WATER, ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Governor Mbarire Commits Additional Ksh. 4 Million to Strengthen Water Infrastructure in Gaturi South

Governor Cecily Mbarire has reaffirmed her administration’s dedication to agricultural resilience by allocating an additional Ksh. 4 million to the Gatene Irrigation Project in Gaturi South Ward. In a statement, the Governor noted that relying on rain-fed agriculture was becoming “as unpredictable as a chameleon on a rainbow,” given the escalating effects of climate change and a rapidly growing population.

"The demand for food is increasing, and we can’t sit around hoping the rain will read our minds,” Governor Mbarire stated, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable water solutions. She explained that the latest funding brings the county’s total support to Ksh. 7 million, a crucial step toward meeting the 10% county contribution required to unlock national government funding for the project.

According to the Governor, this investment will directly benefit over 400 households, boosting agricultural productivity and economic stability in the region. “Our goal is to ensure that farmers have the tools they need to thrive—because, let’s face it, food security isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity,” she quipped.

Governor Mbarire further assured farmers that her administration remains committed to introducing innovative agricultural techniques, reinforcing food security, and ensuring long-term sustainability. “We’re in this for the long haul, and with the right strategies in place, we’ll keep farming viable—come rain or shine,” she concluded.

3KFc - The future of football in Embu

 Did you know that 3KFc floored Kenya Navy 3-0 on 14 May 2023?

3Kfc players pose for a team photo

Above is how the teams performed in the weekend

Look out for more details on this blog as the matches progress 

Thank God, it's not so bad, after all

Reality is; it is never too serious

Dr. Abdi (left), the Medical Officer for Critical Services at Embu Teaching and Referral Hospital poses with Embu County Public Service Board Commissioner Kithaka Njeru (center) and Dr. Iliwa, the Medical Superintendent at Runyenjes Level 4 Hospital after Health CS Mutahi Kagwe's address to the nation from Embu County. The Minister recognized the two Doctors, among others, for exemplary service rendered in the fight against Corona virus.

In my line of duty, I am regularly required to be on top of every little matter that might be of macroeconomic impact. 

As such, I often seek and get opportunities to listen to what people say concerning both National and County governments’ performance on issues of public interest and vise-versa, then escalate and/or disseminate the information accordingly.

Presently, the novel corona virus has become the one thing which everything else seems to be hinged upon. Apparently, the government has put it upon the citizenry to curb the spread of the pandemic by religiously observing government directives on the same.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, conscious of the fact that all eyes are on him to steer Kenya towards freedom from the plague, has stated that the steps his government shall take will depend on the rate of infection in relation to patterns of interaction.

Statisticians working on the problem have probably advised the government concerning the curve on which focus should be concentrated. That would be the curve representing the number of people who die from Covid-19 over a given period of time in relation to total recoveries.

Research has revealed that getting infected with the virus doesn’t necessarily result in death. In fact, patients who have recovered from the virus are more than those who have succumbed. The correlation of recoveries, fatalities and new infections should be a major determinant in all executive decisions concerning the future of this country.

Therefore, it would be prudent for the government to engage relevant mass communication channels to instill hope in the people by highlighting the above fact. Here is an example of a logical argument to back up this line of reasoning: 

Out of 2,474 cases tested on 20 July, 418 came up positive. During the same period, 494 patients recovered while 4 succumbed. On 21 July, 3651 tests were done (1177 more), but the number of new infections went down to 397 while recoveries rose to 642 and fatalities reduced to 2. On 22 July, out of 4275 tested, 637 turned up positive (owing to higher number tested) with 499 recoveries and 10 fatalities.  

During this 3 day period, the total number of new positive cases is 1452 while recoveries are 1635 (recoveries are higher than infections). The number of deaths during the period is only 16. What does this tell?

It tells that if this trend continues, with the number of recoveries exceeding that of new infections, then with time we will have almost everyone having been infected and duly recovered; leading to herd immunity. So you see, it it is not too bad, after all.

Health CS, Kagwe, lauds Embu on COVID-19 preparedness

Health Cabinet Secretary lauds Embu on COVID-19 preparedness

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe (left) and Governor Martin Wambora address the press on Covid-19 from Embu County on 18 July 2020. PHOTO: Martin Fundi

Health Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, has lauded efforts and preparedness put in place by Embu County Government in the fight against infection and spread of Covid-19. 

While addressing the nation at Embu level 5 hospital, CS Kagwe recognized Embu County for remaining infection-free even as cases in other parts of the country rise day by day.

Governor Wambora and CS Kagwe inspect ICU beds installed at Embu level 5 hospital as part of Covid-19 preparedness. PHOTO: Martin Fundi.

While urging the people to keep up the good record, the CS urged residents to keep safe by minding the health of each other. 

"You save me, I save you", the CS said this is a new slogan all Kenyans should follow. 

He advised the public to continue paying keen interest in observing set directives to curb the spread of the pandemic.

Both the Cabinet Secretary and the Governor, and all those in their company observed social distance during the courtesy call before the Presser. PHOTO: Martin Fundi.

The Cabinet Secretary donated assorted Personal Protection Equipment to Embu County among them ventilators and patient monitors. 

Embu County Governor Martin Wambora said the county is putting all measures in place to ensure that Embu does not register any Coronavirus case.

INTERESTING BAIT FOR KENYAN READERS

INTERESTING BAIT FOR KENYAN READERS

It is so interesting that not too long after president Kenyatta signed into law the Cybercrime Bill, Kenyans are so eager to believe every bit of fake news as the gospel truth, as long as it appears in the newspapers.

What with some reknown media houses blatantly publishing unverified information just to gain sales for their dailies? Luckily for the crooked scribes, their target audience is ever thirsty for any piece of news that is not good; after all, good news is never news at all.

In that case, no one should be surprised by the recent reporting by some members of the Fourth Estate, whereby they mentioned counties where you are allegedly more at risk of dying from Corona virus. Erroneously, Embu was one of those named in the offensive article. Here is an excerpt of the same:

Those who have been astute enough to check things out before allowing themselves to be duped by dubious headlines, will today tell you that contrary to what has been priory reported, Embu County is one of those devolved units that are best prepared to tackle Covid-19.

Thanks to Governor Martin Wambora; a man well known not to blow his own trumpet, but let his actions (ciiko) speak for him:

The Position of Embu County in Kenya's Succession Politics

The Position of Embu County in Kenya's Succession Politics

Embu Governor Martin Wambora (Right) has become a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta

My attention has been drawn to an article published in the digital edition of 'The Standard' some time back. Upon perusal of the same, it was clear why the publication did not get to appear in the print edition of the esteemed newspaper.

For one, editors are more interested in facts than personal opinions. Two, while voicing his opinion, the writer made his work read like cliché; full of assumptions and unsubstantiated assertions that indicate high levels of 'herd' mentality, leaking of self-doubt and a lack of moral standing.

In the article, titled 'Why the Embu nation needs to rethink political marriages and future', the obviously biased writer, one Charles Bazenga asserts that Embu County is a mere garnish in the GEMA outfit; that the community's political leaders lack the clout to ascend to power and that they have always been side-lined when government structure is laid out. Just how wrong can one go?

As it has been said of old, 'opinion is free - facts are sacred', I will articulate fact after fact to prove that Embu County is indeed a gem in Kenya's succession politics today.

Embu-born Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, Lieutenant General Leonard Ngondi and National Assembly Speaker Hon. Justin Muturi are highly placed leaders in kenya today. PHOTO: Courtesy.

First of all, the incumbent governor of Embu, H.E. Martin Wambora E.G.H is currently the president's appointee as the Coordinator of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBi) in Mt. Kenya East. The region comprises of Kirinyaga County, Embu County, Tharaka Nithi County and Meru County. What more influence would one need to have over the GEMA setup? President Uhuru Kenyatta has consistently expressed his desire to have keen, eager, honest and hard-working personalities to help him deliver the agenda that he promised Kenyans. Clearly, he has found one in Governor Wambora.

However, as biased as the writer may have been, he did well to recognize the late Hon. Kamwithi Munyi who not only represented Embu people in government for the longest period but also served as the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperative Development. The Ministry is held in high esteem to date, owing to the fact that agriculture is the major economic activity in most parts of Kenya - the main bread basket.

Let it not be forgotten too, that the late Kamwithi Munyi will always be remembered as one among the three Embu leaders who were ever honored with the presidential commendation of the Order of the Golden Heart (O.G.H). The other two leaders who are Elders of the Golden Heart are the current Embu Senator Hon. Njeru Ndwiga and Embu Governor, Martin Nyaga Wambora. This enviable world-wide recognition goes to leaders who have exhibited exemplary values in their service to humanity and the nation in matters business, academia and/or politics. Throughout the region, no other community has managed to have three of its political leaders thus feted despite the fact that Embu is the smallest amongst them; with about 600,000 people.

The writer's reasoning that it is all about 'tyranny of numbers' and that Embu County can only be used as a stepping stone by larger communities does not hold water. One does not have to be from a major community to rise to great heights in government leadership. Take for instance Tanzania; all the men who have taken the mantle of that country as presidents have originated from minority communities. That's a clear indication that such so called small communities as Embu, actually have better chances of producing a president than the larger ethnic groups.

Going back to great leaders born and bred in Embu, isn't it logical then to argue that the two living legends among the three mentioned above still hold much clout, and will go a long way in the formation of the government in future Kenya? Again, isn't Embu the only County of such meager size that has ever produced the highest number of senior administrative leaders in the former Ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security, as Provincial Commissioner (P.C) District Officers (D.O) and District Commissioners (D.C)? Consider the likes of former P.C Mbuo Waganagwa, former D.C Cyrus Gituai, who later took the position  of Permanent Secretary for Internal Security. Gituai is currently a presidential appointee as a member of State Corporations Advisory Committee. Other sons of Embu who have been of service to the nation as District Officer and District Commissioner are Martin Wambora and Jeremiah Nyaga respectfully.

File photo of former Minister Jeremiah Nyaga 
and his sons Joseph, Norman and Nahashon.

In fact, the late Hon. Jeremiah Nyaga, father to former Kamukunji MP Norman Nyaga, former Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Nahashon Nyaga and vibrant politician Joe Nyaga, is fondly remembered to have been the one who addressed the Lancaster Conference just before Kenya gained independence. The statesman proceeded to become a strongman in the ruling Party (KANU) and a crucial ally of former President Daniel arap Moi. He was the main representative of the larger Mt Kenya region, comprising of Embu County, Kirinyaga County and Nyeri County in the Legislative Council (LEGCO); the pre-colonial Kenya parliament.

Talking of pre-colonial Kenya, let it again be remembered as a matter of fact, that among the greatest leaders of the Maumau movement who fought for freedom alongside Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi were Field Marshal Musa Mwariama and General Kubukubu, both true sons of Embu.

What does all this tell us then: that Embu County, as less populous as it is, has produced some of the greatest leaders, not only in history but to date, whereby she continues to give Kenya the cream of the society. All the above great leaders, among many others not mentioned in this paper, have inspired, nurtured, mentored and continue to positively influence many among the youth, so that there shall be no shortage of firm and ambitious leaders who can in future negotiate for a share of the government.

Contrary to the offensive writer's fallacious argument, the 'Land of Opportunities' indeed has got able leaders, even some with presidential ambitions. Didn't Hon. Joe Nyaga come third in the last election, as a first time presidential candidate?

Kenya's first president. the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (left) with Maumau freedom fighters; Field Marshals Musa Mwariama and Dedan Kimathi. PHOTO:Courtesy

It is through such heroes that Embu County has been able to provide Kenya with some very highly placed leaders in government  including the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Ms. Sicily Kanini Kariuki (formerly CS, Health) and Lieutenant General Leonard Muriuki Ngondi, who is currently the Commandant of National Defence College. Ngondi has had a distinguished career with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) serving this country for over 39 years. Finally, who is the third most powerful person in government if not the Speaker of the National Assembly? As we all know, the man who holds this mighty position is another true son of Embu; none other than Hon. Justin Muturi!

Obey the Law or Perish, Leaders advise the Public

Tough-Talking Governor issues Stern Directives to Combat Covid-19 in Embu

 

Embu Governor Martin Wambora distributes free facemasks to 
motorcycle taxi operators in Embu town,in efforts to combat
 the spread of Corona virus. PHOTO:Martin Fundi

Embu Governor, Martin Wambora, has issued a stern warning to miraa and muguka traders that they risk having sale of the crop banned for blatant violation of COVID-19 prevention protocols.

The Governor, who termed the traders as notoriously undisciplined ordered that the Muguka market immediately reverts to Embu Stadium where the County Government has provided hand sanitizers, washing points and thermal guns.

“The stadium serves much better in place of dealers hawking their merchandise along Kamuketha Street in the CBD where no hygiene is observed.” He said.

Governor Wambora (Center) addresses the press earlier, on his government's preparedness to fight the spread of Corona virus. To his left is County Commissioner Abdullahi Galgalo and Deputy Governor David Kariuki (right)

Flanked by County Commissioner Abdullahi Galgalo, Wambora also put on notice unscrupulous bar owners who have been reported to illegally sell alcohol against government directives, saying the county was collaborating with state security agencies to ensure that the backdoor smuggling of revelers into bars is quashed.

He at the same time revealed that some markets were on the Coronavirus multi-agency radar for disregarding the requirement to keep social distancing and cleansing of hands. He as well fingered the transport sector, saying operators of Matatus and Bodabodas had been observed to operate without facemasks and hand sanitizers.

The governor inspects a galon of hand sanitizer before distribution to the public

The Governor confirmed that the County Government had established 194 isolation beds to quarantine those who would be found in violation of COVID-19 prevention measures at a personal cost of Ksh 4,000 per day. He said the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Embu Campus has set aside 98 rooms while Whispering Hills hotel offers 25 rooms and Camp David Hotel 71 rooms. All these facilities have self-contained living quarters for self-sponsored luxury quarantine.

Governor Wambora, who was speaking at his Embu office while dispatching a consignment of donations from Mozzart Bet Company worth Ksh 1,000,000 and assorted items to combat the Coronavirus pandemic. He said the Kenya Pipeline Company had pledged to supply 400 liters of alcohol-based hand sanitizers every week until the contagion is arrested.

In addition, the Governor stated that the county’s Vocational Training Centre instructors had been trained on the manufacture of reusable facemasks, and would be producing 1,000 masks per day as from Monday 27 April 2020. He announced that the County Government would be issuing 20,000 facemasks free of charge to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operations, marketplaces and government offices.

Charity begins at home

Governor Wambora distributes 20,000 face masks to needy groups

Governor Wambora distributes face masks to Bodaboda riders for free, at his offices on 23 April. PHOTO:Martin Fundi

Embu county Governor Martin wambora on Thursday distributed  20, 000 free facemasks to vulnerable groups across the county.

Speaking while launching the distribution, Governor Wambora said that hawkers, Matatu operators, Boda boda operators and Mama Mbogas will receive 2,500 pieces for each group.

Those living in slums will receive a batch of 2,500 pieces, Rescue Centers will get 1,500 pieces, children homes will have 1,100 while people living with disabilities will get 1,000 pieces.

Those working in the Juakali sector will get 2,500 pieces, revenue collection staff will get 600, street children 500, garbage collection staff 400 and enforcement officers will benefit with 200 pieces of face masks.

Corona Virus experts

Embu trains 2,792 experts to combat Corona Virus

Embu CEC for Health Patrick Waganagwa (center) addresses the press at the Embu County Assembly on Tuesday 7 April 2020. Image//Martin Fundi

E

mbu County government has trained 2,792 experts across the larger county to combat infection and spread of Corona Virus.

The experts were trained by a team of professional county medical personnel of different cadres who were equipped as Trainers of Trainers by the Ministry of Health.

The Trainers of Trainers (ToT) drawn from different medical facilities across the county cascaded the knowledge to the experts who are now flying a flag as ambassadors of good health.

This comes after the county government setting up 37 bed capacity isolation centers in different health facilities in the county in case of any eventuality.

The 2,792 trained experts are moving around the county sensitizing residents and urging them to take measures laid down by the national government.

They are also demonstrating to residents how to wash hands, sanitize, tie masks and among other health safety measures.

Embu County Executive Committee member for Health, Patrick Waganagwa said that medical service providers at Embu Level 5 referral hospital have already been issued with assorted Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) from the National Government’s Ministry of Health.

‘’Medical commodities from Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) which were delivered to the County stores have already been distributed to Embu Level 5 Hospital and all Level 4 Hospitals,’’ said the county Minister.

Further, the CEC noted that all medical staff who were on study leave have been recalled back and deployed to Embu Level 5 referral hospital to offer support.

Following this, the Embu County Assembly’s Health Committee has unanimously agreed to join hands with the rest of the county government officers in the fight against the infection and spread of Corona Virus.

Speaking on the floor of the county assembly on Tuesday, the Health Committee led by Chairman Muturi Mwombo, who is also the Ruguru Ngandori MCA said that they had invited the county’s health department senior officials for a deliberation meeting on the national health catastrophe.

Embu County Assembly Health Committee Chairperson and MCA for Ruguru-Ngandori Ward Hon. Muturi Mwombo, flanked by Health CEC (left) and Health C.O Grace Muriithi addresses the media outside Assembly Chambers. Image//Martin Fundi

‘’Unlike in many other past times, today we invited our officers from the health department to find out the progress and measures put in place to fight Corona Virus so that we can also join the course,’’ said Muturi.

The committee had summoned the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Patrick Waganagwa, Chief Officer for medical services Grace Murithi and Public Health Chief Officer Mbogo Muchungu amidst allegations that the department's impact in the fight against the catastrophe was not being felt.

The Committee called on the officers to embark on sensitizing, educating and giving feedback as well as disseminating information on Corona Virus awareness.

‘’The department in Charge of Medical services and Public Health should inform the general public, on timely basis, of steps that the government has taken and the way forward in protecting the public from the scourge,’’ said the Committee members.

“The purpose of this meeting is to come up with a work together formula to bring hope to the general populace,” added the Committee.

The COG Steps up on Anti COVID-19 War

Governors outline measures, call for support in fight against Corona Virus

Council of Governors chairman, Wycliffe Oparanya (second right) flanked by Governors Paul Chepkwony of Kericho, Martin Wambora, Embu and Nyandarua's Francis Kimemia during a press conference on Wednesday, April 1. Image//Courtesy.

Governors have called on the national Government to put in place Economic Stimulus interventions for small and micro enterprises as a way of cushioning them against the economic impact of the Corona virus. 

Speaking during a press conference, the Governors, through their council, however noted that County Governments have taken stern measures to fight infections and spread of the virus. 

Council of Governors Chairman, Wycliffe Oparanya, said that 24 counties have functional ICU facilities adding that, cumulatively there are 161 ventilators in the County ICUs. 

"We need support from the national government to acquire approximately 300 more ventilators," said Governor Oparanya. 

The Governors revealed that the National Government has agreed to support Counties to recruit additional 6,656 health workers in different cadres for Covid- 19 emergency only. 

Counties have so far received 694 pieces of surgical masks, 32,000 face masks, 910 medical disposal overalls and 735 Face shields from Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

Further, 610 pieces of goggles 610, 769 boxes of examination gloves containing 5 pairs in each, 140 pairs of Gumboots, 2,000 N95 masks and 167 sets of complete PPEs have been distributed to counties. 

As much as most counties have isolation facilities, they have been requested by the National Government to expand their Ward level capacity.

It has been agreed by the National Coordinating Committee that more isolation places be identified in Counties and these could include boarding schools to serve as isolation facilities; governors have agreed to identify these facilities. 

County governments are sensitizing members of the public on the need to adhere to the government guidelines on infection prevention in local vernacular languages and sign languages. 

The Council of Governors further requests the National Government to lower electricity tariffs for all medical facilities in the Country and not to disconnect in case delay in payment for the next 3 months.

Lastly, County Governments have agreed to waive CESS on foodstuff and transportation of the same. 

Following the agreement between the Council and Kenya Pipeline Company Limited, for the supply of 20,000 litres of sanitizers per week, the Council will with effect from today supply counties with sanitizers.

Counties with active confirmed cases will receive 520 litres per week, Counties classified as high risk will receive 420 litres per week and all other counties will receive 400 litres per week. 

What Embu Needs (WhEN) Series #3: Corona Virus Heroes

Embu youth translate the lifesaving Corona Virus message into local dialect

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mbu youth, powered by goodwill and driven by worry, have translated a lifesaving message on Corona Virus into simple Kiembu. 

A creativity urge spiced by a nose for gaps by the youth has turned them into local messengers, bringing the message home in a language understood across board.

"We noted how difficult it is to explain the message on the prevention of Corona Virus infection to the literary challenged and decided to translate the message into local dialects for easier consumption by all," said the youth. 

With this, young scholars can read out word for word to those who do not understand English, especially the elderly and people living in remote villages, hence better dissemination of the message. 

What Embu Needs (WhEN) recognizes such youth as Corona Virus heroes whose efforts to beat the scourge should be appreciated. 

Embu County Government moves to Counter Corona Panic

An example of some of newspaper headlines that have aggravated panic in the general populace. 

Governor Wambora gets Sh22

million to fight Corona Virus.

 Embu County Governor Martin Wambora's emergency kitty has received Sh22 million to fight the spread of Corona-virus in the County.

The money was set aside by the Embu County Assembly for use by the Governor to protect the county residents in case the worrying virus is reported in the county.

Sh120 million has already been allocated for supply of drugs in public hospitals and purchase of adequate non-pharmaceutical supplies.

The move targets to alleviate problems faced by patients seeking treatment at the county’s health facilities.

Embu county MCAs during a special sitting to pass the first supplementary budget for the 2019/2020 Financial Year in which the Sh22 million was allocated//Image; Courtesy.

Embu Level Five Teaching and Referral Hospital and several other Sub-county hospitals have already set up isolation facilities to deal with the global catastrophe.

"My Government has also fully equipped 37 bed capacity isolation units across all sub counties, for any eventuality in respect to the global catastrophe," said Governor Wambora. 

Even as the county government puts up measures to prevent infections and spread of the virus, residents have been advised to limit movements within and outside the county. 

"Residents should also adopt cashless transactions as much as possible and use mobile banking," he said.

Governor Wambora addressing the press on the County Government's preparedness to fight Corona Virus scourge//Image By Martin Fundi.

"Social gatherings such as weddings and burials should have a minimal number of attendees so as to ensure the social distance of at least one meter is observed."

Embu County government distributes 19 tons of maize seeds to 38,000 farmers to boost food security

Embu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Jamleck Muturi (right) hands over a packet of maize seeds to a farmer at Mukangu village in Ruguru Ngandori ward// Image; Martin Fundi

Embu County government distributes 19 tons of maize seeds to 38,000 farmers to boost food security.

Embu County government in partnership with Local Development Research Institute (LDRI) has distributed 19 tons of maize seeds to farmers. 

                          

Through the county's department of agriculture 38,000 farmers from 12 different wards received the seeds after being trained on the best agricultural practices. 

This comes after Embu county government in conjunction with Green Revolution of Africa trained 380 village based advisers (VBA) up from 191 trained last year. 

The village based advisers trained on best agriculture practices later conveyed the know-how to 100 farmers in each of their villages who benefited from the seeds. 

A farmer receives maize seeds at Mbuvori village.// Image By Martin Fundi.

Embu County Governor Martin Wambora said that the project is a step forward towards achieving one of President Uhuru Kenyatta's big 4 Agenda on food security.

Embu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Jamleck Muturi said that the county is keen on supporting farmers to increase yields as a way of making them self-reliant. 

"Last year 7 wards benefitted, we have scaled up to 11 wards this year and we look forward to reaching more wards next year," said the CEC. 

Wards that benifitted from the project include Kithimu, Nginda, Mbeti North, Mbeti South, Nthawa and Evurore. 

Farmers from Kagaari North, Kagaari South, Gaturi and Kyeni South received the seeds as well. 

Others include Ngandori and Runyenjes central. 

Farmers lauded the project saying that, "this will help us plant at the right time."

The seeds were from different seed companies including Pioneer, Western seeds and Leldet Seeds Company.