffering with some form of dementia, and it is estimated that one in every three seniors die as a result. Throughout this month, we recognize the need for disease research to find clues and answers, but we also think of those we know – or have known – afflicted with the slow-killing disease. My family, like many others across the country, knows the heartbreaking decline that takes place in those suffering with Alzheimer’s all too well.